Australasian Bus & Coach 407 July 2021

ABC

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

GO BUS NZ SCHOOL CONTRACTS EXPANDED SEALINK-GO WEST ACQUISITION COMPLETE HYZON HYDROGEN MINING COACH FLEET

ISSUE 407 July 2021 $5.95 inc GST

SCOOP!

LION’S ROAR

MAN’S GOLD DESIGN AWARD-WINNING AND LONG-DISTANCE SPECIALIST E-BUS TECH IS COMING!

operator: baxters bus lines, nsw driven: man-austral double-deck deliveries: triple figures

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19/7/21 9:59 am

BLK Auto

Zero Emissions our Mission HYDROGEN FUEL CELL BUS & COACH | FULL ELECTRIC | DIESEL EURO 5 & 6

OUR STORY BLK Auto is a specialist importer and distributor with more than six decades of experience and knowledge in engineering, compliance, importing and selling commercial vehicles in Australia and New Zealand. The company grew out of the former BCSA , distributor and pioneer for the BLK Brand in Australasia for the past decade. While bus is the corner stone of the company’s operations, trucks and other vehicle will be part of the BLK Auto’s future

OUR COMPANY  Ensure that vehicles are engineered and specified for our unique and testing conditions  Reputation for reliability, efficiency, cost effectiveness  After sales service and backup is second to none with 24/7 support  Experienced team with extensive knowledge  Well stocked spare parts for all our vehicles across Australia and New Zealand

SALES SERVICE PARTS

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OUR PROMISE BLK Auto offers the latest technology in its vehicle range including: • The latest safety technology in braking systems, stability control and other safety standards • The latest advances in vehicle design and engineering, including zero emissions technology promising a cleaner transport environment.

Call our Team on P: 1300 287 377 Luke Eldred 0419 654 389 Jason Pecotic 0414 793 639 A: 44 Commerce Circuit Yatala Qld E: info@blkauto.com.au W: blkauto.com.au

20/7/21 9:09 am

contents ISSUE 407 JULY 2021

08 in the know

6. editorial | ignition Only last issue was editor Cotter cockily raising a glass of red at his local pub karaoke in honour of ABC peers stuck in interstate lockdowns. But now it comes back to haunt him. Oh how so much has happened in just a month.

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.

22. bic column

AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE To vax or not to vax? That is the question for bus operators and their staff.

in focus

24. In focus | blue mountains explorer closes

ICONIC BLUE MOUNTAINS BUSTOURISM COMPANY CLOSES One of the longest-running tourism businesses in one of Australia’s

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most iconic tourist destinations – the internationally recognised Blue Mountain Explorer Bus fleet in the NSW Blue Mountains – has closed indefinitely, making it the latest bus business victim of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scania vehicles are rolling worldwide, continuously sharing data for analysis – with 1,486 of them being connected Scania buses and coaches operating in Australia, Scania Australia confirms.

26. In focus | zf bus software

PARTS GUIDE TO BOOST SAFETY

32. In focus | oem parts

ZF E-BUS ‘ENERGY REGULATION’ SOFTWARE LAUNCHED German tech giant ZF has launched new ‘energy management software’ for electric commercial vehicles.

A heavy vehicle association ‘good practice’ guide highlighting safetycritical bus and truck replacement-

28. In focus | scania hydrid

SCANIA COMMISSIONS HYBRIDELECTRIC DEMO-DRIVE BUS Scania Australia has commissioned a locally built hybrid-electric city bus for demonstration duties in a bid to expose its real-world benefits to operators around the country, the company has announced.

30. In focus | scania connected

SCANIA ‘PLUGS IN’ OVER 500,000 CONNECTED VEHICLES In excess of half a million connected

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ABC July 2021 busnews.com.au

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EDITORIAL Editor: Fabian Cotter ph: 0451 194 600 e-mail: Fabian.Cotter@primecreative.com.au Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT:

PRODUCTION

Facebook – facebook.com/ABCBusnews YouTube – bit.ly/busandcoachtv Twitter – twitter.com/ABCmag

Art Director: Bea Barthelson

Production Co-Ordinator: Cat Fitzpatrick

PRINTING IVE Print

ADVERTISING Trader Group Sales Manager: James Rock

part importance has been issued to industry.

ph: 0419 139 941 James.Rock@primecreative.com.au VIC Sales: Matt Alexander ph: 00413 599 669 e-mail: Matt.Alexander@primecreative.com.au

34. In focus | volvo e-bus heat tests

VOLVO E-BUS CLIMATE TESTS BODE WELL FOR OZ

QLD Sales: Hollie Tinker ph: 0466 466 945 e-mail: Hollie.Tinker@primecreative.com.au

With the impending official launch of the BZL electric bus chassis into the Australian market, current Volvo e-bus testing overseas in varying temperature conditions should provide somewhat insightful to local operators here.

SA/WA Sales: Nick Lenthall mobile: 0439 485 835 e-mail: Nick.Lenthall@primecreative.com.au

NSW Sales: Con Zarocostas mobile: 04357 594 238 e-mail: Con.Zarocostas@primecreative.com.au

38. coverstory | man e-bus tech

SUBSCRIPTIONS

KINGS OF LEON

www.magshop.com.au

In Europe, MAN’s e-bus tech and stylish body design is winning it all sorts of awards and plaudits from within industry. Think the big German’s tech advances may never make it here in time or at all? Think again. Fabian Cotter investigates.

e-mail: magshop@magshop.com.au ph: 1300 461 528 between 8am – 6pm (EST) Mon – Fri mail: Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW, 2001 Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $89* NZ: $A100.05 Overseas: $A122.50 (Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST

EXECUTIVE GROUP

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46. operator profile | baxter’s coaches

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

We caught up with Baxter’s Bus Lines’ semi-retired MD Garry Baxter, who has been working in the bus industry for decades. He shared glimpses of his business journey with us while discussing the current issues facing the public transport sector in New South Wales. Anjali Behl writes.

54. test drive | 1988 austral man

CHILDHOOD DREAM

It’s time to break out the perming tongs as 1988 is still going strong, albeit in the guise of a double-deck Austral MAN. Cruising the outskirts of Sydney as a member of Glenorie Coaches’ fleet, this is a nostalgia trip that still draws the crowds. Paul Aldridge took it out on the road.

departments

64. 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!

CEO: John Murphy Publisher: Christine Clancy COO: Zelda Tupicoff Operations Manager: Regina Fellner Trader Group Sales Director: Brad Buchanan

ABC is published by Prime Creative Media 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Telephone: (+61) 03 9690 8766 Website: www.primecreative.com.au

ISSN 1324-8634 Member: Circulations Audit Board

Circulation 3,312

CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD

(CAB Audit, March 2021)

Largest circulating bus and coach magazine in Australasia CIRCULATIONS DISTRIBUTION AUDIT BOARD

70. 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!

Distribution within Australia and New Zealand and beyond by paid subscription to the owners and managers of: • route buses • government bus operations • school buses • extended and day tour operations • express coaches • country and charter operations • bus and coach manufacturers • equipment suppliers • tourism attractions • railways management.

Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) magazine is owned by Prime Creative Media. All material in ABC is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. Opinions expressed in ABC are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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20/07/2021 4:41:35 PM

IGNITION

FABIAN COTTER

Coronavirus – A Love Story Much of the country is now back in lockdowns or dealing with indefinite restrictions. Our fault? Surely not. Or is it?

M

y Cousin Vinny is a brilliant flick. Seen it? You should.

Actor Joe Pesci, as wannabe lawyer Vinny, needs to get his cousin (Ralph that Karate Kid kid) off the hook for some mistaken-identity crime of sorts, so he is stressed out at the seemingly insurmountable odds needed to win the case in some town in Alabama, USA. Now, there is this scene where he and his fiancée, played by Italian-American siren Marisa Tomei – a walking almanac of automobile facts and figures – are out on the deck of a cabin in the woods, contemplating the case, her biological clock, and all sorts of roller-coaster moments that life has thrown at them.

Her heartfelt pleas for time and attention with foot stomping to emphasise her stress is equally matched and bettered by Vinny’s own venting rant in response.

“Is there any more [….] that we could possibly pile on to the top of this case?” he asks, having listed a metaphoric mountain of ‘issues’ he has to deal with, as well.

It’s probably best I don’t type the exact words he says there, but basically ‘we are all’ Vinny right now and the Covid-induced lockdowns and regulations most of us are enduring presently – just when things were kind of getting back to ‘normal’ – is even more ‘stuff’ to deal with.

I’m pretty sure most of us are over it, even the ones who normally say “she’ll be right”, “I love lockdowns”, or “OMG! Isn’t this great?” Weirdos! ;) But anyway … here we are.

A month after I was at my local karaoke toasting our poor work colleagues interstate stuck in their lockdown, I now, like many of my state’s citizens, are also in lockdown – with the only consolation being most of the country is, too. Sad times, indeed.

BUS SHOW BUMPED How has this affected us as an industry aside from the untold loss of business to mostly coach operators and OEM body and chassis manufacturers not being able to deliver product interstate on time, or at all?

In the disappointing but understandable news that the 2021 Australasia Bus and Coach Expo had to be postponed. Gutted!

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Fair play to BusNSW for having to make the tough decision after weighing up a whole range of logistics, booking cancellations and other risky and stress factors, but the sense of disappointment felt through almost all corners of our industry was utterly palpable.

Understandable, but palpable. But it is what it is, I suppose.

With 2022 still slated as a possibility for a replacement date, all we can do collectively is hang out for that time and give it – and any of the other state bus gatherings on the calendar – our full support. Onwards and upwards, as the cliche spruiks.

It still doesn’t hide the fact – and the pattern is there – that someone, somewhere way at the top overlooking these [travel] things has dropped the ball again and the rest of us are all paying the price. And the buckpassing continues…

INSIDE THIS ISSUE In Issue 407 of ABC magazine you’ll find a unique and interesting mix of bus stuff, driven purely by, well … the need to fill a magazine with content while border restrictions and non-movement directives mean it’s really hard to get local stories.

That said, there is much method to the madness – especially if this issue’s coverstory is anything to go by.

MAN bus fans even in Europe would have conceded the company’s Lion’s City electric took a while to debut in 2018 but, as with all good things taking time, it’s since proven itself a worthwhile contender on the global e-bus stage, recently winning an IF Gold Design award and delivering up to 550km on a single battery charge.

It’s on our cover because the tech behind the chassis totally will make it here, and probably sooner (in bus delivery terms) than many would think.

MAN distributor Penske Automotive is well advanced in landing a bespoke version for the emerging Aussie market, so no harm in splashing some pics around.

Sydney city folk will be familiar with the bright-yellow MAN double-deckers running on the North Sydney / Northern Beaches return run, and with the Lion’s City e-bus chassis well suited to that – who knows?

Either way we’ll keep up to date of what’s

coming and when – but the point is it’s coming. Check pages 38–44 for more.

In terms of operators, NSW’s Baxter’s Bus Lines (aka Baxter’s Coaches) is celebrating 40 years this year and, in the lead-up to the now unfortunately postponed Australasia Bus and Coach Expo, an ABC story on the Western Sydney company was well due.

A great team there and a family business that has ridden the waves of industry change throughout the years, so it’s a pretty good yarn to read. Check that out on pages 46–52.

Test drives? When we ran the refurb story on the yellow Glenorie Coaches double-decker, it got a huge response. And while it looked great, how did it drive? This issue we find out what’s what - so turn to pages 54–60.

Other big news this issue was the Blue Mountains Explorer buses indefinitely on hold; operators like CDC celebrating NAIDOC Week; Sealink’s Go West WA acquisition completing; and Transit Systems increasing its e-bus fleet. You can read more about those and others from page 8 onwards.

POSITIVE VIBE On a final high note – but not like a strained alpine yodel that scares the nearby mountain goats, just a regular old high-pitched squeal – we notched up triple figures in the Australian bus deliveries data last month. Yeah team! Go you good thing!

DISCLAIMER: The fact you just read me high-fiving and superficially ‘happy clapping’ us all in commendation on those results pretty much should tell you how desperate I am for entertainment and some semblance of positivity these days in these endless lockdowns. Totally over it. ;) Yes, it would have been end of financial year-induced and, sure, it’s not like 500 a month, but right about now 114 as a yearly high is right up in the feel-good stakes.

Oh, and finally, ABC magazine has a new home, so we are now part of Prime Creative Media.

Exciting times ahead, for sure - if we can just get out of our homes, that is. :) But seriously folks, take care in these testing times.

Until the next thrilling instalment…

ABC July 2021 busnews.com.au

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21/07/2021 8:18:40 AM

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19/7/21 12:37 pm

NEWS

TRANSIT SYSTEMS E-BUS FLEET INCREASES SYDNEY REGION 6 bus fleet operator Transit Systems has added 10 ‘locally finished’ e-buses in collaboration with Transport for NSW, recently.

The company says it is, “…very proud to be a local Australian company delivering innovative and more environmentally sustainable transport solutions, made possible by collaboration with the future-focused government agency Transport for NSW.” It adds: “We were pleased to accept delivery of 10 new electric buses increasing our electric fleet in New South Wales to 15 – we cannot wait to take delivery of the remaining buses,” it

announced on social media.

As Transit Systems explains, these latest 10 buses were finished locally in Australia – the seats, lights, and stanchions (grab rails) – with the company excited about the vision of Nexport to “… manufacture locally in the very near future.”

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance, said he was pleased to see that 10 new electric buses arrived safely at the Transit Systems Inner West Depot at Leichhardt, and have swiftly and seamlessly been going into service.

“You’ll get to see and experience them on any of the Region 6

Above: NSW Minister for Transport and Roads and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance, says he was pleased to see that 10 new electric buses have arrived safely at the Transit Systems Inner West Depot at Leichhardt, Sydney.

routes – quiet, comfortable and contributing to the zero-emission bus network,” Minister Constance explained.

“These new buses join the fleet of five already in operation, which have recently clocked an impressive 400,000km,” he added.

“Operator Transit Systems say that both drivers and passengers love the new electric bus fleet.

Not only are they nice to drive, but they’re a delight to ride on!” he said.

MORE TO COME Truegreen Group Mobility CEO Luke Todd said: “The new era of large-scale electric bus rollouts has begun.

“Nexport were proud to deliver this batch of 10 buses to serve inner Sydney, with many more to come.”

“You’ll get to see and experience them on any of the Region 6 routes – quiet, comfortable and contributing to the zeroemission bus network.”

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SCHOOL SERVICE EXPANSION ‘URGENT’ THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Liberal government is committing $17.3 million for expanded school bus services, in addition to $42 million for “urgent” capital works for specific schools, it announced recently.

In the State Budget 2021–22, $17.3 million has been allocated for new and expanded Adelaide Metro bus services to cater for the significant number of extra students set to attend secondary schools due to the transition of Year 7 into high school and the opening of two new state schools in Aldinga and Angle Vale, the government explains.

School bus funding includes: • $12 million over two years for 20 new school buses • $497,000 in 2021–22 increasing to $1 million per year from 2022–23 to operate new and expanded bus services to support the Year 7 transition to high school from 2022 • $388,000 in 2021–22, $844,000 in 2022–23 and $450,000 in 2023–24 to lease buses to service two new state schools – Aldinga Payinthi College and Riverbanks College B-12.

Government is committed to providing school students with safe and reliable bus services and improving and modernising our public transport system,” said minister for infrastructure and transport Corey Wingard.

“This initiative will make sure our system can cater for the increased commuter demand during the peak morning and afternoon periods, minimising the impact on the broader network and other patrons.”

The 20 new buses will be delivered by January, 2022, the state government confirms.

PLEDGE WELCOMED Bus SA president Stephen Lucas says the government’s announcement is most welcome.

“It’s pleasing to see more support to help our industry meet the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis.

“The school segment of the bus industry does the hard yards, carrying South Australian students safely to and from school every day.

“School buses are a particularly vital service in many rural communities where increased government support is sorely needed.

“Bus SA looks forward to working cooperatively with the Government to make sure expenditure goes to areas where resources are most needed, and where there will be maximum value for the public and the state,” he said.

CAPITAL WORKS Five schools and two preschools are receiving a share of the $42 million component for urgent capital works as part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to improve education infrastructure across the state, it explains.

Along with works at Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School at the Langhorne Creek campus, Elliston RSL Memorial Children’s Centre and Salisbury East High School announced in recent weeks, four new projects were announced.

Projects at Seaview Downs Primary School and Pimpala Primary School in Morphett Vale have budgets of $15 million and $12 million, respectively, to replace aged facilities well past their use-by date with contemporary learning areas that offer flexibility and opportunities for collaboration, as well as new administration areas, the SA government says.

Also $5 million is budgeted for Nailsworth Primary School to upgrade an existing building, which will provide additional capacity for growing enrolments, it states.

Balharry Kindergarten in Lucindale will receive $500,000 to extend the preschool, which will allow for the accommodation of rural care in the one location, it adds.

BETTER SERVICES “This $42 million prioritises funding for urgent capital works as part of the record $1.3 billion the SA government is investing into public education infrastructure across the state to provide our students and staff with state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities,” said Premier Steven Marshall.

“Our Budget for a stronger South Australia is creating jobs, building what matters and delivering better services to further secure our state’s growing global reputation as one of the world’s safest and most attractive places to live, work and raise a family.”

Minister for education John Gardner said: “These works have come about because we continue to listen to our education communities who are passionate about their schools and preschools and access to high quality learning environments.

“South Australian jobs will continue to be supported through this funding by creating work for trades, who then bring business into these communities.

“Our children deserve great facilities for their schooling and these projects will deliver that while also providing jobs in these communities.”

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19/07/2021 4:00:54 PM

NEWS

Go Bus CEO and head of NZ for Kinetic, Calum Haslop, says the uplift in contracted school bus services was the direct result of an unwavering focus on customer safety, service reliability and a culture of continuous improvement.

GO BUS WINS CONTRACT EXPANSION FOLLOWING a competitive tender process for NZ national school transport services, Go Bus will more than double its contracted services after being selected as the preferred 12-year supplier for 679 school routes – including in the new regions of Manawatu, Wairarapa and Marlborough – the Kinetic-owned company announced recently.

This expanded contract will see an additional 379 vehicles added to Go Bus’s school fleet, with services commencing in January, 2022, it confirms.

As New Zealand’s leading passenger bus transport business, Go Bus is to expand its government-contracted school transport services after the New Zealand Ministry of Education re-selected it as a preferred supplier to deliver more bus services across the country for a further 12-year period.

Go Bus – part of Australia and NZ’s biggest bus network Kinetic – currently operates more than 1,500 buses across 38 depots from Auckland to Invercargill as the country’s largest and most diverse bus operator, it explains.

The company is a long-term transport delivery partner for the Ministry of Education’s school bus and special needs transport services, operating more than 300 school bus routes across key 10

regions including Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Poverty Bay, Hawkes Bay, Canterbury, Otago and Southland, it confirms.

The tender result recognises Go Bus’s broad experience and capability delivering school bus services, not only to state schools but also to many private education providers throughout New Zealand, it says.

Go Bus is also a significant trusted transport partner for urban bus networks, operating key bus services under long-term contracts to more regional authorities than any other New Zealand operator, including in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin, it adds.

A FURTHER WIN Go Bus’s success with the Ministry’s school bus tender follows closely on from a big win on another local government transport contract in 2020: to deliver the majority of urban bus services for Environment Canterbury, including delivering of new electric vehicles for Christchurch, it states.

In 2021, Go Bus also introduced South Auckland’s first fully electric bus service, the Airportlink, together with Auckland Transport (AT) as part of the transport authority’s Low Emission Bus Roadmap.

Go Bus CEO and head of NZ for

Kinetic, Calum Haslop, says the uplift in contracted school bus services was the direct result of an unwavering focus on customer safety, service reliability and a culture of continuous improvement.

“For many, the school day often starts and finishes with a trip on the bus, and it’s our job to ensure every student arrives to school on time and returns home safely. We partner with our key stakeholders to adapt and evolve our services without losing sight of this important responsibility,” Haslop said.

Kinetic co-CEO Michael Sewards says Go Bus had worked tirelessly during the past 18 years to firmly establish its leadership as a trusted government partner.

“Kinetic is enormously proud of the consistent achievements of Go Bus and we congratulate Calum and his team for this substantial increase in services, which is further validation that Go Bus is the most respected, innovative and fast-growing operator in NZ,” Sewards said.

“From school bus services to electric buses to on-demand busing, Go Bus is the preferred partner for all levels of government trusted with high volume bus services and demonstrated experience expanding its operations on the back of high levels of service delivery.”

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19/07/2021 4:01:48 PM

SEALINK’S GO WEST ACQUISITION COMPLETES SEALINK TRAVEL GROUP LIMITED (SeaLink) has successfully acquired Go West Tours* for an enterprise value of $84.7 million** – plus an earn-out component of up to $25 million, the company has announced.

Three strategic properties were also purchased for an additional $3.8 million, it confirms.

SeaLink’s Group chief executive officer Clint Feuerherdt says the acquisition diversifies our portfolio and provides a platform for further growth into the attractive resources sector.

“We welcome all of Go West’s employees to the Group and look

forward to working together to continue delivering great services for Go West’s clients,” Feuerherdt stated.

“Our focus remains on designing, delivering and operating world-class, innovative and sustainable transport solutions,” he added.

Above: Go West Tours will now operate as part of the Sealink Travel Group.

NOTE: * SeaLink Travel Group Limited has acquired 100 per cent of the shares in S.V.Haoust Pty Ltd (trading as Go West Tours) from Stanley V. Haoust and the trustees of the DS & NM Haoust Family Trust, David Haoust and Naomi Haoust. SeaLink has purchased the properties through its wholly owned subsidiary STG Properties Pty Ltd.

** Cash-free and debt-free basis, prior to completion adjustments and excludes any earn-out consideration.

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19/07/2021 4:02:21 PM

NEWS

HYDROGEN COACHES ON TRACK FOR AUSSIE MINING USE

TOUTED AS THE world’s first coach fleet of its type, Hyzon Motor’s ‘Road Warrior’ hydrogen-powered coaches passed durability testing for an Australian mining company, completing a 15,000-kilometre run before use in a harsh, remote region of Western Australia, Hyzon confirms.

The achievement keeps delivery of 10 Hyzon coaches on schedule, with testing for Fortescue Metals Group showcasing capabilities of the zero-emission, hydrogen fuel-cell coach up to an 800km range, the company explains.

Hyzon-Fortescue’s collaboration is the latest sign of increasing industrial, commercial support of hydrogen in anUS$87.5 billion (A$118.3 billion) global coach-bus market, Hyzon states.

The completed 15,000km durability test of its mining transport coaches was a key tryout before one of the world’s largest iron-ore producers uses the vehicles in the remote WA Pilbara region, the company says.

Hyzon is a leading global supplier of zero-emission, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, from which Fortescue Metals Group has contracted for up to 10 of its custom-built coaches for use in the Christmas Creek mining hub – where summer temperatures commonly exceed 110 degrees F (43 degrees C), it explains.

The endurance road test demonstrated the capability, effectiveness and strength of fuel-cell stacks being discharged and recharged repetitively in harsh conditions, Hyzon states.

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HARSH LANDSCAPE Hyzon CEO Craig Knight says passing the durability phase demonstrated anew that its vehicles are clean, powerful and uniquely suited for long-haul and high-utilisation, back-to-base transport.

The coaches have a range up to 800km before refuelling, it should be noted.

“We applaud Fortescue Metals Group for its continued commitment to a zero-emission future and we look forward to playing a key role in its transition to hydrogen mobility,” Knight said.

“The Pilbara region – one of the most prolific mining areas of Australia and the world – is a harsh landscape.

“Our coaches can handle the rugged terrain and hydrogen technology can serve as a viable alternative to traditional commercial mobility in even the toughest parts of the globe,” Knight stated.

At current estimates, Australia has about 2,000 coaches and the Hyzon vehicles will be the first in the country using hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology, Hyzon explains.

PUBLIC LISTING The Hyzon-Fortescue collaboration is the latest sign of increasing industrial and commercial transition to hydrogen mobility and it comes as New York-based Hyzon readies for a public listing soon on Nasdaq via business combination with Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: DCRB).

Fortescue expressed interest in Hyzon’s proprietary fuel-cell technology using hydrogen gas – for which emissions are limited to water vapour – to replace a fleet of diesel vehicles for transporting workers around remote mining sites, the companies reveal.

The switch is an integral part of the resource company’s plans to reduce emissions, diversify its energy mix and become carbon neutral by 2030, it states.

The Hyzon coaches for Fortescue will mark the world’s first hydrogen-powered coach fleet, it confirms.

ABOUT FORTESCUE A proud West Australian company, Fortescue Metals Group is a global leader in the iron ore industry, recognised for its culture, innovation and industry-leading development of world-class infrastructure and mining assets, it states.

Underpinned by its strong operating performance and balance sheet, Fortescue is reinvesting in the business, returning capital to shareholders and investing in growth, it explains.

Together with Fortescue Future Industries, it is “…focused on supporting the global energy transition, harnessing the world’s renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen and develop other green industry opportunities.”

Above: Hyzon Motor’s ‘Road Warrior’ hydrogen-powered coaches have proven themselves in harsh conditions and 10 more are on the way.

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19/07/2021 4:03:20 PM

YUTONG BUS AUSSIE SALES TEAM EXPANSION THE AUSTRALIAN distributor of Yutong Bus – Vehicle Dealers International (VDI) – has added two key industry personnel to its burgeoning team, it reports recently.

Former Scania Australia sales guru Warren Young is VDI’s new national sales manager.

For Yutong and VDI the appointment will play a critical role in continuing its growth strategy in Australia by focusing on driving and supporting its sales team, strengthening its dealer network, and strengthening relationships with its key customers, VDI states.

General manager of Yutong Bus Australia Lou Riccardi said: “Having someone with Warren’s industry experience and drive will be key and vital in this new role to help us strengthen and grow Yutong in

Australia; we are delighted to have him aboard!”

In the new role, Young will be based at Yutong Australia’s head office in Campbelltown, NSW, and comes at a time when there are some imminent new product releases, VDI states.

Yutong Bus says it is also pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Abel as its new national fleets manager.

The appointment of former Premier Transport Group’s Abel’s will play a critical role in continuing Yutong’s growth in the new Green Energy Vehicle segment – focusing on ‘green vehicle’ strategy sales and customer operational needs to ensure Yutong’s sales teams and dealer network succeed in the rollout of this new technology, VDI explains.

Abel will have a strong focus on national key account customers’ needs and requirements, supporting the sales team and developing new strategies to help the uptake of Yutong’s New Green Energy range of buses.

In the new role, Abel will also be based at Yutong Australia’s head office in Campbelltown.

Above, L-R: Warren Young is now Yutong Bus Australia/VDI’s new national sales manager, while Greg Abel is its new national fleets manager..

Soon turning 200 years old, but brilliantly keeping up with the industries shift to Electric, Hydrogen & Hybrid vehicles; adhering to flammability, safety and durability requirements for seating fabrics.

T 03 9832 0624 | E info@camiragroup.com.au | www.camirafabrics.com busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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19/07/2021 4:06:47 PM

NEWS

‘LIGHTER’, ‘GREATER RANGE’ VIA NEW VOITH E-BUS ENGINE OPTION GERMAN global technology company Voith has released a new electrical drive system, touted as new engine option for lighter commercial vehicles, it announced recently.

The new 260kW MD engine option is for use in single-deck/solo city buses and trucks up to 19 metric tons gross vehicle weight. It is an “integrated drive concept” for easy integration into vehicles and increased reliability of the system, says Voith, adding that it boasts easy retrofitting of existing vehicle fleets.

With the new MD version, Voith is adding a second engine option, including the appropriate inverter, to its Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) portfolio, it explains.

Since its introduction in 2019, the VEDS has already proven itself in various applications in public transport as an innovative solution for the shift towards e-mobility, the company states.

The new MD (‘medium duty’) version, producing a maximum 2,850Nm is optimised for purely urban use, Voith states.

Compared with the existing HD (heavy duty) version, the new MD engine is 50kg lighter, which enables a greater range, it confirms.

The more powerful 340kW IPMS engine (HD), with its maximum torque of 3,100Nm performs impressively, especially in double-decker and articulated buses or trucks weighing more than 26 metric tons.

Below: The MD concept supports battery systems from a range of manufacturers and is also enabled for use in fuel-cell electric vehicle drivetrains, Voith states.

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It is also suitable for inter-urban driving profiles, Voith says.

FIRST USE UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus – now under the stewardship of Jo Bamford, who took over as executive chairman in 2019 – was the first bus manufacturer to choose to integrate the latest engine option into the second generation of its battery electric (BEV) and fuel-cell electric (FCEV) buses for Europe.

The VEDS is based on a powerful, water-cooled, permanent-magnet motor with a high-efficiency inverter. There is no need for a separate transmission, resulting in a positive effect on power availability, energy consumption, range and noise emissions, Voith confirms.

The basis for these benefits is the integrated approach of the VEDS; all system components have been perfectly matched to one another from the beginning and work together optimally – from the hardware components, such as the electric motor, traction inverter and high-voltage distributor, to the software components, such as the drive control and energy management systems, the company explains.

This facilitates integration into the vehicle and ensures a high level of reliability, it adds.

There is no need for the timeconsuming and costly integration of additional applications, and system incompatibilities can also be avoided, Voith says. The VEDS can also be used flexibly in various platforms, it claims.

COMPACT DESIGN The concept supports battery systems from a range of manufacturers and is also enabled for use in fuel-cell electric vehicle drivetrains, Voith states.

Thanks to its compact design, the VEDS requires no any additional installation space in chassis designed for combustion engines; it is therefore very easy to convert existing vehicle fleets with conventional diesel, hybrid or gas drives, Voith says. The company entered into a strategic partnership with e-truck manufacturer Orten for this purpose last year, it explains.

By expanding the product range, fleet operators can align their electric drive concept even better to the individual requirements and application areas of their vehicles in future, Voith outlines.

The VEDS will therefore be a key component in meeting the requirements of the EU’s Clean Vehicles Directive and in complying with the new CO2 fleet emission targets, which come into force for trucks in 2025, it reminds.

“The new 260kW MD engine option is for use in single-deck/ solo city buses”

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19/07/2021 4:07:15 PM

THE WOT!?!

OLD SCHOOL STYLE

Volkswagen is jumping on the electric revolution with a remake of its classic VW Microbus, called the VW ID Buzz.

Expected to go on sale in 2023, the company is tapping into Americans’ – and many others’, we’re sure – nostalgia of the VW bus from the 1960s and 70s with a nod to the retro design. The ID Buzz will be used in a self-driving taxi service that VW plans to begin testing in Hamburg, Germany, in 2026. The bus will also be available in cargo-carrying versions.

INTEREST RISING IN OZ COACH TOURISM DESPITE the impact of pandemic-induced lockdowns across Australia since early 2020, global interest in Australian domestic coach tourism routes has increased a massive 426 per cent, according to a leading German bustravel booking and analysis site report, published recently.

In its first edition on the Australian coach sector – published using www.CheckMyBus.com (CMB) data from 2019 and 2020 – CMB says that, while Australian-sourced searches for best travel routes often fluctuated or dropped, there was still high interest from a range of travellers worldwide.

The 2020 Australian Coach Transport Market Report says that there was a 50.58 per cent decrease of interest within Australia when comparing 2019 and 2020 data, due to ongoing Covid lockdowns.

Generally, the percentage of users from certain states remained the same, with notable exceptions being Queensland, which had a 5 per cent drop in users; South Australia, which had a 4 per cent increase; and Western Australia, which experienced 6 per cent growth, it states.

Aside from various regional lockdowns, this could also be due to, “…new [CMB] partnerships and expansions in these regions,” it suggests.

However, while the report noted a massive drop in Australian users

as mentioned, it also recorded an, “… enormous increase of 426 per cent in the number of searches done in our platform for Australian routes.”

“We believe the primary reason for this was that CMB had signed new partnerships during 2020 and added new stations/routes during the same period,” it says.

With that stated, looking at the increasing number of searches for Australian routes, CMB wanted to figure out from which countries most of its international traffic for Australian routes came from.

“We found that India is the leading country for international searches in Australia, followed by New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the USA,” it adds.

Another finding was that short distance routes gained popularity, such as Canberra – Sydney and Sydney – Canberra, which ranked higher in 2020 compared to 2019, CMB says.

CMB says it is planning to publish the next edition in January/February 2022.

Above: CheckMyBus recorded an increase of 426 per cent in the number of searches done on its platform for Australian routes.

MAKING A SPLASH

In a bid to revive river transport in India’s Kashmir valley, three ‘bus boats’ have been imported from New Zealand for use on the river Jhelum in Srinagar. Part of plans to expand public transport offerings as well as boost tourism, each boat has 35 seats with air conditioning and a glass roof to provide a scenic ride. If current trials go well, further bus boats are expected to be added to help ease road congestion in the area.

HOME RUN

Talking about New Zealand, Auckland Transport (AT) and Auckland Council recently released a City Centre Bus Plan (CCMP) for the city, which lays out proposals for the next decade of bus transport. With numbers of bus passengers increasing, the plan proposes the creation of two bus corridors, additional facilities for passengers and staff, and bus routes that run through the city centre rather than terminating there. Councillor Chris Darby, planning committee chair, says the proposed plan makes room for 50 per cent more people travelling on buses through the city centre. Feedback is open to the public until September 19.

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19/07/2021 4:07:42 PM

NEWS

CDC AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES INDIGENOUS NAIDOC WEEK AN EXTENSIVE celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and promotion of reconciliation took place via bus operator CDC Australia’s (CDC) state operations joining forces to promote NAIDOC Week 2021, on 4–11 July.

The company (ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia) – which operates bus services in metropolitan and regional areas across the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and taxis in Western Australia –planned a diverse range of activities to tie in with the Heal Country theme of NAIDOC Week, 2021.

According to its organisers, NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This is part of the broader objective, “…to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.”

In addition to hosting events to provide its staff with memorable and educational experiences and give better recognition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, CDC is supporting these activities by sharing content internally and externally via its social media channels, it explains.

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TRUTH TELLING Fitting with the theme of healing, The First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation performed a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country at CDC Mildura.

CDC NSW, together with its community partner Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation, shared a pre-recorded truthtelling and healing session led by the Kinchela Uncles with all CDC operations across Australia, it confirms.

CDC’s operation in the Northern Territory, Buslink NT, worked closely with Larrakia Nation on a range of lead-up activities, including joining several Clontarf Academy schools for a pre-NAIDOC Week celebration in Darwin’s Sunset Park on June 23.

Darwin employees were also immersed in a NAIDOC Week awareness morning at Buslink’s Berrimah Depot on June 25, where they heard important cultural messages from a Larrakia Nation elder and healer, and witnessed a smoking ceremony and didgeridoo musical performances.

Above: CDC NSW, together with its community partner Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation, shared a prerecorded truthtelling and healing session.

featuring the voices of Aboriginal employees, explaining what NAIDOC Week means to them, it says.

CDC Australia CEO Nicholas Yap says the company has a strong commitment to reconciliation and the recognition and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is very important to its Australian businesses.

“In each state we operate in, we’re forming meaningful and beneficial partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, which allow us to use our strengths and resources to create better outcomes for our communities,” Yap said.

BROAD SCOPE Across Australia, CDC depots, websites and social media channels also featured the national NAIDOC 2021 poster or banner, as part of support for the celebration, the company explains.

CDC is also creating videos

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19/07/2021 4:08:54 PM

2021 SYDNEY BUS SHOW POSTPONED IT’S OFFICIAL! The much-anticipated 2021 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo has been postponed until next year, organiser BusNSW has regrettably announced.

Originally scheduled for Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 September, 2021, and to be held at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld confirmed to ABC magazine that the BusNSW Board had made the difficult decision to postpone the Expo following the recently reported Covid outbreak in Greater Sydney.

“The Covid landscape has changed quickly in recent weeks, and we are now confronted with significant uncertainty regarding future movement and gathering restrictions, as well as the possibility of state border closures being imposed,” Threlkeld said.

“There is a high degree of unpredictability around attendance at the Expo and social functions, with a risk of exhibitors and visitors travelling from regional NSW and interstate being impacted.

“On top of this, some exhibitors need to comply with corporate policies that may require them to withdraw from the event.

“Ultimately the decision to postpone the event is based on the health and safety of everyone involved being our first priority.”

DISAPPOINTED BusNSW president John King says the BusNSW Board was disappointed, but had weighed up all the risks and felt that it was in everybody’s best interests to make a call early and postpone the 2021 Expo.

“Following consideration of school holidays, venue availability and other industry events in 2022, we have decided to postpone the event for 12 months,” King said.

“The new dates for 2022 will be announced once they are confirmed with Sydney Showground.

“We believe this delay and a significant uptake of vaccinations during the interim period will give us the best opportunity to host a world-class exhibition and optimise attendance.

Above: The Australasia Bus & Coach Expo has been postponed and will now take place next year, with dates to be confirmed.

“We thank all the industry suppliers who had committed to this year’s event and look forward to the industry supporting the Sydney Expo in 2022.”

FURTHER INFORMATION Please contact BusNSW on (02) 8839 9500 or email via events@busnsw.com.au for further information or assistance.

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19/07/2021 4:09:26 PM

NEWS

HINO JAPAN ANNOUNCES PONCHO Z EV LIGHT-DUTY BUS DUE MID-2022, Hino Motors, Ltd. plans to launch the Hino Poncho Z EV light-duty electric vehicle (EV) in Japan, the company has announced.

The Hino Poncho light-duty low-floor non-step diesel bus launched in 2002 has been widely adopted throughout Japan for community transportation purposes, and is a popular choice in Australia with on-demand services, it states.

The new Poncho Z EV keeps the features of the Hino Poncho, including universal design that makes it user-friendly for everyone, and provides cleaner transportation through electrification, it explains.

Its large full-flat area and low-floor non-step structure enables easier boarding and moving inside the bus, making it a user-friendly option for all passengers, including users of wheelchairs and prams, Hino says.

It has a simple and appealingly rounded exterior, and being an EV means it is zero-emission and low-noise, making it an excellent choice for communities, it adds.

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It is also highly agile for manoeuvring through narrow city streets and provides a cruising range sufficient for a community bus.

“With today’s growing concern for global environmental issues, there are increasing needs for zero-emissions vehicles,” said Hino motor sales Australia – manager, Hino Bus, Sara Clark.

“The new Hino Poncho Z EV keeps the features of

LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT

Above: Hino Motors, Ltd. plans to launch the Hino Poncho Z EV light-duty electric vehicle (EV) bus mid-2022 in Japan.

“There are increasing needs for zeroemissions vehicles.” the Hino Poncho, including universal design that makes it user-friendly for everyone, and provides cleaner transportation through electrification.”

Cube-Linx, as a vehicle to be used by e-mobility optimised operation management businesses, Hino explains.

Cune-Linx is a joint venture established in May, 2021, by Hino Motors, Ltd. and Kansai Electric Power Company that provides solutions to issues in e-mobility adoption and operation.

It offers packaged solutions with EVs, charging facilities, IT systems, and operation according to user needs for a monthly fee, Hino says.

Hino has declared its initiatives to achieve zero environmental impact as part of its Hino Environmental Challenge 2050 issued in 2017.

The company is accelerating its efforts, and, in April 2021, it established mid-term targets in its Hino Environmental Milestone 2030, it adds.

To achieve carbon neutrality, Hino is pursuing all possible measures - not only for its own products, but also in a range of strategies based on a life-cycle assessment of vehicles from production to disposal.

The Hino Poncho Z EV, along with the solutions from Cube-Linx, will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by promoting the widespread use of electric vehicles, Hino states.

The company will continue to pursue a variety of measures from the perspectives of customers and society, including greater use of e-mobility as a useful solution for businesses.

SPECS DIMENSIONS: (length x width x height) – 6,990mm x 2,090mm x 3,060mm WEIGHT: Gross vehicle weight – Approx. 8,000kg CAPACITY: Approx. 30 (varies with seat layout)

PACKAGED SOLUTIONS

BATTERY: Lithium-ion battery; Capacity – 105kW

Interestingly, in Japan this model will also be included in the line-up of vehicles by

CHARGING: Quick charge (CHAdeMO method)

MOTOR: Max. output – 161kW

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19/07/2021 4:09:48 PM

2 YEARS FREE SERVICING *

ON THE ALL-NEW ROSA

With a longstanding history of being Australia’s favourite light-duty bus, the next generation of Fuso Rosa continues to raise the bar in safety, reliability and overall driving experience – now with 2 years free servicing included. With the only 5year/200,000km warranty and 15,000km service interval in its class, you really can’t go past a Fuso Rosa.

DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS

AEBS ADVANCED EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM

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ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM

LDWS LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM

TO SEE HOW THE ALL-NEW ROSA STACKS UP, VISIT FUSOROSA.COM.AU

*Offer available on vehicles purchased between 1 July 2021 and 31 September 2021 delivered by 30 December 2021 unless extended and while stocks last. Includes all 22-Seat Deluxe, 25-Seat Standard and 25-Seat Deluxe UG Rosa. Excludes rental and fleet customers. Please contact an authorised dealer for eligible available vehicles. Scheduled servicing and repairs are provided on the standard terms, conditions and exclusions of a 2yr/60,000km/1,200Hrs (whichever comes first) BestBasic Service Plan and exclude wheels, rims and tyres. Servicing can only be carried out by an authorised Fuso Service dealer. #Warranty terms and conditions apply, 5 year/200,000km whichever comes first. See an authorised Fuso dealer or our warranty policy at https://www.fuso.com.au/Warranty-Policy. Fuso is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation Japan and distributed by Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty Ltd ABN 86 618 413 282.

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6/7/21 10:40 am

ABC 407 19.indd 19

19/7/21 9:53 am

NEWS

ENHANCED SCANIA PARTS AVAILABILITY IN OZ SCANIA AUSTRALIA is continuing its spare-parts investment in Australia as its business grows at record levels across all divisions, it reports.

Following closely from the start of construction of a new company-owned sales and service branch at Eastern Creek, New South Wales, Scania is acquiring two new warehouses to provide a higher level of ‘first pick’ of spare and replacement parts, underpinning its promise of exceptional uptime for customers, it explains.

The largest investment secures additional capacity for spare parts storage and dispatch at a new 9,000 square metre warehouse set to ‘come on stream’ in September, 2021, it states.

Located close to the company’s Campbellfield, Victoria, headquarters, it is substantially bigger than the existing Scania National Parts Warehouse, which opened in 1992.

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expected demands for replacement and service parts for these vehicles and engines over the next decade and beyond,” said Scania Aftersales director, Patrik Tharna.

“We have doubled our truck sales and market share since 2010, and our bus market penetration remains extremely high, underscoring the need to supply many customers around the country with a reliable flow of parts, as well as the additional service capacity we are adding with our new company-owned branch at Eastern Creek.

“We live in an increasingly uncertain world and we have all seen over the past year the impact on long-distance supply chains during a pandemic.

“With this added capacity for parts-holdings, we anticipate being able to provide more parts, more quickly to more customers from these new warehouses,” he said.

WEST SIDE

SOUTHERN COMFORT

The second investment is in a new standalone warehouse facility in Perth, where 2,000 square metres of parts storage will support Scania’s WA operations from July, 2021, the company confirms.

This facility is required to service the growing Scania on and off-road population, particularly among demanding applications such as Scania’s many mining customers for whom uptime, and therefore parts access, is critical, it says.

“We have taken this decision to expand our national and regional warehousing capacity as a result of the accelerated growth of sales of trucks, buses and engines over the past decade – and therefore the

When Corona hit last year, Scania increased parts stocks at its National Warehouse in Victoria and at branch warehouses around the country to build resilience in case of major supply chain disruptions, it says.

Scania also secured capability to deliver directly to workshops and customers from other warehouses in Europe and Asia, it adds. However, production capacity and container availability had, and still has, impacted on spare parts availability.

“The new national warehouse in Melbourne will allow even more stock to be located in Australia to counter the negative effect Corona has had on global supply chains and make us more independent,”

said Ben Nicholson, national parts manager for Australia, and the aftersales team member responsible for the warehouse capacity expansion project.

“With the addition of the new regional warehouse in Perth, we will also build some additional resilience into our supply chain within Australia,” Nicholson said.

“When the new warehouses are online, we will improve spare parts availability reducing lead times, as well as being better at pre-picking kits to provide superior support to our own and our authorised independent dealer workshop operations,” he said.

“The expansion of our warehousing infrastructure will also require us to further grow the number of Scania employees working in Australia, and we are now well over the 500 mark,” Tharna added.

“And in line with Scania’s global and local drive towards a sustainable transport solution, the new national warehouse comes equipped with solar panels on the roof.

“We will take all opportunities to continue to reduce our carbon footprint,” he stated.

ABC July 2021 busnews.com.au

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19/07/2021 4:10:45 PM

2 YEARS FREE SERVICING *

ON THE ALL-NEW ROSA

With a longstanding history of being Australia’s favourite light-duty bus, the next generation of Fuso Rosa continues to raise the bar in safety, reliability and overall driving experience – now with 2 years free servicing included. With the only 5year/200,000km warranty and 15,000km service interval in its class, you really can’t go past a Fuso Rosa.

TO SEE HOW THE ALL-NEW ROSA STACKS UP, CONTACT PETER LENON AT FUSO PORT MELBOURNE T: 03 9046 9400 M: 0409 250 304 E: Plenon@vvgtruck.com.au

*Offer available on vehicles purchased between 1 July 2021 and 31 September 2021 delivered by 30 December 2021 unless extended and while stocks last. Includes all 22-Seat Deluxe, 25-Seat Standard and 25-Seat Deluxe UG Rosa. Excludes rental and fleet customers. Please contact an authorised dealer for eligible available vehicles. Scheduled servicing and repairs are provided on the standard terms, conditions and exclusions of a 2yr/60,000km/1,200Hrs (whichever comes first) BestBasic Service Plan and exclude wheels, rims and tyres. Servicing can only be carried out by an authorised Fuso Service dealer. #Warranty terms and conditions apply, 5 year/200,000km whichever comes first. See an authorised Fuso dealer or our warranty policy at https://www.fuso.com.au/Warranty-Policy. Fuso is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation Japan and distributed by Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty Ltd ABN 86 618 413 282.

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14/7/21 19/7/21 12:42 10:05 pm am

BIC

An essential service

To vax or not to vax? That is the question for bus operators and their staff.

W

ith the greater Sydney area and Melbourne in lockdown, it is no wonder that there is widespread exasperation about the pace of the vaccination rollout. This has only been exacerbated by the AstraZeneca vaccine having a limited and stymied application and the Pfizer vaccine simply not yet being available in large enough quantities.

This leads to the question: where is public transport in this messed-up environment?

Public transport operators have continued to provide their services during the entire pandemic.

Public transport operators have supported Australia’s frontline workers – the teachers, nurses and doctors, the aged care workers – in their need to get to and from their places of work.

Bus drivers have also been a part of the frontline workforce. For the past year and a half our courageous drivers have provided travel to and from the quarantine hotels and frequently with Covid-affected passengers on their buses.

The BIC, through its industrial arm APTIA, has collaborated extensively with operator members to understand how each operation is dealing with the critical issues of their frontline staff and the safe care of their passengers.

The state associations were a key player in the early phases of vaccine roll-out, ensuring majority quarantine transfer bus drivers were

“An employer must continue to implement all reasonably practicable control measures in the workplace.” invited to take up the vaccine in stage 1a. The BIC has also joined forces with the Australasian Railway Association to implore governments to accelerate the vaccination of all public transport frontline staff to be included in stage 1a and 1b.

The BIC has long advocated for public transport to be acknowledged as an essential service – a service that should be a basic fundamental right for all Australians.

Interestingly, it seems to be lost on governments that public transport in fact provides a service to other industries considered 22

as essential services.

There are a number of issues that will need to be considered as the vaccination program ramps up: • providing paid leave to employees who get their two jabs • time off for dealing with side effects from the vaccinations • incentives, such as discounted buying, to encourage vaccinations • preference to vaccinated drivers in high-risk work, in line with recent decisions of the Fair Work Commission, which has endorsed termination of aged and day care workers who have refused the vaccinations.

In the short-term, industry will need to find answers to a number of questions. For example, can passengers on a bus be required to prove they have been vaccinated before entering the bus?

In the absence of a public health order, it is unlikely that a driver could refuse a passenger entry if they are not vaccinated. Work health and safety (WHS) laws are also unlikely to allow such a right.

Can a driver refuse to come to work because another driver is not vaccinated?

Probably not, because the driver would have to have some imminent concern about their safety in the workplace. This would also apply to passengers who were not vaccinated.

At all times, it is incumbent upon an employer to undertake a risk assessment to ensure that they provide a safe place of work.

There is currently insufficient evidence about the impact of Covid-19 vaccines on the transmission of Covid-19. Therefore, there is no reason why drivers who are currently attending workplaces or drive buses with passengers on board should stop doing so because of the vaccine rollout.

Some drivers may not be vaccinated because of medical conditions. How are unvaccinated drivers protected from Covid-19?

An employer must continue to implement all reasonably practicable control measures in the workplace, such as physical distancing, good hygiene and increased cleaning and maintenance.

An employer must also conduct a risk assessment to determine whether particular working arrangements should be put in place for workers who cannot be vaccinated.

Employers should consider the worker’s specific characteristics, the nature of the workplace and the type of work the worker performs.

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Above: As the vaccine rollout continues, questions will be raised about the rights and safety of public transport workers.

Will the employer be held liable under WHS laws if they do not make their drivers get vaccinated and one of them gets Covid-19?

There is currently insufficient evidence about the impact of Covid-19 vaccines on transmission of the virus which means that a driver could get Covid-19 even if they are vaccinated.

It is therefore unlikely that the employer has breached model WHS laws simply because they do not require their drivers to get vaccinated.

What about an employer’s obligations under workers’ compensation laws?

Under workers’ compensation laws, drivers may be entitled to compensation if they contract Covid-19 while at work, regardless of how they contracted it.

The BIC and APTIA will continue to ask the questions and find the answers. Subscribe to our national e-bulletin by contacting communications@bic.asn.au.

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If you are interested in these opportunities, please send your resume to info@clarkslogancity.com.au busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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20/07/2021 12:30:20 PM

IN FOCUS

BLUE MOUNTAINS EXPLORER CLOSES

ICONIC BLUE MOUNTAINS BUS-TOURISM COMPANY CLOSES One of the longest-running tourism businesses in one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations – the internationally recognised Blue Mountains Explorer Bus fleet in the NSW Blue Mountains – has closed indefinitely, the latest bus business victim of the ‘pandemic’.

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red double decker hop-on/hop-off sightseeing bus has already been sold, with another five on the market, the company confirms.

The fleet is not sustainable without international visitors and domestic tour and coach company Fantastic Aussie Tours (FAT), which owns them, cannot afford to maintain the fleet without 24

government help, it explains.

FAT managing director Jason Cronshaw said the indefinite closure of Blue Mountains Explorer Bus followed several closures during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2019–20 bushfires before that.

Cronshaw – who also owned international tour company Christian Fellowship Tours – said the fleet had become untenable.

“While, of course, we’re thankful for the recent NSW government rescue package, it won’t save us,” Cronshaw said.

“Without international tourists it’s just not viable.

“We’re running a 77-seater bus with one or two people. It costs us $3.50 per kilometre on a 26km circuit and tickets are $49 for an all-day pass. The maths just doesn’t add up,” he explained.

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BAD RUN FAT has operated the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus fleet around Katoomba and Leura since 1986 and conducted sightseeing tours and charters around Australia for two generations since 1974.

It was forced to close its Blue Mountains Explorer Bus sightseeing run for 27 days during December, 2019 – January, 2020 because of the bushfires and reported a 60 per cent drop in passengers between that December and February, 2020, it confirms.

During the weekend of March 14–15, 2020, numbers plummeted another 50 per cent almost overnight because of the pandemic.

Four days later (March 19), Explorer Bus services were slashed from 15 a day to seven, with 2.5 drivers a day to one.

Recently, the double-decker fleet has run only on weekends and holidays, and the average weekly driver roster of 350 hours had dropped to 78, the company explains.

Meanwhile, parent company FAT suffered an 85 per cent drop in charter work and forward cancellations from schools and corporates and other group travel until October.

Work had picked up recently, but came to an abrupt halt with the latest Sydney lockdown order.

65,000 passengers a year.

• It is one of the longest established tourist vehicle operators in NSW. • It was the first tourism operator in Australia to be certified under the Australian Government’s Carbon Neutral Program as 100 per cent carbon neutral and the first to operate a carbon-neutral bus and coach fleet.

While, of course, we’re thankful for the recent NSW government rescue package, it won’t save us.

JOB HUNTING Until the lockdown, Cronshaw himself drove a morning and afternoon bus run for a local private school to feed his own family, he says. He is now actively job hunting for additional employment, he confirms.

ABOUT BMEB • Blue Mountains Explorer Bus offered an internationally-ready, 365-day a year sightseeing bus service around one of the most recognised circuits Australia offers to the world.

• A second-generation tourism business, FAT has operated in the Blue Mountains since 1974.

• The first Explorer Bus pulled out of Katoomba station in April, 1986, carrying just one passenger.

• Until the 2019–20 bushfires, Explorer Bus transported

Opposite: FAT had run the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus fleet around Katoomba and Leura since 1986.

Above: Five of FAT’s buses are now on the market, with one doubledecker already sold.

Left: FAT managing director Jason Cronshaw. busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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IN FOCUS

ZF E-BUS SOFTWARE

ZF E-BUS ‘ENERGY REGULATION’ SOFTWARE LAUNCHED German tech giant ZF has launched new ‘energy management software’ for electric commercial vehicles.

Z

F’s NEW Energy Management System (EMS) software solution regulates the energy allocation for driveline and auxiliary units in electric buses and trucks, with benefits including higher energy efficiency, longer battery life and easier system integration, ZF says.

It is available as an add-on to systems already in volume production, ZF confirms.

With its new EMS software, ZF is providing another attractive proposal for the commercial vehicle market, it states.

According to the company, the management now takes a central role in the electric or electrified driveline, as the ZF EMS can control all auxiliary units such as air compressors, steering pumps and thermal management, as well as coordinating the energy requirements of the driveline.

This integrated approach can help make 26

electrically driven commercial vehicles more efficient, ZF claims, saying that energy consumption per kilometre can be reduced, resulting in a corresponding increase in range, as well as a potentially positive influence on the battery’s service life.

In addition, there are further advantages for maintenance, diagnosis and reduced battery costs, ZF says.

ADD-ON SOLUTION ZF offers the EMS as an add-on to commercial vehicle electric drive systems already in volume production.

In terms of how it works, the EMS coordinates the correct start-up and availability and interaction of all components in the vehicle relevant for the flow of energy, ZF explains. This ranges from the battery’s state of charge to the electric drive and all auxiliary units, such as the

compressor, DC/DC converter and heating.

“Only such an integrative approach makes it possible to further increase the efficiency of electric vehicles,” said Winfried Gründler, the person responsible for e-mobility in ZF‘s Commercial Vehicle Technology division.

“This illustrates the strategic importance that software expertise has for our group strategy: next Generation mobility,” he stated.

In this context, by utilising other recognised ZF functions, such as ePreVision, the system can be made more powerful, the company adds.

Thanks to the predictive ePreVision function, the software takes the topographical profile of the route into account to coordinate the energy requirements of the consumables. For example, during predictable, long downhill

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This illustrates the strategic importance that software expertise has for our group strategy: next Generation mobility.

runs, the compressor can operate on recuperated electrical energy, ZF says.

The EMS can also control charging management at the depot, where there are also advantages to predictive functions.

That is, if a vehicle is routed via a long downhill run in the first trip after leaving the depot, the batteries are not fully charged – as this recuperation phase has been predicted

and taken into consideration.

Should the charging state of the battery decrease during a long journey, the EMS can lower the energy requirement priority of the auxiliary units to extend the range, ZF explains. Since the EMS continuously checks the functional status of all consumables, it also simplifies diagnostics, it adds.

FLEET MANAGEMENT “With our system, we are targeting

bus and truck manufacturers unable to develop their own EMS, or want to use them differently,” Gründler said.

“Fleet owners – such as transport authorities – also benefit when only one partner assumes overall responsibility for the energy management of a vehicle.”

Overall, ZF’s EMS supports a faster launch to market of highly efficient all-electric commercial vehicles, the company points out.

Manufacturers also benefit from reduced functional integration efforts; ZF’s EMS uses the electric drive control unit – no additional control units are required – and ZF software controls the units via CAN bus interfaces.

The interaction of the drive and energy management software is “perfectly aligned”, ZF states.

Opposite: ZF says its software supports a faster launch to market of all-electric commercial vehicles.

Top: ZF’s Energy Management System (EMS) software solution manages energy allocation to optimise battery life, ZF says.

Above, Left: The ZF EMS can control all auxiliary units, such as air compressors, steering pumps and thermal management.

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IN FOCUS

SCANIA HYBRID DEMO

SCANIA COMMISSIONS HYBRID-ELECTRIC DEMO-DRIVE BUS

Scania Australia has commissioned a locally built hybridelectric city bus for demonstration duties in a bid to expose its real-world benefits to operators around the country, the company has announced.

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T

HE BUS – similar in specification to that already in service with a number of operators in Victoria and South Australia – offers fuel savings of between 25 and 35 per cent, as well as similar reductions in tailpipe emissions, plus benefits such as silent running mode for arrival and departures from bus stops, Scania says.

“The Scania hybrid-electric city bus is a ‘here-and-now’ solution that can deliver solid, repeatable and reliable performance day-after-day,” said Scania Bus and Engines sales director Julian Gurney.

“We have several years of in-service experience in Europe, as well as having

these buses on the road in Australia for a meaningful period of time, clocking up thousands of commuter inner and outer suburban kilometres.

“In real-world Australia testing we have seen the hybrid-electric city bus able to cruise on the highway at 100km/h propelled only by the electric motor.

“The bus’s computer controls constantly monitor engine load and other system demands and – under the right conditions; for example, under light load on a flat road – the hybrid can switch to zero tailpipe emissions mode and drive at speeds up to 100km/h, further extending the fuel savings.

“It is a unique experience to drive

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along on battery power alone at 100km/h.

“Aside from the business case stacking up in terms of reduced fuel burn, driver feedback has been very encouraging and passengers are enjoying a smoother ride.

“Patrons waiting at stops have a more pleasant experience, as the bus can arrive and depart under battery power, so there is far less noise pollution and, of course, no tailpipe emissions when running on battery power,” he added.

ABOUT THE HYBRID The Scania hybrid-electric bus can travel on battery power alone up to 4km and at speeds of up to 45km/h on the flat, at a gross weight of 18 tonnes, before the combustion engine restarts to recharge the batteries. To recharge the battery pack from empty takes around 30 minutes of engine running, depending on conditions, Scania confirms.

The Scania parallel hybrid-electric powertrain system comprises a 9-litre five-cylinder Euro 6-compliant diesel engine producing 320hp (239kW) and 1,600Nm, which is able to run on regular diesel, biodiesel or HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oils), allowing for a CO2 reduction of up to 92 per cent (depending on the fuel used).

It is mated to a Scania electric motor that can deliver up to an additional

Driver feedback has been very encouraging and passengers are enjoying a smoother ride.

177hp (130kW) and 1,030Nm, and is integrated into the Scania Opticruise automated 12-speed transmission, the company explains.

When running with the diesel engine assisted by the electric motor, the bus uses around 25 per cent less diesel, Scania states.

Adding the fully electric zero-tailpipe modes, and the overall fuel saving, climbs to between 30 and 35 per cent – depending on driving styles and environments.

PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES “We commissioned a hybrid-electric demonstrator so that we can show off the performance advantages of the bus operating in a variety of Australian climates,” Gurney explained.

“We’ll be showing off the bus operating in the southern climes all the way up the east coast to the Far North of Queensland.

“Our targets are operators who are keen to show they are taking meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon footprint, without having

Opposite: The new Scania hybrid offers fuel savings of between 25 and 35 per cent, Scania says.

Above: Scania states the hybrid is a good option for operators looking to make a first step into greener transportation options.

to install additional refuelling or recharging infrastructure at their depots.

“Operators keen to take their first step into a much greener transportation future may contact the Scania office in their capital city, or call us direct at Scania in Melbourne, and we will work to make the demonstrator bus available as soon as practicable,” Gurney confirmed.

“The green public transportation revolution has begun and there are simple, feasible and cost-effective steps that can be taken today to reduce our bus fleets’ carbon footprints, tailpipe emissions and urban noise pollution,” he concluded. busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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IN FOCUS

SCANIA CONNECTED

SCANIA ‘PLUGS IN’ OVER 500,000 CONNECTED VEHICLES In excess of half a million connected Scania vehicles are rolling worldwide, continuously sharing data for analysis – with 1,486 of them being connected Scania buses and coaches operating in Australia, Scania Australia confirms.

M

ore than just a fleet management tool, Scania’s data collection delivers a powerful competitive advantage to its customers when they are negotiating for new business, the company explains.

A decade ago, Scania took the lead by introducing a communication device as standard in all its vehicles, it says.

This enabled customers to achieve improved uptime, performance and efficiency across their operations, and for Scania to collect scientific data about product use, as well as analysing logistics patterns, it explains.

Scania’s lead product manager for Fleet Management Services, Venugopal Gangaiah, says the importance of having large numbers of vehicles connected cannot be over-stated, and considers this to be an important milestone for Scania.

“It is vital in our journey towards becoming a sustainable end-to-end solution provider of transport,” Gangaiah said.

“Scania wouldn’t be where it is today in terms of knowledge about products and customer behaviour, without the first vehicle being connected some 20 years ago making this possible.

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“The Scania fleet management portal and later launching our own communicator in 2009 were also strategically important milestones – not to mention recognition through the various telematics awards collected

by Scania over the last decade.”

LONG STANDING In Australia, Scania has been promoting its fleet-monitoring services for several years.

“Scania customers who monitor the data produced by their vehicles and drivers have a far clearer understanding about how their assets are being used and with what degree of efficiency and productivity,” said Richard Bain, Scania Australia’s services portfolio manager.

“The data generated and analysed by the fleet-monitoring system really gives them a bird’s-eye view of their costs and highlights where money is being wasted or where they can

make changes to improve their total operating economy.

“Drawing on the global data relating to usage, speed, loading and driver behaviour, Scania is better able to predict service needs and suggest preventative maintenance plans in order to ensure the operators benefit from, and achieve, the highest possible uptime,” said Bain.

MILESTONES Scania reached the 100,000 connected vehicles milestone in 2014, and the numbers have risen at a rate of close to 60,000 annually to pass 500,000.

Since 2019, Scania has also offered this vital connectivity feature to users of its industrial and marine engines, the company explains.

Although all new trucks and buses leave the factory equipped with a communicating device, customers have to sign a contract before Scania can

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process their vehicle data, and then access commercial service packages at various levels to see the data, Scania explains.

The entry level is the ‘monitoring package’, where customers receive e-mails on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, showing basic vehicle performance and consumption.

Most popular of the more advanced service packs is the ‘control package’, says Scania, supplying access to the Fleet Management Portal (FMP) and the Fleet app. It gives more detailed information about efficiency, productivity, safety and environmental impact of the business, which were not possible before, it states.

The information from more than 90 data parameters are not enough in themselves, though;

The data generated and analysed by the fleetmonitoring system really gives them a bird’s-eye view of their costs. fleet owners need to make use of this intel through Scania to really leverage the benefits, the company explains.

MORE TO COME Customers can currently monitor their vehicles based on engine or fuel use. With increasing electrification of transport, further milestones are on the horizon, Scania states.

Upgraded hardware and software will also make tracking of battery electric vehicles’ (BEV) performance possible, it adds.

“The existing Scania Communicator will be upgraded soon, enabling quicker and more advanced data collection and analysis,” Gangaiah said.

“This will result in even more modular and tailored services and is a prerequisite for reaching our science-based targets (SBTi).

“Emissions data reveal tank-to-wheel facts by default today in the fleet portal, but soon it will also be possible to view the well-to-wheel figures – another milestone to look forward to,” he said.

Above: Customers can currently monitor their vehicles based on engine or fuel use.

Opposite: The monitoring of bus data means Scania is better able to predict service needs and suggest preventative maintenance plans, it says.

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IN FOCUS

OEM PARTS

PARTS GUIDE TO BOOST SAFETY

A heavy vehicle association ‘good practice’ guide highlighting safety-critical bus and truck replacement-part importance has been issued to industry.

T

HE ARTSA INSTITUTE (ARTSA-i) – formerly known as the Australian Road Transport Suppliers’ Association – released its Good Practice Guide for Supply of Replacement Parts for use on Heavy Vehicles at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show to “boost safety for heavy vehicle drivers and all road users”.

The guide aims to raise awareness of suppliers, purchasers and installers of safety-critical replacement parts about supply practices, according to ARTSA-i.

It describes actions that suppliers should take to ensure parts are suitably certified, that records are kept and installation information is provided.

The guide does not favour original equipment parts over aftermarket parts, nor does it favour ‘bricks and mortar retailers’ over online suppliers, it explains.

It provides commonsense actions that all part suppliers should take, but often don’t, says ARTSA-i.

“We aim to reduce the risk of workshops fitting poor quality or inadequately rated safety-critical parts, as well as providing

an understanding of the different types of replacement parts available in the market,” said Dr Peter Hart, executive member of ARSTA-i and a certified vehicle engineer.

“For many types of replacement parts there are no requirements to meet a standard. For safety-critical parts such as braking, steering and suspension, the supply, selection and fitment of sub-standard replacement parts could compromise the safety of … drivers and all other road users.

“A casual glance at the part may not reveal any inherent unsuitability for the intended task, due to inappropriate materials used or short-cuts taken during manufacturing.

“Just because the part may appear to fit, does not necessarily mean it is suitable or safe. It is the supplier’s responsibility to correctly describe the status of the part to the market.

“ARSTA-i has devised this guide in association with its members, as well as outside experts, to offer clarity to everyone in the replacement parts chain, regarding the suitability and safety of parts with acceptable quality that may be sourced by an operator or workshop,” Hart explained.

“Price is an easy-to-understand variable, but quality and suitability are harder to determine - and in some cases, there is no linear relationship between price and quality.

“It is when things go wrong that the supplier’s quality controls and record keeping become critical,” he added.

DUTY OF CARE Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, those who are involved in heavy vehicle transport have a duty to ensure the safety of their transport activities, including ensuring their vehicles comply with vehicle standards and are appropriately maintained, ARTSA-i highlights.

“Operators should purchase goodvalue parts for heavy vehicles that will 32

Above: The aim is to reduce the risk of workshops fitting poor quality or inadequately rated safetycritical parts, says ARSTA-i.

Below, Left: Dr Peter Hart, executive member of ARSTA-i.

provide safe, reliable and legal performance,” Hart said.

“The guide defines acceptable supply practice and advises purchasers what to expect from suppliers.

“The use of poor-quality parts leaves the operator vulnerable to expensive breakdowns and reworks, enforcement attention, and loss of insurance cover.

“For this latter reason alone every vehicle operator is urged to ensure that their in-house technicians, or third-party workshops and suppliers, fit parts that are suitable for the job.

“We want to reduce the risk of in-service failure of all replacement parts, to avoid the vehicle crashing, or simply breaking down on the highway where they may be vulnerable to impact by other road users, potentially causing death, injury, loss or damage.

“We believe these risks can be mitigated if replacement parts suppliers implement the quality-assurance activities specified in this new guide,” Hart said.

It is available at: www.artsa.com.au.

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IN FOCUS

VOLVO E-BUS HEAT TESTS

VOLVO E-BUS CLIMATE TESTS BODE WELL FOR OZ With the impending official launch of the BZL electric bus chassis into the Australian market, current Volvo e-bus testing overseas in varying temperature conditions should provide somewhat insightful to local operators here.

R

ecent European Volvo e-bus summer-operation trials in the Norwegian town of Bodø are the first to provide scheduled services north of the Arctic Circle. Simultaneously, Volvo is also testing its electric buses in warm climates as part of challenging test programs in Spain and Mexico, amongst other places, it confirms.

“As one of the leading global suppliers 34

of solutions for electric mobility, we must be able to meet our customers’ requirements and expectations regardless of where they operate,” said Marie Carlsson, director city mobility business development at Volvo Buses.

“That applies not only to environmental considerations, but also availability, passenger comfort and safety.

“We test our products together with

our customers in Arctic conditions and in warm climates to ensure that we have the best solutions for a range of different requirements,” she said.

For example, during 2020 the fully electric Volvo 7900 electric bus was tested in Spanish cities, including Zaragoza, Santander and Madrid, where the ambient temperature during the test period sometimes exceeded 40°C, the company

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The results of the tests will pave the way for the rapid electrification of public transport throughout the world. says. This made it possible to investigate in practice how the energy usage of the buses was affected by using the air conditioning to full capacity, it explains.

RELIABILITY “Our buses performed well, and we were able to demonstrate that they are extremely reliable even in very hot climate conditions,” said Francisco Unda, managing director of Volvo Buses in Spain and Portugal.

The cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, etc. are all expected to begin electrifying their public transport systems in the near future, Volvo Buses states.

“We at Volvo Buses are ready to offer electrified solutions with different charging methods and service packages to the cities that want to start the move towards more sustainable public transport,” Unda stated.

FURTHER TESTS In North America, a Volvo 7900 electric bus is currently also being tested in the busy Metrobus system in Mexico City. It will be in operation for six months and then the experiences from this trial period will be evaluated, Volvo says.

“The results of the tests will pave the way for the rapid electrification of public transport throughout the world,” said Carlsson.

“We have turnkey solutions that include everything from quiet, zero-emission buses to the charging infrastructure and servicing.

“This means that we can help to improve the living environments and lay the foundations for cities all over the world to become more sustainable.”

Volvo Buses has already supplied more than 6,500 electrified buses to cities worldwide, the company explains. Its product range includes self-charging hybrids and fully electric buses, it states.

In addition to the buses themselves, Volvo’s electric mobility offering includes battery optimisation, charging infrastructure, servicing and maintenance, it adds.

Left: “The results of the tests will pave the way for the rapid electrification of public transport throughout the world,” said Marie Carlsson, director city mobility business development at Volvo Buses Europe.

Below: The Volvo 7900 electric was tested in Spanish cities where temperatures exceeded 40°C.

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19/7/21 12:44 pm

COVERSTORY

MAN LIONS CITY E-BUS

KINGS OF LEON In Europe, MAN’s e-bus tech and stylish body design is winning it all sorts of awards and plaudits from within industry.

Think the big German’s tech advances may never make it here in time - or at all? Think again.

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY MAN EUROPE

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D

ogs are strange creatures.

Cute and fluffy and cheeky and crazy mostly, but if you’ve ever watched different ones in a big park over time, you’ll note when it comes to ‘doing the business’ that the varied strategy and timeframes involved for successful ‘poopies’ seem as wildly unique and idiosyncratic for each pooch.

Or is it?

Some do it quickly while others take much longer; some sniff every tree while others can’t be bothered. Add in whether a dog starts to circle first, or selectively does a few figure eights

(highbrow, very upperclass), or merely ‘opens the bomb bay doors’ straight away - and you would be forgiven for thinking you were reading way much too into these things and it wasn’t worth further investigation.

Yet what if there really were ‘method to the madness’ and things really were ‘not always as they seem’?

Just as it turns out dogs are actually lining themselves up on an innately preferred north-south magnetic-pole axis (called ‘magneto-reception’ – thanks Frontiers In Zoology), many things in life are equally as complex and multifaceted than first thought.

And product launches – specifically buses, for us – are no different.

ALL GOOD THINGS Often enough people, punters, potential customers and casual observers will readily criticise a brand or product based purely on when, or where, it first comes out. How good it is or what thorough R&D, financial commitment and long manhours are behind it doesn’t even register as a concern – which is a shame.

If that ‘tortoise versus hare’ fable taught us anything, it was not that just ‘slow and steady’ won the race, but that purposeful repeatability and reliability

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COVERSTORY

Above: Lion’s City E e-bus is expected to be here in Australia in around 18 months to two years’ time, sources say.

Opposite: MAN’s Lion City E – the marque’s first electric bus – was touted as ‘easing the way to zero emissions’.

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MAN LIONS CITY E-BUS

far outweigh any notion of rushing things to market.

MAN’s electric bus know-how and technological advancements arguably may have taken a little longer than others to get out there – or such is the perception that is only now being proven foolish – but it has done so with performance results and design accolades that underlie untold energy and efforts to justify it. And in its Lion’s City E e-bus architecture, it will be here in Australia soon.

How soon? Well, granted not tomorrow, but no longer than the ‘10 years at least’ or ‘not at

all’ that online detractors might readily proffer.

Industry insiders tell ABC magazine, or allude to, within 18 months to two years from now, with MAN’s local distributor Penske Australia confirming it expects it would be no later than 2025.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX First showcased in 2018 at the International Motor Show (IAA) for Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, Germany, MAN’s Lion City E – the marque’s first electric bus – was touted as ‘easing the way to zero emissions’, with a

central motor and depot charging its pitch and an original ‘reliable range’ of 200km (up to 270km under favourable conditions) over the entire battery life.

With comprehensive consulting services to make it, “...as easy as possible...” for transport companies to get started with electric vehicles (its EV tech is in its trucks, too), and with mass production slated for the second half of 2020, it certainly presented itself as a promising – albeit belated – e-bus option for select European operators.

Operating on the assumption that around 66 per cent of scheduled-service buses will be electric by 2030, the MAN Truck and Bus Lion’s City topped off the company’s “...new generation of city buses”, following on from diesel and gas engines with a zero-emissions variants.

An evolution of the Lion’s City design, and as the company explained at the time: “A slightly modified design highlights the unique nature of the electric drive.

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A slightly modified design highlights the unique nature of the electric drive.

Its most striking feature is the lack of a rear engine compartment, with the batteries installed on the roof, making room for an ideal seating area at the back.

“Firstly, this positioning moves the batteries away from the vehicle’s rear, which is vulnerable in the event of a crash. Secondly, it allows for more design flexibility, more pleasant lighting and up to four additional seats in the interior,” MAN stated.

It opted for one central motor to power its electric bus (on the rear axle), then two to power its articulated bus (on the second and third axles), it says.

“These are easier to access and more simply designed than motors in close proximity to the wheels, which provides advantages in terms of maintenance and the total cost of ownership (TCO).

“In particular, the articulated bus benefits in terms of its handling.

The two driven axles increase its driving stability and, in turn, its safety, as well as providing maximum energy recovery when braking.”

MAN confirmed. busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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COVERSTORY

MAN LIONS CITY E-BUS

THE POWER From the initial iteration, the fully electric driveline produced 160kW270 kW in the single-deck ‘solobus’.

The power used for this comes from the modular batteries with 480kWh (total) capacity (usable capacity around 300kWh) for the single-deck, or 640kWh (400kWh) for the articulated, MAN says.

“In selecting these, MAN decided to take advantage of precisionengineered battery cell technology from the company’s existing range.

These batteries’ sophisticated temperature management guarantees especially strong availability, regardless of the time of year. This way, the Lion’s City E can reliably ensure their range of 200km (or up to 270km under favourable conditions) over their batteries’ full life cycles.”

“The batteries are plugged into a CCS and charged at the depot, which can fully charge solobuses in under three hours and articulated buses in under four, with an average charging power of 100kW,” according to MAN at launch.

This length of time falls accordingly when the maximum charging power of 150kW is supplied, it adds.

“MAN surveyed close to 200 customers throughout Europe and received feedback from several cities.

It concluded that, for the sake of routine operations later in the day, 42

It will be possible to upgrade the vehicle concept to the next battery generation.

flexible and uninterrupted service (without opportunity charging) is more important than an unlimited range,” which, looking back, is right where the Australian e-bus market is placed.

Yet, even then, it fortuitously highlighted: “Especially since battery technology is developing at a rapid pace … the Lion’s City E will remain at the cutting edge in this regard, as it will be possible to upgrade the vehicle concept to the next battery generation.”

“Charging outside of peak hours will also enable operators to tap into smart charge management and benefit from lower electricity rates, further adding to the cost effectiveness of running electric bus services.”

CURRENT TECH Since then, that battery tech has indeed been rapidly evolving, even if such pace of progress to outsiders strikes them as being glacial.

On the contrary, says Penske Australia’s Brisbane-based head of MAN Bus and Coach, Crinel Geaboc, who explains to ABC magazine that bringing such a product out to market here has been greatly influenced by ensuring the latest optimised battery technology is successfully married to the overall Lion’s City E12 and E18 plan.

“We have achieved several milestones as of today. Firstly, the MAN Lion’s City 12E serial production started in October,

Above: The Lion’s City E can reliably ensure their range of 200km (or up to 270km under favourable conditions).

Top, Right: Bringing this bus to Australia has been influenced by ensuring the latest battery tech is integrated with the Lion’s City E12 and E18 models.

Right: Charging outside of peak hours will also enable operators to tap into smart charge management, says MAN.

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COVERSTORY

MAN LIONS CITY E-BUS

We’re excited about the Lion’s City E tech and can’t wait to land it here for you. charger power, DC],” he said.

“We’re also looking at 6 x 2 double-deck EV driveline chassis based on our MAN A95 diesel low-floor, which is the popular chassis used in Sydney B-Line services.

“These deckers will more likely use the LFP battery technology (instead of NMC) for safety reasons, but this hasn’t been decided yet,” Geaboc confirmed.

WHERE NEXT?

Specs MAKE: MAN MODEL: Lion’s City 12 E + (18 E) DIMENSIONS: 12,200mm x 2550mm x 3320mm; (18100mm x 2550mm x 3320mm) WEIGHT: 19,500kg; (29,900kg) BATTERY: Roof-mounted NMC; Capacity – 480kWh (640kWh) RANGE: 200km (realistic conditions); 270km (favourable conditions) POWER: Continuous power – 160kW; peak power – 240kW CHARGING: Depot (overnight), CCS plug; Power – up to 150kW (DC); Time – less than three hours, (18E) – less than four hours MOTOR: Electric central (two driven axles, two electric centrals); Continuous power – 160kW (320kW); Max performance – 270kW (540kW) GEARBOX: Single-stage adapter (Single-stage adapter, electronic synchronisation between the two driven axles) SUSPENSION: CDS shock absorbers AXLES: Front – low-floor axle with independent wheel suspension; Rear – low-floor drop centre axle with stabilser MISC.: Aircon – automatically controlled all year concept; electric roof airconditioning system using heat pump and electric heater elements, auxiliary heater using alternative fuels (biodiesel, HVO etc).

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2020, in Poland,” Geaboc explained.

“Secondly, the largest order so far in Europe is 39 units with operator VAG Nuremberg in Germany. That consists of 11 rigid [single-deck solo] 12E buses and 28 articulated 18E buses,” he stated.

“Also, the best distance travelled on a single battery charge so far is 550km, while normal operating distance is 270km for the life of the batteries – i.e. it’s warranted for eight years currently, but we’d like to increase it to 10 years shortly.

“And then MAN was awarded the IF Gold Design Award recently for the Lion’s City 12E EV bus specification,” Geaboc said.

LOCAL OBJECTIVES For Australia, Geaboc says Penske Australia intends to maintain the same business model as it currently has, which is to “…bring in complete built MAN EV chassis units made in Europe and build the bus locally with an MAN-approved bus body builder.

“A new communication platform more suitable to autonomous technology and bus-to-bus communication is also going to be implemented in the new MAN EV buses, which will also get the more efficient hub electric driveline motors in future rather than a single central motor,” he explained.

“The first EV CBU will be a 2.5m wide rigid [solo] with a heavy-duty low-floor chassis designed to last 20-plus years.

“The Australian EV bus is yet to be named, but will have the same specification as our highly successful Lion’s City 12E in Europe, using 480kWh NMC batteries developed internally by MAN. These are getting fully charged in less than three hours [at 150kW

As Geaboc concedes, there might be a perception amongst local MAN bus fans that it’s a bit slow off the mark in getting an e-bus out to market - not just here but even earlier in Europe - but that with technology improving rapidly and advances in other areas, like telematics and body weight reductions via select materials, rushing something out when not properly tailored for Australian use would defeat the purpose.

“It’s a pretty unique environment here in Australia, in terms of different topographies, charging infrastructure requirements and expected longevity and reliability of buses in use, so while it’s not right here now it soon will be, and we’ll know what we offer our customers will be just right. We’re excited about the Lion’s City E tech and can’t wait to land it here for you,” Geaboc said.

UNTIL THEN...

“Before the incoming new electric drivetrain, MAN has released an interim solution – the brand new 9-litre diesel engine that utilises the latest diesel engine technology (2019), combining selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filter technology without the need for exhaust gas recirculation.

“This new D15 engine delivers 330hp [246kW] and significant fuel efficiency gains over the already popular MAN D20 engine that is available in Australia,” Geaboc explained.

“Few OEMs can proudly boast that they achieve Euro 6D and 6E emission standards using only SCR technology proving, once again, MAN’s advanced engineering is really working for us locally - delivering low whole-of-life costs, and superior performance.”

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VISIT US AT STAND #24

06/09/2019 09:49 19/7/21 10:13 am

OPERATOR

BAXTERS BUS LINES

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

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We caught up with Baxter’s Bus Lines’ semi-retired MD Garry Baxter, who has been working in the bus industry for decades. He shared glimpses of his business journey with us while discussing the current issues facing the public transport sector in New South Wales.

WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES BEN HOSKING

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axter has been actively involved in the Australian bus and coach industry for more than four decades and is currently chairman of Coach New South Wales.

After operating the successful Australian owned and run family bus and coach business for many years, he is now taking a step back to relish a more relaxed life.

Baxter’s Bus Lines (also known as Baxter’s Coaches) is based in Girraween, Sydney.

Baxter’s father, Roy, commenced operations of the current company when he purchased the business in 1981. Baxter managed the operations, along with wife, Susan, while Roy enjoyed driving and working behind the scene in the workshop.

Today, the third generation of Baxters is managing different roles within the business as Baxter is phasing himself out of the day-to-day operations to, as he put it: “Enjoy my time.”

His eldest son, Mark, is currently running the operations as the general manager, while his third son, Andrew, runs the workshop.

“Family orientation in the company plays a huge role in the success of the business, particularly customer service and tailoring particular needs of our clients,” said Baxter.

“Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our motto has always been ‘putting people first’, whether that is employees or customers.

“We have always been

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OPERATOR

Above: Baxter”s Bus Lines started in 1981

by Garry Baxter’s father, Roy. Opposite, Top: Some of the current Baxster’s team.

Opposite, Bottom: The fleet features mostly European brands including Scania, MercedesBenz and Volvo.

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BAXTERS BUS LINES

happy to be a small business so we could have that personal touch. We enjoy what we do that’s why we’re still here.”

Originally, Baxter’s used to operate a number of metropolitan bus service contracts, but by 2006 these contracts were sold to Connex, Transit First and Westbus.

Since then the company has dedicated its time and passion into offering charter bus services to private groups and schools based in Sydney’s West, he says.

The current fleet features mostly European brands, such as Scania, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo buses.

“We pride ourselves on having an extremely well-cared-for fleet of vehicles, which has enhanced Baxter’s reputation over the years of our operations,” he said.

“Our oldest bus is a 1989 Volvo B10 that we continue to use. We

run a mix of vehicles, including some minibuses, in our fleet to cater for people with different needs,” he explained.

INFRASTRUCTURE BANE Baxter was deeply moved as he discussed public transport infrastructure, or lack thereof.

He feels that, despite relentless efforts from industry bodies and members, the state government has not done enough to improve public amenities related to bus and coach travel.

“One of the biggest problems facing the transport industry is that while governments say they want to reduce car dependability, when it comes to providing roadside services like bus stops, we are very far behind developed countries.

“The infrastructure is appalling.

The curb-side bus and coach spaces are getting reduced

every year. For instance, while they say there are plenty of coach layover spaces in Sydney and Parramatta, the reality is that many of these individual spots are not available when you need them. We might have to go around the blocks multiple times to find a spot, which is a waste of time and resources.

“We need facilities to make our cities work. The governments haven’t followed through with the improvement on public transport amenities after the [Sydney] Olympic Games.

“We’ve been having this ongoing debate for years, but nothing comes out. The Bus & Coach Association NSW (BusNSW) does a stirling job negotiating with the government trying to get these services, but it falls on deaf ears. ”The focus going forward is better amenities for bus and

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Transport does go through cycles; in 40 years I’ve seen things come and go and then return.

Technology may change over the years, but the basics always remain the same.

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OPERATOR

Above: The Baxter’s buses paint a pretty great picture for potential drivers!

Below The next generation of Baxters is taking over operations to continue building the business.

BAXTERS BUS LINES

Today, we are very happy with what we’ve achieved.

We are proud of our family, our business, our employees and our driving staff.

Opposite, Bottom: The company now runs charter bus services to private groups and schools based in Sydney’s West.

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coach parking in order for people to board and de-bus safely,” he said.

OTHER PROBLEMS On a personal business-level there are other challenges that Baxter and his team have to overcome every day.

Keeping up with regulatory changes is an issue for all industry members, particularly in the light of the pandemic. Being unable to get enough experienced drivers is another big one for his team.

“We haven’t recruited new drivers in the past year because you can’t recruit drivers if you can’t find them enough work. But coming out of Covid, we are busy; however, we haven’t managed to get all our vehicles out on the road because we don’t have enough drivers at this stage.

“We are now actively looking for more drivers, but the fact is ... we are fussy. We want drivers who are as customer-focused as we are,” he said.”

We like having grandparents as drivers because they know how to treat children and they’ve experienced it all.”

“Being a charter bus driver is a very rewarding job. After drop offs and

between pick-ups there’s always time to sit down with your mates and enjoy a cup of coffee. It’s a great lifestyle...”

At this stage we started to wonder if Baxter had forgotten that we’re doing this interview for an ABC magazine operator feature and not for a job ad for drivers, we joked with him.

Realising this himself, with a hearty laugh he added: “I’m going to use

your article to attract some drivers for our business.”

NEXT PHASE In 1992, the Baxters started a travel club for members of retirement villages. Senior citizens in their area were able to join their travel club and go for outings and tours twice a month. However, once they became

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OPERATOR

BAXTERS BUS LINES

It’s very encouraging the way the younger generation is adapting to the changing environment.

Top: Baxter says that one of the biggest challenges facing the coach and bus industry is a lack of roadside infrastructure.

Above Generations of the Baxter family have worked to build a business focused on putting passengers first.

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grandparents they sold that part of the business, so Susan could take on some grandma duties and help out at home.

Nearly two decades later they are revisiting the idea with their car club memberships - and, from what we can tell, loving every minute of it.

“Today we are very happy with what we’ve achieved,” he said.

“We are proud of our family, our business, our employees and our driving staff.”

This came through clearly in our hour-long chat, where he shared a bunch of anecdotes about his driving team, including how they celebrated the birthday of one of their youngest drivers, who turned 70, recently.

“The younger generation is doing a great job and we have

an excellent support staff.

“It is now my turn to step back and let the next generation make the decisions on where they want to take the business,” he said.

“Hopefully, they’ve learnt enough by seeing how transport businesses go through cycles.

“And transport does go through cycles; in 40 years I’ve seen things come and go and then return.

“Technology may change over the years, but the basics always remain the same.

“It’s very encouraging the way the younger generation is adapting to the changing environment and the way that they adapt should take the business into the future,” he added.

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TEST DRIVE

1988 AUSTRAL MAN

CHILDHOOD DREAM

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It’s time to break out the perming tongs as 1988 is still going strong, albeit in the guise of a double-deck Austral MAN. Cruising the outskirts of Sydney as a member of Glenorie Coaches’ fleet, this is a nostalgia trip that still draws the crowds.

WORDS + IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE

I

t’s a pleasure to interview someone who’s a self-confessed bus fan and Glenorie Coaches’ owner and operations manager Alan Ng’s path to today, and his love of buses, came from a driving history that began way before he could drive.

“As a kid, I loved anything with an engine, I loved cars,” explained Ng of his bus beginnings.

“When I started catching school buses, which [were run by] Harris Park Buses in this area, is probably when it started.

“Then, when I was in high school, Clarke Coaches took us on all of our camps and I used to look at their vehicles and think they were just awesome – it kind of grew from there.

“My first driving job was a part-time job in my university days. Once you start driving, it’s a bit addictive and you just want to keep going.”

Ng’s introduction to bus driving was possibly a lot more colourful than some.

“Driving a tour bus in Europe was easily the best job I’ve ever had in my life. The pay was average, but I didn’t care because I was like 23 at the time and the average age of the passengers was about 21. So, it was perfect; it was just like a party atmosphere every single day. It’s a job you couldn’t do now, but at the right age it was the most perfect job,” he explained.

“The coaches were based in the Netherlands and we did all of Europe. So, basically from London, as far east as Turkey, up into top of Scandinavia, up into Russia, and then everything in between – it was unreal.

“When I look back at it, you kind of pinch yourself. I really do that because, back then, I was fearless and nothing worried me. I wouldn’t do it now but, looking back, I didn’t think anything of it.

“Compared to driving here, there are so many rules. They’re strict as because you go to different countries, so you need special paperwork and permits. It’s a completely different driving environment.

“I remember breaking down in Bulgaria with a coach full of passengers. It was a brand new Volvo. They had [to] subcontract another coach for the passengers to go into Romania and Poland and I sat there broken down for two days and then it was basically ‘make your own way to Poland’. I just looked at a map and thought ‘I’ll go through Serbia’, but you rock up at these borders, and they’re like, ‘what are you doing here?’”

Ng laughs, recalling the stories, as he explained: “You’re an Australian, then they don’t think you’re Australian because I’m Asian and they don’t understand that and they think my passport is fake. Then they’ll go through the bus and they thought I was smuggling people or drugs because it seemed unusual for an empty bus from the Netherlands being driven by an Australian. busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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TEST DRIVE

1988 AUSTRAL MAN

Once you start driving, it’s a bit addictive and you just want to keep going.

Above: A double-decker is always a drawcard for passengers.

Opposite, Above + Below: It might not have the modern comforts of today’s vehicles, but this bus is still a reassuringly stable drive; The revamp included new Styleride seats.

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“Looking back, you can just laugh, but probably there were a lot of things I shouldn’t have done.

“As far as a driving experience, you’re driving in much tougher conditions and because, obviously, they can’t train you about all of the countries, so you’re driving blind a lot of the time.

“You’ve got to pretend to your customers you know what you’re doing even if you have no idea, but you just say: ‘Oh yeah I’ve been to Warsaw many times.’

“It was before the time of GPS and all that sort of stuff. You have maps because it was like ‘good luck

with the phones’ because, in Europe when you live and work there, you pay roaming rates in every country you’re in. With a Dutch phone, the minute I cross the border, which is only an hour away, you just never use your phone unless it was an emergency.”

PURCHASING THE MAN Skipping forward to owning his own business, Glenorie Coaches, Ng says he purchased the MAN double-decker in 2010, making it the third bus in the fleet.

It had a good story behind its heritage as well, coming from

the famous Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, where it had been used mainly as a railway shuttle, picking up zoo visitors from the nearest train stations.

So, how did an operator from Glenorie Coaches purchase a bus from Australia Zoo? “Funnily enough, it was actually sitting on eBay for sale,” Ng explained.

“And this is in the early days when we didn’t really sell buses on eBay. They had already subcontracted their buses out to Greyhound. They had the three double-deckers there and they had already sold two and they kept this one as a spare.”

From a troublesome mechanical past at Australia Zoo to Glenorie Coaches was a lucky move for the MAN. “Mechanically, it wasn’t a good bus for them and if you look at its service history they had a lot of trouble with it. Funnily enough, I think they had actually ironed out all the issues before I bought it.

“For them, it was constantly broken down; they had to put a new motor in it. To be honest, out of all the buses I’ve bought, I reckon that one is probably been the most reliable and the one I’ve spent the least on!” said Ng, laughing.

Every operator that we meet who has a double-decker in their fleet always say it’s a drawcard and the most popular bus for charter work.

Asked if the MAN has been a good investment, Ng agreed: “Absolutely! I think even more so because it’s one of the earlier double-deckers. When we purchased it, it was a massive marketing billboard. The bigger capacity and popularity of a double-decker means it’s been easy to get a reasonable return on our investment.

“We have two double-deckers. The

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other one’s got a lot more power because it’s got a big engine, but, overall, the MAN has been the better bus.

“The best thing about an MAN is that, despite all the different chassis used, there are a lot of common parts. So, your front and rear end is the same as a lot of other MAN buses, all the parts are the same, so it makes it a lot easier for repairs and maintenance.

“With MAN, you just ring for a part and they know exactly what it is. As an operator this makes a massive difference. You just tell them the VIN and they go ok, bang, it’s this, this and this – easy as. Their aftermarket is amazing,” he confirmed.

GOOD BUSINESS SENSE Asked why Ng chose Coachcare for the refurb, he said: “I’d used different companies over the years but had never formed a strong connection to any of them, and I guess a bit of that was that we have a guy on staff that is just brilliant.”

“He has a family background in buses, he grew up around them and, because of his care factor to his work, it’s hard to beat.

“We got to the point where, with only one person, he couldn’t keep up and time off-road costs us money.

“I saw an advertisement for Coachcare ... and, when I met David [Bishop, owner of Coachcare] and chatted to him, his background in the industry was quite interesting. He too had a family history around buses; he worked at Customs.

“I had given him two jobs prior to this one and both times it was a good combination of good workmanship for a great value pricing. It made sense too as the dollar value meant we weren’t too much worse off than when we do it ourselves.

“Then, when Covid hit, we’d already been using David and knew we could trust him with the job. We also knew it would be beneficial to both of us at this time. That part of it certainly made good business sense but it was a tough decision to pull that sort of money in during a pandemic.

“I knew we had to do something about it, as it was the least tidy vehicle in the yard, but a good money maker, so you never take it off the road. So, it really was the best timing to get it sorted.” busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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TEST DRIVE

1988 AUSTRAL MAN

AGE APPRECIATION Before we go out for a drive we always try to get a feel for how the owner or builder sees the bus, as they are the ones that know it well and how it drives and performs. Often, it helps us see things or learn more than we might otherwise achieve on a drive that can only be an hour or so.

Ng, although incredibly fond of the MAN, is happy to talk about what it doesn’t have or can’t do. His honest approach might be why he seems so comfortable in his role and what he does.

With regards to power, for example, he said: “It should have, or should I say it needs, more. It struggles a bit because, for its era, for a European [bus], it was the top horsepower.

But, today, they have a lot more – the Denning has 500 horsepower (373kW) in comparison.”

When it comes to safety features, he 58

Funnily enough, it was actually sitting on eBay for sale.

We are used to the power of our modern-day vehicles. Probably, like anything you use on a regular basis, it’s hard to remember what driving was actually like over 30 years ago.

We are very spoiled now for driveability, power, safety and comfort.

Ng has a strong appreciation and love of his older fleet vehicles and sees them for what they are, but also sees the importance of them as a preservation of our history and industry.

added: “It’s got a big retarder on the ZF auto, which works well but, to be honest, the safety features on it are no different to any vehicle up until they went to disc brakes. All vehicles of that era were pretty much the same for safety.

“I think it’ll surprise you that it’s a lot more stable than you think it’s gonna be,” he said of the drive.

“I remember the first time I hopped in I thought it was just going to be weird, but it just drives like a good European route bus. It does feel heavy. Everything about it – the steering, pedal setup – it is a heavy bus to drive.”

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Asked what he next hopes to add to his collection, he said: “I’d really love a Austral HD1, which was the Austral chassis in the same body as this double-deck, but the single deck.

That’s probably the last bus because you can see all the ones I have here and I’ve got a collection of other stuff elsewhere. Yeah, it was a sort of tick the box with most of them, but that’s the one I that haven’t got yet.

“I think it’s really important to preserve our history, especially because a lot of the family bus companies are vanishing. They’re becoming big multinationals and they don’t have the same history and care factor for the buses and our industries past. Eventually, I’m going to need a giant shed because my dream is to have a big property and stash away the ones that I like the most.”

A final question before the drive, we ask what he thinks makes a bus worthy of preserving.

“For me, it’s the same with the cars that I like – it’s everything that I looked at when I was a kid with

rosy eyes and go ‘look at that, that’s amazing’. So, for me, it’s anything in that sort of ’80s and early ’90s era – it’s all about childhood memories.”

THE DRIVE There is always something special about an older vehicle. Even though they can never compete with the comfort and features of a new build, there’s something reassuringly strong and definitely nostalgic about these older ones.

This 1988 Austral MAN double-decker has a pretty famous past being part of the Australia Zoo fleet. Even carrying the name the Robert Clarence after Steve Irwin’s son, its home here at Glenorie Coaches with a self-confessed busman is one that ensures this double-decker’s life will continue long after its driving expiry date comes up.

With a big capacity of 71 passengers (57 upstairs and 14 plus driver downstairs), this double-decker has been a firm favourite with passengers and its recent refurbishment by Coachcare

during Covid quiet times will mean it will keep on keeping on for a long time to come.

Ng was pretty honest and open about what to expect on the drive of the MAN. He loves his old buses, but as stated earlier he doesn’t mind being truthful about what they can and can’t do on the road.

The drive is comfortable enough and we could easily have done a longer stint behind the wheel. We did some picturesque rural roads out of Glenorie Coaches’ NSW hometown of Dural, so not all flat and perfect freeway driving, but the MAN performed really well.

The one thing he did say we would notice about the MAN is that, even with it being an old double-decker, it is very well planted to the ground and, as soon as you start to drive, this is really noticeable. It just feels very stable and, remembering it is more than 30 years old and there wasn’t the technology we have today, it’s a surprising feature.

The steering is predictable, so no complaints. A surprising feature is

Above: The MAN used to run passengers to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast before being sold to Glenorie Coaches.

Opposite, Above + Below: It might be more than 30 years old, but this Austral is still an eye-catching vehicle on the road; Powering it along is a MAN D2866, 11.967L six-cylinder engine rated at 360hp.

busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

ABC_407_054-60_Driven_Glenorie Coaches MAN FC.indd 59

59

19/07/2021 3:35:32 PM

TEST DRIVE

1988 AUSTRAL MAN

I reckon that one is probably the most reliable and the one I’ve spent the least on!

Specs MAKE: MAN BODY: Austral ENGINE: MAN D2866, 11.967L six-cylinder. Power - 360hp TRANSMISSION: ZF 5HP590, five-speed SEATS: Styleride Aquarius fixed recliners, 71 plus driver HEIGHT: 4.25m LENGTH: 12.2m WIDTH: 2.5m

60

its capacity to go over bumps. A driver is often jolted pretty heavily over bumps, but this is handling it way better than expected. The independent front suspension works really well and the stability is a standout feature in a drive we weren’t expecting too much from.

The driver’s seating position is comfortable and the instruments are simple to operate.

The only downside of the instruments was that the temperature gauge was hard to see as it is very low set. Visibility of controls isn’t as clear as in today’s buses where driver ergonomics are well thought of but, overall, this isn’t too much of a concern. There’s a great old Clarion stereo system that was pretty standard for this era, but they worked really, really well and this one’s still pumping.

Driver visibility is good and the original mirrors work well. There has been an additional mirror added on the left hand side to help with driver vision when pulling up. Double-deckers give drivers a whole new ballgame when looking out for obstacles, with overhead wires just one possible concern, so the more visibility available the better.

The Styleride seats are patterned velour and have had a vinyl headrest insert added.

They are pretty bold in pattern and colour, but definitely in keeping with the bus’ vintage.

Upstairs, you just have to love the passenger visibility – can see why everyone gravitates to the front for unsurpassed views.

It has a great luggage capacity and there’s an added bonus door to stairs beside the bin doors to allow easier access by the driver to the luggage. There are rear access doors to the battery compartment, which would make jumpstarting easy. Behind the rear door is the 360hp (268kW) MAN matched with a ZF gearbox. We had run through belt changes with Ng earlier, who said that is a bit difficult but, overall, all looks straightforward and exactly what you’d expect for an ’80s bus.

A standout feature of the Austral MAN is the front – tall and striking. It really has a modern look and the restoration has really been well done. Ng repeatedly commented that he was very happy with the workmanship from Coachcare and, standing in front of this tall bus, we’d have to agree. From the paint finish of the bright Glenorie Coaches colours to the big bullbar, this bus a classic.

Taking the photos today and seeing this big double-decker come over the horizon, it’s easy to realise why it’s a favourite in Ng’s fleet.

Hats off to him for restoring this bus for future generations and for caring about preserving our transportation history.

ABC July 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC_407_054-60_Driven_Glenorie Coaches MAN FC.indd 60

19/07/2021 3:36:02 PM

S.M.A.R.T HUB

The USSC S.M.A.R.T HUB connects to standard industrial sensors and allows remotely measured data to be delivered to users anywhere in the world.

UNITED SAFETY S.M.A.R.T HUB VEHICLE INFORMATION IN REAL TIME

The United Safety S.M.A.R.T Hub provides valuable insights to bus operators on vehicle status and driver behaviour. Vehicle serial data can be broadcasted to the United Safety portal for desktop viewing, or safety alerts can be pushed as email or SMS when detected.

S.M.A.R.T Hub is designed to take the guesswork out of fleet management and puts you in the picture with the body, chassis equipment, and vital safety systems.

Flexible measurement timing makes the United Safety S.M.A.R.T Hub a low power device which is an important consideration when integrating into Electric Vehicle applications.

tel: 0407 829 335 email: brett.baxendale@ussc.com.au

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For inquiries, contact United Safety & Survivability Corporation:

19/7/21 12:46 pm

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DELIVERIES

JUNE 2021

Deliveries crack first monthly ton in 2021 The end of financial year proves fruitful for some in particular, exclusive ABC data reveals.

H

aving teased triple figures throughout the year, bus and coach deliveries have finally smashed that mark during the end of financial year.

June 2021’s tally of 114 is the highest for exactly a year, with June 2020 the last time deliveries surpassed a century, and well above this calendar year’s best of 99 in January.

Scania led the way in the chassis sector with 44 deliveries; also its highest number in a year.

Volvo followed on 29, with a 12-unit delivery to Busways helping it near its average of 30 in 2021.

BCI came roaring back after no deliveries in May to notch 21 in June; its highest number since February 2020.

The good news continued to roll for BCI in the body-building sector, taking a rare monthly crown after recording 24 deliveries. Volgren improved slightly month-on-month with 20 recorded deliveries, plus another from subsidiary

Supportrans. Custom Bus (13), Bustech (10) and Yutong (10) also reached double figures for the month.

In the air-conditioning sector, Thermo King hit a half century for the first time this year, with 53 deliveries also its biggest figure for 12 months. MCC, involved in most of BCI’s units, recorded 19 deliveries, its biggest month in recent times. Hispacold and Cling-Yutong were the others on double figures.

Victoria was the busiest of the states in June, occupying 32 per cent of the market. Somewhat surprisingly, WA took second spot with 24 per cent, while NSW fell back to third with 21 per cent and Queensland fourth with 17 per cent.

June 2021’s tally of 114 is the highest for exactly a year.

70

ABC July 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC_407_070-71_Bus Deliveries column FC.indd 70

20/07/2021 12:22:30 PM

BCI 24 Volgren 20 Custom Bus 13 Bustech 10 Yutong 10 Scania Higer 9 Irizar 5 Coach Concepts 4 Coach Design 4 Express 4 Marcopolo 4 Gemilang 3 BLK 2 Omnibus 1

Scania had its busiest month in a year.

SALES BY BODY The good news continued to roll for BCI in the bodybuilding sector, taking a rare monthly crown after recording 24 deliveries. Volgren improved slightly month-on-month with 20 recorded deliveries, plus another from subsidiary Supportrans. Custom Bus (13), Bustech (10) and Yutong (10) also reached double figures for the month.

Volgren/Supportrans 1

6% SA

32% VIC

17% QLD

In the air-conditioning sector, Thermo King hit a half century for the first time this year, with 53 deliveries also its biggest figure for 12 months. MCC, involved in most of BCI’s units, recorded 19 deliveries, its biggest month in recent times. Hispacold and Cling-Yutong were the others on double figures.

Percentage by

REGION 21% NSW

%

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

24%

Thermo King MCC Hispacold Cling-Yutong

53 19 11 10

Konvekta Spheros Coachair Valeo

9 7 4 1

WA

SCANIA 44

VOLVO 29

BCI 21

Sales by chassis Scania led the way in the chassis sector with 44 deliveries, also its highest number in a year.

Volvo followed on 29, with a 12-unit delivery to Busways helping it near its average of 30 in 2021.

BCI came roaring back after no deliveries in May to notch 21 in June; its highest number since February 2020.

YUTONG 10

MERCEDES˜BENZ 6

MAN 4

busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

ABC_407_070-71_Bus Deliveries column FC.indd 71

71

20/07/2021 12:24:10 PM

JUNE 2021

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION BCI

MAN

MERCEDES-BENZ

SCANIA

VOLVO

YUTONG

Ken Comi Compass Group KA & VK Stubbs Go West Brisbane Bus Lines Sodexo The Bethanie Group Goldrush Tours Pilbara Car & Truck Rentals The Chung Wah Association Geelong Baptist College Horizons West Bindoon School Bus Service Bus & Coach Sales Bus & Coach Sales Jacoby Bus Services N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Australia Wide Coaches Broadspectrum Support Services CA & JA McMicking Cann's Bus Lines Cavbus Pty Ltd T/As Logan Coaches Dickson Bus Lines Dept of Public Transport Infrastructure Dept of Public Transport Infrastructure Dept of Public Transport Infrastructure Hales Bus Lines Irizar Asia Pacific Irizar Asia Pacific James Newton Bus Service L C Dyson's Bus Services Lonestar Coaches Millers Buses Mooroopna Passenger Service Moreland Bus Lines NRC Buses Range View Bus Lines Tasmanian Tours & Travel Timboon Motors Toowoomba Transit Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines WBL Wimmera Roadways

Nuline Charter CDC Victoria Diggers Shuttle Service Buslines Group Busways Pacific Reg Osborn RJ Armstrong and DA Armstrong Perth Transport Authorities Perth Transport Authorities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

VIC WA NSW WA QLD WA WA WA WA WA VIC WA WA VIC VIC WA VIC VIC QLD QLD QLD QLD NSW VIC VIC VIC QLD VIC SA SA SA VIC VIC QLD VIC VIC QLD NSW VIC VIC NSW VIC VIC VIC QLD VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC NSW NSW NSW NSW QLD WA WA WA WA QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD SA NSW NSW

ENGINES

TRANS­M

UNITS

DELIVERIES

CHASSIS (Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

1 1 1 2 2 7 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 1 4 12 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Cruiser 12 Fleetmaster 55 Classmaster 57 Fleetmaster 55 Explorer Fleetmaster 55 Proma Low Floor Fleetmaster 55 Fleetmaster 55 Proma Low Floor Proma Classmaster 57 IC.19.290.RR8 IC.19.320.RR8 IC.19.320.RR8 IC.19.290.RR8 OC500LE E6 OC500RF E5 1936 XBC OC500RF E6 1936 OC500RF E6 1930 XBC K 410 EB6X2*4 K 400 IB6X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 310 UB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 360 UA6X2/2 K 320 UB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 B8R B5LH B8R B8R B8R B8R B8R B8RLE B8RLEA D7 D12 D7 E12 E12 E12 E12 D9 D9 D9

BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI Omnibus BLK BLK Coach Design Volgren Coach Design BCI Custom Bus BCI BCI Coach Design Irizar Irizar Volgren/Supportrans Scania Higer Coach Design Bustech SA Bustech SA Bustech SA Coach Concepts Irizar Irizar Volgren VIC Gemilang Scania Higer Touring Scania Higer Scania Higer Touring Scania Higer Express Coaches Coach Concepts Express Coaches Coach Concepts QLD Volgren Volgren VIC Volgren QLD Volgren VIC Scania Higer Touring Volgren VIC Coach Concepts QLD Marcopolo China Volgren Marcopolo Bustech Custom Express Marcopolo Volgren Volgren Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

360 320 320 320 470 320 207 320 320 207 210 320 290 320 320 290 360 360 260 360 360 260 410 N/A 360 310 360 310 320 320 320 360 360 360 320 310 360 360 360 310 310 310 320 310 310 320 360 320 360 310 310 330 240 330 330 330 330 330 320 320 160 360 160 350kWh 303kWh 303kWh 303kWh 250 250 250

R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R F R F R R R R R R R

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Zero Emission Zero Emission Zero Emission Zero Emission Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

TOTAL DELIVERIES 114 72

ABC July 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC_407_072-73_Bus Deliveries Table FC.indd 72

20/07/2021 12:25:27 PM

A: Auto M: Ma AS: Aut O: Opti

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A N/ N/ A A O A A A O A A A A A O A O A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 Emission Emission Emission Emission uro 5 uro 5 uro 5

A: Automatic M: Manual AS: Auto-Shift O: Opticruise

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A N/A N/A A A O A A A O A A A A A O A O A A A A A A A A A A A A A AS A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

TRANS MAKE ZF ZF ZF ZF Allison ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Allison ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Allison ZF ZF Allison Scania N/A ZF ZF Scania ZF ZF ZF Scania ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Scania ZF Scania ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Volvo ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Voith ZF Allison Allison Allison N/A N/A N/A N/A Allison Allison Allison

NUMBER OF SEATS

AXLES

issions andard

TRANS­MISSION

BODY LENGTH

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 N/A N/A 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

12.3 12.3 12.3 12.30 13.5 12.3 8.9 8.8 12.3 8.9 8.8 12.3 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 13.5 13.5 12.5 13.5 13.5 12.5 13.5 12.5 12.3 12.5 12.3 12.3 11.7 12 12 13 12.5 12.5 12.5 12 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 18 12.5 12.3 12.3 12.5 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 10.0-12.9 8 12.4 8 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 10 10 10

Thermo King MCC MCC MCC MCC MCC MCC MCC MCC MCC MCC Thermo King Thermo King Spheros Spheros Coachair Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Spheros Hispacold Hispacold Thermo King Konvekta Thermo King Hispacold Hispacold Hispacold Thermo King Hispacold Hispacold Thermo King Thermo King Konvekta Konvekta Konvekta Konvekta Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Coachair Thermo King Konvekta Thermo King Thermo King Spheros Valeo Spheros Thermo King Thermo King Coachair Spheros Thermo King Thermo King Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong

57 – – – – – 25 – – 29 39 – X X X X – 57 47 57 57 47 – 57 57 – 57 57 – – – 57 57 57 – – 57 57 57 57 57 57 50 57 – – – – 57 57 53 57 – 57 55 57 57 57 – – 23 57 28 – – – – – – –

– 55 55 55 58 55 – 35 55 – – 55 – – – – – – – – – – 52 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 39 39 39

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 41 – – – – – – – – 57 – – 43 43 43 – – – 47 38 – – – – – – – – 44 44 70 44

(metres)

– – 40 – – – – – 41 X – – – 44 44 44 44 – – –

APPLICATION Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

– – – – X – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – x x – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

– X X X – X – X X – – X – X X – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – X – X – – – – – – X X – – – – – X X X

– – – – – – X – – X – – – – – – X – – – – – – – – – – – x x x – – – x x – – – – – – x – x x x x – – – – X – – – – – X X – – – X X X X – – –

X – – – – – – – – – X – X – – X – X X X X X – – x x – x – – – x x x – – – – – – x x – x – – – – – x x X – – X X X X – – – – X – – – – – – –

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Styleride McConnell Sege Sege Styleride McConnell Styleride TST Sege Sege Sege Sege APM Sege McConnell Styleride Styleride Bustech Bustech Precision Bus Styleride Sege Sege McConnell NB Trimming Styleride McConnell Styleride McConnell McConnell Styleride Styleride Styleride McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell Styleride Styleride Marcopolo McConnell Marcopolo Styleride McConnell McConnell Marcopolo McConnell McConnell Yutong Yutong Yutong Styleride Styleride Styleride Styleride Yutong Yutong Yutong

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y N N Y N N N Y Y Y Y N N N N N Y Y N Y N N N N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y

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

busnews.com.au July 2021 ABC

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Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) distributes 3,315 copies every month based on the auditing period April to September 2020.

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Prime Creative Media proudly publishes CAB audit figu es for Australasian Transport News (ATN), Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) and Owner Driver magazines. *Average number of copies distributed per issue for the 6 months from April to September 2020. †Unique Browsers per month, Google Analytics, March 2021

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Custom Denning, Australia’s oldest and Sydney’s only bus builder.

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ABC 407 OSBC.indd 76

Mick Neskes National Sales Manager 0422 224 117

Peter Simpson VIC Sales Manager 0478 762 897

Grant Mascord National Contracts Manager 0413 036 651

Ben Thurm QLD Sales Manager 0407 703 266

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TFNSW PROCUREMENT PANEL APPROVED

19/7/21 12:34 pm