CHALLENGER KNOWS WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT IN ROBUST AND QUALITY VEHICLES
Operator: QBIC museum Deliveries: 2022 wrap Back Seat: Kidney bus
n many ways, the thousands of bus and coach operators around Australia who push out countless bus services a day fly, or should I say drive, under the radar.
For more than a century, families throughout the country have purchased and maintained the buses they adore so dearly, before remaining vigilant and organised to ensure these cherished vehicles can then be used to transport people daily.
Whether it be to and from schools in the country or the inner city, or via coach charter services that allow tourists and Australians alike to see the many awe-inspiring destinations this country has to offer, bus and coach operators are an integral part of Australia’s fabric.
The hard-working nature of Australian operators deserves to be celebrated and ABC Magazine has chosen to do so in unique fashion, with the launch of the inaugural Operator Showcase for 2023.
The Operator Showcase project started in the latter months of last year when ABC launched an online survey for operators far and wide in Australia to complete.
Over roughly eight weeks, 43 operators responded to a survey establishing key details on their businesses and also their thoughts on the direction of the industry.
The results of the key stats on each operator are to be found in table format from page 26 onwards, alongside a story summarising these operator’s thoughts on key issues including staff shortages, training plans, fuel price rises and the move to zero-emission buses. The results may surprise you!
The operators range from tiny country businesses to the larger multi-national companies that many know, such as Kinetic and Transit Systems. The results capture the past, present and future of generations who have committed their lives and
careers to maintaining buses and ensuring services run as smoothly as ever.
The Operator Showcase table is the most comprehensive listing of Australian bus and coach operators produced in a long time. We’re very grateful for the 43 operators who took the time to fill out our inaugural survey and we look forward to building on the 2023 results later this year when we will launch and promote the 2024 Operator Showcase survey.
Alongside the inaugural Operator Showcase is the usual assortment of enticing news stories from manufacturers and operators alike. Gracing our cover to start 2023 is Challenger Bus & Coach, who is continuing to excel in the market. As seen on page 20, the group’s commitment to quality vehicles is allowing it to launch its advanced diesel technology.
Also joining Challenger in the advanced diesel technology feature
a test drive day for its exciting new HDrive hydrogen bus.
Yutong spoke to us about its latest ADR compliance win on its new model on page 44, while Yurika’s charging solutions is making it an emerging member of the Australian market.
Up in Queensland, the Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS) has had a difficult few years trying to find a site to store its growing collection of vintage buses and coaches. From page 34 onwards, check out the new Brisbane Transport Museum that is set to make Queensland bus and coach history.
Down south we chatted with the Dyson Group on page 38, who once again provided three of its finest vehicles to the Pat Cronin Foundation for its fundraising walk in late 2022. Borne from tragedy, the foundation remains as grateful as ever for what Dysons provides for the profound event.
As the bus and coach industry accelerates into 2023, ABC Magazine is proud to launch a new section for the nation’s operators .
FOLLOW US ONLINE AT: Facebook – facebook.com/ABCBusnews YouTube – bit.ly/busandcoachtv Twitter – twitter.com/ABCmag
4. editorial | kicking off with a bang
As the bus and coach industry accelerates into 2023, ABC Magazine is proud to launch a new section for the nation’s operators
8. news | all aboard
An overview of the latest Australasian and international bus and coach news that you need to know
17. bic column
ACCELERATING TO ZERO
BIC says it is preparing to advocate for a Zero Emissions Buses Roadmap to help make the transition to green energy easier for the industry
19. qbic column
THE GENERAL STATE OF PLAY
From the newest trends relating to zeroemissions buses to workforce issues and disability access standards, QBIC is working across the board to serve the industry
20. cover story | challenger bus & coach
KEEPING CUSTOMERS SATISFIED
Challenger Bus & Coach had a very successful 2022 after forging new relationships in the local industry. It is looking at continuing to foster growing partnerships in 2023 and providing more quality vehicles.
22. diesel feature | scania PLOTTING CLEAN ROUTES
If you want lower emissions from your diesel-fuelled Scania fleet, the brand says it’s time to switch to biodiesel.
26. operator showcase 2023
WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL SHOWCASE
In a new feature, ABC Magazine is presenting 43 of Australia’s bus and coach operators, as well as surveying them for their thoughts on the current lay of the land
34. operator | qocs A WORTHWHILE WAIT
Nick Wilson has dedicated much of his time as president of QOCS to finding a suitable space to open Queensland’s first bus museum. It’s taken years of persistence, yet the struggle will be vindicated in 2023.
38. operator | dyson group GIVING BACK IN SPADES
Since 2016, the Pat Cronin Foundation has held an annual fundraising walk in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs. The Dyson Group’s help has become a key part of the day’s growing success.
41. feature | yurika
SHOWCASING THE BEST IN EV EQUIPMENT
Yurika’s recent EV Supply Equipment Showcase provided an opportunity to get up close with the latest Siemens charging equipment and Yurika’s EV infrastructure specialists
42. feature | blk auto SHOWCASING A BOLD MOVE
In late 2022, BLK Auto gave the Australian industry the ride of their lives when they hosted a test drive of its new HDrive hydrogen bus
44. feature | yutong EXCEEDING EXCELLENCE
When Yutong submitted its application for the three new C12 models, including the electric C12E, for ADR approval, it wasn’t expecting to clear all the hurdles in one perfect process.
47. 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.
49. events INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR 2023
Be sure not to miss out on an opportunity for these fantastic in person events, as well as enjoying a recap of some of 2022’s best events.
52. factory facts | bus deliveries MONTHLY RESULTS
We have all the latest bus and coach supplier sales data collected and recorded for your review, check out how the market has performed in the past month, as well as a special 2022 deliveries recap
58. back seat | news A BIG RED BOOM
For more than a decade, the Big Red Kidney Bus has provided life-changing mobile dialysis treatment for those suffering from kidney disease or failure. Kidney Health Australia is now continuing to expand its bus fleet into more Australian states.
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Improving operational performance and customer satisfaction levels have been key to retaining Transport for NSW Greater Sydney Bus Contracts, according to incumbent operator Transit Systems.
Partnering with Transport for NSW for nearly a decade, Transit Systems’ new contract will see it retain the Region 3 bus services it has operated since 2013, and from mid-2023 it will commence operating Region 13 bus services in Sydney’s South-West including the Lidcombe, Granville, Bankstown and Liverpool areas.
Over the past decade, Transit Systems has helped deliver transformational change in NSW public transport according to CEO Michael McGee.
“The past 10 years in New South Wales public transport has seen some of the greatest shifts in customer behaviour. For example, we have witnessed the impacts on COVID and the change to travel demands in our cities’ CBDs,” McGee says.
“We have seen the launch of electric buses and the positive impacts on the customer experience and the local environment. We have also witnessed the introduction of NSW’s smart ticketing system and on demand services - digitization of payment platforms, removing cash from services and offering our customers more convenient ways to book, travel and pay for their journeys.
“We have leveraged our global experience alongside our local capabilities to deliver meaningful improvements to customers and we’re committed to continuing to work with Transport for NSW to deliver considerable change and improvements to public transport systems to enhance outcomes for all stakeholders.”
Having been re-awarded the Region 3 bus services, Transit Systems says it will continue to improve the performance of a service that has already transformed from an under-performing region in 2013 into one of Sydney’s consistently best-performing on-time running region.
“Since transitioning Region 3 in October 2013, we have achieved exceptional on-time running and patronage growth,” McGee says.
Achievements include service planning improvements on the T80 coupled with the introduction of double decker buses that resulted in Transit Systems achieving the best on-time running of all the Sydney Bus Contracts for Region 3, and a 50 per cent increase in patronage.
“We have also met the challenges of taking on NSW’s largest region, Sydney inner-west Region 6 in 2018 – improving service delivery, delivering innovative on demand operations and introducing headway managed services in Region 3 and Region 6, as well as deploying
Sydney’s first electric buses with the country’s largest electrified depot,” he says.
Transit Systems says it’s also Australia’s most experienced operator when it comes to contract transition.
“We have developed and refined our transitions approach, with no other Australian operator having our level of transition experience,” McGee says.
“We have the benefit of the most successful contract transitions in Australia, London and Singapore and we’re extremely proud to have mobilised more competitively tendered metropolitan public transport contracts than any other bus operator in Australia.
“It demonstrates that we are both a highly efficient operator and a successful ‘change’ manager.”
Kelsian Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt says he was proud of the entire Transit Systems team.
“Transit Systems has built an industry leading reputation as an advanced transport operator in terms of innovation, sustainability and performance. We proudly set the benchmarks,” Feuerherdt says.
“We will remain focused on connecting people, linking communities, finding solutions, creating opportunities and enhancing cities as the operator of Australia’s greenest fleet, largest electrified depot and expert network planner.”
zero emissions bus developer Ebusco has chosen Melbourne as the home for its Asia Pacific operational headquarters.
The government says the choice allows Ebusco to create new jobs in Victoria and support the state government’s Climate Change Strategy.
Ebusco recently launched its Ebusco 2.2 battery electric bus for right hand drive markets including Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The Dutch company has been producing zero emissions buses since 2012, with more than 450 of its buses operating across seven European countries, including in major cities such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Munich.
Although Ebusco’s production
takes place overseas, the company is considering future manufacturing opportunities in Victoria and is currently working with Deakin University to develop composite materials and aerospace technologies to make its vehicles.
As part of Victoria’s Bus Plan, all new buses from 2025 will be zero emission vehicles.
To support this transition, the Victorian government
Above: Ebusco is set to settle its headquarters in Melbourne
Below: The move will allow Ebusco to promote its new 2.2 bus
The government’s LowCarbon Manufacturing Grant Program will help Victorian manufacturers compete globally for renewable energy components, powering the state’s transition to net zero and creating new jobs.
Internships supported by the government’s Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program will help train, support and prepare 300 Victorian workers transition
Australian-based bus operator Kinetic Group is poised to open its newly refurbished bus depot in Launceston, marking its continued investment in Tasmania’s transport system.
Kinetic is a leading privately-owned government bus contractor in the state, with its network in Tasmania now including 209 buses and 250 people.
Tasmania has been a major growth area for Kinetic’s Australian business. Since launching SkyBus at Hobart Airport in 2018, Kinetic has welcomed new bus operations to its network including Redline Coaches and MerseyLink as it becomes a key transport delivery partner in Tasmania.
Kinetic is continuing to increase its staff base across the state and will seek opportunities to partner with the Tasmanian government to enhance bus network infrastructure.
The new-look Launceston depot is among three of Kinetic’s major depots across the state and will support Kinetic’s current and future operations as the
company continues to invest in its people, assets and places of work while lifting the customer experience on Tasmania’s important bus network.
It signals the start of a program of circa $10 million in capital investments planned for Tasmania in the next 18 months, including fleet and depot upgrades. The works include an overhaul of the company’s Hobart depot, upgrades to key transit centres in Hobart and Launceston and the introduction of new vehicle livery and uniforms reflecting Kinetic’s brand.
To drive the transformative improvements, Kinetic recently appointed Drew Freeman as general manager for Tasmania, who will ensure activities focus on enhancing service delivery and customer experience.
The Launceston depot is the strategic centre of the network Kinetic operates, with depots in Hobart and Devonport also supporting its delivery of government-contracted school and general
The PTAANZ has elected its third female Chair in its history. Translink Deputy DirectorGeneral Sally Stannard follows Heather Webster and Vivienne King as female chairs of the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ) in its 20-year history.
Stannard, whose role sits within the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, was elected at the PTAANZ board meeting in Sydney late last year alongside new directors.
Stannard will work with L.E.K. Consulting Senior Partner Mark Streeting, who was re-elected to the PTAANZ Board and appointed Vice Chair. Two new Directors were also
elected to the PTAANZ Board:
- Julien Dehornoy, Chief Executive Officer, Yarra Trams (CEOdesignate, Keolis Downer)
- Scott Smith, Managing Director - Transportation, Aurecon.
Stannard says she’s motivated to work with Vice Chair Mark Streeting, the Board of Directors, the PTAANZ team and PTAANZ members to lead the industry through this time of transformation and uncertainty.
“Public transport is facing a time of change and, while adapting to that change will have its challenges, it also offers some exciting opportunities,” Stannard says.
“Travel patterns have evolved, the public transport sector is grappling with increased costs and uncertain supply chains and there is a move
access services, as well as tourism charters, general charters and event services.
The depot overhaul features brand-new amenities for drivers and support teams, new office space for network controllers, management and sales teams and enhanced maintenance and wash-bay facilities to keep the locally based vehicles on the road. It also features capacity for an
to decarbonise. These are all challenges for our industry to work through.
“PTAANZ has a clear mission to inspire excellence and innovation in public transport and sustainable mobility and there has never been a more important time for this vital work.”
PTAANZ brings together more than 70 public and private member organisations representing a workforce of more than 150,000 people.
Above: Stannard has become the third female Chair of the PTAANZ
Public transport operator in Christchurch Metro has announced that 20 per cent of its bus fleet is now zero emissions.
The streets of Greater Christchurch are a little quieter and a lot greener, with Kinetic’s Go Bus rolling out a further 16 new electric buses in partnership with Environment Canterbury.
The new vehicles join a further 28 electric vehicles added to the fleet in the past two years, which Environment Canterbury Chair Peter Scott believes has already impacted the city.
“Customers have loved telling us how much they enjoy riding on our new electric buses, finding them a smoother, quieter,
more comfortable ride. We’ve heard from many cyclists and pedestrians as well, who enjoy the cleaner air when passing by one of these buses,” he says.
Electric buses now make up 20 per cent of Environment Canterbury’s Metro Urban fleet, saving an estimated 18 per cent carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually, the equivalent to nearly 2,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide, compared to a fully diesel fleet.
“The emissions reduction from these electric buses includes 16,000 kilograms of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions (NOx) and 140 kilograms of PM10 which is also a win for air quality,” Scott says.
Kinetic will continue to support Environment Canterbury in replacing the remainder of the fleet over the coming years, under its commitment to having a fully zero-emissions fleet by 2035.
Kinetic says the recently acquired Go Ahead will now run bus routes in Manchester as it continues its UK expansion.
The Go Ahead Group has won two new competitive bus contracts under the ownership of Kinetic-Globalvia.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has awarded Go Ahead two contracts as part of its plan to re-regulate bus services in the city region under its new Bee Network.
Go Ahead’s Go North West operating company beat competition from eight other operators bidding to run bus routes in both Wigan and Bolton from September 17, 2023. TfGM are due to announce a further eight franchise contracts by early 2024, with the full network up and running from January 2025.
The buses will be part of Manchester’s new Bee Network, which will have a common brand and integrated ticketing across
the city’s public transport. Under the deal, Go North West will run 55 routes to the north and west of Manchester.
The Go Ahead Group has been operating in Manchester since 2019, with a network of buses operating across Greater Manchester and Salford out of the Queens Road depot.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says: “Locally controlled bus services are fundamental to our Bee Network vision for a better public transport
network for all, and as the first area to do this outside London, Greater Manchester is once again blazing a trail.”
“Franchising will enable us to better integrate services as part of a joined-up network, with simpler fares and ticketing, a price cap so no one pays more than they need to, a better customer service offer and a single look for the whole network.
“The move to franchising is the biggest change to public transport for almost 40 years and this is a significant step on our journey as we appoint operators to run the very first franchised services from September this year.”
Go Ahead is already the largest operator in London’s franchised bus market, running a quarter of bus services on behalf of Transport
Go Ahead chief executive Christian Schreyer says operating public transport in busy urban areas is Go-Ahead’s speciality.
Alaskan city
A delegation representing Victoria visited Optibus’s headquarters in Tel Aviv to discuss technological solutions for improving public transportation in Australia.
Members of the visiting delegation included two representatives of the Victorian government Trade and Investment Office (VGTI) UK, Europe & Israel Tim Dillon, Agent General for Victoria to the United Kingdom and Commissioner for Europe and Israel and Arabella Rothwell, the Victorian Strategic Advisor for the UK, Europe, and Israel.
The Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce (IACC) was represented by Paul Israel, IACC Executive Director, Janet Goodvach, Senior Trade & Investment Advisor, and Shifka Seigel, Project Manager.
At the meeting, Optibus and the Australian delegation discussed the challenges involved with the transition to zero emissions fleets, optimization
technologies that can support Victoria’s Big Build program, mitigating service disruptions and preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Optibus also presented its activities in the region, including its work with one of Victoria’s largest privately-owned bus companies, which uses Optibus’ software to optimize the movement of their fleet.
Wairarapa based family-owned bus and coach company Tranzit Group has expanded its operations into the New Zealand South Island as well as into the Bay of Plenty.
Tranzit Group has acquired long-standing Canterbury family-owned bus and coach company Torlesse Travel, which operates charter, direct resource services and some Ministry of Education school bus services.
This sale and purchase was successfully completed recently and took effect on December 1. It saw Tranzit buy Torlesse Travel’s 80 charter and school buses as well as two Leopard coaches. Tranzit will lease all three Torlesse Travel depot sites and workshops located in Rangiora, Oxford and Darfield – with the business being run as Tranzit Coachlines Southern. At the same time, Tranzit Group
operating company Cross Country Rentals has bought Royale Coachlines and Luxury Airport Shuttles under another acquisition.
Tranzit has bought Bethlehem’s 56 charter, urban and school buses as well as lease its two depots in Tauranga and Te Kuiti and will run this business as Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty. Current manager Neil Jamieson will remain in
Skagway has plenty of natural attractions, but its new dog bus is making it popular on social media. A husband and wife dog-walking team called the Mo Mountain Mutts recently took their business to a new level when they purchased a passenger bus from a local business last winter and made dogs their passengers. After starting as a simple lunch break dog-walking service, Mo Mountain Mutts is becoming a hit on social media app TikTok, where its videos of dogs onboard the bus have
joys of childbirth… on a bus. The couple forked out more than 35,000 pounds to convert an old yellow American school bus into their own home just before the baby boy was delivered. After shipping the bus from New York to Southampton before heading to Bristol, baby Bodhi was born in the new home, with his birth certificate saying he was born on ‘American
In the quirky village of Hurworth-on-Tees, its bus stop does more than just provide a shelter for awaiting passengers. The English village, which sits on the outer edge of Darlington, has built a unique bus stop on its main street. From a distance it appears to be a normal brick bus shelter. But upon closer inspection, the inside of the bus stop is a community library with a cushioned seating area to match, taking passenger comfort to a new level.
his position until the end of February to assist Tranzit with a smooth transition.
Jamieson says he’s pleased to be leaving his company in New Zealand ownership and in a safe pair of hands.
“Come February I will be stepping back from the bus industry after more than 45 years, 21 of these years servicing the Bay of Plenty region,” Jamieson says.
“Whilst it marks the end of a wonderful era for our family, we know this is the right outcome for us and for our team.
“We feel very comfortable that we can transition over to working for Tranzit and continue to deliver great service for all our customers and suppliers.”
It’s often amazing the difference that an election will make. At the 2019 election, Scott Morrison declared that electric vehicles would end the weekend, resulting in the transition to zero becoming an election battleground for all the wrong reasons. Roll onto the 2022 election and the ALP went to the polls with a Powering Australia Plan, a key commitment of which was the development of a National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
The development of this strategy and the delivery of key commitments are underway. In November, the federal government honoured its election commitment to make electric vehicles more affordable for more Australians via the Electric Car Discount Bill which is in effect a tax cut to make electric cars cheaper. The Budget also honoured the government’s commitment to support the transition of heavy vehicles by providing $125 million for electric bus charging infrastructure in Perth.
Heavy vehicle transition, however, still appears to be somewhat of an afterthought. The BIC has had to advocate hard to ensure that heavy vehicles were included in the consultation paper for the National Electric Vehicle Strategy. We were successful in this but it is clear that the Commonwealth continues to struggle to understand that it is not the buses that will hold up the transition, rather the refueling and recharging infrastructure. Grid upgrades and the provision of reliable and affordable green energy in the immediate and short term are critical.
Our research has revealed the power required to make trucks and buses zero emissions is approximately 100TwH per annum. Australia currently produces around 70TwH of renewable energy annually. That is a lot of new energy that needs to be produced. And we need to be able to recharge or refuel quickly. This is particularly important for bus and coach operators who don’t have the ability to return to base and recharge overnight.
The federal government has acknowledged that the transition to zero emission buses is occurring faster than anticipated and that the lack of a policy and regulatory framework is a constraint to the safe and sustainable manufacture and operations of zero emissions buses. The BIC has obtained funding to develop a series of industry advisories that will help bridge the gap between roll out and the adoption of new regulations.
The first advisory on standards and specifications will be released to members and governments early this year for comment prior to finalisation. Work on other advisories will commence early this year and is likely to provide guidance on the operation and maintenance of ZEB’s, specifically in relation to fixed
systems and infrastructure needed to support these new technology vehicles and the new vehicle technology systems themselves such as battery packs, electrical power control and distribution systems, high-pressure hydrogen storage and distribution componentry, fire protection and emergency response.
The development of these advisories is being overseen by the BIC ZEB Committee – a cross industry expert body comprising BIC members with expertise ranging from operations, manufacturing, recharging and refuelling infrastructure and training and research. The Technical, Environment and Safety Committee is also involved.
Whilst the advisories will go some way towards bridging the gap in the policy and regulatory framework associated with the transition to zero emission heavy vehicles, the BIC will continue to pursue other avenues to ensure the industry benefits from the opportunities and manages the challenges related to the transition. To this end, the BIC is advocating for a national ZEB roadmap to be co-developed by government and industry.
A Zero Emissions Buses Roadmap is critical to ensure a smooth transition to ZEBs, create Australian jobs and stimulate innovation. This roadmap will include a 10-year national bus procurement plan detailing the forward procurement intentions of each state and territory government. This would provide certainty to operators, bus and chassis manufacturers, bus body builders and auxiliary equipment suppliers (including energy providers) who need to invest significantly in infrastructure, training and recruitment of appropriately skilled workers to facilitate the transition to ZEBs.
This roadmap was a key recommendation in our response to the National Electric Vehicle Strategy Consultation paper. Advocacy on this and other issues will continue well into this year.
We would like to remind readers the 2023 Bus Industry Summit is being held at the stunning Hotel Realm, Canberra on March 21-22, 2023.
Spanning two-days, the Summit will bring together BIC members, government representatives and the greater industry, with a platform to network, share data, trends and technological innovations, and hear about National Heavy Vehicle Law, Zero Emissions buses, environmental and social governance.
The Summit is open to the entire industry. Registrations close midnight, March 3, 2023. Visit our website, www.movingpeople.com.au to keep an eye on the evolving agenda and event information.
BIC is preparing to advocate for a Zero Emissions Buses Roadmap that will help make the transition to green energy easier for the industry.
The talk on everyone’s lips at the moment is zero-emissions buses, whether it be battery electric or hydrogen electric. But we should not forget hybrid, Euro 6 and bio-fuels. All can play a role in reducing pollutants and assisting in our transition to achieve our zero emission targets. We need to examine the region and its ability to provide the required infrastructure, charging capability and capacity. Then our industry can adopt the fit for purpose vehicle that delivers the best outcome for the environment and customer experience. Moving to a green energy environment is not going to happen quickly, as we need to further develop these technologies and roll them out in a cost-effective manner, ensuring certainty in recharge availability and sustainability.
As an industry, we are fortunate. We’re lucky to have a national body in the Bus Industry Confederation of Australia (BIC). The BIC provides us with a national presence to voice our needs and concerns, not only from a bus company’s perspective, but also from a manufacturing and supply point of view. This is clearly demonstrated through the BIC ZEB Committee, chaired by
• The need for more flexible working arrangements, which includes our older demographic of worker, involving a relaxation of pension and superannuation measures restricting this older employment group
• Protecting the right of our workforce to remain in casual employment, whilst at the same time enabling flexibilities, including banking of wages
• Providing a better pathway to employers to recruit bus drivers from overseas.
We remain hopeful that the Treasurer adopts the recommendations put forward in the submission.
Looking back, 2022 was a busy year in Queensland, with significant changes in our Prescribed School Service Contract (PSSC) sector, driver shortages, pilot commencement of the Tracking and Ticketing Solution (TATS) for school bus operators and the launch of our 100-year history booklet to name a few. The Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) can be proud of what it has achieved in partnership with Minister Bailey, Deputy Director-General Sally Stannard and their respective teams, such as:
• Seven-year contract terms for kilometrebased operators and three-year extensions for fares-based operators
• A new payment model and simple indexation for school bus operators
• Engagement with the state in developing the new Cluster Prescribed School Services contract, or Cluster contract model, which should start to rollout this year
Stephen Lucas. Given Stephen’s vast experience and knowledge, we could not be in a better position at a national level as we pursue uniformity in training and standards etc.
The workforce is not only a problem in Queensland, but also nationally. It’s a problem that we are collectively pursuing through the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA), led by Ian MacDonald. Through representation via our Industrial Working Group (IWG), Ian prepared an APTIA submission to the Treasury Employment White Paper. Ian’s submission on behalf of our industry included:
• That public transport should be considered an essential service
QBIC will continue to work with the BIC and APTIA to address driver shortages, skilled migration and the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. QBIC will work to ensure the industry’s position and concerns are tabled as part of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) review.
We have a great industry here in Australia – an industry that supports and represents above its weight. If you are not a member of your respective state-based association, now is the time to consider coming onboard. These are changing times and we are stronger when we come together as a unified industry.
From the newest trends relating to zero-emissions buses to workforce issues and disability access standards, QBIC is working across the board to serve the industry.
“We have a great industry here in Australia – an industry that supports and represents above its weight. ”
Challenger Bus & Coach had a very successful 2022 after forging new relationships in the local industry. It’s looking at growing partnerships in 2023 and providing more quality vehicles.
As a heavy vehicle brand, Challenger Bus & Coach has a unique history.
As long-term operators of a fleet in Far North Queensland servicing the school bus market, private charter and corporate touring sectors, Challenger has an intricate idea of what the
industry wants in vehicles.
Challenger’s experience as an operator led it to launch its own vehicle brand in 2017 under the watchful eye of owner and director Greg Sloan.
Since then, Challenger has ventured into making quality buses and coaches that stand out in the local market and have quickly caught the attention of
WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES SEAN MORTELL/ CHALLENGER
a variety of operators around Australia.
Whitmore Bus Group’s managing director Jamie Whitmore first got involved with Challenger three years ago.
Whitmore, who also looks after Victoria’s Castlemaine Bus Lines, received his first Challenger vehicle in the form of a V12 at the 2019 BusVic Expo & Maintenance Conference.
For Whitmore, the past experiences of Sloan and his team at Challenger instantly intrigued him. Three years down the track, Whitmore doesn’t regret his decision to try the new bus brand.
“It interested me that Greg Sloan was a coach driver I had known for years,” Whitmore told ABC. “For him to throw his hands in the air and say he’ll build his own buses is a brave manoeuvre.
“That first V12 has given me fantastic performance. I’ve had no real issues with Challenger whatsoever.”
The V12 is a full 48 seat coach. It comes with a toilet equipped so it can run tours and complete various coachline and V/Line work. The adaptable
nature of Challenger buses has quickly become a favourite feature for Whitmore.
“I love how tailorable the buses are,” Whitmore says. “I also love how if you do have a problem, you ring Greg and get a result quickly. All of the sales team members also look after you well.
“For me, starting as a small country operator, it’s nice to still be treated the same and with plenty of respect.”
Around a year ago, Whitmore was so impressed with his V12 that he purchased a second Challenger bus. Whitmore now runs his V10 on a school bus run. The operator says the quality of the vehicle is exceptional and he’s very impressed with its fuel efficiency and performance.
Whitmore is satisfied with the people that make up the company and with two more Challenger vehicles on the way, he is committed to sticking with the brand.
“I’ve got two more Challenger V12s coming for V/Line services,” Whitmore says. “They’ll be wheelchair equipped and will have a toilet onboard.
“If the product keeps performing the way it does and the service stays the same, I will certainly keep staying with them.”
On the other side of Australia, James Mulholland at Pinnacle Travel Group Perth is also enjoying the Challenger brand.
Pinnacle received its first V10 three months ago and Mulholland says taking the leap of faith in a new vehicle brand has been worthwhile.
“There was initially some caution in trying something new that wasn’t prevalent in the market,” Mulholland told ABC. “However, Challenger was prepared to put its money where its mouth was and have spare parts available, including windscreens and body panels.
“We then had great conversations with Greg about the engineering behind the vehicle and his experience as an owner operator and it gave
us great confidence.”
These spare parts have been made easily available by Challenger’s recent launch of its spare parts business, Australasian Bus & Coach Parts. The venture allows customers like Pinnacle Travel Group Perth and Whitmore Bus Group to purchase cheaper spare parts from a wide variety of brands, not just Challenger.
Pinnacle has already received rave reviews about the vehicle. The 32-seat luxury vehicle has a toilet and kitchenette included, with Mulholland saying it has high quality flooring. For passengers, high-specification seats and leg rests emphasise a comfortable experience onboard the boutique Challenger vehicle.
“The feedback so far has been absolutely fantastic,” Mulholland says. “We’ve received great reports from passengers and drivers alike.
“We’ve had no issues with the vehicle and any minor problems
That first V12 has given me fantastic performance. I’ve had no real issues with Challenger whatsoever.
that have come up have been attended to immediately by the Challenger team. We’re very happy with it all.”
Mulholland says Pinnacle elected to purchase the specification vehicle and add various parts into it, including the toilet and kitchenette. Instead of just staying with a standard bus, Pinnacle decided to make the vehicle unique, with a fridge and coffee machine installed alongside an additional basin.
Mulholland says being able to tailor the bus has made it a useful addition to his fleet at Pinnacle. It’s allowed the touring company to provide extra services for passengers looking to venture into extended touring. The positive experience with the Australian brand has encouraged Pinnacle Travel Group Perth to begin discussing future bus orders with Challenger.
“We’re fairly advanced in discussions with Challenger
the first or second quarter of this year.
“These two new buses will help us add to the customer experience. The amenities included improve the overall passenger comfortability.”
Yet it’s not just the quality and flexibility of the vehicles that have taken Pinnacle Travel Group Perth by storm. Mulholland says the after-sales service has been sublime since new Challenger salesman Wayne Eather started as the sales manager for Western Australia recently.
“The arrival of Wayne on site in Perth has made life a lot easier,” Mulholland says. “The back-up and support we receive on the phone, as well as the willingness of Challenger to take on modification suggestions from us, has been really pleasing.
“Challenger keeps continuing to develop its product to produce vehicles that we all want and love.”
Mulholland says Pinnacle is rapt to have chosen Challenger and he is now looking to the future.
with Mulholland saying the V10 vehicle is of particular interest due to its ability to fill a gap in the mid-sized market.
The Pinnacle Travel Group director says the V10 is unique in the traditional foreign chassis market because it can’t be rivalled by other mid-size units.
With the V10 being designed for school and mining applications, Mulholland says the 32 seats in a smaller sized coach still maintains plenty of space, making it easier to go touring and navigating around tight spaces while keeping passengers comfortable.
Much like Whitmore Bus Group in Victoria, Pinnacle Travel Group Perth is predicting a future that remains heavily involved with Challenger Bus & Coach.
“Challenger is always receptive to our feedback and makes vehicles that dominate in markets where selection is small,” Mulholland says. “Our relationship with them has been very positive so far, and we’re looking forward to it continuing to grow.”
Challenger keeps continuing to develop its product to produce vehicles that we all want and love.
There is no single solution to sustainable transport but it’s clear that renewable energy and hybrid technology play an important role. In fact, on some types of routes with frequent stops, hybrid buses simply can’t be beaten when it comes to both carbon and overall emission reductions, as well as fuel economy.
Our Euro 6 diesel electric hybrid is a multi-purpose solution that lets you run the same high-capacity buses on suburban and suburb-to-city routes alike – even in the most challenging terrain.
And increasingly available locally produced biodiesel enables you to combine hybrid technology with renewable fuels, safeguarding your fuel supply whilst also reducing CO2 emissions by a staggering 80%.
Scania Hybrid, your commercially sustainable bridge to a zero emissions future.
For more information contact:
Jamie Atkinson: 0408 059 501
Ian Clarke: 0438 482 492
www.scania.com.au youtube.com/ScaniaAustralia
Scania currently have vacancies for diesel technicians, please go to our website to find out more.
For Scania Australia, conventional diesel-fuelled internal combustion engines will continue to play a role in public and mass transit systems well into the future and can be configured to deliver vastly reduced exhaust emissions.
All of Scania’s modern and efficient bus diesel engines can run on biodiesel, which the brand says can lower CO2 emissions by more than 80 per cent. It can be done by simply substituting regular diesel fuel for EN 14214-compliant B100.
B100 biodiesel is readily available in Australia and is ideally suited to vehicles that are in constant use. In addition to reducing exhaust emissions in high density environments, biofuel is made from what would otherwise be waste material, for example agricultural off-cuts or used cooking oil. Scania has formed working relationships with ECOTECH Biodiesel, Just Biodiesel and Refuelling Solutions to provide a turn-key solution for bus and coach operators around Australia who are focused on reducing their
emissions in a meaningful way, without requiring significant investment in infrastructure or new vehicle systems.
In addition, B100 biofuel is produced in Australia from local sources, reducing the industry’s exposure to imported fuels and importantly keeping investment local.
Scania says switching to run a fleet of existing or new Scania buses on B100 biofuel can happen very quickly and should not require any significant mechanical adjustment to your vehicles. The use of biodiesel can also assist customers in their quest for a
lowered overall carbon footprint.
“Our customers are asking us now how we can assist them to reduce their carbon footprint, and we have answers,” Scania Australia’s sustainability solutions manager Anthony King told ABC. “Fortunately, we have been prepared for these questions and have established partnerships with relevant stakeholders so that we can deliver a ready-made, here-and-now biofuel solution.”
If you want lower emissions from your diesel-fuelled Scania fleet, switch to biodiesel.
IMAGESSCANIA AUSTRALIA
King says supply is stable and pricing makes sense, especially when viewed against the whole-of-life costs of some other alternative systems.
“Late model Scania bus engines can run on B100 biodiesel,” King says. “It just needs to be pumped into the vehicle’s tanks. The fuel must comply with the EN 14214 standard. If they need to refuel away from the depot, regular diesel can be used interchangeably.”
Scania Australia director of sales for buses and power solutions Julian Gurney says biodiesel is a quick and easy first step when it comes to lowering emissions. For those running school or charter runs, as well as route bus operators, Gurney says the benefits are equally impressive
“In most operating environments, biofuels make the most sense because our buses, running on B100, deliver broadly similar performance and retain a high degree of fuel efficiency, in addition to the benefit of significantly reduced emissions,” Gurney told ABC.
Gurney says combining B100 biofuel with an electric-hybrid bus chassis programme can result in significant
savings when it comes to fuel consumption.
He says it would also maximise emissions reduction, given the distance that the electric-hybrid chassis can travel in silent mode using battery power alone.
Scania Australia has very high confidence in its B100 biofuel, with European operators having run their Scania buses and coaches on the fuel for many years with excellent results.
Gurney says it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent.
“The Scania Electric-Hybrid has already been well received in Australia, using a combination of diesel engines and electric machines to boost performance or provide an emissions free approach,” Gurney says. “But the benefit is unquestionably compounded if combined with low CO2 emission B100 biofuels. It’s the best of both worlds.
“Using B100 biodiesel gives you the unmatched Scania reliability you need today with a significantly lowered climate impact.”
After such a jampacked 2022 in the bus and coach industry, 2023 is set to be just as exciting, if not more. Following years filled with changes, the sector has had to adapt quickly to remain ahead of the curve. The many bus and coach operators around Australia continue to face various challenges, starting with the tendering process as well as worker shortages and the increasing price of diesel throughout 2022. Yet throughout these challenges the operators have held firm, pushing into 2023 stronger than ever.
Recent years have given bus and coach operators plenty to consider about the state of the industry.
As part of the ABC Operator Showcase for 2023, more than 40 operators around the country, spanning metro, outer metro and country regions, shared their thoughts on key issues affecting their businesses and the industry as a whole.
The Operator Showcase process started with a call out for participants in ABC Magazine and via busnews.com.au.
This was followed up in November and December with further advertising, emails directly to operators and phone calls to potential participants alerting them to the Operator Showcase project and offering the chance to be involved.
Those that took part in the survey were presented with a series of questions about their business and its history to feature in the Operator Showcase tables presented in previous pages.
The participating operators were then presented with extra questions about current issues affecting the bus industry and encouraged to share their thoughts in writing.
For 2023, 43 operators completed the
survey, allowing ABC Magazine to provide insight into what this cross-section of the industry has to say about current issues. The survey results represent a snapshot of these participants’ views. While the results are certainly informative, they do not represent any attempt to speak to a general Australian industry view in any way.
The survey says around 83 per cent of respondents have no zero emissions vehicles in their bus or coach fleets at the time of the survey.
A further 10 per cent of respondents say they have between one and 10 per cent of their fleet filled with electric or hydrogen buses, and just under five per cent of operators report having between 11 and 20 per cent of their fleet made up of zero emissions vehicles.
Only two per cent of those surveyed say they have 31 to 40 per cent of their fleet running on green energy.
On the question of whether they intended to transition to zero emissions buses and coaches in the near future, 32 per cent of respondents say yes and 22 per cent of operators say no.
The majority of respondents, accounting
for 46 per cent, were not certain either way, saying they were “unsure” about whether or not they would add zero emissions vehicles to their fleet or not.
When asked about fuel source preferences for their fleets, 71 per cent of operators in the Showcase say they will stick with diesel vehicles, 22 per cent say they prefer electric power and two per cent express a preference for biofuels.
Among the 43 operators who took part in the Showcase, a range of attitudes on the zero emissions transition were presented.
The survey says 24 per cent of respondents are challenged by the price attached to buying zero emission vehicles and installing the infrastructure required to operate them.
Another 15 per cent of operators say they lack the space to install the charging infrastructure to successfully operate zero emissions services and 17 per cent say their concerns over the range capacity of these new energy buses is stopping them from making the change.
Other participants say they are waiting until electric mini bus options are available, while regional respondents say they don’t see zero emissions vehicles as a viable option for charter and long distance
services at this point in time.
A common theme among the operator responses received is a desire to wait for the range of zero emission vehicles to broaden and after-sales service and support to improve before investing.
Another concern the survey raises is around the ability of the new vehicles to handle the poor road surfaces in parts of our country.
For those who have already considered the zero emissions switch, only a few say they have constructed transition or training plans to accommodate for the fuel change.
Around 80 per cent of respondents have no intention of creating training plans anytime soon, while the other 20 per cent have considered a range of ideas for the uptake of electric and hydrogen buses.
When it came to fuel shortages and the resulting price hike, respondents felt the sting.
According to the survey, which closed in December, 56 per cent of Showcase operators say they were anticipating their fuel costs to have increased by 25 per cent from 2021 to the end of 2022, while another 10 per cent expect their costs would have risen by more than 40 per cent.
Around 12 per cent of operators who filled out the survey expected their fuel costs to have increased by more than 50 per cent between 2021 and the end of 2022, highlighting the crippling impact rising fuel costs have had on the industry.
The survey found two per cent of respondents thought their fuel costs
would’ve decreased throughout 2022, while 20 per cent expected the two years to be on a par.
When asked to identify the biggest issue facing the industry, participating operators say skilled worker and driver shortages top the list.
Many operators who filled out the survey say they have struggled to recruit and retain staff, especially when it comes to skilled drivers.
An overall increase in costs not just limited to fuel has also hurt many Showcase operators, while some say they continue to feel the after-effects of the COVID pandemic.
Respondents say that new workers, especially drivers, remain the best way to solve the worker shortage issue and instil new blood into the sector for a successful future.
Any operators looking to get involved in the next edition of the ABC Operator Showcase, should keep an eye out for more details on the 2024 Operator Showcase survey throughout this year.
For this 20 per cent of respondents, the main ideas focus on training staff to understand the differences in zero emissions fuel technology when compared to traditional combustion engines, and how they must work differently with the new age vehicles. These operators are also working with technical and service crews to develop zero emissions bus capabilities so they are able to troubleshoot any safety issues.
From the survey, we can see that 2022 presented a myriad of challenges for participating operators in the Showcase.
For those who have already considered the zero emissions switch, only a few say they have constructed transition or training plans to accommodate for the fuel change.
In September 2022, Nick Wilson received an eagerly anticipated call out of the blue from Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads’s (TMR) Rod Marsh.
Marsh told the president of the Queensland Omnibus and Coach Society (QOCS) that he had an approval letter from Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick in his hands. The letter granted Wilson and QOCS the chance to finally move onto a site in the Brisbane suburb of Nathan that will become Queensland’s first bus museum.
“It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders,” Wilson told ABC. “Especially given that QOCS has never had a home for our precious and vulnerable buses.”
That spontaneous call started a process that ended years of frustration for Wilson and QOCS. Since the society’s inception more than 26 years ago, it has been trying to establish a venue to showcase its buses.
Wilson, now in his 10th year as QOCS
president, has spent the past three and a half years endlessly searching throughout south east Queensland for the ideal property to house QOCS’s fleet of 20 heritage buses.
Following several near misses on potential land, QOCS identified a suitable site in December 2021 and the dream came closer to being a reality.
It started when former QOCS president Malcolm Knowles saw a for lease sign on a site at 600 Mains Road, Nathan.
“After Malcolm drove past it, he told me to get in contact with Brisbane City Council,” Wilson says.
The land used to be Brisbane City Council’s cemetery office and workshop.
As a property lawyer, Wilson soon discovered the land was owned by the State of Queensland and controlled by TMR. After contacting the electorate office of Queensland transport minister Mark Bailey, Wilson was handed the deflating
WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES QOCS
Nick Wilson has dedicated much of his time as president of QOCS to finding a suitable space to open Queensland’s first bus museum. It’s taken years of persistence, yet the struggle will be vindicated in 2023.
Left:
QOCS’s
underneath trees at the semi-rural town of Logan Village. Wilson always knew this arrangement had to change.
He started seriously searching for vacant land QOCS may be able to afford in 2019. The tale of near misses began at a WWII aircraft hangar in Brisbane’s Eagle Farm.
“There’s been a major drive in me for the past three and a half years to push the museum and site agenda with politicians
says this arrangement was a huge benefit.
Using Sherwood as a temporary base was only short-lived. An increase in operational capacity and requirements for Sherwood meant QOCS had to vacate the depot in April 2021. More failed attempts to secure land meant the 20 heritage buses, and Wilson’s dream of a bus museum, were going nowhere in a hurry.
“We had numerous occasions where
As heavy rain deluges fell on south east Queensland, Wilson’s senses pricked and he raised the alarm to save both Bus Stop’s fleet and QOCS’s vintage buses.
“When the floods happened, we were very close to losing all of the buses we’d restored over the past 10 years,” Wilson says. “Thankfully fate and instinct kicked in. I had a gut feel that allowed us to act swiftly, and we moved the buses out the
Saturday afternoon in early 2022, Wilson’s instincts saw the majority of Bus Stop’s buses taken out of its yard before five metres of water swept through and wreaked havoc.
Following the flood, QOCS was left in limbo. Its fleet moved yet another time to Royans Coachworks at Acacia Ridge. The constant shifting of buses would soon change after Wilson received the first of two wonderful phone calls from Rod Marsh.
Marsh’s first call in April 2022 told Wilson that the Mains Road site had become available and the government was willing to consider leasing it to QOCS.
With nine undercover parking bays and a total area of just under 2,500 square metres, Wilson was quick to begin negotiating for the site with the Department of TMR.
Unlike other heartbreaks, the museum proposal was
gruelling search had come to an end until he received that second call in September from Marsh, which confirmed the Brisbane Transport Museum would be going ahead at Nathan.
QOCS took possession of the land on September 26 last year, moving quickly to clean, repair and fix buses before moving them onsite.
Six buses are already undercover at the Mains Road site, with more vehicles arriving soon. Wilson says QOCS has worked with Brisbane City Council to refurbish its buses to provide relics that are showroom quality for the official opening of the transport museum.
“A lot of buses were rust-affected and had other issues,” Wilson says.
“Part of me hasn’t accepted that the effort is over. I keep thinking to myself that one day I’ll wake up and it’ll be a dream and I’ll have to keep pursuing opportunities.
Countless hours went into scouting for available areas. We’re very lucky that the search is complete.”
Wilson says Queensland’s first bus museum will be a terrific way to show what QOCS does.
His group owns and maintains buses so they can still be around to be appreciated by bus lovers for
Wilson is relieved that the Mains Road site has no flooding issues and is situated within the public sporting complex that houses QEII Stadium and Nissan Arena. He says the opening of the museum, which will occur later this year, will revolutionise the state’s industry.
With office spaces and undercover storage, the new museum is in a central location that gives QOCS free publicity. Importantly, QOCS has also installed CCTV surveillance and other security items to protect its historical monuments.
QOCS’s plan is to first invite key industry members to see the site before officially opening the Brisbane Transport Museum to the general public in 2023.
It’s all a learning experience for Wilson and QOCS, but it’s one that he is happy to undergo after finally finding the perfect place for a historical Queensland bus site.
“It’s a very exciting development to soon open Queensland’s first bus museum,” Wilson says. “The impact will be massive – there’s always been a need for this and everyone we’ve spoken to is excited about its establishment.
“Everyone in the Queensland industry wants a bus museum. It’s long overdue and well deserved – we’re honoured to be able to deliver it.”
Everyone in the Queensland industry wants a bus museum. It’s long overdue and well deserved –we’re honoured to be able to deliver it.
Our buses are an indispensable part of the lives of thousands of Australians. They wait for, travel in and get out of another BCI every day. Their small daily gestures inspire our journey. We are lucky to dedicate ourselves to supply the shell where they occur. They are the reason why we keep going.
In the aftermath of such a horrifying event, Matt and his family banded together to create the Pat Cronin Foundation to honour his late son and put an end to the coward punch.
In the years that have followed, the Cronin’s have led an expanding foundation that has covered Victoria, educating schools and clubs about the importance of stopping violence. By following the motto of ‘Be Wise’, Cronin hopes to end instances of violence that inevitably lead to a coward punch.
After the first Pat Cronin Foundation Be Wise Walk in 2016, Matt Cronin sat down with his team to review the event.
With a profit of just under $50,000 for a morning walk, the founding director of the Pat Cronin Foundation thought the temporarily named ‘Walk to the Valley’ had been a success. Yet there was one way the foundation could make its annual fundraising event even better for participants in the years to come.
“We did a debrief after the first walk and thought it would be good to have a coach service,” Cronin told ABC. “The walk is a one way, eight-kilometre walk, so we needed buses to transfer people back to their cars at the starting point.”
Based in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs, the Pat Cronin Foundation is right in the midst of the services that the Dyson Group has ran for decades. Unfortunately, the foundation was started after a sickening tragedy hit the region.
In April 2016, Matt’s son Pat Cronin was killed by a coward punch out the front of a Diamond Creek pub.
“Everything about the foundation and what we try to do aims to end violence and the coward punch,” Cronin says. “We deliver on this by educating and getting into the hearts and minds of young people. “Every dollar raised through events like our annual Be Wise Walk is channelled into delivering these services so that the first session for each group is of no cost.”
Following a successful start to the walk in 2016, Cronin turned to the bus and coach industry to take it to the next level.
Through a work colleague, Cronin got
walking into the Dyson Group boardroom in Bundoora, Melbourne, to meet with co-managing director Lance Deacon. The meeting would stay with Cronin forever.
Cronin remembers first walking into the boardroom at Dysons. He thought he was coming in to meet Deacon one on one to discuss how Dysons could help the foundation with its annual walk. Cronin was instead met by a room full of Dyson Group managers, all waiting for Deacon’s instructions.
“Lance asked me what I needed from them before he put the wheels in motion,” Cronin says. “I told him what we wanted and he instantly began issuing orders to his managers, pointing at them and telling them what their particular jobs were.
“He then told me to not even think about the cost side of things, as they would cover everything. It was just amazing how he took control of the situation. It’s been like that since that year onwards.”
Since 2016, the Pat Cronin Foundation has held an annual fundraising walk in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs. The Dyson Group’s help has become a key part of the day’s growing success.
part of the Be Wise Walk. Each year since (COVID-permitting), three Dysons’ coaches have transported participants to Heidelberg Cricket Club’s oval at Warringal Park to register and begin the walk.
A few hours later the same buses make their way to the nearby Lower Plenty Football Club to transport the walkers back to their cars.
Ever since the first meeting with Deacon and Dysons’ managers, Cronin says the operator’s support for the foundation’s cause has been unwavering.
“Dysons has been an amazing supporter of us and our walk,” Cronin says. “I contact the team at Dysons each year once the date for the walk is settled. They reply straight away saying they’re in and asking what we want them to do.”
From 900 participants in the inaugural walk in 2016, the foundation’s primary event has grown year upon year. Since being rebranded to the Be Wise Walk in 2017, the event has raised more
than $700,000 for the foundation in seven years.
The event first started when two local cricketers reached out to Cronin with an idea for local foundations to share the charity event. When Cronin was the only one to respond, the Be Wise Walk became Cronin’s own special day.
From Dysons’ perspective, it was a no-brainer to help Cronin.
Dyson Group managing director CEO Andrew Jakab says community events like the Be Wise Walk are always high on the operator’s priorities.
“Dysons has always been a proud sponsor of local communities and especially the communities in which it operates,” Jakab told ABC. “We realise that our success is driven by a constructive engagement with whom we live and work with.
“With respect to the Pat Cronin Foundation, we feel like it’s the very least we can do to help a local family that faced such a
Above: Dysons supplies three coaches each year for the Be Wise Walk
Opposite, Top: The Cronin family have used a horrible tragedy to create a vital foundation
Opposite, Bottom: Local Melbournians turn out in their droves to support the annual event
The Dysons managing director says the provision of bus services to help get people to and from the annual walk is something the operator will always be happy to do.
In its 70th year as a company, Dysons has a well-established tradition of sponsoring worthy causes in local communities.
Jakab says this community focus is important for the operator as it provides a way for the Dyson Group to thank the people that have helped drive its success.
“It’s important to us that those who give up time to support the Pat Cronin Foundation have a positive experience while doing so,” Jakab says.
“We always put the best quality assets and the newest buses in our fleet towards these activities because it demonstrates our commitment to the cause while providing a pleasant experience.
“We’ll keep supplying buses to help people at events like the Be Wise Walk.”
If any others in the industry are interested in getting involved with the Pat Cronin Foundation, head to their website at www.patcroninfoundation.org.au and keep an eye out for the 2023 Be Wise Walk.
With respect to the Pat Cronin Foundation, we feel like it’s the very least we can do to help a local family that faced such a tragic and difficult loss.
• Plan and design a safe, reliable energy solution for an efficient fleet
• Understand your electricity use for optimum investment, tariffs, savings, energy storage, and leveraging opportunities
• Individual site assessment for the right electrical energy ecosystem
• Be future-ready – our comprehensive fleet design considers ready to expand infrastructure and connectivity
Yurika is part of Energy Queensland Limited – the largest wholly government owned electricity company in Australia.
The organisation has grown its national footprint rapidly, drawing upon more than 100 years of experience across the Energy Queensland Group in generation, transmission and distribution power systems across Queensland.
Yurika offers a range of EV services that include public charging infrastructure to intelligent electric depot charging for businesses, government and transit operators.
Through its partnership with Siemens, Yurika says it has the largest and most diverse range of EV charging stock in Australia, supplying chargers for any scale car, bus or truck fleet.
Yurika energy supplies manager Troy Sampson says the Brisbane showcase proved there is plenty of interest when it comes to going electric.
“We’re seeing interest from all sectors, including the bus and coach industry,” Sampson told ABC. “But while a lot of businesses want to transition to green energy and electric vehicles, there are some complex business challenges to overcome.
“Our customers are finding value in partnering with Yurika because we can help you get started and work with you at every stage, from concept to completion and beyond.”
Sampson says Yurika’s expertise
in connecting to networks and electrical infrastructure solutions means it can do much more than just supply products. Yurika can tailor a complete turnkey solution from site assessments right through to design, equipment supply, installation, operation, maintenance and data insights.
“When a bus or coach depot wants to transition to an electric fleet, Yurika helps to deliver that in the most energy efficient, cost efficient and sustainable way,” he says.
Transitioning a fleet to electric starts with a site assessment, where Yurika looks at what’s possible at a depot. As part of a desktop analysis, current energy use and renewable energy options including solar generation, battery storage systems and time management for EV charging options are all explored.
Yurika then completes an electric design and energy financial analysis before installing the equipment. Sampson says ongoing operation and maintenance services are also available for customers.
“We provide several options for customers when it comes to metering or requests requiring greater levels of electric vehicle digital enablement,” Sampson says.
“This includes using Internet of Things (IoT) devices and new connectivity methods like 5G and mobile broadband connections to enhance the depot’s systems.”
If you’re interested in going electric, contact Yurika at yurikaevse@yurika.com.au.
Left:
Yurika specialises in ergy supply products including a broad range of electric vehicle supply equipment
Below:
Customers from all tors, including the bus and coach industry, are interested in
IMAGES YURIKA
The smart transport sector is surging forward. With so much new technology and information available, knowing where to start can be daunting. Yurika’s recent EV Supply Equipment Showcase provided the industry an opportunity to get up close with the latest Siemens charging equipment and Yurika’s EV infrastructure specialists.
hen a bus is on an exclusive loan from Hong Kong and transported across the seas to Shellharbour for a one day showcase, you know a company is confident in both the vehicle and its new technology.
The HDrive FC120DD unveiling at Shellharbour Regional Airport in late 2022 was Australasia’s first chance to experience a hydrogen double decker city bus. HDrive general manager Ben Kiddle was the driving force behind the confident showcase, and it certainly was an impressive turnout with local parliamentary members turning out alongside VIPS, industry guests, media and operators.
HDrive is a zero emissions distributor in Australia specialising in hydrogen and battery electric vehicles. It was founded a few years ago by BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic to facilitate the production of hydrogen fuel
Wcell coaches into the Australian market. HDrive has since been working hard in the background with a company called Wisdom Motors to co-design and build a vehicle profile of more than 20 new BEV (battery electric vehicle) and FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) passenger transport and commercial logistics options. When it came to the location for the test drive of the HDrive FC120DD, the Illawarra was an easy choice for Kiddle.
“The Illawarra is my hometown, I grew up in a little town called Helensburgh up the road,” Kiddle says. “It’s our intention to potentially invest in the area for our manufacturing and vehicle deployment, so there’s lots of opportunity for employment here as well.
“We’ve also chosen the Illawarra for its challenging terrain, varied speed and weather conditions because we know the vehicles are up to the challenge. I’ve had the opportunity of running some of John King’s vehicles up and down the infamous Mount Ousley to gather data
and ensure that we have enough torque, battery power and hydrogen so that our bus applications here can meet the tough requirements.”
Kiddle says HDrive has been chatting with local operators for the past year about its hydrogen products. He says bringing the vehicle onshore is proof that hydrogen technology in the transport industry is real.
The HDrive bus is the very first one from Hong Kong, with Kiddle hopeful of seeing many more in the near future.
“We’re grateful to have the opportunity to borrow this vehicle before it is returned to service in the new year,” Kiddle says. “Hong Kong has embraced BEV technology and is now seeing the benefits of hydrogen due to power grid shortages in a growing BEV market.”
Kiddle is no new comer to hydrogen technology, having moved to the UK more than 20 years ago to work on hydrogen and electric buses. This industry technology background has brought him all the way back to the Illawarra, where his
plan is for his local community and the bus industry to reap the environmental rewards and benefits of this green power.
“To see these two buses here is a very proud moment for me,” Kiddle says. “This double decker bus has been brought to the Illawarra to demonstrate that hydrogen fuel technology is real.
“Hydrogen technology has been around for long enough now to show that it’s a viable technology to use in the commercial transport industry. We know what all the problems and challenges are and what we need to do to engineer these vehicles for our conditions.”
With a refuel time of only five to 10 minutes, a huge 100-person capacity and a drive range of more than 400 kilometres, the big people mover that is the HDrive FC120DD double decker city bus certainly has a lot to offer operators.
At the showcase, I had the opportunity to drive the double decker on the runway at Shellharbour Regional Airport. It certainly was a first – putting a fully loaded double decker bus through its paces with all eyes watching, no other cars in sight and a runway that was free to have fun with.
My first impression was that it had a very comfortable and well thought out drivers’ area. Being a double decker, you would expect some flex or body noise, but there was no noise audible. The double decker handled sharp turns with ease.
The standard order time is nine months from purchase order, but Kiddle says HDrive can surprise customers with six month deliveries on some of its vehicle types. Spare parts are readily available from its main store, based in Yatala, Queensland, using leading brands such as CATL, ZF, Dana, Meritor, Knorr–Bremse, Wabco and Bosch. It’s great to see a spec sheet that is filled with names we all know.
HDrive will establish a service
centre and office in Sydney early this year. It’ll also submit for the NSW Panel 4 supply for its 12.5m BEV and FCEV city buses.
Being a hydrogen bus, safety was one of the first factors that came to mind. As standard, HDrive has fitted multiple sensors and systems to monitor and cut off gas supply in the event of any leaks or fire. All hydrogen vehicles are also fitted with full fire suppression to ensure maximum occupant safety.
The infrastructure required to support the hydrogen buses will also see adjustments needed.
Operators can choose several options to support their vehicle choice depending on the size of their fleet and their region.
“Back to base operators will benefit greatly by investing in their own infrastructure to produce and store hydrogen on site,” Kiddle says. “Hydrogen can also be produced by an energy provider and brought to site by a tube trailer and swapped when required. If an operator is lucky enough, there may be a retail
refueller close by their depot.”
New technologies will mean a new way of doing things for us all, both as operators and drivers. But when you come and experience a zero emissions vehicle, where what comes out from the vehicle is pure water, in combination with the lack of vehicle noise, it’s difficult not to be excited by where companies like HDrive will take us. It’s wonderful thinking about what these changes will do for our industry and the health of the planet.
Hong Kong has embraced BEV technology and is now seeing the benefits of hydrogen due to power grid shortages in a growing BEV market.
When Yutong submitted its application for its three new C12 models, including the electric C12E, to receive ADR approval, it wasn’t expecting to clear all the hurdles in one perfect process. Just 60 days later, the exciting variants were given the green light to be mass-produced in Australia.
IMAGES YUTONG
When Yutong Australia first submitted its new C12 range of buses to the federal government for testing, it didn’t expect to meet the stringent codes on the first go.
Yutong submitted the documentation in September last year for all C12 models, including the C12 diesel model in both 6.7 litre and 8.9 litre options, as well as the exciting new electric C12E range, to apply for Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval.
In the meantime, Yutong received an exemption to display its new C12E vehicle at October’s Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney. In the aftermath of this significant event, upon returning to their new headquarters in Prestons, New South Wales, Yutong Australis workers received a pleasant surprise.
“We found out that our submission for ADR compliance went through on the very first go,” VDI Australia Product, Zero-Emissions Bus (ZEB) and New Technologies Manager Luke Edwards told ABC. “It’s not very common for that to happen immediately within the standard 60-day timeframe, as typically Canberra comes back with questions.
“We were fortunate to gain full ADR approval for our entire C12 range, including the C12E, on the first attempt.”
At the Expo, the VDI Australia team couldn’t legally drive the C12E. ADR compliance now allows the brand to begin test drives and demos with the
public. It was an exciting Christmas gift for Yutong to receive as a reward for a productive 2022.
Edwards says receiving the email granting ADR compliance serves as a significant step forward for the brand. He says the 53-passenger vehicle is incredibly light, allowing for a 350KwH battery system and 95kg for its passengers and driver.
“As far as I know, it’s the only EV in the CAT4 category with that capability,” Edwards says. “It’s not only the lightest in the market that we know about, but it also has the safest battery and impact protection system – nobody is doing battery safety like we are.
“Yutong prides itself on how safe its vehicles are regarding internal and external crash protection. It’s a great milestone for Yutong in Australia.”
Gaining full ADR compliance for any new vehicle can be difficult in itself. Having three separate variants with differing fuel sources and compiling all the correct documentation requires a lot of work.
Edwards says VDI Australia ensured
it had all the required diesel and electric information including relevant documentation for brake testing.
For VDI Australia general manager Lou Riccardi, receiving ADR compliance allows Yutong to move into its following stages on the C12 vehicles faster than predicted.
“We’re now ready and able to mass produce these vehicles as we speak,” Riccardi told ABC. “We’ll start by doing our trials first, but if anyone wants to purchase the new C12 or C12E as a school bus, mine, or coach operation, we’re happy to oblige.
“Our message to the industry is that as of January this year, the C12E is ready for mass production and delivery.”
Instead of relaxing into the Christmas period, VDI has been busy setting up trials with Australian customers. The VDI Australia general manager says all new C12 models are the same except for their power unit, which differs from diesel engines to battery electric power.
become a reality,” Riccardi says. “We’ve already provided the two different models for our city and school buses. The next stage is electrifying our new D7 model and a few more new models we’ll consider bringing out.”
Riccardi is looking at niche areas in the local market for new vehicles to partner Yutong’s existing electric vehicles. VDI Australia has already identified gaps in the industry that it’s targeting. Riccardi says he expects two new Yutong models to be released this year.
From Edwards’s technical and service perspective, he’s looking forward to the feedback the brand will receive from test drives. Having been the first person to drive the C12E model in Australia legally, he knows customers will be in for a smooth ride.
“It’s an imposing vehicle that’s nice to drive and comfortable,” Edwards says. “I actually think Yutong are well
Riccardi is excited to now receive feedback from the local market.
“Our sales staff have done their bit and identified customers who want to participate in the trial with us,” Riccardi says. “We anticipate having four demo vehicles spread across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
“We’ll be using more than one vehicle for the demos. We’re taking the bull by the horns so operators can feel, touch and trial our C12E electric bus. They’ll be able to see how it performs and meets their needs.”
Riccardi says the C12 products will display and further cement Yutong’s quality, reliability and innovation.
Regarding the trials with the C12E, operators will have an excellent opportunity to experience what an electric vehicle can do. Riccardi is adamant operators will be pleasantly surprised when they test drive the C12E.
Riccardi says VDI’s goal is to have its entire product range available in electric in the near future.
“By the end of 2023, the vision will
past trials with its vehicles, but we want to get customers confident in the vehicle and our technology.
“We recently had one customer drive the C12E – they were blown away by the experience.”
Edwards says the C12E has excellent acceleration for drivers without the noise generally associated with a diesel model. He says Yutong has sped the acceleration up on the C12E and the trials will help dictate whether customers love this change or whether tweaks need to be made.
Either way, Edwards knows the C12E, alongside its other C12 variants, will be a hit in 2023.
“The C12 models look very impressive and have the largest and most efficient air-conditioning systems in Australia,” Edwards says. “Yutong prides itself on ensuring that every vehicle it produces is 100 per cent perfect when it reaches customers.
“These new models will provide the typical Yutong quality that Australia has come to expect.”
Yutong prides itself on ensuring that every vehicle it produces is 100 per cent perfect when it reaches customers.
QBIC
April 14/15
Annual Conference & Gala Dinner
MAY
BusNSW
May TBA
Delegates Forum/ Country & Metro/ BusNSW AGMs/ BoM-BCIA-Coop Meetings
JUNE
QBIC
June 16
Regional Member Forum Gympie/ Maryborough
TasBus
June TBA
Annual Conference and Dinner
Regional Seminars Southern NSW
QBIC
February 24
Regional Member Forum
Toowoomba
BusVic
February 27-28
Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton and Swan Hill Branch Meetings
MARCH BusVic
March 1
Ouyen Branch Meeting
BusNSW
March 6-10
Regional Seminars Northern NSW
BusVic
March 21
Melbourne Branch Meeting
BIC
March 21-22
Bus Industry Summit (Hotel Realm, Canberra)
BusVc
March 27-28
Maryborough, Hamilton, Horsham and Bendigo Branch Meetings
APRIL
QBIC
April 13
Committee/ Supply Partner Evening
UITP Global Public Transport Summit (Barcelona)
June 15-17
JULY BusVic
July 11-14
Maintenance Conference & Trade Show Melbourne
BusWA
July 13-14
Conference in Perth
AUGUST
QBIC
August 5
Regional Member Forum Chinchilla
BusNSW
August 25
NextGen Leaders Forum Sydney
SEPTEMBER
QBIC
September 8
Partner Forum Cairns
QBIC
September 9
Regional Member Forum Cairns
OCTOBER
BusNSW
October 4-5
2023 Conference Wollongong
BusWorld Europe (Brussels)
October 16-19
BIC
October 16-19
Moving People Conference (Energy Events Centre, Rotorua NZ)
DECEMBER
BusNSW
December 4
Delegates Forum/ Country & Metro Meetings/ Xmas Function
TBA
QBIC
Christmas Event
12.3m, Cat C7 300hp,ZF automatic inc a retarder,53 lap sash seat belted reclining seats,A/C,large underfloor bins,DVD,travelled approx.
275,000klms
$67,500+GST
automatic, 57 fixed coach seats including lap sash seat belts, DVD, large underfloor bins, Thermo King A/C, tachograph, travelled approx. 122,000klm $230,000+GST
ZF AsTronic trans,13.5m Irizar I6 body,52 leather reclining seats,DVD,toilet,A/C,large undefloor bins,travelled approx. 320,000klms $205,000+GST
midi coach,Cummins ISB300hp,Allison automatic inc a retarder,41 reclining seats,Spheros A/C,DVD,large underfloor bins,many extras,travelled approx.120,000klms $180,000+GST
underfloor bins, DVD, travelled approx. 235,000klms
REDUCED TO $175,000+GST
K440EB
Opticruise transmission including a retarder, Irizar 13.5m “Century” bodies, 54 lap sash seat belted seats, 48 when 2 wheelchairs fitted, rear toilet, A/C, plus more, travelled approx.1,5001,650,000klms, engines and transmissions have been rebuilt approx. 4-500,000klms REDUCED TO $120,000 +GST each
12.5m, Cummins ISL320, automatic inc a retarder, 57 lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, large underfloor bins, DVD, CCTV, travelled approx. 275,000klms
$160,000+GST
Allison auto inc retarder, 58 lap sash seat belted leather recliners, rear toilet, Tracs A/C, large underfloor bins, very clean, complete service history
Wheelchair lift equipped Reduced to $99,000 +GST
wheelchair lift equipped,6sp manual,22 passenger inc lap sash seat belts,A/C,Bull bar,towbar,travelled approx. 97,000klms
$85,000+GST
Opticruise,13.5m Coach Design body,46 recliners,mid toilet,2 door,Thermo King A/C,DVD with 7 monitors,Urn,many extras,travelled approx. 985,000klms
$140,000+GST
9.3m, Cummins ISB 250hp, automatic, 45 fixed coach seats, A/C, underfloor bins, travelled approx. 285,000klms $65,000+GST
In early December, BusVic hosted its annual All Aboard seminar to break down barriers and provide a unique insight into ways to combat worker shortages.
As the bus and coach industry works to recruit more people into the sector, the Bus Association of Victoria (BusVic) centred its All Aboard seminar on driving inclusion in Melbourne.
Held at Melbourne’s RACV Centre in early December, BusVic welcomed speakers from numerous bodies to discuss how operators, both regional and metro, can encourage more workers to join their business and flourish.
The one-day event started with an introduction from BusVic board member Julia Evans, who sais the industry must commit to being understanding and nurturing the new talent coming through.
The seminar then heard from Social Traders social procurement advisor Abigail Peak and Kinaway chamber of commerce Victoria government relationship manager Kimberley Keen about how to best recruit Indigenous Australians into businesses.
Peak discussed the ability for companies to engage in social enterprise and procurement, while Kinaway’s Keen enlightened the audience about the importance of supporting Indigenous Australian companies.
Peak sais Social Traders looks at social enterprise procurement in Australia and searches for businesses that have a defined purpose consistent with a community benefit. If the company derives substantial portions of income from trade and invests its efforts into its purpose so that public benefit outweighs private, then these companies are social enterprises that deserve recognition.
The idea of social enterprise in operators then transitioned to Keen’s discussion around certifying Victorian businesses as Indigenous Australian companies that are safe places for young Indigenous Australians to work at.
To be certified, Kinaway investigates if companies are at least 50 per cent
Indigenous owned, are managed and led by Indigenous members and create employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
“Kinaway has actually declined more than 80 memberships in the past 12 months,” Keen said.
While doing so, Keen also discussed the challenges and learnings companies should take on board when it comes to employing Indigenous people.
Below: Attendees
Keen said Kinaway is looking to expand its presence in the bus and coach industry relating to both Kinaway’s certification of Indigenous companies and providing a comprehensive list of Indigenous businesses for operators to use and buy from.
Kinaway’s emerging concepts includes a strategic partnerships program involving its Kin Fashion and Sistas in Business movements.
So far, this inclusive ideal has resulted in $1.85 billion in social impact, with $427 million alone coming in corporate spend in the 2021/2022 financial year.
In the second session before lunch, Crown Coaches’s Jerome Haoust discussed the ways that operators can build trust with youth at risk and make them excellent employees.
Haoust referenced his time as company director helping Crown Coaches with its Chatterbox Bus Outreach Program.
The bus travelled around Melbourne’s CBD and visited youth at risk, allowing these young people a chance to hop
onboard and gain shelter. Haoust said he spent two nights onboard talking with these young people, building trust with them.
“I met lots of young people on those two nights who just came out of the woodwork but were in good contact with the people of the Chatterbox Bus,” Haoust said. Haoust said this focus on helping the community has been further supplemented by Crown Coaches’s work supporting Fruit2Work for the past four years, courtesy of MercedesBenz’s help in sourcing trucks for it. Haoust also encouraged participants to participate in this year’s Three Peaks Challenge, where people can climb three Victorian mountains to help youth at risk.
As a way of alleviating skilled worker shortages, Haoust, alongside Tanya Hendry and Callista Keenan from Whitelion Youth, said taking time to understand the plight young adults at risk face can change their lives.
“Young people at risk are really all around us and we don’t notice it,” Haoust said.
Haoust was joined on stage by Hendry and Keenan. Hendry talked about Whitelion and how operators are beginning to jump on board and help the group mentor youth at risk.
Keenan is one of the success stories of the program and now helps chaperone kids in need to and from Macedon Ranges High School with Panorama Coaches. She echoed Haoust’s words that the industry needs to continue caring for young people in need. Her story is an example of how it can pay dividends for operators too.
The lunch then heard from keynote speaker Rhiannon Tracey, as well as founder and CEO of WomanCAN Australia
Mikaela Stafrace and general manager for housing for the YWCA Australia Charlotte Dillon. The BusVic event showcased the benefits the industry can enjoy if it focuses on those in need and nurtures them into the sector.
The industry must commit to being understanding and nurturing of the new talent coming through.
Tocapoffanamazing2022forbusandcoachmanufacturers, Decemberdeliveriesremainedasimpressiveaseverheadinginto thenewyear.
The year 2022 was already on track to be an incredibly successful year for the bus and coach industry, but the December deliveries once again proved that the sector is flourishing.
In the final month of 2022, December supported November’s 95 units delivered with another 91 deliveries being registered by manufacturers.
When it came to chassis, we saw a new leader for the month. In a tight race, Scania pipped Volvo at the post by one, recording 20 deliveries for December. Following the top two was BYD with 12 deliveries, while Yutong and Mercedes-Benz couldn’t be split on 10 units delivered apiece. King Long remained as consistent as ever, mirroring its November number of eight deliveries with the same in December, while I-Bus and BCI both dropped in December to three units each. BusTech Group and BLK Auto recorded the two deliveries each, while MAN and Challenger rounded out the market for December with one unit apiece.
There were no surprises in the bodybuilder section, as Volgren maintained its lead ahead of the pack. Despite dropping from its November numbers of 30 deliveries, it still recorded more than double the deliveries of its competitors with 24 in December. Next best were Custom Denning and Yutong on 10 apiece, as the former made a massive jump up. In a diverse market, King Long and Irizar couldn’t be split on eight units each, while Scania (6), Express Coaches (5) and BCI (4) all weren’t far behind. The remaining 16 deliveries were split between 10 companies.
In the seating game, no one could get near McConnell. The market leader flexed its muscles in December, increasing its 37 deliveries in November to 45 in December. Yutong remained in second spot yet took a hit as it dropped down to 10 units for the
month, while Sege (9), StyleRide (8) and King Long (7) all remained even. APM and Fainsa continued their solid numbers with four units each as Marcopolo and Precision Bus rounded out the market with two units apiece.
When looking at the air-conditioning market, Thermo King went from strength to strength. After registering 35 deliveries in November, the air-conditioning giant recorded 44 deliveries for December. No one came close to Thermo King, as next best were Clint-Yutong and Hispacold on 10 apiece. King Long remained consistent with a further eight units in December, while Konvekta (6) led an even field consisting of Spheros, Songz and Coachair, who all recorded three deliveries. Rounding out the market was Valeo (2), Denso (1) and MCC (1).
The state competition for deliveries turned into a landslide in December, as Victoria dominated to record 38 deliveries (42 per cent). Queensland followed with 22 units (24 per cent), while New South Wales dropped to third with 16 deliveries. South Australia remained steady with eight units for the months, while Western Australia dropped right down to four deliveries, only one ahead of Tasmania (3).
Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for December. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion.
In the seating game, no one could get near McConnell
Intheseatinggame,noonecouldgetnear McConnell.Themarketleaderflexedits musclesinDecember,increasingits37 deliveriesinNovemberwith45inDecember. Yutongremainedinsecondspotyettookahit asitdroppeddownto10unitsforthemonth, whileSege(9),StyleRide(8)andKingLong(7) allremainedeven.APMandFainsacontinued theirsolidnumberswithfourunitseachas MarcopoloandPrecisionBusroundedoutthe marketwithtwounitsapiece.
There were no surprises in the bodybuilder section, as Volgren maintained its lead ahead of the pack. Despite dropping from its November numbers of 30 deliveries, it still recorded more than double the deliveries of its competitors with 24 in December. Next best were Custom Denning and Yutong on 10 apiece, as the former made a massive jump up. In a diverse market, King Long and Irizar couldn’t be split on eight units each, while Scania (6), Express Coaches (5) and BCI (4) all weren’t far behind. The remaining 16 deliveries were split between 10 companies.
When looking at the air-conditioning market, Thermo King went from strength to strength. After registering 35 deliveries in November, the air-conditioning giant recorded 44 deliveries for December. No one came close to Thermo King, as next best were Clint-Yutong and Hispacold on 10 apiece. King Long remained consistent with a further eight units in December, while Konvekta (6) led an even field consisting of Spheros, Songz and Coachair, who all recorded three deliveries. Rounding out the market was Valeo (2), Denso (1) and MCC (1).
When it came to chassis, we saw a new leader for the month. In a tight race, Scania pipped Volvo at the post by one, recording 20 deliveries for December. Following the top two was BYD with 12 deliveries, while Yutong and Mercedes-Benz couldn’t be split on 10 units delivered apiece. King Long remained consistent as ever, mirroring its November number of eight deliveries with the same in December, while I-Bus and BCI both dropped in December to three units each. Both BusTech Group and BLK Auto recorded the two deliveries each, while MAN and Challenger rounded out the market for December with one unit apiece.
BCI RedBusServicesNSW2BCICitirider12BCI290REuro6AAllison212.5Coachair44––––X––StyleRideY GullServicesVIC1BCICruiser10BCI300REuro5A
BLK PennicottWildernessJourneysTAS1Senator8BLK210REuro5AAllison28.9Valeo–PennicottWildernessJourneysTAS1Senator9BLK300REuro5AAllison2
BYD VenturaBusLinesVIC12BYDD9RAVolgren300kWRZero
BUSTECH GROUP ClarksLoganQLD1BusTechZDI-P450BusTechGroup(QLD)321/240RZero MetroTasmaniaTAS1BusTechXDIElphinstone(TAS)320/238.62REuro6A
CHALLENGER FleetspecTruck&BusHireWA1ChallengerV10Challenger300REuro5ASAllison210.5Thermo
I-BUS AUSTRALIA N/ASA1IsuzuNQRI-Bus190FEuro5AIsuzu28Songz
N/AQLD1IsuzuNQRI-Bus190FEuro5AIsuzu28Songz
N/AQLD1IsuzuNPSI-Bus155FEuro5AIsuzu
KING LONG N/AVIC1KingLongKingLong250REuro5A
N/ANSW1KingLongKingLong250REuro5A
N/AQLD2KingLongKingLong285REuro5A
N/AQLD1KingLongKingLong250REuro5A
N/ASA2KingLongKingLong285REuro5A
N/AVIC1KingLongKingLong250REuro5A
MAN WaltersPassengerServiceVIC1MANCO.19.360.RR2Volgren360REuro5ATipmatic210-12.9Thermo
MERCEDES-BENZ N/ANSW1OC500RFE51936ExpressCoaches360REuro5AZF
N/AWA1OC500RFE51936Omnibus360REuro5AZF
N/AVIC1OC500LEE6Volgren300REuro6A
N/AVIC1OC500LEE6Volgren300REuro6A
N/AQLD1O500RSIrizarN/AREuro5A
N/AWA1O500RExpressCoachesN/AREuro5A
N/AVIC1OC500RFE51936BCI360REuro5A
N/AVIC1O500RSCoachDesignN/AREuro5A
N/ANSW2OC500LEE6CustomDenning300REuro6A
SCANIA B&GChristianVIC3K310IB4X2ScaniaHiger310REuro5A
B&GChristianVIC2K310IB4X2ScaniaHiger310REuro5OpticruiseScania2
DPTI-DeptofPublicTrsportInfrastructureSA2K320UB4X2BusTechGroup320REuro6OpticruiseScania212.5Hispacold
KineticMelbourneVIC4K320HB4x2LBVolgren320REuro6OpticruiseScania212.5Thermo
LCDyson'sBusServicesVIC1K310IB4X2Irizar310REuro5A
LCDyson'sBusServicesVIC2K410CB6x2*4NIIrizar410REuro6OpticruiseScania214.5Hispacold–58–X––––Sege
Mee'sBusLinesVIC1K410CB6x2*4NICoachConcepts410REuro6OpticruiseScania213.5Thermo
PopesConsolidatedBusLinesVIC1K310IB4X2CoachConcepts310REuro5A
SodhiTransportQLD1K310IB4X2ExpressCoachBuilders310REuro5A
SodhiTransportQLD1K310IB4X2ExpressCoachBuilders310REuro5OpticruiseScania2
TransNorthBus&CoachQLD1K310IB4X2ScaniaHiger310REuro5A
WBLVIC1K320UB4X2Volgren320REuro6OpticruiseScania212.5Thermo
VOLVO DonricGroupVIC1VolvoB8RIrizar350REuro6ASVolvo210-12.9Hispacold
LatrobeValleyBusLinesVIC1VolvoBZLVolgrenN/ARZero
FlagstaffCoachesSA1VolvoB8RVolgren330REuro5A
WillungaCharterSA1VolvoB8RMarcopolo330REuro5A
Des'sTransportPtyLtdSA1VolvoB8RVolgren330REuro5A
KangarooBusLinesQLD1VolvoB8RLEVolgren320REuro6A
BusQLDWestsideBusCoQLD7VolvoB8RLECustom320REuro6A
MtGravattCoach&TravelQLD1VolvoB8RMarcopolo330REuro5A
CompassToursNSW1VolvoB8RIrizar350REuro6ASVolvo210-12.9Hispacold
PenrithChristianSchoolNSW1VolvoB8RCustom330REuro5A
DeanesCoachesNSW2VolvoB8RIrizar350REuro6ASVolvo210-12.9Hispacold
SodhiTransportNSW1VolvoB8RExpress350REuro6A
YUTONG
N/AQLD1YutongD7Yutong160FEuro6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––X–––YutongN
N/AWA1YutongD9Yutong250REuro5AAllison210Clint-Yutong39–––X–––YutongN
N/AVIC1YutongD7Yutong160FEuro6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––X–––YutongN
N/ANSW1YutongD12Yutong360REuro5AAllison2
N/AQLD1YutongD9Yutong250REuro5AAllison210Clint-Yutong39–––X–––YutongN
N/AQLD1YutongD12Yutong360REuro5AAllison2
N/ANSW1YutongD7Yutong160FEuro6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––X–––YutongN
N/ANSW1YutongD9Yutong250REuro5AAllison210Clint-Yutong39–––––X–YutongN
N/ANSW1YutongD7Yutong160FEuro6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––––X–YutongN
N/ANSW1YutongD7Yutong160FEuro6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––––X–YutongN
5AZF29.1KingLong39–––––X–KingLongYN 5AZF210.2KingLong45–––X–––KingLongYN 5AZF29.1KingLong39–––X–––KingLongYN 5ATipmatic210-12.9ThermoKing–57––––X–McConnellNN 5AZFEcolife212.3ThermoKing57–––––X–StyleRideYN 5AZFEcolife212.3ThermoKing57–––––X–McConnellYN 6AZF212.5Coachair44––––X––McConnellNN 6AZF212.5ThermoKing––43––X––McConnellNN 5AZFEcolife212.3Hispacold57–––––X–SegeYN/A 5AZFEcolife212.3ThermoKing57–––––X–McConnellYN 5AZFEcolife212.3ThermoKing57–––––X–McConnellYN 5AZFEcolife212.3ThermoKing57–––––X–McConnellYN 6AZF212.5ThermoKing45––––X––McConnellNN 5AZF212.3Konvekta57–––––X–McConnellYN 5OpticruiseScania212.3Konvekta57–––––X–McConnellYN 6OpticruiseScania212.5Hispacold43––––X––PrecisionBusNN 6OpticruiseScania212.5ThermoKing––43––X––McConnellNN 5AZF211Hispacold45–––––X–McConnellYN 6OpticruiseScania214.5Hispacold–58–X––––SegeYY 6OpticruiseScania213.5ThermoKing–54–X––––StyleRideYY 5AZF212.5ThermoKing57–––––X–StyleRideYN 5AZF212.3ThermoKing57–––––X–McConnellYN 5OpticruiseScania212.3ThermoKing57–––––X–McConnellYN 5AZF212.3Konvekta57–––––X–APMYN 6OpticruiseScania212.5ThermoKing47––––X––StyleRideNN 6ASVolvo210-12.9Hispacold57–––––X–SegeYN ASVolvo210-12.9Denso48––––X––McConnellN/AY 5AZF210-12.9ThermoKing61–––––X–McConnellYN 5AZF210-12.9Spheros57–––––X–MarcopoloYN 5AZF210-12.9ThermoKing–53––––X–McConnellYN 6AZF210-12.9Spheros––43––X––McConnellNY 6AZF210-12.9ThermoKing––48––X––McConnellNY 5AZF210-12.9Spheros57–––––X–MarcopoloYN 6ASVolvo210-12.9Hispacold57–––X–––SegeYN 5AZF210-12.9ThermoKing57–––––X–SegeYN 6ASVolvo210-12.9Hispacold–49–X––––SegeYY 6AZF210-12.9ThermoKing57–––––X–McConnellYN 6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––X–––YutongNN 5AAllison210Clint-Yutong39–––X–––YutongNN 6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––X–––YutongNN 5AAllison212.4Clint-Yutong57–––––X–YutongNN 5AAllison210Clint-Yutong39–––X–––YutongNN 5AAllison212.4Clint-Yutong57–––X–––YutongNN 6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––X–––YutongNN 5AAllison210Clint-Yutong39–––––X–YutongNN 6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––––X–YutongNN 6AAllison28Clint-Yutong28–––––X–YutongNN
The bus and coach industry enjoyed the ability to deliver vehicles en masse yet again, with a total of 1132 deliveries recorded throughout 2022. The industry averaged more than 94 units delivered per month, with a three month purple patch occurring from May to July, where 102, 102 and 120 deliveries were recorded respectively. July’s effort of 120 deliveries was the biggest month of the year in what was a hectic year for the bus and coach sector.
In the chassis section, 2022 once again belonged to Volvo. The industry leader proved its worth in 2022, finishing with 284 deliveries for the year, including a peak in June where it delivered 39 units in a remarkable effort. Following Volvo was Scania, who finished with 204 deliveries, while Yutong rounded out the top three with 170 units delivered in 2022. BCI wasn’t far behind, beating out Mercedes-Benz by six, 116 to 110. I-Bus (54) and King Long (47) were back in the pack, narrowly ahead of MAN (37), BYD (32) and Custom Denning (28). To wrap up the chassis market, Hino (13), BLK Auto (12) and BusTech Group (10) all featured irregularly throughout 2022, while Challenger recorded the seven deliveries for the year.
In an incredibly diverse market, it’ll come as no shock that Volgren sat atop the bodybuilder conglomerate for 2022. Volgren finished with a whopping 303 deliveries for the year, with Yutong next best with 170 units in 2022. BCI followed with 123 deliveries, with Irizar narrowly behind on 117. The top four sat far and away ahead of next best Custom Denning (74), who beat out BusTech Group (62), I-Bus (59), King Long (47) and Express Coaches (34). In an even pack of bodybuilders, Coach Concepts (29), Marcopolo (24), Coach Design (20), Scania (18), BLK Auto (14) and Jbus (10) all recorded deliveries in the double figures, while another seven
companies shared 25 deliveries between them for the year. There was a clear winner in the air-conditioning game, as Thermo King couldn’t be stopped in a rampant 2022. The airconditioning company finished with an amazing 419 deliveries for the year, well ahead of the second placed Clint-Yutong with 173 units. International brand Hispacold recorded 148 deliveries for 2022, while fourth placed MCC finished with 90 units. In an even industry, Coachair (74) and King Long (64) both had strong years, while Spheros ended with just the single delivery more than Valeo (47). New player Songz (25) had a productive year, while Konvekta (18), Denso (15) and Kingtec (13) all remained steady.
Finally we get to the state competition for deliveries, which had many twists and turns throughout the year. In the end it was Victoria that triumphed, as a strong end to 2022 allowed it to record 304 deliveries. Following Victoria was Western Australia with 281 units for the year, while New South Wales (233) and Queensland (214) remained close for 2022. South Australia continued to increase its bus deliveries with 69 in 2022, while the Northern Territory (15) and Tasmania (13) both broke through ahead of the ACT, which registered the sole delivery for the year. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion.
There was a clear winner in the air-conditioning game, as Thermo King couldn’t be stopped in a rampant
In an incredibly diverse market, it’ll come as no shock that Volgren sat atop the bodybuilder conglomerate for 2022. Volgren finished with a whopping 303 deliveries for the year, with Yutong next best with 170 units in 2022. BCI followed with 123 deliveries, with Irizar narrowly behind with 117. The top four sat far and away ahead of next best Custom Denning (74), who beat out BusTech Group (62), I-Bus (59), King Long (47) and Express Coaches (34). In an even pack of bodybuilders, Coach Concepts (29), Marcopolo (24), Coach Design (20), Scania (18), BLK Auto (14) and Jbus (10) all recorded deliveries in the double figures, while another seven companies shared 25 deliveries between them for the year.
There was a clear winner in the air-conditioning game, as Thermo King couldn’t be stopped in a rampant 2022. The air-conditioning company finished with an amazing 419 deliveries for the year, well ahead of the second placed ClintYutong with 173 units. International brand Hispacold recorded 148 deliveries for 2022, while fourth placed MCC finished with 90 units. In an even industry, Coachair (74) and King Long (64) both had strong years, while Spheros ended with just the one more delivery than Valeo (47). New player Songz (25) had a productive year, while Konvekta (18), Denso (15) and Kingtec (13) all remained steady in 2022.
In the chassis section, 2022 belonged to Volvo yet again. The industry leader proved its worth in 2022, finishing with 284 deliveries for the year, including a peak in June where it delivered 39 units in a remarkable effort. Following Volvo was Scania, who finished with 204 deliveries, while Yutong rounded out the top three with 170 units delivered in 2022. BCI wasn’t far behind, beating out Mercedes-Benz by six, 116 to 110. I-Bus (54) and King Long (47) were back in the pack, narrowly ahead of MAN (37), BYD (32) and Custom Denning (28). To wrap up the chassis market, Hino (13), BLK Auto (12) and BusTech Group (10) all featured irregularly throughout 2022, while Challenger recorded the seven deliveries for the year.
For tens of thousands of Australians, poor kidney health is preventing them from revelling in the joys of travelling.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says that in 2020, 14,600 people with kidney failure received dialysis.
Since 2011, Kidney Health Australia has been actively trying to make it possible to bring dialysis treatment closer to where it’s needed, rather than the alternative of constant trips to the nearest hospital. To do so, it had to turn to buses.
“Back in 2011, there was a group of patients who formed a fundraising group for dialysis treatment,” Kidney Health Australia CEO Chris Forbes told ABC. “They needed a bus to get the idea off the ground. The first bus was refurbished and launched in Victoria.”
This inaugural vehicle would become the first Big Red Kidney Bus.
For more than a decade, the bright red bus has travelled around Victoria, stopping in regional and coastal spots to provide dialysis treatment for holidaygoers living with kidney failure.
The bus immediately became a hit. The service allows people requiring dialysis three days a week for five hours at a time to receive the vital treatment while on holiday. It gives them a much-
Forbes says the group had to forge partnerships over various industries to get the first vehicle on the road.
“We first of all had to find bus companies to be able to purchase and refurbish a bus,” Forbes says. “We were lucky enough to receive help from Busfurb, Volgren and Royans Brisbane to undertake the refurbishments of all our buses.”
The main challenge in starting the Big Red Kidney Bus was finding buses or coaches that conformed to specifications and allowed for dialysis to be performed onboard.
“It’s difficult to find a vehicle that you can strip back and rebuild so that it’s suitable for patients to undergo dialysis in a chair,” Forbes says. “The refurbishment can take six months or more to do. It’s not just about the mechanical fit-out, it’s about making sure we work with health providers so that the bus satisfies requirements in a partnership approach.”
Yet it’s all been worthwhile. Forbes says there is now a second Big Red Kidney Bus running in New South Wales to partner the first Victorian vehicle. Kidney Health Australia is also looking at running a pilot program in Queensland to provide holiday dialysis treatment for
advance and work with their renal unit so that they can go away and have a holiday with family and friends.”
Forbes plans to expand the Big Red Kidney Bus network further.
After launching a refurbished NSW bus three months ago, he’s looking to get donors and partners onboard to cover more than half a million dollars’ worth of money to purchase and refurbish a third bus for Queensland.
“Kidney disease and failure is a growing problem and the buses form a really vital program for those suffering,” Forbes says.
“If you have risk factors of high blood pressure or diabetes, please ask your GP for a kidney health check. We encourage people to have a kidney health check as part of their normal health care.
“All we want is people to get in front of it early and slow progression so that there’s less kidney failure.”
For more than a decade, the Big Red Kidney Bus has provided life-changing mobile dialysis treatment for those suffering from kidney disease or failure. Kidney Health Australia is now continuing to expand its bus fleet into more Australian states.
