ABC #405

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH 

ABC 

ISSUE 405 May 2021 $5.95 inc GST 

HYDROGEN-DIESEL 

LANDMARK 

TRANSDEV NZ TRIAL 

KINETIC-SKYBUS 

BUYS ICONIC 

TASSIE REDLINE 

SEALINK 

ACQUIRES 

GO WEST WA 

CELL STRUCTURE 

NZ’S FIRST HYDROGEN FUEL-CELL CITY 

BUS GETS AUCKLAND ROUTE DUTY 

operator: crown coaches, vic driven: audace 1050 guide: bus seating

ABC-FP-5209576-CS-404

contents 

ISSUE 405 MAY 2021 

08 

in the know 

6. editorial | ignition 

Things are crazier than usual. Our industry 

cracks on amid vaccines, blood clots, 

reactions and death. Editor Cotter ponders... 

8. news | the front line 

We’ve gathered up all the key, hardhitting 

Australasian and international bus and 

coach news for you, to keep you in the loop. 

36 

20. column | bic 

WHY WE DO THE THINGS WE DO? 

As we near a federal election it is timely 

we give a ‘nod’ to the importance of the 

advocacy work undertaken for the bus and 

coach industry. 

In focus 

22. In focus | bustech group 

METRO TASMANIA RECEIVES 100TH 

BUSTECH GROUP BUS 

Bustech Group and local Tasmanian 

company Elphinstone has supplied 

operator Metro Tasmania with its 100th 

bus – the milestone coming from a 

partnership spanning three years and 

creating local employment opportunities 

and lasting economic benefits for 

Tasmania. 

24. In focus | fantastic aussie tours 

STALWART BLUE MOUNTAINS BUS 

DRIVERS RETIRE 

The responsibility of driving a 20-tonne 

bus; negotiating the steep Victoria Pass 

in the Blue Mountains and happy tourists 

are just some of the things three retired 

Fantastic Aussie Tours drivers miss after 

parking their buses for the last time. 

26. In focus | level crossings 

BUS-TRAIN INCIDENT PUTS 

SPOTLIGHT ON ‘LEVEL CROSSINGS’ 

Yellow box marking and freight train 

usage while rail-replacement work 

is underway were just some of issues 

highlighted via a recent government 

report analysing an incident where a train 

struck a coach that partially stopped on a 

level crossing. 

4 

ABC May 2021 busnews.com.au

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28. In focus | bus driver training 

MOSCOW TRANSPORT 

‘UNIVERSITY’ OPENS 

Touted as a ‘new attitude’ to the training of 

future specialists, the Corporate University 

of Moscow Transport was opened recently. 

30. coverstory | nz hydrogen city bus 

TRANSVISION VAMP 

In an exciting first for New Zealand, a 

two-year trial of a hydrogen fuel-cell 

city bus has begun in Auckland, using a 

vehicle designed and manufactured in 

the country. With plans to transition 

the whole bus fleet to low emission 

technology by 2040, this is an important 

part of the journey towards achieving 

this goal. Fabian Cotter writes. 

36. operator | crown coaches 

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT 

Melbourne’s Crown Coaches has chosen 

to bolster its fleet with the new generation 

Fuso Rosa. The new Rosa gives a lesson 

in advanced safety, performance and 

comfort, while helping the business stay 

on the road to carbon neutrality. Ricky 

French reports. 

44. test drive | audace 1050 

NEW LOOK, NEW ATTITUDE 

The new Marcopolo Audace 1050 

provides affordable luxury that can 

be tailored to an operator’s needs as 

well as a predictable and dependable 

44 

drive. With smart European looks and 

a high level of flexibility, this is a bus 

specifically designed for Australia’s 

variety of conditions. Paul Aldridge 

gave it a go. 

52. supply lines | bus seating 

Check out our guide to some of the best 

seating suppliers in the market. 

Departments 

58. bus marketplace | classifieds 

FOR SALE! 

There’s hundreds of great vehicles and 

services listed here from some of the 

leading bus and coach companies on the 

planet. Have a look around and see what 

you might find in there! 

64. factory facts | bus deliveries 

MONTHLY RESULTS 

We know you love them and so we have 

the latest bus and coach supplier sales 

data collected and recorded for you to sink 

your teeth into. To know who is who and 

who’s done what simply check it out! 

68. pictorial | qbic gold coast 

GOOD AS GOLD 

It was touch-and-go for many with the 

Gold Coast named a hotspot, but QBIC 

2021kicked off in style for the longawaited 

gathering. 

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busnews.com.au May 2021 ABC 

5

IGNITION 

FABIAN COTTER 

Blood clots, Bon Bons &Fairytales 

How we all went from ‘some bloke ate a bat and screwed the world’ to 

‘strip off underwear to get vaccinated’, I’ll never know... 

Tinkering with electronics is 

therapeutically under-rated. 

Extreme stress relief through said 

exploits at 4.00am while jacked 

up on good cheap instant decaf coffee 

(you’ve done the math on how many cups 

that needs to be, right?) comes when you 

have no idea what you are doing really and 

you’ve accidentally broken bits and there’s 

always leftover screws, clips or capacitors 

– even though you did things carefully to 

avoid this. Good times. 

This would explain why I never really get 

to watch much TV. 

Yes, there are other TVs I suppose can 

be switched on and work just fine, but I 

like the perverse sense of achievement 

watching stuff after I’ve hopefully fixed 

(read: destroyed) really big and expensive 

ones. This, or course, doesn’t happen very 

often – the fixing, that is – but when it does, 

let me tells ya, there ain’t ‘no binging like 

show binging, like no binging I know’. 

Anyway, lots of soldering irons, new 

circuit boards and early morning swearing 

later, I was ‘back in the game’ on a big 

3D one with the news on – because, hey, 

if you are going to do news, which is 

invariably bad news, I say do it in 3D, right? 

Or at least just wear dark glasses and sit 

reeeeealy close to the screen – same thing 

(disclaimer: don’t try that at home, kids!). ;) 

So what was on? Splashed across every 

channel these days is everything to do 

with Covid and vaccines and outbreaks 

and tests and … now a new one: adverse 

reactions. Blood clots? Ew! Clots just 

sounds all kinds of bad to me. I mean, 

that word … ‘clotted’. I see ‘clotted cream’ 

in the supermarket, all big and fluffy and 

thick stuck on top of a yummy scone in the 

pictures, but the ‘blood’ version? Er … no 

thanks. I’m on a diet and fat enough as it is. 

But, seriously, worse is that news reports 

confirm people are dying from such 

reactions to the vaccines sadly, which is 

terrible for their families and loved ones 

to deal with unexpectedly. Play Russian 

roulette with the virus or Russian roulette 

with the vaccines? Gee, tough call – such 

crappy times we live in. And, given the type 

of luck I have with those instant scratch 

lottery cards or the bloody pokies, I’m not 

feeling either of them, quite frankly. Hmm… 

So, telly off. But not before some US 

talk show mentioned laws and ‘Acts’ 

implemented in 2016 (?) by an Aussie state 

government for ‘Sars-Cov2’ vaccines and 

‘poisons’ (those words, not 2003’s Cov1), 

and then mentioned something about 

‘Public Health Act – Section 158’, which says 

governments can take all sorts of bodily 

samples from you and even forcibly remove 

your underwear to administer you with a 

vaccine, technically (er … which I thought 

was supposed to just go into your arm?) 

Gees, so how does that work? 

“Hey, I believe you look a little under the 

weather even if you feel fine. We are going 

to vaccinate you. But first … we need to 

check your ‘you-know-what’!” 

Feel free to Google this. It’s all there. 

Bring back the 1970s ‘Life. Be in it’ 

television ads, I say. Or just turn of the ‘teev’ 

and book a coach trip somewhere nice. 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 

Up front, in issue 405, we look at NZ’s 

first hydrogen fuel-cell city bus that’s 

undergoing trials soon on the streets of 

Auckland. Made by local bus company 

Global Bus Ventures, which in itself 

is another first for that company, the 

three-axle 13.5-metre long fuel-cell bus’ 

results will be closely monitored by many 

an Australasian bus operator, whom are in 

turn assessing what types of low-to-zero 

emissions buses will comprise their fleets. 

It’s good to see operators having the 

courage and willingness to trial a range 

of EV technologies in the quest to meet 

mandated carbon emission requirements, 

wherever they may be based around the 

world. Check that one out on pages 30–35. 

In terms of operator profiles, we visit 

Melbourne’s Crown Coaches, which takes 

its valued school-run business segment 

very seriously and thus prides safety and 

innovation at the top of its list. Its recent 

acquisition of a slew of new Fuso Rosa 

minibuses was a big occasion for the team, 

given how much input they had shared 

with supplier Daimler about what their 

previous model Rosas had taught them. 

In refining the product for localised use, 

such measures will no doubt be to the 

benefit of many other operators. And in the 

hotly contested ‘small bus’ market, we’ll be 

testing an emerging rival for it soon. Read 

more on pages 36–42. 

Speaking of test drives, we’ve got chief 

bus tester Paul Aldridge working overtime, 

getting behind the wheel of as many new 

buses as he can before the next inevitable 

lockdown or inter-state kerfuffle takes 

place. This time, he’s out and about in 

a new Marcopolo Audace 1050 luxury 

coach, which shares the good bits of the 

previous model but now with key exterior 

and interior updates, particularly for our 

localised market. 

With its versatility a major selling point, 

the Aussie mining-resources sector is now 

also a targeted field for it given its success 

in similar working conditions in Chile, says 

Volgren parent Marcopolo. Peruse that one 

on pages 44–50. 

SECTION RETURN 

In other areas, we focus the spotlight 

on Bustech Group’s 100th bus to Metro 

Tasmania, investigate the issue of level 

crossing accidents involving buses and 

coaches, check out some cool tech 

Moscow bus drivers are using, plus 

bid adieu to some retiring NSW Blue 

Mountains tourist double-decker ‘pilots’. 

Then we take a cheeky quick squiz 

at some bus seating suppliers, plus, in 

perhaps the most exciting move inside, we 

tentatively return the very popular pictorial 

section – this time from QBIC, 2021. 

I say tentatively because if hotspots keep 

getting announced when various state 

shows are on, company policy means I 

doubt I can get there to take ‘snappy snaps’ 

(as the late Michael Apps called them, I 

recall), so will rely on them being supplied. 

But, if we focus, we can overcome – and 

I’m sure they’ll be loads of people happy to 

send in cool high-res pics from whatever 

bus events they get to this year to help 

us out (Hey, you don’t ask, you don’t get, I 

always say). 

Ooh, and I almost forgot. The latest April 

deliveries data is also in and, touching 

wood – and not necessarily rosewood, 

mahogany, or teak, but just regular old 

MDF or chipboard will do – the numbers 

this month look pretty stable, so that’s 

great news for the bus industry thus far. 

Until the next thrilling instalment… 

6 


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NEWS 

SEALINK BUYS WA BUS 

OPERATOR GO WEST 

BUNBURY, Western Australiabased 

integrated transport 

provider Go West – established 

and run by venerable bus industry 

family the Haousts – has “agreed to 

a deal with potential consideration 

in excess of $100 million” in its sale 

to the Sealink Travel Group. 

Go West, with lead adviser 

BDO, negotiated the sale of 

the successful, home-grown 

Australian bus operator best 

known for bus and coach 

transport, particularly in the 

mining resources field. 

The operator began in 1981 

with a single bus and grew 

to become one of Western 

Australia’s pre-eminent specialty 

providers of charter, rental and 

tour vehicles to the resources and 

public transit sectors, filling more 

than 500,000 seats monthly, BDO 

explains. 

Go West’s expansion is the 

result of its clever uptake of 

cutting-edge technology – 

including innovative fatigue 

management and asset monitoring 

“With the support of Sealink, 

Go West will continue to grow well 

into the future.” 

systems – and rigorous focus on 

top-tier resource client service 

throughout the years, BDO adds. 

Forging close ties to the 

booming Western Australian 

resources market, Go West’s 

established regional infrastructure 

in key mining hubs – including Port 

Hedland, Newman and Karratha – 

made the family-owned company 

an attractive prospect for Sealink 

Travel Group, complementing 

its portfolio of world-class transit 

providers, BDO states. 

CONTINUED GROWTH 

“With the support of Sealink, Go 

West will continue to grow well into 

the future,” said Go West founder 

and director Stan Haoust. 

“As fellow operators supporting 

Above: 

“With the support 

of Sealink, Go West 

will continue to 

grow well into 

the future,” said 

Go West founder 

and director Stan 

Haoust. 

the resources sector, Sealink 

will enable Go West to continue 

to tackle bigger projects and, 

importantly, Sealink aligns with 

Go West’s ethos, which is ‘family 

spirit’, ‘frugality’, ‘adaptiveness’, 

‘innovation’ and ‘safety’,” Haoust 

explained. 

Sealink is Australia’s largest 

integrated transport provider, 

moving more than 206 million 

customers per year, it states. 

Its holdings include Captain 

Cook Cruises, Sealink Rottnest 

Ferries and Swan Transit – largely 

responsible for Perth’s urban 

bus network. 

The acquisition – valued at 

5.3x normalised LTM EBITDA, 

confirms BDO – will see the existing 

management team retained, 

8 


KINETIC ACQUIRES OPERATOR 

TASMANIAN REDLINE 

including director David Haoust. 

“Go West has valuable contract 

counterparties and delivers an 

essential service for these clients,” 

said Sealink Group chief executive 

officer Clint Feuerherdt. 

“The operations of Go West 

were unaffected by the pandemic 

and continued at near 100 per 

cent levels throughout, keeping 

their communities and worksites 

connected,” he added. 

SKYBUS’ PARENT company Kinetic, with 

a focus on the Apple Isle, has acquired 

long-standing family run bus operator 

Tasmanian Redline. 

Tasmanian Redline Coaches (Tasmanian 

Redline), the largest governmentcontracted 

private bus operator in 

Tasmania, will join Kinetic’s growing 

bus mass transit network as it boosts its 

commitment to investing in the island 

state, the company states. 

Tasmanian Redline is one of the state’s 

largest busing operators, providing 

government-contracted route and school 

services across Burnie, Devonport, Hobart, 

Launceston and Smithton, as well as 

charter services for major tour operators, 

Kinetic confirms. 

The company is one of the state’s most 

established bus brands, having proudly 

operated for more than 90 years. 

Last year, Tasmanian Redline launched 

a new premium coach transfer service, 

the Redline Express, connecting travellers 

from Hobart and Launceston directly 

with the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport, 

Kinetic states. 

Collectively, Kinetic’s mass transit 

platform currently encompasses more 

than 52 government-contracted urban, 

regional and school bus services and private 

charter services in key cities and regional 

centres across Australia and New Zealand, 

it confirms. 

JOINT OPPORTUNITIES 

Tasmanian Redline managing director 

Michael Larissey says he was excited 

to have the support of a fast-moving 

and innovative mass transit team in 

delivering on the transport needs of 

Tasmania. 

“We are a proud Tasmanian business 

with a deep-rooted history working with 

the government and other important 

stakeholders to connect people with where 

they need to go, and Kinetic has a strong 

alignment with our vision and we are really 

excited by the joint opportunities ahead,” 

Larissey said. 

EXCITED WELCOME 

Kinetic head of Australia, Matthew Carney, 

says Kinetic was excited to welcome 

Tasmanian Redline to its growing mass 

transit platform. 

“Tasmanian Redline has unrivalled 

experience as one of the state’s preeminent 

transport operators and I 

congratulate the Larissey family and their 

team for their long-time commitment 

to supporting the state government and 

serving the community,” Carney said. 

“Buses are an important component 

of Tasmania’s public transport network 

and tourism industry and, as the major 

economic precincts of Launceston and 

Hobart continue to grow, people will have 

an increasing need for regular and reliable 

bus services that get them to where they 

want to go. 

“Through our Skybus operation we have 

enjoyed strong relationships with Hobart 

Airport and the Tasmanian government, 

and we’re excited to continue supporting 

our stakeholders to enhance existing bus 

networks while identifying opportunities 

to introduce innovative and sustainable 

transport solutions for Tasmanians and 

visitors alike,” he added. 

THE ADVISERS 

BDO’s Perth mergers and 

acquisitions team advised Go West 

on all aspects of the transaction, 

while Sealink was advised by 

Gresham in Sydney. BDO predicts 

more mining services deals to 

come, it says. 

“Australia’s buoyant economy 

and strong industry growth will 

see significant interest and further 

sales of Western Australian mining 

services businesses to local and 

international buyers,” said Todd 

Grover, lead BDO partner on the 

transaction. 


9

NEWS 

TRANSIT SYSTEMS ORDERS OZ’S 

FIRST HYDROGEN CITY BUSES 

BUS OPERATOR TRANSIT SYSTEMS has 

purchased the first hydrogen fuel-cell 

buses to service public transport 

contracts in Australia, the company 

has announced. 

Sealink Travel Group CEO Clint 

Feuerherdt says the two innovative buses 

– Foton hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles – 

would likely go into service by mid-year, 

with sources telling ABC magazine that 

their NSW, Victoria, SA or WA operation 

are to be confirmed. 

“We are proudly setting the global 

benchmark for exploring and trialling 

different technologies to find and 

develop solutions with our key industry 

partners that suit the dynamic and 

complex operating conditions within 

ADL E-BUSES FOR TRANSDEV’S HOWICK & EASTERN 

NEW ZEALAND bus operator Howick 

& Eastern, part of Transdev Australasia 

since late 2019, has ordered two 

ADL-BYD 12.6-metre e-buses from 

Kiwi Bus Builders bodies, ADL 

announced recently. 

To be used on Auckland Transport 

(AT) services, the three-axle single-deck 

ADL-BYD Enviro200EV XLB buses are 

being built for the specific requirements 

of bus operation in New Zealand, 

allowing it to carry 78 passengers 

without requiring an overweight permit, 

ADL explains. 

It uses the latest BYD iron-phosphate 

battery and driveline technology, with 

dual AC and DC plug charging adding 

operational flexibility, it adds. 

New Zealand is preparing to fully 

transition its bus fleet to zero-emission 

vehicles by 2035 as part of a wider set 

of measures intended to help meet the 

country’s 2050 carbon neutral target. 

Howick & Eastern by Transdev general 

manager Sheryll Otway said: “The 

future for zero-emission transport in 

New Zealand is exciting and Howick & 

Eastern by Transdev is proud to be an 

ongoing part of this incredible journey, 

with the commissioning of these buses. 

“None of this would be possible 

without the support, vision and 

investment of Auckland Transport. 

“We are certainly looking forward 

to working together over the coming 

years as we work together on providing 

zero-emissions public transport to the 

people of Tāmaki Makaurau.” 

LOCAL JOBS 

Transdev New Zealand managing 

director Greg Pollock said: “Howick 

& Eastern by Transdev opted to 

commission ADL to build our second 

and third electric buses because the 

company’s factory is in New Zealand. 

This was a logical decision for us to 

make, given Transdev’s commitment 

to New Zealand and to expanding our 

operations here, where we already 

operate metro rail and bus services 

in both Auckland and Wellington, as 

well as a transport on demand trial in 

Auckland,” he explained. 

10 


Above: 

Of the Foton hydrogen 

buses, Feuerherdt 

says both drivers and 

passengers reported 

positive experiences. 

the Australian public transport 

landscape,” he said. 

Transit Systems, which is part 

of the Sealink Travel group, 

is dedicated to exploring 

innovative technologies, with 

a proud history of running the 

second-longest hydrogen bus 

trial in the world, as part of 

its Transport for London (TfL) 

operations, it explains. 

Feuerherdt says the company 

was committed to exploring 

a range of products in the 

Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) 

deployment. 

“We don’t just have a 

willingness to adapt, but a desire 

to lead – and we’re proud to 

deliver innovative solutions to 

Australian streets and beyond, 

which broadcast a range of 

benefits into manufacturing and 

other industries,” he said. 

“We are procuring and 

delivering these buses with the 

expectation and knowledge 

that future buses will be built 

here, with our partners at 

Foton Mobility, part of the 

Australian-owned True Green 

Mobility Group,” he added. 

DRIVING FORWARD 

True Green Mobility Group CEO 

Luke Todd commended Transit 

Systems on its vision to work 

“Transit Systems has delivered 

another first to the Australian 

public transport sector.” 

with government partners and 

deliver sustainable solutions to 

the market. 

“Transit Systems has delivered 

another first to the Australian 

public transport sector, and 

we’re incredibly proud to partner 

with them and drive innovation 

and sustainability forward,” 

Todd stated. 

Todd says Foton has 

more than 700 hydrogen 

buses manufactured and 

deployed around the world, 

leading the way globally with 

hydrogen-powered buses, and 

the company was excited to 

see hydrogen buses on the 

road in Australia. 

“Being leaders in hydrogen 

development, the buses that 

will be deployed in Australia 

are of the highest quality with 

best-in-class Toyota fuel cells. The 

buses are extremely quiet, with 

zero tailpipe emissions,” he said. 

Todd adds that they expected 

to have mass production 

underway in Australia by early 

2022, with the orders being 

taken now. 

POSITIVE EXPERIENCES 

Feuerherdt says that both drivers 

and passengers reported positive 

experiences with a high level 

of comfort, as well as extended 

range capabilities compared to 

some battery electric options. 

“We’re not just proud to 

bring hydrogen technology to 

Australia, we’re pleased to add 

it to our suite of products that 

demonstrate our understanding, 

expertise and commitment 

to a more sustainable public 

transport solution that suits each 

network partner and the local 

operating conditions across the 

globe,” he said. 

Transit Systems currently 

operates metropolitan bus 

contracts in Victoria, South 

Australia, New South Wales, 

Western Australia and the 

Northern Territory, it confirms. 

Kiwi Bus Builders managing director 

Richard Drummond said: “Howick & Eastern’s 

order underlines our plans to support up 

to 100 local jobs with the assembly of 

electric buses in partnership with ADL, as we 

scale-up our production to meet demand 

from Auckland Transport and elsewhere 

in New Zealand as the transformation to a 

zero-emissions fleet gets under way.” 

New Flyer Industries (NFI)-owned 

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) general 

manager for NZ Tony Moore said: “We 

are delighted to extend our successful 

relationship with Howick & Eastern to clean 

electric buses, which have been tailored to 

the requirements of bus operation in this 

country. This would not have been possible 

without the close collaboration with Kiwi Bus 

Builders, as well as with the team at 

BYD Australia.” 


11

NEWS 

TRANSDEV CELEBRATES INCLUSION 

COMMITMENT VIA ‘PRIDE’ E-BUS 

TRANDEV MELBOURNE has 

unveiled a Pride-themed 

rainbow bus to demonstrate its 

commitment to connecting and 

supporting Melbourne’s diverse 

communities. 

Victoria’s first fully electric 

bus featured the special 

Pride-themed livery throughout 

May and appeared at the 

Midsumma Festival Pride March 

on Sunday, May 23, together 

with Transdev Melbourne 

employees, the company 

confirms. 

Transdev Melbourne managing 

director Ian Craig said: “We are 

committed to delivering an 

inclusive, welcoming and safe 

bus service for all. 

“At Transdev, inclusion is more 

than just a word, it is about 

respecting and appreciating 

people for who they are. 

“We hope this bus sends a 

clear message to our customers, 

the community and our people 

about the value we place on 

diversity,” he added. 

intersex (LGBTQI+) community 

to ‘Ride with Pride’, a slogan 

developed by Transdev staff 

in 2019 to show support for 

members of the LGBTQI+ 

community and demonstrate 

Transdev’s commitment to 

diversity, the company explains. 

LGBTQI+ Transdev staff and 

allies participated in the annual 

march, which celebrates 

solidarity in gender and sexuality 

diversity in front of more than 

45,000 people, it explains. 

Earlier this year, Transdev’s 

Sydney light rail featured 

rainbow livery to coincide with 

Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras 

festival. 

ABOUT TRANSDEV 

Transdev believes public 

Above: 

“At Transdev, 

inclusion is 

more than just a 

word, it is about 

respecting and 

appreciating 

people for 

who they are,” 

said Transdev 

Melbourne 

managing director 

Ian Craig. 

transport plays an important 

part in how a city comes to life, 

it states. Its day-to-day work 

influences families, friends and 

future generations where they 

live, work and play, it adds. 

In Australasia, Transdev has 

5,704 people passionate about 

operating its 2,150 vehicles and 

vessels, which deliver more than 

145 million customer journeys 

each year, it explains. 

“It is about respecting 

and appreciating 

people for who 

they are.” 

RAINBOW SIX 3 

The special livery encourages 

members of the lesbian, gay, 

bisexual, transgender, queer and 

12 


SYDNEY BUS 

INVOLVED IN 

FATAL CAR 

COLLISION 

A WOMAN died after a car and bus 

collided in Parramatta, NSW on the 

morning of May 1. 

Officers from Parramatta Police Area 

Command were called to Argyle Street, 

near the intersection with O’Connell 

Street, shortly after 8.00am, after the 

BMW and bus collided. 

The front-seat passenger in the sedan, 

a 46-year-old woman, was unable to be 

freed from the wreckage and died at the 

scene, police confirm. 

The 54-year-old driver of the sedan 

and the 66-year-old bus driver were 

taken to nearby Westmead Hospital 

with minor injuries and for mandatory 

testing, police state. 

There were no passengers on the bus 

at the time, the police add. The area 

was closed while utility workers repaired 

damage to power lines caused by 

the crash. 

The BMW driver has now been 

charged with dangerous driving and 

negligent driving, both occasioning 

death, and driving through a red 

traffic light. He has had his driver’s 

licence suspended and been granted 

conditional bail, with a court date 

at Parramatta Local Court set for 

Wednesday, June 9. 

Police have appealed for witnesses 

with dashcam footage of the incident 

to come forward. 


13

NEWS 

REAL-TIME EMERGENCY INFO FOR 

BUS OPERATOR SUCCESS 

BUS OPERATOR Transit Systems 

we’ve been able to push out 

being established late 2020. 

has ensured timetable and crisis 

real-time alerts in hot-spot areas 

Swan and Torrens Transit have 100 

information, such as bushfire reports 

and make our team aware of health 

per cent active users, with Torrens 

or health emergencies, is instantly 

agency directives, which has meant 

Transit achieving nearly 1,500 

disseminated across its national 

we have significantly reduced the 

comments and messages. Transit 

network – an Australian first for a bus 

risk of employees going to work and 

Systems Victoria already has more 

operator, the company reports. 

potentially spreading the virus.” 

than 250 comments and messages 

Transit systems has ensured 

such information reaches its huge 

employee base via the ‘Blink’ system 

INTER-EMPLOYEE COMMS 

Team members can also chat with 

since it was launched. 

ABOUT SEALINK 

– a globally recognised platform, 

colleagues by posting on the feed, 

SeaLink Travel Group is Australia’s 

“…for secure, private and formal 

engagement with employees, but 

offers more than real-time access to 

policy and procedure documents.” 

To put this into context, 

particularly from a regional 

perspective, it’s remarkable because, 

considering it has more than 2,600 

or connecting with other individuals 

across the business. 

“The platform has been invaluable 

in connecting regional and remote 

teams - for education, support, 

learning and laughter; there’s a huge 

sense of camaraderie on the chats. 

Blink can be used on a phone 

Below: 

Blink can be used 

on a phone app, 

or via the website, 

and Feuerherdt 

says it was another 

element of 

innovation within 

the SeaLink Travel 

Group. 

largest integrated land and marine, 

tourism and public transport 

service provider with established 

international operations in London 

and Singapore, it confirms. 

It is one of Australia’s most 

experienced and diverse 

multi-modal transport businesses. 

buses on the road across Australia, 

app, or via the website, and 

and 85 per cent of its workforce is 

Feuerherdt says it was another 

‘deskless’, employees may need to 

element of innovation within the 

get an update, or receive important 

SeaLink Travel Group. 

information based on location, 

“We are investing heavily, not just 

shift or role [instantly], according 

in technology around zero-emission 

to SeaLink Travel Group CEO Clint 

networks, with electric bus trials 

Feuerherdt. 

underway, the operation of hybrid 

“We were in the process of rolling 

vehicles and research into hydrogen 

out the Blink communication 

capabilities, but also into technology 

system prior to Covid-19, but it was 

that supports our team to best 

an incredibly beneficial time to 

service the communities we operate 

have it as a resource, and remains so 

in,” he said. 

critical to our continued operational 

Nearly 100 per cent of employees 

safety,” he said. 

across the business actively use their 

“The essentials are all there, but 

account, with more than 20,000 

what’s been truly impressive is 

comments and messages sent in 

the uptake by our team and the 

NSW since the platform launched 

engagement we have seen on the 

in 2020, while Rivercity Ferries in 

platform. 

Queensland has in excess of 2,000 

“Particularly in regard to Covid-19, 

messages and comments since 

14 


THE WOT!?! 

VOLGREN PERTH 

LYNCHPIN ENJOYS BOTH 

BUS AND MUSIC WORLDS 

IN A CAREER spanning 20 years, a 

Volgren Perth employee went from bus 

spray painter to production manager 

while managing to moonlight as a 

musician in a range of coverbands – 

including a John Farnham tribute band. 

After John Pettit left school he 

undertook an apprenticeship as a 

painter decorator, but spent little time 

during the next decade plying that 

trade. Instead, he pursued a musical 

career that started in his home state 

of Western Australia and brought him 

to New South Wales playing piano and 

keyboard for coverbands and other 

groups throughout Sydney, he says. 

“It was a good life,” Pettit recalled. 

“There were plenty of gigs and Sydney 

was a great place to be a musician – 

but there was limited job security.” 

That lack of guaranteed work, in 

combination with a desire to own his 

own home, led Pettit back to WA in the 

late 1990s, where he found a job as a 

spray painter at the WA government 

Railways, he explains. 

In 1999, Volgren became prime 

contractor for the Public Transport 

Authority (PTA) and established a major 

facility in Perth. It was a moment that 

would change the course of Pettit’s 

professional life, he says. 

“When Volgren set up I was working 

at Osborne Motor Bodies and they 

were actively headhunting from a 

number of local manufacturers and 

I jumped on board in January 2000, 

as a spray painter.” 

Pettit says the first vehicle he worked 

on was Bus 38 and he did so with four 

colleagues in what was known as ‘the 

paint shop’. Within six months he’d 

been promoted to the position of team 

leader and was running the shop. 

Since moving into a leadership role – 

he’s been promoted several times 

since – he has felt the natural pressure 

that comes with being a central part 

of one of Australia’s most successful 

and long-standing bus supply 

agreements, he says. Pettit deals 

with that pressure, he says, by 

concentrating on his main strength. 

“My biggest asset is communication. I 

don’t have a fabrication or engineering 

background, so I need to be constantly 

connecting with people, keeping people 

motivated and working through any 

problems,” Pettit stated. 

“It’s all about knowing the right 

people that can do the job for you.” 

This goes a good way to explaining 

how Petitt has become such a vital 

member of the Volgren team, good 

people-management skills only 

get you so far, he says; in a job such as 

his, results matter more than anything, 

he explains. 

“We understand the quality and 

standard that PTA require and we 

bend over backwards to make it 

happen. We’ve never missed a month 

of deliveries – ever. 

“We’ve been dealing with the PTA 

for more than 20 years. We enjoy a 

great working relationship. The rapport 

between the two organisations couldn’t 

be any better; it’s built on respect and 

honesty,” he said. 

“If something’s not right, we 

understand the issue and it’s fixed 

immediately.” 

FREEDOM RIDE 

A restored vintage Greyhound bus has been 

unveiled to commemorate the 60th anniversary 

of the Freedom Rides – a series of political 

protests against racial segregation in 1961. 

Housed at the Alabama Historical Commission’s 

Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery, 

itself located at the Greyhound bus station 

the Freedom Riders arrived at, this bus was in 

service when civil rights activists participated in 

bus rides in southern USA to protest segregation 

in transport facilities. “History happened 

here,” said Lisa D. Jones, executive director 

of the historical commission and the state 

historic preservation officer, at the ceremony. 

“Preserving this place helps bring to life a 

critical part of the civil rights story, and the 

role Montgomery and the state of Alabama 

played in it.” 

EASY RIDER 

Have you managed to sit yourself down behind 

the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz eCitaro yet? If not, 

you just need to hang on until September when 

Bus Simulator 21 is released to bus-hungry 

gamers. Among the 30 officially licenced buses 

available in this transport simulator will be two 

new eCitaros: the small two-doored, 12-metre 

electric with two axles, and the larger threedoor, 

18-metre, three-axle eCitaro G articulated. 

Other bus brands include Setra, Iveco Bus, 

Alexander Dennis, BYD, Grande West, Blue Bird 

and more. Game on! 

SPACE RACE 

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation 

Authority (SEPTA) in the US has launched a new 

website tool to help bus passengers estimate 

when their service will be less crowded. Named 

the Estimated Seat Availability Dashboard, 

the majority of SEPTA’s bus routes have been 

mapped with a colour-coded system so 

customers can look up the time they want to 

travel and the specific stop they get on at to 

see how busy the bus usually is and whether 

they are likely to get a seat. The feature will be 

expanded to include other transport services 

and integrated into SEPTA’s official app later 

this year. To check it out, visit: https://septa.org/ 

seat-availability 


15

NEWS 

VICTORIAN REGIONAL ROAD UPGRADE 

AIDS V/LINE COACH ROUTES 

RURAL VICTORIA dairy farming town 

Tinamba is now a safer place to drive 

to and through for V/Line coach 

services following completion of a 

road overhaul via the Flexible Local 

Transport Solutions program, the 

state government reports. 

Minister for roads and road safety 

Ben Carroll says the $150,000 

upgrade had delivered a number of 

benefits for the local community. 

The project will improve access to 

V/Line coach services (south-west) 

to Traralgon and (south-east) to 

Sale from Tinamba, providing 

stronger links to employment and 

education opportunities for locals, 

and connections to train services 

on the Gippsland line, according to 

the government. 

Works have also improved 

pedestrian and vehicle access to 

local businesses, improved kerbs, 

line-marking, drainage and bus 

stops – including a new stop on 

the western side of the road and 

upgrades to the existing stop on 

the eastern side, it adds. 

The Labor government has 

invested $40,000 from the Flexible 

Local Transport Solutions program 

and a further $90,000 from its 

Building Works program, delivering 

improvements on Traralgon-Maffra 

Road through the town, it explains. 

Wellington Shire Council also 

contributed a further $20,000 to 

the upgrades, it confirms. 

The Flexible Local Transport 

Solutions program provides 

funding for local transport 

“The project will improve access to 

V/Line coach services (south-west) to 

Traralgon and (south-east) to Sale.” 

initiatives, services, and 

infrastructure in regional Victoria. 

The program works with local 

transport forums, regional 

partnerships, local councils, 

and community organisations 

to identify and deliver these 

opportunities. 

SAFER ACCESS 

“We’ve worked with Wellington 

Shire Council and local businesses 

to deliver this upgrade that has 

not only provided safer access for 

pedestrians and vehicles in Tinamba, 

but also improved the overall 

amenity of the town,” said Carroll. 

“This project has made the 

town centre a more attractive 

stopping point for passing 

tourists whilst also helping 

improve vital public transport links 

to employment and education 

opportunities for locals.” 

Member for Eastern Victoria Jane 

Garrett said: “It is wonderful to see 

the positive impact this project 

has already had on Tinamba with 

improved parking upon entry into 

the town.” 

“For locals and business owners, 

these improvements contribute 

to the town’s viability and enhance 

the safety for all road users,” she 

stated. 

16 


SIEMENS AND YHI PARTNER IN NZ 

EUROPEAN global technology 

powerhouse Siemens has 

partnered with YHI Energy 

in New Zealand to support 

the country’s growing 

electric-charging market and 

launch its latest EV charging-infrastructure 

portfolio, the 

companies announced recently. 

The partnership will see YHI 

Energy – one of New Zealand’s 

leading suppliers of energy 

products, especially in electric 

vehicle charging infrastructure 

– distribute Siemens’ 

state-of-the-art charging 

infrastructure portfolio, they 

confirm. 

This agreement complements 

Siemens’ partnership with 

Cuthbert Stewart Limited (CSL), 

which distributes Siemens factory 

automation, process industry, 

electrical and drives products in 

New Zealand, Siemens clarifies. 

The YHI announcement also 

follows recent customer wins, 

such as the agreement to supply 

e-bus charging infrastructure to 

Go Bus, one of New Zealand’s 

largest bus operators. 

Siemens New Zealand 

CEO Paul Ravlich welcomed 

the partnership stating: 

“Electrification of our 

transportation fleet plays 

a significant role in the 

decarbonisation of New Zealand. 

To achieve this, we need the 

right infrastructure in place, so 

the access to the best-in-class 

technology is more accessible.” 

According to the companies, 

YHI Energy will distribute three 

key products from Siemens’ 

portfolio: 

• Versicharge AC Smart Wallbox 

(7.2kW-22kW): a fully featured, 

space-efficient wallbox 

inclusive of smart connectivity 

and load management options 

as standard 

• Sicharge CC AC22 dual-port 

pedestal (22kW): an attractive 

and robust charger with 

unique branding options 

• Sicharge D high power DC 

charger (160kW-300kW): an 

innovative DC charger enabling 

modular power upgrades, 

dynamic power allocation 

and up to five vehicles charged 

in parallel. 

Above (L-R): 

Aaron Gillon, 

divisional 

manager, YHI 

Energy; Paul 

Ravlich, CEO 

Siemens New 

Zealand; and Chris 

Talbot, managing 

director YHI 

Energy. 

The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade 

Kit with advanced brake pads and rotors, 

braided lines and a host of ancillary items 

is the ultimate brake upgrade for the latest 

4WD vehicles such as Ranger and Hilux. 

This comprehensive kit includes specially compounded high performance 

CERAMIC material brake pads for increased stopping power in extreme 

conditions plus the latest Bendix Ultimate Rotors designed and 

developed specifically for Australia’s demanding conditions. 

Find solutions for every brake job at www.bendix.com.au 

Or freecall the Bendix Brake Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 

Bendix is a trademark of Garrett Advancing Motion Inc. 

ABC-HH-5191833-CS-395 


17

NEWS 

LANDMARK HYDROGEN-DIESEL 

BUS EMISSIONS TRIAL 

IN WHAT COULD PROVE the crucible 

in which diesel bus fleet emissions and 

vehicle composition are determined in 

future worldwide, a radical Australasian-led 

trial of hydrogen injected into conventional 

fuel could prove an unexpected turning 

point in the commercial vehicle industry. 

In efforts to reduce its carbon 

footprint, Transdev Australasia – operator 

of Howick & Eastern Buses in Auckland 

and Mana Newlands Coach Services in 

Wellington – has committed to trial a new 

hydrogen fuel technology in its existing 

diesel bus fleet. 

Transdev New Zealand chief officer 

and managing director Greg Pollock 

says trials would soon commence using 

the new ‘HYDI hydrogen fuel system’, 

which has been designed to fit a standard 

diesel bus, adding hydrogen gas to a 

diesel engine. 

“A HYDI hydrogen unit will soon be 

fitted to buses in our Wellington fleet, with 

the goal of testing to determine what level 

of reduced fuel consumption and ensuing 

emissions we can achieve in Wellington 

conditions,” Pollock said. 

“Globally, transport accounts for more 

than 24 per cent of total CO2 emissions 

yearly, which is why we are exploring more 

electric and hydrogen fuel technologies to 

reduce our environmental impact 

and meet New Zealand government’s 

emissions reduction targets.” 

South Australian company HYDI 

Hydrogen has developed the technology, 

Transdev confirms. HYDI’s website, states 

its hydrogen direct injection system 

provides, ‘lower emissions and more power 

from less fuel.” 

UNIVERSITY TESTING 

HYDI managing director John Wilson 

says independent testing of the HYDI 

Hydrogen ‘on-demand’ system at the 

University of South Australia had shown a 

reduction of up to 80 per cent in carbon 

particulate emissions when fitted to a 

diesel engine. 

If this real-world trial replicates results 

being achieved with heavy transport in 

Australia, this could change or determine 

bus and truck operator fleet-buying 

trends in the immediate-to-long-term 

future, saving them millions in effectively 

‘enforced’ new EV product purchases 

while ‘buying time’ for those very 

electro-mobility avenues of technology 

to be refined and enhanced, it could be 

argued. 

SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS 

“Analysis of the exhaust gas of a public 

transport bus fitted with the HYDI 

Hydrogen system showed significant 

reductions in greenhouse gases, including 

carbon,” Wilson said. 

Over a period of five months of 

normal operations in metropolitan 

Adelaide, the bus returned a 12.5 per 

cent reduction in fuel consumption. 

HYDI enables carbon emissions to be 

achieved immediately with a technology 

that pays for itself via savings in fuel 

usage, according to the company. 

“While there is much attention on 

future fleet technologies, there is usually 

substantial investment and long lead 

times required in delivering new fleet[s], 

remembering that heavy vehicles, such 

as buses, have a life cycle of 20 years or 

more,” he said. 

Transdev will trial the HYDI Hydrogen 

system in its bus operations locally in 

Wellington before assessing the suitability 

for other sites, it explained. 

HOW IT WORKS 

When ABC magazine sought further 

information as regards the actual process 

behind the system, HYDI CEO Roger van 

der Lee clarified: “The technology exploits 

the well-known and proven electrolysis 

process to split hydrogen and oxygen 

molecules from water. This requires an 

electrical input, provided from the host 

engine’s battery and a minimal amount of 

distilled water. 

“Hydrogen is only produced while 

the motor is running as an on demand 

system and introduced into the air intake 

of the engine. 

“There is no hydrogen under pressure or 

storage thereby making the retrofit system 

completely safe. 

“The compact size, absence of 

chemicals, minimal electrical input and 

sophisticated electronics and firmware, 

which enables its integration with OEM 

engine management systems, make HYDI 

unique,” he explained. 

18 


GREYHOUND BUSES 

CLOSES PERMANENTLY 

IN CANADA 

EFFECTIVE MAY 13, 2021, 

Greyhound made the difficult 

decision to close all its services 

in Canada, following “sustained 

ridership declines in Ontario 

and Quebec”, the company 

announced. 

With media reports the move 

will cost about 400 employees 

their jobs, the company says 

Greyhound Lines, Inc. (USA), 

a separate entity, will continue 

to operate cross-border express 

services on the following routes 

when the border reopens: 

Toronto to New York – Toronto to 

Buffalo – Montreal to New York – 

Montreal to Boston – Vancouver 

to Seattle. 

“We deeply regret the impact 

this has on our staff and our 

customers, as well as the 

communities we have had the 

privilege of serving for many 

years,” Greyhound Canada 

senior vice president Stuart 

Kendrick stated. 

“A full year without revenue has 

unfortunately made it impossible 

to continue operations.” 

Greyhound Canada implemented 

a range of cost-reduction steps 

during recent years, including 

frequency adjustments to route 

schedules and other efficiency 

measures, it states. 

In 2018, after years of declining 

ridership and the impact of a 

changing and increasingly 

challenging transportation 

environment, including de-regulation 

and subsidised competition – such 

as VIA Rail and publicly-owned bus 

systems – the difficult decision was 

made to suspend service in the 

western part of Canada. Services 

continued in Ontario and Quebec, 

it says. 

The pandemic brought a further 

dramatic drop of approximately 

95 per cent of normal volumes 

before operations were fully 

suspended in May 2020, the 

bus operator confirms. 

Greyhound Canada has made 

significant outreach efforts to 

provincial and federal governments 

for financial support for the industry, 

it adds. Financial investments 

from governments for Canada’s 

inter-city bus sector have been 

negligible, it stated and operations 

are not feasible absent of financial 

support. 

Customers holding tickets 

originating in Ontario or Quebec 

for travel within Canada after May 

13, 2021, may request a refund. 

Also customers with non-expired 

Canadian travel vouchers may 

request a refund of unused 

travel voucher funds, Greyhound 

Canada states. 

Above: 

Greyhound has 

now stopped 

all services in 

Canada. 

MCI LAUNCHES E-COACH DUO FOR NORTH AMERICA 

TWO NEXT-GEN battery-electric coaches 

now bolster NFI Group subsidiary MCI’s 

e-bus range, with the D45 CRT LE Charge 

and J4500 Charge models launched for 

the North American market. 

In unveiling its new zero-emission 

commuter coach, the D45 CRT LE Charge 

– also with innovative and functional 

low-entry vestibule ‘Harge’ – comes at a 

time the company also launched its new 

D series of coaches. 

Leveraging high-torque electric drive 

systems for operation at highway speeds 

and plug-in battery charging – to fully in 

less than three hours – the battery-electric 

D45 CRT LE Charge “builds on MCI’s legacy 

of reliable mobility and harnesses three 

major innovations”, MCI states. 

It exhibits design advancements of the 

next generation D series; introduces MCI’s 

innovative low-entry vestibule and 

integrates proven ‘Charge’ technology 

propulsion from New Flyer, it explains. 

“With the D45 CRT LE Charge marking 

our fourth EV introduced in 2021, NFI is 

undeniably leading electrification of mass 

mobility – the ZEvolution,” said Paul Soubry, 

president and CEO of NFI. 

“The new battery-electric D45 CRT LE 

Charge follows MCI’s introduction of the 

J4500 Charge, New Flyer’s Xcelsior Charge 

NG and ARBOC’s Equess Charge – all 

leveraging shared EV technology. 

“Together, NFI’s market-leading portfolio 

is enabling scalable zero-emission 

deployment across North America.” 

Below: 

MCI is now running D45 CRT LE Charge and 

J4500 Charge models in its fleet. 


19

BIC 

Why we do the things we do 

As we near a federal election it is timely we give a ‘nod’ to the importance 

of the advocacy work undertaken for the bus and coach industry. 

The success of the Tasmanian Bus Association in 

the state election on May 1 is a recent example 

of consistent advocacy work netting significant 

commitment from the re-elected Tasmanian 

Liberal government to invest in more buses, more 

services and upgraded infrastructure. 

The Tasmanian government has promised $81.5 

million in new route and school buses during the next 

four years and more than $60 million to implement 

smart ticketing, bus shelter upgrades and new 

park/ride facilities. The quick and decisive action 

undertaken by TasBus to circulate an ‘election primer’ 

to all parliamentarians by mid-April (just two weeks 

after election announcement) was no doubt a winner 

advocacy move. 

To know why we do the things we do, we need to look 

at why the federal government does the things it does. 

Advocacy and having a strong presence in Canberra is 

important because it drives growth in our industry and 

keeps away bad regulation that will make it harder to 

run your business. Above all else, we do what we do to 

make our industry stronger and your businesses more 

viable in the future. The more money that gets invested 

in public transport, the more that people use it - and this 

generates more demand for your bus services and your 

bus products. We see this as the virtuous circle of policy 

for our industry. 

In 1996, the BIC was initially established to provide a 

stronger voice for the Australian bus and coach industry 

in national policy making and advocacy in federal 

and state parliaments. Our remit was focused on road 

“We do what we do to make 

our industry stronger and your 

businesses more viable in the future.” 

transport-related regulation, the management of public 

transport networks and improving safety across the 

heavy vehicle sector. 

In 2006, our ‘foundation charter’ morphed into a 

national ‘moving people strategy’. The core of this 

strategy was to generate a multi-party approach at the 

federal level to address the problems affecting Australian 

households and businesses, such as traffic congestion, 

car dependency and the environmental sustainability of 

our transport systems. 

This work paid off and, in 2008, the federal government 

invested more into public transport than all combined 

investment since the federation of Australia. 

In general terms, a federal government supports 

public transport indirectly. Examples of this include road 

infrastructure (sustainable transport networks) and net- 

zero emission cities (tackling congestion, new energy, 

ensuring a healthy population). 

By 2010, our moving people strategy began to 

embody outcomes such as planning for and creating 

‘liveable’ cities and regions, providing adequate transport 

options for all (socially disadvantaged and people with 

disabilities) and reform of road pricing (charges to 

better reflect the real costs associated with road travel 

and allocation of revenue for improved public transport 

services) – just to name a few! 

The BIC has always argued that the federal 

government has a role to pay in investing in public 

transport infrastructure, with a view that the states 

and territories are responsible for the public transport 

provision. Getting the nuance of this argument right, 

at times, has been challenging. 

A significant part of the BIC’s mandate is to also 

advocate for sensible regulation and national law on 

heavy-vehicle technical issues. Much of this work goes on 

behind the scenes and often for many years before we 

get the outcomes needed; it means being incorporated 

as a member on select government wor king groups 

to ensure the bus industry agenda is heard by all 

stakeholders. 

The ultimate aim of our technical advocacy is to save 

time and money for bus businesses. 

Some of the visible technical wins include increases in 

bus mass limits and the production of federally funded 

industry advisories such as the Bus Fire Mitigation 

Advisory, Bus Fire Emergency Evacuation Protocols 

and upgrading of bus door safety standards. Yet these 

outcomes are really only a small part of the work, as it 

is the things that are not seen that can have the largest 

effect on industry. 

All vehicle regulation, standards and national laws 

undergo cyclic updates and or reviews in some form 

and a key role of the BIC is to minimise the impact 

and, where possible, maximise the outcomes for our 

industry viability. 

For example, a seemingly simple change to a 

clause within a regulation may have a potentially 

massive negative impact on our industry and it is the 

BIC’s role to work with the regulators to assess and, 

where required, alter clauses to achieve the intended 

outcome, minimise the effect and, in some cases, 

maximise the outcome for industry. 

In coming months we intend to provide more 

detailed reports on why we do the things we do. 

In the meantime, readers can keep informed by 

subscribing to our national e-bulletin by contacting 

communications@bic.asn.au. 

The BIC secretariat is committed to the ‘moving 

people’ vision. 

Readers can connect with us on (02) 6247 5990, or by 

email to enquiries@bic.asn.au. 

20 


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AUSTRALIA WIDE 

busstopsales.com.au 

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IN FOCUS 

BUSTECH GROUP 

METRO TASMANIA 

RECEIVES 100TH 

BUSTECH GROUP BUS 

Bustech Group and local Tasmanian 

company Elphinstone have supplied 

operator Metro Tasmania with its 

100th bus – the milestone coming 

from a partnership spanning three 

years and creating local employment 

opportunities for Tasmanians. 

The largest 

Australian-owned 

bus manufacturer 

Bustech Group and 

iconic Tasmanian 

company Elphinstone celebrated 

the achievement at the 

Elphinstone Southern Prospect 

plant near Wynyard, Tasmania, 

on Monday, April 19. 

Tasmanian deputy premier, 

Jeremy Rockliff, congratulated 

all stakeholders involved in 

delivering the home-grown 

product and announced a 

further $10 million investment 

over four years to Tasmania’s 

advanced manufacturing and 

defence industries. 

“We have a skilled workforce 

and we want to support smalland 

medium-sized businesses 

[SMEs]. A great example of it is 

here today, where we celebrated 

the cutting of the cake of the 

100th Metro bus, [from] a highly 

22 


skilled workforce right here on the 

North-West Coast. And we want 

to build capability right across 

Tasmania,” affirmed Rockliff at 

the event. 

JOB CREATION 

The delivery of Bustech’s 100th 

bus created 30 direct advanced 

manufacturing jobs and more 

than 60 indirect jobs, according 

to the group. 

Bustech Group also engaged local 

suppliers to ensure a significant 

proportion of local content was 

used to build the buses for 

Tasmania, it states. 

“Bustech Group’s first fully 

Tasmanian-built bus rolled off 

the production line in November 

2017, and we are incredibly 

proud to be delivering our 

100th bus for Tasmania,” said 

Christian Reynolds, Bustech 

Group executive director. 

“This project has demonstrated 

the strong capacity and capability 

of Australian manufacturing – not 

only through building buses in 

Tasmania, but also by partnering 

with local SMEs and sourcing a 

local supply chain. 

“In turn, this investment in 

localised manufacturing generated 

a number of opportunities far 

greater than just the local bus builds; 

we also integrated several suppliers 

into our national operations,” 

continued Reynolds. 

MODERN, RELIABLE FLEET 

The $45 million project was the 

single biggest investment in public 

transport in Tasmania’s history to 

offer a more comfortable, accessible 

and environmentally friendly 

transport experience for Tasmanians, 

the group states. 

“This was the first time that any 

Australian government-procured 

buses came from an Australian OEM 

[original equipment manufacturer]; 

designing, engineering and 

manufacturing buses in Australia 

with the highest level of local 

content,” said Bustech Group 

chief commercial officer Damien 

Brown. 

All 100 XDi buses manufactured 

by Bustech Group for the state 

feature a modern, contemporary 

design with 51 seats, airconditioning 

and the lowestemitting 

diesel engines available, 

Bustech says. This means a smooth, 

comfortable and enjoyable 

experience for both passengers 

and drivers, it adds. 

Elphinstone executive 

director Kelly Elphinstone said: 

“Our collaboration with Bustech 

Group to manufacture and 

deliver these state-of-the-art 

buses in Tasmania has given 

us the opportunity to develop 

new skills and build on our 

advanced manufacturing 

capabilities, while also securing 

jobs for our local workforce.” 

HYBRID TECH 

Alongside the 100th bus delivery, 

Bustech Group also manufactured 

and delivered four hybrid electric 

buses for Tasmania’s Cradle 

Mountain in 2019. 

The eco-friendly buses were 

the first in the state and marked 

a paradigm shift towards more 

sustainable transport solutions for 

Tasmania, the group explains. 

Looking ahead, Bustech 

Group will continue to support 

the Tasmanian government’s 

commitment to net zero-emissions 

and work towards achieving the 

common goals of reliable and 

emission-free public transport 

solutions, it says. 

The Tasmanian state government 

We are incredibly proud 

to be delivering our 100th 

bus for Tasmania. 

announced a target of reducing 

greenhouse gas emissions to 60 per 

cent below 1990 levels by 2050, with 

the transport sector producing the 

highest emissions of all the sectors 

of the state’s economy. 

Bustech Group supports the 

government’s commitment to the 

uptake of zero-emission transit 

solutions, as well as the continuity 

of local manufacturing, which 

significantly contributes to more 

sustainable, thriving and liveable 

communities, Bustech states. 

“We know that the industry is 

moving away from diesel-powered 

transport and quickly shifting to 

zero-emission solutions. Bustech 

Group are primed to support 

the industry, our customers and 

government agencies across 

Australia to successfully transition 

to electric and hydrogen energy 

solutions whilst also retaining 

a strong focus on customer 

experience,” said Reynolds. 

“Importantly, the roll-out of this 

new technology will bring additional 

employment opportunities and 

advanced manufacturing growth 

for Australia.” 

Opposite: 

The delivery 

of Bustech’s 

100th bus was 

celebrated at 

the Elphinstone 

Southern 

Prospect plant 

near Wynyard, 

Tasmania. 

Above: 

Elphinstone 

executive 

director Kelly 

Elphinstone (far 

left) says the 

Elphinstone’s 

collaboration 

with Bustech 

Group gave the 

company the 

opportunity to 

develop new 

skills and secure 

local jobs. 


23

IN FOCUS 

FANTASTIC AUSSIE TOURS 

STALWART 

BLUE 

MOUNTAINS 

BUS DRIVERS 

RETIRE 

The responsibility of driving a 20-tonne bus laden with 

the weight of 57 souls, their luggage and the company 

reputation; negotiating the steep Victoria Pass in the 

Blue Mountains or Jenolan Caves Rd; happy international 

tourists; and the feel of the road through the steering 

wheel – are just some of the things three retired 

Fantastic Aussie Tours (FAT) drivers miss after parking 

their buses for the last time. 

Affectionately 

dubbed ‘The 

Retreads’, Garth 

Taylor, Jon Rickard 

and Robert Hurren 

were officially farewelled from the 

Katoomba-based tourism transport 

company in December 2020. 

FAT operates the Blue Mountains 

Explorer Bus fleet of double-decker 

red buses around Katoomba and 

Leura and conducts sightseeing 

tours and charters around Australia. 

Hurren, now 78, had been 

retrenched as an electrical engineer 

for Phillips Electrical when he joined 

the company in 2004. 

FAT director of operations Darrell 

Booth said: “I think he is the only 

bloke we’ve ever given a bus driver’s 

job to that didn’t have a bus driver’s 

licence. But attitude is everything 

and we taught him how to drive 

a bus – and he went on to drive 

basically everything in our yard.” 

Taylor, of Leura, always knew 

2020 would be his last year 

driving commercial buses; he 

turned 80 on December 19 and 

must now undergo an expensive 

heavy vehicle driving test. Unlike 

Rickard, whose last driving shift 

was in February, Taylor had two 

and a half days’ work since Covid 

pulled the brakes on the tourism 

transport industry, the company 

confirms. 

He joined FAT in 2004 and drove 

the Explorer buses for more than 

16 years after 21 years with Shell 

Australia in sales and marketing and 

then as a V8 supercar contractor. 

SORELY MISSED 

FAT managing director Jason 

Cronshaw says colleagues miss 

The Retreads who, it seemed, had 

been part of the team “since the 

beginning of time” and all sought a 

second career after becoming bored 

in retirement. 

Rickard, 77 of Linden, joined 

FAT in 2003 after a teaching and 

education administration career, 

ending as head science teacher at 

Springwood High School. 

No stranger to heavy vehicles, 

Rickard drove steam trains at 

Zig Zag Railway between 1983 

and 2010. 

Right: 

Pre-COVID 

The Retreads, 

as unofficial 

ambassadors 

for the Blue 

Mountains, 

engaged with 

more than 

100 people 

on each of the 

four Explorer 

buses every 

day. Garth 

Taylor plans to 

become more 

involved in car 

clubs during 

his retirement, 

while Jon 

Rickard 

continues as 

a volunteer 

driver trainer 

at Linden RFS. 

Robert Hurren 

moved to 

Russell Island, 

Queensland. 

Booth said: “Anyone can drive a 

bus in a straight line, but when the 

chips are down and something 

happens, that’s when the skill 

comes into it. 

“The result will either be a bus on 

its roof with its wheels in the air or 

everyone’s safe. 

“If somebody does something 

stupid in front of you, you need to 

react. A professional driver weighs 

it all up and nails it because the 

people sitting behind you have got 

no control over their destiny. It’s in 

your hands.” 

However, driving the bus was 

only half the job of a bus driver on 

sightseeing tours. Rickard said: “The 

other half is customer relations, 

24 


keeping everyone happy and well informed.” 

Taylor says he would miss the Explore Bus 

customers, advising tourists on where to go, 

what to do and where to eat. 

“They come from all over the world and 

they’re on holidays. They’re in a great mood 

and want to have a good time, so it’s easy to 

have a good day.” 

Pre-Covid The Retreads, as unofficial 

ambassadors for the Blue Mountains, 

engaged with more than 100 people 

on each of the four Explorer buses 

every day. 

“One year it was me and Robert, and we 

were just packed – tourists were almost 

literally hanging out the door,” Taylor said. 

“It was like that all day and we still look 

back on it with a smile. 

“I’ll miss that camaraderie,” he said. 

EVOLUTION 

Fantastic Aussie Tours, which had operated 

sightseeing tours since 1974, had grown and 

evolved during their time with the company, 

The Retreads said. 

“When I started there was no air 

conditioning, no power steering,” Rickard 

explained. 

“It was like a gym workout driving the 

Explorer buses in summertime.” 

However, it would be the experience rather 

than the vehicles they miss. 

Taylor said: “When they’re fully loaded, you 

really are driving by the seat of your pants 

because you can feel the vehicle and the 

road through the seat.” 

Rickard added: “When you’ve got a 

bus fully laden with passengers and 

all their luggage they weigh 20 tonnes, 

and you’re going down or climbing Victoria 

Pass or you’re coming up to some sharp 

corners, you’ve got to be aware of all that 

weight and the performance of the vehicle 

and the braking. 

“You go around a corner and you’re 

aware of the transfer of weight to another 

wheel or the outside axle as you power out 

of the corner. 

“It’s that I will miss.” 

Taylor plans to become more involved 

in car clubs during his retirement, 

while Rickard continues as a volunteer 

driver trainer at Linden RFS. Hurren 

had already moved to Russell Island, 

Queensland. 

Meanwhile, Cronshaw assured The 

Retreads they would be invited to all the 

FAT parties “for the rest of time”. 


25

IN FOCUS 

LEVEL CROSSINGS 

BUS-TRAIN INCIDENT 

PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON 

‘LEVEL CROSSINGS’ 

Yellow box marking and 

freight train usage while 

rail-replacement work is 

underway were just some of 

issues highlighted via a recent 

government report analysing 

an incident where a coach 

was struck after stopping foul 

of tracks on a level crossing in 

Geelong, Victoria, last year. 

Above: 

The train hit the front 

left of the coach after 

the driver stopped 

the coach partially on 

the level crossing. 

Opposite: 

The investigation 

notes the acute roadto-rail 

track angle 

and the position of 

the left-front corner 

of the bus relative 

to the track may 

have influenced the 

driver’s perception of 

the crossing. 

Apassenger 

coach was 

struck by a 

freight train 

after it stopped 

foul of a Geelong level crossing 

when the coach driver stopped 

on the crossing after boom 

gate warning lights activated, 

despite having adequate time 

to clear the crossing, a recent 

transport safety investigation 

notes. 

The coach, with a driver and 

single passenger on-board, was 

operating a rail-replacement 

service from Melbourne to 

Waurn Ponds in Geelong on 

the morning of April 2, 2020, 

and had just entered the 

Station Street level crossing 

when the crossing warning 

system activated in response 

to an approaching freight 

train. The driver of the coach 

immediately applied the brakes 

and the coach stopped within 

the crossing, foul of the first 

track, it explains. 

When the crew of the freight 

train observed the coach, the 

locomotive driver made an 

emergency brake application 

while the co-driver began to 

sound the horn. The coach 

driver heard the train horn and 

attempted, unsuccessfully, 

to reverse the coach off the 

crossing, it says. 

The train was unable to stop 

and impacted the front-left 

corner of the coach. The coach 

driver and passenger were 

injured in the collision and 

were taken to hospital. The 

coach driver was released from 

hospital the same day, and 

the passenger the next day, 

it states. 

The subsequent investigation 

into the incident, conducted on 

behalf of the ATSB by Victoria’s 

chief investigator Transport 

Safety confirmed the coach had 

stopped past the boom barrier 

with the front-left corner of the 

coach foul of the track. 

The acute road-to-rail track 

angle and the position of 

the left-front corner of the 

bus relative to the track may 

have influenced the driver’s 

perception of the crossing, the 

investigation notes. 

Motorists need to be aware that in 

situations where passenger train 

services are not operating, freight 

trains may be operating. 

TRAINS STILL RUNNING 

“Had the driver not stopped 

the coach when the crossing 

warning system activated, there 

was adequate time to complete 

the crossing prior to the arrival 

of the freight train,” said chief 

investigator Chris McKeown. 

In an interview with transport 

26 


safety investigators, the driver 

indicated that he did not continue 

over the crossing as he did not want 

to be reported for crossing with the 

bells ringing. 

Further, the driver indicated that 

he was surprised when the crossing 

was activated, as they were under 

the impression that V/Line trains 

were not running because they 

were driving a train replacement 

service, the report highlights. 

When the coach driver was 

alerted to the train’s presence by 

the train horn, the driver recalled 

attempting to reverse the coach, 

but reported that they had 

forgotten to release the park brake. 

PREVIOUS OCCURENCES 

“Motorists need to be aware that 

in situations where passenger train 

services are not operating, freight 

trains may be operating, and 

normal safety precautions should 

be observed,” stated McKeown. 

Although probably not directly 

related to this incident, in the 

previous six years, there had been 

KEY POINTS 

• Coach stopped foul of tracks 

on level crossing after crossing 

protection warnings began 

operating 

• Coach stopped despite having 

adequate time to clear the 

crossing 

• The train was unable to stop and 

impacted the front-left corner of 

the coach 

20 occurrences of the boom barrier 

strikes by road vehicles on the inside 

lane of the Station Street approach. 

This suggests that the crossing 

configuration is probably conducive 

to driver error on that approach, and 

that additional risk controls may be 

warranted, McKeown notes. 

“While there were no identified 

queuing issues at the crossing that 

may have triggered a requirement to 

applying yellow box markings, such 

markings may have assisted the driver’s 

identification of the crossing limits and 

the hazardous zone.” 

A copy of the final report can be 

found at: www.atsb.gov.au/publications/ 

investigation_reports/2020/rair/ 

ro-2020-004/ 


27

IN FOCUS 

BUS DRIVER TRAINING 

MOSCOW TRANSPORT 

‘UNIVERSITY’ OPENS 

Touted as a ‘new attitude’ to the training of future specialists, 

the Corporate University of Moscow Transport – for education of 

“future specialists”, continued professional development of existing staff, 

and the implementation of common standards for all employers of 

Moscow Transport – opened recently. 

With the metro 

and tram sections 

merged into a 

single rail network, 

recently, the 

deputy mayor of Moscow and head of 

the department of transport and road 

infrastructure, Maksim Liksutov, noted it has 

had “a positive impact on the situation of 

transport in the city”. 

“This experience proved that working 

together and sharing knowledge gives 

the best results, so we decided to create 

a common system of education for 

employees of the Transport Complex. 

“We use the latest techniques and 

technologies in the teaching. Unique 

transport simulators were produced 

specially for Moscow and educational 

programs are developed by teachers 

with many years of experience,” he said. 

SKILLS IMPROVEMENT 

Buses, electric buses, trams and metro 

drivers study at the new university. 

Employees can improve their skills and 

receive additional professional education, 

Moscow Transport (MT) explains. 

The Corporate University of Moscow 

Transport also includes a ‘Career Guidance 

Center’. Here, anyone can discover the 

history and work of Moscow metro, visit 

the driver’s cabin, see archive photos, 

try interactive simulators and much 

more, it states. 

The ‘Qualification Assessment Center’ is 

also an integral part of the new university. 

MT explains that passengers need to be sure 

they are accompanied by real professionals, 

which is why a system for evaluating the 

qualifications of personnel and a system for 

evaluating them from a psychological point 

of view has been developed. 

The ‘Human Resources Development 

Center’ was conceived to select and award 

28 


the most talented employees. They 

will be provided with additional 

assistance in training and 

promotion of their careers, 

it says. 

The ‘Local Technical Training 

Center’ is also a unique part of 

the new university. Drivers will 

be shown how to act in emergency 

situations, where immediate 

response and passenger safety 

is a top priority, it confirms. 

We decided to create a common 

system of education for employees 

of the Transport Complex. 

• Passenger Mobility Center: in the 

metro and on the ground this 

operates successfully, MT reports. 

Specialists accompany passengers 

with limited mobility along their 

entire route 

• Braille is used on metro 

turnstiles and external speakers 

placed in the ground announce 

the number and route of the bus 

for visually impaired people 

• Ground transport is designed as 

being low-floor without steps 

and with ramps for passengers 

in wheelchairs or parents with 

children 

• Special places for strollers and 

passengers with guide dogs have 

been implemented in buses, as 

well as buttons for communication 

with the driver for passengers with 

disabilities. 

Ensuring the active participation 

of disabled people in society through 

convenient transport accessibility 

is one of the most important goals 

of the development of the city of 

Moscow, MT confirms. 

Opposite: 

Employees can 

improve their skills 

and receive additional 

professional 

education, Moscow 

Transport explains. 

Above: 

Ensuring the active 

participation of 

disabled people 

in society through 

convenient transport 

accessibility is a 

priority. 

Below: 

A Career Guidance 

Center allows visitors 

to discover the 

history and work of 

Moscow metro, visit 

the driver’s cabin, 

see archive photos 

and try interactive 

simulators. 

SPECIAL NEEDS 

Accessible public transport 

improves the quality of life of 

passengers with special needs 

daily, MT highlights. 

The motto of the International 

Day of Disabled Persons is 

inclusive and sustainable in a 

post-pandemic world, with respect 

for the needs of persons with 

disabilities, it says. 

“Our city has become much 

more adapted to the life of people 

with limited mobility in last years,” 

and an “inclusive environment” in 

urban transport plays a major role, 

MT explains. 

Highlights include: 


29

COVERSTORY 

NZ HYDROGEN CITY BUS 

TRANSVISION 

VAMP 

One could imagine 

the stress and 

disappointment of the 

little kid – presumably 

– on some ‘far, far away’ 

farm who dropped that first basket of 

eggs one morning when racing from 

the chicken pen out in the cold back 

into the warmth of home, one winter’s 

morning, aeons ago. 

If it were any consolation to them, 

mankind got one of its iconically famous 

adages out of it that has probably 

steered the decision-making process 

of billions of people the world over in 

myriad situations and circumstances: 

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!” 

When it comes to electro-mobility 

transition and the public transport 

sector in particular, operators across 

the globe are assessing, testing and 

pondering a range of technologies in the 

quest for low-to-zero emissions. Such is 

the path we’ve all been set on. 

Hydrogen fuel-cell buses – depending 

on the route, location, charging 

infrastructure and or other topographical 

considerations – are getting serious 

consideration from those bus types 

discerning enough looking to maximise 

cost efficiency in meeting such goals … 

and not throwing everything into the 

‘fully electric bus basket’. 

Where a bit of distance and passenger 

capacity – in turn weight – is concerned, 

hydrogen fuel-cell ‘city bus’ trials are 

certainly things many are keen to watch. 

This brings us to the first extra-large, 

three-axle hydrogen fuel-cell city bus 

30 


In an exciting first for New Zealand, a two-year trial of a hydrogen 

fuel-cell city bus has begun in Auckland, using a vehicle designed 

and manufactured in the country. With plans to transition the whole 

bus fleet to low-emission technology by 2040, this is an important 

part of the ‘transition vision’ journey towards achieving this goal. 

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES AT AND GBV 

for New Zealand, which has started 

a two-year, NZ$1.175 million (A$1.09 

million) trial around Auckland to 

ultimately, “…assess how operating costs 

compare to diesel and electric buses 

of similar configurations,” Auckland 

Transport (AT) announced, recently. 

Also the first ever fuel-cell bus 

designed and manufactured in New 

Zealand – with the vehicle built by 

Global Bus Ventures in Christchurch – 

Howick and Eastern Buses by Transdev 

is operating the new bus on the Botany 

to Britomart via Panmure Route 70. 

Through the development of the Low 

Emission Bus Roadmap, AT identified 

hydrogen as a potential fuel for 

Auckland’s future low-emission public 

transport fleet, the organisation states. 

According to AT, its commitment to 

not procuring diesel buses from 2025 

is complemented by its Roadmap. This 

plan commits to transitioning the entire 

public transport bus fleet from diesel to 

low emission (electric and hydrogen) by 

2040, it explains. 

Additionally, the estimated cost of the 

full transition to zero-emission (including 

EV and hydrogen) is expected to cost 

between NZ$150 million (A$139.6 

million) to NZ$200 million (A$186 

million), it states. 

THE BUILD 

In terms of any challenges throughout 

the build and how they were overcome, 

when ABC magazine spoke exclusively 

with bus builder Global Bus Ventures 

(NZ) Limited CEO Tim Duncan, he stated: 


31

COVERSTORY 


“The largest challenge was the 

inability of the suppliers of the large 

components to have their engineers 

travel for commissioning. Everything 

had to be commissioned remotely 

including the Ballard fuel cell, 

ZF drive system, Wabco brakes 

and suspension and other main 

components. 

“The project started by GBV 

seeing a market’s need to 

introduce alternative zero-emission 

public transport. Following this, 

an opportunity arose from an 

announcement that AT and 

Ports of Auckland were working 

together [for such a goal] and GBV 

successfully won the tender to build. 

“The Route 70 from Botany 

Town Centre to the CBD means 

the hydrogen bus is well suited 

to the long run with high passenger 

loading. 

“This vehicle was required to meet 

the large passenger loading of 76 

with two dedicated wheelchair 

positions and a three-axle city bus is 

required to meet this. 

“The vehicle is 13.5 metres long 

with a super-low [floor] to the very 

back seat,” Duncan clarified. 

According to GBV, the bus runs 

at a lower pressure than cars at 

350bar and, with the correct filling 

infrastructure, takes 10 minutes to 

fill the tanks. It has a range in excess 

of 400km. 

In terms of Kiwi interest in 

hydrogen and hydrogen buses, 

Duncan says there’s been a, 

“…large amount of interest as the 

hydrogen bus doesn’t face the 

same limitations as full electric. It 

can be refuelled in 10 minutes, 

can be parked anywhere in the 

bus depot, and the battery life is 

substantially greater.” 

By all accounts, the vehicle drives 

and is operated like a standard 

extra-large city bus, which is still 

32 


This is a significant 

milestone in the journey 

to decarbonise Auckland’s 

public transport fleet. 

easy to manoeuvre and drive 

through the tights city streets. 

“GBV had designed and 

developed a hydrogen ICE-powered 

hybrid years before, but the 

technology wasn’t fully developed 

at that time. This is the first fuel-cell 

design for GBV,” Duncan confirmed. 

THE CEREMONY 

The bus was unveiled by the 

minister of Transport Michael Wood 

and mayor of Auckland Phil Goff 

at Ports of Auckland, where the 

bus will be refuelled with ‘green 

hydrogen’, AT explains. 

In response to Ports of Auckland’s 

Above, Right: 

The vehicle drives 

and is operated like 

a standard extralarge 

city bus. 

Opposite, Above + 

Below: 

The bus will be 

refuelled with 

green hydrogen 

delivered to Ports 

of Auckland’s 

temporary 

refuelling station; 

This vehicle 

was required 

to meet the 

large passenger 

loading of 76 with 

two dedicated 

wheelchair 

positions. 

invitation to participate in the 

Hydrogen Demonstration Project, 

AT commissioned the production 

of the hydrogen fuel cell bus at 

the cost of NZ$1.175 million, with 

Global Bus Ventures in Christchurch 

winning the tender. 

The three-axle bus, which is 

AT’s biggest single deck bus, 

fits 43 seated adults and 31 

standing adults. 

Minister Wood says the 

government is proud to work 

alongside AT to help tackle 

climate change. 

“This is a significant milestone 

in the journey to decarbonise 

Auckland’s public transport fleet 

and it will be on the road in the 

coming days.” 

Mayor Goff welcomes the trial of 

the hydrogen-powered bus. 

“Decarbonisation of our public 

transport fleet is an important 

demonstration of Auckland Council 

taking the lead in reducing the city’s 

carbon emissions,” he said. 

“In Auckland, transport makes 

up 40 per cent of the city’s overall 

carbon emissions. While our focus 

has been on electrification of 

vehicles and buses, it is important 

that we also explore the option 

of replacing diesel buses with 

hydrogen-powered vehicles. These 

produce zero-emissions and could 

complement our electric bus fleet. 

“Auckland Council has committed 

to no further purchase of diesel 

buses from this year,” Mayor Goff 

confirmed. 

HYDROGEN AS A FUEL 

Auckland Transport’s chief 

executive Shane Ellison says 

Auckland Transport is committed 

to doing its part by accelerating 

the Low Emission Bus Roadmap 

targeting 2030 – for all buses to be 

zero-emissions at tail pipe. 


33

COVERSTORY 


AT’s Metro decarbonisation manager 

Darek Koper says AT’s involvement in 

purchasing the hydrogen bus was to prove 

to the market that hydrogen buses can be 

developed to meet New Zealand’s unique 

operational and design requirements, and 

to help in the development of hydrogen as 

a fuel. 

“Through the development of the 

Low Emission Bus Roadmap, Auckland 

Transport identified hydrogen as a 

potential fuel for Auckland’s future 

low-emission public transport fleet. The 

outcome of this two-year trial will help 

operators make informed decisions about 

which technology should be selected,” 

Koper said. 

“This exciting unveiling of the hydrogen 

fuel cell bus follows our January launch of 

our fully electric bus fleet, the Airportlink. 

We also launched Waiheke’s electric bus 

fleet at the end of 2020.” 

Ports of Auckland’s chief executive Tony 

Gibson says it was great to have the event 

on site at Ports of Auckland – where the 

bus will be refuelled with green hydrogen 

delivered to Ports of Auckland’s temporary 

refuelling station. 

“Refuelling in the future will be 

done next to a new electrolyser plant, 

producing green hydrogen here on site.” 

Howick and Eastern Buses by 

Transdev general manager Sheryll 

Otway says the bus company is excited to 

partner with Auckland Transport again, 

following the launch of Auckland’s first 

electric three-axle ‘extra-large’ bus in 

October, 2020. 

“In the early 1900s we launched the 

first motorised bus to complement our 

horse-drawn carriages and now, many 

years later, in partnership with Auckland 

Transport, we are again changing the way 

our passengers travel today and in the 

future,” she said. 

“This is history in the making,” Otway 

stated. 

HOW IT WORKS 

As GBV explains, hydrogen fuel-cell buses 

use a fuel cell to convert hydrogen gas to 

electricity and the only emissions are pure 

water. This technology is ideally suited to 

New Zealand’s clean green culture and 

provides operators with a long-range, 

fast-refuelling, zero-emission option, 

GBV adds. 

“We see this technology as a vital 

component to securing New Zealand’s 

zero-carbon targets and here at GBV 

34 


This exciting unveiling of the hydrogen fuel 

cell bus follows our January launch of our fully 

electric bus fleet. 

our focus is on helping New 

Zealand buses to become zero 

emission,” Mike Parker, executive 

vice president of GBV stated. 

“We are proud to be leading 

this charge. 

“A big thanks to all the GBV 

team and the fantastic support of 

Ballard, ZF, Hiringa, Wabco, BoC and 

other key suppliers to achieve the 

amazing goal of getting the systems 

up and running. 

“This is a huge milestone and 

a massive step towards building 

the knowledge and infrastructure 

needed to support these 

world-leading technologies,” he said. 

The bus initially ran trials and 

had tuning at GBV headquarters 

in Rolleston, Christchurch, before 

being delivered to Auckland 

Transport in February, 2021, the 

company confirms. 

Top, (L-R): 

The Low Emission 

Bus Roadmap will 

mean a cessation of 

buying diesel buses 

from 2025; Auckland 

Transport bus fleet 

transition specialist 

Steve Zahorodny (left) 

and GBV executive 

vice president Mike 

Parker (right). 

Left, Above: 

The hydrogen cells 

have a range of 

400km and can be 

refilled in 10 minutes. 

Right: 

The trial will take 

place on route 70, 

from Botany Town 

Centre to Auckland’s 

CBD. 


35

OPERATOR 

CROWN COACHES 

CROWNING 

36 


When it comes to transporting our children to and from school, 

safety is non-negotiable. That’s why Melbourne’s Crown Coaches has 

chosen to bolster its fleet with the new-generation Fuso Rosa. 

The new Rosa gives a lesson in advanced safety, performance and 

comfort, while helping the business stay on the road to carbon neutrality. 

WORDS RICKY FRENCH IMAGES GRAEME NEANDER 

ACHIEVEMENT 


37

OPERATOR 

CROWN COACHES 

Above: 

With a strong focus on 

reducing emissions, 

all of Crown Coaches’ 

new purchases are 

Euro 6. 

Opposite, 

Top + Below: 

The handbrake has 

been moved to the 

left of the driver 

after feedback from 

customers; Operating 

since 1967, Crown 

Coaches is now run by 

the third generation 

of the Haoust family. 

The safety innovations offered in the 

new generation of Rosa models were 

vital selling points. 

Melbourne’s 

Crown 

Coaches has a 

simple motto: 

“Our family 

transports your family.” That’s 

exactly what the family owned 

company has been doing since 

1967, now guided by the third 

generation of the Haoust family. 

With depots in Nunawading 

and Dandenong South, the fleet 

is fast approaching 160 vehicles, 

primarily deployed on contract 

morning and afternoon school 

runs for specialist state schools 

and private schools, as well as 

servicing corporate charters, 

weddings and other events. 

The company has recently 

consolidated its fleet with the 

purchase of four new Mitsubishi 

Fuso Rosa Deluxe 24-seaters, 

two of which are fitted with 

wheelchair lifts for deployment 

in the aged-cared sector. 

Crown Coaches business 

development manager Ivan 

Furlanetto says the safety 

innovations offered in the new 

generation of Rosa models were 

vital selling points, and are a 

significant step up from the 

previous model. Crown Coaches 

currently has 53 Fuso Rosas in 

the fleet. 

“Safety sits at the top 

of the tree in terms of our 

decision-making process,” 

said Furlanetto. 

“We’re active in pushing 

our OEM [original equipment 

manufacturer] to provide 

vehicles that have car-like safety 

features, as well as helping us 

on the road to carbon neutrality 

and reducing fuel consumption. 

The new Fuso Rosa delivered on 

all those three points.” 

The new Rosa features 

an advanced, automated 

emergency braking system; 

pedestrian detection; lane 

departure warning system; 

driver and passenger air bags; 

hill-start assist; and a reversing 

camera. Furlanetto says these 

new safety innovations are a 

significant step-up from the 

previous model. 

“These options bring the Rosa 

into line with our minimum 

requirements. We also load-on 

engine bay fire suppression 

38 


ABOUT CROWN COACHES 

Crown Coaches is Melbourne’s premier bus and coach transport provider, it states. Family owned and operated since 1967, the 

company is a Victorian Accredited Bus Operator – AO269. Crown Coaches is known for its outstanding safety record, as well as for 

being an industry leader in environmentally sustainable transport solutions, it explains. 

Crown Coaches was one of the first bus services in Melbourne and coach companies in Australia to offer an entire fleet of seatbeltequipped 

vehicles, it confirms. Crown Coaches bases its operation on the key values of safety, accessibility – offering Victoria’s largest 

fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, innovation, accountability and integrity, it says. 

The current fleet comprises minibuses, to accommodate up to 24 passengers; mid-size vehicles, which carry up to 43 people; and 

full-size coaches, with a capacity of up to 61 passengers. 


39

OPERATOR 

CROWN COACHES 

Moving from Euro 5 to Euro 6 has seen 

our fuel bill reduce, so it’s good for the planet 

and good for the business. 

and a five-camera surveillance 

Furlanetto says he worries 

system, so we’re monitoring the 

that with modern coaches 

interior, the steps, left and right 

becoming so ‘car-like’ it could 

side and forward facing.” 

lead to complacency from 

Another innovation Crown 

drivers. Hence the extra focus 

Coaches has championed has 

on safety. 

been the use of reflective tape 

“These new units aren’t ‘boxy’ 

to make the vehicle more visible, 

anymore and they handle 

bringing the coaches in line with 

so well. What worries me is 

Above: 

The safety innovations 

offered in the new 

generation of Rosa 

models were vital 

selling points. 

Right: 

These new 24-seat 

Rosa Deluxes are 

fitted with wheelchair 

lifts. 

Below: 

Crown Coaches 

fitted a five-camera 

surveillance system. 

the tape used on fuel tankers. 

“The more visibility the vehicle 

has the better, and this is now 

standard fitment on all new 

buses,” said Furlanetto. 

Working with Fuso, the 

company is also trialling a 

new pedestrian/blind spot 

detection system, particularly 

topical given the new laws 

around separation distances 

between vehicles and cyclists. 

drivers might drive them like a 

car. But they weigh a lot more 

than a car and you’re driving 

at rush-hour with children 

on board. It’s a very high-risk 

environment, so let’s do 

everything we can to mitigate 

those risks.” 

The new Fuso Rosa also 

boasts big changes in the 

engine and transmission, 

dropping engine capacity from 

no issues with that. With fuel 

economy we’re seeing more 

than the advertised five to seven 

per cent saving over the previous 

model and, interestingly, we’re 

seeing an even greater fuel 

saving with female drivers.” 

It is all part of Crown Coaches’ 

drive towards carbon neutrality, 

he explained. 

four litres to three, while the 

“We don’t buy anything that’s 

transmission changes from 

not Euro 6,” said Furlanetto, who 

fully automatic to six-speed 

added that Crown Coaches’ fleet 

automated manual. 

now has 31 Euro 6 vehicles. 

“We’ve had automated 

“Moving from Euro 5 to Euro 6 

manual transmissions in our 

has seen our fuel bill reduce, so 

Eaton-powered products for 

it’s good for the planet and good 

the last 15 years and they work 

for the business.” 

fine,” explained Furlanetto. 

“With a smaller engine the 

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM 

revs are a little higher for 

Furlanetto credits Fuso with 

changing gears, but we’ve had 

being receptive to feedback on 

40 


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OPERATOR 

CROWN COACHES 

Above: 

Crown Coaches adds 

the increased safety 

feature of reflective 

tape to make the 

vehicles more visible. 

Below: 

Crown Coaches 

celebrated the 

commissioning of 

its 50th Fuso Rosa 

last year. 

future improvements. If there 

was a small criticism he had 

on the previous model Rosa it 

was the positioning of the hand 

brake, which was located under 

the dash. 

“As a tall person, it would crack 

my knee,” he said. 

“So, I gave feedback to Fuso 

and they’ve taken that on board 

to show that sometimes old 

school works!” 

Another tweak on the new 

model has been moving the 

radiator header tank to a more 

accessible position, moving 

the transmission control and 

flattening the floor under the 

driver to improve driver comfort. 

It’s all about saving time and 

to get a visual of the engine for 

fluid checks.” 

SOLID PLANS 

After the disruption of 2020, 

Crown Coaches is looking 

forward to a bright future. 

“Having schools closed due 

to lockdowns was a major hit 

to a company that trades in 

and moved the handbrake 

making things easier for the 

transporting children to and from 

to the left of the driver – an 

drivers. 

school,” said Furlanetto. 

old-school pull-up lever. It goes 

The business has shown that it’s 

agile and resilient, and we’re in a 

great position going forward. 

“As part of our daily checks 

we have a 50 visual-point 

checklist each morning and 

we want this to be as quick 

and efficient for the drivers 

as possible. In the old Rosa, 

the header tank for the water 

was underneath the steps so 

was hard to see. Now it has 

been moved to a much more 

accessible position. By moving 

the transmission control, it 

makes the hatch easier to lift off 

“But the business has shown 

that it’s agile and resilient, and 

we’re in a great position going 

forward. It’s been really exciting 

to expand our fleet with the latest 

Fuso Rosa because it’s a vehicle 

that aligns with our commitment 

to safety and innovation.” 

Starting out 54 years ago 

with one Bedford bus, it seems 

clear that Crown Coaches will 

be serving Melbourne for many 

generations to come. 

42 


CHILD CHECK-MATE 

AUSTRALIA’S MOST 

TRUSTED CHILD 

CHECK UNIT 

• Installation can suit small and large vehicles 12V or 24V systems 

• Simple to use, easily understood by drivers 

• Child check function (reminds drivers to check for children at 

the end of each route) 

• Secondary alert (horn will sound if child check is incomplete) 

• Tone instruction (unique tones that prompt drivers and 

indicate system status) 

• Customisable programs (can be programmed to meet various 

custom requirements and state/territory regulations) 

For inquiries, contact United Safety & Survivability Corporation: 

tel: 0407 829 335 

email: brett.baxendale@ussc.com.au 

www.ussc.com.au

TEST DRIVE AUDACE 1050 

NEW LOOK, 

NEW ATTITUDE 

The new Marcopolo Audace 1050 provides affordable luxury that can be 

tailored to an operator’s needs, as well as a predictable and dependable 

drive. With smart European looks and a high level of flexibility, this is a 

bus specifically designed for Australia’s variety of conditions. 

WORDS + IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE 

44 


Making its debut 

on the Australian 

market at the 

2013 Australian 

Bus and Coach 

Show, the Marcopolo Audace isn’t 

a new name to our industry, but 

today we test drive the 1050 – the 

first redesign of the product since 

its local launch. 

Powered by the Volvo B8R, 

this model has had key updates 

and changes implemented to 

broaden its appeal and create new 

opportunities in new markets. 

Volgren’s national sales manager 

Yuri Tessari says the changes range 

from major design and wholesale 

seating modifications to bodywork 

modifications. 

“The Audace 1050 has been 

designed for Australia and it’s 

been launched as exclusive to our 

market at this stage,” said Tessari. 

“The Marcopolo Audace is a 

proven performer, with more than 

450 units sold globally each year. 

It’s a high-quality, flexible bus on a 

top-class European chassis and it 

offers plenty of passenger comfort 

while being competitively priced. 

“It’s also an incredibly versatile 

bus that can be used in a range 

of applications from school runs 

to charter, mining and longdistance 

trips. 

“The 1050 had been designed 

for Australia and will be launched 

exclusively for the local market. 

“We had to adapt the vehicle in 

different ways to suit the Australian 

market and, once we started this 

process, we decided to totally 

redesign it. With the exterior 

you’ll see a lot of changes and I 

believe the changes make it really 

competitive with other vehicles 

available on the market.” 

Regarding changes to the 

seating options, there is a version 

of the Audace 1050 with reclining 

seats and retractable armrests, 

aimed at long-distance operators 

who want to offer passengers extra 

comfort, he added. 

Often, when a vehicle is popular, 

companies are hesitant to alter a 

recognisable appearance. 

Explaining why the time was 

right for this overhaul, Tessari said: 

“We’d been getting feedback and 

questions from the market as to 

when we were going revise it. I 

think it looks completely different 

from the previous model. The 

product concept remains the 

same, but the look is all new. 

“It’s also now flexible in 

customisation and this is a huge 

positive change. The factory can 

do whatever modifications that 

customers ask. I think that says 

the product is still at the top of its 

life cycle.” 

NEW FLEXIBILITY 

Talking with bus builders and 

sales people, it’s good to get their 

feedback about what features 

make them proud of the vehicle 

we are test driving. They usually 

have been part of the journey 

and process to get the vehicle as 

shown here in ABC magazine; for 

others there are key features that 

they know will be major selling 

points they really love. Tessari 

says it was the flexibility and 

customisation possibilities that he 

was most proud of. 

“This has become the core of our 

business worldwide. It’s important 

for our business to be able to 

deliver whatever the customer 

requires,” he explained. 

“I believe, from an operator 

perspective, the customisations 

available gives huge flexibility. 

“We build with 57 fixed seats 

or 53 reclining seats, but we can 

basically do whatever is required. 

So, we can add another door, a 

toilet, a wheelchair lift or we can 

we can build with only 20 seats to 

allow for optimum comfort for a 

private, exclusive type of operation. 

“It’s all about meeting the needs of 

the operators.” 

NEW MARKETS 

Traditionally, the school bus 

market has been the mainstay 

of the Audace but, with the 

changes to the new model and 

the flexibility of customisation, new 

markets are in the Audace’s sights. 

“With the reclining-seat version, 

we are ready to go,” Tessari added. 

“We, of course, understand that 

the charter and long-distance 

sector has been unfortunately 

suffering, but we really believe 

when it picks up again the Audace 

will be here and ready.” 

He references Quicksilver Tours 

in North Queensland as a prime 

example of how capable the 

Audace is in this segment. 

“They have four Audaces in 

operation for tourists between 

Townsville and Cairns; they do 

pick-ups and drop-offs for the tour 

boats. They chose the Audace so 

they could offer a service delivering 

tourists in style and comfort. The 

operator uses the term ‘affordable 

luxury’ and I think that description 

really sums up the Audace.” 

The customisations will also 


45


make the Audace applicable to the 

mining industry. 

The Audace isn’t new to the mining 

market outside our shores, but it 

is hoping to be a new player in the 

Australian industry. 

“The company is particularly focused 

on Western Australia,” said Tessari. 

“I think there’s huge potential for 

this product to start operating [in 

mine conditions]. It’s a known product 

in Chile, which is a huge mining 

centre, where we have these buses 

operating as charter buses. And, of 

course, mining specification vehicles 

are again a little bit different. But the 

Audace can be adjusted to perfectly 

suit Australia’s harsh conditions.” 

With the exterior you’ll see a 

lot of changes and I believe the 

changes make it really competitive 

with other vehicles available on 

the market. 

THE MARCOPOLO WAY 

The Marcopolo Way is the company’s 

global method of manufacturing, 

which ensures that, no matter where 

around the world a Marcopolo bus 

is being built, the same standards 

throughout all points of production 

are followed. 

“It’s a guideline on how a Marcopolo 

company should operate and a central 

part of the company’s global strategy,” 

explained Tessari. 

“The Marcopolo Way for Volgren 

is to adjust ourselves to the most 

effective way to be able to build a bus, 

Above: 

The dark 

dashboard helps 

prevent glare and 

there is excellent 

all-round vision. 

Right: 

Seat options are 

flexible, with the 

choice of fixed 

Marcopolo seats 

or reclining seats 

from Sege. 

Opposite, Top: 

Huge new 

taillights, but the 

brake strip light 

remains the same.. 

46 


to sell a bus, to design a bus. 

“We want that to be the standard 

for all factories around the world. 

So, when we say that Marcopolo is 

improving the way of production 

to the Marcoplo Way standards, 

we mean that Marcopolo China, 

which is manufacturing product, is 

running the same concept as Brazil. 

So we secure the same quality 

levels, for all the processes, quality 

gauges, designing and engineering. 

“I believe that, to implement 

our way of working, you need [to] 

support everyone. So, the Marcopolo 

Way is not just a book that you give 

to people and say: ‘Yeah, this is how 

you should work.’ It’s a methodology 

on daily activities to incorporate 

into your way of working. So, as an 

employee, I think you learn from 

example and that’s exactly what 

we’re trying to do. 

Tessari says the company 

concentrates heavily on lean 

manufacturing as part of the 

Marcopolo Way. 

“So, that’s what we’re trying to 

do to be cost effective as a factory, 

and then be competitive in the 

market. It’s much more than just 

production,” he explained. 

“What we’re doing is giving the 

customer a voice as well. That’s 

part of the Marcopolo Way, to keep 

close communication and close 

partnership with the customers, get 

feedback and have that as food for 

product improvement.” 

GOOD FEEDBACK 

The customer feedback that has 

been implemented in the new 

Audace is the change from more 

of a stock type of bus. The recliner 

seats are a really good example of 

making changes based on market 

needs. 

Tessari explains that Volgren 

received requests for this feature 

from the market, so it found a 

partner, Turkish company Sege, and 

developed the solution. 

“This is what we’re trying to collect 

from our customer seminars and 

learning from feedback just what 

is needed by operators. We ask 

what features will help in your 

operation and then we implement 

them,” he said. 

SURPRISING FLEXIBILITY 

Wrapping up before the 

drive, Tessari reiterates that the 

flexibility of the bus is one of its 

great strengths. 

“When talking to some customers, 

it’s often a surprise reaction to what 

we can actually do for them. They’ll 

say: ‘We didn’t know we could have 

a wheelchair, we didn’t know we 

could change the seat style.’ 

“That, I believe, is something that 

the Australain market doesn’t know 

about us at the moment. We can 


47


It’s also now 

flexible in 

customisation 

and this is a huge 

positive change. 

be really flexible and adjustable to 

suit many applications.” 

He adds that the bus will be 

reliable as well, no matter where 

in Australia the operator intends 

to use it. 

“It really is a very dependable 

charter bus and highly adaptable 

because, you know, it’s operating in 

Cairns, it’s operating in Victoria, it’s 

already servicing a wide market. 

And it could go into the Pilbara 

or similar regions as a mining 

vehicle, which Volgren already has 

experience in,” said Tessari. 

“We’re bringing in a European 

chassis in partnership with 

48 


Marcopolo. Although it’s built at 

The daytime running lights ooze 

Out of a pocket comes the 

a factory in China, the design and 

luxury and both the headlights 

remote control and with one click 

concept is from Marcopolo in 

and taillights have been updated. 

the door opens. The driver can 

Brazil. So, I think that duo is unique 

The standout external upgrade is 

leave the aircon running while they 

in that sense. 

the side stainless steel strip, which 

are outside the vehicle and have 

“We have a product that is in the 

pops between the black glass and 

it cooled down or warming and 

price range of a complete Chinese 

white paint. 

ready for the passengers to get on 

vehicle, but has a European chassis 

The rear also has had updates 

board – love a remote control for 

with a Marcopolo-designed body 

with a different-look bin door 

a bus! 

on it.” 

A combination that certainly 

makes sense to check out. 

TEST DRIVE 

The first thing you notice are 

the updates to the exterior. 

At the front, the badging and 

indentations have a modern, 

European appearance that gives 

a high-end look before we even 

get inside. 

The Audace 1050 we drove had 

the one-piece windscreen that 

does give a slicker city look, 

whereas rural operators often 

go for the split. 

with more venting and huge new 

taillights, but the brake strip light 

remains the same; it was a feature 

we really liked on the previous 

model. 

Behind that rear bin door is the 

Volvo six-cylinder in-line diesel 

engine with 330hp (246kW) and 

1,200Nm at 1,200–1,600rpm, 

which is plenty of power to easily 

push this bus along. 

Like all new buses the access 

for servicing is easy, with daily 

checks and oil access right at 

your fingertips. If you’re out on an 

extended tour or long haul, daily 

checks couldn’t be simpler. 

This model is the Audace 1050, 

with the number standing for the 

height of the luggage bin. It is 

extremely roomy with a polished 

alloy finish to the floor we hadn’t 

seen used before. 

Earlier we asked Tessari if the 

driver’s cabin had been updated as 

well and he said that it was pretty 

much the same as before, as the 

feedback from this area, including 

driveability and driver visibility, had 

always been very positive. 

All is easy to operate and 

what we like; a feature we 

are seeing done a bit lately is 

the darker dash colour in the 

Above: 

Both the 

headlights and 

taillights have 

been updated. 


With the mirrors 

on arms in front of 

the driver’s eyeline, 

the driver doesn’t 

have to keep 

turning their head 

to see each side of 

the bus. 

Opposite, 

Bottom: 

The luggage 

storage area has 

a smart polished 

alloy finish on the 

floor. 


49


Above: 

The Volvo six-cylinder in-line diesel engine 

with 330hp (246kW) pumps out plenty of 

power for this bus. 

Specs 

MAKE: Marcopolo 

BODY: Audace 1050 

DRIVETRAIN: Volvo B8R 4x2 

Euro 5 

TRANSMISSION: 

ZF SIX-speed automatic 

DIMENSIONS: 12.3m (L) x 

2.5m (W) x 3.7m (H) 

ENGINE: Volvo six-cylinder 

in-line diesel engine; Power 

- 330hp (246kW), Torque - 

1,200Nm@1,200–1,600rpm 

GVW: 19,000kg 

EXHAUST: One-box muffler 

design with SCR 

MISC.: Aircon - Spheros CC 

355; Seats - 57 Marcopolo 

fixed or 53 Sege reclining 

SAFETY: ABS, ASR, brake 

assist, brake blending, EBS, 

ESP and hill start aid 

instrument area. Even a few shades darker 

does really diminish driver glare that can 

cause eye fatigue. 

On the driver’s dash are the easy-to-operate 

controls for the Spheros CC 355 air 

conditioning system with great ventilation 

for the driver. The vision on the LCD screen 

is perfect, with no complaints. There are four 

cameras for all-round vehicle vision. 

An inclusion always appreciated is a 

driver’s footrest – something so simple 

that really makes a difference. Visibility 

in the mirrors is also great, with perfect 

all-round vision. 

An addition to the new-look Audace 

is the 53 reclining Sege seats in this test 

drive vehicle, smartly piped in orange 

with a two-tone grey and black look 

that certainly elevates the Audace to a 

class of luxury vehicle its predecessor 

could never achieve. 

USB ports on each seat will keep 

all passengers happy and connected 

while traveling. 

For today’s drive we left the Volgren 

manufacturing plant at Dandenong, 

Victoria, and headed out on a combination 

of country roads, hilly terrain and some 

traffic driving, so we got to give things 

a try out in different conditions. 

Everything drove as expected – no 

surprises, just easy Volvo driving. It turned 

on a dime, as we find all Volvos do, making 

it a pleasurable steer that isn’t too heavy 

or light. 

The Volvo drivetrain, although always 

impressive, is familiar and easy, with 

everything feeling dependable and 

predictable. A drivetrain like the Volvo 

B8R gives a driver confidence and a driver 

that is confident is a good driver. 

This is where the excellent vision in 

the mirrors comes in; set on a big arm 

straight in front, you don’t need to look to 

the side and they let you concentrate on 

the road ahead. 

With the Volvo B8R there are all the 

safety features you need as standard, 

including electronic braking system, 

anti-lock braking system, acceleration 

slip regulation and an electronic stability 

program. 

In addition, there is hill start aid – a feature 

that is great for city traffic driving and driver 

peace of mind. 

The 2021 version of the Audace is an 

outstanding drive and the new upgrades to 

both the external appearance and internal 

inclusions have really elevated the Audace 

1050 to a new level. 

50 


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SUPPLY LINES 

BUS SEATING GUIDE 

IN GOOD 

52 


HANDS 

After a busy day at work, or 

out and about completing 

the endless list of chores life 

throws at us, getting to sit 

down and let the bus driver 

take over can be a relief. 

Whether you use your bus 

travel time for checking out 

social media, reading a book 

or just enjoying the view, 

a comfortable seat makes 

the world of difference. But 

beneath the plush cover is 

a structure designed to also 

keep you safe and secure 

on your journey. Here, we 

look at some leaders in 

seating design and the 

innovative technology and 

craftsmanship they bring to 

the market. 

KEY PLAYERS 

McConnell Seats 

McConnell Seats’ large modern factory is located at 

Broadmeadows, Victoria, and provides the best in design 

and manufactured products and services, it says. Seats 

are completely manufactured in-house from the metal 

fabrication right through to the final trim. A high level 

of quality is assured through adherence to its quality 

management system modelled on AS/NZS ISO9001:2015, it 

explains. 

Products and components are certified to Australian 

Design Regulations and recognised standards, it confirms. 

CONTACT: Tel: (03) 9350 7277; Email: info@mcconnellseats. 

com.au 

Styleride Seating Systems 

Italian seat manufacturer Lazzerini fully acquired Brisbane’s 

Styleride Seating Systems on March 18, 2019. This acquisition 

results in the merger of high-quality, proven Australian-based 

manufacturing with Lazzerini’s leading international product 

innovation and design, Styleride states. 

In their research and development programme Styleride 

has registered several designs and patents and is continuing 

to test and design new and innovative products to bring to 

the market, it states. 

In 1998 Styleride met the requirements of ISO 9001 and 

continues to be third-party audited compliant with ISO 

9001:2015. 

CONTACT: Telephone: (07) 3272 7550; Email: info@styleride. 

com.au 

Sege Asia Pacific 

Sege Seats started in 1999 and manufactures commercial 

seats in the automotive industry, for buses, cars, military, 

planes, etc., it states. 

Sege Seats currently manufactures 26,000 seats per 

month in Turkey, it says, and has officially proven its high 

standards with a (IATF 16949 2016) quality management 

certificate, it adds. 

The company supplies to more than 40 countries 

worldwide, it explains. 

CONTACT: Telephone: (02) 9727 0440; Email: info@segeseats. 

com.au 


53

SUPPLY LINES 

BUS SEATING GUIDE 

CAMIRA – MADE FOR A SAFER JOURNEY 

Camira ‘StaySafe’ is an advanced fabric treatment, which reduces the potential for viral 

transmission from fabric surfaces in bus and coach interiors. 

When applied to 

Camira’s wool 

moquette, this 

state-of-the art 

textile technology 

destroys viruses and kills bacteria – ensuring 

upholstery does not act as a potential 

source of transmission, Camira says. 

It’s formulated specifically for 

multi-occupancy seating in busy public 

transport settings – route buses, school 

buses, long-distance coaches and shuttle 

buses, Camira explains. 

Whilst the risk of transmission is 

thought to be greater from hard surfaces 

(i.e. handles, stop buttons) compared to 

fabric, for multi-passenger seats which 

demand increased defence, Camira 

StaySafe is an additional safeguard 

measure that can help prevent the 

person-to-person spread of both viruses 

and bacteria, it says. 

A high-powered combination of both 

silver and liposome technologies firstly 

attracts the virus, then attacks the virus 

membrane, depleting it of cholesterol 

and allowing the silver to kill the entire 

virus. This is particularly effective against 

enveloped virus strains, providing rapid 

virus deactivation and destruction, while 

the anti-microbial silver chemistry also 

inhibits the replication of bacteria, it says. 

Camira StaySafe is a permanent 

chemical finish that is chemically 

bound to the fabric and has a high 

level durability. Camira guarantees 

its effectiveness for anti-viral and 

anti-bacterial performance for a period 

of five years provided the fabric is kept 

clean and in good condition, it says. 

INDEPENDENTLY TESTED – 

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE 

Camira StaySafe has been independently 

tested on its wool moquette fabrics 

and, in accordance with ISO 18184, is 

shown to have highly effective anti-viral 

and anti-bacterial properties. It is safe, 

durable and there is no impact on colour 

or flammability performance (meets 

FMVSS302, FAR25 & R118.03), it states. 

SPONSORED: Contact Camira (t: 03 

9832 0935, or e-mail: info@camiragroup. 

com.au) for any further information. 

HOW IT WORKS 

Camira StaySafe works in three 

simultaneous ways to attract, attack and 

ultimately destroy the virus, Camira says. 

54 


ISRINGHAUSEN 

- INNOVATIVE 

SEATING 

SYSTEMS 

For decades, German company 

Isringhausen has supplied 

ISRI driver seats in original 

equipment quality that meet an 

array of vehicle manufacturer’s 

requirements and specifications, it says. 

Millions of drivers place their trust in the 

quality of ISRI products, the company says. 

ISRI seats are also available as an 

aftermarket option for various trucks, 

buses and coaches and earthmoving 

equipment. Isringhausen Pty Ltd provides 

sales, service and spare parts for ISRI seats 

to its Sydney customers, as well as providing 

these services to the Australian and New 

Zealand dealer network from its facility in 

Wetherill Park, Sydney. 

Isringhausen says that it is the global 

market leader in the development and 

manufacture of innovative seating systems 

for commercial vehicles, as well as technical 

springs. Fifty-two plants across 20 countries 

form the backbone of its manufacturing 

infrastructure. 

The company has operated since 1919, 

when it began as a manufacturer of bicycle 

seats and springs. ISRI designed the first 

automatic self-levelling air suspension seat 

for commercial vehicles in 1972. 

ISRI IN AUSTRALIA 

ISRI seats was sold in Australia by a licensee 

from 1977 until 1993, when the decision was 

made to establish a wholly owned subsidiary 

of Isringhausen in Australia. 

ISRI drivers seats are now fitted to 90 

per cent of new buses and coaches built 

in Australia, says Isringhausen, with a product 

range from static seats to fully featured air 

suspension seats with integrated lap-sash seat 

belts and driver-adjustable shock absorber. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 

ISRI seats are designed to meet or exceed 

internationally recognised ergonomic and 

safety standards, says the company, which is 

certified to the ISO9001 and QS9000 Quality 

Standards. 

At the Isringhausen head office and factory 

in Lemgo, Germany, approximately 140 

persons are actively engaged in product 

research, design, testing and development. 


55

YOU'VE TRIED THE REST 

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Comfort 

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yutong.com.au 

Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane 

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Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne 

LIMITED 

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IN STOCK 

$315,990 + GST & ORC Including Wheelchair Lift 

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom 

A premium vehicle that looks as good on the outside as it does in. Here, 

passengers receive more spacious luggage compartments, reduced noise 

ride comfort and high-end audio/visuals, while the driver enjoys greater 

manoeuvrability and performance. The T12 also features customisable seating 

options to suit your needs. 

Mercedes Benz engine with 

11.97L displacement and up to 

1850N/m torque 

Optimised ZF automatic 

transmission and rear axle ratio 

11m 3 capacity luggage 

compartments 

Exceptional ride comfort with 

reduced noise 

Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD 

Seats 53 Coach 

Seats 57 School Bous 

Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift 

Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne - PH (03) 8376 7121 

24 Grasslands Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3064 

D7 

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, 

DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar 

optional, Great little mini-bus. 


IN STOCK 

NEW 

2016 YUTONG Goanna 

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, 

EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP 

AUTO A/C. 


IN STOCK 

Lou Riccardi | 0411426 148 | vicsales@yutong.com.au 

NEW 

D12 

D9 

57 Seats, Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, 39 Seats, Cummins ISB6, 250hp, School 

School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, 

EBS, ECAS and many more features. ECAS and many more features. 



yutong.com.au

FLEET REFURBISHMENT 

Our experienced staff 

have implemented project 

management systems 

to ensure all projects are 

managed to meet your 

expectations regarding project 

specification, delivery 

and importantly budget. 

Full Refurbishments: Including remodelling. 

Complete Exterior: Repanel & glazing services. 

Refinish Services: From touch ups to complete resprays. 

Frame Inspections: Structural repairs to life extensions. 

Retrofitting of all major components. 

Interior Upgrades to trim work, flooring & seating. 

P: (07) 3344 4544 

E: coachworks@royans.com.au 

W: www.coachworks.com.au 

CONTACT Phil 03 5623 5377 

admin@warragulbuslines.com.au 

2013 HIGER 

Road Boss, Cummins, 

Automatic, 53 Seatbelts, A/C 

2000 MERCEDES 

0405 

Volgren body, Lowfloor, 

2-door, AC 

1999 VOLVO B7 

Auto Bus Body, Auto, 

53 Seatbelt seats, 

Air Conditioned. 

2015 MERCEDES 1830 

Irizar Century body, 57 

Seatbelts, A/C, Automatic, 

210,000km 

2006 MERCEDES 1830 

P&D, A/C, 57 Seatbelts, 

Manual 

$115,000 + GST 

$28,000 + GST 

$55,000 + GST 

$175,000 + GST $80,000 + GST 

2004 MERCEDES 

0500RF 

Autobus, 57 Seatbelts, 

A/C, Manual 

$75,000 + GST 

2002 IVECO 

Custom CB50 body, 61 

seats, Manual, Thermoking. 

480,000km 

$45,000 + GST 

2006 HINO RK260 

P&D body, 57 seats, Manual. 

348,000 KMS 

$58,000 + GST 

2013 BONLUCK 

President, Cummins, 

Automatic, 57 Seatbelts, A/C 

$120,000 + GST 

2008 HINO RN8J 

A/C, 57 Seats, Manual 

$65,000 + GST 

ABC-HH-5171496-TS-405 

NOW OPEN! 

YOUR ONE-STOP BUS SHOP. 

BUS SALES DATA 

USED BUSES FOR SALE 

NEW BUS SEARCH 

NEWS & REVIEWS 

visit busnews.com.au 

60 ABC MAY 2021 busnews.com.au

WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154 Bookings for next issue close on JUNE 10th 2021 

2 X 2013 HIGER 

MUNRO 

Cummins ISF 165hp, automatic, 

28 lap sash seat belted seats in 

leather, roof A/C, DVD, towbar, 

travelled approx. 200,000klm 

very clean 

$45,000.00+GST each 

2016 BONLUCK 

“SENATOR 9” 

Cummins ISB 250hp 

Allison auto inc retarder,43 

lap sash seat belted seats, 

A/C, underfloor bins,4 x sliding 

windows, bull bar, travelled 

approx. 145,000klm ,very clean 

$135,000.00+GST 

2009 ROADMASTER 

AUTOBUS 

Cummins ISL320hp, Allison 

automatic inc retarder, 59 lap 

sash seat belted seats, Tracs 

A/C, large undefloor bins, very 

clean,travelled 351,000klm 

$90,0000.00+GST 

2017 MITSUBISHI 

ROSA DELUXE 

6sp manual, 24 fixed coach 

seats inc lap sash seat belts, Sat 

Nav, Nudge bar, 50mm towbar, 

very clean, travelled approx. 

109,000klm 

$90,000.00+GST 

2013 MITSUBISHI 

ROSA DELUXE 

automatic, 24 fixed coach seats 

inc lap sash seat belts, Bull bar, 

windscreen protector, 50mm 

towbar, very clean, travelled 

approx. 258,000klm 

$42,500.00+GST 

2014 VOLVO B7R 

automatic, Marcopolo body, 57 

cloth fixed coach seats inc lap 

sash seat belts, A/C, underfloor 

bins, DVD, travelled approx 

203,00klm 

$160,000.00+GST 

2011 BCI “EXPLORER” 

CUMMINS ISM410HP 

Allison auto inc retarder, 58 

lap sash seat belted leather 

recliners, rear toilet, Tracs A/C, 

large underfloor bins, very clean, 

complete service history 

$115,000.00+GST or 

wheelchair lift equipped 

model $125,000.00+GST 

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-402 

2015 MERCEDES 

BENZ 0500R 

automatic, Irizar Century 

12.5m body, 57 lap sash 

seat belted seats, A/C, 

DVD, travelled approx. 

198,000.00klm 

$175,000.00+GST 

2013 BONLUCK 

‘SENATOR 12” 

Cummins ISL320hp 

Alllison automatic inc retarder, 

57 lap sash seated belted seats, 

A/C, underfloor bins, travelled 

approx. 275,000klm 

$120,00.00+GST 

2013 BONLUCK 

“PRESIDENT 2” 

Cummins ISL360hp, Allison 

automatic inc retarder, 53 lap 

sash seat belted seats in cloth, 

large underfloor bins, DVD, 

travelled approx. 242,000klm 

Reduced to $130,000+GST 

2015 IVECO 

EURORIDER 

automatic, 13.2m Irizar Century 

body, 52 lap sash seat belted 

recliners, toilet, A/C, travelled 

only 102,000klm 

$215,000+GST Neg 

2010 MERCEDES 

BENZ 1830 

6sp manual, Mills Tui 12.5m 

body, 50 lap sash seat belted 

recliners, toilet, underfloor bins, 

towbar, DVD, travelled approx. 

260,000klm 

$95,000.00+GST 

2012-2014 BOX 

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approx. 180-220,000klm 

$85,000+GST each 

PLUS MANY MORE, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT 

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Mobile: 0417 699 980 - Email: rodd.hood@bigpond.com.au 

LICENSED MOTOR DEALER 3341258 

Over 35 years experience in the bus and coach industry 

FOR SALE 

Gillies Buses 

• 4 x Bus Runs and Home 

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The property is on 5 acres and is close to the town centre, backing 

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e: gilliesbuses@gmail.com m: 0427 630 435 p: 07 4163 0435 

busnews.com.au MAY 2021 ABC 

61

NOW OPEN! 

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62 

School Student Transport 

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BUS BUSINESS BROKERS 

ABC MAY 2021 busnews.com.au

Comfort, convenience 

and capacity 

The D12 series 

Yutong is the world’s largest bus manufacturer – combining 

technology, design and reliability to deliver consistent quality and 

drive comfort at every turn. Each vehicle is built with safety and 

longevity in mind – to provide a transport experience you can trust. 

As a multipurpose bus, the D12 brings comfort and style with 

its air suspension and fully adjustable high back luxury seats. 

The premium option for schools, mining or charter operations, it 

stands tall in delivering robust safety and reliability to its drivers, 

passengers and operators. 

A true crowd pleaser. 

yutong.com.au

DELIVERIES APRIL 2021 

Deliveries climb slightly 

in April 

A small rise to 92 sees monthly average deliveries also at 92 for the 

year, exclusive ABC data reveals. 

Aminor increase in monthly bus and coach 

deliveries takes the April figure back into 

the 90s and in line with the average so far 

in 2021. 

The final figure rises from 87 in March to 92 

and keeps deliveries consistently knocking at triple figures, 

well above the latter stages of last year, but not quite yet 

back at pre-pandemic levels. 

Scania had a big month in the chassis sector, doubling 

its March numbers to take top spot in April. Volvo is second 

after dropping from 36 to 25 month-on-month. Yutong had 

a strong month with 15. Elsewhere, BYD joins the chassis 

data with four, while Challenger Bus and Coach 

discloses its first delivery for 2021. 

Volgren maintains the body-building lead with 

its highest monthly figure for the year at 31, plus 

another from subsidiary Supportrans. Its tally 

includes the three bodies built in its partnership 

with BYD. 

Yutong matches its chassis tally with 15 bodies 

built. A busy market sees the rest on seven or fewer. 

For the air-conditioners, Thermo King recorded 37 

deliveries, maintaining a trend of between 36-40 for the 

year thus far. Cling-Yutong is next on 15. Hispacold (9), 

Coachair (8), MCC (7) and Spheros (6) follow in neat order. 

Most of the deliveries went to Victoria, which occupied 

42 per cent of the market. Western Australia followed on 24 

per cent, with New South Wales easing to 20 per cent, and 

Queensland well behind on 10 per cent. 

Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery 

information for February. 

Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at 

their discretion. 

Volgren maintains the body-building 

lead with its highest monthly figure for 

the year at 31. 

64 


3% 1% 

10% SA 

QLD 

Percentage by 

NSW REGION 

24% 

WA 

20% 

Volgren 31 

Yutong 15 

BCI 7 

Irizar 6 

Custom Bus 5 

Gemilang 5 

N/A 5 

Express Coaches 5 

Bustech 3 

Coach Design 3 

Bonluck 1 

Challenger 1 

Coach Concepts 1 

Elphinstone 1 

P&D Coachworks 1 

Scania Higer 1 

Supportrans 1 

TAS 

42% 

VIC 

% 

SALES BY BODY 

Volgren maintains the body-building lead with 

its highest monthly figure for the year at 31, plus 

another from subsidiary Supportrans. Its tally 

includes the three bodies built in its partnership 

with BYD. Yutong matches its chassis tally with 

15 bodies built. A busy market sees the rest on 

seven or fewer. 

SALES BY 

AIR-CONDITIONER 

For the air-conditioners, Thermo King recorded 37 

deliveries, maintaining a trend of between 36-40 for 

the year so far. Cling-Yutong is next on 15. Hispacold (9), 

Coachair (8), MCC (7) and Spheros (6) follow in neat order. 

Thermo King 37 

Cling-Yutong 15 

Hispacold 9 

Coachair 8 

N/A 8 

MCC 7 

Spheros 6 

Denso 1 

Konvekta 1 

SCANIA 28 

VOLVO 25 

YUTONG 15 

MERCEDES-BENZ 8 

BCI 7 

BYD 4 

BONLUCK 1 

Sales by chassis 

Scania had a big month in the chassis sector, doubling its March numbers to take top spot 

in April. Volvo is second after dropping from 36 to 25 month-on-month. Yutong had a strong 

month with 15. Elsewhere, BYD joins the chassis data with four, while Challenger Bus and 

Coach discloses its first delivery for 2021. 

BUSTECH 1 

CHALLENGER 1 

HINO 1 

MAN 1 


65

DELIVERIES APRIL 2021 

MANUFACTURER, 

OPERATOR & LOCATION 

UNITS 

CHASSIS 

(Model) 

BODY 

BUILDER 

HP* 

ENGINES 

Rear / Front 

Emissions 

standard 

BCI Australian Transit Enterprises WA 5 Classmaster 57 BCI 320 R Euro 5 

Raw Hire WA 2 Fleetmaster 55 BCI 320 R Euro 6 

BONLUCK Stewart & Sons QLD 1 President 2 Bonluck 360 R Euro 5 

BUSTECH GROUP Metro Tas TAS 1 BusTech XDI Elphinstone 300 R 6 

BYD Transdev NSW 3 BYD Volgren 300kWh R Zero Emission 

Transdev QLD 1 BYD Volgren 300kWh R Zero Emission 

CHALLENGER Queensland School Bus Operator QLD 1 V10 GT Challenger 300 R Euro 5 

HINO N/A NSW 1 RN8J P&D Coachworks 286 R Euro 5 

MAN Port Stephens Coaches NSW 1 A95 24.320 ND Gemilang 320 R E5 

MERC-BENZ N/A NSW 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Expess Coaches 360 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 O500R N/A 300 R Euro 5 





SCANIA Cranbourne Transit VIC 1 K 310 UB4X2 Volgren 310 R Euro 5 

Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure SA 2 K 320 UB4X2 Bustech 320 R Euro 6 

Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure SA 1 K 320 UB4X2 Bustech 320 R Euro 6 

Irizar Asia Pacific VIC 1 K 310 EB4X2 Irizar 310 R Euro 5 

L C Dyson's Bus Services VIC 4 K 310 UB4X2 Gemilang 310 R Euro 5 

McHarry's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Express Coaches 310 R Euro 5 

McHarry's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 320 UB4X2 Express Coaches 320 R Euro 6 


McHarry's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Volgren 310 R Euro 5 


Mee's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Concepts 310 R Euro 5 

S G & K J Koch VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Design 310 R Euro 5 

Ventura Bus Lines VIC 1 K 320 UB4X2 Volgren 310 R Euro 6 



WBL VIC 1 K 360 IB4X2 Scania Higer Touring 360 R Euro 6 

WBL VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Volgren / Supportrans 310 R Euro 5 

Wimmera Roadways VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Design 320 R Euro 5 

Woods Buslines VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Irizar 310 R Euro 5 

VOLVO Irizar Asia Pacific QLD 1 B11R Irizar 450 R Euro 5 

Nuline Charter VIC 3 B8R Volgren 330 R Euro 5 

Latrobe Valley Buslines VIC 2 B8R Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

N & J Guthrie VIC 1 B8R Coach Design 330 R Euro 5 

Busabout NSW 1 B8R Volgren 330 R Euro 5 

Gembeau NSW 1 B8R Irizar 330 R Euro 5 

Busways Pacific NSW 5 B8R Custom Bus 330 R Euro 5 

Transport for Brisbane QLD 5 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Perth Transport Authorities WA 5 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Perth Transport Authorities WA 1 B8RLEA Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

YUTONG N/A VIC 1 D12 Yutong 360 R Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 D12 Yutong 360 R Euro 5 



N/A NSW 2 E12 Yutong 422kWh R Zero Emission 

N/A WA 1 D7 Yutong 140 R Euro 5 



66 

ABC May 2021 busnews.com.au 

TOTAL DELIVERIES 92

TRANSMISSION 

A: Automatic 

M: Manual 

AS: Auto-Shift 

O: Opticruise 

TRANS 

MAKE 

AXLES 

BODY 

LENGTH 

(metres) 

AIR-CON 

(Brand) 

NUMBER OF SEATS 

Fixed 

Coach 

Recliners 

Metro 

Long 

Distance 

APPLICATION 

Charter 

City or 

Route 

School 

SEATING 

SEAT 

BELTS 

A ZF 2 12.3 MCC 57 – – – – – X Sege Y 

A ZF 2 12.3 MCC – 55 – – X – – Sege Y 

A Allison 2 13.2 Spheros 61 – – – X – – Sege Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 52 – – – – X – Styleride N 

A BYD 2 12.2 Coachair – – 37 – – X – McConnell N 

A BYD 2 12.20 Thermo King – – 37 – – X – McConnell N 

AS Cummins 2 10.5 Thermo King 45 – – – – – X Fansia Y 

A ZF 2 12 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 3 10-12.9 Thermo King X – – – X – – Gemilang N 

A ZF 2 13.5 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X Sege Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X Sege Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King – – 44 – – x – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 11.7 Hispacold – – 43 – – x – Precision Bus N 

A ZF 2 11.7 Hispacold 43 – – – – x – Precision Bus N 

N/A N/A 2 12.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – x McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12 Thermo King – – 38 – – x – NB Trimming N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Coachair 57 – – – – – x McConnell Y 

Opticruise Scania 2 12.5 Coachair – – 49 – – x – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Coachair 49 – – – – x – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King 57 – – – – – x McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Coachair – – 45 – – x – McConnell N 

Opticruise Scania 2 13 Denso 57 – – – – – x Styleride Y 

N/A – 2 12 Thermo King 57 – – – – – x Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 12 Thermo King – – 44 – – x – McConnell N 

A – 2 12.5 Thermo King – – 44 – – x – McConnell N 

A – 2 13 Thermo King – – 44 – – x – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 12.3 Konvekta 57 – – – – – – Styleride N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King 57 – – – – – x Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 11 Coachair 41 – – – – – x Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 12.3 Hispacold 57 – – – – – x McConnell Y 

A Volvo 3 13.5 Hispacold – 57 – X – – – Sege Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 N/A 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 N/A 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 56 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Spheros – – X – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King – – 41 – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 3 10-12.9 Thermo King – – X – – X – McConnell N 

A Allison 2 12 Cling-Yutong 57 – – – – – X Yutong Y 




A N/A 2 12 Cling-Yutong – – 44 – – X – Yutong Y 

A Allison 2 8 Cling-Yutong – 27 – – X – – Yutong Y 



*Bustech Group comprises Bustech, Elphinstone and Precision Buses. Volgren’s count includes any units from its partnership with Supportrans. 


67

LIVING SOCIAL 

PICTORIAL 

GOOD AS GOLD 

It was touch-and-go for many with the Gold Coast named a hotspot, but QBIC 

2021kicked off in style for the long-awaited gathering. 

IMAGES ROB PARSONS (Through The Looking Glass Studio) 

Above: 

QBIC Conference golf day prior – with yellow carts much 

easier to see in the bunkers, no doubt. 

68 


Top, Left: 

A stunning setting at Sea World 

on the Gold Coast. 

Above: 

The neighbour’s pool just doesn’t 

compete with this. 

Left: 

Looks like he really got into the 

1970s Razzamataz TV ad spirit. 

Opposite, Below (L-R): 

Flipper’s cousins doing final 

jumps before their big Shawshank 

Redemption escape routine later 

that night. 

Below (L-R): 

Whatever the politically correct 

word is for ‘Shagadellic’ - that 

can be used here; The 19th hole 

is always a welcome spot for the 

‘true believers’. 


69

LIVING SOCIAL 

PICTORIAL 

Right: 

QBIC 2021 attracted 

a great crowd. 

Middle (L-R): 

Cracking band, 

working up a storm; 

School Services 

Committee (chair) 

Frank Oliveri doing 

official duties. 

Bottom, (L-R): 

Pre-tee-off check-in 

and golf clubs at the 

ready. Watch out, 

birdies!; Smiley faces 

at QBIC 2021. 


”Look at the stars. 

Look how they shine 

for you...” - this time 

pink, not ‘yellow’. 

Middle (L-R): 

QBIC executive 

director David Tape 

lays down the law: 

“Forks on the left! 

Spoons,knives and 

everything else within 

sight on the right!”; 

‘Cowabunga, dudes!’ 

Bottom, (L-R): 

Waiting for the 

splashes; Bus 

networking at its 

finest between 

sessions. 

70 


usnews.com.au May 2021 ABC 

71

Top: 

They’ve been hanging for a good 

Aussie bus gathering for ages. 

‘Who’da thunk it?’ 

Middle (L-R): 

Bus people wearing their Sunday 

best. Think it was Saturday, though... :); 

“Blinded by the light, revved up like a 

deuce, another runner in the night...’ 

Left: 

‘Hands up if you happen to have a 

blue golf hat on?’ 

72 


Left: 

QBIC 2021 certainly 

had a certain funky 

style. ‘Yeah baby, 

yeah!’ 

Middle (L-R): 

Getting frozen in 

sunny Queensland; 

For the golf victors. 

Bottom, L-R: 

Remembering a BIC 

favourite; ‘Ready! Aim! 

And ... fire!’ 


73

MAXIMISE 

your audience 

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AUDITED CIRCULATION * 

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Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) distributes 

3,315 copies every month based on the auditing 

period April to September 2020. 

These figures are independently audited by the 

Circulations Audit Board (CAB). 

Are Media proudly publishes CAB audit figures for 

Australasian Transport News (ATN), Australasian 

Bus & Coach (ABC) and Owner Driver magazines. 

Visit industry.aremedia.com.au for more information. 

*Average number of copies distributed per issue for the 6 months from April to September 2020. 

†Unique Browsers per month, Google Analytics, March 2021

FROM 35 - 57 

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