Australasian Bus & Coach 423 November 2022

Supporting the tech boom

has been made of the industry’s zero-emissions developments. Yet technological advancements in other markets is ensuring the sector is flourishing on all fronts.

uch like many industries in the 21st century, the rise of technology in the bus and coach sector has been rapid. Having grown up in this era and seen the way mobile phones have changed from flip-phone models to the latest iPhone that harness so much power from a pocket, it comes as little surprise that the industry has followed the trend of rapid technological development. Yet there’s an extra layer of excitement that comes with seeing just how far the Australian market has excelled.

While the ascension to the latest fuel technologies occurred, parts and technology companies have been working behind the scenes to produce new models for many parts of a vehicle that are as equally mind-blowing as the newest electric or hydrogen fuel-cell bus.

This month’s feature on passenger information systems shows the depth of technological advancements that have occurred in recent times. From the most remarkable of camera mirror system updates that effectively removes the steadfast glass wing mirrors to the way technology can

help those with visual and hearing impairments, this change is all for the better. For passengers, it is providing a depth of information that is unheralded and allows those riding buses and coaches to obtain the timetables and alerts they need before they finish their bowl of cereal in the morning. When it comes to operators, being able to record and analyse the finest of data points on vehicle performance or the efficiency of fleets is now extending to investigating the patterns and trends of passengers on services. It’s not a long reach to say that this technology is revolutionary for all involved in the sector.

It starts with Consat Telematics, who grace our cover. Consat is set to bring to Australia unique features for its passenger information systems that expand beyond the actual bus.

Check it out on page 18. Similarly, Luminator and its next-stop solutions show the growth the Australian arm of the global company is revelling in on page 28. Finishing the passenger information system feature is Hanover and its commitment to allowing all passengers to access public transport. From new sound alerts for the hearing impaired to specifying the right font size to help visually impaired passengers read signs, Hanover’s care for its passengers on page 26 typifies the goodwill of the industry.

While passenger information systems technology is accelerating, the entire industry is in a constant state of forward motion. StyleRide is following the market trend of converting old buses to motorhomes and has tips for the industry on page 31. From page 34 onwards, Volvo’s

David

but is now set to pivot and leave the industry

giving great service. Manufacturers like HESS (page 41) are showing off the latest in high capacity electric vehicles, while BLK Auto, through HDrive, is excelling in the creation of hydrogen fuel-cell buses, as seen on page 44.

In other technological news, Webasto (page 36) and Geotab on page 38, alongside MAN Truck & Bus on page 47, are all continuing to expand and satisfy Australian customers. There’s an overwhelming tide of exciting news that makes this edition of ABC a special one. I hope you enjoy the variety of stories on offer this month.

Mead has had a wonderful career,

after

Much

“While passenger information systems technology is accelerating, the entire industry is in a constant state of forward motion.”

Sustainability beyond emissions

At Volvo Buses, sustainability is about more than just care for the environment – it also extends to social and ethical responsibility. Our Volvo BZL Electric product is a testament to our broader sustainability commitment, as we work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals with our trusted global partners, ensuring our electric offering is sustainable in more ways than one. From committing to supply chain audits to uphold responsible material sourcing and ethical labour, to encouraging remanufactured parts and battery circularity, to maintaining stringent data and cyber security, we are striving to ensure our Volvo BZL Electric is sustainable in every sense of the word. So, not only do you get clean, silent and efficient cities when you Go Electric With Volvo, but you contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.

With the Volvo BZL Electric

Passenger information systems used to be just onboard buses. Such is the evolution of technology, it’s now much more 22. operator | jason & matt healey

FAMILY FUN

In 1991, Jason Healey was recognised as Queensland’s youngest official bus driver. Just over 30 years later, he’s passing the baton onto his bus-loving son 26. passenger information systems feature | hanover displays

ENCOURAGING ACCESS

Hanover Displays is emphasising the accessibility side of its product range by ensuring it’s DDA-compliant 28. passenger information systems feature | luminator

TESTING TECHNOLOGY

With technological breakthroughs underway, Luminator is excited about the latest range it can offer customers Down Under

CONVERTING

COMPLIANCE

StyleRide is helping many

convert old buses to motorhomes. The manufacturer raises key issues to consider when it comes to seating requirements 34. feature | volvo

REMARKABLE SERVICE

David Mead arrived at Volvo Bus Australia nearly 20 years ago. He says he’s had an amazing journey as his time at Volvo finishes at year’s end

36. feature | Webasto

E-MOBILITY PARTNER

Webasto is expanding its offering to include trusted e-mobility solutions with a range of batteries, vehicle interface and thermal management to support vehicle electrification

38. feature | geotab

TELEMATICS AND TAX

Ryan Tax Services was wanting to streamline its offerings. It found success when it became an authorised reseller of Geotab’s GPS and telematics solutions

41. feature | hess

MAKING HISTORY

HESS says its high capacity electric vehicle is a snapshot into the future of public transport 44. feature | blk auto EXPANDING THE HYDROGEN HAUL After launching a range of hydrogen trucks in Australia recently, HDrive is set to launch a double decker bus option in late November

46. feature | man

FORGING FRIENDSHIPS

More than half of Fallon’s Bus Services’ fleet are MAN chassis due to its expanding partnership between the two companies

departments

48. bus marketplace | classifieds FOR SALE!

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

52. events INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR 2022

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

54. factory facts | bus deliveries  MONTHLY RESULTS

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

58. back seat | news  BRINGING BACK THE BEER BUS

A Canadian city is making the most of its return to a post-COVID world as its beer bus service is becoming incredibly popular among locals

KELSIAN EXPANDS IN THE EDUCATION TRANSPORT SECTOR THROUGH HORIZONS WEST ACQUISITION

Kelsian Group has continued its WA expansion through its latest acquisition.

Australian multi-modal transport operator Kelsian Group has announced it will acquire Horizons West Bus and Coachlines (Horizons West).

Established in 1985, Horizons West, with its highly visible brand, is well recognised in the Perth metro area for bus hire and coach charter services provided to the education sector.

The Horizons West business specialises in serving schools, universities and government with approximately 157 employees operating a bus fleet of 138 buses from two depots. Horizons West currently operates 21 contracts for the WA government and provides services to a university and more than 400 schools.

Kelsian Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt says Horizons West provides Kelsian with a platform to grow in the large and fragmented education transport market and will complement and enhance Kelsian’s existing WA businesses.

“We are delighted to announce we are acquiring the highly regarded and

well-known Horizons West,” Feuerherdt says. “This transaction aligns with Kelsian’s strategy of adding to our growing contracted bus fleet and establishes an excellent platform for additional organic growth in the education transport sector.

On completion, this acquisition will follow the acquisition of resources-focused transport business Go West Tours in July 2021 and further enhances Kelsian as a diversified leader in WA bus and coach services.

Following the acquisition, Kelsian will operate a portfolio of 1,367 buses and employ 1,982 people in Western Australia

MILESTONE VOLVO VOLGREN HYBRID TO ITS FLEET

CDC has welcomed a milestone into Australia’s largest hybrid bus fleet, courtesy of Volvo Bus Australia and Volgren.

Operator ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) says it is delivering on its promise to reduce carbon emissions by announcing the arrival of its 50th hybrid bus in Australia.

The vehicle joins Australia’s largest hybrid bus fleet run by subsidiary CDC Victoria in partnership with the Department of Transport to celebrate a special Victorian public transport milestone.

Following the 2019 introduction of the Volvo B5L S-Charge hybrid bus to CDC Victoria, Volvo Bus Australia, in partnership with Volgren Australia,

handed over the hybrid as part of its supply agreement.

The historic Australian fleet operates on Melbourne streets, delivering reductions in emissions, noise and fuel consumption while improving the passenger experience.

All 50 of the low-floor buses feature Volvo’s Parallel hybrid driveline and meet strict Euro 6 emission standards, with CDC saying the buses have enabled fuel savings of around 30 per cent and carbon dioxide emissions of 30 per cent compared to diesel buses.

The vehicles are also fitted with Volvo’s Zone Management technology, which allows the buses to implement safety zones on particular routes and achieve zero-emissions in designated zones by

through the operating businesses of Swan Transit, Go West and Horizons West.

Kelsian’s intention is to continue to work with and focus on maintaining existing levels of service for Horizons West clients, as well as welcoming employees of Horizons West into the Kelsian Group.

In addition to the acquisition of Horizons West, Kelsian will also purchase two strategically located depots, one in Welshpool and another in Landsdale,

Above: CDC Australia recently welcomed a milestone hybrid bus into its fleet

operating only in electric mode.

The system has optimised CDC’s existing hybrid buses, elevating the fleet to the next level of performance without relying on the electricity grid.

CDC Victoria says the completion of the Melbourne hybrid fleet is a significant milestone in the company’s quest for reducing emissions.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES CLEANER BUS EMISSIONS STANDARDS

In a major change, Euro VI emissions will become standard within the next two years.

The federal government will introduce tighter noxious emissions standards for new trucks and buses, saving lives while preventing toxic air pollution and providing significant environmental and economic benefits for communities.

The new standards, known as Euro VI, will be phased in over 12 months from November 1, 2024.

The federal government’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics estimates introducing Euro VI will save the Australian community $6.4 billion over 25 years from fewer premature deaths and chronic illnesses.

Euro VI standards are already in place in the European Union and United Kingdom, and equivalent standards also apply in most developed countries, including the United States, Japan. China and India.

Introducing Euro VI will mean manufacturers must add the

advanced safety and fuel-saving technologies to Australian models that other countries already have. This will help improve safety outcomes and contribute to Australia’s emissions reduction targets.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and National Transport Commission (NTC) are working with state and territory governments to make changes to ensure operators purchasing cleaner and safer trucks maintain productivity when the new standards become mandatory.

Further improvements to fuel quality could help support the introduction of tighter standards for light vehicles, known as Euro 6d. The government says it is considering how best to improve fuel quality and enable all new light vehicles sold in Australia to meet Euro 6d standards.

“These tighter noxious emissions standards for new trucks and buses will reduce this significant pollutant in Australia and help reduce the number of premature

Above: The new Euro VI standards for heavy vehicles will impact the bus sector

deaths and chronic illnesses as a result,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.

“These new standards will improve air quality and health outcomes and bring safer and more efficient trucks into Australia. We are committed to continuing to work with industry and state and territory governments to ensure the smooth introduction of these standards.

“Australia has been lagging in our vehicle noxious emissions standards for years now, and this move will help bring our vehicle market into the 21st century – and into line with overseas vehicle markets.”

“Australia has been lagging in our vehicle noxious emissions standards for years now”

MAN LION’S CHASSIS E LF.

Electric.

APPLIED EV SELECTS SIEMENS SOFTWARE TO HELP DEVELOP AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SYSTEMS

Siemens Australia says it is working with Applied EV to continue work on autonomous vehicle systems.

Australian technology company Applied EV, who specialise in digital control systems for autonomous vehicles, is utilising Siemens’ high-tech industrial software systems to support the design, quality assurance and build of its next generation autonomous vehicles.

Siemens’ cloud-based Teamcenter® X software for product lifecycle management (PLM), was recently made available in Australia on Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) regional servers and is a trusted tool for Applied EV’s design and product quality workflows to help decrease costs and reduce time-to-market.

The announcement follows Applied EV’s recent success testing a self-driving cabinless commercial vehicle on European streets.

Julian Broadbent, co-founder and CEO of Applied EV, says collaborating with global technology giant Siemens is strategic to

progressing the company’s vision.

“The demand for fully autonomous vehicles and technology is growing exponentially. Siemens’ new cloud-based PLM platform will help us meet this demand by providing us with better change management and quality. This helps increase first-time right releases of hardware and software, streamlining the company’s integrated approach to engineering,” Broadbent says.

Vice president and managing director of Siemens Digital Industries Software Australia and New Zealand Samantha Murray says Siemens is committed to empowering innovative companies like Applied EV to drive sustainable growth and transform their industries.

“Applied EV is a true Australian success story of a company leading through innovative design, data and manufacturing. They are at the forefront of commercial autonomous technology that can be applied to any vehicle or

HDRIVE HYDROGEN HEAVY VEHICLES MOVE INTO PRODUCTION

The new subsidiary of BLK Auto has announced its truck range will begin production.

BLK Auto has released the unveiling of its new subsidiary HDrive, which will now begin entering the hydrogen fuel cell truck market through a new range in production.

The trucks will be produced after passing a design and engineering period.

HDrive says it has already taken several orders for its HFCV trucks, including for a dual control side lifter waste truck and a 6x4 prime mover recently purchased by fuel provider Pure Hydrogen for use by their clients.

HDrive’s HFCV trucks have been designed and engineered in Australia, using high-quality components sourced from its trusted network of suppliers to develop the company’s fuel cell and other market-leading technology.

In a joint venture, HDrive trucks will initially be built at Wisdom (Fujian) Motor Company premises using the proven Ballard Fuel Cells. Wisdom’s majority shareholders are Ballard and Hong Kong based investment company Templewater.

The range of trucks will sit alongside BLK Auto’s existing hydrogen coach and electric truck and bus options. They are suitable for a variety of heavy-duty

Above: Applied EV has chosen Siemens to continue working on autonomous vehicle systems

system across multiple industries,” Murray says.

“We are proud to be working with Applied EV as we share a common goal of using software to innovate and challenge the

options available.

“Moving our trucks from development into production is an exciting milestone for both BLK Auto and HDrive and consolidates our reputation as an innovative commercial vehicle manufacturer,” HDrive and BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic says.

“As Australia’s leading clean energy commercial vehicle manufacturer, HDrive continues to deliver turnkey commercial vehicle solutions to customers that are competitive on price yet do not give ground on build quality or vehicle performance.”

Above: Following the launch of HDrive trucks with Pepsico, hydrogen coaches have been ordered in WA

TRANSDEV IN THE RUNNING FOR FIVE UK BUS AWARDS

Transdev in the North of England is to compete in five categories in the UK bus industry’s biggest celebration of innovation and excellence.

The UK Bus Awards has celebrated the industry’s highest performers for 25 years, with more than 450 awards presented in that time to winners throughout the country.

Having sifted through dozens of entries from bus firms across the United Kingdom, senior industry leaders on five expert judging panels have announced their shortlists for the 2022 Awards – and Transdev is in the running for five awards, including:

• Supporting the Customer

Experience – for Transdev’s unique ‘Sky Class’ premium specification twin-deck buses

• Culture Change –recognising Transdev’s team communications, training, and development, including its 2022 recruitment drive

• Marketing – for Transdev’s successful transformation of Team Pennine

• Partnering for Delivery –Transdev’s dynamic partnership with Harrogate BID, the Business Improvement District supporting local firms, to deliver free journeys on its Harrogate Electrics network and leisure businesses, and:

• Buses For Pleasure – for

Top: Transdev UK is up for five bus awards

‘Greetings from Yorkshire’, Transdev’s strategic marketing campaign across its networks to turn its bus routes into desirable leisure products.

KINETIC EXPANDS GLOBALLY FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF GO-AHEAD ACQUISITION

Kinetic says it plans to continue growing in both Australia and Europe following its latest major acquisition.

Australasian-based bus operator Kinetic is set to expand its global leadership in sustainable busing after completing the acquisition of UK-based Go-Ahead Group under a joint venture arrangement.

The transformative acquisition was completed under a consortium with Globalvia Inversiones.

With more than 27,000 employees  and a fleet of more than 6,000 buses across the UK, Ireland, Sweden and Singapore, Go-Ahead is responsible for a quarter of London’s buses for Transport for London. The company also operates rail services in the UK, Norway and Germany.

Go-Ahead has taken significant steps towards decarbonising its business and is now one of London’s largest operators of electric buses. The company will shortly

begin operating its first hydrogen buses around London’s Gatwick airport.

The acquisition will see Kinetic more than double its existing fleet and expand its capabilities, transforming Kinetic into a global, multi-modal owner and operator delivering essential public transport services.

“This acquisition significantly enhances the scale and scope of our operations as a multi-modal, mass transit platform,” Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says.

“Together with Globalvia and the Go-Ahead team, we are combining significant bus operations, infrastructure solutions and decarbonisation expertise. Kinetic is well-positioned to provide support and patient capital to facilitate the rapid electrification of Go-Ahead’s bus fleet to net zero. This is fully aligned with Kinetic’s long-term strategic focus for Australia and NZ to have the first fully electric bus fleet in Australasia by 2035.”

Go-Ahead CEO Christian Schreyer says: “This transaction sees the leading electric vehicles operators in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand come together. I am very confident about the future for Go-Ahead under the ownership of Kinetic and Globalvia.”

AGRALE LAUNCHES NEW ELECTRIC BUS IN BUENOS AIRES

Manufacturer Agrale has launched a new electric bus to meet emissions requirements in the Argentinian capital.

A new Agrale electric bus, developed by electrification specialist Equipmake in collaboration with the brand’s Argentine-Brazilian automaker, and featuring the company’s latest-generation zero-emission powertrain, has been launched in Buenos Aires.

Debuted in the context of the C40 World Mayors Conference, held from October 19 to 21 in the Argentine capital, the zero-emission Agrale MT17.0 LEe bus was one of the stars of the event, which brought together mayors from around the world, as well as leading decision makers, with the objective of showing innovative sustainability solutions.

Following successful tests by the Agrale manufacturer in Argentina, the new bus will now begin in-service trials on the streets of Buenos Aires. Having committed to halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and becoming completely carbon neutral by 2050, Buenos Aires sees electric buses as playing a crucial role in supporting its climate commitments.

The Equipmake-powered Agrale MT17.0 LEe is a 12m single deck model capable of carrying 70 passengers and will be operated for the next 12 months by DOTA S.A.

The drivetrain has been developed as part of the Advanced Propulsion

Centre-funded CELEB project, in which Equipmake has led multiple international partners over the past three years.

Working with Argentine-Brazilian bus manufacturer Agrale and Argentine coachbuilder Todo Bus, Equipmake developed an electric version of the single-deck Agrale MT17.0 LE, installing its own Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED).

Equipmake estimates that the new electric Agrale MT17.0LEe will have a range of up to 150 miles (240km), more than enough for a day’s use in Buenos Aires. When the battery is depleted at the end of a complete duty cycle, it can be recharged in the depot overnight via a CSS2 DC charging point.

Following the successful completion of the test, the objective is for mass manufacturing to begin in Buenos Aires with Agrale and Todo Bus, using the licensed Equipmake ZED technology, with the wider ambition of bringing state-of-the-art electrification to other South American countries.

wide range of entertainment options, including the popular Pittsburgh Steelers tour named after the town’s NFL team. Tours on the bus are hosted by local comedians and allow for BYO booze to fuel the party. With tours booking out fast, Burgh Bus is encouraging all to book private tours, parties or shuttle services as soon as possible before it sells out.

resorted to Google and YouTube to create her very own bus-home on wheels. So far it’s driven around 10,000 miles for the Philadelphian sportscaster and she plans on doing more work to it soon.

A group of school bus drivers in Wisconsin are getting creative in how they are celebrating Halloween this year. School bus drivers in Wisconsin have decided to hand out more than just candy, turning one of its fleet into a haunted bus where kids can explore in costume during this year’s Halloween celebrations. Bus drivers in the Superior School District transformed an old bus into a haunted Halloween experience for children and their families to walk through. Bus drivers said children were excited to see drivers in a fun atmosphere, with the community events like these being important for the area.

The View from Canberra

On September 1 and 2 this year, the federal government held its Jobs and Skills Summit. The Summit was comprised of a variety of government announcements and an assortment of panel discussions with advocates, experts, and contributions from the audience. The Summit themes focused on:

• maintaining full employment and enhancing productivity

• boosting job security and wages

• lifting participation and reducing barriers to employment

• delivering a high-quality labour force through skills, training and migration, and

• maximising opportunities in future industries.

The bus and coach industry employs more than 45,000 drivers, and according to the National Skills Commission, only thirteen per cent are female. The Summit shone a spotlight on gender equality, with the role women play being a core focus. Australia has been revealed as falling behind our Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) neighbours in gender equality. Summit keynote speaker Danielle Wood, CEO of the Grattan Institute, remarked on how Australia has one of the most gender segregated and divided workforces, and one which invests less in parental leave than other OECD countries. There was unanimous agreement at the Summit that improving women’s workforce participation is critical for economic prosperity and resilience, ensuring pay equality and enabling women to participate fully in the workplace in safe and respectful work environments.

During discussions on enterprise bargaining, both union and business groups demonstrated alignment in their view that enterprise bargaining has not met expectations and amendments to the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) are required. The general theme encouraged simplification, however no consensus was made in the form of any changes. Union groups advocated for legislation enabling multi-employer bargaining, allowing employees within an industry to bargain together under the same agreement, in lieu of the applicable modern award. Business groups argued against multiemployer bargaining.

The Summit outlined a two-stage Industry Relation (IR) reform package and the establishment of Jobs and Skills Australia. Several new Bills were immediately introduced to Parliament enabling Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave, and changing Anti–Discrimination and Human

Rights Legislation, to adopt the remainder of the ‘Respect at Work’ recommendations from the Australian Human Rights Commission report into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. The Treasurer also released Terms of Reference for an Employment White Paper, calling for submissions on ways to enhance productivity and full employment.

The Bus Industry Confederation’s (BIC) industrial arm in the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA) has been working hard to support the industry in light of these announcements. APTIA, in conjunction with its Industrial Working Group (IWG), works to ensure that industry members are protected against any adverse legislation by providing a full understanding of the operation of legislation and providing examples of how to work within it.

Stage one of the government’s IR policies introduces the Fair Work Amendment (Secure Pay, Better Jobs) Bill 2022. The Bill was presented to Parliament on October 27 and comprises the most comprehensive changes to industrial relations in Australia since the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009. The Bill introduces Multi-Enterprise Bargaining for industry by replacing the current award system with industry agreements. This has potential implications for competitive tendering.

The Fair Work Amendment Bill 2022:

• Abolishes the Australian Building and Construction Commission and the Registered Organisation Commission.

• Prohibits sexual harassment in connection with work, by providing sanctions for breach.

• Provides the right of an employee requesting flexible working hours to challenge a rejection from an employer in the Fair Work Commission.

• Provides a sunset clause for ‘zombie’ agreements, being those long-term agreements that while applying to a workplace are seriously outdated.

• Providing circumstances where both single interest agreements and multiple agreements are able to be made more easily, and

• Enhancing the mechanism for employees to make small claims in the local courts for unpaid wages.

Stage one of the reforms has been referred to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee (Committee) to report on the impacts of the Bill by November 17 this year. APTIA, with input from the IWG, will be making a submission and are also seeking to participate in the public hearings of the Committee.

The BIC and APTIA will be following the reforms closely.

BIC casts its eye over industrial relations reforms made since the recent Jobs and Skills Summit

REVOLUTIONISING PASSENGER SYSTEMS

Passenger information systems used to be just onboard buses. Such is the evolution of technology, it’s now much more. Consat Telematics’s latest developments in this space are reaping massive rewards for local operators and passengers.

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES CONSAT TELEMATICS

Current insights into passenger behaviour show most of a passenger’s experience is actually offboard. It starts before a passenger has left their house for the day, or before they leave the office in the afternoon, when they want to know the best way to get to their destination ahead of time.

Consat Telematics managing director Lachlan Mackay says the company has grown its passenger information solutions to provide a wider range of capabilities for customers.

“Passenger information is now about the overall experience for a passenger that starts long before the actual bus journey,” Mackay told ABC. “Passengers now want to know well before they get on a bus what time it is arriving, where it stops and how full it is.

“People want to know all of this information before they walk out of the door in the morning.”

Mackay says this new age offboard experience is usually done via a website or app. Now anyone can create an app, and there are many public transport apps out there (Consat even has its own). But the true power comes from the data provided to the app in real-time.

Passengers now need to know a bus location, occupancy levels and, most importantly, accurate arrival times before hopping onboard. For Consat, real-time means within one or two seconds rather than a minute. It can be the difference for a passenger catching a bus just in time or missing it and having their day disrupted.

It’s this specific detail that Consat Telematics is focusing on with its latest passenger information solutions.

“One of our differentiators is that our passenger information system

is a connected solution to support the entire end-to-end passenger experience,” Mackay says.

Safety is now very important for customers. Mackay says COVID proved the value of Auto Passenger Counting together with real-time bus location. This technology has allowed passengers to make an informed decision as to whether they catch a bus if it has standing room only, or instead wait for the next one.

Now as the industry emerges from COVID, Mackay says he’s seeing real-time occupancy levels are being used almost in the opposite way. Instead, passengers travelling late at night want to know that the bus is relatively full so that they feel safe before getting on.

Consat’s solutions provide this type of connected passenger info.

Opposite, Top: Consat’s systems are revolutionising the bus sector

Above: The system makes it easier to access bus services via phones Left: Temporarily closed stop, in real-time

Mackay says Consat has been providing this connected passenger information for many years and it has been made a standard function in North America and Europe. With passenger comfort and safety being paramount for public transport, Mackay is ensuring Consat keeps them front of mind in its passenger information systems.

“We have this great solution now because our system was built and designed for public transport from day one more than 35 years ago,” Mackay says. “It was designed for the passengers, the operator and the transport authority that oversees the public transport network.

“We still have our very first customer onboard today. It’s why we’ve ended up with a solution that is so powerful.”

Mackay says Consat’s solution still provides a rich passenger experience onboard as well through its audio-visual next stop information and accurate arrival forecasts. He says Consat’s ability to show connecting services at the next stop, disruption messages and safety alerts all in real-time separates Consat from competitors.

The other key feature Mackay says passengers love is the multimodal information for

People want to know all of this information b efore they walk out of the door in the morning

connecting services. Nowadays, many passengers have a multimodal trip. Consat has catered for this change by showing customers in real-time any connecting service like a bus, ferry, or light rail to reduce passenger anxiety.

Now Consat is going one step further. Having provided information to passengers for many years, the company is now receiving information from passengers to provide for operators. A great example of this is Consat’s Passenger Pickup. Using this system, a passenger at a bus stop using an app can signal they need special assistance if they have a wheelchair or are impaired. The next bus serving that stop will be notified that someone is at

Top: Consat’s technology is helping passengers plan multimodal travel

Above, L to R: Customers can request a special assistance pick up and the driver is notified in realtime to assist

the stop and needs assistance. Mackay says this has huge benefits for passengers and for operators, who can use this feature to improve efficiencies in how they operate.

Consat’s passenger information system integrates with other third party systems such as PTA travel planners through standard and open APIs like SIRI, MQTT and GTFS-R. This enables seamless integration across systems both upstream and downstream.

With its infotainment capabilities, Consat can also combine travel information with pictures and videos. This means major event information or operator campaigns can be pushed to a bus immediately. Long gone are the days when systems need a USB to be updated. Mackay says

the Consat solution allows operators to update this content remotely whenever they like.

Mackay says that whilst passenger information is the most visible part of its systems, it’s only a small section of its overall solution offerings. Many of Consat’s customers, such as bus operators, benefit from using one system for all of their operational needs. Mackay says Consat will continue providing detailed data for both operators and passengers.

“The same Consat solution enables operators to manage on-time running, alongside their voice communication system and electric vehicle data,” Mackay says. “This ensures customers get the best possible service while also increasing efficiency for operators.”

We still have our very first customer onboard today. It’s why we’ve ended up with a solution that is so powerful

FAMILY FUN

In 1991, Jason Healey was recognised as Queensland’s youngest official bus driver. Just over 30 years later, he’s passing the baton onto his bus-loving son.

AHigh School, Australia’s largest secondary school, something unusual happened.

Coming from the opposite direction was a bus driven by a young man from the same operator. As the buses moved closer, Jason soon realised he knew the person behind the wheel. It was his son, Matt Healey. A smile broke across Jason’s face.

“I saw Matt as he was getting closer,” Jason told ABC. “It was an amazing moment – we flashed our headlights and gave each other a wave.

“I never thought I’d have that memory of waving to my own son in the same company’s bus going in the opposite direction.”

This reunion on the roads has happened since and left Jason feeling proud every time.

Jason has had his own successful career in the industry. Starting as a bus cleaner and now working as a network planning manager, he has become an industry veteran. Now, his son is following in his footsteps.

Matt has gone through his own unique

journey to become a fully licenced bus driver at the age of 20. He was just one day short of setting the record as Queensland’s quickest driver to get his heavy combination (HC) licence.

Matt, who fondly remembers his own pride at seeing his Dad on the road, is setting about leading the charge for the next wave of bus and coach operators.

“I’ve passed Dad a couple of times on the road and it’s a weird but great experience,” Matt told ABC. “We wave to each other and can’t hide from one another.

“People get us confused now. It’s part of what we’re both doing and our shared passion for buses.”

It’s clear Matt got his passion for heavy vehicles from his father.

Jason grew up infatuated with buses and trucks. His own father was a cartographer, but Jason admits that he went against the family career path when he fell in love with buses.

He remembers catching buses run by Redlands Transport in the east of Brisbane to and from his high school in the mid-1980s. The old Bedford bus with coach seats that Jason used to ride with still sits firmly in his mind.

“My other favourite bus was a Hino GM

Coach,” Jason says. “You could hear the bus coming around from the other side of the school. To go on a ride with it was even better.”

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES SEAN MORTELL & JASON HEALEY

to Jason leaving his passion for motor mechanic work to become a casual bus cleaner.

Jason worked from 6pm to polish bull bars and wheels while washing day tour coaches out of the five-acre Manly depot. He thought he would have to wait until he turned 21 to graduate and drive the buses. He soon found out he was wrong.

“I ended up getting my D-class licence when I was 18,” Jason says. “I was washing buses and coaches both day and night and then I began taking empty buses out for changeovers.

“In July 1991, the National Driving Regulations changed, which allowed me to officially drive with paying passengers. My manager said I could begin driving a bus doing road shifts. By October I’d been trained to go on the road.”

At 19 years of age, Jason became Queensland’s youngest ever official bus driver. A Channel 10 interview gave Jason popularity for his achievements. Then, just over 30 years later, his son Matt came close to replicating the feat.

Jason’s career has evolved over more than 30 years to include urban and school routes, charter, rail replacement, holiday relief driving, rostering, scheduling and network planning for 19 years at Veolia Transport Brisbane, now known as Transdev Queensland. He’s now been at Clarks Logan City Bus Services for 10 years, and

earlier this year, he was joined by Matt.

REPLICATINGDAD

Matt’s first memory of a bus comes pretty early. He says Jason used to take buses and trucks home for Matt to admire. He grew up around the scene. For Matt, it was transport or nothing.

Opposite, Top: Matt, Jason and eter Hurst with their toys at the QOCS 25th Anniversary in

Matt and Jason at k’s depot

Above, Right: Matt behind e wheel of a Denning at Kangaroo Bus

Clark’s depot, ere both the Healey’s careers started with washing buses

“Buses have always been around my whole life, ever since I could remember,” Matt says. “The only other job I’ve done outside of transport was when I was a groundsman for six months and I didn’t like it.

“I tried to get out of the whole bus game and failed, and I’ve always been drawn back to it.”

It wasn’t always an easy ascension for Matt. He says he got bullied during high school for his passion for buses. Yet, with a family dedicated to the industry, Matt never let it bother his dreams to one day follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I’m a real bus enthusiast on the side of driving,” Matt says. “It makes people a bit curious, but I love what I do and I’m skilled at it. Why go into a job you hate and drag yourself through it? I’m in a job I love doing and I feel like I’ve never had a tough day in my life.”

Although Matt’s rise to becoming a bus driver always seem destined, the speed at which Matt got his licence shocked even himself.

At 20, he was just a year older than Jason was when he achieved the same accomplishment.

Matt went from having no licence to being qualified to drive buses in four years and one day. The Queensland record is four years to the day.

“I was proud and shocked when I received it,” Matt says. “I

I never thought I’d have that memory of waving to my own son in the same company’s bus going in the opposite direction.

wanted to beat Dad’s record but I couldn’t because of Queensland government regulations.

“I thought people wouldn’t put me on as a driver because I’m young and insurance costs are way higher under the age of 25, so I’m shocked at how it has worked out.”

Matt quickly went into rail replacement driving, before diverting into route services with Clark’s Logan City Bus Services earlier this year. Now at the same business that Jason has been with for 10 years, Matt has been able to share the precious moment of passing his father on the road and waving on numerous occasions.

Jason says he is incredibly proud that Matt has quickly grown from coming with him on weekend

shifts to driving his own bus. He still remembers when he had a milk crate stored away so Matt could be at the counter and hand out shift bats and buses to drivers.

“Matt’s determination to achieve his goals is truly amazing,” Jason says. “There should be more people like him in our industry –we need to promote people like Matt to get more young blood into the sector and drive motivation.”

The pair’s intertwining career paths are only going to extend in the coming years.

Jason recently bought one of the buses he used to drive at National Bus Queensland, an Austral Denning Hino RG230 57-seater bus. He and Matt will soon begin work to preserve the vehicle.

Top: Matt at the recent Bus & Coach Expo

Above, Left: A Sunliner Express Reunion

Above, Right: Matt’s first ever bus driving shift

Below: Matt at the National Bus Queensland depot in 2003

While the pair continue to facilitate their shared passion for buses, Matt is intent on forging ahead with his career as a driver. He has lofty goals.

“I want to eventually go into charter and tour driving and have my own company,” Matt says. “I want to go out on my own one day and have a product of my own I can show at the Bus & Coach Expo.

“If I did have my own company, Dad would be one of the first people I’d bring on. He could run the office side of operations, as I’d always have to drive and have my finger in the pie somehow. We’d work so well together because it’s all about passion and pride in what you do and we’re hands-on people.”

There should be more people like him in our industry – we need to promote people like Matt to get more young blood into the sector and drive motivation.

ENCOURAGING ACCESS

Hanover Displays is emphasising the accessibility side of its product range. By ensuring it’s DDAcompliant, Hanover is making journeys on all modes of public transport easier for passengers.

HANOVER DISPLAYS

needs to provide concise information about the journey, with both visual and audio messages to give customers confidence when they travel. This necessity is heightened especially if they are not familiar with the route or have a disability, such as a vision or hearing impairment. Hanover Displays is leading the charge in making sure its range of passenger information products cater for all passengers.

It’s doing so by ensuring its systems maintain compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). These standards outline what is required to make buses and bus stops accessible for people with a disability.

“The DDA requirements set

guidelines outlining what is needed on public transport vehicles for people with disabilities wanting to access transport without too many headaches,” Hanover Displays Australia director Grant Watson told ABC. “This pertains to features like the font size of next stop signs, voice announcements, preferred text, whether it’s upper or lower case and both internal and external announcements.

“For those who are visually or hearing impaired, our products remain DDA compliant to ensure those catching public transport know what stop they’re at, and if they’re getting on the right bus.”

Watson says every Hanover passenger information product onboard a bus is submitted to testing. The Australian arm of Hanover Displays engages with various disability groups to receive feedback on its latest designs. The product is then

IMAGES

systems, people on the bus then give feedback to Hanover to keep its products as accessible as it possibly can.

“It’s about concise and consistent information delivery,” Watson says. “We are always seeing operators understand that the way this information is presented is very important.”

Company director of the Australian subsidiary of the UK-based Hanover Displays Fiona Watson says tweaks made to remain DDA compliant include slight automatic

standard LED destination signs

brightness of the destination same with the volume of our

cloud and impacts visibility, or if a vehicle travelling at a faster speed makes it noisier at the back of the bus, our Hanover Transport Computer (HTC) device adjusts audio output or the sign brightness. All these little crucial things make a difference in the delivery of messages for passengers.”

Fiona says these requirements make the product fit for purpose.

Hanover has undergone research with lobby groups to determine what works best for vision or hearing impaired passengers. It found that a mix of upper and lowercase letters is much easier to read

and preferred alongside specific fonts and character heights.

This technology is shining through in Hanover Displays’ latest range of passenger information systems and screens. Fiona says the company recently received positive feedback on its new high-resolution signs and its 29 inch TFT screen at the recent Bus & Coach Expo.

‘The clarity of the 29-inch TFT smart screen, and the fact that almost any information stream can be accessed via the screen, allows all passengers to receive information on Twitter feeds along with traffic updates, and of course next stop information from these systems,” Fiona says. “The level we’ve gone to with our DDA-compliant products means customers can trust the Hanover Displays name moving forward.”

Top: Hanover has worked out the optimal font and size for its screens

Above: Next stop signs are now also accompanied by audio alerts

Opposite: Hanover Displays’ signs are DDA compliant

It’s about concise and consistent information delivery. We are always seeing operators understand that the way this information is presented is very important.

TESTING TECHNOLOGY

The Australian arm of Luminator Technology Group is rolling out its globally sound passenger information next-stop solution and releasing its new rear vision camera mirror systems to the local market. With technological breakthroughs underway, Luminator is excited about the latest range it can offer customers Down Under.

IMAGES LUMINATOR TECHNOLOGY GROUP

The global technology group prides itself in supplying the transit industry with passenger information systems, rear vision camera mirror systems and CCTV. After previously trading as Mobitec, Luminator has been supplying and supporting the Australian and New Zealand market since 1995.

“The Luminator brand is associated with high-quality products in the destination and passenger information equipment space,” Luminator Australia senior manager of operations Anthony Goodman told ABC. “We are keen to continue our long standing relationships with the

Above: Luminator’s mirror system helps detect cyclists and passengers around a bus

Below:

The company will continue expanding its passenger information technology into Australia

various OEMs and bus operators to provide a consistent solution for the

“We have an extensive range of destination signs and passenger information screens that are lighter and have very low power consumption compared to previous models. This also assists OEMs to meet the zero-emissions transition occurring in the industry.”

With a decent market share in Australasia, Luminator is aiming to expand its coverage locally.

“Our development team continues to make advancements in technology and is constantly looking at new products for the market that will revolutionise the passenger information display sector,” Goodman

The passenger information systems market is heading into an exciting time of technological breakthroughs. Luminator is ensuring it’s at the front of the curve in Australia. Currently, the technology group has a system that can be either manually updated through its standard controller or automatically through remote systems to provide information to buses.

This means operators don’t need to be signed up for costly monthly subscriptions if they don’t require it.

Luminator is also positioning itself as a reliable distributor of its solution in Australia. As a global strategic member of the ITxPT association, Luminator is involved and at the forefront of this open architecture standard.

“As a strategic partner with ITxPT, our systems are compliant with their guidelines,” Goodman says. “Any innovation surrounding ITxPT involves Luminator to ensure compliance and the standardisation of hardware, protocols and data formats.”

The association enables open architecture and data accessibility between IT systems in the public transport sector. It also ensures high-quality systems, like Luminator’s latest releases, remain compliant.

“We’re finding that transport

We have recently extended our agreement as the local Australian distributor for the European and ADR fully certified rear vision camera mirror system.

authorities are starting to ask about the integration of our systems within their buses, because Luminator has the solutions out in the market to meet requirements,” Goodman says.

Over the years, Goodman says bus mirror technology has progressively changed. The latest leap into rear vision camera mirror systems by Luminator showcases the most recent stage of its evolution.

Following a successful Bus & Coach Expo, Luminator is distributing its new product around Australia.

“We have recently extended our agreement as the local Australian distributor for the European and ADR fully certified rear vision camera mirror system,” Goodman says. “The system, ‘Smart Vision by Safety Tech’, goes on buses and coaches. This market leading solution, with more than 7,000 systems in service globally, is proving to be very popular with operators, particularly when it comes to driver safety and driver blind spots removal.

“We’ve started introducing it for Victorian and Queensland operators. We’ve received really positive results from drivers, which is very encouraging. This is one of the only fully certified solution available in the market and it therefore fully endorses the safety enhancements promoted by industry stakeholders.”

Goodman says Luminator is now promoting and marketing the product in Australia. The larger field of vision, enhanced ergonomics and the quality of images are only some of the outstanding features it offers.

Goodman says removal of lateral blind spots along with glare and reflection adds to the quality this product provides the drivers. In future, he says it will also offer the driver with a cyclist and pedestrian detection system with warnings directly integrated into the rear vision mirror system. This will allow users to optimise the driver environment while answering the latest recom mendations from the state safety department.

“We’ll continue focusing on the whole solution as a passenger information systems provider,” Goodman says. “We’re keen on being aware of the market and seeing what we can successfully introduce to benefit our customers.”

CONVERTING COMPLIANCE

IMAGES STYLERIDE AUSTRALIA

Ever since the COVID pandemic first disrupted the industry, seating manufacturers have had to constantly pivot. In a fast-moving world emerging out of lockdowns, new requirements and ideas fill the sector. StyleRide Australia managing director Garrin Angel says he is now getting five calls per day on a new topic.

“Many people are now reaching out to StyleRide about converting buses to motorhomes,” Angel told ABC. “With the expansion of people using motorhomes and wanting to travel domestically, we’re seeing our rate of contact with customers increasing substantially.”

This motorhome move brings with it a variety of seating considerations. Angel says the growing trend of repurposing old buses means people aren’t just sourcing new seats designed for motorhomes.

Instead, many are choosing to obtain used seats and have them installed into the motorhome. In some situations, this practice is fine. However, when older seat-belted seats installed don’t comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and aren’t installed or certified correctly, motorhome seats could become dangerous for passengers if an accident was to occur.

With many re-fitting motorhomes with backward facing seat-belted seats, Angel says he’s been educating the industry on

what is required to do it safely.

“Most people, particularly individuals building motorhomes themselves, may not be very aware of the critical nature of compliance needs with belted seats,” Angel says. “They’ll go and fit seats in themselves and then try to get it registered.

“However, there’s a need for third-party certification and compliance checks to be completed.”

If these processes aren’t followed, Angel says accidents can become far worse. With the potential for seats to be fitted incorrectly or rear facing when they aren’t designed to do so, Angel says many seats don’t meet the strict ADR requirements to be switched around.

Out of StyleRide’s range of seating

test and has retained the necessary rigidity and anchorage within the rearward facing guidelines of the relevant ADRs.

“It was a significant investment to specifically design the Orion seat to be rearward facing,” Angel says. “The original design of the model didn’t allow for compliance for rear facing applications.

“The evolution of the seat focused on being able to face it rearward. After passing testing, we’re happy to say the Orion seat can legally face front or backwards in a bus or motorhome.”

There’s still more considerations

Above, left to right: StyleRide is helping customers safely convert rear seats for motorhomes

StyleRide Australia is helping many customers convert old buses to motorhomes for road trips. The seating manufacturer raises key issues that the industry must consider when it comes to seating requirements.

able to face it rearward. After passing testing, we’re happy to say the Orion seat can legally face front or backwards in a bus or motorhome.

when it comes to installing rearward facing seats in a converted motorhome. Alongside the ADR requirements, the floor of the vehicles must also be structured correctly.

If a customer buys a second-hand bus, the underfloor structure of the vehicle may not have been constructed in a way that would meet the current ADR68 requirements. When fitting seat-belted seats in, both the floor underneath the seat and the product have to be updated to comply with ADRs.

Angel says StyleRide is putting effort into educating customers on these strict requirements.

“We are focusing on pushing discussions out there so people are

conscious that they can’t just buy a cheap set of belted seats and put a couple of them facing rearwards in an old bus,” Angel says. “If they’re involved in an accident, the risk of injury with a non-compliant product onboard significantly increases.

“Customers must also consider the legal ramifications of having seats and designs on motorhomes that don’t meet ADR requirements.”

Each day, Angel is passing this message onto both professional vehicle builders and the hobby builder looking to convert old buses to motorhomes.

When families are looking to take motorhomes onto the road for touring holidays, Angel says

Above: Crash testing shows the impact that collisions can have on seats that don’t meet ADRs

he is explaining what they can and can’t do without the legal jargon thrown in.

With professional vehicle builders, Angel says he is confirming that StyleRide has seating products like the Orion model that comply with ADRs.

Angel says those in the industry must know that they need third party compliance following inspections to put verified motorhomes on the road. StyleRide, with its various relationships with companies in every Australian state and territory, is offering to help vehicles be updated so they can adhere to vehicle compliance laws.

“Many think it’s cheaper to buy old seats and install them,” Angel says. “But buying newer seats that are ADR approved like our Orion model is quite a cost-effective approach.

“Even though a second-hand seat might be cheap, the cost in the long run could be expensive if they don’t use tested and reliable models.”

G4 DESTINATION DISPLAYS

Our new range of G4 LED displays are fully surface mounted and fully backwards compatible with existing products. We continue to offer an extensive range of sign sizes and colour options to suit different vehicle models.

TFT PASSENGER INFORMATION DISPLAYS

Our latest range of Thin Film Transistor (TFT) displays provides crystal clear information to the travelling passengers ensuring the smooth running of transport networks.

EG4 DESTINATION CONTROLLER

Our NEW advanced Destination Controller now incorporating a touchscreen graphical user interface with a built in 10W audio output that can be connected to your onboard speakers.

SERVICE REMARKABLE

IMAGES VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA

When David Mead first joined Volvo Bus Australia

in 2004 as general manager, he soon found out he was walking into an industry that would welcome him with open arms.

Upon attending his first bus industry event at 2004’s BusNSW conference in Coffs Harbour, Mead knew he fitted into the sector like a hand in glove.

“From that day onwards, I was made to feel welcome by customers, suppliers and everyone in the industry,” Mead told ABC. “Even after 19 years at the company, I’m amazed at the level of experience in the industry.

“The generosity of people, regardless of experience, makes it an inclusive and tightknit industry. Even as we see it change, it has still kept a lot of its character over that time.”

After nearly 19 years, the current Volvo Bus Australia Asia Pacific vice president will finish with Volvo at the end of 2022. Following years of success at the company, Mead will leave to pursue new opportunities and further his career outside of the Volvo Group.

Mead says he leaves with mixed emotions. Upon reflecting on his time with Volvo Bus Australia, the vice president says he has seen the bus and coach industry change drastically over the past 19 years.

“There’s been lots of changes in a number of different ways,” Mead says. “There are a lot less operators now than when I first started. From a Volvo perspective, we were a team of nine when I started and now there are 25 in the Volvo Bus Australia team.

David Mead arrived at Volvo Bus Australia as general manager nearly 20 years ago. After helping the company excel through numerous global challenges, Mead says he’s had an amazing journey as his time at Volvo comes to a finish at year’s end.

“I’ve been privileged to witness the unique nature of the industry develop. Businesses have had to partner to deliver what we do. We all work together to deliver the outcome and it’s grown to become a team effort.”

Mead says he has had many highlights during his time at Volvo Bus. He admits he’s an infinitely optimistic and positive person when he says there have been no major challenges that have prevented Volvo from doing anything while he has been at the company.

“We’ve always found a way or come to a solution,” Mead says. “Nothing stands out as a challenge. I can only remember highlights.”

Mead’s highlights include Volvo Bus Australia’s 50-year anniversary celebrated in 2020 and his time as a vice chairman for the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC).

He says the 50-year celebrations allowed Volvo Bus to reflect on all of the people who have worked for Volvo Bus over the time while also paying respect to the customers who have supported the brand.

When it comes to his time with BIC, Mead says he hoped he played his part in helping the industry band together on the right issues.

“The BIC, along with state associations, do a good job of addressing issues, and organisations like Volvo have a responsibility for wearing the industry cap,” Mead says. “The objective of organisations like BIC are so important in growing the pie for both public transport and the bus sector.

“The work BIC and Volvo have done emphasises that we should speak at the right time as an industry and collective of organisations.”

Despite these numerous highlights, one moment clearly sticks above the rest for Mead’s time at Volvo Bus Australia. While holding the position as

Volvo Bus Australia general manager for seven years, Mead took the Volvo Bus brand to the number one market position in 2010.

Since soaring to the top in 2010, Volvo has held onto the number one spot for the past 12 years, leading the Australian market with a market share as high as 40 per cent during that period.

“One of the proudest moments I’ll leave behind is when we ascended to number one in the Australian market in 2010,” Mead says. “Everything that has gone into that from individual efforts to customer support has made me proud and satisfied of that result we’ve had consistently.”

Having just emerged out of the global financial crisis in 2009, Mead says selling and then delivering 615 buses throughout 2010 remains an all-time high. Mead says the remarkable year all boils down to Volvo’s success in winning businesses in 2009.

“We won the Perth business with PTA as well as the Brisbane City Council business alongside other private business pieces,” Mead says. “Seeing the work we put in from 2004 through to 2010 was an amazing moment that stands out.

“It was a culmination of the effort and changes we put in place. It was the start of our market leadership that we’ve held onto since.”

Mead says Volvo Bus Australia should continue to hang its hat on its ability to lead change in the industry, particularly when it comes to environmental issues.

When Mead first joined Volvo, buses were running on Euro 3 emissions. Now, he leaves following the brand’s recent launch of its BZL Electric chassis. He says being able to have such an environmental focus and deliver on core values has been satisfying.

After helping the organisation get through the recent COVID pandemic and launch electric products, Mead leaves expecting to see more success for both Volvo and the entire industry.

His final message to the industry is to enjoy capitalising on the positivity that is to come, while also remaining central to vital sustainable public transport discussions.

For Mead himself, he wouldn’t be shocked if he manages to find his way back in the bus industry before too long.

“I’m not sure at all how or where I’ll go next,” Mead says. “I certainly haven’t ruled out staying in the industry.

“I don’t know where I’ll be taken next. Only time will tell. Until the end of the year comes, it’s business as usual for me at Volvo Bus Australia.”

Above: Mead led Volvo to the number one market position in Australia in 2010

Opposite, Top: Mead will leave Volvo Bus Australia at the end of this year

Even after 19 years at the company, I’m amazed at the level of experience in the industry.

E-MOBILITY PARTNER

IMAGES WEBASTO

Committed to a green future, Webasto Australia is shaping the e-mobility transition through close collaboration with its partners and customers.

Building on more than 90 years of expertise, Webasto has developed a modular and scalable concept for the electrification of commercial vehicles and construction machinery.

Manufacturing in a state-of-theart German facility, Webasto offers a complete plug and play solution providing everything from one primary source: battery, vehicle interface units and thermal management.

The core of the system is the CV standard battery with a configuration of 400v and 800v. Designed to withstand the harshest environments, the battery has been homologated against recognised standards ECE R100, ECE R10 and tested against the highest industry safety requirements. The CV standard battery offers manufacturers flexible integration into the vehicle due to vertical and horizontal installation positions and the ability to communicate via CAN. Up to 18 Standard Battery Systems can be interconnected with the Vehicle Interface Gateway or up to

cost-efficient interface as an intelligent power distribution unit. Completing the package is the eBTM, which is a stand-alone Battery Thermal Management Unit that ensures optimal functioning of water-cooled battery packs and provides ideal battery cell performance over the long term. Webasto says its experts advise you right from the outset and integrate its solution perfectly into your existing system.

Ensuring Mobility of the Future

Top: Webasto’s battery products are helping shape e-mobility

Above: Battery solutions allow for easy installation and CAN communication

Global company Webasto is expanding its offering to include trusted e-mobility solutions with a range of batteries, vehicle interface and thermal management to support vehicle electrification

TELEMATICS AND TAX

Ryan Tax Services was searching for a way to streamline its fuel tax credit offerings for the industry. It soon found success when it became an authorised reseller of Geotab’s reliable GPS and telematics solutions.

IMAGES GEOTAB

As a global tax services and software provider, Ryan was looking for ways to expand its offerings to customers in the transport industry. It became a valuable member of the Australian bus and coach industry when it officially became a Geotab reseller earlier this year.

It was a major boost for Ryan senior director of indirect tax Anthony Harmer. Having previously worked on a Linfox refrigerated trailer case ruling that fuel not used for travelling on a public road was entitled to a larger tax claim, Harmer has spent the past 12 years specialising in fuel tax credit claims for Australian operators. When he took his expertise in the area to Ryan in 2021, Harmer knew there was potential for the company to expand into the bus industry.

By partnering with Geotab as a reseller of its products in July this year, Ryan took a major step forward in the bus space.

“Over the years we’ve done a lot of work with the bus and coach industry,” Harmer told ABC. “We’ve assisted members with claiming fuel tax credits for fuel used in depots or on scheduled layovers.

“When we became a Geotab reseller, it allowed us to provide a wide encompassing service for our clients.”

The partnership between the global tax services provider and Geotab’s connected transportation solution has already made a difference. Through a subscription-based offering, Ryan’s clients are now benefiting from Geotab’s telematics insights. Under the deal, Ryan is providing clients with GPS devices from Geotab at a cheap price to collect valuable and accurate data for the calculating of fuel tax refunds.

Globally, customers have been purchasing Geotab’s award-winning devices through Ryan in a combined package that includes Ryan’s tax challenge solutions. Harmer says using Geotab’s reliable devices has resulted in a huge

increase in data quality.

“Over the years we’ve worked with clients to get GPS data from their providers to calculate their fuel tax credit claim,” Harmer says. “We became aware that not all providers were equal in the data they supplied us with.

“We looked to align ourselves with a single GPS partner in Geotab because its model works really well, the company is the largest global telematics provider in terms of connections, and it allows us to become a one-stop shop for fuel tax technology.”

Harmer says Ryan becoming a Geotab on seller has made the fuel tax process much easier.

Previously, other GPS providers wouldn’t allow Ryan to access certain client data, meaning it had to retrospec tively download and filter through data every six or 12 months.

With Geotab, Ryan can access the data live and provide monthly services to

allowing for monthly meetings rather than a session every year or half-year.

“It’s certainly helped us grow,” Harmer says. “Before this, we didn’t have many ongoing clients. We’d find we’d work with a client, get them a refund and strike a great relationship, but we didn’t have a reason to speak with them every month after our one-off retrospective work.

“Now, this allows us to grow our book where we can work with clients on a prospective basis more often. We get the chance to speak to them monthly and provide both full service telematics and fuel tax credit services. It’s transformed our business.”

Harmer says it’s exciting to see the scale of both companies working together to create a competitive price point for combined packages of GPS devices and fuel tax refunds. He says this new wave of using telematics has a gap in the market that proves telematics has a wide range of applications for the transport industry.

became a Geotab reseller, it allowed us to provide a wide encompassing service for our clients.

When

Above: Geotab is committing to bringing more products to Australia

Opposite: Ryan has seen its business boom since becoming an on-seller of Geotab GPS products

Whether it be moving forward to road user charging or continuing to help the bus and coach sector with fuel tax credit claims, Harmer says telematics has a major part to play in the industry. While on the cusp of a new era of tax advice, Harmer says the cutting edge nature of Geotab’s solution is a critical factor in this boom.

“Geotab’s data is the best quality we’ve ever seen,” Harmer says. “Geotab at heart is an engineering company that prides itself on its telematics device due to its low failure rate.

“We needed high data accuracy for the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Geotab is one of the only options we had to fulfil these requirements on a global level.”

Moving forward, Harmer says Ryan is looking at expanding its

Geotab range that it is on-selling to customers.

The tax service company is intent on continuing to revolutionise the fuel tax credit space.

With Geotab by its side, Ryan is confident it will become a well-known global name in the bus and coach industry.

“Geotab is constantly localising its products and it’s committed to bringing new features into Australia that we previously didn’t get access to,” Harmer says. “We have a really healthy marketplace with Geotab where we can also bring in cameras and other software that bus companies might need.

“It’s all constantly expanding. We’re always looking to grow and offer more products to our customers. As long as Geotab brings these products out, we’ll assist by reselling them onwards.”

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It involves filling out a short and quick survey about your bus business and some thoughts on the current state of play in the Australian bus and coach industry. Scan the QR code and complete the survey now to give your company the prime exposure it deserves in the ABC Operator Showcase.

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MAKING HISTORY

IMAGES BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL & HESS

will deliver a new era of connected transport featuring Australian-first vehicles helping to future proof Brisbane’s public transport network.

The new-age buses run by Brisbane

HESS says in many ways the lighTram® 25 defies categorisation given that it offers operators both the high passenger capacity one might expect from a tram or light rail vehicle, and the manoeu vrability and flexibility conventionally associated with a bus. No matter what name the vehicle is given, HESS says it is the centrepiece of a highly adaptable, cost-effective and green transport solution.

HESS says its high capacity electric vehicle is a snapshot into the future of public transport

a vehicle with three large and accessible mobility aid bays in the first compartment, an automatic electric ramp, hearing loops and the ability to communicate with the driver via help points, and much more.”

The result is the first ever registered right-hand-drive biarticulated zero-emission vehicle in Australia. Dale says operators in jurisdictions outside Brisbane could now feel confident that this was a mode of transport applicable throughout Australia that will be well-supported by a growing Australian team.

Above: The HESS vehicle may not look like a typical bus, but it’s set to work wonders in Brisbane

Australia’s first ever flash charging system. Naef says infrastructure manufacturing is already well underway.

“The charging system for these vehicles can recharge the bus in under six minutes,” Naef says. “That’s exceptionally fast, but we’re mindful that we also needed to keep the batteries light and the vehicles in frequent operation.

“Our philosophy is that HESS vehicles are there first and foremost to carry passengers, not batteries.”

HESS regional manager Peter Dale says that more than 15,000 people went through the pilot metro when it was shown by Brisbane City Council at the Queensland Ekka in August. He says that members of government and industry had recently been shown the vehicle at familiarisation sessions. The response has been encouraging.

“Those who attended the events were really impressed. We got a range of highly positive feedback on numerous aspects of the vehicle,” Dale told ABC. “It’s one thing to

look at a spec sheet, but another to ride on the vehicle and experience the spaciousness and features for yourself.

“When you match that with its manoeuvrability - how it effortlessly handles a roundabout, for example - you have people talking about a true best-of-both worlds mode of transport.”

Manoeuvrability is just one of numerous aspects of the vehicle evaluated during a three-month testing and technical evaluation period that began in April. After testing speed, acceleration, braking, energy consumption, recharging, passenger accessibility and the overall driver experience, Brisbane City Council announced that it would order the remaining 59 vehicles from HESS.

“It was pleasing that the testing process was so successful, in part because it wasn’t your typical tender process,” Dale says. “Historically, operators put out a series of design specifications: length, width, and so on. In this case, what we were asked to respond to was a series of performance specifications.

“We began with qualitative requirements relating to accessibility and passenger flow, and with these in mind, we worked on the quantitative side of the design. What we have now is something we’re very proud of,

“HESS e-Mobility is a registered Australian entity and, as the Metro project advances, our on-the-ground contingent will only become larger,” Dale says. “We continue to support the project through training programs, maintenance support and specialist engineering advice.

“We’re working with Brisbane Metro, Transport for Brisbane and we’re continuing our long and proud partnership with Australian bus body builder, Volgren. Its own extensive association with council makes it an ideal partner, and its Eagle Farm facility has already played an important role in the testing and technical evaluation process.”

Dale says that although the vehicle may not look like a conventional Australian public transport vehicle, the testing process underscored the fact it’s well-suited to conventional bus routes.

“This is certainly a unique product, but one of its great advantages is that it doesn’t necessitate drastic changes to the bus industry. On the contrary, the lighTram® 25 can future-proof existing bus routes,” Dale says. “This is an opportunity for bus operators to continue as bus operators, but to significantly increase their capacity. The only thing that will change is the mode as companies transition to zero-emission fleets.

“With that change will come significant improvements in the experience for drivers and commuters, which is exciting.”

Our philosophy is that HESS vehicles are there first and foremost to carry passengers, not batteries.

HAUL

Ever since BLK Auto launched the newly formed company HDrive earlier this year, it’s been looking for an opportunity to showcase its vehicles in Australia.

In late October, HDrive continued to surge into the hydrogen heavy vehicle market after agreeing to a five-year supply deal with Pure Hydrogen and Wisdom Motors for up to 12,000 trucks over five years. Now, BLK Auto and HDrive are turning to procuring hydrogen buses in Australia.

“It’s very exciting for Wisdom Motors

IMAGES BLK AUTO

bus down to Australia and show it to the industry,” Pecotic told ABC. “Wisdom has loaned the bus to us for one month from Hong Kong to show bus operators and government officials how a hydrogen bus works in person.”

On November 29, HDrive will launch its hydrogen double decker city bus in Australia. From 11AM to 3PM, the hydrogen double decker will be presented to the industry at Shellharbour Regional Airport in Illawarra, New South Wales.

Following the presentation, as well as the engineering and operations overviews, the industry will get the chance to test drive the hydrogen vehicle within the airport grounds.

It’s been fast moving for HDrive. The first HDrive bus was displayed at the recent Bus & Coach Expo on BLK Auto’s stand in its green leaf livery. Just weeks after, HDrive announced it was moving its hydrogen trucks into production with Pepsico before entering its supply agreement with Pure Hydrogen and Wisdom Motors.

Now, its Australian launch of its new double decker hydrogen vehicle will give

the company a valuable chance to align this new technology with operators, energy providers, universities and technology stakeholders.

“We want to show that the technology is real,” Pecotic says. “We want to show that it’s here and that it has its place within transport and logistics centres, not only in the Illawarra but throughout Australia.

“We are hoping to have attendances from local members and councils, and have also invited energy and transport ministers to be part of this initiative.”

The hydrogen fuel cell city bus was originally delivered to a Hong Kong operator. After having it for a month, the operator let HDrive borrow the bus and quickly detour down to the Illawarra to show the Australian industry the future of hydrogen buses and coaches.

Pecotic says the hydrogen city bus just arrived from Hong Kong at NSW’s Port Kembla. He says having the bus in person for operators and politicians to touch and see will be a massive opportunity for BLK Auto and HDrive.

“The industry attending the day will get to see the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell technology in buses,” Pecotic says. “The bus is tried and tested in Hong Kong. Here in Australia, we’re giving the industry a chance to see the bus in action.”

The HDrive double decker hydrogen city bus is the first of its type within Hong Kong. It was delivered by Wisdom Motors to be trialled as part of Hong Kong’s

strategy to expand its zero-emissions footprint within the area without placing more of a strain on the current electrical grid.

Pecotic says the transferring of the bus down to Port Kembla is the perfect opportunity for HDrive to align its own local discussions with operators at the launch and test drive day.

With some in the industry asking if hydrogen city bus technology is real, HDrive’s in-person event will prove the vehicle is currently in operation and can be seen in person as a viable transport option.

Pecotic says HDrive is a newly formed company currently having the largest offerings in Australia for zero-emissions vehicles. After pairing with Wisdom Motors in China, HDrive will continue working with shareholders Ballard and Temple Water to produce more hydrogen vehicles.

Pecotic says he recently travelled to Singapore and saw how the hydrogen bus industry is excelling in the region. With the world’s largest and most trusted fuel cell manufacturer in Wisdom Motors backing the HDrive project, Pecotic says the new company will continue working with its shareholders to provide quality vehicles for international operators and partnerships.

“To see the speed that the industry in Singapore is moving towards hydrogen vehicles was incredible,” Pecotic says. “Looking forward, we’ll continue to support the growing demand for hydrogen vehicles and supply it to Australia.”

We want to show that it’s here and that it has its place within transport and logistics centres, not only in the Illawarra but throughout Australia.

Pictured: The new-age hydrogen city bus will pay a visit to New South Wales’s Shellharbour Regional Airport in late November

FORGING FRIENDSHIPS

Fallon’s Bus Services runs a variety of services in Victoria’s northeast. More than half of its fleet are MAN chassis due to the expanding partnership between the two companies.

Fallon’s Bus Services has been ordering MAN Truck & Bus chassis for nearly a decade.

The family-owned operator was established in 1962 in Gippsland and now runs a range of services in north-east Victorian regions.

After starting off with a couple of local Bedford school buses, Fallon’s now has more than 110 vehicles driving a range of charter, school and route services. More than 35 of the chassis in its fleet come courtesy of MAN.

It all began when Fallon’s made an acquisition.

“Our first experience with MAN

was when we took over Fall’s Creek Coach Service near Mount Beauty,” Fallon’s Bus Services key principal told ABC. “With that acquisition we took on three MAN buses in two school vehicles and a coach.

“All three were big 18-tonne chassis. We realised the MAN chassis performed really well in the conditions we operated in.”

The Fallon’s family business says the safety factor of the MAN’s heavy chassis has been paramount for the operator.

Since the initial purchase of these second-hand MANs, Fallon’s purchased its very first new MAN IC18.360 chassis in 2010 and it has

IMAGES MAN TRUCK & BUS

safety on board. The company says operating costs and reliability for the customer have always been crucial throughout the years, alongside the personal service the company has received.

MAN Bus regional sales manager Mark Nichols says the developing relationship between the two companies has been wonderful. Nichols says a bodybuilder has also been important in forging the connection.

“Fallon’s has been such a loyal customer – it’s not about selling the buses upfront, it’s about what you do after,” Nichols told ABC. “They’ve changed a lot over the years from Euro 4 chassis through to Euro 6. We’re lucky we have the relationship with Coach Design too – it’s cemented our partnership.”

Nichols says MAN will continue to provide the best service it can to help Fallon’s to continue growing. The operator’s regional requirements means the electric vehicle transition may not immediately be on the cards, but it won’t stop the pair from continuing to flourish.

Fallon’s says it has found no faults with the MAN chassis. Currently the operator has another four MAN chassis on order. Fallon’s key principal says the company is excited to continue expanding with MAN in the coming years.

“We’re for sure expanding and growing with MAN,” Fallon’s says. “We’ve got more MAN chassis in build now and it’ll just keep on snowballing.

“Having recently acquired other companies, around 60 per cent of our fleet are MAN chassis and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

It’s all above and beyond in safety, reliability, fuel economy and passenger comfort – the Lion’s chassis is in a league of its own.

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 social procurement

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 it serves. 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

All Aboard event will take place in Melbourne in December

October deliveries rise again

The bus and coach industry’s bumper year is extending into the final months of 2022, with sales for October coming close to yet again breaching the triple-figures mark.

After September finished with 89 deliveries, October has risen by eight to record 97 deliveries.

When it came to chassis, Volvo once again emerged as the market leader with 27 delivered for the month. Scania improved on its September sales by seven after delivering 24 chassis in October, while Yutong remained close behind with an improved 21 deliveries. There was daylight behind the top three, with I-Bus and Mercedes-Benz (5 each) falling behind the leading pack, while BCI (4) closely followed. In an even share of the final 11 deliveries, MAN and King Long both registered three units, while BLK Auto recorded two to finish one ahead of Challenger Bus & Coach, BYD and Bustech Group.

There were no surprises in the bodybuilder section, as Volgren yet again emerged at the top of the pack with a consistent 27 deliveries for October, 10 less than its September efforts. Yutong made a massive leap from its two bodies delivered last month, finishing with 21 units for October to sit a clear second. Irizar came next with 11 deliveries in a fine improvement for the month, while Marcopolo and Bustech Group couldn’t be separated with six bodies delivered apiece. I-Bus (5) remained consistent, while Coach Concepts rose to meet the dropping BCI with four deliveries each. Scania and King Long both recorded the three units as five companies split the final seven deliveries for October.

When looking at the air-conditioning market, Thermo King remained the leader in the space. After reaching a milestone

with 50 deliveries in September, it remained consistent with 33 recorded in October. Clint-Yutong rose dramatically from two deliveries in September to 21 in October to snatch second place, while Hispacold increased its deliveries in October to round out the top three with 15 units delivered. Spheros (9) tripled its September efforts, while new player Songz once again returned to the list with five deliveries in October. MCC rose to four deliveries, with Coachair, King Long and Konvecta all registering the three units delivered apiece to lead Valeo (1).

The state-based competition for deliveries took a turn in October, with Victoria usurping Western Australia to lead with 37 deliveries, or 39 per cent, last month. WA remained not far behind with 28 deliveries for October, while Queensland increased its September deliveries with 18 units. South Australia also rose from five deliveries to eight in October, with New South Wales dropping down to five. Northern Territory rounded out the market with its first delivery for quite some time, courtesy of a King Long unit.

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

Yutong made a massive leap from its two bodies delivered last month, finishing with 21 units for October to sit a clear second

October’s deliveries fell just short of the triple figure month

There were no surprises in the bodybuilder section, as Volgren yet again emerged at the top of the pack with a consistent 27 deliveries for October, 10 behind of its September efforts. Yutong made a massive leap from its two bodies delivered last month, finishing with 21 units for October to sit a clear second. Irizar came next with 11 deliveries in a fine improvement for the month, while Marcopolo and Bustech Group couldn’t be separated with six bodies delivered apiece. I-Bus (5) remained consistent, while Coach Concepts rose to meet the dropping BCI with four deliveries each. Scania and King Long both recorded the three deliveries as five companies split the final seven deliveries for October.

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

When looking at the air-conditioning market, Thermo King remained the leader in the space. After reaching a milestone with 50 deliveries in September, it remained consistent with 33 recorded in October. Clint-Yutong rose dramatically from two deliveries in September to 21 in October to snatch second place, while Hispacold increased its deliveries in October to round out the top three with 15 units delivered. Spheros (9) tripled its September efforts, while new player Songz once again returned to the list with five deliveries in October. MCC rose to four deliveries, with Coachair, King Long and Konvecta all registering the three units delivered apiece to lead Valeo (1).

When it came to chassis, Volvo once again emerged as the market leader with 27 chassis delivered for the month. Scania improved on its September sales by seven after delivering 24 chassis in October, while Yutong remained close behind with an improved 21 deliveries. There was daylight behind the top three, with I-Bus and Mercedes-Benz (5 each) falling behind the leading pack, while BCI (4) closely followed. In an even share of the final 11 deliveries, MAN and King Long both registered three deliveries, while BLK Auto recorded two to finish one ahead of Challenger Bus & Coach, BYD and Bustech Group.

Bringing back the beer bus

It’s been the dream of many to run a beer bus. In the Canadian city of Guelph in southwest Canada, a local group is making it a reality.

It all started in the town known as the ‘Royal City’.

When Guelph.Beer, a unique association of Guelph commercial brewers, reached out to the local operator Guelph Transit in May 2019, it wanted to increase the popularity of the city’s breweries.

The idea of a beer bus sought to boost companies like Canada’s oldest independently owned microbrewery in the Guelph-based Wellington Brewery. The brewery joined with Fixed Gear Brewing, Sleeman Brewing, Brothers Brewing and Royal City Brewing Co to create Guelph.Beer. The group then looked to partner with Guelph Transit in providing free shuttles to local breweries.

“The beer bus idea is about creating a route and schedule based on participating local breweries offering free, environmentally friendly and safe transportation to patrons,” Guelph Transit market development and sales coordinator Jess Taylor told ABC. “The idea offers the flexibility for patrons to choose their own adventure at their own pace, offering pick-ups every half hour throughout the fixed route.”

By providing a free and accessible bus trip to the various companies, the bus trip ensures Guelph citizens can enjoy a booze-filled journey around the city’s best breweries.

Guelph Transit says the beer bus has quickly grown in recent years to expand the reach of both Guelph Transit and the Guelph.Beer network.

“Guelph Transit is proud to share the success of this event to support local businesses and provide safe and reliable services to those using it,” Taylor says. “We have inspired other Transit agencies to look into doing similar events in their communities.”

Guelph Transit runs the bus for free, collecting donations to support a different charity on each Guelph.Beer Bus day.

Taylor says the operator ensures safety

and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of the novel bus journey.

“Safety is also a key consideration that the organisers and Guelph Transit emphasise,” Taylor says. “Guelph.Beer has volunteers on every bus to enhance the experience and assist in keeping the experience enjoyable and safe.”

The Guelph operator and its brewery group is offering tours once a month from April to December throughout 2022 in the Canadian summer. Recently, the bus service has expanded to later in the year than previous years to meet customer demand and offer more events.

It’s a fitting reward for the efforts both Guelph Transit and Guelph.Beer have put in recently to ensure the bus service has a future post-COVID in the Canadian city.

“We have worked hard to comply with regulations as they have changed over the past two years,” Taylor says. “When

we began the 2022 season, masks were still required on public transit. That requirement has since been lifted.

“These events have helped these local breweries regain patrons and we are happy to support them in returning to pre-pandemic operations.”

With the Guelph.Beer Bus’s extended season in full swing, Taylor says there are plans to continue expanding the service. With the unique idea clearly becoming a popular day out for Guelph locals, both Guelph Transit and Guelph.Beer are already looking forward to an even busier schedule in 2023.

“Operators have said they enjoy driving these charters because they’re a fun way of spending a Saturday afternoon,” Taylor says. “Our Canadian winters are a consideration to keep in mind, but we’ve extended this season to end later this year.

“We hope to make an informed decision on possibly expanding to monthly events all year round in 2023.”

Above:

The Guelph.Beer Bus is helping drive traffic to local breweries

Left: Guelph Transit is seeing record numbers hop aboard the bus

A southwest Canadian city is making the most of its return to a post-COVID world without social distancing requirements as its beer bus service is becoming incredibly popular among locals.