Australasian Bus & Coach 418 June 2022 by Prime Group

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AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

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contents ISSUE 418 JUNE 2022

10 in the know 6. editorial | zero road deaths Can we prevent all road deaths? 8. news | sydney bus expo 2022 Registration now open. 10. news | all aboard An overview of the latest Australasian and international bus and coach news. 23. bic column

HOW DO WE ATTRACT WORKERS? Managing recruitment and retention in the bus and coach industry.

features

The Dyson Group is making a maiden transition outside of the family leadership model.

42. telematics | intro

TRAVERSING TELEMATICS Inside the evolving world of fleet management software.

ROYANS’ REWARD The heavy vehicle repair group won two QBIC awards recently. 36. feature | e-t-a engineering technology

SAFETY NET

E-T-A’s circuit protection technology is proving critical in the integration of electric buses to Australia. 38. feature | hydrogen vs electric

A test drive of Yutong’s new D7 minibus reveals it to be a safetyfocused and comfortable vehicle.

With many companies now operating a mix of hydrogen and electric buses, ABC delves into how the two differ.

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

telematics

34. event | qbic

24. test drive | yutong d7

READY TO GO

30. operator | dyson

OPERATING OUTSIDE THE FAMILY

HYDROGEN OR ELECTRIC?

EDITORIAL COO: Christine Clancy ph: (03) 9690 8766 e-mail: Christine.Clancy@primecreative.com.au

Journalists: Josh Farrell and Sean Mortell

Facebook – facebook.com/ABCBusnews YouTube – bit.ly/busandcoachtv Twitter – twitter.com/ABCmag

PRODUCTION Production Co-Ordinator: Cat Fitzpatrick Art Director: Bea Barthelson

PRINTING Brougham Press

ADVERTISING Trader Group Sales Manager: James Rock ph: 0419 139 941 e-mail: James.Rock@primecreative.com.au Business Development Manager - Bus: Matt Alexander ph: 0413 599 669 e-mail: Matt.Alexander@primecreative.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.busnews.com.au/subscribe ph: +61 (0)3 9690 8766 – Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm (EST) e-mail: subscriptions@primecreative.com.au mail: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $99* NZ: $A109 Overseas: $A170 (Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST

EXECUTIVE GROUP CEO: John Murphy COO: Christine Clancy Head of Customer Experience: Regina Fellner Trader Group Sales Director: Brad Buchanan

44. telematics | consat telematics

CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS

Consat Telematics’ managing director talks to ABC about its latest electric bus technology. 46. telematics | zf

ZF BUS CONNECT POWERING FLEETS Digital solutions are an important part of the company’s Next Generation Mobility strategy.

departments 48. bus marketplace | classifieds

We want it to increase driver safety along with fuel management and passenger comfort. 54. factory facts | bus deliveries

Check out all these great listings from some of the leading bus and coach companies on the planet. Have a look and see what you might find. 52. events

58. back seat | news

Be sure not to miss out on an opportunity for these fantastic in person events.

A Queensland couple has restored an iconic bus that takes them back to when they first met.

INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR 2022

ISSN 1324-8634

MONTHLY RESULTS

We have all the latest bus and coach supplier sales data collected and recorded for you review, check out how the market has performed in the past month.

FOR SALE!

ABC is published by Prime Creative Media 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Telephone: (+61) 03 9690 8766 Website: www.primecreative.com.au

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DISTRIBUTION

Distribution within Australia and New Zealand and beyond by paid subscription to the owners and managers of: • route buses • government bus operations • school buses • extended and day tour operations • express coaches • country and charter operations • bus and coach manufacturers • equipment suppliers • tourism attractions • railways management. Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) magazine is owned by Prime Creative Media. All material in ABC is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. Opinions expressed in ABC are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

IGNITION

CHRISTINE CLANCY – COO

Zeroing in on road deaths

As technology advances, will we finally be able to prevent all fatal accidents on the road?

t was August 2015 when the Victorian government and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) released the seeds of its Road to Zero Campaign. Up until that point, it had gone with cheeky ads to grab drivers’ attention and scare them into safety, with slogans like: “If you drink and drive, you’re a bloody idiot.” But, in 2015, the government made a significant shift in thinking. Its goal was no longer just about reducing accidents. Much like companies put forward their BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) the government was saying its own ambitious goal would be a world where no lives are lost to road accidents – that even one life lost was unacceptable. Mentally, it’s hard to get your head around. Growing up, I have for years contextualised risk by comparing it to driving: “You’re much more likely to get hit by a car.” To think that road travel could one day be completely safe is pretty mind-boggling. And yet, the incredible advances in safety technologies are starting to change my way of thinking. Maybe a world with zero deaths on our roads is possible? Putting together the content for this edition of Australasian Bus & Coach has certainly continued my slide in that direction. Our cover story, the Yutong D7 minibus, is an impressive example

of how much a safety-minded company can offer. As a bus catering to schools and community groups, it offers all the safety bells and whistles that often come as add-ons, as a standard. This way, companies don’t have to choose between safety and budgets. Most impressive is the 360-degree camera that can show an aerial view of the bus and everyone walking around it in red square boxes. Check out the review on page 24, and our video review on our website, or on YouTube, to see it in action. Our telematics feature in this edition is filled with brilliant examples of how technology continues to push the boundaries on making our roads safer. In our opening story, giving some background on telematics on page 42, we learn how the technology was originally used simply for tracking assets. The Australian Fleet Management Association speaks about how modern telematics can today tell the full story of incidents to prevent them in the future, while predictive analytics ensure buses are

safer and well maintained. One great danger on the road in the switch to electric could be the fear of running out of power, with no charging station in site. In this space, ZF Services is making our roads safer for both electric and diesel buses with its Bus Connect telematics system. The intricate features are helping fleet operators plan and predict how long buses need to run and charge for while driving on daily routes. It’s impressive technology, and worth checking out on page 46. Consat Telematics is offering its own impressive solution. As a combined hardware and software offering, the sensitive technology can do everything from map routes to avoid low bridges and high traffic areas, through to mapping out all of New South Wales’ school zones to alert drivers of speeding in school drop-off times. See page 44. While technology can do so much to improve road safety, new technologies come with their own set of challenges. On electric buses those challenges

“Maybe a world with zero deaths on our roads is possible?” come in more complicated circuitry and battery systems. In this space, it’s inspirational how companies are thinking ahead. E-T-A is one great example. Its complex protection system not only safeguards circuits, but actively monitors activity to catch circuit faults before they break down. This helps companies keep on top of maintenance, making roads safer for everyone. Check out the story on page 36. So, will we ever make it to the road to zero? The future will tell. But with technologies like these being spearheaded by our impressive bus industry, we are certainly giving it our best shot.

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

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NEWS EVENT

SYDNEY BUS EXPO 2022

READY, SET, GO!

Visitor registration is now open for the Sydney Bus Expo BusNSW has announced that online registration is open for the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo to be held at Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park on October 5–6, 2022. BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld said that all attendees will be required to provide some basic details to be allowed entry to the Expo and this is best done online beforehand to ensure quick and convenient entry on the day. “There is free entry for visitors to the Expo, which is a big plus for all bus and coach industry participants, including operators and staff,” Threlkeld said. “Name badges for entry to the Dome and identification during the Expo will be generated at entry kiosks using a QR code from the online registration confirmation.” The event will include the Volvo Welcome Function on Tuesday October 4 at the Brewery Bar + Kitchen under the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, and there is an Industry Gala Dinner on Wednesday October 5 at Sydney Showground, Hall 5. “Operators and industry stakeholders can register online for the full social events package or for selected functions,” Threlkeld said. “An early bird rate is being offered for the full social events package up until 26 August 2022, which provides exceptional value.”

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

BusNSW strongly recommends that visitors and exhibitors book accommodation early, with links available on the Expo website. “The vehicle display areas and booths are close to being sold out, so we encourage any industry suppliers who are thinking of exhibiting to contact BusNSW very soon,” Threlkeld said. “The deadline is fast approaching for inclusion in the official Showguide, to be printed in the August edition of the ABC magazine, which is another reason for suppliers to act swiftly and register.” Registration to visit the Expo and to attend the social functions can be done online by

Above: Sydney Showground. Above: Exhibitors are encouraged to book now.

going to the Expo website at www.busandcoachexpo.com.au. Suppliers interested in exhibiting should contact Melissa Bowden via email events@busnsw. com.au or phone 02 8839 9500.

“The vehicle display areas and booths are close to being sold out, so we encourage any industry suppliers who are thinking of exhibiting to contact BusNSW very soon.”

Electromobility Redefined

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Scan the QR code below to find out more

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NEWS

ODIN MAAS SUCCESS SEES TRIAL EXPAND THE ODIN PASS APP, developed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and The University of Queensland (UQ) to explore mobility as a service (MaaS), has been expanded to include more University of Queensland students after its initial success. The Odin Pass app, which books travel on eight different transport modes from one app, has been offered to another 5,000 UQ students to accommodate demand. Odin pass director Dr Jake Whitehead said the early success of the Odin Pass trial led the project team to explore several options for ramping up trial participant numbers. “We’ve had really positive feedback on the app, which allows users to access bus, train, tram, ferry, e-scooter, e-bike, taxi and car sharing services through different fixed-priced bundles,” Whitehead said. “In the first six months from the start of the trial in July last year, there were more than 1,200 subscribers and more than 1,700 bundles purchased, with almost 1,000 additional applications. “This demand told us there were more students wanting to join the Odin Pass app trial and we’re thrilled to have been able to expand it. “We’re now up to more than 4,000 bundles purchased from more than 2,200 active participants using the app, with an average

“We hope this trial will help get more cars off the road and people into public and active transport.” of 60 new users purchasing a bundle each week,” he said. Head of Translink Sally Stannard said more than 87,000 public transport journeys were recorded to the end of February, with buses used in more than 80 per cent of public transport journeys. “While travel to and from St Lucia has proved to be the most popular, followed by the Brisbane CBD, we’ve seen the app used for

Above: Translink has partnered with Odin Pass to deliver public transport options. 10

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trips as far north as Gympie, west to Ipswich and Rosewood, and south to Coolangatta,” Stannard said. “Ultimately, we hope this trial will help get more cars off the road and people into public and active transport. “We’re seeing positive steps in this direction with an average of 514 public transport trips per day via the Odin Pass app.” Whitehead said he looked forward to the remainder of the trial. “We’ve seen strong demand for our fixed price, unlimited transport options, and we look forward to seeing how these kinds of offerings could be expanded across Queensland,” he said. “This is one of the first projects that has been able to collect multi-modal data and we already have great insights showing how people across south east Queensland link together different modes, such as scooters and trains, to get from A to B. “Coming into 2022, we were hopeful to welcome back many students to campus and we’re pleased to be providing more students and staff with access to this world-leading mobility-as-a-service trial,” Whitehead said. The trial is co-led by TMR and UQ as part of an iMOVE Cooperative Research Centres program and uses the SkedGo MaaS platform.

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NEWS

ZENOBE TO ENTER NZ EV MARKET UK ELECTRIC VEHICLE fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobē has announced that it will make its entry into the New Zealand market, facilitated by investment from New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF). NZGIF is providing a NZ$20 million (A$18.08 million) finance facility to support Zenobē with the deployment of electric bus (e-bus) fleets under long-term lease agreements with major operators in New Zealand. A further NZ$30 million (A$27 million) is being held in reserve to support additional uptake, which NZGIF hopes sends a strong signal to the public transport sector that commercial, zero emission solutions will be more accessible. The deal is designed to smooth the transition from diesel to electric buses for operators, removing technological and financing risk through competitive pricing. NZGIF chief executive officer Craig Weise said he is pleased that NZGIF is enabling another first for the New Zealand market. “This deal brings Zenobē’s expertise in fleet electrification and putting together bespoke funding structures to New Zealand,” he said. “The flexible rental contracts enable operators to take the time to understand the operational changes required as they transition to battery electric vehicles. This allows them to adapt and grow, 12

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minimising the usual level of risk. “We are pleased with this deal for a number of reasons but particularly so as it is in the transport sector, which accounts for 21 per cent of New Zealand’s annual greenhouse gas emissions and is the fastest growing source of emissions.” New Zealand’s public transport bus fleet currently produces an estimated 155,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum and the government has a target to decarbonise the public bus fleet by 2035. It is estimated that fewer than five per cent of the 2,600 public buses in operation in New Zealand are electric. Zenobē offers end-to-end fleet electrification solutions, from planning and power procurement to vehicles, charging infrastructure and award-winning software. It has a proven track record in the United Kingdom, holding around a 25 per cent share of the e-bus market and Pictured: The New Zealand government aims to decarbonise its bus fleets by 2035.

is delivering Australia’s largest electrified depot pilot. With circa 540 buses now contracted globally, Zenobē is taking its knowledge and experience to expand into New Zealand. Zenobē co-founder and director Steven Meersman says that transport operators across the globe are realising the benefits of leasing batteries and outsourcing electrification to speed up and simplify delivery of zero emission transport. “We’re delighted to be able to work with NZGIF to bring this e-bus rental facility to New Zealand as we continue to see a shift to more sustainable transport solutions at the foundation of achieving net zero,” he said. “Through our work with major clients such as National Express, Stagecoach and Transit Systems, we have established ourselves as a reliable industry partner in making battery and fleet electrification services a reality. “With our experience, capabilities and award-winning software, we can lead our customers on the pathway to zero emission transport at a rapid pace, with complete solutions from infrastructure installation to financing and battery replacement. This means that operators can build a bespoke electrification solution based on their specific needs,” Meersman said. The first assets to be financed will be a fleet of 18 e-buses, leased to one of New Zealand’s largest bus operators Go Bus Transport Limited (Go Bus).

TRANSIT SYSTEMS DRIVERS SIGN PLEDGE TRANSIT SYSTEMS bus drivers across the nation have pledged their names in the National Road Safety Week 2022 campaign, raising awareness of the 1,200 people who die on the road each year and the 44,000 who are injured. Traffic injury is the leading cause of death for Australian children under 15 and, with 3,000 buses on the road, Transit Systems is passionate about educating, training, reminding and applauding drivers for their dedication to safe driving, year-round. Chief operating officer Greg Balkin said that while National Road Safety Week highlighted the cause and championed awareness, he was proud of the company’s bus drivers for taking care every single day. “As public transport providers, we spend the majority of our time out on the road each day,” he said. “This week serves as an important reminder to us all to eliminate distractions, always be alert and keep safety front of mind while we are behind the wheel. “We are also encouraging respect on the road – which is a two-way street. It’s about driving calmly and giving other road users, and especially heavy vehicle drivers, the space and courtesy to do their jobs safely. “We all rely on professional road users for our produce, goods and groceries, as well as for public transport – and we all deserve to use the roads with respect and confidence,” Balkin said. National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) group, partnering road safety organisations and government. The week highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it. Public transport customers will notice an abundance of yellow during the week, with bus drivers and employees donning

“We are also encouraging respect on the road – which is a two-way street.”

a yellow ribbon to symbolise the awareness week. “When we look at the statistics surrounding deaths and injuries on our roads, we really cannot underestimate the importance of never becoming complacent behind the wheel and always having safety front of mind,” said Balkin.

Pictured: Transit systems drivers across the country have pledged their names.

“Please stay safe on the roads, whether you are driving for work, for leisure, or are a pedestrian or cyclist – we all share the road and have an important role in ensuring everyone goes home safely.”

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

NEWS

TWO BUSES POWERED BY SUGARCANE HIT THE GROUND IN QUEENSLAND TWO STATE-OF-THE-ART bioethanol-fuelled buses have begun operating in Mackay as part of a 12-month trial run by TransLink and the Queensland Department of State Development. Piloted by TransLink delivery partner Mackay Transit Coaches from December 2021, the Scania-owned buses will run on bioethanol fuel produced from locally-grown sugarcane in Mackay. Bioethanol fuel is more environmentally friendly than the traditional diesel fuel used in many buses, with Scania research indicating that its bioethanol buses can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent. Larissa Rose from the industry association Biofuels Australia spoke to 7NEWS Mackay about the importance of these buses. “This is a perfect example of how the state of Queensland can exemplify the decarbonising of the transport sector,” Rose said. Construction of the two buses began last year at Bustech on the Gold Coast. Every new bus in south east Queensland will be zero emission from 2025, with regional implementation to begin between 2025 and 2030. Above: The trial of buses run on sugarcane bioethanol will take 12 months. Right: The buses are being run on fuel made from locally-grown sugarcane. 14

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The two new buses, which will run on fuel produced by Wilmar Bioethanol Australia’s refinery in Sarina, will operate across the entire Mackay bus network. The 12-month trial is being funded by Scania and the Queensland government. The Queensland government intends to roll these buses out across regional Queensland at the completion of the trial. The challenge for Queensland as it transitions to a zero-emission bus fleet is

ensuring its regional centres can still be serviced without the same infrastructure as a major city. Queensland delivered close to 28.44 million tonnes of sugarcane to Australian mills last year according to the Australian Bureau of statistics. Utilising a product of such abundance in Queensland is important for the regional transition to zero emission transport.

“This is a perfect example of how the state of Queensland can exemplify the decarbonising of the transport sector.”

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NEWS

KINETIC PRIDE BUS FLIES FLAG FOR INCLUSION KINETIC HAS MADE its commitment to diversity and inclusion spectacularly clear with one of its iconic SkyBus red double decker buses completely transformed with a rainbow-coloured design. The ‘Pride Bus’ will be sure to turn heads as it transports SkyBus passengers between the city centre and Melbourne’s two major airports at Tullamarine and Avalon as part of the company’s airport transfer service. Kinetic says the initiative serves as both a welcome to visitors landing in Victoria and a permanent reminder to the broader community that everyone should feel safe, respected and welcomed in Melbourne. Mike Lewis, inclusion and equity manager at Kinetic, said the initiative was a very visible celebration and recognition of LGBTIQ+ communities. “We wanted to unveil the design in the lead up to IDAHOBIT [International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia] and beyond, demonstrating our support for LGBTQI+ communities every day of the year,” he said. “SkyBus has been an important piece of Melbourne’s fabric for over 40 years, and we are extremely proud of our role as ambassadors to the city. This is one important 16

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“A permanent reminder to the broader community that everyone should feel safe, respected and welcomed in Melbourne. ” example of how we are using our position to support the SkyBus team and broader community,” Lewis said. The vehicle features the Progress Pride Flag with an emphasis on inclusion and progression, with the words ‘You are Loved’ in bolder font on either side.

Skybus is an important part of Melbourne’s public transport network ferrying passengers from both Avalon and Tullamarine into the city. Skybus moves around four million people from Melbourne airport into the city and is running in a number of major cities, including Auckland.

Top: Kinetic says it wanted to demonstrate its support for inclusion. Above: The pride bus will transport customers between Melbourne and its two major airports.

SECOND VIC MOBILE SUPERMARKET UNVEILED DONATED BY BUS operator Kinetic, the vehicle visited Melbourne’s north-west in its first week on the road as part of a new initiative that has already reached over 1,650 families since December. The 18-metre ex-SkyBus articulated bus is designed to offer a miniature supermarket experience. With entry at the back and an exit at the front, the vehicles have purposebuilt shelving and refrigeration stocked with a range of fresh produce, pantry and staples. Each bus has the capacity to stock approximately 600 kilograms of fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, 150 kilograms of chilled items, 100 kilograms of frozen goods, and 1,000 kilograms of pantry staples like rice, pasta and legumes. The program is expected to visit up to six locations every week as it matures, with Foodbank Victoria partnering with its network of agencies to ensure it grows organically and sustainably. Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara says the mobile supermarket buses allow many struggling Victorians to access healthy and nutritious food. “This is all about supporting

people who are doing it tough and simply don’t know how they are going to find the next meal for their families or themselves,” McNamara said. “This is a concept we first discussed with SkyBus in 2020, allowing us to visit people who often don’t have the capacity to travel or who aren’t receiving food relief in the traditional ways.

Above: The second foodbank bus is already operating in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Below: The bus offers a wide variety of fresh fruit and veg.

“It also allows us to provide a truly bespoke food relief service to the emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities around metro Melbourne. “The first bus has had such a phenomenal response from both the charity agencies we partner with and those who’ve come to experience the joy and dignity of ‘shopping’ for groceries and fresh produce that’s all provided for free. That now have two of them on the road is simply brilliant.” The vehicles have been donated by Kinetic, with bus manufacturer Volgren playing a key role in the transformation along with Transcal and Avery Dennison who branded the vehicles.

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

NEWS

ZERO EMISSION BUS TRIALS FOR TASMANIA THE TASMANIAN STATE government will trial three electric buses and three hydrogen buses to establish the viability of a zero-emission fleet on the island. Metro Tasmania is to conduct separate operational trials involving three battery electric buses (BEBs) in Launceston and three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) in Hobart, for up to three years. The trials will provide valuable operational experience and data to inform the longer-term transition of Metro’s fleet to zero emission buses. The project is key to the Tasmanian government’s target of net zero emissions by 2030, and supports Metro’s mission to deliver modern, efficient and attractive public transport services. The state government has allocated $6 million for Metro to conduct the BEB trial, and approved up to $12.3 million from the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program to progress recommendations from 18

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an Industry Activation Study, which includes the FCEB trial. Metro has released a Request for Expressions of Interest for the supply of the buses and associated recharging and refuelling equipment, and specialist maintenance services. The Expressions of Interest period

This investment will have matching support from the Tasmanian government working with the government business enterprises and departments, with proponents paying their fair share of infrastructure costs. This announcement coincides with announcements in Victoria and

“The project is key to the Tasmanian government’s target of net zero emissions by 2030.” closed on May 30, 2022. Shortlisted suppliers have now been invited to participate in a tender process for the supply contracts. The move follows the announcement by the Australian government of up to $70 million to help make Bell Bay a national green hydrogen hub.

Queensland for similar trials and an announcement from the federal government for electric buses to be manufactured in Western Australia.

Above: Metro Tasmania will be trialling battery electric buses in Launceston and hydrogen buses in Hobart.

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NEWS

THE WOT!?!

THINK SMART

In the aptly-named Electronics City – a suburb of Bangalore in India – there will soon be smart bus stops popping up on the street, offering users charging points for devices, weather and air quality reports, network information, a sanitary product vending machine, SOS/panic button and, for those about to indulge in the snack machine, a BMI/health kiosk. Four smart bus stops will be piloted, with 15 planned in the future.

MANUFACTURING BOOST FOR PERTH THE FEDERAL Labor government pledged $125 million to manufacture 130 electric buses in Perth ahead of its recent election win. The West Australian state government will match the $125 million commitment, with the aim of creating 100 new local jobs and transitioning 300 existing jobs to clean energy. The plan is to deliver a local facility to build the buses. “A core part of my pitch to the Australian people is making more things here,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “One of the lessons of the pandemic is we have to stand on Above: “Clean buses is very much the future,” said Minister Saffioti.

“We know that the public is very keen for cleaner forms of transport.” 20

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our own two feet – we’re vulnerable if we’re at the end of supply chains.” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti is confident WA has the workforce needed to deliver the project. “We have some [workers] involved in diesel bus manufacturing at the moment, so it would be about upskilling and new jobs,” she said. “We’re very confident about the workforce. “We see this as an incredible opportunity and we know that the public is very keen for cleaner forms of transport.” The roll-out would require bus depots to be upgraded and new infrastructure to be installed. “We expect the infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the next two to three years, the facility built and the buses being manufactured through 2024/25,” Saffioti said. “Clean buses is very much the future.” Saffioti said the plan has been costed by the state government and includes $80 million for the buses, $50 million for the facility and $120 million for the depot upgrades and required infrastructure. The announcement would bring the West Australian bus fleet to a similar position of that of Victoria and Queensland.

PURPLE PATCH

In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June, Transport for London (TfL) swapped the classic red of some of its double deckers for a striking purple design. Eight vehicles operating in the city centre had a makeover to mark 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. TfL wasn’t the only one getting into a festive mood – The Isle of Wight’s Southern Vectis also broke out the purple livery, with MD Andrew Wickham saying: “I think the end result is eye-catching and very stylish – something Her Majesty would approve of, I’m sure.” Maybe time to swap the royal coach for a purple Routemaster?

COMPETITION TIME

The 3rd Dubai World Challenge for SelfDriving Transport 2023 is now open, which this year has a focus on self-driving buses. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is organising the challenge as part of its efforts to make 25 per cent of journeys in Dubai driverless by 2030. Candidates will compete for prize money amounting to US$2.3 million (A$3.2 million), with the winner announced in October.

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Email: customersolutions.au@zf.com Toll free number: 1800 93 72537 Website: www.zfbusconnect.com

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come face to face with BIC national members at the 2022 Bus Industry Summit movingpeople.com.au/summit Accreditation Manager Advantech Australia Airbags Australia Altro Flooring ARCC ATG Axalta Coating Systems Beneco BFI Fire BLK Auto Bridgestone/Bandag Brisbane City Council Bus & Coach International Bus Finance Australia Bus SA Bus Stop Sales BusInsure Buslines Group BusNSW BusTech Group BusWA Busways Group Camira Group Challenger Bus & Coach Coach Design Coachair Australia Coachworks ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia Connect Source Consat Telematics Cummins Curratechnic Dal-Trans Denso Automotive Systems Australia Department of Transport Victoria Distinctive Systems (Australia) Downer EDI Engineering Power DTI Group Ebusco Electromotiv

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EnergyAustralia Express Coach Builders FIP Group Fry's Spares Future Fleet International GIRO Global Bus Ventures Go Transit Media Group Heritage Finance HESS Hino Bus Australia Hyzon Motors Australia I-Bus Sales Australia ICS Service Solutions Ideas Enterprise Independent Tyre Monitoring Solution INIT Interline Bus Service Into Training Australia iris Asia-Pacific Irizar Asia Pacific ISRI Seats IVECO Bus JCDecaux Australia & New Zealand JET Charge Keolis Downer Kevrek (Australia) Kinetic Group KINNECT KlineFire LSM Technologies Luminator Technology Group MAHA Australia McConnell Seats Australia McNaughtans Mercedes-Benz Bus & Coach MKW Insurance Brokers Mobileye Multispares Murrays Australia Navigate Health Australia

Netbi Nexport NOVO Transport Systems Nuline Charter/Bayside Coaches O'Brien Glass Industries Omnibus Optibus Parts Supply Solutions/ Hanover Displays PBA Transit Planning Penske Commercial Vehicles Piper Alderman Pitcher Partners Port Stephens Coaches Precision Cleaning Australia Premier Transport Group PrimeWorks Public Transport Authority of WA Pulitano Group Punchbowl Bus Company QRM Claims Manager Queensland Bus Industry Council Red Bus Services Redcat Wheel Safety Rover Coaches Ryan Tax Services Australia S.M.S Diesel Spares Scania Australia Scriptus Consulting Siemens SMC Corporation (Australia) State Transit Authority of NSW Streamline Co StyleRide Seating Systems SURA Australian Bus and Coach

Tasmanian Bus Association The Orion Network Thermo King Bus Australia Thoreb Australia Tiger Spider Transdev Australasia Transfab Transit Systems Transit Training Solutions TransLink Transport Canberra Transportme Trapeze Group ANZ TWUSUPER United Safety & Survivability Corporation UITP ANZ Valeo Group Valvoline Australia Ventura Systems Australia Victorian Diesel Services Viva Energy Australia Voith Turbo Volgren Volvo Bus Australia Wales Bus & Body Repairs Webfleet Solutions Wireless Alert Monitoring System Yutong Australia Zafety Lug Lock Australasia ZF Services Australia

National Members of the BIC as at 2 April 2022

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BIC

How do we attract workers? Managing recruitment and retention in the bus and coach industry

he biggest issue confronting all industries across the country, including the bus and coach sector, is recruitment and retention. Maintaining a capable workforce at all levels (whether it be in bus operations or manufacturing) is increasingly difficult, especially while the industry also grapples with the transition to zero emission buses. Today, the industry faces a shortage of drivers and manufacturing workers in a limited pool of drivers and apprentices that is only decreasing. Currently unemployment is at an all-time low and there is a greater demand for secure work. Recently there has been a perceived inability to address this shortage problem. There are many challenges that need to be overcome, but the industry is still struggling to attract female participation and increase skilled worker numbers. There is also clear and worrying trends coming out of some state and territory governments. Governments are trying to get their value for money out of transport service contracts by forcing down operational (including labour) costs. The likely outcomes of this is that services will suffer and working conditions will diminish, alongside recruitment and the retention of staff. An example of this is the annual labour/wage price index that governments use to adjust wages in their service contracts. This wage price index, in recent times, has not kept track with the minimum wage determination of the Fair Work Commission or the

“We believe there are significant barriers to entry for drivers.” Consumer Price Index (CPI), or even the other cost of living indices. Over the pandemic period there has been a distancing between the wage indices and the CPI, which wasn’t the previous experience. But it’s not just wages and working conditions that are driving industry’s recruitment and retention deficits. Let’s take a closer look at bus drivers. We believe there are significant barriers to entry for drivers, including: • the payment of hundreds of dollars, up front, on licence and authority applications to various government bodies, exacerbated by long waiting times for approval to start training and actually beginning to earn an income • the lack of harmony between jurisdictions, which is improving, in terms of qualifications to drive

• the ease for drivers to get into the ride hailing industry because of the lack of red tape and regulation • the image of bus driving. Just on this last point, jurisdictions such as Singapore are embarking upon efforts to enhance the professionalism and image of bus driving. Established in 2016, Singapore’s Bus Academy acts as a recruitment agency for bus operators. In Singapore and Hong Kong, bus drivers are referred to as bus captains. In the state system in New South Wales bus drivers are known as bus operators. There are many other areas that require consideration in the recruitment and retention of drivers. The industry must encourage a greater diversification to ensure more women come into the industry by recognising the different needs of a female workforce, especially in relation to workplace facilities and the need for greater worktime flexibility. We need to see involvement with seniors’ groups to market the benefits of a part-time job driving buses. More workers can gain entry to the industry if changes to immigration laws to allow for a special category of passenger transport driver to be accepted for visa applications are granted. Alongside this, the sector must ensure greater flexibility for apprenticeships, Cert III transport diplomas and a reduced age limit to 20 years to obtain a licence to drive a bus. These are the types of initiatives that the BIC will be looking at when developing a policy position on recruitment and retention for skilled workers across the whole industry. It will require greater investment in public transport by state governments and buy-in from the federal government to incentivise the states. The challenge for the BIC and state associations will be devising a compelling argument to governments to improve working conditions as an encouragement to employment. No policy development can occur without buyin from all participants in the industry, including manufacturers, bus and coach employers, and employees across all fields, including route and school, dedicated school, day coach and charter and long-distance coach. A critical requirement is to get proper data to support whatever policy position is advocated. The BIC is looking at conducting a substantial survey, similar to the 2018 industry survey, to ascertain the extent of the problem to help determine those strategies that are capable of being implemented immediately and those which will need a policy-driven approach to governments. Go to www.movingpeople.com.au to stay up to date with our progress on this important initiative for industry. busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

TEST DRIVE

YUTONG D7

READY TO GO

ABC magazine speaks with Yutong general manager Lou Riccardi about the release of the company’s latest minibus design, the D7, which holds up as we take the reins on a test drive across the countryside. WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

t’s no easy feat to confidently build and launch a vehicle in Australia’s minibus class. The sector has an established, long-running and loyal operator following, so any new entrants to the market will need to have a product with features that ensure it gets a look in. Yutong is confident the new D7 can compete against its rivals. In a tightly-held market, there’s always room for a new player if it can bring the goods to the table. Yutong brought the first D7 to Austrlia in 2014 and, since then, it’s been an evolving product. The initial D7s that came here had a different name to suit the Australian market, as did all the Yutongs. But they were all changed about three years ago when Lou Riccardi

joined Vehicle Dealers International Pty Ltd (VDI), the national distributor for Yutong in Australia. The D7 being tested today is a brand-new design in the range. It’s going to be released worldwide so it’s not only for the Australian market. Riccardi told ABC magazine that for the World Cup in Qatar there’s been nearly 1,000 units already delivered, which will be a great advertisement for this new Yutong D7 and will certainly get it out there and seen. We asked Riccardi if the models differ between what’s released here and the overseas market. “There’s many differences,” he said. “Each country has their own specifications and requirements that

they’ve got to meet. So that while each D7 is made specifically for the market it is being sold in, generally the body shape and the drive line remains the same. Where Australia has the Euro 6 engine and Allison transmission, some other countries elect to fit the Euro 5, which meets their standards.”

SLICE OF THE PIE When up against similar mini-buses, ABC asked Riccardi how the D7 will compete for its place. “The aim at the end of the day is to take our slice,” says Riccardi. “Other original equipment manufacturers have tried to come in and encroach in the market, but I know we’ve got a product that matches it. To exceed we’ve focused on standardising safety features and, even with those additional features, our pricing remains very competitive. “The true value is in what you don’t have to add – all the features we fit as standard is where the true value lies. As an example, we’ve got an electronic 19-inch drop-down TV as standard in the vehicle and, if you want to add this in, it’s usually about another two to three thousand as an option. That’s just one of our value-added features,” explained Riccardi.

BUILD OPTIONS The D7 has only one bus and model in the range, but there are options with configurations to meet the needs of different applications. There’s a 27-seater, which will fall under a light rigid (LR) license, and you can also have an optional extra seat fitted, which makes it a 28-seater that could also fall under an LR license. Yutong can also factory-fit 27 reclining seats instead of fixed seats, or the option of 23 reclining seats with additional legroom. A choice that makes it more attractive to the school market is the three by two configuration, which allows 41 child seats. “We’ve designed this to encapsulate every market segment,” said Riccardi. “We’ve made it so it could be easily made into a mine bus as we’ve already run the wiring for the beacons and school buses the same. The D7 is a versatile vehicle; busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

TEST DRIVE

YUTONG D7

We’ve designed this to encapsulate every market segment.

Above: The D7 has been tested extensively for Australian conditions. Opposite top: There’s plenty of legroom for drivers and dash glare has been neutralised with the dark colouring. Right: 360-degree cameras provide a surround view of the bus’s exterior. 26

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

it can be a daily school bus right up to a luxury vehicle with roomy reclining seating.”

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY…. Riccardi is confident the D7 is a market-changer in the class. When ABC asked what he sees as the main reason behind this, he replied: “Safety, safety, safety is what we’ve gone for to stand apart.” It’s a strong feature for a bus made predominantly for use by schools and community groups. “The D7 has got an air-operated park brake, just like bigger buses have,” he said. “We have got the TS155 new door system as a standard factory fitted feature for Australia, a 360-degree camera on board, ABS [anti-lock braking system], ASR [anti-slip regulation], ESC [electronic stability control] and full air disc EBS [electronic braking system]

encapsulated in the vehicle. We’ve fitted Mobileye as standard, lane departure warning as standard and a rear camera and buzzer as standard. “This new D7 has been two-and-a-half years in the making, and it’s gone backwards and forwards to the drawing board to get all those safety features locked in as standard to the build. The only additional safety feature available is a CCTV camera.” For the Australian market, and depending on application, Yutong can fit a towbar, bullbar or stone shields. Riccardi tells ABC that all of those items are manufactured, supplied, and fitted by Australian companies to Australian standards.

IS THE FUTURE ELECTRIC?

QUICK ORDER TIME

With the big switch to electric buses happening in the industry and the inevitable future change to greener options, ABC asked Riccardi if Yutong would be taking the D7 down the electric path. “Yes, it’s already on the drawing board and will be released,” he said. “With the stringent testing, Yutong does pre-release. It will probably be about 18 months to two-and-a-half years. The problem with the D7 is trying to maintain that vehicle under its current LR category. Adding the batteries, it’s a balancing act in what can be achieved. “The most important thing we do at Yutong is that we don’t bring a vehicle to market for the sake of it. As an example, with this D7, we did nearly 12 months of stringent testing before releasing it here.”

An important question that can make the difference for operators is the order time. “We’re holding D7 stock all the time, so three months is the maximum once the order is placed. With the stock on hand, you don’t have to wait at all; there are some waiting that operators can have for immediate delivery,” said Riccardi. Riccardi also noted that the bus comes with a five-year, 200,000 kilometres warranty. “Another manufacturer went out there and said they’d got the best warranty. So Yutong said: ‘Well if you reckon that’s the best, we’ll match it,’” he said. Spare parts are all ready to go, and there are also parts in Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Western

Australia, having imported the parts before the vehicle. “Tried, proven and tested, that’s what we bring to the market with the D7,” said Riccardi. ‘It’s truly all the bells and whistles without inflating the cost,” he said. “We know the D7 will make our competitors work harder to match our spec. Our competitors can put those options on, but it’s all about the bottom line and cost.” The D7 has been tried and tested at the Yutong facility for several months, Riccardi said that he was confident it will succeed in the Australian market. “A brand new one will be off to the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo at Homebush in October, so we’re excited to see how it’s received there,” he said. busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

TEST DRIVE

YUTONG D7

The LCD 360-degree camera is a great inclusion – safety-wise this would be a top pick. LET’S GIVE IT A SPIN

Above: Yutong can also factory-fit 27 reclining seats instead of fixed seats, or the option of 23 reclining seats with additional legroom. Right: Quiet and comfortable, the D7 would suit longhaul driving. Opposite, left: A rear camera comes as standard. Opposite, right: The turbocharged 140kW (190hp) Cummins engine provides 700Nm of torque. 28

In speaking with Riccardi about the D7, it was less of a salesman’s pitch and more of a “look what we’ve built” proud moment. ABC got to go and do the fun part and take the D7 for a drive and get a feel for the effort and consideration that has gone into its development. Approaching the D7 for the first time it’s clear to see the coach-like exterior looks that Riccardi told ABC about. Chrome trim, day-time running lights – it really does look like a small coach and is very European in appearance. Jumping in the driver’s door of the 28- seat D7, we straight away noticed the darker dash colouring – it was a really sunny day and there was no dash glare at all. The driver’s seat and legroom was comfortable and ample and the controls are easy to familiarise yourself with. Everything is at your fingertips. We especially love the driver’s electric blinds, which have an easy switch control to operate. The steering wheel has multiple positions, up down and in and out. It makes things comfortable

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

for drivers that come in all builds and heights. Visibility is really good, with two electric heated mirrors. These days heated mirrors are more of an essential safety feature for vision rather than a luxury add-on. Impressive straight away, the bus feels like a coach to drive. ABC was an immediate fan of the 360-degree camera on the LCD screen, which provides fantastic all-round vision in combination with the blind spot monitoring. Yutong has said that ‘safety, safety, safety’ is the focus and this 360-degree camera vision is

perfect peace of mind for the driver, especially when children or elderly passengers are nearby. The camera is a great inclusion – safety-wise this would be a top pick. The visual display means at all times you have clear vision of all outside areas of your bus. It has really intelligent technology so when a child leaves the bus and is walking around the bus, not only do you have the visuals, but a red text box displays around the child or any moving object for that matter. This makes it clear for a driver to watch and ensure alighted passengers are in no danger before the driver leaves the curb. Another safety feature the 360 camera gives is when you are in heavy traffic conditions as it gives an aerial view of the bus, making it easy to see your position in the lane and with surrounding traffic. As drivers we’ve all at some time in our careers been in tight situations to drive or park at shopping centres and schools. Having visuals of poles and objects in tight situations will certainly help eliminate driver accidents, damage to the vehicle and make parking and turning much safer. Internal cabin noise is impressive. When the engine is mounted right beside the driver you’d expect the driver would experience noise or vibrations. A great job has been

done on insulating the engine bay. The engine is easy to access from inside the cabin, just undo latches and raise the lid. Simple easy to access for daily checks. The exterior engine housing also can come off if needed for even greater engine access. The engine is the very first Euro 6 Cummins to hit Australia, with four cylinders, providing turbocharged 140kW (190hp) @ 2,500 rpm and 700Nm of torque. Riccardi told ABC it has the highest horsepower for its class. Coupled with the integrated Allison transmission with full electronic keypad control it will be a combo that should be pretty popular with operators. Air disc brakes all round finish off the running gear. For the test drive, we specifically chose some roads with some good inclines. We wanted to feel the power of the Cummins

as the torque ratio at 700Nm is impressive. You don’t have to put your foot down hard to feel the torque, it just pushes you along. Cruising along at 90km an hour it’s really comfortable and quiet and very easy for a driver to sit behind the wheel. Even long-haul driving would be a breeze in the D7. ABC gave the lane departure warning a test out on a country road. With this system you get a slight vibration through the steering column, which some may find preferable to an audible warning as it could be off-putting for nearby passengers to hear warning systems beeping. This system keeps the warnings between the driver and the vehicle. There is a four-stage electric driveline mounted retarder that works really well, providing a gentle transition through the levels. In stage one it gently kicks in, then when going down a reasonable steep incline we went to two. We went back to one straight away and, in most normal applications and driving conditions, stage one should work well. You might only need stage four if you needed to pull up fast. Another point of difference feature is that the D7 is the only one in its class with a roof-mounted aircon pod – a position that removes it from the bottom of the

vehicle and eliminates issues with dust and general dirt from the road. Yutong changed the aircon position after listening to operator feedback, with rooftop mounting the solution.

UP AGAINST THE BEST Competition is what makes our industry stronger, has our vehicles on a continuous path of improvement and ultimately easier and safer driving. Yutong has set out to create a vehicle in a class that it knows already exists in Australia. To compete, something special was needed. Yutong has focused on safety and it’s undeniable the D7 has impressive safety features that come as standard across the range. With the importance of safety on this point alone, the D7 has to be a consideration in its class. Coupled with value for money, it will be interesting to watch and see what happens when, as Riccardi said: “The D7 goes out there and proves itself.”

To see a video of the test drive scan the QR code

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

OPERATOR

DYSON GROUP

OPERATING OUTSIDE THE FAMILY 30

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

The Dyson Group is making its maiden voyage outside of the family leadership model

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES DYSON GROUP

or 70 years the Dyson Group has been led by one family. Now it’s handing over the reins to a new name. When Laurie Dyson returned from WW2 and bought a bus business, he could never have expected it to become a booming

family empire. Fast forward 70 years and the Dyson Group is a prominent player in Melbourne’s public transport industry. But now, the north-east Melbourne-based group, which also has a with a large presence in regional Victoria and New South Wales , is about to hand over

management to a person without the historic Dyson name attached – Andrew Jakab. Cousins Neil and Shane Dyson have worked at the family business since 1975. They both rose to become joint managing directors and oversaw the Dyson Group’s expansion in the 21st

Above: Dyson has been a family affair for 70 years.

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

OPERATOR

DYSON GROUP

Century. Now the pair are primed to transition the company to the next generation. “It’s fair to say we’ve been responsible for most of the growth from when our fathers retired in 1994,” Neil Dyson told ABC magazine. “Shane and I started running the business as joint managing directors with fellow cousin Lance Deacon. From there we continued the growth that began in 1991 when we acquired Reid’s Metropolitan Services.” Now the trio of managing directors have set in place the fourth generation of Dyson Group leadership. For the first time in the business’s history, someone from outside the Dyson family will assume control as CEO and managing director when Shane, Neil and Lance Deacon retire at the end of 2023. The process began at the start of 2021 when the managing directors decided the business needed to look beyond the Dyson family for the next leader. “From go to woe it took about a year to settle on Andrew [Jakab]. We talked about it roughly two years ago when we first reduced 32

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

We don’t want to just participate in the change that’s coming in the industry, we want to lead it.

Above: (L-R) Shane Dyson, Lance Deacon, Rich Dyson, Jamie Dyson and Greg Deacon. Opposite, Top: Andrew Jakab with a portrait of original founder Laurie Collins ‘Pop’ Dyson.

our workload, but last year we initiated an intensive recruiting process,” said Shane. “After narrowing it down to three candidates we found that Andrew shone through as the clear choice for the role.” A key factor that helped Jakab become Dyson’s first external CEO was his background skills and experience in a diverse range of industrial environments. He started his career in the army, doing military logistics, before becoming the CEO of a forestry logistics company. The latter part of his career before joining the Dyson Group included working in rail logistics in Queensland and New South Wales while running a containerised freight business. Although Jakab has no experience in the bus industry, he leapt at the opportunity to assume control of the transport operators.

“I would probably describe myself as a career logistician,” Jakab told ABC. “I saw the chance to come to Dyson Group as a fantastic opportunity to lead a bunch of committed people and help make the transition from generation three to generation four as seamless as possible for the company. For me, capability is a key ingredient of competitive advantage.” Although it strayed away from the family model that first began with Laurie Dyson, the current managing directors say it’s time to change Dyson’s direction to suit its recent expansion. Shane says he is excited to see what Jakab’s fresh perspective can bring to growing the group further. “We all grew up in the business and love buses, whereas Andrew has never been in the industry until now,” he said. “It was that mix we have

with Andrew’s outside business endeavours and our bus world that we thought would make for the perfect combination.” Jakab started at Dyson Group head office on March 1 this year. His role so far has been to facilitate a smooth transition. Jakab says it involves building the executive capability of the company and mentoring young people who aren’t ready to head into senior management roles but are passionate about developing the family business. “One of the first things I was able to do was build the executive team with a greater generation four presence while the current managing directors began their transition into retirement,” Jakab said. “I’ve been gradually increasing the span of responsibility and accountability of the new generation members in a managed and considered way.” With 12 members now part of the executive unit of the next Dyson leadership group, Jakab has clear goals in mind for the operator. Dyson is currently in the closing stages of implementing an enterprise resource planning solution that will modernise the company and its data management. When that’s done, Jakab will turn his gaze to assisting in decarbonising Dyson’s operations. “An important part of my role with Dysons is to assist the company in transitioning from high emission or diesel buses to zero-emission vehicles while ultimately decarbonising the entire business,” Jakab said. “It’s the way of the future and it’ll become an expectation for Dyson to compete in the zero-emission field. “We look forward to building strategic partnerships with government and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality.” Jakab said Dyson has already spoken to suppliers and manufacturers who possess the equipment to make zero-emission buses about introducing the new sustainable fleet to Dyson’s range. Along with the current managing directors, the executive group will work to ensure the transition is completed properly and efficiently. With Dyson Group set to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, Shane and Neil agree that the company has never been so modern. When they joined the business’s

ranks in 1975 they were part of a group that oversaw 30 buses. Now, Dyson Group is responsible for 1,200 employees and roughly 650 buses. This growth comes from Dyson acquiring surrounding depots and operators to gradually expand as a regional and Melbourne suburban power. A key part of Jakab’s role with Dyson will be to oversee the seven regional depots that the business runs today while continuing to take a growth by acquisition approach. “The notable thing that the current managing directors established is that strategy to expand in a regional sense,” Jakab said. “These acquisitions need careful management so that they conform to Dyson’s cultural norms. “We still have growth aspirations and we’re wanting to work with people that fit our network and fit the model of our business.” Although Neil and Shane have both been with the family business their

whole career, they tell ABC that they won’t find it difficult to pass over control to Jakab. At that point they’ll take a mentoring role and enjoy watching the next generation grow the Dyson name even further. Shane already has new ideas to impart on the executive group, such as a flexi-ride system where buses don’t adhere to strict routes but instead do what train and trams can’t in exploring areas that aren’t ready for full-blown bus routes as an on-demand service. Jakab says he is excited to receive this experienced mentoring, and equally excited about the next phase. “There’s opportunities everywhere and we have to ensure Dyson remains competitive in all areas,” Jakab said. “It’s been a pleasure working with this family business and we’ll keep performing to a really high standard. “We don’t want to just participate in the change that’s coming in the industry, we want to lead it.” busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

EVENT

QBIC AWARDS

ROYANS’ REWARD The heavy vehicle repair group recently won two QBIC awards.

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

wo QBIC awards for Royans Coachworks vindicates Royans’ decision to acquire the latter in late 2020. It’s only been a year and a half since Royans acquired the Brisbane-based Coachworks, but it’s already proving to be a fruitful decision. The bus and coach repair group recently took home two awards at the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) conference in April. As part of the QBIC’s 2022 conference held in Brisbane on April 8 and 9, the annual industry awards were presented, with Royans Coachworks claiming two gongs for its work with Queensland buses. Royans Coachworks won the supplier of the year award for 2021/22, while Coachworks founder Evan Isaacs received QBIC’s industry outstanding contribution prize. Royans CEO David Church says being recognised by QBIC at the

annual conference was a reward for the company’s hard work it has put in to serve customers in Queensland. “It’s great to get the supplier of the year award as a company,” Church told ABC magazine. “It’s a great acknowledgement of what the team has done up in Queensland. They’ve done a lot of work and serviced a lot of different customers over the past year.” Although Church was aware his Queensland team had been nominated for this year’s award, he said winning it was a nice surprise. After Royans acquired Coachworks in 2020, Church said he was excited to work with both Evan and Scott Isaacs in Queensland. Church also praised Evan Isaacs for the way he has helped Coachworks become a valuable part of Royans in the past year and a half. After winning the outstanding contribution award for the past year, he is now set to retire. “It’s a big thing for us whenever we do acquisitions and we care

deeply about who we partner with,” Church said. “Evan is a great person and it’s sad he is going to retire. When we acquired Coachworks, we heard all the stories about the work he has done over the years, so this is a great acknowledgement of him.” After taking out the two honours at the QBIC conference awards for 2022, Church says Royans Coachworks will continue to combine its various services to provide customers with great bus care in Queensland. From mini buses to local bus and coaches, Church says Royans Coachworks will continue to use the knowledge from its acquisitions to expand its offerings. “Everything we’ve acquired we’ve gained something from them,” Church said. “We’ve gotten experience. Even if it’s one little thing it’s been a great asset for the business.” In the other awards handed out at the QBIC conference, Kylie Pert

E-T-A_SCS200_Jun2022op.indd 1

It’s a great acknowledgement of what the team has done up in Queensland. They’ve done a lot of work. from Brisbane Mini Bus Charter won the achiever of the year award while Kinetic took home the environmental innovation award. The Manmeet Sharma perpetual professional driver of the year award went to CDC Queensland’s Renee Zeestraten and Aaron Pitt from the same CDC branch won the apprentice of the year award. Volvo Bus Australia also won the outstanding employer award, while a variety of operators were recognised for industry long service awards over 20, 40 and 60 years.

Above: Royans Coachworks was named supplier of the year. Opposite, Top: The QBIC conference took place in April. Opposite, Bottom: Evan Isaacs received QBIC’s industry outstanding contribution prize.

08/06/2022 11:36:34

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

FEATURE

E-T-A ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

SAFETY NET E-T-A’s circuit protection technology is proving critical in the integration of electric buses in Australia.

-T-A Engineering Technology’s systems may not be noticeable to many passengers. It can’t be seen when boarding planes, trains or buses. But, inside these vehicles, E-T-A’s technology is protecting circuits and keeping passengers safe before anything can go wrong. Its circuit breakers monitor circuit performance to pre-emptively protect passengers and operators from malfunctions or breakdowns before they can happen. “With technology going the way it is, people and manufacturers now want smarter systems,” E-T-A managing director Andrew Skaltsounis told ABC magazine. “Our electric systems monitor the wear and tear and run time of circuits so, when it comes to maintenance, we know when it’s best to check bus parts. “This is when our smart systems come into it – they monitor how long a circuit has been running through our distribution channels and know when it’s time for maintenance works.” E-T-A’s complex protection systems have a simple goal of catching circuit faults in equipment before it breaks down. If a particular circuit draws more electrical current or amps than it should, E-T-A technology identifies the problem and notifies the bus operator or manufacturer to check particular section of the circuit. It’s this circuit insight that makes E-T-A 36

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

a well-known direct industry supplier of circuit breakers and circuit protection. The company also indirectly provides systems for many vehicles that hit Australian shores, both before and after manufacturing. Along with original equipment manufacturers like Volgren, Volvo and Kenworth, E-T-A also works with major harness manufacturers to install circuit protection technology for bus companies while they are being built. This variety of installation processes and clients means E-T-A’s technology is widespread. “We work with buses that have been built in Australia and those that get imported,” Skaltsounis said. “Some of our devices go into a bus harness during production or after manufacturing, so we don’t always know who the end client is.” E-T-A supplies its bus circuit breaker technology to companies all over the world, including China, where it decks out new electric buses with its latest circuit protection designs. But, in Australia, Skaltsounis said E-T-A’s systems have to be flexible enough to be inserted as an additional feature into bus chassis that have already been manufactured before hitting Australian shores. Because many bus manufacturers import chassis, E-T-A’s technology is often included in postmanufacturing with Australian-specific add-ons like unique ticketing systems and

components to specifically protect the nation’s bus fleets. E-T-A has adapted its circuit breaker technology to ensure the new wave of electric fleets are kept safe. Its technology is no longer solely based around protection. Skaltsounis said E-T-A’s circuit breakers now both safeguard and monitor circuits that run higher voltages for electric batteries. This technology is vital to the safe running of electric buses because it can prevent malfunctions or breakdowns by closely monitoring circuits and safeguarding them from danger. E-T-A is confident it has adapted to ensure circuits on board electric buses are checked and protected to keep passengers safe. “Back when we started, we used to have to wait until circuits tripped, and break downs happened, before we started any maintenance work,” Skaltsounis said. “But now we provide monitoring systems that say when people need to look at their

circuits – it’s more preventative maintenance nowadays. “Our designs all come from the ability to get information from our smarter distribution systems on bus currents.” Other E-T-A products that support electric buses include power distribution systems that control and convey bus information in real-time to keep vehicle circuits safe. For new designs, like the SCS200 Intelligent Power Distribution System, E-T-A is constantly talking to clients to add more features onto

the circuit protection technology. “We are continually improving these new electric bus systems and introducing new firmware to make them more intelligent,” Skaltsounis said. “As clients look for more features to protect electric buses, we are improving our technology steadily.” E-T-A isn’t new to the circuit protection industry. Since 1948 the family company has specialised in circuit breakers and protection for equipment. Skaltsounis says E-T-A focuses on more than just safeguarding circuits on buses. The company has a large industry offering, all focused on protecting lives. “We specialise in protecting circuit breakers on all sorts of equipment,” Skaltsounis said. “We guard equipment that people use, whether that be

Our electric systems monitor the wear and tear and run time of circuits so, when it comes to maintenance, we know when it’s best to check bus parts.

vehicles, telecoms or medical appliances like X-ray machines. “We’re in a very wide range of industries. You’ll find our equipment in a lot of safety panels where we protect pieces of equipment rather than a whole circuit board.” Skaltsounis says E-T-A has four major divisions it makes circuit breakers for. One of these is transport, which has quickly become a popular sector for the company. This year E-T-A will be at its first Australasia Bus & Coach Expo. With E-T-A’s circuit protection technology featuring on so many Australian buses, Skaltsounis says now is the time for the company to become a prominent part of safety conversations in the bus industry. “We want to raise our profile a bit more,” Skaltsounis said. “Even though we’ve been in the bus industry for a long time, we only feel now that we offer something unique. “When it comes to new systems and electronic distribution technology with our designs on them, we believe our products are very beneficial for many bus manufacturers.”

Left: The new SCS200 Intelligent Power Distribution System. Above: E-T-A’s technology is keeping bus fleets safe across Australia. Bottom: E-T-A SCS1000 circuit breaker.

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

FEATURE

HYDROGEN VS ELECTRIC

With recent announcements from state governments such as Victoria regarding a transition towards electric bus fleets, many companies are now operating with a mix of hydrogen and electric buses. ABC delves into how the two differ.

WHAT’S BETTER, HYDROGEN OR ELECTRIC? WORDS JOSH FARRELL IMAGES VOLVO BUS

s the world shifts to greener modes of transport, the bus industry is leading the way in many respects. It should not come as a surprise to those who work in the industry – buses often operate in city centres, around pedestrians and alfresco dining spaces, so quickly transitioning fleets to zero emissions is helping to improve air quality in cities. 38

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

A number of governments are electing to go electric but many fleets are also utilising hydrogen, so which is better?

ENERGY STORAGE A hydrogen engine works in a similar way to an electric bus but the way the energy is stored and harnessed is where the two differ. Hydrogen is a clear gas that can be harnessed in a number of ways, including

using fossil fuels, but when produced utilising renewable energy, it is green energy source. Once produced it can be transported similarly to petrol and pumped into tanks on the bus to then be converted into electrical energy in a fuel cell. This is where the two types become similar – the energy is then either utilised to power the bus or stored in a battery for later use.

Electric buses will become a more frequent sight on Australian roads.

An electric bus stores energy from an energy source such as renewable energy or a mains power supply in a battery that powers the driveline. Both types of buses have similar drive trains or an ‘electric engine’ that powers the vehicle.

THE SET UP The transition for bus operators to a greener fleet requires a drastic change of the infrastructure within depots. Where a driver traditionally left a depot to fill up at a fuel station, now much of the refuelling will be done on site, either through hydrogen pumps or battery charging. Volvo national engineering and bodybuild manager Mark Fryer explained

some of the challenges companies face when making the move to renewable. “Hydrogen requires a bigger set up cost for infrastructure due the nature of the gas,” Fryer told ABC magazine. “There are many additional safety standards and requirements that have to be met in order for this solution to be used in-depot. Also, a lot of training for operators, as this solution is so foreign to most.” The electric solution requires a battery charger to complete the set up. There is also a number of kilowatts required to charge all vehicles that needs to be considered, the question being has the grid got enough power? “How can we best use solar power to charge the vehicles? Does the depot need

Hydrogen requires a bigger set up cost for infrastructure due the nature of the gas. storage batteries? These are all questions operators have to ask,” Fryer said. For operators completing long range trips, such as Melbourne to Canberra, they have to make a number of considerations when looking to move to a green bus fleet. A recent announcement from the Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian state governments may busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

FEATURE

HYDROGEN VS ELECTRIC

Governments seem to be favouring electric buses for inner city bus routes.

Each operator will have to make the choice based on their local factors. provide a solution for this issue. In March, the three state governments announced a landmark memorandum of understanding that would see a hydrogen refuelling network installed along the eastern seaboard. Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) CEO Dr Fiona Simon said the announcement was an exciting moment for the AHC. “The collaboration between these three states will facilitate the uptake and use of hydrogen as a fuel for heavy transport along the Eastern highways,” she said. While charging an electric bus can have a lot of downtime, especially on a long journey, the network or hydrogen pumps along the east coast may solve this problem. The challenge that operators are faced with is range for each vehicle as more time spent charging and not ferrying customers will increase costs. Mark Fryer explained some of the challenges that each form of renewable energy has for those considering utilising them. “Hydrogen allows you to carry more useable energy than an electric but, in electric, 25 per cent of energy is wasted while, in hydrogen, 75 per cent of energy is wasted,” he said. 40

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

ELECTRIC ATTRACTION It appears that state governments are turning to electric buses for inner city bus routes with a number of recent announcements demonstrating where governments view the future of buses for inner city routes. The Victorian government will roll out 41 buses across five different networks in the state to help Victoria reach its target of net zero emissions by 2050 in a landmark trial. Minister for public transport Ben Carroll spoke of the importance of the electric bus rollout. “The electric bus trial will be pivotal in our transition to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable transport network. “Creating a greener fleet is part of our Bus Plan to develop a more modern and reliable network that will attract more people to the convenience of buses,” Carroll said. The Queensland government recently opened the first all-electric bus depot on the Gold Coast with 100 per cent of the energy used to charge the buses coming from renewable sources. The use of solar panels at depots appears to be an effective way to make the fleets as green as possible.

Electric bus fleets are pivotal for governments who aim to reach targets of either zero or net zero emissions. Transport and main roads minister for Queensland’s state government Mark Bailey said it builds on the state government’s recently released Zero Emissions Vehicle strategy. “We’ve made a commitment that every new bus in southeast Queensland would be zero emission from 2025, so to see it happening now is a fantastic achievement,” Bailey said. Mark Fryer explained that, for operators, it is not a simple either/or decision but something where they must establish the needs of the business. “I think each operator will have to make the choice based on their local factors, including available power to charge batteries, cost of infrastructure and route requirements including range,” he said. For Volvo, when helping a customer decide what option suits them best, we take a hands-on approach. “It’s always ultimately the customer’s choice but we can do full simulations on the route to ensure if the electric product is suitable for that route,” Fryer said. ‘We also have the ability to increase or decrease the number of batteries for the customer to ensure their route demands can be met.” While the move to renewable energy on routes is an exciting moment for the industry, it presents a number of challenges, and the coming years will important for the survival of these energy sources.

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TELEMATICS

TRAVERSING TELEMATICS

Inside the evolving world of fleet management software

ero-emission vehicle technology is currently at the forefront of new bus and coach developments. But telematics continues to sit unseen in the corner, where it operates best. Telematics. It’s a word used increasingly often in the bus and transport industry. Yet it’s also a mystery to many. Nowadays telematics and fleet management is at the cutting edge of bus and vehicle technology. One would be hard pressed to find a new bus coming from manufacturers that doesn’t have integrated solutions running through it, undiscernible to the passenger or driver’s eye. Fleet management is no new term, but many in the industry may not realise the benefits to having these systems onboard. Telematics is a branch of technology that deals with long-distance transmission of computerised information. On vehicles such as buses, telematics is an installed system that monitors key functions of the vehicle and reports this data to one central hub off the bus. Yet, this sleek technology wasn’t always so complex. Australian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) executive director Mace Hartley says telematics has evolved its purpose since its historical inception. “Historically, telematics started as a

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

way of locating assets at any given time,” Hartley told ABC. “Back in the day its first purpose was as a locating tool. “Now there are hundreds of uses for telematics. Since its inception it has come a very long way.” It’s difficult to find something that telematics can’t do while installed on a bus. Hartley says a primary function of modern fleet management technology is to act as a live monitor inside a bus. Cameras facing the driver’s seat and the road are often paired with bus monitoring software that can indicate significant events occurring in the bus. This ranges from harsh braking or poor cornering to bursts of quick acceleration to help fleet owners better understand how drivers perform. Hartley says that bus drivers once hated the idea of being constantly monitored by camera and live incident observations. But perspectives have changed and members of the bus industry have realised the benefits this feedback and technology can have. Instead of being used to solely hold bus drivers to account, the AfMA executive director says fleet management solutions can actually protect drivers. “A benefit of using this technology on buses is that, when taking passengers, there may be incidents where passengers fall due to a serve or harsh braking,” Hartley said.

“Unfortunately, in this litigious world some bus drivers may receive claims for damages. If you have telematics installed in the bus then it’ll tell its own story. These systems have gyroscopes built into them that tell the story based on time whether there was an event and it can often protect drivers.” Hartley says the Australian telematics market now provides various solutions to transport fleets that can have both driver-facing and forward-facing cameras installed. He says when they were first introduced, they received plenty of pushback from drivers not wanting to be constantly recorded on the job. But there’s no need for drivers to be concerned about always being watched. Hartley says telematics technology

only stores camera footage and incident reporting if there is a harsh event that happens, such as a crash. Modern telematics is so streamlined that systems now record only 30-second snapshots of time before or after the bus swerves or brakes harshly. Hartley reiterates that this technology is mainly installed to protect drivers and prevents them from being blamed whenever there’s an incident. “What this technology does is protect the majority of bus drivers,” Hartley said. “There are occasions when a driver error that causes the problem and creates an incident, but nine times out of 10 telematics and built-in cameras actually vindicate the driver. “For the most part it is used to capture other vehicles on the road pulling out in front of buses or flying around a corner and identifies what has caused the incident.” This system is invaluable for drivers who receive complaints from passengers. Yet, telematics is also a helpful resource for fleet owners who are wanting to increase the efficiency and safety of its buses and staff. Hartley said that, over time, predictive maintenance has become a key benefit of having telematics solutions installed on buses. From a bus operator’s perspective, it doesn’t just cut time and costs – it also keeps vehicles safe and ensure dangerous incidents on the road are less likely to occur. “Having telematics on a fleet of buses has the ability to provide a range of predictive breakdown features,” Hartley said. “It can say how long the battery has left, it can notify drivers and operators when brake pads are down to a certain level. “This predictive analytics around breakdowns has the opportunity to reduce repair and maintenance costs exponentially. It means operators won’t have to pull buses off roads every other day to run checks, as the systems can tell them how the bus is running.”

This predictive analytics around breakdowns has the opportunity to reduce repair and maintenance costs exponentially. This ability to access bus maintenance data means operators can plan for repairs in downtime to maximise services. Hartley says many operators weren’t initially inclined to spend extra money on installing and maintaining these solutions. But the evolving possibilities that telematics opens the door to has quickly become too good to turn down. Telematics isn’t just a fancy addition to bus fleets. Hartley said new mandates on fleet management safety technology onboard buses has become widespread as it provides easier ways to hold operators accountable. The AfMA executive director says fleet owners used to have the opportunity to turn a blind eye towards poor driving or faulty parts. But mandating the installation of telematics means there’s no excuse for operators to use if they don’t make changes when bus drivers are speeding or certain parts of a bus need maintenance works completed. “Telematics has stopped historical attitudes and ensured managers are held accountable for what goes on with their buses,” Hartley said. “Now, organisations seemed to have gotten passed this and are seeing the benefits. “They now realise there are hundreds of ways telematics can be used to

benefit their fleet and their customers.” Telematics used to be a niche corner of the bus industry, but now the number of fleet management technology providers is increasing. Evolving solutions now help operators to choose which buses can be switched across to electric or zero-emission vehicles. Hartley said operators should consider which companies offer the best post-service care for solutions when considering telematics systems. There are many helpful features modern telematics possess, all from the power of a singular screen and unseen connections installed in the bus’ framework. While technology continues to advance, Hartley said the transport industry should be prepared for an unimaginable amount of data being sent straight to fleet operators’ fingertips. If industry members embrace it, he says they will reap the rewards too. “The power of telematics is incredible,” Hartley said. “In some cases, the many different features being included on management solutions is being channelled back into giving driver bonuses and benefiting all workers in a company, so it’s good for everyone. “With what we’ve seen recently in the growth of telematics, the sky is the limit with what’s possible.” busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

TELEMATICS

CONSAT TELEMATICS

CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS

Consat Telematics’ managing director talks to ABC magazine about its latest electric bus technology.

riginally Consat sold telematics products for public transport vehicles. But now the company has evolved to provide telematic and electric bus solutions that lead the way in the emerging market of zero-emission buses that are always connected. Consat Telematic’s system presents as a small screen next to the driver’s dashboard. It sits just next to the steering wheel, easily missed by passengers when they climb aboard a bus. But behind this monitor is a high-tech computer, cables and antennas that form Consat’s world leading solutions. The tap of a finger on Consat’s monitor can control the entire bus system and beyond. The telematics company provides the hardware and software as part of its solutions, and what it can do with its technology is mind blowing. Consat relies on an open interface mantra that means it can integrate telematics data to do some amazing things on public transport vehicles. The depth of Consat’s technology starts with the ability to glean the schedule of electric buses in a public transport fleet. With this knowledge,

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

it can prioritise the charging of certain buses so that the vehicle is fully charged and ready to drive when it heads out on its first route of the day. It’s enough to excite Consat Asia-Pacific managing director Lachlan Mackay. “There are other cool things we can do too,” Mackay told ABC magazine. “If the bus is in a place where the ambient air temperature is high, like Queensland, then our technology can turn the air conditioner on in the bus while it’s still on charge. “This means when the bus leaves the depot it’s already at a comfortable temperature and it doesn’t have to waste battery to cool it down – we call it preconditioning.” But Consat’s technology doesn’t just control on the bus. With electric charging infrastructure growing quickly, Consat has updated its solution to turn electric chargers on and off automatically when a bus stops to charge. Mackay said that this technology has many benefits for electric bus operators. It includes eliminating electric bus range anxiety, as telematics data can issue accurate range predictions, as well as making electric vehicles safer and more comfortable for everyone onboard. Alongside these new technological possibilities on electric vehicles, Consat

can use its telematics solutions to provide an unimaginable amount of data. With its geofencing technology, Consat can also map different sets of data to ensure buses avoid low bridges, high-traffic areas or weight-restricted bridges and roads. It goes to such deep depths that it features a state-wide map of New South Wales’ school zones to alert drivers if they are speeding in a school area – all in the name of safety and efficiency. When it comes to charging, it can now integrate and control electric bus chargers offline using standard protocols like OCPP, VDV 261, VDV 461 and VDV 463. The proof of Consat’s telematics capabilities is in the pudding. In only five years of operating in Australia, the company has worked with large clients including Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) and Victoria’s Department of Transport. “Our largest client is TfNSW – most in the industry know of the partnership we have with them,” Mackay said. “We’re rolling out our solution to all 3,000 rural and regional buses in NSW. “We’re a bit over a third of the way there at the moment, with around 1,300 buses live running our solution.” Consat Asia-Pacific program manager

Kirsten Townsend said the company’s largest Australian project with TfNSW has proven that integration and the ability to adapt quickly is crucial. She added that Consat’s Australian partnerships stay true to its goals to interact openly and adapt to the changing nature of public transport technology. Other current projects include working with Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to provide it with real-time data off new electric vehicles. Consat is also expanding to provide solutions to body builders like Volgren and others so that new buses are pre-fitted with its solutions. It also works with operators such as Kinetic to fit its technology onto pre-existing public transport vehicles. But Consat’s team isn’t just there to install the solutions. The company’s experts can also troubleshoot issues and help maintain the quality of on-board technology. Mackay said that he has come to truly appreciate the depth of his team’s experience in telematics and how valuable it is when it comes to providing evolving solutions for customers. “We only have a small team but they are very experienced,” he said. “Our experience in telematics and integration on public transport vehicles is second to none. We regularly diagnose issues on chassis FMS or body CAN that have been missed by others. “I remind my team – we often forget the depth and level of our experience, having that in-house capability we’re able to support our local customers.” Consat’s telematics technology may look simple when it appears as just a monitor on a bus driver’s dashboard, but its solutions are incredibly in-depth. Consat’s expertise comes from over 30 years of providing solutions to the public transport industry. It all started in Sweden in 1989, when Consat was using VHF radio systems to report onboard bus data back to a central system. With technology evolving,

We may be relatively new here in Australia, but we aren’t a new company and our solutions are cutting-edge. Consat has also expanded as a company. The telematics provider now operates in Canada and North America, Norway, Middle East and Brazil. It made the decision to open business in Australia in 2017. Mackay said Consat has been on an incredible journey so far. “Thirty-three years is a long time in IT and an even longer time in public transport,” Mackay said. “We may be relatively new here in Australia, but we aren’t a new company and our solutions are cutting-edge.” Although Consat’s solutions provide operational safety and efficiency for electric buses, its technology is also suitable for a wide range of public transport vehicles. Buses, trams, trains, ferries, garbage trucks and snowploughs all have Consat solutions operating on them right now. It’s all enough to surprise Mackay when he sits back and looks at the evolution of Consat Telematics over the past 33 years.

Top: Consat’s onboard computer provides a powerful suite of interfaces.

“We’ve seen a huge change in technology since we first started in Sweden,” he said. “We were built from the ground-up for public transport, so our foundation is solid. This enables us to adapt over time to changes in technology, transport operations, even customer behavioural changes. “We are continuously developing and enhancing our solutions – it’s a living system.”

Above: Consat AsiaPacific program manager Kirsten Townsend. Opposite top: Consat’s geofencing data can map bus routes to avoid low bridges and warn bus drivers when they are in lower-speed school zones. Opposite bottom: Consat AsiaPacific managing director Lachlan Mackay.

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

TELEMATICS

ZF BUS CONNECT POWERING FLEETS Digital solutions is an important part of the company’s Next Generation Mobility strategy

F is taking a careful approach to introducing its latest bus fleet management system to the Australian and New Zealand market. It says it’ll be worthwhile when it unveils the detailed technology this year. When ZF Services sought to convert from the diesel bus market to the electric vehicle space, it focused on efficiency. Recent global data from ZF’s Bus Connect telematics system vindicates this angle. The current solutions are slashing 30,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from electric buses monthly while saving 10,000 litres of fuel monthly for diesel vehicles. With plans to introduce this system to the Australian bus market by the end of the year, ZF Oceania is intent on making the nation’s bus fleets efficient, safer and more sustainable. ZF’s Bus Connect management system can optimise operations for fleet owners. ZF application engineer Jason Moses says the bus telematics solutions builds upon the company’s intimate knowledge of providing bus transmissions and axles. He says it’s this product knowledge that makes ZF Bus Connect monitoring system a unique option for fleet owners looking to install telematics on their vehicles. “Like all other telematics systems in the electric bus market, there’s a certain amount of reporting that a fleet operator can see on their fleet of buses,” Moses told ABC magazine. “The difference is that we understand the bus product and market so well that we like to think our bus system is more future-

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

proofed when compared to others. “We have tailored our solutions to electric bus fleets and that’ll be our point of difference.” ZF has been working hard to ensure specific electric bus data like battery state of charge and charging data are included in its Bus Connect telematics system. The company is taking its time to install intricate features to help fleet operators plan and predict how long buses need to run and charge for while driving on daily routes. Moses says ZF’s fleet management solutions was developed for city bus and coaches. Versatility was at the front of mind – Bus Connect can be installed with both electric and combustion engines as well as hybrid systems in a mixed fleet. These new electric bus additions will partner with other mainstay telematics options that focus on

driver monitoring. With ZF’s management system, fleet operators can watch live views inside a bus while tracking the route and speed of vehicles. Moses says this detailed data will create driver profiles that can be relayed to both drivers and fleet operators to create scoring systems for daily, weekly and monthly behaviours. Fleet managers can also use this data to form digital logbooks for drivers and ensure their safety is prioritised. For owners operating in states where they are legally required to report driver rest breaks, ZF’s automated technology can help them remain compliant and avoid penalties. Moses says this new technology should push bus driver safety to the forefront and help drivers avoid unnecessary collisions. “We want it to increase driver safety along with fuel management

Above: Bus Connect management system optimises fleets by reporting operating data. Opposite top: Bus Connect has been tailored to electric buses, with ZF saying the technology is more futureproof.

and passenger comfort,” Moses said. In its own unique way, ZF Oceania is actively tailoring its solutions to suit various sized fleets even with a mix of vehicle brands and types in one fleet. The basic solution is the ZF Bus Connect system, which comes along with a single powerful connectivity gateway and provides a live view of fleets and vehicles, along with logbooks of driven routes and an introduction to data analytics on energy consumption or a brake check. For those looking straight for a more sophisticated solutions or those who are already a ZF Bus Connect user and want to add some more advanced features, the ZF Bus Connect Pro includes improved driving practices with profiles, access to rich data analytics, remote diagnostics and proactive vehicle inspections. The top level of ZF’s data gathering comes with the ZF Bus Connect Custom solution. This level of ZF’s management solutions grants access to raw vehicle data, complete data flexibility, tailormade solutions with custom analytics and geo-fencing zone alerts for drivers and operators. “If fleet owners want specific bits of information to really dig into unique vehicle data, like the temperature of the high voltage battery or electric motor, they can get that and filter it into a custom field on

We want it to increase driver safety along with fuel management and passenger comfort. the ZF Bus Connect Custom,” Moses said. One might expect that this much technology would take up a large amount of space, spread out on a bus. But Moses said the beauty of the ZF telematics system is that it’s compacted into one unit and can be tailored in size and appearance. This means some solutions may only be seen as a single monitor displayed next to a driver’s dashboard. In some cases, it may not even be visible for passengers and drivers. “We are making a flexible package rather than having a bus with multiple devices connected to it,” Moses said. “It can be a small screen that displays feedback directly to the driver so they know how they’re driving, or it may not even need to be there, depending on the option the customer takes.” The system is already being implemented and observed in Europe. ZF Services Oceania head of sales Gary Bain said Hong Kong is also warming to the solutions, with around 5,500 buses using ZF’s technology to manage fleets. Now, the challenge for

ZF comes with adapting the system to the local markets. “Now that telematics is becoming more of a requirement in Australia and New Zealand, we’re trying to bring it into the local market,” Bain told ABC. “ZF Bus Connect has been around for a few years but not in Australia. ZF Oceania will have live demos and a screen available to show people at this year’s 2022 Australasian Bus & Coach Expo.” ZF is working hard to implement this new detailed telematics system on Australian buses. While it does this, Bain said the company will continue embracing the challenge of moving into the electric bus fleet management sector. “We’re now moving into the e-mobility space,” Bain said. “We’ve got an electric drive axle and we’re looking into an electric power-assisted hydraulic steering system. “But, along with collision avoidance and lane keeping features, this upcoming Bus Connect system is at the cutting edge of our bus technology.” busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

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2 X 2013 MERCEDES BENZ 0500RF

2 X 2014 MERCEDES BENZ 0500RF

2 X 2020 MERCEDES BENZ 0500RF 0500RF

Wheelchair lift,manual,Irizar 14.5m “Century” bodies,58 lap sash seat belted seats, toilet, A/C, plus more, travelled approx.1,530-1,660,000klms

Wheelchair lift, 12sp automated manual, Irizar 14.5m “I6” bodies, 58 lap sash seat belted seats, toilet, A/C, plus more, travelled approx.1,6001,740,000klms

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-418

$135,000+GST each

2014 BCI “CLASSMASTER 71”

2012 SCANIA A30

2011 BCI “EXPLORER” CUMMINS ISM410HP

Wheelchair lift, 8sp automated manual, BCI 14.5m bodies,58 lap sash seat belted seats, toilet, Thermo King A/C, 8 camera surveillance system, plus more, travelled approx. 320-360,000klms

2 X 2014/5 MAN 18-360

3 X 2008 SCANIA K380IB

automatic, Wheelchair lift equipped, 12.5m Irizar “I6” bodies, 48 lap sash seat belted seats, toilet, A/C, plus more, travelled approx.1,350,000klms

Wheelchair lift, 8sp manual,Irizar 12.5m “Century” bodies, 48 lap sash seat belted seats, USB ports,DVD, tachograph, toilet, A/C,

$155,000+GST each

$390,000+GST each

$175,000+GST each

Reduced to $65,000+GST each

2017 MERCEDES BENZ 0500RF

3 X 2008 SCANIA K380IB

2013 VOLVO B9 I Shift, 12.5m Irizar I6 body, 40

2012 BLK “PRESIDENT 3”

2 X 2014 BCI “CRUISER 12”

travelled approx. 875,00klm

Cummins ISM440, Allison automatic, 62 lap sash seat belted recliners in leather, A/C, large underfloor bins, toilet, many extras, travelled approx. 455,000klms

Cummins ISL360 automatic, 48 lap asash seat belted recliners, rear toilet, USB ports, DVD, large underfloor bins, USB ports, many extras, travelled approx 765,000klms

516CDI, automatic, LWB, 17 Styleride seats including lap sash seat belts, Dual A/C, carpet, silver, travelled approx. 137,000klm

$140,000+GST

$155,000+GST

$125,000+GST each

$90,000+GST each

Cummins ISL360, Allison automatic, 14.5m, 71 fixed coach seats inc lap sash seat belts, A/C, underfloor bins, DVD, Alloys, travelled approx. 230,000klms

ZF automatic, 57 passenger lap sash seat belted, DVD, large underfloor bins, A/C, travelled approx. 95,000klms.

$190,000+GST

$230,000+GST

8sp, Irizar 13.5m “Century 3900” body, 57 lap sash seat belted recliners, wheelchair lift, A/C, underfloor bins, DVD, travelled approx. 1.2 mill,

Reduced to $80,000+GST each

lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, 2 door,rear toilet, underfloor bins, DVD, many extras,

K320IB, Opticruise, 53 lap sash seat belted seats in vinyl, A/C, underfloor bins, alloys, travelled approx. 280,000klms

$110,000+GST

Allison auto inc retarder, 58 lap sash seat belted leather recliners, rear toilet, Tracs A/C, large underfloor bins, very clean, complete service history

Wheelchair lift equipped $99,000+GST

2017 MERCEDES BENZ

PLUS MANY MORE, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT www.roddhoodsbusandcoachsales.com Mobile: 0417 699 980 - Email: rodd.hood@bigpond.com.au LICENSED MOTOR DEALER 3341258

Over 37 years experience in the bus and coach industry

FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like ABC on Facebook for a unique mix of bus news, reviews, events & entertainment visit facebook.com/ABCBusnews

ABC JUNE 2022 busnews.com.au

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EVENTS

INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR 2022 Be sure not to miss out on an opportunity for these fantastic in-person events.

NATIONAL BUS INDUSTRY SUMMIT 28–29 JUNE 2022 CANBERRA This two-day summit program will cover some of the critical issues currently facing the bus industry, and also what’s on the horizon. The summit will focus on three areas that are of high impact across the entire operational and supply chain of the bus industry. The summit will commence Tuesday 28 June, addressing the areas of accessible transport, heavy vehicle law and zero emission technology and transition. Day 2 of the summit will see dedicated seminars and workshops in the areas of industrial relations for operators and technical issues (current and emerging) for suppliers. The BIC will also host an industry dinner on the night of day one. movingpeople.com.au/summit 52

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

BUSVIC MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 7–8 JULY 2022 The Melbourne Showgrounds will host the 2022 BusVic Maintenance Conference & Trade Show, a leading industry annual conference, trade show and networking event. This year’s event will include maintenance, technical and management conference sessions and workshops, all delivered throughout the show. Premium keynote speakers and entertainers will form the line-up of the two-day conference program. The event will include an Industry Gala Dinner on 7 July at the Sovereign Room at the Melbourne Conference Centre. It will close with networking drinks on 8 July at the Showgrounds. www.busvic.asn.au/2022conference

MEGATRANS

24-26 AUGUST 2022 MELBOURNE Check out what’s taking place in the general world of transport and logistics at the 2022 Megatrans events taking place this August. Occupying the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Building, Megatrans is Australia’s largest integrated conference and exhibition dedicated to the logistics industry. While the focus is on logistics, the event can provide some insights into advances for the transport industry, as Megatrans will showcase the latest in artificial intelligence, robotics, telematics and route optimisation, intelligent fleet systems and advanced analytics. It will take place alongside Bulk2022, which will similarly offer insights into the logistics and multimodal freight sector. Megatrans.com.au

AUSTRALASIA BUS & COACH EXPO 2022 5–6 OCTOBER 2022 SYDNEY Australasian Bus & Coach magazine is proud to be the Official Media Partner for the 2022 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo. Taking place at Sydney Olympic Park, the event will be an opportunity

to see and evaluate the latest in bus technology – including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses – all in one location. Organisers expect exhibition spaces to sell out, with strong interest in both exhibiting and attending. The event will include a Volvo Welcome Function on Tuesday 4 October and an Industry Gala Dinner on Wednesday 5 October. www.busandcoachexpo.com.au

2022 BIC NATIONAL CONFERENCE 13–16 NOVEMBER 2022 BRISBANE The Bus Industry Confederation will hold its National Conference in Brisbane from 13 to 16 November. The theme for the National Bus Industry Conference is ‘Moving People – Navigating Change’. The conference aims to engage high level discussion on current and emerging issues, trends and challenges for our moving people industry. The program will include presentations from highly regarded policy leaders and policy thinkers to engage delegates on what our future cities and regions look like and future transport needs. Industry is currently experiencing a number of external factors that for many, will mean a new or adapted sustainable business model for the future. The conference will include a blockbuster session on zero emissions and examine business agility and resilience in recovering from environmental and health impacts such as floods and pandemics. https://movingpeople.com.au

Above: Discuss the latest technologies at the 2022 BusVic Trade Show in July. Opposite top: The 2022 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo will take place in Sydney in October. Left: The National Bus Industry Summit will take place in Canberra.

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

DELIVERIES

MAY 2022

In the body-building sector, Volgren retained its top spot with 31.

Positive news for May

Bus deliveries managed to break three figures for May in an excellent result for the sector.

ay was a great month for bus deliveries, reaching a total of 102 for the month – the highest deliveries figure of 2022 so far. In the chassis sector, Scania and Volvo were joint first on 23 each. Scania maintained its April total, but this was an increase of 10 for Volvo and its highest total of the year so far. In third was Yutong with 21 – a huge increase of 20 on its April total and also its highest total of the year. I-Bus also did well with 14 – up from five in April – while BCI reported seven, down from 15 in April. Mercedes-Benz remained steady on six, down one from April’s seven, while MAN and BYD both reported two. The final four companies delivered one each. In the body-building sector, Volgren retained its top spot with 31 – up from April’s 26 and its highest total of the year. Yutong took second with 21, up from one in April and again it’s highest total for 2022. I-Bus came in third with 14 – an increase of five on April, while BCI dropped from 15 in April to eight in May. Custom Denning remained steady on five, while Coach Concepts saw an increase to five from two in April. Coach Design and Express Coaches both saw an increase of one on April to reach a total of three each. The remaining 11 bodies were supplied by 10 manufacturers, including the first bodies from Omnibus, Scania and Bonluck this year.

In the air conditioning sector, Thermo King remained on top with 40 – its highest total of the year – while Cling-Yutong reported 21, up from one in April. King Long doubled its April total to reach 10, while Coachair recorded its highest total of the year with seven. MCC saw a drop from April’s 13 to six, while Valeo bumped up from three to six. Kingtec saw its highest result for 2022 with five, while Hispacold saw a large drop from 15 in April to three in May. Spheros was up one on three, while Konvekta saw its first delivery of the year. At the state level, Victoria retained its top slot with 40 deliveries – the highest state result of 2022 and outstripping NSW in second place with 22. Western Australia remained steady with an increase of one from 19 in April to 20 in May. Queensland saw an increase of three from April’s 13 to May’s 16, while South Australia saw two deliveries. The Northern Territory and Tasmania both saw one delivery each. Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for May. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion.

At the state level, Victoria retained its top slot with 40 deliveries – the highest state result of 2022.

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

Volgren 31 Yutong 21 I-Bus 14 BCI 8 Custom Denning 6 Coach Concepts 5 Coach Design 3 Express Coaches 3 Bustech 3

SALES BY BODY

BLK 1 Bonluck 1

In the body-building sector, Volgren retained its top spot with 31 – up from April’s 26 and its highest total of the year. Yutong took second with 21, up from one in April and again it’s highest total for 2022. I-Bus came in third with 14 – an increase of five on April – while BCI dropped from 15 in April to eight in May. Custom Denning remained steady on five, while Coach Concepts saw an increase to five from two in April. Coach Design and Express Coaches both saw an increase of one on April to reach a total of three each. The remaining 11 bodies were supplied by 10 manufacturers, including the first bodies from Omnibus, Scania and Bonluck this year.

Irizar 1 King Long 1 Marcopolo 1 Omnibus 1 P&D coachworks 1 Scania 1

2% 1% 1% SA

NT TAS

16%

40% VIC

QLD

Percentage by

REGION

In the air conditioning sector, Thermo King remained on top with 40 – its highest total of the year, while Cling-Yutong reported 21, up from one in April. King Long doubled its April total to reach 10, while Coachair recorded its highest total of the year with seven. MCC saw a drop from April’s 13 to six while Valeo bumped up from three to six. Kingtec saw its highest result for 2022 with five, while Hispacold saw a large drop from 15 in April to three in May. Spheros was up one on three, while Konvekta saw its first delivery of the year.

Thermo King 40 Cling-Yutong 21 King Long 10 Coachair 7 MCC 6

20% WA

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

Valeo Kingtec Hispacold Spheros Konvekta

22%

6 5 3 3 1

SCANIA 23

NSW

VOLVO 23 YUTONG 21 I-BUS 14 BCI 7 MERCEDES-BENZ 6 BYD 2

Sales by chassis

MAN 2

In the chassis sector, Scania and Volvo were joint first on 23 each. Scania maintained its April total but this was an increase of 10 for Volvo and its highest total of the year so far. In third was Yutong with 21, a huge increase of 20 on its April total and also its highest total of the year. I-Bus also did well with 14 – up from five in April – while BCI reported seven, down from 15 in April. Mercedes-Benz remained steady on six, down one from April’s seven, while MAN and BYD both reported two. The final four companies delivered one each.

BUSTECH 1 CUSTOM DENNING 1 HINO 1 KING LONG 1

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

DELIVERIES

MAY 2022 ENGINES

TRANSMISS

UNITS

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION

CHASSIS

BCI

G&H Robertson Northfleet

QLD WA

1 6

BCI Cruiser 12 BCI Fleetmaster

BCI BCI

400 325

R R

Euro 5 Euro 5

A A

BUSTECH GROUP

Metro Tasmania

TAS

Bustech XDI1.1 ULF

Elphinstone Pty Ltd

–

Euro 6

BYD CUSTOM DENNING HINO I-BUS AUSTRALIA

Kinetic Melbourne – N/A

VIC WA NSW

2 1 1

BYD D9RA Custom Denning Hino RN8J

Volgren Custom Denning P&D Coachworks

300kW 280 286

R R R

Zero Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A

PCYC PCYC St Bede's Cathedral School Good News Lutheran Carey Baptist Loxton Darling Downs Greyhound NT Fleet

QLD QLD VIC QLD VIC VIC QLD QLD QLD NT

1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 2 1

Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NPS Isuzu NPS

I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus

190 190 190 190 190 190 190 191 190 190

F F F F F F F F F F

– – – – – – – – – –

AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT

KING LONG MAN

–

QLD

King Long 6911AY

King Long

250

–

Coast and Country Buses Rockleigh Tours

QLD QLD

1 1

MAN IC.19.320.RR8 MAN IC.19.320.RR8

Bonluck BLK President 2

320 320

R R

Euro 5 Euro 5

A A

MERCEDES BENZ

– – – – – –

WA VIC VIC NSW VIC VIC

1 1 1 1 1 1

MB OC500RF E5 1936 MB O500RS MB OC500RF E5 1936 MB OC500RF E5 1936 MB O500R MB XBC

Omnibus Coach Design BCI Custom Denning Custom Denning Express Coaches

360 360 360 360 300 260

R R R R R R

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A A A A

SCANIA

CDC Victoria P/L CDC Victoria P/L CDC Victoria P/L Deluxe Coachlines (Aust) Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure Horsham Bus Lines/Wimmera Roadways Horsham Bus Lines/Wimmera Roadways L C Dyson's Bus Services Pty Ltd L C Dyson's Bus Services Pty Ltd L C Dyson's Bus Services Pty Ltd Littles Coaches Mt Gravatt Coach & Travel Popes Consolidated Bus Lines

VIC VIC VIC VIC SA SA VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC QLD VIC

2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 1

Scania K 320 UB4X2 Scania K 320 UB4X2 Scania K 320 UB4X2 Scani K 490 EB4X2 Scania K 320 UB4X2 Scania K 320 UB4X2 Scania K 310 IB4X2 Scania K 310 IB4X2 Scania K 320C B4x2LB Scania K 320C B4x2LB Scania K 410 EB6X2*4 Scania K 310 IB4X2 Scania K 310 IB4X2 Scania K 310 IB4X2

Volgren Volgren Volgren Coach Design Bustech Bustech Coach Concepts Coach Design Volgren Volgren Coach Concepts Coach Concepts Scania Higer Coach Concepts

320 320 320 490 320 320 310 310 320 320 410 310 310 310

R R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

VOLVO

Sydney Coach Charter Allens Coaches Busways Buslines Group CDC CDC Winjeel Holdings CDC Victoria Public Transport Authority WA Public Transport Authority WA

NSW NSW NSW NSW Victoria NSW Victoria Victoria WA WA

1 1 3 2 3 1 1 3 6 2

Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8RLE Volvo B8RLE Volvo B5LH Volvo B8R Volvo B11 Volvo B5LH VolvoB8RLE Volvo B8RLEA

Marcopolo Irizar Custom Denning Express Volgren Volgren Coach Concepts Volgren Volgren Volgren

330 350 330 330 240 330 460 240 320 320

R R R R R R R R R R

Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5

A AS A A AS A A A A A

YUTONG

– – – – – – – – – –

WA QLD QLD NSW NSW NSW NSW VIC VIC VIC

4 1 1 1 1 9 1 1 1 1

Yutong D7 Yutong D8 Yutong D9 Yutong D10 Yutong D11 Yutong E12 Yutong D12 Yutong D7 Yutong 9 Yutong D9

Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

190 190 190 190 190 422kWh 360 190 250 250

F F F F F R R F R R

Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Zero Emission Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6

A A A A A – A A A A

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

TOTAL DELIVERIES 102

(Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

A: Automa M: Manu AS: Auto-S O: Opticru

A A A Opticru Opticru A A A A A Opticru A A A

NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION

AXLES

TRANSMISSION

BODY LENGTH

Euro 5 Euro 5

A A

ZF Allison

2 2

12.3 12.3

Thermo King MCC

– X

X –

– –

X X

– –

Euro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

Zero Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A

BYD Allison ZF

2 2 2

12.1 10.2 12

Thermoking Thermo King Thermo King

– 43 57

– –

37 – –

– – –

– – – – – – – – – –

AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT AMT

Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 - 4x4 2 - 4x4

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7

King Long Kingtec King Long King Long King Long King Long King Long Kingtec Kingtec Kingtec

32 26 32 32 32 32 32 26 20 20

– – – – – – – – – –

missions andard

A: Automatic M: Manual AS: Auto-Shift O: Opticruise

TRANS MAKE

(metres)

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

WHEEL CHAIR LIFT ACCESS

Y Y

N N

–

Sege Sege Bustech/Bendtech/ McConnell

–

X – –

– X X

McConnell Styleride McConnell

N Y Y

– – –

– – – – – – – – – –

APM APM APM APM APM APM APM – APM APM

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y – Y Y

– – – – – – – – – –

–

Meritor

9.1

King Long

–

Euro 5 Euro 5

A A

ZF ZF

2 2

12.35 12.35

Spheros Spheros

57 57

– –

– X

– –

X –

Sege Sege

Y Y

N N

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A A A A

ZF Ecolife ZF Ecolife ZF Ecolife ZF Ecolife ZF Ecolife Allison T280R

2 2 2 2 2 2

12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.5 12.5

Thermo King Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King

57 61 57 57 57 43

– – – – – –

X X X X X X

McConnell McConnell Sege Styleride Styleride McConnell

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N Y

Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A Opticruise Opticruise A A A A A Opticruise A A A

ZF ZF ZF Scania Scania ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Scania ZF ZF ZF

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

12 12 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12 12.5 14.5 12.3 12.3 12.5

Thermo King Coachair Coachair Thermo King Hispacold Hispacold Thermo King Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Konvekta Thermo King

– – – 57 43 43 57 57 – – – 57 – 57

– – – – – – – – – – 58 – 57 –

44 41 41 – – – – – 40 40 – – – –

– – – – – – – – – – X – – –

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

X X X – X X – – X X – – – –

– – – X – – X X – – – X X X

McConnell McConnell McConnell Styleride Precision Bus Precision Bus Styleride Styleride NB Trimming NB Trimming Styleride McConnell APM Styleride

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5

A AS A A AS A A A A A

ZF Volvo ZF ZF Volvo I-Shift ZF Volvo I-Shift Volvo I-Shift ZF ZF

2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3

12.3 12.5 12.5 12.5 11.9 12.5 13-14.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9

Spheros Hispacold Thermo King Thermo King Valeo Coachair Coachair Valeo Thermo King Thermo King

57 – X X – – – 40 – –

– 57 – – – – 46 – – –

– – 57 50 40 55 – – 41 –

– – – – – – X – – –

X X – – – – – – – –

– – – X X – – X X X

– – X – – X – – – –

Marcopolo Sege Styleride Styleride McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell

Y Y Y Y N/A N/A Y N N N

– – – – – – – – – –

Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 o Emission Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6

A A A A A – A A A A

Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison – Allison Allison Allison Allison

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

8 8 8 8 8 12.5 12.4 8 10 10

Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong

– – – – – – – – – –

– – – – – 44 – – – –

– – – – – – – – – –

– 28 28 28 28 – 57 28 – –

– – – – – X – – – –

28 – – – – – – – 39 39

Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Styleride Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y

N N N N N Y N N N N

busnews.com.au June 2022 ABC

NEWS

THE BACK SEAT

Double decker love

A Queensland couple has restored an iconic bus that takes them back to when they first met.

aul and Roz Willcocks met on a Top Deck Overland tour bus, and now they will be spending plenty more time in one. Paul Willcocks still fondly remembers the first time he drove a Top Deck Overland tour bus in the 1980s. “I was backpacking and sailing around the world, jumping boat to boat,” he told ABC magazine. “I got to London and saw an advertisement for Top Deck and they were desperate for road crew. “I went to do the training trip and got the shock of my life. But I ended up driving around Europe for a season doing half a dozen trips.” After stumbling upon Top Deck Overland tours, Paul found it hard to leave. He was driving or acting as a tour guide on what was known as a party bus around Europe and from London to Kathmandu. He recalls many great moments on board the bus, including meeting his wife, Roz. Fast forward 40 years and Paul is finding himself again on a former Lodekka model Top Deck doubledecker bus. It wasn’t easy for Paul to find the old-style bus and restore it in north Queensland’s Hydeaway Bay. Based in the Whitsundays, he stumbled upon the former Top Deck bus after seeing the company’s reunion plans on a Facebook group. He then traversed the internet until he could secure a Lodekka 503BTA model of a Top Deck bus from a wrecking yard – the same model he drove from London to Kathmandu and back. It was shipped to Australia, but not without problems. “We first had to get it cleared in customs so it had to be squeaky clean with no gas or oil on it,” Paul said. “We had it painted over, sandblasted and restored to road-worthy condition. “We then waited 10 weeks for it to arrive in the Port of Brisbane, only to find that the motor wasn’t working.” From Hydeaway Bay, he pulled out the motor and sent it to get fixed

ABC June 2022 busnews.com.au

Above: Paul and Roz Willcocks are now driving their restored bus around Australia. Right: The Top Deck Overland tours travelled around Europe and from London to Kathmandu.

by another Top Deck bus enthusiast based in Brisbane. When the motor was finally returned in working condition, Paul could begin driving the four-metre tall behemoth. “They aren’t easy to drive,” he said. “It has a six-cylinder gardener motor in it, chugs down the highway at 80 kilometres an hour and has a very slowrevving motor. It has a crash gearbox , vacuum brakes and no power steering, so it’s not easy to park.” But the old-style bus is still treasured by both Paul and Roz. Like the Top Deck buses that used to get named back in the day, the pair endeared the vehicle with the name ‘Tranquilo’. It’s a reference to a Spanish word that Paul says means “sit down, shut up, be cool and don’t worry”. The word was a popular one from back in his Top Deck driving days. The bus is clearly a nostalgic token for the couple. “It’s all definitely worthwhile,” he said. “It’s all aluminium and timber and it just lasts and lasts – it hasn’t seen a garage in 25 years.”

The pair had first looked to use the bus commercially. “The original plan when we got it was to make money – use it as an accommodation and a wedding bus,” Paul said. “But motor issues and Cyclone Debbie took years off of it, so we put the handbrake on the idea.” The couple have just started their retirement, having sold their caravan park in Hydeaway Bay in early May. They are now intent on using the bus for their own leisure. Drivers along the east coast will be seeing the restored bus chugging along highways in the coming years, with a happy retired couple behind the wheel, reliving the days when they first met. “Our first trip was down to Ballina and back a few years ago to visit my family and it went pretty well,” Paulsaid. “Now we’re looking for our next one – we’ll definitely be doing some trips with it soon.”

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