Australasian Bus & Coach 422 October 2022

in manufacturing time and processes to provide an efficient and purpose-built quality product. Our collaboration has enabled us to change the way vehicles are designed for operations within Australia, we have spent the time gathering data with local operators to ensure our products will meet the flexible needs and better suit the transition to New Energy Products

Zooming in on zero

t felt like only yesterday that companies like Tesla first broke into the news with plans to design electric vehicles. With new-fangled designs that looked like they came from sci-fi movies, it’s difficult to fathom how quickly the world has adjusted to the idea of vehicles being powered by electricity or hydrogen.

Yet here we are. Just a few years later and events like this month’s Australasian Bus & Coach Expo are jam-packed with heavy vehicles that predominantly run on battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell technology. It’s remarkable to see the change.

It’s only been three years since the last Expo was held, but for the industry it felt like a lifetime. It was wonderful to see the majority of members packing tightly into the Volvo Welcome function on the opening night. A full and loud Sydney Showgrounds at the BusNSW Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony was a

other side, the Expo proved everyone has some exciting tricks up their sleeves.

The past two editions of ABC magazine may have been larger than usual, but this month’s recap of the Expo takes the cake. Inside these pages is a testament to the Australian industry for its ability to devise some of the nation’s leading transport technology. It’s no secret that our sector is leading the way in Australia when it comes to zero-emission development. To do so with limited design guidelines and produce the array of products on show at the Expo proves the industry is particularly innovative and unique.

Starting on page 36, our Bus & Coach Expo recap section shows such a diverse range of companies coming out with variations to popular products. Starting in alphabetical order with Bus & Coach Internation

al’s (BCI) unique journey of its three electric models from Melbourne to Sydney on page 38 and ending all the way on page 67 with ZF’s latest foray into telematics, there are so many highlights from the two-day event.

Some of the best come in the form of new vehicle reveals. International members made the effort to come across the world to Sydney Showgrounds to see the beauty of these models. Take Ebusco’s 2.2 model recently launched in Australia that graces our cover as an example. When combined with the impressive developments made in electric models in the seating, fabrics, parts and air-conditioning sections (check out the air-conditioning feature on page 33 for an idea of the market’s innovations), the lack of diesel discussions was both surprising and refreshing.

It doesn’t mean tradition has been

neglected. Bus driver Robert Gloster may not be a household name in the industry, but his impact on Victorian regional communities has been profound. Being able to catch up with the newly crowned Victorian school bus driver of the year on page 20 was just as enthralling as our chat with successful operator Busways about its evolving stance on innovation. With energy companies like Yurika, featured on page 29, gaining traction as a charging infrastructure service provider, the industry is evolving in its quest to lead the nation’s zero-emissions charge. We hope you enjoy this magazine and its celebration of this rapid development.

This month’s Australasian Bus & Coach Expo is proof of the green energy direction that the industry is racing towards.

“To see so many smiles and catching up taking place shows the industry is back to where it deserves to be”

An

the know

| recap A WELCOME RETURN

The

operator

Robert Gloster

REWARDING RUN

Robert Gloster has been driving

Ouyen

Gloster recently got surprised by

run for almost 50

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busways

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Many challenges have confronted Busways across its 80-year history. The operator is now

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feature | yurika

LEADING THE CHARGE

Yurika has powered ahead in recent years. Its work in helping the industry transition to zero-emissions solutions makes it a

in the

This

saw the first Bus & Coach Expo in Australia since 2019. ABC

the

two-day event highlights from the

departments

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A TASSIE TRANSPORT REVOLUTION

The Tasmanian state government recently launched an exciting new service and facility in the hopes of boosting bus passenger numbers around Hobart

ON

EBUSCO LAUNCHES ELECTRIC 2.2 MODEL IN AUSTRALIA

Ebusco Australia has officially released its popular 2.2 bus in Australia

Electric bus manufacturer Ebusco has launched its worldwide 2.2 bus model in Australia in a right-hand drive model.

At Melbourne’s Park Hyatt Hotel, both Australian and international employees joined forces to officially release the bus, which has been tailored to Australian conditions.

Ebusco Australia director Simon Pearce welcomed the attendees and said he was excited to release the model in Australia.

“I’m really excited to be here today to launch Ebusco officially in Victoria,” Pearce says.

“Ebusco’s journey in Australian started in 2019 down in St Kilda. A group of us discussed our future in Australia and what it would look like in the Asia-Pacific region – we believed there was a fantastic future.

“Then COVID got in the way. It’s great how we’ve bounced back and to be here releasing the 2.2 in Australia.”

Pearce and Ebusco were joined by Netherlands Consul General Hugo Klijn, with Ebusco originating as a Dutch company before its global expansion.

Ebusco Founder CEO Peter Bijvelds also attended the release, saying it was a historic day for the company in Australia.

“It’s a big moment for Ebusco Australia

as well as our global headquarters,” he says.

“We’ve undergone transitions from Euro 5 to Euro 6 emissions in our history and now we have a bus in Australia that has no emissions and almost no sound.”

The Ebusco 2.2 release in Australia

SCANIA AND SA GOVERNMENT TRANSFORM PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Scania and the South Australian government have confirmed that the manufacturer will no longer supply diesel buses to the government

Scania says it and the SA government’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport are playing a leading role in transitioning to cleaner and greener public buses.

In September, DIT took delivery of its final diesel-powered rigid bus from Scania. From now on, all deliveries by Scania to DIT for rigid route bus application will be electric-hybrid or full electric powertrains.

Europe ahead of next week’s Australasian Bus & Coach Expo.

“After this, we’re expecting to see our next generation 3.0 model, which is made from carbon fibre,” Pearce says. “The vehicle has been operating in Europe and we’ve seen fantastic results with a range

“We’ve undergone transitions from Euro 5 to Euro 6 emissions and now we have a bus in Australia that has no emissions and almost no sound”

“By mid-October this year we will have 24 (Generation One) electrichybrid buses in service with the DIT public transport system, the first of which has been in service for close to two years,” says government bus contracts manager for Scania in SA Steven Godbold.

“Now we are preparing for the introduction of our New Bus Generation electric-hybrid, which has almost double the zero emissions range on electric power over the first generation.

“The first of these new buses should join the fleet in November 2022. We are looking forward to ramping up electric-hybrid deliveries into 2023 and onwards. We aim to deliver 51 electric-hybrid buses to DIT during 2023 and around 45 in 2024.”

Godbold says Scania is also inbuild with its first full battery electric bus for DIT, which is slated to enter an evaluation programme

before the end of 2022.

“Introducing the BEV bus to real-world route work in the height of summer will show how easily these vehicles can handle the local climate and working environment,” Godbold says.

“DIT and Scania have long been committed to driving the shift towards a sustainable transport solution for route buses in SA. Even though diesel-powered buses supplied by Scania since 2015 have been compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards – a level far above any mandated in Australia – all future deliveries will be far cleaner at the tailpipe, if they even have a tailpipe at all.”

Scania says its electric-hybrid bus powertrain reduces fuel burn and tailpipe emissions by around 15 percent and allows silent mode running on approach to and departure from bus stops, providing benefits to pedestrians

exhaust output at the kerbside.

“When the fully electric buses enter service, they will be almost silent in operation 100 per cent of the time and there will be no tailpipe emissions at all,” Godbold says.

“This technology is a win for commuters and the environment.”

Above: Scania will continue delivering hybrids to SA

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BUS STOP MAKES KEY APPOINTMENT TO LEAD ITS ZEB CHARGE

Bus Stop Sales has announced another key appointment, this time of a respected industry veteran to its company leadership team

Bus Stop Sales director Pete White has announced that the company has appointed Stephen Long to its company leadership team.

A well-known figure in the Australian bus industry, Long joins the Bus Stop team in the newly created sales leader role of General Manager, National Fleets to further support the distributor’s Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) transformation and growth plans.

Having spent more than a decade in bus specific management roles, White says Long was a perfect candidate for the newly created role.

“Stephen deeply understands the bus industry and the needs of fleet operators over and above the supply of the bus itself,” White says.

“In additional to a great imported or locally manufactured bus solution, after sales service, support and parts availability are

crucial for long term success and with our end-to-end ZEB offering, Stephen will fit our customer-focused model perfectly.

“This announcement underpins our commitment to support our valued customer base with both traditional diesel and new energy bus solutions. The role will also help extend the company’s corporate reach whilst continuing to support our existing customer base.”

Long is returning to support the sale of the King Long range after heading up sales at the previous King Long distributor in Heavy Vehicles Australia.

“I am thrilled to have joined the Bus Stop team. The refined range of King Long bus products across diesel and fully electric drivetrains is impressive and I look forward to understanding how best to support operators with each solution on offer,” Long says.

“I have joined Bus Stop at an exciting time with the company already offering the widest ZEB range and the only supplier with fully electric

Top: The EVolution shows Bus Stop’s electric commitment

Above: Stephen Long has returned to selling the King Long range

options from 12-53 seats.

“With many new products such as the Volgren EVolution built on a King Long Chassis and the high floor school and mining coach pending release at the upcoming Sydney Bus & Coach Expo in October, the brand is invigorated and is positioned to be a real challenger in the urban market.

“We are planning another major ZEB launch at our Rocklea headquarters later this year, so it is definitely a case of watch this space.”

KINETIC ACQUIRES TASMANIAN FAMILY BUS

Kinetic is continuing to grow in Tasmania after acquiring a north-east bus group. Kinetic is set to expand its presence in Tasmania’s northeast with the announcement of an agreement to acquire family-run business East Tamar Bus Lines.

Established by Darrell and Glenda Lee in 2020, East Tamar operates three government contracted bus services primarily between Launceston and George Town. The Lee’s also operate a charter business, Lee’s Coaches, which won’t be included in the sale.

East Tamar has six buses and 10 employees with all staff to

be offered continued employment with Kinetic.

Kinetic also operates SkyBus Hobart, Redline Coaches and MerseyLink with its network in Tasmania now including 209 buses and 244 people. It is the largest privately owned government contractor in the state.

The investment will expand Kinetic’s commitment to Tasmania and partnership with the Department of State Growth to deliver bus services that are safe and reliable and which have a positive social impact.

In May, Kinetic launched Tasmania’s first two battery-electric buses (BEB) on its SkyBus service which connects people between

Ensuring Mobility of the Future

Hobart Airport and the city. Kinetic will have 180 BEBs on the road by the end of this year as Australasia’s largest owner and operator of zero-emission buses.

“This is a fantastic family-run business, and we congratulate Darrell and Glenda personally with a commitment to building on the legacy they have created,” Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says.

Above: Kinetic has acquired East Tamar Bus Lines

WA INTRODUCES NEW ROAD COACH SERVICE TRIAL

government will introduce a 12-month road coach trial to service residents of Collie, Manjimup and surrounding areas, following the cancellation of privately-run services earlier this year.

The trial, starting October 24, will introduce return trips between Collie and Bunbury five days a week, and between Manjimup and Bunbury (via Bridgetown) three days a week, to complement existing services in these areas.

The announcement of the 12-month trial follows the decision by South West Coach Lines to cease return services between Collie and Bunbury, and Collie and Manjimup earlier this year.

The new services will offer an early morning departure from Collie to Bunbury, returning in the late afternoon, on weekdays, and Manjimup to Bunbury (and return) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Communities in these areas were recently given the opportunity to comment on the new services through a household survey.

While the trial is planned to run

for a year, passenger numbers will be reviewed regularly.

Throughout the trial period, an analysis of patronage will determine whether the services continue. The trial will also present an opportunity for the state government to assess how bus services can be improved in Bunbury more broadly, to improve efficiency and community access.

“We have listened to the people of Collie, Manjimup and surrounding areas, and we’re committed to working with them to trial these new services to and from Bunbury,” WA Premier Mark McGowan says.

“The loss of the previous privately-run coach service was a huge blow to the locals who relied on it, and I am pleased we have been able to step in to trial this new government-run route.

“My government has worked hard over the past five years to boost

public transport in the South-West - enhancing local bus routes and boosting the Australind train service - and we will continue to work with local communities to improve services in these areas.”

WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says:  «I know the cessation of the South West Coach Lines commercial service to Collie and Manjimup was disappointing for many in the community, which is why our government has made the decision to implement this new service on a 12-month trial.”

“The new service will offer the same early morning departure and afternoon return as the previous South West Coach Line service, and operate Monday to Friday from Collie, and Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Manjimup.

“We hope these new services will be a welcome addition to the existing services available to residents in these communities.”

“We hope these new services will be a welcome addition to the existing services available to residents in these communities”

Months after building and testing the buses, Sunbury will now see the first three zeroemission buses hit the road in a state-first

The Victorian government’s push towards a cleaner and more sustainable Melbourne bus fleet has taken another major step with the first three electric buses as part of the Zero Emissions Bus Trial hitting the road in Sunbury.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll says the government’s $20 million Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Trial will inform the transition of about 4,000 diesel buses in the state’s public fleet, including around

2,200 in regional Victoria, to zero emissions.

From 2025, all new buses on Victoria’s public transport routes will be zero emissions.

FIRST VICTORIAN ELECTRIC BUSES HIT THE ROAD IN SUNBURY Seymour.

Bus operator Donric is introducing the three zero emission electric buses on existing routes in and around Sunbury –the first buses in Victoria to use solid-state Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) batteries rather than the more common lithium-ion batteries used in other electric vehicles.

Donric is one of six operators across Victoria taking part in the three-year ZEB Trial which will see 52 zero emission buses – 50 electric and two hydrogen – rolled

Data collected will provide information such as how zero emission buses perform and the energy and charging requirements for different types of routes.

It will also give insights into how the buses can improve financial and environmental sustainability.

The state government says the trial is also fostering vital local industry partnerships – such as with energy providers and manufacturers – that will be needed to achieve the transition across the state.

ZF. For part s you can

Above: The electric buses are now on the road in Sunbury

CDC RE-HIRES NEW CEO

CDC has brought back a former executive to become its new UK and Ireland CEO.

Transport operator ComfortDelGro (CDC) has announced it is re-hiring a former executive to become the company’s newest CEO for Europe.

Former executive Damian Rowbotham will return to CDC as CEO to oversee the bus, coach, taxi and private-hire division in both the UK and Ireland from September this year.

The announcement follows CDC previously choosing to bring on experts in rail tendering

Top: CDC Ireland and UK has a new CEO

for its wholly owned subsidiary ComfortDelGro Transit.

This involved appointing new heads of rail operations, maintenance and customer experience.

CDC says the hires are part of an aggressive expansion strategy to join more international tenders.

Rowbotham returns to CDC after being at Stagecoach Group in London. Before this, he was the

group finance director for CDC’s UK and Ireland branch from 1999 to 2012 and COO of Australian subsidiary Cabcharge from 2014 to 2019.

CDC group deputy chief executive officer Cheng Siak Kian says the company’s recent international bids have had some success, with this appointment continuing the movements for the company.

TRANSDEV UK TRANSFORMS FLEET MAINTENANCE WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY

Transdev UK will continue to use Freeway technology to revolutionise its fleet management

Transdev UK says it is transforming its bus maintenance operations by introducing revolutionary new technology.

The technology will see the company roll out a new digital system supplied by Freeway, which connects 700 mobile devices and a series of operational and management systems for its fleet of 550 buses, maintained at eight locations across the north of England.

Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the Freeway software can automatically work out the optimum job scheduling and resource allocation based on live data feeds from drivers, workshop technicians and other staff equipped with mobile devices.

The system is being integrated with a raft of aspects, including those used for operations, finance, and fuel management.

The operator has initially rolled out the Freeway software at its Harrogate Bus Company operation but plans for it to be

fully live at all locations before the end of the year.

Transdev says it has an estimated 200 users and data being gathered daily from 550 driver mobile devices and 150 further devices across its engineering operations, mainly using rugged tablets.

“We implemented Freeway as a proof of concept in Harrogate and the roll out went very smoothly; in fact, we managed to get everything up and running in just three months,” Transdev Blazefield operations director Vitto Pizzuti says.

“That’s pretty remarkable and thanks goes to the excellent support from Freeway and the commitment of our team in the workshop.

“By centralizing stock control and purchasing we foresee significant savings being made. Freeway will allow us to dramatically reduce administration, control quality, secure better price deals through corporate purchasing and share stock amongst the group.”

Freeway allows operators to look at trends, establish KPIs and better manage warranty claims.

This means operators like Transdev UK can challenge suppliers if they aren’t delivering using this information.

Right: Transdev UK is using Freeway technology

THE WOT!?!CHANNEL ISLANDS BUS ACQUISITION UNLOCKS GROWTH POTENTIAL FOR KELSIAN GROUP

Operator Kelsian Group is now expanding its UK presence with a new acquisition

Kelsian Group and its UK subsidiary Tower Transit have announced the acquisition of two bus businesses in the Channel Islands.

The Group has acquired LibertyBus operating in Jersey, and CT Plus operating in Guernsey, signifying a new chapter of growth and potential for the suite of companies, Kelsian and Tower Transit in the UK and the Channel Islands.

Kelsian Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt says its highly experienced management team in London will oversee the operations, remaining focussed on delivering essential and sustainable journeys.

“We are delighted to take the reins of both LibertyBus in Jersey and CT Plus in Guernsey. Kelsian’s legacy is supporting island communities and economies and we are excited to serve the Channel Islands and their tourists to provide safe and reliable services,” he says.

“From a Group perspective, these acquisitions are on strategy and add to the Group’s growing contracted international bus fleet and global network of transport and tourism professionals at Kelsian Group.”

Feuerherdt says Kelsian Group is looking forward to exploring further opportunities for international growth for the Group, which includes SeaLink

Marine & Tourism, Transit Systems and Tower Transit.

“Island operations underpin Kelsian’s history of performance and success, and when we combine that with the global public transport knowledge from Transit Systems – it demonstrates the power of our capabilities in delivering world-class transport solutions,” he says.

The Group says it operates Australia’s largest fleet of zero emission buses, including electric buses and the country’s first hydrogen buses.

Tower Transit UK Managing Director Samuel Ribeiro says: “Kelsian announced to the market in June that it was repositioning its UK operations to optimise its growth ambitions in the UK and Europe. This acquisition is consistent with that mandate and reflects the Group’s approach to sustainable and contracted revenue growth in strategic jurisdictions. As a combined Group, we were resilient with thanks to our essential public transport contracts.

BEER BUS TOUR EXTENDED People globally have been enjoying the return of leisure activities since the COVID pandemic ended, but none may be so exciting as the Guelph Beer Bus. In Ontario, Canada, the bus has had a record high summer, with local residents able to jump on the free shuttle bus. The bus stops at each of Guelph’s local breweries, giving them a day out that may end in sore heads the next day. After its success, the Guelph Beer Bus is extending into November and December for thirsty passengers.

TACKLING THE SHORTAGE

A Bristol bus operator is pulling out all of the stops to tackle the immense bus driver shortage hitting the global industry. Operator First is aiming to fix its shortage of 200 bus drivers by joining with West of England Metro Mayor Dan

commute times on local buses courtesy of an array of express bus services hitting the road. Commuters are reporting having travel times cut in half due to two new express bus services joining the timetable in the Central Coast. Local operator Red Bus Services says although passenger numbers are yet to jump up from the services, it expects more and more people to take to the services once the word gets around.

The Conference is coming

From Sunday November 13 to Wednesday November 16, the bus and coach industry will meet at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, Queensland for the Bus Industry Confederation’s (BIC) 2022 National Conference: Moving People – > Navigating Change.

Kicking off the conference will be an Australian bus panel consisting of C Suite representatives from national and multi–national bus operators, coach operators and Transport for Brisbane. The panel will deliberate on the current and future operational imperatives of the bus and coach industry and explore sustainable and effective solutions the industry can adopt.

Conference participants will hear from industry leaders, politicians, and bureaucrats, and have the chance to share ideas and collaborate on current and emerging industry challenges and opportunities. This year’s conference comprises fast paced and compelling keynote presentations, guest speakers, panel discussions and special addresses from a number of key politicians from the federal and Queensland governments. The program includes operational sessions that explore the relationship between driver and passenger, covering safety assurance

schemes, industry best practice and service delivery. Other highlights of the conference include subject matter expert presentations on funding, asset management and contracts for operators transitioning to zero-emission fleets.

Delegates will hear from the International Association for Public Transport’s (UITP)

North American Regional Manager Andrew Bata. Bata has dedicated his career to the design, development, and implementation of sustainable, accessible, and reliable urban transportation systems. Bata’s current focus is on enhancing public transit by championing sophisticated customer service concepts such as real time information and station design features.

According to the CSIRO, Australia’s climate has warmed on average 1.44 degrees Celsius since the national records began in 1910. The world is going through change, and new technologies are being developed to curb harmful CO2 emissions and help protect our planet and future generations. Connecting cities, regions, and towns sustainably, state and territory governments have announced the introduction of Zero Emissions Buses (ZEBs) into public transport fleets. The ZEB fleets aim to reduce pollution, whilst still delivering a reliable, safe and effective transport solution for all Australians. Day two of the conference delves into ZEBs and the critical thinking needed to support viable and sustainable implementation, and to inform discussions with government on contractual arrangements. Delegates will learn what to do and not do when transitioning to zero, based on international experiences.

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion featuring senior executives from state and territory jurisdictions who will be asked to muse on the transition to zeroemissions and whether contracts need to change, the procurement policies for new battery electric and/or hydrogen fuel cell buses and what assistance the industry can expect when the reforms of the Disability Standard for Accessible Public Transport become legislation amongst other key issues facing the industry.

For more information, please visit www. movingpeople.com.au/2022. From everyone here at the BIC, we look forward to seeing you this November.

As the year winds down for the industry, the Bus Industry Confederation National Conference looms as the perfect way to bring 2022 to a close

“Delegates will learn what to do and not do when transitioning to zero, based on international experiences”

A REWARDING

Robert Gloster of A.J Gloster and Sons has been driving the Underbool to Ouyen school run for almost 50 years. After so much unwavering service for the regional Victorian community, Gloster recently got surprised by a deserved reward.

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES ROBERT GLOSTER

Robert Gloster has been driving buses for nigh on 50 years.

Most days he completes the daily run from Underbool to Ouyen – 51 kilometres as the crow flies – and drops students to and from the school in Ouyen. Despite this long service for his local community in the Victorian Mallee, Gloster was taken by complete surprise when he was rewarded for his efforts.

In July, Gloster was chosen by the Bus Association of Victoria as the Best School Bus Driver for 2022.

After receiving the award at the Bus Vic maintenance conference and trade show’s awards ceremony, Gloster admitted he was completely surprised by the recognition.

“I never envisaged that I would even be a contender – I had no inkling whatsoever,” Gloster told ABC. “My wife Colleen must’ve forwarded the award nomination details to the school in Ouyen and then obtained references from students past and present.

“I still don’t know how she did it without me knowing. We went to the conference in Melbourne and when they announced it, I couldn’t comprehend it for a few seconds, it was a total surprise.”

The award was a long time coming for Gloster. As a third-generation member of the business A.J Gloster and Sons, he is continuing on family tradition in the Mallee region. The operator first started in 1945, when Gloster’s grandfather Joe received the contract to run the Underbool to Ouyen high school run. Gloster’s grandfather first used an old Lend Lease truck chassis

RUNfor the contract and had a fabricator 60 kilometres away build a body to put on it.

After receiving an education at the Mildura Tech School in the 1960s, Gloster left unsure about what he wanted to do for a career. He ended up joining the family business at A.J Gloster & Sons in 1968, when he began his motor mechanics apprenticeship.

“When I started working with the business I wasn’t required to drive buses for a while,” Gloster says. “Soon it became evident they’d need drivers, so that’s when I got my licence.

“I started driving in emergency cases on our smaller feeder service before progressing to the main service from Underbool to Ouyen.”

From there, Gloster became the full-time driver of the school route each morning and afternoon, returning to Underbool following the morning run to work in the automotive business before heading back to Ouyen for the afternoon run. He’s since witnessed changes to the way modern diesel buses, power steering and climate control air conditioners have evolved over the decades.

The Victorian Mallee operator has seen a lot of change, especially when it comes to bus and coach technology. In 1949, A.J Gloster and Sons purchased its first purpose-built bus in an old Bedford model. From there, the business grew fast. As bus technology evolved, so did the regional Victorian operator.

By 1964 it had purchased three Bedfords before upgrading to an International Diesel

Above, Left to Right: Gloster’s dedication to the industry helped him win the BusVic award for 2022

Opposite, Below: Gloster has driven the Underbool to Ouyen school run for decades

with an Ansair Body in 1984. This was replaced in 2001 by a MAN model with an A.B Denning body.

Gloster says his grandfather used to recall the early days for the operator when the roads were almost unnavigable.

“Following sand storms in drought conditions, the driver would often have to take several attempts getting over some of the rises,” Gloster says. “With no air conditioning, power steering or synchromesh gearboxes, it would have been a tough time for both driver and students.”

In 1955, A.J Gloster and Sons received a second contract. The contract involved picking up students from the farms south of Underbool and feeding the existing high school bus route on the highway at a little town called Torrita. That bus would then return on a similar route bringing children into the Underbool Primary School. Gloster says the service ran until the contract ended in 2004 due to a lack of numbers.

Currently, A.J. Gloster & Sons runs a 2020 Mercedes-Benz model with an Express body on it that Gloster says looks and feels more like a coach than a bus. With a 43-passenger configuration, Gloster says

Top: A.J Gloster & Sons is still operating strongly in regional Victoria

Above, Left to Right: The operator has evolved over time throughout its multiple family generations

providing beautiful views of the local farming community depending on the time of year. With the kids on board each day, Gloster says he has been able to develop relationships with students and the local community to keep them safe and follow them on their school journey.

main driver of the school service isn’t guaranteed. Recently his son and fourth generation employee in the business Cameron has been driving the route while Gloster has had some surgery.

the run has become much easier with climate control, automatic transmission, air suspension and more comfortable seats.

“With this bus it’s so comfortable and spacious,” Gloster says. “The school kids certainly have it pretty good today “

Such is the nature of Gloster’s family business, he received his bus driving licence from the Taxi Directorate at the age of 20. This began a long relationship with the school service that led to him winning the Bus Vic school bus driver of the year award some 50 years later.

“We still pick up students along the highway and we still have reasonable numbers,” Gloster says. “Apart from now not having to cross over numerous railway crossings, the route has been the same since the contract began in 1945.”

But this consistent route each day has never bored Gloster. He says the highway he drives on each day is always changing,

“It’s so rewarding to talk with the kids each day as they get on and off the bus,” Gloster says. “Quite frankly, I’ve looked back recently and thought where has the time gone?

“It’s never been a chore as it gets you up and cracking each day. My dad Ray still works in our garage at the age of 95, while my brother and business partner Doug drive sometimes when required.”

It’s this bond with the Mallee community that helped net Gloster the award for 2022. Despite not being one for the limelight, Gloster says winning the School Bus Driver award for this year from BusVic was a special achievement.

“I was quite chuffed, it was a really nice surprise,” he says. “It’s great to be recognised, but we do all of this work to keep our community viable.”

Despite building a great rapport with students, parents and the community over the years, Gloster’s position as the

Despite only being out of the seat for a few weeks, Cameron has already revelled in listening to the young passengers and transporting them to and from school each day.

Although his father is keen to return to his position, it may be hard to get Cameron out of the driver’s seat. But Gloster is adamant he has plenty of years left driving the school run.

“My health is good so I’ll continue driving when I can get back in,” Gloster says. “Cameron will drive more than he used to, but I’ll hopefully take the school run back. Building the rapport with the kids and communicating respectfully with them and their families each day is something that I’ve loved doing over generations.

“That run is an integral part of our business and has been for a long time, so we’ll keep transporting the kids to school as long as we have plenty of them in the region.”

It’s never been a chore as it gets you up and cracking each day. My dad Ray still works in our garage at the age of 95, while my brother and business partner Doug drives sometimes when required.

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E - info@ebusco.com.au

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ZERO EMISSION IS NOT A DREAM. IT IS A CHOICE.

The goal of Ebusco is to contribute to a better living environment by enabling reliable, sustainable, emission-free and affordable public transport.

Our electric buses contribute to a sustainable solution for public transport and so ensure clean and quiet cities.

Our electric buses contribute to a sustainable solution for public transport and so ensure clean and quiet cities. For many people the transition from diesel to electric is by no means obvious or easy. We can imagine that you have many questions. By offering customers a comprehensive ecosystem, Ebusco makes the transition from diesel to zero-emission electric as simple as possible.

Ebusco provides advice and support with layout and preparation of depots, charging solutions and sustainable energy. Together we look for the ideal comprehensive solution for all stakeholders.

80 YEARS OF GROWTH

There have been many challenges that have confronted Busways across its 80-year history. Having thrived through these, the NSW-based operator is now looking at new ways to provide high-quality service.

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES BUSWAYS

Back in 1942, Dick Rowe used a car running on charcoal to pick up people from a Western Sydney train station and transport them around. Eighty years later, his grandson now runs the transport business he started during the dirt roads and petrol rations of the second World War.

It’s hard to believe how far Busways has come since such humble beginnings.

Dick, affectionately known as Pop to fellow family and Busways fraternity, kickstarted a crazy chain of events that resulted in a thriving family operator when he bought a car in his teen years while living on his parents’ Western Sydney dairy farm. Bought in the throes of the second World War, fuel rations meant Pop had to attach a gas producer to the side of the car and make the car run on charcoal. Once that issue was fixed, he took the car along dirt roads to the local train station.

“He would turn up at the station and ask people where they needed to go,” Busways managing director Byron Rowe,

Pop’s grandson, told ABC. “During that time, lots of people didn’t own a car and there wasn’t much public transport, it was almost like Western Sydney’s first on-demand service.

“It went gangbusters. I’ve heard stories of the car being overloaded with people hanging off the sides of the car as it rolled down Sydney streets.”

With such a wild start, Busways quickly progressed. After acquiring a fleet of four cars, Pop took until 1946 to buy his first bus in a 21-seat, 1939 Rio. With a timber frame and canvas roof, Pop didn’t know he was setting the wheels in motion for one of Australia’s largest bus operating groups.

Pop’s early operating nous meant governments turned to him when they wanted to bring in bus services. Busways began taking people out to new munitions factories. Pop started buying businesses. Since then, Busways has continued to grow.

“Our growth has been restrained throughout our 80 years as a business,” Rowe says. “We’ve grown very opportunistically – we’ve never paid too much for a company nor pushed for growth simply for growth’s sake.

“We don’t live and dream about growth. We’ve had phases where we’ve grown very little and we’re ok with that.”

More than 70 years after Pop first brought the charcoal-powered car down to the Western Sydney station, his son Richard Rowe, then managing director, was faced with a challenge. The process of tendering first hit Busways and other New South Wales operators roughly 10 years ago. This meant contract areas for bus services were put up for sale to those who lodged the most compelling tender to state governments. Historical operators like Busways faced the threat of losing its decades-old contracts in the blink of an eye to international groups or lower bidders.

In a scary time, Busways had to move quickly to ensure everything Pop worked for didn’t go to waste.

When tendering first hit Busways, it operated in three contract areas in NSW; one in Sydney, one on the Central Coast and another smattering of smaller contracts up the state’s north coast.

Top: Pop and Richard Rowe Jnr on an old Volvo bus in the 1980s

Left: An old Busways Dodge started the business

Overnight, operators smaller than Busways who operated only the one contract area saw these contracts get put up to tender, meaning they lost their business overnight.

pushing to get bigger.”

Although tendering was a fresh challenge for Busways, Rowe says the company has a history of emerging through difficult times.

At Busways head office there’s a wall of old magazines that list

push our own improvement and efficiency.”

Rowe says a constant theme has been listening to customers and working closely with manufacturers and industry partners to innovate in new fleet design, onboard technology and safety features while continually improving services.

Innovation is one value that Rowe has not used just for expansion. The Busways managing director recalls one recent example where his company indulged in what he calls ‘shiny stuff’. While testing future transport with Transport for NSW, Busways ran the world’s first autonomous bus to carry public passengers without an attendant onboard. The trial took place in Coffs Harbour, with the bus travelling at eight kilometres an hour on a road without cars.

Other than this, Rowe says Busways operates one fad behind the current industry.

“There’s an idea that innovation is linked to business success, but I believe in the inverse of it,” Rowe says.

“Quality comes from doing the basics right, such as operating

operators that had similar family legacy and history to us disappear.

“These businesses evaporated overnight. We saw the potential for our three contracts heading to tender, meaning we could lose the majority of our business quickly.”

The Rowes had to act fast to preserve Pop’s company. The best way to de-risk the operator was to grow the number of contracts it had as soon as possible. This meant if Busways lost one of its contracts to the tendering process, it would be a loss that the company could absorb.

“My view was if we lost a contract, we had to be losing a piece of the business that we could deal with,” Rowe says. “My motto was that we wanted tendering to be chopping off our arm and not our head.

“We had never pushed growing for our existence, we just grew smartly, but the past 10 years we had to de-risk our business by

I see the 80-year anniversary as a chance to celebrate the success we’ve had and the legacy we will build upon

it can offer customers, with 35 electric buses scheduled for its Willoughby Depot in the next few years.

While it continues looking into avenues for growth, Busways will commemorate its 80th anniversary as an operator this October. The anniversary received another boost when Busways won the 2022 BusNSW Environment and Innovation award at the BusNSW Industry Gala Dinner. Rowe says since its 75th anniversary, Busways has evolved from a single state operator to a multi-state one after expanding into Adelaide. Busways also started operating the STA region seven contract last January, adding 1100 employees to the business and bringing the Busways fleet to 1350 buses in total.

“I see the 80-year anniversary as a chance to celebrate the success we’ve had and the legacy we will build upon,” Rowe says. “For the anniversary, we’re planning a big celebration with stakeholders, suppliers and clients.

“We are now Australia’s largest wholly Australian owned bus operator and we’re commemorating this with a Busways history book coming out hopefully by the end of the year filled with memorabilia and stories.”

Once Busways is done reflecting on its special milestone, it will turn its eyes towards its next set of goals. Rowe says he is shooting for the stars, aiming for Busways to have 3000 buses by December 31, 2031. He says fulfilling this goal will go a long way towards creating a unified Busways service that allows for continued growth for many years to come.

“I want to be able to offer the same experience and standard across every trip that we operate out of every depot in every Australian state or territory,” Rowe says. “If we can do that, we’ll be lightyears ahead of almost every other operator in the country.

“I see these goals as providing us with what we need to ensure our company continues for the next 80 years.”

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LEADING THE CHARGE FOR SMART TRANSPORT

In recent years, sustainable energy and connectivity provider Yurika has powered ahead, offering emerging and exciting new value propositions to the market. Its work in helping the Australian bus and coach industry members transition to zeroemission solutions is already making it a major player in the country’s green energy market.

IMAGES YURIKA

As of September 2022, Yurika has seen more than 52,000 charging sessions and 910,000 kilowatts of energy delivered using green energy. This comes via the largest electric superhighway in Australia in the Queensland Electric Superhighway. As part of this, Yurika has quickly moved to be at the forefront of Australia’s electric charging infrastructure transition.

Yurika is part of Energy Queensland –the largest wholly government owned electricity company in Australia. The organisation has grown its national footprint rapidly, drawing upon more than 100 years of experience in generation, transmission and distribution

power systems across Queensland. Yurika Key Account Manager for electric vehicle (EV) products Bryn Somers says Yurika’s goals are clear when it comes to the bus and coach industry.

“We’re committed to delivering solutions that energise and connect communities in the market,” Somers told ABC.

“We are trusted nation-wide by leading organisations, governments and local councils to solve complex business challenges that operators face when looking to transition to green energy infrastructure at their depots.

“We listen to the needs of customers and use our resources and cutting-edge technology to find innovative solutions that overcome these challenges.”

Yurika has several specialist business units that work together to help deliver zero-emissions outcomes for customers. From energy and infrastructure services to metering, telecommunications, digital technology and energy supplies, the team works in an agile way to tailor-make solutions fit to meet the independent needs and challenges of each client.

Somers says Yurika begins each case by looking at what development is possible at an operator’s depot for zero-emissions charging infrastructure. It then designs and completes the product installation, quickly enabling operators to start their cleaner, greener journey.

In the design stage, Yurika completes individual site visits providing a variety of professional services, such as an energy financial analysis and electric design assessments. Once the physical location is investigated, the Yurika team begins looking at

Above: Yurika is part of Energy Queensland – the largest wholly government owned electricity company in Australia

Opposite, Top: Yurika is looking to grow its e-mobility charging offerings for the Australian market

what supplies and equipment are needed to install the infrastructure. Once signage and safety equipment are onsite and ready, Somers says Yurika commissions the equipment installation.

After this process, Yurika also offers ongoing operation and maintenance services, which means it stays in touch with clients to maintain the infrastructure.

“We also provide several options for customers when it comes to metering or requests requiring greater levels of electric vehicle digital enablement,” Somers says.

“This includes using Internet of Things (IoT) devices and new connectivity methods like 5G and mobile broadband connections to enhance the

depot’s systems.”

Although Yurika is agnostic to its use of EV equipment, in 2021 it established a distribution arrangement with technology company Siemens. As part of this partnership, Siemens provides Yurika with access to a supply chain that helps serve a wide range of customers with both low-power and high-power electric charging infrastructure

Somers says this makes Yurika a stockist of the equipment on the shelf and allows it to assist customers in an agile and quick way to elec trification goals by avoiding ad-times for network connection and bus charging equipment. At the same time, it also customises solutions as an agnostic provider for all types of equipment. While the sustainable energy and connectivity company

services a range of different clients, its expertise in electric vehicle infrastructure services is most prevalent through the complexity of the large-scale Queensland Electric Superhighway. Working closely with the Queensland government, Yurika has constructed the electric vehicle charging infrastructure highway from the Queensland and New South Wales border up to Port Douglas, giving bus and coach operators in the area the chance to efficiently run new energy fleets for the long haul.

This project has involved fitting 62 chargers over a distance of 2,000 kilometres. Somers says Yurika is working with different local authorities and utility providers to meet

We have a strong focus on smart transport and a collective global focus on a net-zero carbon emissions future

planning requirements along main roads and is devising solutions that meet all requirements. While juggling these interests, Yurika is ensuring optimum value-for-money to help ensure the final highway installation is fit-for-purpose and future-proof.

Through these installations, Somers says Yurika plays an integral role in transitioning the Australian industry towards smarter transport solutions.

“From an energy operational perspective, we work with customers to understand their current energy usage and to explore various types of energy options,” Somers says. “This can include solar generation and battery energy storage systems, as well as time management for electric vehicle charging.

“This is then orchestrated to convert depots into meaningfully sustainable premises to support electrification aspirations.”

Yurika has grown quickly as a smart solution facilitator for bus and coach companies. Somers says Yurika has an eye to soon advance even more

zero-emissions options for customers using a wider range of equipment.

“We have a strong focus on smart transport and a collective global focus on a net-zero carbon emissions future,” Somers says. “We’ll continue to do this by working with consumers and businesses in the Australian

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MAN LION’S CHASSIS E

Bus and coach HVAC manufacturer Coachair is intent on developing points of difference in the Australian market. Its new technology and service networks are both unique additions for the local HVAC industry.

CLOSE SUPPORT

When Anthony O’Donnell

first started at Coachair four years ago, he had a clear vision for the company. He wanted to see the Australianowned bus and coach air conditioning manufacturer establish a local engineering support network. It’s taken time and hard work, but now the Coachair national manager of sales has achieved this crucial point of difference.

It’s culminated in a close support network that is quickly acting to work with customers when they need assistance most.

“It’s something we made clear that we wanted to do early on,” O’Donnell told ABC. “We’ve made people responsible as sales staff, technical support or engineers to keep them part of this network.

“It provides a very big point of difference for us that’s starting to hit home to our customers. No one else is offering this level of local support or staff to assist clients.”

One recent example saw a local team of Coachair engineers travel down to Melbourne to work with Bus & Coach International (BCI), who has Coachair systems onboard as standard, and support BCI with any problems.

O’Donnell says the team went above and beyond on short notice to help

BCI with understanding Coachair’s systems. Travelling the country to provide extraordinary assistance is something O’Donnell is excited to continue providing customers to show Coachair’s unique capabilities in Australia.

This vision for supplying a local engineering support network first came to fruition just before COVID-19 impacted the Australian industry. Now that the worst impacts of the pandemic have passed, O’Donnell says Coachair is implementing these plans to great effect.

Coachair now offers a network boasting design manufacturers, sales staff, technical support and service support in all capital cities along Australia’s eastern seaboard. The manufacturer has large contractors in all Australian capital cities to offer warranties and repairs, as well as spare parts outlets in various cities for customer support, regardless of if they’re situated in metropolitan Melbourne or the Pilbara.

O’Donnell says this is a unique approach in the HVAC game. When looking at other air-conditioning unit providers for buses in Australia, the Coachair national manager of sales says no other company has on-shore engineering and technical support. This is because they’re on-sellers of the

product, while Coachair is responsible for the designs and manufacturing of products.

Combined with an intimate knowledge and experience of Australian conditions, O’Donnell says Coachair’s new network is something the company is very excited about.

“For more than 40 years, Coachair has been an Australian HVAC provider,” O’Donnell says. “My colleagues and I also have more than 30 years of experience in HVAC sales and technical support.

“Through this experience, we have the knowledge of what’s required for Australian conditions, whether it’s the vast temperature differences or the harsh conditions.”

O’Donnell says Coachair has always been an Australian-owned producer of HVAC systems for buses and coaches. He says Coachair products used to be fully Australian manufactured before the company made an economic choice to manufacture many of its components in Australia and then ship it out to be

Top and Above: Coachair’s experience is helping it innovate in both the Australian diesel and electric bus HVAC system market

while other models are manufactured in Australia and then assembled in Malaysia and China before being brought back into the country and sold. This method was challenged during COVID-19, when supply chain disruptions threatened Coachair’s streamlined process. O’Donnell says Coachair was fortunate it designed and manufactured its products in Australia

Our new XT44 diesel product will have the largest heating and cooling capacity on the market in Australia today,” O’Donnell says. “It has a lighter weight and a higher capacity, which is important for our new models.

lead times, O’Donnell says Coachair has been able to control its supply chain.

“The main issue we’ve had is that the shipping side has seen extended times,” O’Donnell says. “A container of units ordered today is now taking 90 to 120 days to arrive compared to 45 to 50 days pre-pandemic.

“Because we also manufacture a

to continue manufacturing both its electric and diesel products. Prior to the Australasian Bus & Coach Expo, Coachair released an updated version of its XT353 model in the new XT44.

In its electric range, Coachair has continued developing and designing its EX series, including the EX20, EX26 and EX32 models, which O’Donnell says is the only electric vehicle product being offered in Australia specifically for the market. O’Donnell says both the diesel and electric models have been developed specifically for Australian conditions and with power consumption and weight in mind.

It’s this capacity that makes O’Donnell excited for the service and technology Coachair will provide for the Australian market at the Expo and beyond.

“Our new XT44 diesel product will have the largest heating and cooling capacity on the market in Australia today,” O’Donnell says. “It has a lighter

consumption and weight are key in Coachair’s electric products

Opposite, Top: Coachair has rebounded well from COVID impacts

you running

on

our priority

A WORTHY RETURN

WORDS & IMAGES SEAN MORTELL

It had been three long years since the bus and coach industry last congregated for an Expo. At the BusNSW 2022 Australasian Bus & Coach Expo at Sydney Showgrounds, its members quickly made up for lost time.

Despite certain last-minute rushes to pack stands, the inside of the Showgrounds sparkled with buses as the local industry showcased the best of its latest products. Just a few steps through the door and it was clear the direction the Australian sector had veered towards in recent times. Battery electric buses and

start proceedings through to the final hours of the Expo’s second day, the Showgrounds filled with bus lovers keen to celebrate the industry’s triumphant return from COVID issues.

On the opening morning of the two-day event, positivity and praise set the tone for a busy week. BusNSW officially welcomed the Expo-goers, with New South Wales regional transport and roads minister Sam Farrway and BusNSW executive director Matthew Threlkeld giving their insights on the successful launch of the Expo. Following that, the industry finally got to award the hard-working members of the Australian sector that had toiled throughout the difficult times of the past few years. BusNSW used the opening morning to recognise its best bus drivers in 2022 with awards.

The BusNSW Bus Driver of the Year awards were established in 2006 to recognise individuals for their outstanding contribution to the local industry. Joining Threlkeld and Farraway to award the winners was BusNSW Industry

Development Manager Philip Wipp, Transport for NSW secretary Rob Sharp and BusNSW President John King.

Busways’ Belinda Guillard and Leo Pham from Premier Illawarra took home the Metropolitan/ Outer Metropolitan Bus Drivers of the Year awards, while the Rural and Regional Bus Drivers of the Year were Les Curtis from Cowans Bus

Above: ABC Magazine visited the Expo Left: BusNSW awarded its Driver of the Year awards Opposite top: Bustech Group osted politicians on its Expo bus

the alternative fuel models of Foton Mobility and Bus Stop Sales at the back of the Showgrounds, the Expo

In the first Bus & Coach Expo since 2019, the industry celebrated a rapid turn towards battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell models in style.

Service and Ogden’s Coaches’ Alan Selman. Finally, Linaire Barrett from CDC NSW and On Course Tours’ Hans Keetels were the Coach and Charter Drivers of the Year.

Throughout the two-day event, more great moments would follow. Yutong used the opportunity to officially unveil its new C12e electric bus model with international members in attendance, while Bustech Group welcomed federal politicians

onboard its bus in a popular moment.

International members of companies like MAN Truck & Bus/ Penske Australia also touched down for the Expo, with the Showgrounds brimming with attendees happy to be back at the major event. 2022 has been a boom year for the returning industry, and the first Expo since 2019 gave members the perfect moment to celebrate a stunning return.

Battery electric buses and other zero-emissions products dominated the Expo stalls as many manufacturers celebrated its recent forays into new energy technology.

A UNIQUE JOURNEY

Little did customers know, Bus & Coach International (BCI) underwent an amazing experience to deliver its three electric models to the Expo.

No other companies can boast the same tale in getting its products to the Expo as Bus & Coach International (BCI) can.

Just weeks out from the Expo, BCI CEO Desmond Armstrong decided to spring a surprise on his sales staff. Instead of trucking BCI’s Expo buses from Melbourne to the Sydney Showgrounds, Armstrong devised a fun way of moving the fleet.

“It was my crazy idea,” Armstrong told ABC. “Everyone called me the disruptor, because the buses were initially earmarked to be trucked to Sydney.

“Instead, I decided to do a test in Melbourne at a local charging station. Once we proved the vehicles could take charge, we flew the whole sales team down to Melbourne and drove the three buses from Melbourne to the Expo.”

The process involved quickly marshalling the sales staff at BCI’s Melbourne office, where they then split into three teams and drove the buses to Sydney.

“I thought about it and had some pushback, but once I relayed the message more to my team, it became clear there was a buy-in from everyone,” Armstrong says. “It was very exciting. Just being able to experience the surroundings of the trip while at the back of the bus with no vibrations was amazing.”

Driving electric buses such a long way is a challenge in itself with current range constraints on zero-emissions models. Yet BCI was on a mission to prove that its bus range could handle the journey and instil more customer confidence. Armstrong says the trip provided valuable insights for the entire team.

“We got great data about how the buses performed, and it was interesting to see how easy the models were to charge despite having some challenges,” Armstrong says. “For example, some chargers weren’t working and we learnt what we could

“We got some fantastic stories along the way and put data loggers in our vehicles to record information. Now, we’re lucky to have some true data we can share with our customers.”

Western Australian BCI sales executive Chris Talbot was one of the lucky few who got to partake in the convoy from Melbourne to Sydney after flying from WA to participate.

“It was a great experience to get them travelling on the road as none of us knew what they would be like with public chargers,” Talbot told ABC. “We had some trouble, such as running in and finding only one working fast charger, but we adapted by staggering our take off times.”

BCI South Australia and Northern Territory sales manager Bruce Moseley finished the voyage with the nickname ‘the Destroyer’ due to using the most amount of power while driving the buses.

“I used the most power because I really wanted to test the bus,” Moseley told ABC. “It was impressive the instant response I got off the mark.

“There wasn’t a bus nor truck that we couldn’t go past. It was a great way of experiencing how quiet the buses are while traversing the countryside.”

For Victorian sales manager Cameron Millen, the real-world experience the team had made discussing the models at the Expo even easier. Although the choice to drive the buses was rushed, he can now see the benefits.

“Desmond was in Melbourne about three weeks before the Expo while we were extremely busy preparing,” Millen told ABC. “It was a shock when he announced the idea, but it was the best decision to bring everyone together.

“It was a little bit of the unknown, yet we can now look back and say it’s been a worthwhile moment for BCI.”

Top: Armstrong (second from left) decided to get his sales staff to drive the three BCI electric buses from Melbourne to the Expo in Sydney

GOING GREEN

Bus Stop Sales is continuing to find new ways of unveiling innovative electric options, as shown through its diverse Expo range.

Bus Stop Sales’s Expo stand burst with green. It emerged out of plants scattered across the stall. It shone out of the King Long electric chassis that attracted many viewers throughout the Expo.

“We decided early on that we wanted to showcase our premier electric options and the variety of models we have available,” Bus Stop managing director Pete White told ABC. “Bus Stop is an end-to-end solutions provider across multiple brands, and we continue to offer a mixture of locally built bus packages in addition to fully imported content.”

The King Long chassis displayed is Bus Stop’s latest electric solution for urban operators. White says the chassis is packed with class-leading components. He says the chassis was assembled by Chinese brand King Long.

The chassis was displayed in two ways –first in full rawness to see the selection of quality components featured as standard and the build quality of the King Long imported chassis.

Bus Stop then showcased a second chassis underneath a body from local body builder Volgren Australia. White says Bus Stop is keen to continue spreading the benefits of its recently announced partnership with the Australian bodybuilder.

“We worked with Volgren to build its best local body available at the time,” White says. “The partnership has been a fruitful one so far and I believe both parties have established a way of working to present a fully supported product to operators.”

White says the surrounding products on show proved Bus Stop is providing a variety of models to please local customers.

“We’ve also brought two diesel

products to the market in the 10-metre King Long mid-sized coach,” White says. “It showcases that we have not forgotten our diesel roots with a wide range of sizes and options available but we’re also pushing the envelope when it comes to new energy products.”

It’s been a busy period for Bus Stop recently. It released its EVolution high floor electric bus and coach earlier in 2022. White says the model is a special product.

“Our EVolution high floor was Australia’s first delivered high floor ZEB that was also first to reach ADR compliance,” White says. “It’s aimed at the school and mining markets, and we think it’s an excellent package.”

Alongside these chassis and models, Bus Stop also decided to celebrate its partnership with Isuzu at the Expo. The allegiance has produced rich rewards in the form of the I-Bus 32-seat bus that Bus Stop put on display.

As a 32-seat option on an LR license that has no AdBlue or DPF burn, White says the smaller option is unrivalled in Australia.

“It’s in a class of its own,” White says. “It has no real competitor and we’ve had lots of interest at the Expo in this product.

Although the Expo range is only a fraction of what Bus Stop can offer customers, White says it’s indicative of Bus Stop’s vision to always challenge the market and find different models to

provide customers with.

“We’re the only chassis at the Expo that is fully imported from China with hand-picked global components,” White says. “For the brand of King Long, it’s about showcasing the capabilities of the organisation above what has been traditionally known.”

With plenty of green to breathe substantial life into Bus Stop and King Long’s environmental focus, White says the stand worked wonders to facilitate conversations with prospective customers.

“We’re open for business and look forward to continuing to form new supply partnerships and support our valued customer base that has been with us for many years,” White says. “We’re here in a big way and are only getting started.”

Top: Bus Stop took a green focus to its Expo stand Above: The King Long electric chassis in raw form

INTRODUCING HYDROGEN

BLK Auto’s green vision is coming to fruition. Alongside its wide range of vehicles on display at the Bus & Coach Expo, BLK Auto had a special announcement to make in Sydney. After plenty of preparation, BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic stood proudly in front of the first HDrive bus to hit the Australian market.

“This is our greatest achievement so far,” Pecotic told ABC. “HDrive is about to launch as its own brand and here at the Expo we’re launching the HDrive range of vehicles.”

The 7.5-metre battery electric CitiBus took pride of place at BLK Auto’s stand. Decked in light blue and a livery of green leaves, the first HDrive bus on display is proof of the brand’s environmental direction.

After receiving the distribution opportunity for HDrive buses half a year ago, Pecotic says he took time to begin initiating the roll out of the buses and trucks.

“We were lucky to sell two hydrogen trucks last week,” Pecotic says. “One was to PepsiCo and the second was a waste management truck that went to JJ Richards.

“Moving forward, HDrive will become its own entity for hydrogen vehicles only, such as this bus.”

Pecotic says HDrive represents the wider brand of Wisdom Motor that operates out of China. Wisdom Motor was created in 2019 when Su Liqian entered into a partnership with Hong Kong operator Templewater. This resulted in the HDrive trucks and buses that BLK Auto are beginning to unveil and deliver.

“The HDrive bus we have here comes courtesy of Su’s experience in the Chinese market, as well as his experience with Bonluck buses and BCI,” Pecotic says. “We’re also showing a HDrive vehicle leant to us from Hong Kong that we thought looked like a van, so we had it wrapped to

look like a prison bus for some variation.”

Pecotic says the HDrive vehicles will act as an on demand bus for operators around Australia. With the new age bus shown to many at the Expo, Pecotic says the vehicle has received a huge amount of interest as trials are about to commence with potential customers in New South Wales and beyond.

“Certain transport bodies have come to us and expressed their interest to buy the HDrive bus off us and lease it to operators,” Pecotic says. “The bus can go from a 12-seater through to a 24-seater.

“It’s narrow and has previously been sold in a diesel variation. It’s nice to have it out in the market after waiting for so long.”

Alongside the HDrive models, BLK Auto brought the best of its recent developments to the Showgrounds. This included its double decker coach, its President 2 model and its electric City Star bus.

With BLK Auto continuing to produce a chassis for its partnership with Volgren, Pecotic says the brand will emphasise its focus on local content to provide high quality products to the Australian market.

Alongside the newly released HDrive, it makes for a busy 2023 for Pecotic and BLK Auto.

“Moving forward, we’ll be bringing the electric and hydrogen chassis in to work with local content,” Pecotic says. “We’ll be building both our BLK Auto and HDrive products up.

“This Expo has been terrific to get across to the industry the variety of buses we have available from both the HDrive and BLK Auto ranges.”

Above: The new HDrive 7.5-metre battery electric CitiBus sat f ront and centre at BLK Auto’s Expo stand

Recent growth meant BLK Auto had a new range of alternative fuel buses ready to steal the show at the Expo.

SELLING QUALITY

The Expo provided Challenger Bus & Coach with an ideal chance to show its meticulously-built buses and coaches to operators.

Following a highly successful period in the lead-up to the Bus & Coach Expo, Challenger Bus & Coach sales manager Dan Campbell couldn’t help but be proud of his two-vehicle fleet on show at Sydney Showgrounds.

“We’re lucky to have two models on show in our V10 and V12,” Campbell told ABC. “Our whole philosophy is about using premium parts. We have OEMs supply it, before we then assemble it and build a reliable vehicle.”

In Challenger’s short history, the theory has worked. The V10 is a 10-metre, 45-seat bus that was driven up from Melbourne, while the V10 has been a hot item for the brand.

“The V12 has actually already been purchased,” Campbell says. “It’s wrapped in the Western Australian orange school bus colours ready to go. From here it goes over to Perth and it’ll be on a school run before we know it.”

In the lead-up to the Expo, Campbell admits Challenger had to be versatile to change plans. One bus originally slated to be shown in Sydney was delivered a few weeks before the Expo.

It certainly wasn’t a heartbreaking situation for Challenger.

“For the V12 not to even make the Expo is proof that what we are doing is right,” Campbell says.

To prove Challenger’s commitment to

quality, the brand positioned an old chassis front and centre at the stall. The stainless steel chassis frame was a hit among visitors due to its backstory.

“We have this little piece of a Challenger chassis on display at the front,” Campbell says. “We had it sitting out in regional Victoria for four and a half years to see how it would be affected.

“The quality of the stainless steel we use means it has no rust or corrosion on it.”

Having started as a brand during COVID-19 and having to keep new models on the backburner, Campbell is excited to now spread the V10 and V12 products far and wide.

Campbell says the Challenger sales crew is still learning about buses, making the Expo a valuable experience to meet new people in the industry.

“We want quality relationships with people we hope will be repeat customers,” Campbell says. “We believe good products and relationships result in happy customers.”

The Expo has come at the perfect time for Challenger. The brand can now pair recent sales with exposure in the industry. Campbell says everyone at Challenger knows that the buses sell themselves. This means the team simply want to get

Above: The V12 wrapped in WA school bus colours

Left: Challenger showed an old chassis frame to prove its enduring quality

the models in front of as many people as possible to show the reliability that goes into making a Challenger vehicle.

The Challenger team is also excited to spread the word about its spare parts business in Australasian Bus and Coach Parts. Campbell says the team will stock extremely well priced parts for all vehicle brands, not just Challenger, and will announce exciting offers in the coming weeks.

“There’s a lot happening for us in the next 12 months,” Campbell says. “Our V10 and V12 models will be shifting to Euro 6 engines as we step towards the electric vehicle side of operations.

“We also have an electric vehicle in the works that’s 12 to 18 months away and a V8 coming that will have 25 to 30 seats. We expect these models to be really popular and a quality member of the market, so if we build on the relationships we’ve started then we’re hopeful we can gain a foothold in this industry.”

Our whole philosophy is about using premium parts. We have OEMs supply it, before we then assemble it and build a reliable vehicle.

REVOLUTIONISING THE FABRIC GAME

At Camira Fabric’s Expo display site, Australian sales and marketing manager Rodney Peterson says the growth of Camira’s products means he’ll have to book a larger space for the next Expo.

“Next time we’re going to need a bigger site,” Peterson told ABC. “We keep churning out new patterns, ranges and products – for instance, we have 200 patterns in just the one range to celebrate our 200-year anniversary.”

As the leading fabrics provider for seats in the Australian bus and coach industry, Camira is constantly evolving its range. Peterson says the company’s 200th anniversary has spurred Camira to showcase its capabilities to the local transport industry. This includes providing fabrics that meet the high level of safety required in public transport networks.

“Looking around our site, we have the standardised fabric for Transport for NSW that is their design and meets their specifications around flammability,” Peterson says. “Then we also have our print fabric, which is a new technology that involves printing onto an undyed fabric. This opens the possibilities of unlimited colour palette and design, whereas traditional weaving methods do have pattern restrictions.

“This Print technology means we now have the capability to repeat a lot of our older fabrics that we had for more than 30 years. It’s a very good option for older buses that are being restored or need to be refurbished back to their original fabric.”

Peterson says the company is still solely focused on implementing the latest textile technology to continually improve the quality of seating fabrics. This includes introducing the optional ‘Staysafe’ anti-COVID treatment fabric that actively destroys the virus, preventing the transmission of COVID-19 via seat fabric contact and eliminating the need

for additional chemical disinfection treatments. Camira also has the Defender anti-stain fabric protection.

“Included in our continual evolution of our technology is prioritising safety,” Peterson says. “We do this especially in New South Wales, where the state has a higher flammability protection rating for seats.

“The fabric that meets the rating is a high wool moquette that charrs and doesn’t readily burn, which then decreases the effects of smoke and toxicity.”

Peterson says Camira is also displaying various ranges to provide a top-to-bottom assortment of fabrics required for buses and coaches. This ranges from curtains and leather to vinyl and exciting flat woven fabrics.

The Expo is the first major event Camira has been able to physically attend since COVID-19 hit Australia. Peterson says the event provides a valuable opportunity

for Camira to build momentum and capitalise on current industry developments.

“There’s so much new technology around, especially in the non-emission sector, giving us new industry partners to talk to and discuss this new industry chapter with,” Peterson says. “Even though we’re 200 years old, we’re reminding customers that we still meet design and capability needs.”

While the brand will finish celebrating its anniversary by the end of 2022, Peterson says Camira Australia will use the milestone to show the importance of the company to the local market.

“Our continued support over time shows in that we’re pretty much the only fabric supplier showing at the Expo,” Peterson says. “This underlines our dedication to the bus industry and our support for it. We’re committed to the industry and will continue to do so, well into the future.”

Above: Camira is continuing to improve its technology to suit the current industry’s needs

Camira Fabric’s Australian arm is continuing to innovate its bus fabric technology as the global body celebrates its 200th anniversary

EVolution

By

DOUBLE DELIGHT

Coachair is ensuring it has high quality air-conditioning units that lead both the diesel and electric bus markets.

Coachair has considered the implications of zero-emissions vehicles on air-conditioning units. Traditionally, these units needed space and power to keep buses and coaches cool during Australian summers. With the introduction of electric vehicles, lightweight models that take up as little space as possible have become ideal for manufacturers.

Coachair has responded to this change while staying true to its diesel product roots. At the Coachair Expo stand, Coachair national sales manager Anthony O’Donnell says the brand showcased the best of both ranges.

On one side of its open stall, Coachair showed its newest electric unit in the EX32. On the flipside, the leader of its XT product for diesel vehicles mirrored the electric range to give customers numerous choices.

“What we have on display on the electric vehicle side is our EX series,” O’Donnell told ABC. “We have our EX32, but in our range is also the EX26 and EX20. The different models denote different sizes, depending on the length of the bus.

“For example, on the Bus & Coach International (BCI) stand, its 12-metre electric bus has our larger EX32 unit on board, while its nine-metre vehicle has been fitted with the EX20.”

Instead of putting everything into producing a single model that is as light as possible, O’Donnell says the company produced a trio of models that vary in size and weight. He says this provides customers with more tailorable options to suit a range of air-conditioning vehicles.

“Energy consumption and weight are king – having a large air-conditioner on a small electric bus is fruitless, whereas having the correct size for the vehicle helps customers immensely,” O’Donnell says. “Our EX20 is a lot smaller and lighter than the EX32. Our EX32 is the lightest unit on the market in Australia today for a zero-emissions bus or coach.”

Although electric and hydrogen fuel technology is emerging in the Australian

Energy consumption and weight are king –having a large air-conditioner on a small electric bus is fruitless, whereas having the correct size for the vehicle helps customers immensely.

market, O’Donnell says diesel buses will still be in Australia for another 30 years. This means it’s important for Coachair to develop its electric range to progressively sell more while still refining its diesel units.

“For our diesel display we moved from our top unit in the CA series to the XT product,” O’Donnell says. “The XT353 used to be our flagship, but now it’s the XT44.

“As a diesel unit on offer in Australia, it probably has the largest capacity.”

O’Donnell says the latest developments in the XT range highlights Coachair’s commitment to providing the best quality diesel units. He says Coachair has an advantage in the market due to being engineered and designed specifically for local conditions and aftersales support available nation-wide.

“As a brand, Coachair has been owned

within Australia for more than 40 years,” O’Donnell says. “A lot of components are manufactured both in Australia and overseas. Every dollar out of our products comes back and stays in Australia.”

O’Donnell says the brand won’t be making large-scale changes to either of its premier product lines. While the industry as a whole rebounds, O’Donnell is hopeful Coachair will capitalise with a successful 2023.

“We’re hoping next year will be a lot busier than the past couple,” O’Donnell says. “We’ve got a very good order book and moving forward we won’t revise any of our units because we’re sure we’ve got exactly what the industry needs.”

Above: Coachair is providing both electric and diesel options for the market

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DEVELOPING ELECTRIC

Following the success of its LD9 diesel air-conditioning unit, DENSO has released its LD9 electric zero emissions unit in response to the shift in the industry’s needs.

It’s clear DENSO has joined the industry in making the shift towards electric bus products. At its Bus & Coach Expo space, its new LD9 electric units glistened under the Sydney Showground lights.

After years spent perfecting the technology to make the unit as light and efficient as possible for manufacturers, DENSO Automotive Systems Australia electric and thermal solutions manager Matthew Rizio says it was all worthwhile to see the LD9 at the first Expo since 2019.

“We’re branching into electric products and this can be seen in our new LD9 electric model,” Rizio told ABC. “This is our future now. The development in electric and hydrogen technology makes for really exciting times ahead.”

Rizio says a couple of buses at various Expo stalls had the new LD9 installed. Based off the existing LD9 diesel system, DENSO spent years including an electric system on the unit.

“Development for the LD9 electric unit

started five years ago,” Rizio says. “We’ve then been working with Volvo for the past three years to locally introduce the model.

“We got it tested – it spent a lot of time in the climate chamber we have in DENSO’s Melbourne space, before getting it road tested and launching the product earlier this year.”

Currently, four separate buses are trialling the DENSO electric unit. With volume production looming for the new model, Rizio says a lot more buses will soon feature the latest in DENSO air-condition ing technology.

What makes the electric model special is the little details. Rizio says DENSO has installed all of its latest generation components on it. This means there are high efficiency heat exchanges and compact compressors that rival the performances seen on the LD9 diesel model.

While Volvo has been the first local company to feature the DENSO LD9 electric unit on its buses, Rizio says there’s

about to be availability for other operators to trial the unit soon.

“There’s been a big change towards electric technology and we’re glad to be part of it at this Expo,” Rizio says. “At the last Expo, electric technology didn’t even feel worthy of a mention.

“Now it’s the main focus and we’re really excited to have our LD9 electric air-condi tioning product out. We’re looking forward to seeing a lot of them out on the road.”

This exciting launch of the electric LD9 unit is only the start for DENSO.

Rizio is remaining tight-lipped. He can still infer that there are some major announcements in the works for DENSO heading into 2023.

“Much like the industry, we’ll continue heading down the electric bus technology path,” he says. “We’ve got more models in the pipeline.

“I can’t say too much, but it’s exciting to say that there’s definitely plenty more to see when it comes to DENSO looking towards 2023 and beyond.”

DENSO has released its new LD9 electric air-conditioning unit

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT

Following the release of the Ebusco 2.2 bus in Melbourne in October, the brand’s busy period increased during the Expo.

The Dutch bus manufacturer officially marked its tenure in Australia with the release of the Ebusco 2.2 electric bus in Melbourne in October. A week later, the shiny new bus was on display in Sydney for the Bus & Coach Expo.

After years of planning for this moment, Ebusco Australia and New Zealand sales director Simon Pearce says he’s excited to see Ebusco’s products gaining traction down under.

“At the Expo we’re proud to show our Ebusco 2.2, which is fully engineered for Australian conditions,” Pearce told ABC. “This is the generation three model of the bus and it arrived in the country around a month and a half ago.

“We had our launch last week in Melbourne which was really successful, and now we’re looking forward to putting the vehicle out on the road.”

With a spacious interior and groundbreaking technology involved in its production, the Ebusco 2.2 is tailored

to Australian conditions. Pearce says the Ebusco 2.2 adheres to Australian Design Rules and includes local content in the form of seats, CCTV and air conditioning.

“This is the first of this version of the bus in Australia,” Pearce says. “We now want people to experience it, to put it through its paces so that it can earn its stripes.

Ebusco may only be new to Australia, but its global presence is well-founded. With more than 400 Ebusco buses running around the world, Pearce has helped ensure this market expertise has now found its way into the Australian market.

He says the Ebusco 2.2 comes into its own with its exceptional range capabilities that allows it to run on some of the longest routes in Australia.

“The model is matched to local conditions – it even has air conditioning already set for the Australian climate,” Pearce says. “The finish of the vehicle is amazing, the quality of componentry is

high class and Ebusco, with its partner network, can also provide a turnkey solution to offer as much or as little as customers want as part of their Ebusco journey.”

Ebusco Australia has taken three years to release the tailored Ebusco 2.2 model on Australian shores. Pearce says the company has spent a lot of time speaking with local operators and public transport authorities about what the industry would like to see in a new-age electric bus.

To tailor the 2.2 model to Australian conditions, Pearce says the brand was meticulous in ensuring local operators would get the most out of the technology onboard the bus.

“The vehicle in itself is the first of its kind in the world and we hope to see many more coming out,” Pearce says. “It’s a good-looking bus from an industry perspective and it really turns heads on the road.”

An example of its eye-catching nature came during the 2.2’s launch in Melbourne. During the event, Pearce says people were up at 6AM wanting to get into the bus and have a look, before Ebusco staff had to keep them away until the launch was underway.

While Ebusco looks set to continue welcoming electric bus options into Australia that follow the brand’s global releases, Pearce says the Australian arm will ensure all models fit local conditions.

“We see Ebusco Australia’s involvement in the country as a partnership where we work together with the industry,” Pearce says. “We want to make sure we can run these vehicles here and interact them as seamlessly as possible.”

Left: The Ebusco 2.2 has recently been launched in Australia and made its Expo debut

HYDROGEN EDUCATION

show the processes, details and systems of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.”

In a show of Foton Mobility’s range, the brand also brought across a 240-kilowatt charger to impress the industry. The large charger is air cooled and is Foton’s biggest in its current range.

Foton Mobility’s growing vehicle and charging capability is supported by the brand’s warranty offers. Abel says Foton’s current five-year warranty for customers is vital when it comes to hydrogen fuel cell buses in Australia.

Foton Mobility had to be organised to ensure its low floor hydrogen vehicles arrived in Sydney in time for the Bus & Coach Expo. Working with Australian transport provider Transit Systems, Foton Mobility national sales manager Greg Abel says it was worthwhile to show the local industry the latest in zero-emissions vehicles in the nation.

“It’s been quite an adventure bringing our vehicles out here,” Abel told ABC. “We had to go through quite a few processes when they arrived in Australia before transporting them to Sydney.

“These vehicles have been operating successfully in China for quite a few years, so we decided to introduce them to the Australian market.”

Foton Mobility’s Expo displays included two hydrogen fuel cell buses, which sat alongside a battery electric truck and Foton’s charging product. The global company is a leader in commercial vehicle production including new energy vehicles, giving Foton Mobility a wealth of knowledge on

hydrogen and battery electric vehicles.

“The amount of interest shown has been quite good Expo-wide and for us,” Abel says. “We’ve had interest from operators, hydrogen producers and even suppliers.

“It’s been great to see represent atives from governments, including Transport NSW, at the Expo, as it provides encouragement for suppliers and operators moving forward.”

Foton Mobility also displayed its battery electric truck to prove the diversity of its vehicles in the new energy industry. Abel says the truck can be used as a service and support vehicle for the bus industry. If operators are wanting to run zero-emissions buses, Abel says it makes sense to also use new energy service vehicles. This idea meant the battery electric truck was presented alongside Foton Mobility’s hydrogen fuel cell bus, which was covered in a green Transit Systems hydrogen-focused livery.

“What I’m trying to do here is introduce the hydrogen vehicle to the Australian market, including operators,” Abel says. “It’s a good opportunity at this event to

“With the introduction of hydrogen vehicles, the warranty is vital to dispel any apprehension that operators may have about these buses,” Abel says. “We have engineers from our factory available, as well as service and aftersales staff ready to provide support.”

It’s this focus on education and support that forms the basis of Foton Mobility’s value offering. Abel says experts from the company will continue to be available to customers after the Expo to show the industry that hydrogen is a safe fuel source for buses.

From government officials to operators wanting to buy hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Abel says Foton Mobility is intent on using training and knowledge to alleviate any concerns around hydrogen bus technology.

“Hydrogen education regarding safety is an area we’re concentrating extremely hard on,” Abel says. “Once everyone understands this and the safety systems involved, we believe it’ll remove any fears or concerns about hydrogen fuel cell buses.”

Above: Foton Mobility is using its range of hydrogen vehicles to educate the industry on the benefits of hydrogen technology

After bringing a wide range of new energy vehicles to the Expo, Foton Mobility is focusing on educating the industry about hydrogen bus safety.

HYDROGEN PUSH

At Hino’s Expo stand, Toyota Australia showcased a global model that pushes the limits of the latest hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Despite having its own history in the sector, Hino’s stand was devoted to the latest Toyota Fuel Cell technology.

As a Toyota Group company, Hino’s space featured a recently imported 10.7-metre H2.City Gold Fuel Cell Electric Bus manufactured by CaetanoBus in partnership with Toyota.

“At our stand we have a bus developed by CaetanoBus in Portugal under the shared Toyota and Caetano partnership badge,” Toyota Australia Energy Solutions Manager Matt Macleod told ABC. “It’s the first Bus & Coach Expo we’ve been to, so it’s been refreshing to get honest and constructive responses from the industry.”

The bus includes all of the latest technology Toyota and CaetanoBus bring to the hydrogen fuel cell space. On the roof, at the back of the bus, is a Generation 1 Toyota Fuel Cell. In the middle is a 44-kilowatt battery, while at the front are five hydrogen storage tanks holding 7.5 kilograms each.

Based on data from the manufacturer, the estimated range of the bus is around 450 kilometres. After only being delivered four weeks ago, the bus’s tanks were filled at Toyota Australia’s facility in Altona North and haven’t required refilling yet.

“Most hydrogen buses we’ve seen have been at least 12-metres long, making our 10.7-metre option unique,” Macleod says. “This bus here is a United Kingdom right-hand drive bus that’s only emission is water through its fuel cell reaction.

“It’s already been through local requirement testing with the necessary bodies. Now we’ll look at the extra technology, such as an air-conditioning unit.”

Toyota Australia also brought a car along with half of it removed to show its inner workings. The left side of the Generation 1 Mirai ‘Cutaway’ vehicle was removed to

show where all of the components in the car were located. Macleod says the car’s hydrogen fuel cell systems work in a similar way to the bus, just on a smaller scale.

“In the car, the fuel cell is in the front, while on the bus it’s in the back,” Macleod says. “Yet the way the system works is the same. The regenerative braking is the same and opening up half of the car can show those interested an up-close look of what we have put into the bus.”

Macleod says Toyota Australia imported the hydrogen bus to understand what the local market is like. Following the Expo, Toyota Australia plans to put the vehicle into on-road public transport trials starting in metro Melbourne.

To continue the hydrogen angle, Toyota also displayed its Mobile Hydrogen Education Centre at the stand.

“We brought the centre on the weekend before the Expo and set it up earlier in the week,” Macleod says. “It’s one of our most valuable assets in explaining why Toyota is here and why it’s looking at hydrogen

and electric technology.”

With videos from both Toyota and CaetanoBus playing in the background, Macleod says the stand was filled with information on a mobility company’s intentions when it comes to the bus and coach industry.

“The Hydrogen Education Centre is the perfect way of showcasing the journey Toyota has been on and will be on into the future and why,” Macleod says. “We aim to show the crowd that we’re focusing on multiple technologies (including hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric).

“The ultimate goal for Toyota is carbon neutrality across our products and our business, as well as diversity in providing options for all of our customers. This bus technology is an important part of our electrification journey.”

Top: The H2.City Gold inside Sydney Showgrounds Above: Toyota brought its Hydrogen Education Centre to show its forays into the technology

The Hydrogen Education Centre is the perfect way of showcasing the journey Toyota has been on and will be on into the future and why.

CELEBRATING SALES

At this year’s Expo, Irizar used its space to celebrate a milestone and share its future plans.

Irizar viewed the Expo as an ideal time to display its 1000th vehicle sold in the country. The Irizar i6S 3900 was delivered to Kangaroo Bus Lines (KBL). The Managing Director of KBL Darren Webster ensured the Irizar model made it to Sydney in time.

“We really wanted to show our 1000th vehicle sold in Australia,” Irizar Asia Pacific managing director Steve Heanes told ABC. “It’s just ticked over 30,000 kilometres and has been kept in really good condition, making it a great centrepiece of our stall.”

Heanes says having the 1000th Irizar vehicle delivered in the nation sends a message that Irizar has delivered a large number of vehicles in a short time. Irizar also brought down another of its i6S 3900 luxury coach bodies courtesy of Sydney operator Road Coach. In a world first, the body was fitted with the latest Sege seats.

“It’s an exciting first for us to be part of,” Heanes says. “This release on-board one of our bodies means the vehicle has received a lot of interest, not only for the seats, but also for the camera mirror system which Road Coach ordered specifically.”

Heanes says transporting the new

Sege seats to the Expo and fitting them onto the Irizar body wasn’t easy. The seats only arrived in Australia on the Friday before the Expo, with a team of four Irizar employees working on the days before the event to take the existing seats out and replace them with the Sege models.

“These Sege seats are so unique because they’re lighter but still look like an up-market charter coach seat,” Heanes says. “Weight is an important factor to keep the overall vehicle weight down.

“These seats balance perfectly between quality and weight. It’s no wonder why we’ve received such positive feedback on the body and the seats.”

Heanes says the decision to switch the seats last minute was beneficial for both Irizar and Sege. Alongside the two i6S 3900 bodies on display was a third i6s body on a 0500RF Mercedes-Benz chassis belonging to Alston Coaches of Melbourne, which sat at the Mercedes-Benz stand.

While this happened, an i6 3700 body was also on display on a chassis at the MAN Truck & Bus stand to give Irizar a wide reach at the Expo.

“It’s been great to show our bodies and give customers the chance to touch and see them in person,” Heanes says.“We believe showing the vehicles in person can give people ideas and complete the last little step of deals.”

Heanes says Irizar is spruiking the safety side of its products and its passenger comfort to attendees. Heanes says the quality coach and charter supplier has Euro 6 options that include the latest suite of safety features on all the European chassis suppliers.

While tackling supply issues still lingering from the COVID pandemic and the current global shipping delays, Heanes is still positive about the market recovering.

“This Expo gives us a good chance to spread our brand and reengage with customers face to face,” Heanes says. “With the relocation of our premises coming up, it will lift our brand image further and make our operations more efficient moving forward to cope with market demands while also allowing us to offer our customers different types of services.”

Irizar displayed its 1000th vehicle sold in Australia

CHASSIS CHAMPION

MAN Truck & Bus is focused on increasing its success in Australia by introducing a new product modelled off its global electric chassis.

After working its way down the vehicle emissions scale, MAN Truck & Bus unveiled its new Lion’s Chassis E LF at its Bus & Coach Expo stand.

The fully electric low-floor chassis made its debut at the MAN stand at Sydney Showgrounds. The new E LF is based on the City E model, which was recently voted the International Bus of the Year for 2023.

“What we have is proof that we are leading the trend towards zero-emissions vehicles in our industry,” MAN head of bus and coach at Penske Australia Crinel Geaboc told ABC. “Our Euro 6e emissions chassis on display is the latest technology in diesel engine supply, reducing the

carbon footprint of existing conventional diesel chassis.

“This chassis has the DNA of a very successful bus in Europe. We have the pleasure of introducing this to customers at the Expo.”

The head of MAN’s bus and coach division at Penske Australia says he is grateful to have the support of a team and logistics chain that kept pressure on both ends to ensure the E LF chassis made it across to Sydney. Geaboc says MAN made tweaks to the Lion’s City E chassis for it to suit the various local bus supply strategies for Australia.

“MAN designed the E–chassis with low total cost of ownership in mind,” Geaboc says. “It means this product is less labour and parts demanding than a conventional city bus or coach. With the Lion’s chassis E LF, we’re in a position to make the

transition to electric technology straight forward.”

Penske Australia & New Zealand on-highway executive general manager Craig Lee says the new release is an exciting development for an Australian industry that has been an early adopter of low emission technology.

“It’s exciting to have a new bus at the Expo that was identified by the market and OEMs as a demand,” Lee told ABC. “It’s fantastic for our customers to see a chassis fresh off the boat before it goes through testing and volume production in the next two years.”

MAN also presented its low entry RC2 chassis, powered by the new MAN 330 horsepower D15 engine and equipped with a Custom Denning body. Surrounding this was MAN’s intercity/ coach RR8 D15 360 HP chassis fitted with an Irizar i6s coach body.

“It’s hard to achieve Euro 6e emission standard without using EGR technology in diesel engines and this proves once again the high calibre of MAN engineering applied in the new D15 diesel engine” Geaboc says.

Geaboc says both the 2.55-metre-wide chassis and the 2.5 metre option aren’t far away from being able to be delivered to Australian operators once testing is complete.

“We have serial production starting in early 2023 on our 2.55 metre chassis, while in early 2024 there’ll be our 2.5 metre option entering serial production at MAN in Europe,” Geaboc says. “We pride ourselves on always being at the front and meeting the ambitious emissions reduction goals, which includes sustainability targets of having at least half of the bus fleet produced by MAN for the city segment to be electric models. We want to show people what MAN can do.”

Top: MAN’s new low-floor electric chassis

Left: The chassis is based on the global City E model

This chassis has the DNA of a very successful bus in Europe. We have the pleasure of

MAN Truck & Bus used the Expo to introduce its latest chassis model, which highlights its electric low-floor capabilities

COMBINING WITH COACHWORKS

For the newly combined company Royans Coachworks, plenty of water has flowed under the bridge since the last Bus & Coach Expo.

In December 2020, Royans Transport Accident Repairs Australia purchased the Brisbane-based Coachworks. This meant Royans quickly became enmeshed in the world of Australian buses.

Industry stalwart and Royans Coachworks branch manager Scott Isaacs says the Expo has come at an ideal time to educate the Australian sector on the combination of Royans Transport Accident Repairs and Coachworks’s bus background.

“The main benefit of this Expo is showing the industry that we’re now a national brand with 29 sites across Australia and New Zealand,” Isaacs told ABC. “Rather than being just Coachworks, which used to traditionally serve in Queensland, this combination gives us the chance to support people more locally.

“This Expo is about getting the message out that we do now have other branches and that people don’t have to drive to Brisbane to get stuff done.”

Isaacs says industry members in need of bus services can now drive elsewhere other than just Brisbane to receive the Royans Coachworks experience. The company’s stall was filled with details about the launch of the newly amalgamated network that now covers both the truck and bus sectors.

“It’s important that now customers who have businesses set up in multiple states can be supported uniformly by us,” Isaacs says. “Previously it was difficult when companies had to deal with different groups in each state.

“With the Royans team helping us with national contacts, we’re being pointed in the direction of different representatives who customers can visit in different places around Australia.”

Royans Coachworks national sales manager Graeme Sharp says Royans only did accident repairs in the truck market

prior to buying Coachworks. Sharp says he’s excited about the potential within the industry for Royans Coachworks.

“One reason Royans bought Coachworks was to get a foothold in the bus market,” Sharp says. “It certainly was the ideal way in and the perfect company to buy.

“I’ve never seen anything like the Expo. Having never had anything to do with the bus industry previously, it’s amazing to see how friendly and positive everyone is.”

While spreading the new branding and expanding sites across Australia, Sharp wants to learn about the bus industry and how Royans Coachworks can help customers.

“We want to continue spreading our branding that Royans is up and about with Coachworks as the main contact in the bus industry,” Sharp says. “We’ve already started pushing our bus services into Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Dubbo.

“It’ll keep growing in each state. On the sales side, we’ll focus on bus companies before balancing it out and focusing on everything in both industries.”

Although Sharp is a novice when it comes to the Bus & Coach Expo, it’s certainly not Isaac’s first rodeo. The bus and coach veteran says seeing the industry come together once again following the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic has been heart-warming.

“You can feel the whole industry is coming back to full speed again after COVID,” Isaacs says. “Even the touring businesses I’ve spoken to are preparing for big years in 2023, so there’s good energy around.

“Everyone is in a good mood and it’s good to see everyone here. We’re now focusing on how Royans Coachworks can capitalise off this in the coming months.”

We want to continue spreading our branding that Royans is up and about with Coachworks as the main contact in the bus industry.

Despite historically being a truck accident repair service, the combined Royans Coachworks is now spreading the word about its growing network.

Above: The combined Royans Coachworks team at the Bus & Coach Expo

LAST MINUTE LAUNCH

on time. He admits it was touch and go until they hit Australian shores on the Friday before the Expo.

“It’s huge for us to have these seats here,” Taskin says. “We’ve done it and we’re incredibly pleased – it was stressful last week.

idea to turn the old bus into a showroom for Sege to show customers came from his family and has become a valuable part of Sege’s sales pitch.

Sege’s latest seat product in the 430 seat was set to be installed on an Irizar coach in a worldfirst appearance for the model. The seats didn’t land in Australia until the week before the Expo.

In just three days, the existing seats on board the Irizar body were taken off, before the new seats were placed inside to launch Sege’s newest range. Taskin was relieved that the last-minute move paid dividends.

“It’s a world first – these seats haven’t been released anywhere and are now being launched here in Sydney,” Taskin told ABC. “We’ve heard that they are nice and comfortable seats. It’s good to see people recognising the comfort and style of Sege’s seats.”

For the week prior to the Expo, Taskin wasn’t sure if the seats would be delivered

“It’s unbelievable that we pulled through. The rewards are definitely worth the stress.”

Sege’s diverse seating range meant that even if the new product didn’t arrive, Taskin would’ve had plenty of models to show. Sege’s space was filled with seats of different sizes, shapes and colours. It’s this variation that Taskin says gives Sege a point of difference on the Australian seating market.

“We have a range of different seating products for a variety of applications,” Taskin says. “We have captain seats, driver seats, school models – our products cater for everyone.

“It’s hard to get this many operators in the one room, so it’s a great opportunity for Sege to talk to people and showcase the best of what we can offer.”

Next to the smattering of models is Sege’s mobile showroom. Taskin says the

“The mobile showroom idea came from my daughter years ago,” Taskin says. “This vehicle had been in use for eight years and we thought it was too old, but my daughter thought it would be nice for us to use it to go to people rather than always having them come see us.

“It’s been a massive point of difference for us. People can walk into the bus and enjoy our beautiful range of seats.”

Taskin says the showroom bus is used to pick customers up from airports and give them an intricate tour of Sege’s leading seats.

This includes the new 430 model, which Taskin says is off to a popular start at the Expo.

“The 430 model is the newest seat on the market and suits everybody’s needs,” Taskin says. “It shows Sege can make both plain bus seats and luxury coach seats with additions if the customer wants it.

“Whether it be trays on the back or complex application changes, Sege prides itself on the flexibility of its product.”

Sege Seats was hoping to use the Expo to launch its latest model. In a race against time, it came down to the wire.

Sege’s mobile showroom showcases its wide range of seats

LEADING DIVERSE SUSTAINABILITY

With varied products on its stand, Scania Australia signalled its zero-emissions intentions.

Scania Australia decided to bring a wide range of its international EV products to the Expo. With its latest bus technology standing side-by-side with trucks, chassis and e-machines, Scania went well beyond the bus. Scania Australia bus and engine sales director Julian Gurney says the brand decided to showcase its entire e-mobility potential.

“We purposely put forward our global product portfolio when it comes to battery electric vehicles,” Gurney told ABC. “This includes an e-machine designed for marine applications and its battery packs.

“We also brought our very first battery electric truck in Australia to join our low-floor chassis and our premium coach product.”

The 4x2 battery electric truck gave the industry an idea of what Scania’s full EV range looks like, with the dash and interior being shared between trucks, buses and coaches.

In a bid to honour loyal customers, Scania Australia chose to showcase its diesel Euro 6 coach that it will soon deliver to Victorian operator Dyson Group. In the

midst of a special anniversary, Gurney says Scania wanted to use the coach as a way of congratulating its customer.

“Dyson Group is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary,” Gurney says. “To celebrate the milestone, we presented co-managing director Neil Dyson with a commemorative Waterford crystal dish and brought two Dyson vehicles to the Expo. One is a Volgren body low floor Euro 6 city bus, the other a coach.”

Next to the Dyson Group vehicle sat a Scania low floor EV chassis. Gurney says the chassis is a fully low floor product, meaning passengers will be able to walk the whole way through the bus on a flat floor rather than having to take steps up to the back end of the bus.

The chassis comes courtesy of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) in South Australia. Scania is working with South Australian bodybuilder Bustech Group, who is the contracted bodybuilder for the contract, to produce the fleet of EV buses.

Following in the theme of Scania’s display at the last Expo in 2019, Scania once again commissioned an artist to come

to Scania’s stall and create a painting to match the occasion.

The painting recognised the relationship Scania had forged with the SA DIT and acknowledged the department for allowing Scania to show the chassis. Over the two-day Expo, the artist painted Scania’s new articulated vehicle as it travelled through the Adelaide Hills. Surrounding it were South Australian landmarks like the Adelaide Oval scoreboard and the state’s famous vineyards.

Scania also brought a biodiesel fuel source genset to signal its future intentions. Gurney says Scania Australia wants to lead forays into sustainable transport globally, including using unique fuel sources to remain as environmentally friendly as possible.

“We are on a huge mission to be the leaders in sustainable transport,” Gurney says. “Our Expo stall shows our commitment to our core value of leading sustainability. There’s a huge push for us to meet customer expectations around vehicle uptime while we transition to this new technology.”

The Scania low-floor chassis highlights Scania’s sustainability goals

BRINGING IN BROADBAND

Sepura has (and still does) specialise in two-way TETRA digital radio devices that provide efficient communications for public safety and industries such as mining.

The company exhibitted at the Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney after finding an avenue into the industry through mining purchases in Australia. Although Sepura is now unveiling new-age broadband devices for bus operators, it’s still staying true to its TETRA roots.

“Our heritage is in public safety,” Sepura Senior Business Development Manager Doug Bowden told ABC. “We know there’s a requirement going forward for mission critical devices for public safety, but there’s also a market in public transport for business critical communications devices that are robust, reliable and secure.

“That’s the thinking and evolution that now sees Sepura embark on our new broadband device.”

The new broadband SCU3 terminal combines proven TETRA voice communication capabilities that Sepura is renowned for with Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connectivity that boasts extra operational data – and it’s Android based.

“Broadband is the future when it comes to these devices,” Bowden says. “We’ve now released our broadband SCU3 device, which is ideal for public transport from our perspective.”

Sepura sales engineer Theo Kalkandis says the ability for operators to implement several capabilities and services onto the one Sepura SCU3 device is a major benefit for the industry. This technology eliminates the need for multiple devices, as all apps for

a bus can be run on the single broadband device.

“It’s a very important thing for the bus and coach market,” Kalkandis told ABC. “Vehicle diagnostics, passenger and device management, signage and many other services can be done on the one device.

“It’s important for us to cover what no other device can. Because the SCU3 is Andriod based, these apps can all work on the one niche system, making it a leading technology for buses.”

Sepura Oceania business development manager Colin Bresnahan says the SCU3 device is valuable for operators when it comes to managing data requirements and bus systems. Whether it be streaming video for security purposes or showing route information, drivers can have data services logged into the one device.

“Instead of trying to manage six or

seven SIM cards, Sepura customers only need the one,” Bresnahan told ABC. “It makes it more efficient, reliable and secure for operators.”

Bowden says safety is a core part of the global Sepura business. He says the SCU3 broadband terminal provides security for operators’ data, all in the single device.

As Sepura continues to specialise in its traditional TETRA communications technology for the near future, it will keep an eye on the broadband market and its uses for the bus industry.

“Our focus is continuing our TETRA product, but we know broadband will take over once it can provide business or mission critical voice communications,” Bowden says. “We’re planning and focusing on developing our broadband products to lay a platform for the future market, including public transport operators.”

We’re planning and focusing on developing our broadband products to lay a platform for the future market, including public transport operators.

Sepura’s unique background in TETRA communication devices allowed it to provide a new solution for operators looking to streamline their bus and coach data.

Sepura’s SCU3 broadband device

E-MOBILITY EDUCATION

As a leading technology provider in the electromobility space, Siemens takes a holistic view to the innovation, education and delivery for the industry. The company combines years of know-how, innovative software and highperformance products to continue imparting its e-mobility knowledge on the industry.

how we provide comprehensive solutions for electrification of bus depots – from the planning and selection of right infrastructure through to digital and connected services for ongoing management and efficiency tracking.”

Siemens’ bus and coach industry message goes further than just its primary charging products. Laskowski says Siemens provides more than just technology to customers. Rather than simply supplying hardware or software products, Siemens can also offer conditioning and maintenance for equipment to help operators understand optimal charging configurations at their site.

“Factoring in any constraints, such as grid and site power constraints, is a significant benefit to bus operators,” Laskowski says. “We also consider the fleet’s operating timetable to assess how much battery energy each bus consumes and the available time to charge, along with the specifications of their buses.”

Siemens’ knowledge in the e-mobility space is only growing. Laskowski arrived back from a European discovery trip just in time for the Expo. While in Germany and Switzerland, Laskowski says she learnt a lot about the overhead charging installations being rolled out in the European countries.

“What I got from my time in Europe is that there are definite applications in Australia for overhead solutions that will become necessary for large scale metropolitan depots,” Laskowski says. “It was great to see them in person and understand how the technology can be applied to Australia.”

Siemens has been an early leader in electric vehicle charging technology, making it a forerunner in the e-mobility space. At the Bus & Coach Expo, it once again showed the chargers that makes Siemens such a valuable partner for operators looking to make the zeroemissions transition.

Siemens says the Expo was the perfect platform to showcase products and solutions that have established themselves at the top of the market in Australia in the past few years. Siemens electric charging infrastructure lead Olivia Laskowski says being able to physically show the industry what Siemens’ products look like is valuable for the future of the e-mobility market.

“People always want to have something

tangible in front of them,” Laskowski told ABC. “It allows them to visualise the charger and how it would lay out in their depot. It’s great to show people the reality of how we are helping build a more sustainable future for our customers and societies.”

Front and centre at Siemens’ stand was its popular Sicharge UC 100 charger, which Laskowski says has drummed plenty of interest.

“Our display featured our Siemens utility charging product, ideal for electric bus and truck depots,” Laskowski says. “We have the main charging centre that can have up to five dispensers attached, creating a fu ture-oriented, flexible and scalable system.

“Along with our charging management software Depotfinity, we can illustrate

Laskowski says she has had many insightful conversations around the future of e-mobility technology while at the Siemens Expo stand. She’s excited to see how the company can continue growing its charger network to bring the latest electrical charging infrastructure to Australian customers.

“Over the past few years, Siemens has a great head start in the market,” Laskowski says. “We have a strong installation base in both Australia and New Zealand that is backed with service and engineering expertise in both countries.

“We look forward to continuing to help customers in the future with both critical conversations at the Expo and with e-mobility technology moving forward.”

Above: Siemens’ Sicharge UC charger is at the forefront of its electric charging products

THE ELECTRIC DOOR DEBATE

Unlike other Expo exhibitors, SMC Corporation used its Expo stand to gauge the interest of visitors in relation to electric doors in comparison to pneumatic doors. The industry pneumatic manufacturer has spent years looking at producing an electric bus door range to complement its expansive pneumatic door models.

After comparing the two technologies, SMC Corporation has surprising news to share with the industry.

“What we hear from people is that they believe that fixating on electric buses means these vehicles must have electric doors too,” SMC Corporation national sales manager Darryl Wilson told ABC. “However, even with electric doors, you need pneumatic control to disengage the door in safe situations.

“It simply isn’t factual to assume that electric buses have electric doors.”

Wilson says all electric buses already have compressed air on them when it

comes to the driver’s seat, brakes and suspension. Although he concedes these buses may one day have electric brakes, he says that air ride suspension will always be present, making pneumatic control forever important for zero-emissions buses.

SMC Corporation is confident that the traditional pneumatic models perform well. However the company is open to the market and is still working on developing electric door alternatives.

SMC Corporation let Expo attendees decide for themselves, showcasing both types of doors at its stand. SMC used a display case to show its standard pneumatic door that has been successful for many years.

Alongside the pneumatic door is SMC’s prototype electric door. Wilson says the electric door is on display to gauge interest and get feedback from the market.

“SMC is a customer centric organisation

and ultimately we will develop what the market needs,” Wilson says. “In the meantime, we’re proving that the energy consumption of the electric and pneumatic doors are comparable.

“The main differences are that electric doors are a little slower and it’s harder to get them to do the speeds we want and have a rebound situation that bus doors need.”

Wilson says SMC Corporation is using the debate between electric and pneumatic doors to show the industry that the company remains focused on safety and local manufacturing.

“We’re proudly Australian with our manufacturing and we support local content,” Wilson says. “We did vary to get overseas supply to keep our costs down during COVID, but with local manufacturing returning, we’re back to doing it local and supporting Australia.

“Our industrial side of the company regarding our pneumatic components supports local manufacturing too. We have a facility in Sydney and other major centres with around 200 employees –we’re still growing and intend to keep evolving.”

Wilson says returning to the Bus & Coach Expo has been vital for the company to maintain its relationships in the sector. With new technology to show and discuss, SMC Corporation is proving it is at the cutting edge of bus door technology in Australia.

“Previous Expos have been difficult for us because it’s been the same technology with nothing new,” Wilson says. “This Expo has been exciting and the best Expo we’ve had for a while. To be a part of this huge crowd is so thrilling.”

With new products and knowledge raring to go, SMC Corporation put its wide array of technology on display at the Expo.

Left: SMC displayed both electric and pneumatic bus doors side-by-side at the Expo

ELECTRIC EMPHASIS

The change towards zeroemissions products has also hit seating manufacturers like StyleRide. At its Expo stall, StyleRide displayed a variety of new seating models that were designed to fit on electric buses. StyleRide Australia managing director Garrin Angel says making the seats as light as possible remains critical to catering to the industry’s electric turn.

“A lot of our research and design is currently going into new ways of developing lightweight applications,” Angel told ABC. “While doing this, we also ensure we don’t compromise the safety aspects of the seats in any way.

“We invest heavily in compliances to make sure we have the safest product on the road. Our investigation is ongoing into new technology that combines weight reduction with safety.”

Angel says StyleRide’s latest seat is primed for a successful 2023. The seat is an ultra-lightweight model that is designed specifically to support electric vehicles.

“With this seat we’re down to around seven kilograms per passenger in a single seat,” Angel says. “This exciting technology was designed in conjunction with our parent company Lazzerini.

“We use their technology to create these innovative seats before designing and assembling them here in Australia.”

Angel says StyleRide’s recent partnership with Lazzerini has taken the company’s operations to a new level. In March 2019, Italian manufacturer Lazzerini acquired StyleRide to merge the high quality designs of StyleRide with the product innovation of Lazzerini.

For some companies, an acquisition may derail momentum. Fortunately, Angel says StyleRide’s involvement with Lazzerini is already providing rewards.

“StyleRide is an Australian made company with a 25-year history that we’re celebrating this year,” Angel says. “The change in ownership in 2019 has been immensely positive.

“We’ve been able to build better

structures and we now boast the support of a large Italian manufacturer that allows us to invest heavily in the Australian market.”

The many seats on display at StyleRide’s stand include the tried and true touring range, alongside products for school buses, tour and charter vehicles, as well as the silhouette model.

Angel says the latter has taken the particular interest of businesses transporting older customers, as the model allows passengers more room to see around their seat and look through windows.

“The seats we’ve designed cover two areas in allowing for modular application while giving owners the flexibility to do what they want with our products,” Angel says. “We are also showing our school range here, including the Solutions 2-3 model.”

Alongside the continued investment in lightweight products for electric buses, StyleRide will also use its recently opened manufacturing centre in Queensland to focus on the reviving tour and coach sector in Australia.

“We are emphasising our approach towards the luxury coach seat market,” Angel says. “Tour and coach went quiet during COVID, but we know it’ll now be coming back because Australia is a country that moves so many people in coaches.

“We’ve got this front and centre in our approach. Technology has shifted a long way, so we’ll be specialising in both the electric seat and the luxury coach seat to remind everyone we’ve come back quickly.”

With new international ownership, StyleRide is putting its latest designs into revolutionary new models.

StyleRide’s recent changes is helping it grow its product range in Australia

SPREADING THE ELECTRIC WORD

Along with its shiny new Volvo BZL Electric chassis, Volvo Bus Australia used its Expo stand to educate the industry on its plans for the future. The recently launched BZL Electric chassis provided Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden with the opportunity to showcase the company’s latest technological developments and social progression.

“We had our BZL Electric chassis built with Express Coach Builders in Macksville,” Peden told ABC. “This highlights our local content and intention to prioritise local manufacturing for workers in NSW for our operator partners.

“It’s also great to show part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) activities by using the bus that has the NAIDOC Week livery that was commissioned from Goreng Goreng artist Jacob Sarra and was completed at our head office in Wacol, Queensland. The artwork showcases the story of Volvo Group Australia and the land our head office is on.”

Alongside this was the Volvo BZL Electric chassis in its raw form. By having the chassis by itself, Peden says customers can develop a better understanding of the latest safety features to get quality assurance of everything expected of a Volvo premium product.

“We expect the BZL Electric chassis to be the benchmark of the industry when it comes to safety, quality and sustainability,” Peden says. “This helps us display our future technologies – it’s great to have key partners interested to learn more about what we do.”

Peden says the Expo came at an ideal time for the company. Peden is hopeful it will give Volvo opportunities to expand its footprint in Australia. The Volvo Bus Australia general manager

says Volvo purposely didn’t pack its stand with too many buses so visitors could learn more about the brand’s future plans. Peden’s goal is that visitors left Volvo’s Expo stand having learnt more about the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable transport.

“We’re keen to showcase our product while also detailing Volvo’s efforts for a full sustainability model with our supply chains,” Peden says. “We’ve got rich history in the environmental care space and we’ve been incrementally improving how we operate as the years roll on.

“We’re headed towards a fully

sustainable business model. We’re keen to show we’re a leader in this space.”

Peden says Volvo wanted to showcase the effort it makes to produce new products that make gains in safety and quality.

“The products are high voltage and need to be understood,” Peden says. “We do what we can to make our products the safest on the road – that’s what is expected of Volvo.”

Peden says the brand is already looking at expanding into school bus and coach products in an evolution of its new technology.

“Operators want quality partners around for the long term,” Peden says. “We can show we’re around for the long haul, can look after our partners and will be around to meet contractual and warranty obligations.

“We want to build better services for the industry while seeing our products driving successful business outcomes for our partners.”

We expect the BZL Electric chassis to be the benchmark of the industry when it comes to safety, quality and sustainability.

Volvo Bus Australia’s new Volvo BZL Electric chassis is the centrepiece of its safety and sustainability offerings to the local industry.

Above: Volvo’s BZL Electric chassis in both raw and fully built form at its Expo stand

LOCAL COMBINATIONS

At this year’s Expo, Webasto Australia didn’t have its own stand. Instead, it joined forces with local manufacturer Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC) to promote the pair’s latest venture into zero-emissions bus technology.

Webasto CS sales and service director in APAC David Byrne says the company joined with ARCC due to ARCC recognising Webasto as its preferred battery systems supplier. For Webasto, partnering with an exciting Australian company for the Expo was a no-brainer.

“It was a superb opportunity for us to release our battery systems to the market in conjunction with a key customer,” Byrne told ABC. “ARCC is a really interesting company to us because it’s a start-up that’s pushing boundaries in innovation with a great mix of experienced and young engineers.

“With our battery solutions, we have a package of products that fit with how ARCC view the market.”

Byrne says Webasto’s latest 35-kilowatt scalable high voltage battery suits

companies looking to transition to zero-emissions vehicles.

“We see lots of interest from the wider industry because we have a product that meets standards globally,” Byrne says. “It means when we give someone a product, the customer knows it’ll perform to meet its requirements and will surpass all relevant safety and critical performance criteria that’s essential for operators.”

Webasto is now looking to expand into Australia. Its diverse range means it’s currently supplying MAN’s chassis with batteries. At the Nexport Expo stand, its partner Green-G electric vehicles displayed products containing Webasto products coming out of its Italian arm. Byrne says Webasto’s partnership with ARCC is most important when it comes to local involvement.

“We’re in Australia supplying German manufactured batteries and want to work with local manufacturers,” Byrne says. “ARCC fits perfectly for us as we have a global and local presence that can build up its Australian reach.”

Byrne says Webasto doesn’t have the local presence it wants in the bus

industry. He’s hopeful Webasto standing with ARCC at the Expo will help validate Webasto’s product offering and provide the Australian arm with credibility in a growing market.

“We’re a local entity that has the support of a global organisation,” Byrne says. “This enables people to take Webasto’s plug and play solution that’s scalable for their needs and know it meets their highest quality standards.”

Webasto may not have had its own stand at the Expo, but it didn’t limit Byrne’s experience. The APAC sales and service director says Webasto deals in many industries, making his time at the Bus & Coach Expo valuable to forge connections in the sector.

“It’s really good to see such a concentration of positive feeling here about the direction the industry is going in,” Byrne says. “It feels very positive at this Expo, talking about where the industry could be evolving in terms of alternative energy sources for the on-highway market.

“It’s great to know that this market has a role to play in bringing Australia forward. To be part of it is an amazing opportunity.”

Instead of having its own Expo stand, Webasto decided to partner with a local manufacturer to showcase examples of its battery solutions in action.

Webasto presented its battery solutions at ARCC’s Expo stand in Sydney

EXPANDING FURTHER

Yutong Australia’s Expo stand was filled with the latest of what VDI, the Australian distributor of Chinese brand Yutong, has to offer. With the launch of a product occurring over the two-day event, it was a busy time of year for VDI Australia general manager Lou Riccardi and Yutong Australia.

“It’s a great time for Yutong Australia,” Riccardi told ABC. “It was a wonderful opportunity to have global members of Yutong in Australia to present the C12e bus and launch it in conjunction with VDI.”

The recently launched C12e electric model is yet to be sold, having only just arrived on Australian shores in time for the Expo.

He’s expecting people to want to trial the bus. The Yutong Australia general manager is hopeful the Expo will give him an avenue to sell units of Yutong’s latest Australian bus in 2023.

“We know Yutong is the largest bus manufacturer in the world,” Riccardi says. “Ranging from six metre buses up to 14 metre models, our Expo space showcases what we can do for the Australian industry.”

Riccardi says following its launch at the Expo, the C12e will begin demonstrations and road tests with Australian operators who show interest. The Yutong Australia general manager says plenty of mining companies are already excited to test the electric bus.

Riccardi was quick to point attendees towards Yutong’s D7 minibus. The smaller model was released six months ago. Riccardi saying it has been selling well so far.

With larger models surrounding the D7, Riccardi says Yutong is making a statement that it sells a massive range of buses for the Australian market. This includes larger 57-seat school bus/

mine come charter buses, which can also come in 53-seat configurations upon request.

Riccardi says these bigger buses pack plenty of space into them. He says the models have around six cubic metres of luggage space underneath. Considering the bus has batteries on either side, Riccardi says it’s a great advantage to have this space alongside the latest range of built-in safety features.

Whether it be Mobileye or driver fatigue management technology, Riccardi says Yutong’s buses are fitted with a full catalogue of safety systems.

“The buses come fully luggage racked and have as many safety features that a customer could want,” Riccardi says. “We even include drop-down CCTV cameras and video

footage for drivers and operators.”

Following the major events at the Expo, Riccardi says Yutong is intent on staying at the cutting edge of the Australian bus market. The next step for Yutong heading into 2023 is electrifying its D7 minibus model and bringing it to the market. Riccardi says the local industry can expect this to happen, alongside a wealth of other releases, within the next 12 months.

“We want people to know that Yutong is ahead of the game in Australia,” Riccardi says. “We aim to be one of the first OEMs to have our product range fully released in electric vehicle models.

“It’s great to be here at the Expo for the first one in New South Wales for a few years. It’s a wonderful time for Yutong and it’ll only get better.”

With its latest electric model launched at the Expo, Yutong Australia

Above: Yutong Australia is releasing zero-emissions buses with plenty of space and safety equipment included

MORE THAN JUST DRIVELINE

ZF’s featured product at the Expo was its latest telematics solution that offers complete insight into a vehicle’s performance.

It’s no surprise that global technology company ZF had an impressive range of traditional and electric OE axles, transmissions and aftermarket parts at the Expo. But the company focused on its new telematics product.

The ZF Bus Connect telematics system is a new solution that the company currently has on trial around Australia. ZF application engineer Jason Moses says the Bus Connect system capitalises on ZF’s unique involvement in many aspects of a bus’s design.

“The Bus Connect telematics product is new for us at this Expo,” Moses told ABC. “It works by connecting into the vehicle and communicating the vehicles position and live operating data to a user portal that can help improve efficiency and safety.”

Moses says Bus Connect can obtain all vehicle data, which can be used to generate reports for diagnostic purpose and send alerts back to the operator. This allows fleet owners to remotely diagnose faults if they appear and notify the driver to call back to a workshop.

Being able to do this on electric vehicles is a bonus for ZF. Moses says Bus Connect’s capability can also extend to monitoring performance and battery health through the Bus Connect portal.

“This means we can collate data for efficiency purposes and combined with Bus Connect’s driver training feature (Profi Driver), it ensures the bus is being driven in the most energy efficient and safest way,” Moses says. “It can also help fleet operators manage their electric buses by remotely evaluating data, such as the amount of remaining range on their vehicles.”

ZF still displayed a variety of its well-known parts and products for the

industry. This included the ZF EcoLife transmission that is more fuel efficient after recent design amendments.

“We also brought our CeTrax electric central drive and our AxTrax AVE electric portal axle that incorporates two integrated electric motors into the wheel hubs to allow for a low floor design,” ZF head of commercial vehicle aftermarket in Oceania Blair Rundle says. “The CeTrax is the smaller electric transmission that can be integrated into traditional drivelines layouts, replacing the engine.”

Rundle says diesel engine buses at the Expo would most likely have a ZF or WABCO product onboard. Along with brake and control systems and its traditional suspension offerings, ZF ensured it covered all bases for customers.

“We’re very lucky that 90 per cent of buses here will have our suspension control or WABCO products on it,” Rundle

says. “Luckily WABCO created a global platform that means its electronic braking system (EBS) can go onto a Chinese or an Australian bus, reducing the development cost.”

Rundle says ZF purposely brought as many different parts as possible to highlight the total coverage that the company can supply customers.

“We’re showcasing every part of ZF that we can at the Expo,” Rundle says. “We have bumper to bumper solutions – it gets down to having oils that specifically suit certain vehicles.

“Having everything we can is an exciting place to be in, and it separates us in the market.”

Above: From telematics to axles, ZF brought the majority of its products to the Expo

We’re very lucky that 90 per cent of buses here will have our suspension control or WABCO products on it.

TRIED PROVEN TESTED

At Yutong, we don't consider the marketplace as a testing ground. Because life outside the factory will throw everything at them, Yutong ensures their buses are tested at every stage of the build, to guarantee optimal quality for exceptional longevity, performance, comfort and safety, capable of performing in all conditions.

1800 988 664

INDUSTRYEVENTSFOR2022

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. The industry is currently experiencing a number of external factors that, for many, will mean

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

BUSVIC ALL ABOARD

2 DECEMBER 2022

MELBOURNE

The theme for the 2022 All Aboard event is driving inclusion. Developments and challenges of the past few years have highlighted challenges faced by the most vulnerable, at risk, and disadvantaged within our communities. In addition to this, the bus industry has now embarked on a

to shape an inclusive economy that engages minority populations and the disadvantaged. Bus operators are looking to innovate ways that meet these demands, as well as being inclusive of the communities we serve. This year’s All Board event explores the role and what the industry can offer Indigenous Australians and youth at risk. This event will help operators and their teams with creating awareness of current workplace attitudes and practices that act as barriers and identify opportunities for improvement, risk management strategies, resources and expertise available to help operators and their teams. www.busvic.asn.au/2022-busvic-allaboard-seminar

The All Aboard event will take place in Melbourne

Deliveries remain steady in September

InremarkablysimilarfigurestoAugust,Septemberdeliveries

It may not have been the stellar return to triple-figure sales that the industry wanted, but September’s Australian bus and coach deliveries remained as consistent as ever.

Despite July recording 120 deliveries, September edged out August by a single unit, finishing with 89 deliveries for the month.

In the chassis section, there was no way of stopping Volvo. After topping the sector in August with 18, Volvo shot up further, finishing with 29 units delivered for a busy September. Trailing Volvo out of the deliveries recorded was Scania with a consistent 17 deliveries, while Mercedes-Benz increased its August tally by one with 14 units delivered for the month. Just behind MercedesBenz was Bus & Coach International (BCI) with nine, while MAN (5) and King Long (4) kept deliveries ticking over. The final five deliveries in the chassis section was shared by four different companies, with Yutong (2) the only one to record more than the one delivery.

When it came to bodybuilders, Volgren once again trumped the competition of deliveries provided. With an amazing 37 deliveries out of a total of 91, increasing its August efforts by 10 in a stellar month. Daylight separated Volgren from the pack, as BCI (10) and Custom Denning (10) both improved on their August numbers to share second place. Close behind was Irizar with nine, while Bustech Group (4) and King Long (4) remained as steady as ever. In a very even finish, Coach Design (3) and I-Bus (3) didn’t vary much from August numbers, while Express Coaches (2) and Yutong (2) edged just ahead of a group of five companies who each recorded the single delivery.

In the air-conditioning game, Thermo King extended its dominance in the market with a remarkable 50 deliveries for September. With more than half of the total month’s airconditioning unit deliveries, Thermo King recorded 15 more deliveries than its August efforts. Hispacold (10) and Coachair (11) both firmed as the next best in the crop, while Valeo (4) and King Long (4) both hovered in the next pack beneath. Much like the other markets, there was an even group recording similar deliveries, as Spheros (3) and Kingtec (3) couldn’t be split, while MCC (2) and Clint-Yutong (2) rounded out the month’s deliveries.

In the state-based race for bus and coach deliveries, Western Australia jumped over August’s winner in New South Wales. WA had a full September, finishing with 26 deliveries for the month, equating to 29 per cent of the national share. Victoria also poked its nose ahead of NSW with 24 deliveries, while NSW fell back to third with three less units delivered for September. With Tasmania not recording a delivery in September, Queensland (13) and South Australia (5) rounded out the units delivered for the month.

Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for September. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion.

In the air-conditioning game, Thermo King extended its dominance in the market

Volgren continued to lead the bodybuilder sector with 37 deliveries last

BODY

When it came to bodybuilders, Volgren once again trumped the competition of deliveries provided. With an amazing 37 deliveries out of a total of 91, increasing its August efforts by 10 in a stellar month. Daylight separated Volgren from the pack, as BCI (10) and Custom Denning (10) both improved on their August numbers to share second place. Close behind was Irizar with nine, while Bustech Group (4) and King Long (4) remained as steady as ever. In a very even finish, Coach Design (3) and I-Bus (3) didn’t vary much from August numbers, while Express Coaches (2) and Yutong (2) edged just ahead of a group of five companies who each recorded the single delivery.

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

In the air-conditioning game, Thermo King extended its dominance in the market with a remarkable 50 deliveries for September. With more than half of the total month’s airconditioning unit deliveries, Thermo King recorded 15 more deliveries than its August efforts. Hispacold (10) and Coachair (11) both firmed as the next best in the crop, while Valeo (4) and King Long (4) both hovered in the next pack beneath. Much like the other markets, there was an even group recording similar deliveries, as Spheros (3) and Kingtec (3) couldn’t be split, while MCC (2) and Clint-Yutong (2) rounded out the month’s deliveries.

Sales by chassis

the chassis section, there was no way of stopping Volvo. After topping the sector in August with 18, Volvo shot up further, finishing with 29 units delivered for a busy September. Trailing Volvo out of the deliveries recorded was Scania with a consistent 17 deliveries, while Mercedes-Benz increased its August tally by one with 14 units delivered for the month. Just behind Mercedes-Benz was Bus & Coach International (BCI) with nine, while MAN (5) and King Long (4) kept deliveries ticking over. The final five deliveries in the chassis section was shared by four different companies, with Yutong (2) the only one to record more than the one delivery.

A Tassie transport revolution

Inthe fight to make transport more sustainable, the Tasmanian government has turned to buses in its capital city of Hobart. In late September, the Tasmanian government announced it was embarking on its most progressive public transport agenda in decades in a bid to ease traffic congestion around the Hobart city centre.

The nearby suburb of Kingborough will soon be providing its residents with more reasons to take the bus into Hobart. A new park and ride facility is set to open in Huntingfield alongside additional express bus services to and from Hobart two years after it was first conceptualised as part of the Hobart City Deal in 2019.

“It’s pretty new for us here in Tasmania,” Tasmanian deputy premier Michael Ferguson told ABC. “We’ve needed to initiate these new strategies to cater for our growing population.

“I’m very excited about it. It’ll help everyone integrate with each other better and provide better infrastructure to entice residents to leave their cars at home and take the bus.”

The Huntingfield Park and Ride will provide parking for 174 vehicles including motorcycles and accessible bays, with undercover seating available for 30 passengers. A modern amenities block with baby change facilities and secure storage for 26 bicycles will join a quick drop-off lane.

Feeding this facility is an additional 33 express bus services that will stop at the bay each weekday. This includes the extension of the X08 from Kingston Central and a completely new route in the X01.

“This initiative is coming courtesy of both customer demand and the need for

sustainable transport options,” Ferguson says. “Our economy and infrastructure has grown since the state government was elected in 2014, which has put pressure on our infrastructure.

“We’ve had to be innovative and invest in infrastructure with extra express buses.”

Ferguson says the services will provide immense benefit for Huon Valley and Kingborough residents, with 70 additional bus services being added per day. To celebrate the change, the Tasmanian government is offering free adult Greencards preloaded with a return fare for the first 300 customers who don’t already have one. With vouchers also on offer, it’s a time for celebration for Tasmanian bus passengers.

them an incentive to give it a go – we hope they then enjoy the experience.”

The services and facility is the start of a Tasmanian transport regeneration. Ferguson says the government will then work to produce planned transit lanes for buses on the Southern Outlet to make the journey via bus to Hobart the quickest option.

After working well with local councils and operators to establish the new network, Ferguson says he’s confident many Tasmanian locals will soon take the bus because it’s the most efficient and sustainable way forward.

“We hope it will make the trip into Hobart far smoother for many passengers,” Ferguson says. “We’ll then build extra bus lanes down the Southern Outlet to Hobart city to provide a travel time advantage for bus passengers.

“We want to do this to incentivise public transport rather than punishing car drivers. Local councils have been tremendous to work with, so we’re excited to continue the project.”

The Tasmanian state government recently launched an exciting new service and facility in the hopes of boosting bus passenger numbers around Hobart.

Above: Katie Cooper, Paula Wriedt, Michael Ferguson and Dean Young attended the launch of the Huntingfield park and ride facility.

“This initiative is coming courtesy of both customer demand and the need for sustainable transport options.”