32 minute read
news | the front line
ACT GOVT E-BUS ‘MARKET SOUNDING’: 90 BUSES SOUGHT
IN ITS ENDEAVOUR to kick-start its Zero-Emission Transition Plan for Transport Canberra, a ‘market sounding’ for 90 zero-emission battery electric buses – as well as associated operating requirements such as charging infrastructure, maintenance and energy supply – has commenced, the ACT government has announced.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel says the ACT government is exploring opportunities to partner with providers on this transformation of the ACT’s bus fleet and is keen to hear from all parts of industry to inform the future procurement of the 90 battery electric buses in mid-2021.
“Transport is the ACT[’s] largest source of emissions, and we are getting on with our plan of replacing every diesel and compressed natural gas bus in Transport Canberra’s fleet with modern, zero-emission transition based on Transport Canberra’s Zero Emissions Transition Plan and Transport Canberra’s specific operational needs,” he said.
buses,” Minister Steel said.
“The ACT government released the Transport Canberra’s Zero Emissions Transition Plan in September and now we are preparing to procure the first tranche of 90 battery electric buses, with the commencement of a market sounding,” he explained.
The first of the 90 buses are expected to commence operation in the 2021–22 financial year, with the last to be delivered no later than 2024, the government explains.
“The ACT government wants to hear from everyone who would like to be involved in delivering the zero-emissions transition – from bus manufacturers, energy providers, electric bus charging station companies to the broader construction industry,” said Minister Steel.
“This market sounding will inform the design of the final procurement approach to deliver a successful
Above:
Minister Steel said the ACT government wanted “...to hear from everyone who would like to be involved in delivering the zero-emissions transition”.
Below:
The old Renault bus fleet is looking to be replaced with emissionfree electric alternatives. GETTING INVOLVED
According to the ACT government, interested parties can register through the Tenders ACT or Transport Canberra websites, so they can keep informed and involved in the upcoming industry briefing process and formal market soundings.
“This process is not just about delivering 90 battery electric buses. We are seeking innovative solutions to how we house and support, charge and maintain the fleet, as well as how we can partner with energy providers that will make the transition successful in the ACT,” said Minister Steel.
“The market sounding is the next step in achieving our target of a zero-emission public transport
system by 2040 or earlier, and providing clean, quiet and reliable bus services across Transport Canberra’s Network.”
SHORT-TERM DIESELS
As part of the government’s Zero-Emission Transition plan it has also announced that a tender will be released early 2021 to lease 34 replacement buses, in order to retire the remaining orange Renault PR100 series buses pre-dating emissions standards and are not Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.
The tender to replace the 34 buses will encourage approaches from providers of both battery electric and diesel buses that meet Transport Canberra’s short-term operational requirements and the objectives of Transport Canberra’s Zero Emissions Transition Plan, it states.
“The old orange Renault buses have served Canberra well, but their black diesel fumes and out-dated and inaccessible design will not be missed,” Minister Steel said.
“The tender for these leased buses will be an open market process, available to all respondents including electric bus providers, to meet our short term operational needs, before our fleet of Transport Canberra electric buses is operational.”
“When the 34 replacement buses enter service in the second half of 2021, every bus in the Transport Canberra fleet will comply with Disability Discrimination Act standards and be wheelchair and pram accessible,” Minister Steel said.
MAKING CONTACT
Registrations for interested parties in the first tranche procurement of 90 electric buses can now be made online on the Tenders ACT website, or via the Transport Canberra website.
Implementing a pathway for zero emissions public transport is a Parliamentary and Governing Agreement item and the commitment to purchase 90 electric buses is an ACT Labor election commitment, it states.
COACHWORKS SOLD TO ROYANS
AUSTRALASIA’S LARGEST transport accident-repair specialist Royans has announced the acquisition of Brisbane-based bus and coach specialist Coachworks, recently.
With more than 30 years in the business, Coachworks is an industry leader specialising in the repair and refurbishment of buses and coaches, with services including: accident repairs, refurbishment, retrofitting, refinishing, mini bus conversions and spare parts sales, it states.
Coachworks’ Scott Isaacs will continue to manage the business and customers can expect to receive the same personal local service from the whole Coachworks team, Royans confirms.
Coachworks is located in Acacia Ridge, Queensland, and now provides new owner Royans with a second Brisbane metro location just 20 minutes away from its Wacol branch, it says.
This now provides customers with three specialised workshops in Brisbane following the recent construction of a dedicated light/medium truck repair workshop at the Wacol site, in addition to the existing large truck and trailer accident repair workshop, Royans states.
Coachworks occupies 3,500 square metres of workshop including three spray booths and a smaller parts booth that make up the paint shop; there are three additional workspaces equipped to specialise in accident repairs and refurbishment; manufacturing and mini bus conversions; and retrofitting and project works as required by the industry. The capability of the business is underpinned by the 55 staff members covering many trades and years of experience specifically in the bus and coach industry, Royans confirms.
EXCITING EXPANSION
Commenting on the acquisition, Royans CEO David Church, said: “The partnership with Coachworks is really exciting for Royans as we expand our service offering further into buses and coaches.
“We have long-term experience with bus and coach accident repairs throughout our network, and we can now build on that with the expertise Scott and the Coachworks team bring to Royans.
“We look forward to working with Scott and the team and using this combined knowledge and experience to continue to provide a premium service offering to our customers.”
Church added: “At Royans everything we do is designed to get our customers back on the road fast. The addition of specialised workshops like Coachworks into our network, not only expands our footprint, but adds to the specialised skillset of our workforce.
“This – along with the most experienced staff in the business and the latest in equipment, systems and processes - ensures we can deliver quality repairs with minimal downtime to our customers.”
Above:
Coachworks is located in Acacia Ridge, Queensland, and now provides new owner Royans with a second Brisbane metro location.
IVECO BUS CELEBRATES 125-YEAR PRODUCTION
AS THE LARGEST bus manufacturing plant in Europe, the Vysoké Mýto Iveco Bus facility – located 180km east of the Czech Republic capital city Prague – has celebrated its 125-year anniversary of production, the company announced recently.
Home to local iconic companies Sodomka and Karosa, the Iveco Vysoke Myto plant has a long-lasting tradition of producing intercity buses and coaches since foundation 125 years ago, the company explains.
With more than 3,800 employees, plus 1,700 subcontractors, it is one of the largest employers in the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe, and Europe’s largest bus manufacturer, with more than 4,000 vehicles made per year, Iveco confi rms.
This 125th anniversary is, above all, an opportunity to highlight the constant innovations achieved by Josef Sodomka Jr. and his successors, Iveco explains. Original technical solutions have become the basis for the launch of new bus model ranges, many of which have been world-renowned and welcomed passengers for decades, it adds.
There are fi ve key models that originated from the Vysoké Mýto plant that Iveco Bus is highlighting during its milestone. These are:
ŠKODA 706 RTO
Although the fi rst bus left the local factory in 1928, the production of buses did not start in full force until the 1950s. At that time, the main program of the Vysoké Mýto plant became the production of the Škoda 706 RO models developed in Mladá Boleslav, Iveco says.
Since 1956 it has been followed by the Škoda 706 RTO model, one of the design symbols of Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. In 1960 the Karosa plant made the fi rst articulated bus in Czechoslovakia. During series manufacturing until 1971, 14,969 buses were made in the design for urban, intercity and long-distance transport, it says.
KAROSA Š 11
From 1965 the production of Š 11 series buses gradually kept developing in Karosa, Iveco states. The outstanding feature resulting from the fact that the whole vehicle consisted of six main prefabricated panels boosted this product up to the leading position on a global scale, it confi rms. In total the plant made 26,769 Š 11 buses.
KAROSA 700
The successful and popular ‘ŠMs’ were
The rebrand solidifi es the company’s stance as an industry leader in the future of Australian mass mobility solutions, according to the Bustech Group.
AUSTRALIAN BUS CORP REBRANDED TO BUSTECH GROUP
IN A MOVE that seems as inevitable and logical as it does practical, the ‘working title’ Australian Bus Corporation – representing the conglomeration that was Bustech, Precision Buses and Elphinstone – has been rebranded more succinctly as ‘Bustech Group’, the company has announced.
Touted as a major rebrand “to become one integrated mobility
replaced by the new 700 range, in the production of which a panel construction system was also used, says Iveco. However, the innovation consisted of moving the engine and transmission behind the rear axle. From the beginning of series production in 1981 until its end in 1999, a total of 37,166 of all types of vehicles in this range left the plant gates, Iveco says.
KAROSA 900
After the privatisation of the company in 1993, Karosa started the development of a new product range 900. The most important Récréo model was the first bus to have a significant impact on Western markets, especially in France, Germany and Italy, says Iveco.
Thanks to the relevant penetration of the 900 series into new markets, the production of these buses tripled between 1995 and 2006. A total of 13,071 buses were manufactured, almost half of which were exported to France.
THE CROSSWAY
The start of production of the Crossway range dates to 2006, which has gradually become the most successful intercity bus with more than 45,000 units sold, Iveco explains.
The vehicles designed for urban or intercity transport have a built-in six-cylinder Iveco engine, together with a ZF or Voith gearbox. The majority of these vehicles from Vysoké Mýto are exported into mostly European countries, but it is also successfully exported into Africa, Iveco says.
Pictured:
This 125th anniversary is, above all, an opportunity to highlight the constant innovations achieved by Josef Sodomka Jr. and his successors, Iveco explains.
brand” and “building on its successful foundation as Australia’s leading independent bus manufacturer”, the Bustech Group rebrands with “a renewed promise to deliver innovative mobility solutions enabled by technology to drive the future of mass mobility in Australia,” it states. Coinciding with the unveiling of the new brand, Bustech Group launched a new logo and an updated corporate website (www.bustechgroup.com.au) focused on designing, building and delivering market-leading mobility solutions tailored to the needs of its customers, the group states.
The rebrand solidifies the company’s stance as an industry leader in the future of Australian mass mobility solutions, it adds.
“The Bustech Group rebrand reinforces our vision to fuse new transport technologies with our unrivalled bus experience to create innovative mass transit solutions,” said Christian Reynolds, ex-Tesla executive and chairman of the new Bustech Group.
“Harmonising the two brands will strengthen our capacity to meet market demand and execute on our technology and innovation roadmap.
“The rebrand also represents the evolution of Bustech Group as a leader in the next generation of connected transit and reaffirms our core ethos of producing innovative transit solutions to better serve our customers,” Reynolds said.
ABOUT BUSTECH GROUP
Bustech Group is an Australian bus group designed for a connected world – delivering integrated, low-emission mass mobility solutions enabled by technology, it explains.
Its buses are designed, built and manufactured in Australia to the specific needs of its customers, it says.
With an emphasis on sovereign capacity and mutually beneficial local supplier partnerships, the Bustech Group operates a micro-factory model driving local economic growth whilst reducing its environmental footprint, the company states.
“We believe the future of mass transit is a connected ecosystem with buses at the heart - and we are committed to enabling the next generation of connected transit,” it stated.
ADVANCED SAFETY KEY TO V/LINE PURCHASE
TWO NEW Mercedes-Benz chassis with BCI bodies have received ‘the thumbs-up’ on V/Line runs in the return Melbourne to Mildura and Swan Hill areas, according to Swan Hill Bus Lines (SHBL), in Victoria.
The family bus company added two new three-axle MB Euro 6 OC500RF based coaches with BCI ‘Cruiser’ bodies to its V/Line service for the long country runs.
Owned by husband and wife Peter and Sue Pickering and operated by a very experienced team that includes their children Emma and Lachlan, Peter says they are very happy with them and that: “They are extremely quiet and comfortable.
“Most importantly, they are fitted with the most advanced safety features like advanced emergency braking and a lane departure warning system, and keeping our passengers and the community safe is paramount for Swan Hill Bus Lines.”
Swan Hill Bus Lines (aka BusBiz.net.au) is also expecting the buses to deliver when it comes to durability given the performance of existing Mercedes-Benz buses with BCI bodies on its fleet, the company states.
Pickering points to the example of a group of 0500RF coaches with BCI bodies operating for TrainLink in New South Wales.
“They have each done 800,000km in three years and stood up to it really well,” Pickering said.
“We are confident that the combination of the OC500RF chassis and BCI delivers the comfort and durability that we rely on.”
NATURALLY EFFICIENT
The two new V/Line coaches feature the 10.7-litre six-cylinder engine that meets strict Euro 6 emission standards while also saving fuel, says MB.
Pickering is pleased with the initial fuel economy results, which are showing a 5 per cent saving over the Euro 5 coaches in the fleet, he confirms.
The new engines, which are paired to the smooth-shifting six-speed Mercedes-Benz eight-speed Automated Manual Transmission, are naturally efficient, but Mercedes-Benz also provides driver training free of charge for each new vehicle purchase, to help drivers really maximise the efficiency of the vehicle, MD adds.
Euro 6 standards also require the engines to meet tough noise standards and Pickering says they are extremely quiet.
The three-axle models are 14.5m meters long and feature steerable tag axles at the rear for a tight turning circle, MD confirms.
The V/Line models feature the latest safety technology available, including advanced emergency braking, which uses radar technology and can perform an emergency braking in the event of a potential collision without input from the driver, it adds.
They also have the Lane Assistant system, which uses a camera to detect if the bus is inadvertently leaving its lane and warns the driver with a vibration alert. The alert is not triggered if the indicator is engaged or below 70km/h, MB clarifies.
The buses also feature an electronic stability program, which can reduce the risk of skidding during cornering, or during evasive manoeuvres by braking individual wheels to maintain control.
Above, Below:
Initial fuelefficiency results show a 5 per cent saving over the Euro 5 coaches in the fleet, confirms Swan Hill Bus Lines’ Peter Pickering. SCHEDULED SERVICES
Mercedes-Benz says it also offers a range of flexible purchase options including flexible finance and leasing terms from 12 months up to 10 years, fixed interest rates, no ongoing monthly fees and structured payments with tailored repayments to suit the customer’s cash flow.
The company’s service plans allow for customers to plan for service and maintenance costs up front and maximise the residual value of the bus at the end of the ownership period. This includes scheduled services and maintenance to help keep the vehicle in good running condition, it explains.
Also available to bus and coach customers is Mercedes-Benz Telematics, which provides customer fleets with an overview of vehicle performance and enables the Mercedes-Benz team to work with customers to identify areas for improvement to ensure overall maximum efficiencies are realised, it adds.
SCHEME LAUNCHED FOR LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYED
AN INNOVATIVE multi-partner-backed bus driver training scheme is helping 16 new potential drivers enter the industry, addressing their long-term unemployed status in the process.
Not-for-profi t organisation Youth Activating Youth (YAY) is creating job opportunities during the pandemic for the 16 long-term unemployed Victorians to become bus drivers via its new Journey Maker Employment Program in January 2020, in a partnership with the Victorian government, Transdev and Australia Industry Group.
The aim was always to create ongoing job opportunities for community members experiencing long-term unemployment; however, within weeks the program was forced to rethink its delivery strategy due to COVID-19 restrictions, which meant no physical contact with community members, Transdev explains.
“The aim of the Journey Maker Employment Program is to help disadvantaged members of our community experiencing long-term unemployment to re-connect with the workforce,” said Ahmed Hassan, executive director, Youth Activating Youth.
“With Victorians facing a lengthy period of economic uncertainty due to the pandemic, it made it even more critical that we were able to provide access to retraining and up-skilling into sectors with job opportunities,” he said.
REGISTRATION INTEREST
YAY worked with the Victorian state government and mobility provider Transdev to launch the program and offer extensive online interview and careers coaching to assist successful applicants and ensure that they were ready for comprehensive on-road training, Transdev explains.
The initiative received more than 180 registrations, with the Youth Activating Youth team providing one-on-one support for each applicant to prepare them for the interview process, while also facilitating online workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and mock recorded and face-to-face interview training.
Following a thorough recruitment process, 16 applicants aged between 25–54 years were chosen to fi ll the 16 driver positions. Each applicant completed extensive on-road training for their role with a VicRoads accredited heavy vehicle training and assessment provider before completing Transdev-specifi c training and induction with the support of Transdev’s dedicated training team, the operator states.
Above:
Matoc Achol is one of the drivers that have joined Transdev as part of the employment program. SHAPING JOURNEYS
“At Transdev, we defi ne ourselves not by our roles or job functions but rather by the aim of being Journey Makers, a title which acknowledges the impact that each one of our 5,800 employees across Australia and New Zealand have in helping to shape customers journey[s] and experience on public transport,” said Paul Birch, Transdev chief people and culture offi cer.
Hassan states that companies hiring long-term unemployed have reportedly experienced higher retention rates and greater workforce loyalty, which could be an unexpected competitive edge in an increasingly challenging market.
“The Journey Maker Employment Program has helped to show the benefi ts and positive effects of hiring disadvantaged members of our community and involving them in the workplace, and we look forward to working with more corporations on similar initiatives” said Hassan.
BUS & COACH RETROFITTING
Whether you’re looking for an extensive remodelling conversion or a necessary retrofit we can transform single vehicles to full fleets, with seating solutions to rest room facilities or air conditioning we have the ability to meet your requirements.
Seating Arrangements: Luxury coach seating to high capacity school bus solutions. Wheel Chair Accessibility: Lift & ramp installations, wheel chair restraint systems. Rest Room Facilities: Basic toilet facilities to luxury wash rooms. Vehicle Accessories: Bull bars, bumper bar and tow bars. Electrical & Audio Visual: Safety systems, surveillance, mining & Audio visual upgrades. Safety systems, surveillance, mining & Audio visual upgrades.
P: (07) 3344 4544
E: info@coachworks.com.au info@coachworks.com.au W: www.coachworks.com.au www.coachworks.com.au
TRANSDEV RECRUITMENT DRIVE RAMPS UP
MOBILITY COMPANY Transdev intends to create up to 300 new trainee jobs throughout 2021, with up to 100 of those due to commence by the end of January, the company has announced.
As more Aussies start returning to their workplaces and daily routines, Transdev will be undertaking a training and recruitment blitz in the coming months to provide customers with peace of mind when travelling and meet increased demand, it explains.
Transdev Australasia chief people and culture officer Paul Birch says a variety of different skills were required within the public transport sector, beyond simply driving a vehicle.
“Every day our team of ‘Journey Makers’ provides thousands of Australians with safe, reliable and comfortable journeys on our services, and having a highly skilled workforce is essential,” Birch said.
“The opportunities at Transdev are vast and we employ everyone from drivers, mechanics, spray-painters to transport planners, business development managers and cyber-security experts.
“In response to the current climate the transport industry is changing rapidly and we are welcoming more people with transferable skills from industries such as customer service, finance and aviation into our workplace,” he said.
INCREASING DIVERSITY
Transdev is one of the largest multi-modal providers of public transport in the Pacific region, delivering bus, train, ferry, light rail and on-demand services which, on average, transport more than 137 million passengers each year, it states.
Birch says he hopes the move would help to make the transport industry more attractive to more people and increase diversity throughout the sector.
“As a business, Transdev is essentially in the people sector; that is, we are a team of people serving people. It is for this reason that having a diverse workforce is critical,” Birch added.
“In providing a high standard of customer experience it is important that our ‘journey makers’ reflect and represent the community in which they serve.
“While we’ve invested significantly to achieve greater diversity across our workforce, there’s always more that we can do across the industry.
“Through our recruitment initiatives, we are hoping to attract people who may not [have] ever considered a career in public transport, such as women, school leavers, and those from indigenous backgrounds.”
Above:
Warwick Chaseling, a 34-year-old trainee bus driver with Transdev NSW Bus operations under guidance from Transdev bus-driver trainer Stephen Boehme. DRIVER RECRUITMENT
As part of Transdev’s new intake of trainees and training for existing employees throughout 2021, one such participant is 34-year-old Warwick Chaseling – an ex-pizza store employee with a hospitality background - and now new to the bus industry as a trainee driver.
In terms of how he’s enjoying it, Chaseling says it is a bit of a learning curve going from driving a car to driving a large and expensive vehicle like a bus, but ultimately “…the fundamentals are the same.”
“The main driver for changing careers for me was job security – buses and public transport is essential, they are thing that is going to be around for quite some time, which is certainty you just don’t get in other industries,” he explained.
“I have been in hospitality for more than 10 years and knew it fairly well and it was time for a change.
“There’s a chance for growth and variance in the public transport industry as there are a lot of different career pathways beyond just driving, which I didn’t realise until I’d started.
“I really enjoy driving and, coming from a hospitality background, I love interacting with customers.
“I am fortunate that the job allows me to combine my love of driving with my passion for customer service,” Chaseling said.
“At the moment the majority of my work are split shifts, which is very similar to what I was used to in hospitality.
“Unlike in hospitality where you are working during the day, the split shifts I am on means that I have flexibility to do something in the middle of the day – whether it is going to the beach or the gym,” he stated.
ADL-BYD TO BUILD E-BUSES ‘FULLY’ IN BRITAIN
SINGLE AND DOUBLE-DECK e-buses produced via the current Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD (UK) partnership for the British domestic market will use BYD chassis “designed and assembled” locally, starting from the second half of 2021, the companies have jointly announced.
This significant step has been taken in response to the increasing demand for zero-emission vehicles, they state. It further strengthens the partnership’s market-leading position while underpinning jobs in Britain and developing skills in the growing market for clean vehicle technology, they add.
The move will ensure completed vehicles are built in ADL’s facilities in the UK, they say.
Electric bus chassis assembly will take place in ADL’s facilities with on-the-ground support from the BYD team, and is planned to commence in the second half of 2021, the companies confirm.
ADL – with its Scottish bus origins dating from 1902 – is now a subsidiary of independent global North American-based bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc. (NFI). China-origin automaker BYD was founded in 1995 is a global leader in cars, buses, trucks, batteries, energy management and electric mobility.
Since it began in 2015, the ADL-BYD partnership has gone from strength to strength, with more than 500 electric buses delivered or on order, they state. These have, “…clocked up a combined over 16 million emission-free miles of reliable service in London, as well as numerous towns and cities across the UK.”
According to ADL, more than 70 per cent of electric buses introduced in Britain in this period were supplied by the BYD ADL partnership.
Above:
“I am delighted that we’re moving our electric bus partnership to this next level and building complete zero-emission buses for the UK market in the UK,” said ADL president and managing director Paul Davies. THE CHANGE
Until now, chassis for the BYD ADL Enviro200EV single deck and BYD ADL Enviro400EV double deck buses were fully built by BYD before being delivered to ADL’s facilities to have their bodywork fitted in the UK, ADL confirms.
BYD UK managing director Frank Thorpe: “This news underpins the fantastic relationship we have with ADL in the UK. We have always worked closely to deliver the highest quality products and services, and we are confident that production of complete vehicles here in the UK will bring even greater efficiencies for our customers.
“More importantly, this commitment from both BYD and ADL is also a reflection of the acceptance of e-mobility from local authorities, bus operators and their passengers.
“Electrification in our towns and cities is gathering pace, and the BYD ADL partnership is spearheading the drive towards a more sustainable future,” he said.
ADL president and managing director Paul Davies, said: “I am delighted that we’re moving our electric bus partnership to this next level and building complete zero-emission buses for the UK market in the UK.
“This ensures that investment in sustainable transport for our towns and cities delivers full economic benefits to communities right across the country,” he added.
Left:
UK 2019 Bus Awards (L-R): Kieran Proctor, Dave Lambert, Marc Knott, Carol Crichton and Martin White. The silver accolade was for innovation in the New Horizons award for the powerful new features in CrewPLAN – the Omnibus crew optimisation system.
BUSLINES NSW AUTOMATES PROCESSES FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
UK PASSENGER TRANSPORT software specialist Omnibus has digitalised Buslines NSW’s scheduling processes to aid the company’s continued expansion, according to the company.
Australian bus operator Buslines operates a fleet of 380 buses, servicing a network of bus routes in major regional towns throughout NSW.
The Group’s operations carry more than 10 million customers annually and employs more than 500 staff.
Buslines operates across 13 locations in rural and regional NSW: Berrima, Picton, Ulladulla, Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Griffith, Tamworth, Forster, Wingham, Ballina and Northern Rivers.
The operator adopted Omnibus scheduling software to replace its previous manual system for creating shifts and rosters. The aim was to digitalise the process to allow for continued growth of the business and build a scheduling capability within Buslines’ existing employees who have long-term operational, planning and scheduling experience, says Omnibus. To facilitate this, training for Buslines schedulers was conducted remotely by the Omnibus team in Australian local time.
Management accountant for Buslines, David D’Apuzzo, said: “We had heard through other operators about the excellent software and support offered by Omnibus, and after meeting
“This new facility will improve efficiency for bus commuters, and combined with other major transport upgrades for the area, will make it easier for people to travel to and from the City of Stirling,” said Western Australia transport minister Rita Saffioti.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIA state government has matched the federal government’s $45 million Stirling Bus Interchange upgrade contribution, bringing total project investment to $90 million for a massive modern 30-stand bus facility, it’s been announced.
To be delivered by the Main Roads WA as part of Stephenson Avenue Extension project, the McGowan government has allocated the $45 million to upgrade one of Perth’s busiest bus interchanges in the northern suburbs.
The Stirling Bus Interchange project, adjoining Stirling Station and the Mitchell Freeway, includes upgrading the existing
Peter Crichton at a conference in Canberra we invited them to provide a demonstration.”
D’Apuzzo was particularly impressed with how user-friendly the Omnibus software is, stating: “It is obvious that it has been written by people with a scheduling background rather than software engineers trying to write a program.
“Also, it was refreshing to deal with software providers that showed a genuine interest in improving our business, so it was a simple choice in picking Omnibus.”
Buslines is already looking at adding OmniDAS, the market-leading driver and vehicle allocation system, Omnibus says.
D’Apuzzo concluded: “Peter and team have been great to work with. No task has been too difficult and whenever we’ve raised a question they’ve come up with a solution.”
ABOUT OMNIBUS
Omnibus provides passenger transport software - to timetable, schedule, staff, record, manage and publicise services around the world - saving customers time and money, the company states.
Designed to be flexible enough to meet with a client’s unique demands, Omnibus software is employed by some of the world’s largest passenger transport organisations and some of the smallest, too, it explains.
The extensive range of software is designed for public transport operators, local authorities or executives, and encompasses timetabling, scheduling and operational requirements, it explains.
18-stand facility to a 30-stand bus interchange, along with construction of a new pedestrian access bridge between Stirling Station and the southern car park, the government confirms.
Rail patronage at Stirling is predicted to almost double by 2031, based on planned land use intensification and population growth as part of the Stirling City Centre, which is expected to result in an increase in bus patronage, it explains.
With 65 buses using the existing 18-stand facility per hour during peak, the interchange is often full and buses sometimes need to loop around onto Cedric Street between dropping off and picking up passengers, contributing to traffic congestion on the busy arterial road, the government says.
MINIMISED DISRUPTION
By co-ordinating the project with the Stephenson Avenue works, the Public Transport Authority and Main Roads WA will be able to streamline the design and construction process, minimising disruption to motorists, bus and rail passengers and the surrounding community, it says.
Contract award for the project is anticipated to take place in mid-2021, with construction to begin soon after and works to be completed in 2023.
Transport minister Rita Saffioti: “Through the mid-year review process we have allocated $45 million towards the Stirling Bus Interchange project, which combined with the Commonwealth government’s funding contribution earlier this year, will see the current 18-stand facility upgraded to a 30-stand facility.
“The City of Stirling is a thriving city with significant employment, retail and commercial opportunities and will grow over coming decades, so it’s important we continue to plan and deliver the infrastructure needed for the future.
“This new facility will improve efficiency for bus commuters, and combined with other major transport upgrades for the area, will make it easier for people to travel to and from the City of Stirling.
“Work on Stage 1 of Stephenson Avenue is well underway, and by delivering the Stirling Bus Interchange works consecutively with the roadworks, it will streamline the construction process and reduce disruption impacts for residents.”
DOUBLED PATRONAGE
Balcatta MLA David Michael said: “The Stirling Bus Interchange is one of the busiest bus interchanges in Perth.
“Many people use the bus interchange to access the train station, and with rail patronage at Stirling Station set to double by 2031, this will only increase.
“Combined with the Mitchell Freeway northbound upgrades, that are almost complete, along with Stage 1 of Stephenson Avenue works, which are well underway, we are continuing to deliver for Balcatta residents.”
TRANSDEV PROVIDES CHRISTMAS BUS
TRANSDEV MELBOURNE loaned ‘the big man in red himself’ Santa Claus a specially decorated Christmas bus to stand in for his reindeer and help spread some cheer to children and families staying in Very Special Kids’ Hospice in Malvern East over Christmas.
Transdev staff were happy to help Santa with an early Christmas surprise for children with life-threatening illnesses by dropping in on one of Very Special Kids’ music therapy sessions, according to the company.
Very Special Kids is a children’s charity supporting families across Victoria that have a child with a life-threatening condition. The music therapy session is just one of the ways Very Special Kids supports approximately 850 families across Victoria, Transdev explains.
Other services include counselling, advocacy, sibling programs, bereavement support and specialist care at the Very Special Kids Hospice.
Transdev acting managing director Ian Craig said: “We strongly believe in giving back to the communities in which we operate and part of what makes Christmas special for many of us is spending time with our families.
“We hope that our support will raise awareness and funds, which will allow Very Special Kids to continue providing much needed hope and comfort for Victorian families who have a child with a life threatening condition.”
Very Special Kids chief executive offi cer Michael Wasley said: “Very Special Kids is incredibly grateful for Transdev Melbourne’s support, particularly during such a challenging year. The opportunity to share our Christmas Appeal through billboards across Melbourne has been fantastic.
“Very Special Kids relies on the generous support of the community to support around 850 families that have a child with a life-limiting condition at no cost,” he added.
GENERATING AWARENESS
As part of the visit, Transdev Melbourne donated funds raised by staff to Very Special Kids’ Christmas Fundraising Campaign, the company confi rms. It has also helped spread awareness of the fundraising campaign by securing $200,000-worth of advertising space around Melbourne, it states.
The theme of the Christmas appeal highlighted the important role Very Special Kids plays in providing specialist care and support services for families who have a child with a life-threatening illness and calls on Victorians to donate to support their work.
Throughout 2020, Transdev also supported Very Special Kids with donations raised through staff fundraising initiatives as part of its Community Partnership Program.
Above:
Very Special Kids chief executive offi cer Michael Wasley and Transdev acting managing director Ian Craig fl ank the ‘OG main man in red’, Father Christmas.
THE WOT!?!
BIGGER BOAT?
This eye-catching shark bus was snapped up for NZ$31,500 (A$29,310) recently after being viewed more than 195,000 times on New Zealand webite Trade Me. Firmly resisting sinking our teeth into shark puns, this 2005 Toyota Coaster Bus – adorned with a giant shark’s head, fi n and a, presumably worried, penguin – was posted by Luke Fairless from Turners Auckland. Deemed unroadworthy and with a potential repair bill of thousands of dollars, it will require more than CHUMp change to get this monster back up and running!
MANIC MONDAY
There were dramatic scenes in the Sydney CBD on the evening of Monday, January 11 when a bus went up in fl ames. The fi re, which occurred at the junction of Parramatta Road and Glebe Point Road, started after the bus lost power and smoke started pouring from the front. Luckily, driver Kenny Brown managed to quickly evacuate the passengers and there were no casualties reported. A spokesperson from Transit Systems, which operates the bus, commented: “Initial reports suggest that the fi re started at the front of the bus, indicating that it was not an engine bay fi re. We will continue to work with the Offi ce of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) to determine the cause of the fi re.”
CHARGING AHEAD
Coventry and Oxford are facing off in a competition to become the fi rst town or city in the UK to run all-electric bus services. With both currently building business cases, the Department for Transport (DfT) says each area could be awarded up to £50 million to replace fl eets and install the necessary infrastructure. “As we build back greener from Covid-19, we can provide people with more environmentally friendly transport and cleaner air,” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. “Coventry and Oxford could soon be at the forefront of our plans for a new era of bus services, helping us develop the green transport network of the future and support jobs right here in the UK.” The two fi nalists were chosen from 19 bids received across England.
