Australasian Bus & Coach 415 March 2022

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contents ISSUE 415 MARCH 2022

08 in the know

6. editorial | ignition The Australasian bus industry has, is and always will be inspiring innovation and best practice globally for many years to come.

8. news | the front line We’ve gathered up all the key, hard-hitting Australasian and international bus and coach news for you, to keep you in the loop.

22. bic column

WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT ‘ZERO’?

As governments announce emission goals, what does this mean for us?

in focus

24. In focus | custom denning e-bus investment

CUSTOM DENNING EARNS $70 MILLION NSW E-BUS CONTRACT The NSW government is investing $70 million into Western Sydney bus manufacturer Custom Denning to help transition the state’s bus fleet to zeroemissions technology.

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ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

26. In focus | ray andrich

VOLVO’S RAY ANDRICH MARKS 30 YEARS Volvo Bus Australia stalwart and overall local bus industry veteran Ray Andrich has celebrated his 30-year milestone with the Swedish brand.

28

27. In focus | kelsian-macquarie partnership

KELSIAN AND MACQUARIE TELECOM PARTER UP

Kelsian Group Limited and Macquarie Telecom have signed a deal to enable the former’s further expansion.

EDITORIAL Editor: Fabian Cotter Publisher: Christine Clancy e-mail: christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au ph: 03 9690 8766

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT:

Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge

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

PRODUCTION Production Co-Ordinator: Cat Fitzpatrick Art Director: Bea Barthelson

PRINTING Manark Printing

28. In focus | vic hydrogen service station

ADVERTISING Trader Group Sales Manager:

VIC HYDROGEN ‘SERVICE STATION’ GETS $23.8 MILLION BOOST

James Rock ph: 0419 139 941 e-mail: James.Rock@primecreative.com.au

Viva Energy Group Limited (Viva Energy) will receive funding to build a New Energies Service Station in Geelong, Victoria.

Business Development Manager - Bus: Matt Alexander ph: 0413 599 669 e-mail: Matt.Alexander@primecreative.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS

32. In focus | volvo-volgren cat e-bus trial

www.magshop.com.au e-mail: magshop@magshop.com.au

FIRST VOLVO-VOLGREN ‘CAT’ E-BUSES HIT PERTH STREETS

ph: 1300 461 528 between 8am – 6pm (EST) Mon – Fri mail: Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW, 2001

A pair of striking bright-red ‘CAT’ e-buses have hit the streets in Joondalup, north of Perth, as two of an initial first four new Swan Transit-run EVs take part in a trial.

Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $89* NZ: $A100.05 Overseas: $A122.50 (Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST

EXECUTIVE GROUP

38. In focus | scania new bus generation

DYSONS TO RECEIVE FIRST ‘NEW BUS GENERATION’ SCANIA FLEET Prior to its electric bus chassis arrival into Australia soon, Scania has bolstered its low-emissions range via introducing a ‘New Bus Generation’ chassis and powertrain.

42. In focus | new bus generation launch

LIVING SOCIAL

The Scania New Generation bus launch wasn’t just about new product, but a time for a longoverdue in-person event.

46. In focus | quantron cizaris ev

QUANTRON CIZARIS E-BUS LAUNCHED

Quantron has launched its first ever Cizaris 12 EV low-floor electric bus.

52. coverstory | letenda electrip

ICE AND SPACE

With a fully low floor and copious space for up to six wheelchairs – or maybe cumbersome ski gear – the Letenda Electrip 9-metre bus is perhaps a multi-region, all-weather wizard in disguise.

CEO: John Murphy Publisher: Christine Clancy COO: Zelda Tupicoff

60

Operations Manager: Regina Fellner Trader Group Sales Director: Brad Buchanan

60. operator | coolum coaches

FROM COUNTRY TO COAST Next year, Glynn Ross will mark his 50th work anniversary in the bus and coach industry. We chat with him about his successful business, Coolum Coaches, and how he found his true calling behind the wheel.

departments

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

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ISSN 1324-8634

65. bus marketplace | classifieds 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!

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

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 March 2022 ABC

5

IGNITION

FABIAN COTTER

Time waits for no man

H

The Australasian bus industry has, is and always will be inspiring innovation and best practice globally for many years to come.

mm... I remember it now. “Got a bus itch that needs a good scratch?” And so my ABC magazine bus journey began.

It took me a while to recall exactly which issue that was – four years after the fact – but Issue 368 with then-new Volvo Bus Australia general manager Lauren Downs on the cover was when my trusty backside hit the hot seat. Ah, the memories... (might be a good time to start whistling the intro of Scorpion’s Wind of Change and press play on the stereo).

I’d opened talking about 1970s television comedians Paul Hogan and Dave Allen, whose expert delivery of soliloquy had me, amongst millions of other viewers at the time no doubt, engrossed in the show and what they had to say. The way they were able to command a viewer’s attention was fascinating. With ABC I was clear that I was setting out to not so much to command but earn your attention. I only hope that I did just that.

Somewhat of a mission statement, I said that I’d aim to, “...keep you entertained and informed from start to finish with the latest bus news, trends and tech developments from both an Australasian and greater global perspective, all the while having a bit of fun and reader engagement as we collectively celebrate our amazingly welcoming, competitive, smart and friendly bus-and-transport industry.”

Consecutive sizeable year-on-year traffic growth and continued print and digital subscriber increases assures me of the brand’s continuous loyalty and readership being well placed to successfully drive things forward for years to come. But, as my dear dad always says, ‘time waits for no man’ – and indeed it is time for someone else to take the ABC steering wheel. I’m confident the ‘best in bus’ is yet to come.

AUSSIE INSPIRATION The type of innovation and excitement I’m referring to, in terms of new and engagingly thought-provoking product, manifests in buses like the largely aluminium Letenda Electrip 9-metre.

With a true low floor and flexible interior layout, and uber manoeuvrability thanks to its rear-steer axle, it graces our cover.

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ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

Designed in Québec, Canada, for the intensely harsh winter conditions there, it would be remiss of the casual observer to dismiss this recently-launched ‘small bus’ to be solely for such climates. The company confirms its all-weather application in a range of global regions, and it could prove useful in more than just the ski resorts of Australia or New Zealand as a heated and well-insulated shuttle bus.

I was shocked, and as equally impressed, that some of the inspiration for it came about thanks to older buses run ages ago in Perth. In this way, operators seeking and requiring certain attributes and qualities in bus product would have helped fine-tune the product from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). And, in turn, OEMs advising operators how best their product can help them, in ways many may not realise at first, has underwritten this dichotomy – often resulting in efficient, safe and profitable transit solutions for all. In this dynamic, bus product evolves positively. In this fashion, particularly in Australia with its endearingly stubborn mentality for a bus to last 25 years or more, it sets a reliability and quality standard that’s the envy of the world, in many regards. You can read more about Letenda and its global plans on pages 52–59.

CONTENTS GALORE Big news for sure was Custom Denning landing a $70 million contract with the NSW state government to make 79 of its Element electric buses as the state pursues its zero-emissions bus strategy. It’s a huge boost for Custom owner Scott Dunn and the team and perhaps more so for local manufacturing in Western Sydney. Well done, guys! Check pages 24–25.

Helping the hydrogen bus push in Victoria, the Viva Energy Group gets $23.8 million in state and federal funding to build a ‘hydrogen service station’ aimed specifically for the heavy vehicle market.

That’s on pages 28–31.

Scania’s New Bus Generation had a great launch by all accounts, with the new product range giving the OEM a comprehensive suite of bus options for operators that will complement its forthcoming e-bus chassis (pp. 38-45).

Plus there’s Styleride’s new premises opening soon (p 50); the first Volvo-Volgren electric buses hit Perth’s CAT routes (pp.

32–36); Germany’s Quantron debuted its Cizaris EV (pp. 46–49); Kelsian and Macquarie Telecom partner up (p 27); and Volvo bus legend Ray Andrich celebrates 30 years with the brand (p 26).

Bit of trivia? Ray’s story on the ABC Facebook page alone (at the time of writing, 3.33am on 16/3/2022) had gone gangbusters and reached more than 2,350 people, had 733 engagements, amassed 176 reactions and received 73 well-wishing comments. Testimony to the man he is and typical of some of the endearing characters that shape the local bus industry. It was heart-warming to see his story get such a response – the biggest from memory in four years at least. Impressive!

And I’m glad I got to witness that. After these pandemic years it’s good to see the bus community come together for one of their own – particularly for a bloke that I hear ‘had my back’ for one my proudest headlines in an amazingly serendipitous context: “No Country for Old Men”. Yup, it had to be run. ;)

NEW BEGINNINGS And that’s about it from me...

All the best to you all, the mag and the next lucky ‘steerer of the ABC bus wheel’, whom no doubt will see first-hand your unique sense of bus ‘community’. I’ll let them introduce themselves soon enough.

Ultimately, I’ve been truly blessed to experience such an industry and meet so many amazingly great people and share so many awesome stories with them, for them. Sincerely.

And those bus catch-ups? I’ll indeed remember them well.

Hmm... I’d like to think after two lockdown years there’ll be a chance to say cheerio to most of you again, but maybe like that line in the movie The Day After Tomorrow says – when they work out the icy super storm cells mean serious business and there’s no chance to escape their snowy wrath: “I’m afraid that time has come and gone, my friend...”

Until someone else’s next thrilling instalment...

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15/3/22 8:33 am

NEWS

GO WEST SECURES FOUR BUS CONTRACTS

NSW JOBS BOOST VIA VOLVO-ECB BUSLINES CONTRACT A MUCH-NEEDED North Coast apprenticeships push to address a bus-industry skills shortage is being driven – in partnership with Volvo Bus Australia – via a recent Express Coach Builders (ECB) contract to further the supply of buses in regional NSW for operator Buslines, the companies announced recently.

In order to boost the amount of qualified staff in the skills necessary for ECB bus body building operations, the company is heavily investing in apprenticeships to support its expanding operations and currently have more than 13 apprentices, which ECB is looking at increasing this year.

The new major contract will ultimately support local jobs, training and manufacturing across the area.

With a heavy focus on grassroots staff, ECB is being supported by local partners like Volvo Bus Australia which has been facilitating hands-on training for current staff at the Macksville facility.

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ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

“At Volvo Bus Australia, we have been supplying the NSW bus market now for 51 years. In fact, there are over 4,000 Volvo buses active in the NSW contracted bus fleet today,” explained David Mead, vice president Volvo Bus Asia Pacific Region.

“These buses are supported each and every day by a significant workforce located in Western and South Western Sydney, the Hunter Valley and service sites across the state,” he added.

REGIONAL CHALLENGES Having supported the NSW bus market for more than five decades, creating local jobs has been a key part of Volvo Bus Australia’s success, with the business currently employing thousands across NSW in multiple VCV dealerships, as well as the Minto parts centre in Western Sydney, the company confirms.

These local jobs that have ultimately supported the efforts of Volvo Bus in Australia in enabling the company to mark its 12th year of consecutive leadership in

Australia, with significant sales in NSW – and placing Volvo as the only premium European OEM with an electric offering that is ready for local body build and delivery in 2022, it states.

Given Volvo’s long-term partnership with Buslines and the expected outcomes of the contract with ECB, it is no surprise that Volvo Bus Australia is thrilled to be supporting such a key initiative for regional NSW, it says.

“Having worked alongside our valued customer Buslines for more than 20 years, it is just fantastic to

Above: With a heavy focus on grassroots staff, Express Coach Builders is being supported by local partners like Volvo Bus Australia.

WEST AUSTRALIAN operator Go West – now owned by the Kelsian Group Limited (KLS), which in turn includes public transport operator Transit Systems – has continued to bolster its bus offerings by securing four school bus services, for terms remarkably of up to 17 years, with the Public Transport Authority (PTA), the group has announced.

Moving primary and secondary school children on a daily basis in the areas of Tom Price, Manea and Karratha, as well as offering school bus services for community events, Transit Systems chief operating officer Greg Balkin says the company was pleased to continue providing safe, reliable and convenient services.

“We are proud to secure these new contracts on a long-term basis and look forward to continuing to delivering reliable services to the schooling communities.” see us continuing to service Buslines in partnership with Express Coach Builders, as part of the new body-build contract,” said Mitch Peden, general manager Volvo Bus Australia.

“It’s certainly been a challenging time for regional NSW manufacturing with recent skill shortages and it is wonderful to see our partner, Express Coach Builders, getting the boost it needs to excel its operations and support local workers and the industry.

“With Express planning on expanding its apprenticeship program and upskilling staff, we are excited to see what comes ahead for the business and the positive impact this will have on manufacturing and job creation in regional NSW.”

ABOUT ECB Starting from a small shed in the New South Wales town of Macksville in 1995, ECB started with a small team of six employees that produced 20 buses per year, it states.

Having moved to larger, custom-built premises in 2014, today, ECB sees up to 75 prestige vehicles roll through its production line. What starts as a simple chassis becomes a made-to-order product of the highest calibre, completed with the distinction and superior compliance guidelines that ECB is known and

respected for throughout the industry, it says.

With a team of 75-plus highly skilled tradesmen, assistants, apprentices and administrators, an ECB bus or coach is built with integrity and passion, providing customers throughout Australia with the most superior vehicle in the market, it explains.

ABOUT BUSLINES The original company was founded on 25 March, 1926, by John Alan Gilbert and began bus operations under the name of John A Gilbert Pty Limited in 1938.

In 1943, John A Gilbert acquired Tamworth’s bus services and in 1944, Berrima and Orange joined the group.

Today, the company, known as Buslines Group Pty Limited, has its Head Office in Burwood, NSW, and operates bus services in and around Ballina, Bathurst, Berrima, Dubbo, Forster, Griffith, Lithgow, Kandos/Rylestone, Northern Rivers, Orange, Tamworth and Wingham areas, it states.

Commencing in 2007, the company successfully operates taxis in the Griffith and Dubbo areas, it adds.

“We have a global reputation for transportation excellence, but part of what makes our group successful is that we share and leverage our world-class expertise across our network,” Balkin stated.

“This ensures we deliver the very best fit for each local community with tailored services.”

Kelsian Group has contracts in place with governments in every Australian state, with Go West successfully operating the Tom Price school bus services on a short-term contract with the PTA in Western Australia for the last 12 months, the group confirms.

“We are proud to secure these new contracts on a long-term basis and look forward to continuing to delivering reliable services to the schooling communities,” he said.

LESTOK ACQUISITION Locals will see more of Go West in the region after Kelsian Group also announced the acquisition of local tourism operator, Lestok Tours.

“With the Lestok Tours depot directly opposite our existing bus depot in Tom Price, we have plenty of synergy and support locally and look forward to welcoming students, locals and tourists aboard,” Balkin said.

ABOUT KELSIAN Go West and Transit Systems are part of Kelsian Group Limited, Australia’s largest integrated land and marine, tourism and public transport service provider with established international operations in London and Singapore, it explains.

With around 9,500 employees, the group is one of Australia’s most experienced and diverse multi-modal transport businesses operating around 4,000 buses, 116 ferries and 24 light-rail vehicles (as of the end of December, 2021), carrying more than 222 million customers to where they need to be and want to go, the company states. busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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NEWS

Coming up

EVENTS 8-9 APRIL

QBIC ANNUAL CONFERENCE

16 MAY

BUSNSW DELEGATES FORUM – NORTH PARRAMATTA

3–4 JUNE

ENERGY AUSTRALIA AND NEXPORT ‘TEAM UP’ FOR BUS E-MOBILITY

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LOCAL ENERGY provider Energy Australia and ‘clean tech’ bus and transport solutions provider Nexport have ‘joined forces’ to, “… help public and private sector customers accelerate the uptake of zero-emission transport,” they recently announced.

The pair’s ‘one stop shop – grid to road and beyond’ electrification offering is in the context of a 2021 report* from BusVic and Monash University finding that bus operators were, “…most concerned about establishing energy infrastructure; the cost and commercial viability of zero-emission buses [ZEB] technologies; and their own capabilities to successfully operate, charge and maintain ZEBs.” Energy Australia and Nexport jointly aim to, “…leverage their extensive expertise to enable the provision of bespoke end-to-end solutions to customers across the public/private/industrial transportation and employee mobility sector,” they state.

Their work together also helps to, “…urgently address growing emissions in the transport sector – the third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia,” they explain.

maintenance (vehicle and charging infrastructure), they confirm.

Energy Australia chief customer officer Mark Brownfield said: “Energy Australia is excited to work with Nexport to electrify Australia’s transportation sector. We see this as a strong example of how we’re ‘doing energy better’ by helping the transportation industry embrace cleaner energy solutions.

“We look forward to supporting major players in delivering greener cities, cleaner communities and quieter neighbourhoods,” he added.

Nexport CEO Michel van Maanen said: “Working with Energy Australia to bring an end-to-end solution to the market is a critical step in electrifying the transport industry.

“This unique collaboration between one of Australia’s leading energy retailers and a zero-emission vehicle and solutions provider has created an exciting opportunity for the transport industry to access a ‘one-stop-shop’ to accelerate the transition to cleaner and greener transport solutions.”

THE DETAILS

ABOUT NEXPORT

According to the companies, government and major operators in the transport industry interested in electrifying their fleets and transportation depots will be provided: analysis (fleet and electricity network); solution design (fleet and charging); engineering and construction services; vehicle delivery; and commissioning and charging infrastructure. This includes the supply of ‘green’/renewable energy, and fleet operations through to ongoing

Nexport promotes and delivers zero-emission solutions across all modalities of the transport of people and goods of ‘clean-tech’ technologies in a wide range of transport solutions promoting a cleaner and greener environment and assures a sustainable deployment and long lifecycle of the solutions sold, it states.

Nexport offers a zero-emission ecosystem based on operational excellence for solution providers to enter targeted markets supporting

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

TASBUS CONFERENCE & DINNER – HOBART

16 JUNE

BUSNSW ASSOCIATE MEMBER SEMINAR – NORTH PARRAMATTA

28–29 JUNE

NATIONAL INDUSTRY SUMMIT – CANBERRA

6 JULY

APTIA INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS BREAKFAST – MELBOURNE

7–8 JULY

MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW – MELBOURNE

15 JULY

BUS WA AGM AND BUS DISPLAY – TBC

22 JULY

QBIC PARTNER FORUM – CAIRNS

15 AUGUST

BUSNSW DELEGATES FORUM

25 AUGUST

BUSNSW YOUNG LEADERS FORUM

the ‘entry to the market’ from the design and engineering phase all the way up to delivery, warranty, contract management and after sales, it explains.

ABOUT ENERGY AUSTRALIA Energy Australia is a leading energy retailer and generator with 2.4 million customer accounts across eastern Australia, it says.

It supplies energy to its residential and business customers from a modern energy portfolio, underpinned by coal and gas power plants, as well as renewable energy sources, it explains.

Energy Australia recently updated its Climate Change Statement, which includes a commitment to be net zero (scope one, two and three) by 2050, to be out of coal by 2040, and to reduce direct emissions by 60 per cent by 2028/29 relative to 2019–20, it confirms.

NB: * BusVic and Monash University, Mobility Design Lab for the Bus Association Victoria Inc. December 2021

CANBERRA ZEB TENDER UNDERWAY TRANSPORT CANBERRA’S (TC’s) ageing bus fleet has taken a ‘major step forward’ in its transition to a zero-emissions future with 90 electric buses sought in a longer-term procurement.

TC invited parties to register for procurement by 8 March, 2022. Respondents will be invited to participate in the request for proposal activity, it explains.

This next tranche of electric buses follows its current low- to zero-emission bus initiatives, of which Yutong’s local distributor Vehicle Dealers International and Western Sydney-based Custom Denning – fresh from its $70 million NSW e-bus contract win – are key to Canberra’s initial e-bus fleet.

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS According to TC, the first electric buses are on their way from its ‘current preferred suppliers’, which it identifies as VDI Australia

and Custom Bus Group, to lease the ACT’s first 12 electric buses.

This includes two different technology types by two different manufacturers, so TC can, “… understand exactly how different vehicles perform in the local Canberra environment,” it explains.

“These buses will operate from the Tuggeranong and Belconnen bus depots and will be part of the Transport Canberra fleet by the end of 2022.”

LOWER-EMISSSION DIESELS While TC works on the infrastructure to house and charge more electric buses, it will lease a further 26 lower-emissions and accessible diesel buses, it explains.

“We’ve identified our ‘current preferred supplier’ as Scania Australia for the lease of these buses,” it states.

“By leasing the new lower-emission buses, we can

meet the operational needs of our public transport network without purchasing more diesel buses that would remain in the fleet for another 20 years.

“The removal of this old fleet will also mean that every Transport Canberra bus and light-rail service will be accessible for Canberrans using a wheelchair/walking aid, or travelling with prams.

“These new buses will also be smoother and quieter, providing more comfortable journeys,” it adds.

Above: ”Negotiations with the ‘current preferred suppliers’ remain ongoing and a further announcement will be made once contract negotiations are finalised,” operator TC confirms.

busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

11

NEWS

NEW SCANIA BATTERY-ASSEMBLY PLANT GETS ABB ROBOTICS

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CHARGING SPECIALIST ABB has entered into an agreement with Scania Europe to provide a comprehensive range of robotic solutions for the bus and truck maker’s new 18,000m2 highly automated battery

to deployment, which will significantly shorten lead times and support the quality process, it explains.

assembly plant in Sweden, the companies announced, recently.

The new facility will be a key milestone on Scania’s journey towards the electrification of heavy vehicles, they explain. Scania will invest more than SEK 1 billion ($108 million) in the facility over several years and the new Södertälje plant is expected to be fully operational by 2023, they add.

The advanced facility will be built next to Scania’s chassis assembly plant in Södertälje and will be highly automated, from goods reception through production to delivery, ABB says. It will assemble battery modules from cells supplied by Northvolt’s battery factory in Skellefteå, with the completed packs delivered directly to the vehicle assembly hall.

Multiple ABB robots will be involved in the assembly process, including the IRB 390, IRB 4600 and IRB 6700 models, along with additional solutions to support the production process, ABB confirms.

This will mark the first time ABB’s IRB 390 robot will be used in a battery production facility, it says. Originally designed for the packing industry, the robot combines speed with power and can mount contact plates in batteries at a rate of one plate every second, 24 hours a day, the company states.

ABB’s RobotStudio simulation and programming software will enable full verification of the production line prior

“We are delighted to work with one of our longest-standing clients to help deliver their electrification roadmap,” said ABB Robotics’ automotive business line managing director, Joerg Reger.

“The automotive industry has always been at the forefront of automation.

But with the shift to electrification, it faces wholesale changes to established manufacturing processes.

“With our expertise, we will design and help implement the manufacturing flexibility that is vital for market leaders such as Scania in delivering this change.”

Head of Scania’s battery assembly, Tony Persson, said: “The factory is designed in line with Scania’s efforts to be at the forefront of industrial digitalisation, automation and the use of advanced robotic technology to streamline production processes with increased flexibility. That is where the robots and solutions from ABB fit in.

“For Scania, the factory is also an investment that will further strengthen Sweden’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology in the electrification of heavy vehicles, which is crucial in the transition to sustainable transport,” Persson stated.

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

WHOLESALE CHANGES

SOLID PARTNERSHIP Scania and ABB have worked in partnership for more than four decades and are collaborating on building

production infrastructure for electric vehicles, they state. Recently, they joined forces to create charging solutions for heavy goods vehicles that will also be powered by batteries manufactured

by Northvolt.

The Northvolt facility – Europe’s largest lithium-ion battery factory – has also been developed in partnership with ABB. ABB is assisting automotive companies and key component and technology suppliers globally with fast, efficient, and flexible manufacturing solutions to support the roll-out of a new generation of electrified powertrains, it says.

The company recently announced a major joint venture with China’s leading automotive parts supplier HASCO to help steer the next generation of smart manufacturing with highly efficient, environmentally ‘sustainable’ automation solutions, it states.

Later this year, it will also open the world’s most advanced robotics factory in Shanghai, accelerating innovations in product development, artificial intelligence, and automation solutions, it adds.

ABOUT ABB ABB is a leading global technology company that energises the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future, it explains.

By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB “…pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels,” it says.

BUS HEROINE URGES AUD$20,000+ TONGA AID IN RESPONSE to the disastrous volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami that hit the Kingdom of Tonga in January, Queensland bus industry stalwart Del Cole is asking her peers and others for urgent help via her charity Someone Who Cares.

On 15 January, 2022, the Kingdom of Tonga experienced a volcanic eruption and tsunami, with the volcanic ash covering all the islands of Tonga and the tsunami wiping out villages, damaging infrastructure and livestock, media reports indicated.

Communications are minimal at this time and are undergoing repair,

commentators confirm.

“Our goal is to purchase and send a 40-foot shipping container full of essential items to Nuku Alofa, Tonga, to be received by HRH Queen of Tonga,” explained Del Cole.

“This container will be filled with donated goods and distributed to those in need upon arrival.

“The shipping container will be packed at Someone Who Cares’ depot in Underwood and shipped to Tonga from Brisbane on 8 April, 2022, where it will remain indefinitely.” she explained.

For the charity to reach its goal, Cole says Someone Who Cares needs to fundraise AUD$20,000 to cover the direct costs incurred in purchasing

Above: Mt Gravatt Bus Service founder del Cole aside general manager Rob Brooker.

Cole is seeking help from the Australasian bus community to aid the disasterstruck peoples of The Kingdom of Tonga.

the shipping containers, and paying for shipping costs and other incidentals.

“We ask that you would consider helping us with this humanitarian cause by contributing to our fundraising goal,” Cole stated online recently.

“All donations received over $2 are tax deductible as Someone Who Cares is endorsed with the Australian Taxation Office as a deductible gift recipient.”

TM

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DISC BRAKE PADS

To combat the extreme pressures that heavy duty vehicles such as Cement Agitators, Garbage Compactors or City Route buses are exposed to, Bendix has created Bendix Protrans™HD. Protrans™HD has a heavy-duty formulation designed to cope with high temperatures found in constant braking and full GVM loading which requires a higher performance brake pad.

MATERIAL REFERENCE

APPLICATION

FRICTION CLASSIFICATION

Protrans™HD

Super Heavy Duty – Severe duty applications, Refuse Compactors, Concrete Agitators, FE Route bus applications. Frequent braking environments, heavy traffic, steep gradients. Long wear life at high brake temperature. Strong resistance to fade at very high temperatures.

MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS WORKING TEMPERATURE 500°C

Find solutions for every brake job at www.bendix.com.au Or freecall the Bendix Brake Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 Bendix is a trademark of Garrett Advancing Motion

busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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NEWS

strategy to ensure varying levels of the bus workforce have access to coordinated upskilling and retraining initiatives with electric buses.”

Various Volvo Bus customers have already completed the Electric Bus Micro Skills Course ahead of its release, providing an overwhelming wave of positive feedback following completion.

Fleet performance and compliance manager at Transdev NSW – a valued customer of Volvo Bus Australia, the OEM says – Bruno Martino echoed this positivity in stating he was, “… very happy with courses as a great foundation for the future for all levels of staff involved with electric buses.”

WORKING SAFELY

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR E-BUS SKILLS COURSE TAFE NSW – in partnership with Volvo Bus Australia – has launched an Electric Bus Micro Skills Course to the public, the entities jointly announced.

After partnering with Volvo Bus Australia (VBA) earlier this year to develop a new range of specialised industry-based courses specific to the introduction of electric buses in Australia, the Electromobility Micro Skills Course has been designed to ensure the current and future workforce that’s driving, servicing and repairing e-buses in NSW and across Australia is ‘electric ready’, as the NSW bus fleet transitions to more than 8,000 zero-emission buses (ZEBs) by 2030.

TAFE NSW industrial lead of its Supply Chain and E-Commerce Skills Team, Chris Greentree, says TAFE NSW has worked closely with bus manufacturers, operators and government agencies to develop a training solution that enhances workers skills and bridges knowledge gaps.

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“TAFE NSW Electric Vehicle Training Solution will deliver future-focused, tailored training to support bus operators in the safe transition to zero-emission buses and new technology,” Greentree said.

“It includes baseline training for all persons working around ZEBs, such as drivers, upskilling for existing mechanics and auto electricians, and brand-specific training for specialist technicians involved in repairs.

“This new Electric Bus Micro Skills course is delivered online and provides skills such as identifying high voltage and critical safety features, and the process to connect and disconnect charging systems.”

OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld says the state’s peak body for the private bus and coach industry has endorsed the TAFE NSW Electric Vehicle Solution.

“BusNSW welcomes the announcement of the TAFE NSW

The launch of the course comes after Volvo Bus officially launched its first fully electric bus system in Australia, in September last year: the new Volvo BZL Electric.

VBA general manager Mitch Peden says these short courses will help mechanics upskill in electric vehicle technologies, such as working safely with high-voltage systems.

“Electric vehicles introduce a new range of skills needs and Volvo Bus,

MILESTONE 200,000TH VOLVO BUS CHASSIS OZ BOUND VOLVO BUS’s 200,000th chassis ever produced globally is a BZL Electric – from its Borås factory in Sweden – destined for Perth, Australia, the company confirms Following its successful local worldwide online launch from Brisbane last September, production of the BZL has been ramping up at the Borås factory, with chassis number 200,000 due to be handed over to the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia later this year, according to Volvo Bus Australia.

The handover will form part of the AUD$549 million bus-supply contract awarded in March, 2019, to Volvo Bus Australia in partnership with Volgren Australia, where Volvo Bus is to supply 90 buses per year for five years to the PTA – four of which will be Volvo BZL Electric units delivered this year, Volvo explains.

“What a milestone it is seeing our 200,000th chassis off the Boras production line

and, on top of that, the unit being our most efficient chassis model to date: the Volvo BZL Electric,” said Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden.

“We look forward to the handover of the vehicle later this year to PTA as part of our current supply contract, as this bus runs the Joondalup CAT route in WA,” he added.

GLOBAL HUB While the Volvo milestone unit happened to be a Volvo BZL Electric, since its opening in 1977 the Volvo Bus factory at Borås

Above: “We look forward to the handover of the vehicle later this year to PTA as part of our current supply contract, as this bus runs the Joondalup CAT route in WA,” Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden stated.

“Safety has been part of Volvo’s global DNA since our inception in 1927.”

Left: “Our partnership with TAFE NSW in developing the Electric Bus Micro Skills Course is another testament to our commitment to prioritising safety,” said VBA general manager Mitch Peden.

as the leader in commercial vehicle safety, is proud to be partnering with TAFE NSW to develop courses that feature an ongoing industry immersive focus, ensuring content is agile and continuously evolving to reflect industry needs.”

In relation to Volvo’s ongoing commitment to being the industry leader when it comes to safety and training, Peden

added: “Safety has been part of Volvo’s global DNA since our inception in 1927, and we have proudly led with this core value across our 50 years within the Australia market.

“This value has guided our innovation over the years, from the invention of the three-point seat belt in 1959 to our newly launched Volvo BZL Electric chassis in 2021.

has manufactured more than 50 different quality chassis models over the years, with some of the more popular models being the Volvo B10M, Volvo B7R/B7RLE and the Volvo B11R. The Borås factory is also Volvo Bus’s global industrial hub for chassis production and is one of the first bus production facilities that relies solely on 100 per cent renewable energy produced from clean energy sources, including hydropower and biofuels, Volvo Bus states.

“Safety is at the core of our product and service offerings – especially when it comes to training – to ensure that we are delivering on what our customers have come to expect from Volvo Buses.

“Our partnership with TAFE NSW in developing the Electric Bus Micro Skills Course is another testament to our commitment to prioritising safety.

“We are excited to be offering this course to the public and to promote the safety and wellbeing of those who will encounter these high voltage vehicles.” busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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NEWS

HINO AUSTRALIA UNAFFECTED BY ‘FALSE’ JDM ENGINE EMISSIONS FOLLOWING Hino Motors Ltd in Japan revealing “falsification” of emissions and engine performance data on certain models of its engines, Hino Australia says there are no implications for the Australian market at this time, the company recently explained.

On Friday, 4 March, 2022, Hino Motors, Ltd. (HML) announced it had suspended the sale of three engine models and their corresponding vehicles in Japan.

This follows HML identifying past misconduct in relation to its applications for certification concerning the emissions and fuel economy performance of its engines for the Japanese market, it confirms.

HML had identified misconduct concerning the “falsification” of engine performance data in emissions durability testing for one engine model and in the measurement of fuel economy performance in certification tests for two other engine models, it explains.

Additionally, HML identified a problem concerning the fuel economy performance of another engine model, it concedes.

STILL SAFE The misconduct and issues related to engine performance announced ‘do not affect’ the driveability of the affected vehicles and raise no vehicle safety concerns, confirmed Hino Motor Sales Australia (HMSA) when ABC magazine asked if this had any impact on Australian Hino truck and bus product, from an engine point of view.

HMSA distributes Hino vehicles with many engine variants available for a broad range of uses across its light-duty (300 16

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Series), medium-duty (500 Series) and heavy-duty (700 Series) trucks, as well as buses including the Poncho, RN and RK models, it explains.

In an ensuing HMSA statement, the company stated: “The suspension of sale in Japan affects engine variants certified by the Japanese regulator, which have not been sold in Australia.

“While there are no implications for the Australian market at this time, HML’s

Above: In an ensuing Hino Motor Sales Australia (HMSA) statement, the company clarified: “The suspension of sale in Japan affects engine variants certified by the Japanese regulator, which have not been sold in Australia.”

performance of the N04C (Urea-SCR) light-duty engine. However, no misconduct in relation to the certification testing of this engine has been identified to date, it confirms.

“While there are no implications for the Australian market at this time, HML’s investigations are ongoing.” investigations are ongoing. HMSA is committed to engaging with the relevant authorities about these matters,” it confirmed.

BACKGROUND STORY In Japan, Hino identified misconduct concerning the falsification of engine performance data in its emissions durability testing for the A05C (HC-SCR) medium duty engine, and in the measurement of fuel economy performance in certification tests for two heavy-duty engine models: A09C and E13C. Hino also confirmed those engines have problems in engine performance.

Accordingly, Hino decided to suspend the sale of those three engine models and their corresponding vehicles in Japan, it announced.

In addition, Hino identified a problem concerning the fuel economy

Hino has reported those issues and its decision to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), it explains.

Hino says it, “…deeply apologises for any inconvenience caused to its customers and other stakeholders.”

Additionally, Hino will carefully examine the impact in terms of the tax benefits it receives for the emissions and fuel economy performance of vehicles equipped with these engines, it states.

Hino will bear the cost of any additional tax payments that may be required, it assures.

The JDM affected models are: A05C HC-SCR medium-duty Hino Ranger truck; the A09C Urea SCR heavy-duty Hino Profia truck and heavy-duty Hino S’elega bus; E13C Urea SCR heavy-duty Hino Profia truck and heavy duty Hino S’elega bus.

METRO TASMANIA APPEALS BURNIE BUS DRIVER MOU APPLE ISLE bus operator Metro Tasmania has appealed a Federal Court decision relating to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and payment of overtime to Burnie-based bus drivers between 2012 and 2020, the company confirmed recently.

Metro Tasmania (Metro) CEO Katie Cooper says the company was disputing the decision for payment of rostered Saturday work at the Full Bench of the Federal Court.

“It is Metro’s position that the payment of time and a half for the Saturday work between 2012 and 2020 was correct and in line with the MOU and the bus operator EAs [enterprise agreements] 2013 and 2016,” she said.

In September last year, a Burnie bus driver filed an application in the Federal Court against Metro claiming that the company had paid him an incorrect rate of pay for Saturday shifts for which he had volunteered.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmanian secretary Ric Bean says Metro’s continued refusal to pay Burnie bus drivers at the rates clearly specified by the company’s EA was an insult to workers.

“Metro would be better off paying its workers what they are legally owed rather than wasting money on vindictive and unnecessary legal action,” Bean said.

Bean adds that for several years prior to the current enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA), Metro’s Burnie depot paid drivers at a rate of 150 per cent (time and a half) for working on Saturday when they had rostered days off, despite the relevant EBAs stating that Saturdays should be paid at 200 per cent (double time).

“In November last year, the RTBU national office commenced legal action arguing that an RTBU delegate from Burnie Depot was

owed $1,524.98 for working on 24 Saturdays between 4 October, 2015, and 15 March, 2020,” he explained.

The Federal Court made its decision on the matter in February and ordered Metro to repay the full amount claimed by the employee.

The RTBU then asked Metro to complete a full audit of all Saturday payments made to Burnie bus drivers, it confirms.

“Metro Tasmania is simply following the process available to it that commenced when the RTBU broke the original MOU,” a Metro spokesperson said.

RTBU’s Bean says the MOU is not legally binding and the RTBU is simply standing by its members.

Above: “Metro Tasmania is simply following the process available to it that commenced when the RTBU broke the original MOU,” a Metro spokesperson said.

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NEWS

TASSIE BUS DRIVER SURVEY: ‘THREATS AND VERBAL ABUSE’ A survey of more than 100 Metro Tasmania bus drivers has found that seven in 10 drivers have been threated while working on the job, and a staggering 98 per cent of drivers have been verbally abused, according to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union state branch.

RTBU Tasmania secretary Ric Bean described the results of the survey as, “…shocking, but not surprising.”

Other key points highlighted by the RBTU Tasmania branch survey include: • 67 per cent of operators believe Metro doesn’t take their safety seriously; • 91 per cent believe the safety culture has not improved in the past five years; • 50 per cent of drivers are either very likely, or somewhat likely, to resign; • Lifetime bans for repeat offenders (74 per cent), more transit officers on identified problem routes (72 per cent) and temporary suspension of services on routes subject to repeated violent offences (70 per cent) were the highest rating measures to improve safety; • 67 per cent have no confidence in current management to run Metro, 24 per cent unsure and only 9 per cent having confidence; • 71 per cent feel their confidence in the ability of management has deteriorated in the past 12 months 18

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(somewhat and greatly combined); • M ain reasons for the high levels of resignation from Metro were: safety – 76 per cent; wages – 73 per cent; rosters – 65 per cent; and Covid – (often blamed by management) only 8 per cent!

STATEWIDE ISSUE? “Violent and anti-social behaviour on our public transport services is getting out of control. It’s not fair on

to switch from their cars to public transport if they are worried about their safety,” Bean explained.

THE RESPONSE “Keeping Metro staff and passengers safe is our number one priority – our staff – like front line workers across a variety of sectors – deserve respect,” Metro CEO Katie Cooper said.

“On Metro’s journey to modernisation, it is undergoing significant

“These problems are statewide and they require urgent attention f rom Metro management.” drivers, and it’s not fair on passengers,” explained Bean.

“These problems are state-wide and they require urgent attention from Metro management and the state government,” he said.

“Our members have had a gutful.

Already we have seen many bus drivers leave the industry because conditions are so bad, and concerningly half of the members we surveyed are considering resigning.

“Congestion on roads is getting worse, but we can’t expect people

transformation and some employees are finding these changes challenging,” she said.

“Metro is a fair and reasonable employer – we engage and work constructively with our employees.

“For example, Metro recently introduced major roster changes from 30 January with the support and co-design of the RTBU. “Metro welcomes the feedback of its staff and will review the survey results when RTBU share them with us,” Cooper explained.

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NEWS

COMPLEX BUS-LIFT RESCUE AFTER US BRIDGE COLLAPSE Successfully lifting a bus with a crane is a difficult task at the best of times, but after a recent US bridge collapse – near Frick Park, Pittsburgh, USA – the project was a little more complex, a leading American crane operator explains.

The recovery of the bus was something admired by residents of Pittsburgh, making local news channels and showing the wider community the importance of the crane industry, says Allegheny Crane and Rigging (ACR) president Kyrk Pyros, who acknowledged the work of the rescue teams and his own team in the successful recovery of the bus.

“It was a great collaboration between public and private partnerships in the City of Pittsburgh,” Pyros told ABC magazine’s sister title Cranes and Lifting, recently.

“It was a true team effort from all of those involved that allowed us to recover the vehicle.

“It combined the FBI, secret service, NTSB USAR 51, Pittsburgh Fire, Pittsburgh Police, Public works, Mcgann and Chester, KP Builders and Allegheny Crane to complete the lift,” Pyros explained.

According to local reports, there were a number of hospitalisations as a result of the bridge collapse and at least three people rushed to hospital were on the bus. Miraculously there were no deaths.

Understandably, the bridge deck had to be cleared of vehicles before any recovery work could begin.

Salvaging the Port Authority bus was the most challenging aspect of the lifts.

It was situated some 26 metres below the crane and weighed in at 21 tonnes, measuring 18m in length, 2.5m in width 20

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and 3m in height. Being an articulated bus, it posed an even greater challenge for the planners. That is, once the lift began it had potential to shift the centre of gravity on the load, they explain.

The Allegheny crew began the task of solidifying the bus to ensure it could be lifted and not a pose a risk of shifting and placing the crew in danger, the company says.

Allegheny Crane Rentals utilised a Liebherr LTM 1350-6.1 with Y guides and luffer to perform the lift. The second crane – a Grove GMK5275, 275t capacity all terrain featured luffing jib and utilised 63.71m of the main boom – was also used in the recovery.

“We used Mcgann and Chester’s 90-tonne Rotator Wrecker to pull up the bus to get it straightened out, so we could rig and block-knuckle it,” ACR president Pyros explains.

“To prevent the bus from moving we fixed cribbing, which was braced to the structural frame members inside the bus while it was being suspended by the Wrecker, then we rigged the bus from the outside with our rigging plan,” Pyros added.

“Rigging like this is an art; [it] is where engineering and style collide for a great solution. I am a more of a naturalist; I keep it as it lays for simplicity and safety.

“We have the vision in place then we say, ‘Let’s go worst case scenario, everything that can fail, might fail – do we have a contingency for this?’” Pyros explained.

METICULOUS PLANNING The lift itself required diligent and careful

planning from Allegheny Crane and Rigging and all engineers were tasked with ensuring the lift was completed successfully.

“We set up a temporary office in Frick Mechanics shop and we are grateful we were able to access this during the lift. We were constantly updating and tweaking right up until the pick,” Pyros said.

“We had three engineers on this project from start to finish – Alex Delp, Hank Depasquale and myself – and we were continually updating in real time and working together to ensure the project was completed successfully,” he said.

“It was a great collaboration and team effort between public and private partnerships in the City of Pittsburgh.

“The bus weighed in at an impressive 21 tons and measured out at 18 metres in length, 2.5 metres in width and 3 metres in height. The rigging weight came in at 462 kilograms, the hook weight was 800 kilograms, the hook height was 33 metres and the materials used were kevlar and steel,” he said.

According to the company, it utilised more than 140 tonnes of counterweight to successfully complete the lift. The counterweight was easily added to the crane utilising Liebherr’s vast array of safety equipment, which included pedestals, hand railing and hand holds, the company confirms.

Below: The bus was recovered by Allegheny Crane and Rigging.

THE WOT!?!

QLD DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS VOTING OPEN VOTING TOOK PLACE 7–18 March 2022 for the Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards, with the winners to be announced on 9 April.

The awards are designed to acknowledge the important work that bus drivers do across the state, they explain.

Head of Translink Sally Stannard confirmed that more than 1,200 nominations were received across the three award categories, recognising the vital role bus drivers continue to play in keeping Queenslanders moving and connected to work, study, essential services and each other.

“We’re delighted to see the hard work of so many drivers acknowledged via a nomination and whittling the list of finalists down to just nine was incredibly tough,” Stannard said.

“Frontline public transport staff, including hard-working bus drivers, really have been unsung heroes during Covid-19, which is why these awards are so important,” she said.

The award is broken into three separate categories: South East Queensland; Regional Queensland; and School Bus Drivers of the Year.

Stannard adds that the nine drivers chosen as finalists are a shining example of friendly customer service and have shown a willingness to go above and beyond for customers.

“It’s an exciting time for the awards and we’d encourage as many people as possible to jump online and vote for their favourite driver,” she explained.

“I’d like to congratulate our finalists, as well as all drivers who were nominated, and am looking forward to crowning the winners on April 9.”

Kate Addley

CRAFTY COOPERATION

A first-ever bus stop shelter made of recycled plastic waste collected from the streets has been commissioned at Dzorwulu Junction in Ghana’s capital Accra. Social enterprising company Mckingtorch Africa is behind the plastic waste innovations and installations project, which is intended to transform bus stops in the national capital. “The specific objective relates to designing, fabricating, and installing sustainable public space shelters from recycled materials to promote further research and investigate into plastic waste in Ghana,” says CEO Makafui Awuku, adding that the company also wanted to discover how these materials respond to adverse weather.

COMPLETELY QUACKERS NOMINEES • South East Queensland: Kate Addley (Transdev, Capalaba); Rick Pilgrim (Mt Gravatt Coachlines, Logan); and Glenda Curyer (Sunbus, Sunshine Coast) Mark Bell

• Regional Queensland: Mark Bell (Kinetic, Rockhampton); Jaswinder (Jessie) Singh (Bus Queensland, Toowoomba); and Harold Denman (Sunbus, Cairns) • School bus driver: Lachie Heron (Thompson Bus Services, Joyner); Donna McMahon (Sunbus, Sunshine Coast); John Maddy (Sunbus, Sunshine Coast) Lachie Heron

After Colin the Sheep’s escapades in a previous Wot?!? column, when this mention of the Vancouver Duck Lady popped up on Twitter we were intrigued. It turns out that she is a local personality, called Laura-Kay Prophet, who has been travelling around Vancouver with ducks since 1980. Over the years she has taken nine ducks on her bus journeys, with Bobbie VI being the latest.

Setting up a charity called Duck $oup, she gives away food and cash to people in need, and says that the ducks are a great way for her to get out and meet people in the city. Give her a Google!

CHOICES, CHOICES...

Are you a serious bus rider? A leg-room lover?

A worrier perhaps? Maybe even a dreamer? Or, can your choice of where you sit on a bus “simply not be explained”? It’s been a while since we’ve leafed through a ‘what personality type are you?’ quiz while waiting for the dentist, but news site MyLondon decided that it would be the perfect format for categorising bus users on London’s famous red double-deckers. Would you agree that choosing the top floor middle is like picking vanilla-flavoured ice cream or that the only place to be is at the front, pretending to drive? Check it out for yourself at www.mylondon.news/lifestyle/ travel/what-your-choice-seat-london-23236165.

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BIC

What are we doing about ‘zero’?

As governments announce emission goals, what does this mean for bus and coach?

T

he past several months has seen escalated ‘disruption’ in our industry by the various announcements coming out of state/ territory governments in their mission to reach for ‘zero’ – some as early as 2030. From a politician’s perspective, it is obviously a no-brainer that public transport will be the first (and easiest?) transport mode on which governments can hang their caps.

The bus industry has an outstanding record as early adopters of ‘green’ technology; and yet we are the smallest fleet on the road compared with cars and trucks, we have the lowest per passenger onroad emission records and we continue to have the best safety record in public transport provision.

It is ‘our lot in life’ that the task will fall to the bus and coach industry to navigate this major change in road transportation.

So, how do we deal with governments in their race for ‘zero’?

Not an easy question to answer – but, in truth, governments will do what governments must do.

In response, the BIC is rapidly formulating a national plan to keep our emission and safety records on top of the pack. This will aid in our mission to increase the ‘bums on seats’ and get the federal government buy-in to provide public transport incentives to the states/territories to ensure that they deliver accessible, safe, affordable and green transport for all Australians.

For the past 12 months, the BIC has been taking

“Too much is at risk to muck around at the bottom of the quarry.” part in a number of government and private enterprise roundtables, summits and white paper discussions. It is hard not to come away with a smashed pie that takes in all of the various elements that need to work together to design a uniform approach – an approach that needs to support the ‘self-interest’ of the states/territories government of the day and Australia’s COP26 sign up to Zero 2050.

This is a bubbling hotpot for the bus industry and, frankly, too much is at risk to muck around at the bottom of the quarry. We need to step up as an industry, lead the way and show how it’s done.

After significant engagement (and endless meetings) with state/territory/federal governments and the private sector, we have listened carefully to 22

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what is being put on the table and we have come away with a very mature understanding of the baseline challenges and the inherent complexity of the issues facing operators, suppliers and governments.

Sometimes the best way to approach complex issues is with simplicity. To that end, the BIC has decided that what industry and governments really need right now is national guidance on a suite of minimum standards – a suite of technical advisories and operator guidelines. Standards that would see a national platform for state/territory adoption in the specifications of a ZEB vehicle, the maintenance, safe operation, supply of infrastructure and its integration.

To ensure that the highest priority concerns are addressed, we recently asked our member organisations to ‘have your say on zero’. All respondents (about 45 per cent of our members) were enthusiastic for the BIC to develop national guidelines in those four key areas. The highest and immediate concerns, from both operators and suppliers, was the need for a vehicle specification standard. This was followed by vehicle maintenance guidelines and safety management systems.

There were a number of common concerns shared by the majority of respondents and can be summarised as follows: • Vehicle standards (in the absence of Australian Design Rules or recognised EU standards); • Minimum qualifications and certified training needed for driving the bus, service and maintenance; • Safety instructions and care when other bus componentry maintenance is undertaken (such as doors, tyres and air-con); • Standardisation of charging infrastructure and minimum qualifications for maintaining charging infrastructure; • Depot conversion and ensuring safe housing of a mixed fleet of diesel, CNG, battery/electric and hydrogen fuel cell; • Fire mitigation and what to do if battery or electrical componentry catches fire; • Vehicle range and charging requirements; • Total operational costs throughout expected life; • Mass increase to the vehicle.

The BIC has already commenced an analysis of available heavy vehicle international standards relating to electric and hydrogen. Our first step will be to pluck the best and most suitable elements that can be translated into an Australian context. The task is huge but will be a critical first step upon which to build all other stakeholder elements.

Stay up to date with BIC’s ‘zero’ action plan at

www.movingpeople.com.au.

23

come face to face with BIC national members at the 2022 Bus Industry Summit movingpeople.com.au/summit Accreditation Manager Advantech Australia Airbags Australia ATG Axalta Coating Systems Beneco BFI Fire BLK Auto Bridgestone/Bandag Brisbane City Council Bus & Coach International Bus Finance Australia Bus SA Bus Stop Sales BusInsure Buslines Group BusNSW BusTech Group BusWA Busways Group Camira Group Challenger Bus & Coach Coach Design Coachair Australia Coachworks ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia Connect Source Consat Telematics Consolidated Insurance Agencies Cooltek Asia Pacific Cummins Curratechnic Dal-Trans Denso Automotive Systems Australia Department of Transport Victoria Distinctive Systems (Australia) Downer EDI Engineering Power DTI Group Ebusco

Untitled-114 23 2022Industry Summit23 Program_D6.indd 2 Bus Confederation (5209631).indd 1 Untitled-24 ABC 415.indd 23

Electromotiv Express Coach Builders FIP Group FleetSafe/Mobileye Fry’s Spares Future Fleet International GIRO Global Bus Ventures Go Transit Media Group Heritage Finance HESS Hino Bus Australia I-Bus Sales Australia ICS Service Solutions Ideas Enterprise Independent Tyre Monitoring Solution INIT Interline Bus Service Into Training Australia iris Asia-Pacific Irizar Asia Pacific ISRI Seats IVECO Bus JCDecaux Australia & New Zealand Keolis Downer Kevrek (Australia) Kinetic Group KINNECT KlineFire LSM Technologies Luminator Technology Group MAHA Australia McConnell Seats Australia Mercedes-Benz Bus & Coach MKW Insurance Brokers Multispares Murrays Australia Navigate Health Australia netBI

Nexport NOVO Transport Systems Nuline Charter/Bayside Coaches O’Brien Glass Industries Omnibus Optibus Parts Supply Solutions/ Hanover Displays PBA Transit Planning Penske Commercial Vehicles Piper Alderman Pitcher Partners Port Stephens Coaches Precision Cleaning Australia Premier Transport Group PrimeWorks Public Transport Authority of WA Pulitano Group Punchbowl Bus Company Quantum Risk Management Queensland Bus Industry Council Red Bus Services Redcat Wheel Safety Rover Coaches Ryan Tax Services Australia S.M.S Diesel Spares Scania Australia Scriptus Consulting Siemens SMC Corporation (Australia) State Transit Authority of NSW Streamline Co StyleRide Seating Systems SURA Australian Bus and Coach

Tasmanian Bus Association The Orion Network Thermo King Bus Australia Thoreb Australia Tiger Spider Transdev Australasia Transfab Transit Systems Transit Training Solutions TransLink Transport Canberra Transportme Trapeze Group ANZ TWUSUPER UITP (International Association of Public Transport) United Safety & Survivability Corporation Valeo Group Valvoline Australia Ventura Systems Australia Victorian Diesel Services Viva Energy Australia Voith Turbo Volgren Volvo Bus Australia Wales Bus & Body Repairs Webfleet Solutions Wireless Alert Monitoring System Yutong Australia Zafety Lug Lock Australasia ZF Services Australia

National Members of the BIC as at 1 November 2021

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IN FOCUS

CUSTOM DENNING E-BUS INVESTMENT

CUSTOM DENNING EARNS $70 MILLION NSW E-BUS CONTRACT The NSW government is investing $70 million into Western Sydney bus manufacturer Custom Denning to help transition the state’s bus fleet to zero-emissions technology.

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY CUSTOM DENNING 24

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W

ITH LOCAL manufacturing jobs clearly in focus, Custom Denning has been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and assemble 79 new electric buses, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet confirmed at Custom’s St Marysbased factory recently.

Premier Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott toured the St Mary’s outlet this morning to inspect the production line and meet workers.

“This is a true Western Sydney success story and our government is proud to have played a part in this business producing the first locally built electric bus,” Premier Perrottet said.

“Custom Denning employs 160 workers at their St Marys factory and this investment will now provide more jobs to ensure our buses are built to the highest standard.

“Our government is getting closer to securing a cleaner, healthier future for the people of NSW and, at the same time, this electric bus transition will generate hundreds of local manufacturing jobs, which is an amazing outcome for our state.”

JOBS RECOVERY Elliott added that the $70 million investment takes the number of bus orders placed with Custom Denning past 100, which will help drive a post-pandemic jobs recovery and boost local manufacturing.

Bus customers are already experiencing the benefits of electric buses from Penrith to Bondi.

“The NSW government’s commitment to transition the entire 8,000-plus bus fleet is supercharging jobs and manufacturing in Western Sydney,” Elliott said.

“Bus customers are already experiencing the benefits of electric buses from Penrith to Bondi, and we will continue to back local manufacturing.

“I’m committed to exploring opportunities to secure more

local manufacturing, component supply and workforce skills development to boost our economy.”

Once built, the 79 buses will operate services in Sydney’s inner west, the government confirms, as part of the Transit Systems fleet.

Transport for NSW – in collaboration with its contracted bus operators – have ordered 101 electric buses from Custom Denning.

Opposite: “This is a true Western Sydney success story and our government is proud to have played a part in this business producing the first locally built electric bus,” Premier Perrottet said.

Above: The contract is for 79 new e-buses.

Below: The investment will lead to more jobs at Custom Denning’s St Marys factory.

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RAY ANDRICH

VOLVO’S RAY ANDRICH MARKS 30 YEARS

Volvo Bus Australia stalwart and overall local bus industry veteran Ray Andrich has celebrated his 30-year milestone with the Swedish brand, the company has announced.

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WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA

NDRICH JOINED Volvo Bus in February, 1992, in NSW and he immediately became a valued member of the team, playing an integral role in forming key long-term relationships with customers and partners across the bus and coach industry, the company explains.

Officially joining the team as a regional sales manager, in this role Andrich found his niche and passion and proudly maintained it over the years, VBA explains.

Prior to this, Andrich began working for Suttons Volvo in July, 1984, which was a Volvo Bus dealership for NSW at the time.

Before starting his three-decade journey with Volvo, Andrich originally began his career as an electrician, but had a long-held love of buses even before entering the industry, spending his weekends driving buses around Sydney with his friend, Volvo confirms.

Unsurprisingly, he has had many memorable experiences throughout his years in the industry, and still remembers the first sale he ever made with Suttons Volvo in July, 1984 – having sold a Volvo B6 to customer Lyall Lennox in Kyogle, NSW – a delivery he says he will never forget.

BUS CONFERENCES One of the many highlights Andrich adds about working with the Volvo Group is the bus conferences.

“Over the years, the bus conferences start to feel like a family reunion,” Andrich explained.

“You get to see the younger people 26

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in the beginning and then see them grow up, have children and shift through life.

“Every year it feels more like a family get-together than a business gathering. Probably like you wouldn’t get in another industry.

“Especially with many of the family run businesses, you get to see the different generations moving up in the family business,” he explained.

It is the social side of the industry along with the culture at Volvo Bus that has made Ray’s job so rewarding over the years, he says.

According to Andrich, it is the passion, drive and teamwork

demonstrated within the people at Volvo Bus that has made work so enjoyable, adding that Volvo has been extremely supportive over the years.

“Ray’s experience, skills, dedication and passion for the bus and coach industry makes him such a valuable asset to the Volvo Bus Australia team,” said Mitch Peden, general manager Volvo Bus Australia.

“Thirty years in the industry is a massive milestone and we are proud to have Ray on the team continuing to service and support our customers and partners across NSW,” Peden stated.

Above: It is the social side of the industry along with the culture at Volvo Bus that has made Ray’s job so rewarding over the years, says 30year VBA veteran Ray Andrich.

KELSIAN-MACQUARIE PARTNERSHIP

IN FOCUS

KELSIAN AND MACQUARIE TELECOM PARTNER UP Transit Systems owner Kelsian Group Limited and similarly ASX-listed telco Macquarie Telecom have signed a deal to enable the former’s further expansion via cloud, mobile and network collaboration, the companies recently announced.

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WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY MACQUARIE TELECOM + KELSIAN GROUP LIMITED

ACQUARIE TELECOM – part of Macquarie Telecom Group – confirms it has signed a new multi-year, multi-million-dollar contract with Kelsian Group Limited, supporting the company’s drive to expand following its “transformative Transit Systems Acquisition”, with a simplified, robust cloud and telecoms network, they explain.

Kelsian Group is Australia’s largest integrated land and marine, tourism, and public transport service provider, it states. It operates fleets throughout Australia, the UK and Singapore and moves more than 207 million people every year, it confirms.

The current company was formed following a $635 million acquisition of Transit Systems before the pandemic; it now has its sights set on further expansion through major deals and other potential acquisitions, it says.

PROVEN SKILLSET According to the telco, Macquarie Telecom had previously provided SD-WAN, mobile and cloud services to Transit Systems, but needed to prove its worth in the new company. Ultimately, it secured a much larger deal switching the majority of Kelsian Group’s mobile services held primarily by a major telco and Singapore-based cloud services company to Macquarie’s

network, it explains.

Kelsian Group chief information officer (CIO) Chris Benson says Macquarie Telecom’s service and reliability stood out as key reasons to trust the company and expand its previous agreement with Transit Systems.

“In a transformative merger like we had with Kelsian Group and Transit Systems, there’s a lot of going back to the drawing board to ensure supply partners are equipped to service the new structure,” Benson said.

“Macquarie Telecom really had to justify its position in the new Kelsian Group and ultimately Macquarie’s efficiency and customer service made all the difference,” he said.

The new agreement provides additional cloud services, including engaging Macquarie’s Azure expertise to help manage Australian workloads, the migration of a Singapore-based production environment, and the critical applications that manage the core operations for its people and bus networks, Macquarie outlines.

SD-WAN services are being extended across 35-plus locations of Kelsian Group’s Australian Public Transport Division, maximising network visibility, reliability, and control, the company highlights.

The company’s public transport mobile services are now under Macquarie’s Optus-backed 5G network, with Kelsian Group also considering Optus for the rest of its

fleet, it adds. It follows Macquarie securing a $34 million exclusive agreement with the carrier last year.

ORIGINALLY SKEPTICAL “Communications reliability is essential from a safety and efficiency perspective across our teams. Admittedly, we were sceptical about Optus being able to provide the coverage we needed.

Macquarie expertly guided us using the Optus roadmap, giving us the confidence and flexibility to ensure it would meet our needs while significantly reducing costs,” added Benson.

Macquarie is also working with specialist mobile partner Mobile Mentor on a proof-of-concept (POC) trial rolling out 200 tablets to Kelsian Group buses. The tablets track GPS position and communicates back to the operations centre, with the real-time data used to keep buses on schedule and provide better service reliability to customers in Australia, the telco explains.

Above: Of the Kelsian Group partnership, Macquarie Telecom group executive Luke Clifton says this is two great ASX companies collaborating to help each other grow.

Below: Kelsian Group chief information officer Chris Benson.

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VIC HYDROGEN SERVICE STATION

VIC HYDROGEN ‘SERVICE STATION’ GETS $23.8 MILLION BOOST

To support the uptake of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in heavy fleets, Viva Energy Group Limited (Viva Energy) will receive $22.8 million in federal and $1 million in state government funding to “…develop, build and operate the New Energies Service Station located in Geelong, Victoria,” it was announced recently.

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WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY CDC AUSTRALIA + VIVA ENERGY

HE PROJECT will be built opposite Viva Energy’s petroleum refinery and incorporate a 2MW electrolyser along with hydrogen compression, storage and dispensing infrastructure, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) –

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on behalf of the Australian government – explains. The service station will also include 150kW electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities, it adds.

ARENA’s funding will go towards both the renewable hydrogen and EV infrastructure, as well as to subsidise the purchase and operations of 15 hydrogen

fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to help fast-track FCEV uptake, it explains. Its funding for the FCEVs will be paid upon the delivery of the vehicles, it confirms.

Viva Energy’s $43.3 million project will allow for the procurement, delivery and operation of the hydrogen FCEVs to utilise renewable hydrogen from the

New Energies Service Station.

Over time, Viva Energy hopes to add traditional diesel refuelling on-site to allow drivers to witness FCEV charging, ARENA says.

All vehicles will be purchased and owned by project ‘foundation’ partners: Toll Group, ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia, Cleanaway and Barwon Water, which have “…committed to purchasing hydrogen FCEVs for their fleets”, including prime movers, wastewater and municipal waste collection vehicles and buses.

This project will be a key opportunity for early uptake of commercially viable hydrogen.

“We’re excited to be working with Viva Energy to build Australia’s first publicly available hydrogen refuelling station to independent fleets,” he said.

“The experiences of Viva Energy and fleet vehicles using the renewable hydrogen produced

onsite for refuelling will provide valuable insights into the operation of different types of hydrogen FCEV heavy vehicles.

“This project will be a key opportunity for early uptake of commercially viable hydrogen and a service station model that

Above: ARENA CEO Darren Miller says the project [hydrogen service station] will help to accelerate the ‘commercialisation pathways’ for FCEV fleets in Australia.

Opposite: Its location provides access to recycled water for hydrogen production.

Below: The project aims to boost growth of FCEV fleets in Australia.

COMMERCIALLY VIABLE Locating the project adjacent to Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery provides a number of benefits to the project, including a high level of visibility due to its proximity to major arterial roads and being within an existing industrial area, as well as access to high-voltage infrastructure and access to recycled water from the nearby Barwon Water recycling plant for production of hydrogen, ARENA explains.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller says the project will help to accelerate the commercialisation pathways for FCEV fleets in Australia. busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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VIC HYDROGEN SERVICE STATION

could be replicated across Australia as the price of electrolyser technology drops,” Miller said.

Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt said: “This funding from ARENA has opened the door for Viva Energy to work with long-term customers to demonstrate the important role that hydrogen will play in the future of transportation in Australia.

“This project puts hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road to prove their value in day-to-day commercial operations while reducing the carbon footprint of the heavy vehicle transport we rely on every day.”

FOUNDATION PARTNER CDC and long-term fuelling partner Viva Energy worked together with the federal government via ARENA and the Victorian state government via the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to launch what promises to be, “...Australia’s most ambitious green hydrogen mobility project.”

To clarify, the New Energies Service Station project received a $1 million grant from the Victorian government via the Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, CDC confirms. The refuelling station is expected to be established in Geelong by late 2023, it adds.

CDC’s two FECV buses are scheduled to service customers from late 2023 and provide them with a smoother, quieter ride compared to their diesel-engine counterparts, it states. These buses will be manufactured and delivered by an Australian-based manufacturer, Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis

Company (ARCC), headquartered in Smithfield, Western Sydney, NSW. Achieving zero emissions across Victoria’s bus fleet is critical to meeting the state’s legislated commitment to zero net emissions by 2050, and the Victorian Department of Transport is working with bus operators towards this transition, CDC explains.

ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) CEO, Nicholas Yap, says CDC has significant experience deploying hydrogen buses in London and is excited to partner with Viva Energy for its first hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric buses in Australia.

“At CDC, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to reducing greenhouse and particulate emissions in public transport with Australia’s first hybrid bus technology offering zone-based zero emissions,” Yap said.

“We see strong potential for hydrogen and importantly an eco-system of Australian-based providers driving collectively toward a cleaner future for Australians. Our rollout of two new hydrogen-powered buses is also great news for our customers in Geelong, who will experience this exciting technology and a smoother ride on their daily commute.”

Viva Energy’s Wyatt adds that Viva

Our rollout of two new hydrogenpowered buses is also great news for our customers in Geelong.

Above: Viva will receive $22.8 million in federal and $1 million in state government funding to develop hydrogen and EV infrastructure.

Left: CDC Australia CEO, Nicholas Yap, (third from left) says CDC sees a strong potential for hydrogen in Australia.

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Energy is delighted to be partnering with ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) to demonstrate the important role that hydrogen will play in the future of public transportation in Victoria and Australia.

“ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia has come on this journey with us and we share their excitement about what it means for the future of zero-emissions public transport,” Wyatt said.

ABOUT ARENA ARENA has previously funded light-vehicle hydrogen FCEV projects with Toyota to build refuelling infrastructure at its repurposed Altona car manufacturing site to support passenger vehicles and forklifts, and BOC, which will install a hydrogen refuelling station in Brisbane for passenger fleets.

ARENA is also supporting Ark Energy to deploy five FCEV prime movers operating between its zinc refinery and the Port of Townsville, Queensland.

ABOUT CDC AUSTRALIA ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) is one of the largest land transport operators in Australia, it states. Its parent company is ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited, a global transportation company listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange and is one of the world’s largest land transport companies, it adds.

The ComfortDelGro Group’s operations extend from the United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand and Ireland to Australia, Malaysia, and China, with a combined fleet of more than 40,000 vehicles, it confirms.

In Australia, the ComfortDelGro Group has steadily grown since 2005 and today it operates in six states and territories. CDC Australia operates public and charter bus services in New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Other ComfortDelGro businesses include a taxi network service provider (Swan Taxis) based in Perth, non-emergency patient

transport services (National Patient Transport) in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia and an outdoor advertising company (Moove Media) based in Victoria and New South Wales.

ABOUT VIVA ENERGY Viva Energy is one of Australia’s leading energy companies and supplies approximately a quarter of the country’s liquid fuel requirements, it states. It is the exclusive supplier of high-quality Shell fuels and lubricants in Australia through an extensive network of around 1,330 service stations across the country, it says.

Viva Energy owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery in Victoria, and operates bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals and lubricants businesses supported by more than 20 terminals and 50 airports and airfields across the country, it confirms. busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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IN FOCUS

VOLVO-VOLGREN CAT E-BUS TRIAL

FIRST VOLVOVOLGREN ‘CAT’ E-BUSES HIT PERTH STREETS A pair of striking bright-red ‘CAT’ e-buses have hit the streets in Joondalup, north of Perth, as two of an initial first four new Swan Transit-run EVs take part in the city’s trial of electric battery technology, the Western Australia government confirms.

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES TRANSIT SYSTEMS + VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA

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O ACCOMMODATE the trial, Swan Transit (aka Transit Systems) – part of Kelsian Group Limited – modified its Joondalup bus depot to include high-voltage EV charging, marking a, “…major step forward in sustainable public transport technology,” the government explains.

This high-voltage electric vehicle charging system will allow the Central Area Transit (CAT) electric buses to be recharged at the depot through a combination of the existing grid network and a 100 kilowatt solar power array connected to a large on-site battery storage system, the government explains.

Powered by lithium-ion batteries with minimal greenhouse gas emissions,

these particular e-buses are the first of a Volvo-chassis, Volgren light e-bus-bodied quartet being evaluated on a range of factors including: safety, reliability, efficiency, performance, downtime, emissions reductions, life-cycle costs and risks – with its adaptability to Perth’s climate and road network among the primary considerations, the Western Australia government says.

THE DELIVERY The four e-buses are being delivered under the Public Transport Authority’s existing bus supply contract with Volvo, with the company committed to local production in Western Australia for any further orders should the trial be successful, it highlights.

Two of the four buses are now in

At this stage, only the first two electric CAT buses will be used on the Joondalup CAT route. operation on the Joondalup CAT route, the PTA confirms, while the other two buses will be delivered to it by mid-2022.

At this stage, only the first two electric CAT buses will be used on the Joondalup CAT route, the PTA explains.

As an FYI for non-locals, the Joondalup CAT itself is broken into three routes: Red, Yellow and Blue (just like the CBD CAT is broken into five routes: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and now Purple).

The Joondalup CAT is predominately two routes: Red and Blue (clockwise and anti-clockwise); the Yellow route is an after-hours extension of the Red route during the local university semesters.

The Joondalup CAT is run

by Swan Transit/Transit Systems while the new Purple CAT and other CBD routes are run by Transdev, a PTA spokesperson clarifies.

Above: WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “With an eyecatching bright-red livery it will be hard to miss this new electric bus running passengers across Joondalup [Blue route pictured].”

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VOLVO-VOLGREN CAT E-BUS TRIAL

VOLVO-VOLGREN BZL E-BUSES FOLLOWING a successful handover of the first Optimus-bodied Volvo BZL electric buses to WA’s Public Transport Authority (PTA) recently, they are now ready for local body assembly and delivery in 2022, the companies confirm.

The hand-over of the first two of an initial four Optimus Volvo BZL Electric units took place at the Swan Transit Joondalup depot in Perth on 28 February.

“It’s been an exciting electro-mobility journey for us over the years and we are very happy to have handed over our first Volvo BZL Electric unit to the PTA,” said Volvo Bus Australia general manager, Mitch Peden.

“We’ve spent years planning, developing, testing and refining our electric chassis so that we could offer operators one of the safest, most responsive, and sustainable electric bus system in Australia.”

Throughout Volvo’s BZL Electric project, the company engaged in new and existing partnerships and took all the necessary steps to ensure the Volvo

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BZL Electric is of the highest quality, has the highest safety standards, and will last in the local environment in line with Australian standards and customer expectations, according to the company.

“It really is a milestone for us in having the BZL Electric refined and ready for local body assembly this year,” continued Peden.

“What also makes this milestone so special for us is that we’ve been able to deliver our first unit together with the team at Volgren, who fitted a sturdy Australian-made Optimus body on our chassis.

“Volgren have been our trusted business partner since the late-’70s and we’re thrilled to have our first four Volvo BZL Electric chassis units for the PTA fitted with Volgren bodies.”

‘MARKET-LEADING’ LIGHTWEIGHT

Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro says the first Optimus on a Volvo BZL Electric bus chassis delivered to the PTA marked a new era in a partnership with Volvo that spans more than 40 years.

“Our relationship with Volvo is one of the strongest and most productive in the Australian bus industry. It’s a proven combination that operators know and trust,” he explained.

“It’s also a product that has built a reputation for reliability and excellence throughout the industry. We are confident that the fully electric version will only build on this reputation.

“The Optimus-BZL combination is the first Australian-manufactured body built on a European electric bus chassis. It’s the lightest electric bus in the market delivering operational savings for operators. It’s also one of the first full low-floor battery electric bus in Australia, which equates to more space and greater seating capacity.”

Volgren chief commercial officer Yuri Tessari says the first battery-electric buses (BEBs) for the PTA were built at Volgren’s Dandenong headquarters, but that all future PTA vehicles will be manufactured in Malaga, approximately 11km north of the Perth CBD, supporting local jobs.

Opposite, Above: Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden.

Opposite, Below: “It really is a milestone for us in having the BZL Electric refined and ready for local body assembly this year,” stated Peden.

“We now have the ability to build the Optimus-BZL right here in Perth. The same can be said for our facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne, which are already manufacturing electric buses.

“With all three factories working together under our lean principles, we have the ability to build at scale and easily meet large orders. The bus is now available to order and we look forward to providing it to operators across Australia.”

TRUE ‘LOW FLOOR’

The first Volvo BZL Electric unit features a proven driveline adapted from Europe and the same trusted electrical system, suspension and pneumatic system as Volvo’s trusted B8RLE Euro 6 and B5LH hybrid products – features standard across this new model, Volvo explains.

The BZL Electric chassis has a “true low-floor experience”, it says, and is designed to ensure effortless operator serviceability and reliability,

with lower servicing costs and increased uptime for a longer life on Australian roads.

The low-floor design of the chassis paired with Volgren’s Optimus body provides unrivalled passenger accessibility and space, greater passenger capacity and ultimate passenger comfort, it explains.

The Optimus body also has a lightweight design to deliver longer range, as well as compliance with the highest levels of safety and flammability standards for buses in Australia to ensure passenger safety, it confirms.

Sharing a similar vision and values, Volvo Bus Australia and Volgren look forward to continuing their e-bus partnership into the future, with the potential for this to facilitate more local jobs and apprenticeships to support Australian manufacturing, they explain.

Deiro added: “Perth is a key part of our business and we’ll continue to invest in the skills, equipment and manufacturing processes that allow us to build electric buses right here in Malaga.

“The fact that the first Volvo-Volgren battery electric bus will go into service for our long-time partners, the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, is an incredibly proud moment for us. We thank the PTA for continuing to place their trust in Volgren and Volvo and congratulate them on taking this important step towards sustainable transport,” he said.

PARTNERSHIP EVOLUTION Peden commented on this achievement for the PTA, stating that the first Optimus Volvo BZL Electric unit will be key to the future of public transport in Perth and that the Optimus Volvo BZL model will play a major role in Australia’s transition from diesel to electric.

“Having worked with the PTA for close to 12 years now alongside Volgren, it really is fantastic to see our first of four Optimus Volvo BZL Electric units commence operation in Perth,” he stated.

“We are very grateful for the PTA providing us with the opportunity to evolve our partnership in the electro-mobility space with Volgren and applaud the forward-thinking of PTA on their efforts to provide high-quality and safe zeroemission transport for Perth,” Peden concluded.

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VOLVO-VOLGREN CAT E-BUS TRIAL

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “With an eye-catching bright-red livery it will be hard to miss this new electric bus running passengers across Joondalup.

“Internally, they look similar to other Transperth buses on the network, but with one significant difference – their battery-electric technology makes them cleaner and greener, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.

“We will use this trial to evaluate a wide range of factors into the technology.

“We are keen to supply more of these buses and to make them here in WA,” the minister explained.

LOCAL JOBS Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby, said: “We know electrifying the way we travel is going to play a significant role in our state reducing emissions and reaching net-zero by 2050.

“This is an important goal for our government, so I am really keen to see the outcome of the trial – and how transitioning to greener technology can support local jobs and manufacturing.”

Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton said: “Joondalup is the perfect place for the trial of our first electric CAT bus.

“I have been campaigning for 36

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I can’t wait to hear from residents about their thoughts on our new electric buses.

Above: The battery technology makes these buses quieter and ‘cleaner’.

Below: These VolvoVolgren buses are being put to the test across a range of factors, including safety, efficiency and emissions

this trial since 2019 and I am so pleased that from today we will see the first bright-red CAT bus hitting the streets of Joondalup.

“I can’t wait to hear from residents about their thoughts on our new electric buses.”

A new ‘Purple’ CAT bus service also recently commenced for Kings Park, Perth Children’s Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and the University of Western Australia.

AUSTRALIAN FIRST Transit Systems has extensive global experience in delivering more sustainable transport solutions, including being part of Australia’s largest zero emission bus trials and the subsequent successful rollout of permanent electric fleet services – and, “…we’re proud to work with the PTA to deliver another Australian first,” it explained.

Whatever the journey, we’re with you...

With more than 50 years in Australia, we are proud to be the leading provider of sustainable transport solutions across our range of city, school, coach, hybrid and electric buses. We understand that no two customer needs are the same. That’s why we have a wide range of product and flexible service options across our diesel and electric offering to ensure we cater for all of our customers’ needs. All of our vehicles are designed from tried and tested European technology, and are tailored to meet demanding Australian operating conditions – not to mention, our suite of Volvo Services provide increased productivity, uptime and safety. And, with extensive support from Australia’s only dedicated bus team and the largest dealer network in the country, you can rest assured that whatever the journey, we’re with you.

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Scan the QR code below to find out more

15/3/22 8:33 am

IN FOCUS

SCANIA NEW BUS GENERATION

DYSONS TO RECEIVE FIRST ‘NEW BUS GENERATION’ SCANIA FLEET

Prior to its electric bus chassis arrival into Australia, soon, Scania has bolstered its low-emissions range via introducing a ‘New Bus Generation’ chassis and powertrain, the company recently announced.

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY SCANIA AUSTRALIA

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he New Bus Generation range will feature low-emission, fuel-efficient five-cylinder 320hp (239kW) Euro 6 engines in both standard diesel and hybrid-electric powertrains for city bus operators, it explains.

These hybrid-electric powertrains will be joined shortly by Scania’s battery-electric bus chassis, the first of which arrives in Australia soon, it confirms.

In Europe, Scania’s battery-driven solution generates zero tailpipe emissions and is becoming well established within their operating environments. For Australia, Scania will soon receive the first examples of this battery-electric chassis to be fitted with local bodies, it says.

Once built, they will be evaluated to determine how well they meet local requirements regarding range, driving performance, duty-cycles as well as coping with Australian road and climatic conditions.

Running costs will also be analysed.

“While we will be working hard to complete our evaluation of the battery electric chassis for use in Australia, in the meantime we will be focused on our internal combustion and hybrid-electric offering for the market,” product manager for Scania Buses and Engines, Trevor O’Brien, explained.

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COMPREHENSIVE RANGE For school, charter and long distance tour operators, Scania’s new range extends from the 320hp nine-litre Euro 6 all the way up to its new 500hp (373kW) six-cylinder 13-litre Euro 6 diesel engine, it explains.

Scania’s new “family” of chassis and powertrains come completes with advanced driver assistance systems to increase road safety for the vehicle’s driver and occupants, as well as vulnerable road users, it says.

Introduced now are the new low-entry route buses, school and charter chassis; the first iterations of a whole new range that will also include three-axle versions; plus

low-floor battery electric powertrains and articulated variants in due course, it says.

The company’s ongoing research and development programme will deliver a continuous rollout of innovations through the product life of this New Bus Generation, it adds.

OPERATOR DECISION Victorian bus operator Dysons will be the first in Victoria to receive a vehicle from the New Bus Generation range. Its fleet consists of more than half Scania product.

When ABC magazine contacted Dysons company director Neil Dyson he confirmed the operator will receive

the bus shortly after its launch.

“It was a natural progression for Dysons to go with the added safety features that this chassis has, which is the ADAS – the Advanced Driver Assistance System,” Dyson explained.

“It was more about the ability for the driver to be warned about proximity of things nearby with the sensors, etc. to avoid accidents and bike riders, so it was us ‘upping the ante’ on the safety side for the drivers, as well as the cabin and the dashboard is now a lot nicer workstation for the driver,” he said.

“It’s got an advanced newstyle ZF transmission, which is supposed to help with fuel economy as well, so there’s just a few little added bonuses.

“It’s Euro 6, so this is our first metropolitan Euro 6. It’s us moving with the times, so to speak, and these things we thought wouldn’t cause too much problems for us.

“We have in the past probably let others be first, but this time we are happy enough to take this on board and put it on the road.

“All going well, we’ll be standardising [the fleet] on

this chassis for our metro-type operations.

“We’ve got a fleet of about 650 buses and 345 of those are Scania.

I thought you might ask me that, so I actually worked out the answer before I spoke to you,” he joked.

FLEET INTEGRATION In terms of how adaptable the buses will be to driver skillsets and overall fleet use, Dyson explained: “Once our driver-training team gets used to it themselves they’ll run through it and I’m sure we’ll induct all our drivers into the vehicle, which is a big chore, of course.

“Probably one of the biggest commitments when you do change or introduce new product like this is that the driver trainers are trying to show the hundreds and hundreds of drivers one new bus that you get at the time, though we will be getting more soon.

“It will be good once they [the drivers] get used to it,” he added.

“It’s just these safety things when they do trigger and alert them [drivers] to something, they need to know what it’s about, etc.

“This is the first one we are

getting, but we are also getting approximately another 10 over the coming three months, all with Volgren bodies,” Dyson confirmed.

RENEWABLES COMPATIBILITY Of these new Euro 6-compliant engines, O’Brien added: “The upgraded engines are now more efficient, will use less fuel, and they’re compatible with a range of renewable fuels. The engines retain their modular concept, but are further refined in operation.

“The transmission choice starts with the 12-speed Scania Opticruise transmission with faster, smoother gear shifting – standard across the range – with the option of a new six-speed ZF automatic.

Top: “This is a very important launch for Scania Bus in Australia,” said Scania Buses and Engines director of sales, Julian Gurney.

Above + Opposite: Improvements include a redesign of the driver dashboard.

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SCANIA NEW BUS GENERATION

“Drivers will find these buses far easier to drive and, with the new independent front suspension available for K-series coach chassis, there’s a noticeable on-road performance improvement.

“There’s also a new electro-hydraulic steering for the steerable tag versions,” O’Brien confirmed.

Bus body-builder electronic integration points have been made smarter and more logical, to speed up the build process and there is additional programmable switchgear to allow for body-builder functionality to be integrated into the chassis electronics, reducing duplication, Scania highlights.

HERE AND NOW “This is a very important launch for Scania Bus in Australia,” said Scania Buses and Engines director of sales, Julian Gurney.

“This new generation chassis will not only provide additional safety for our most vulnerable road users, but also confirms our position as a leader in sustainable transport solutions.

“We are taking a significant step on the road towards zero tailpipe emissions with the arrival of this chassis; though, we are mindful of the need to ensure we continue to provide commercially viable and sustainable solutions to our customers.

“We have ‘here and now’ solutions to reducing the environmental footprint of buses and coaches sold in Australia, through the option of bio-fuels and hybrid-electric powertrains.

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“The first of 10 BEV chassis have arrived in Melbourne, and we hope to have buses on the road for operational trials later this year.

“Scania’s global focus for public transport aims to reduce road congestion, reduce pollution from private cars and the transport industry and offer an improved customer experience through more comfortable and more environmentally friendly transport.”

DRIVER WELLBEING “Today, the public is very much aware of environmental and sustainability issues and is looking for solutions to meet the challenges of climate change, Gurney continued.

“Our industry has an opportunity to redefine its role in society,” he said.

“It’s not just about greening-up our products. Services have to match public needs in terms of frequency, routing, and there’s the issue of personal safety for vulnerable road users as well.

“Preventing incidents is good for driver well-being and reduces operator costs and stress, and improves the passenger experience.

“Our driver and vehicle monitoring provides peace-of-mind, as does driver training and follow up coaching via our unique Ecolution program.

“The focus on driver safety in the workplace also increases the safety of other road-users and pedestrians.”

COCKPIT COMFORT An array of advanced driver assistance systems will advise and alert the driver aimed at keeping buses away from

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Drivers will find these buses far easier to drive and there’s a noticeable on-road performance improvement.

Above: Scania’s new range extends from the 320hp nine-litre Euro 6 all the way up to its new 500hp (373kW) six-cylinder 13-litre Euro 6 diesel engine.

Opposite: Changes in the redesigned driver’s area include a lower dash and more adjustment in the steering column.

other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Scania highlights.

Among the ADAS menu of assistance systems are an improved Adaptive Cruise Control, new blind-spot warning, vulnerable road user warnings, lane departure warning, integrated advanced emergency braking, and collision warning.

“These systems mean that our buses will be smarter and safer and will provide greater protection all round,” O’Brien explained.

“There are clear benefits for operators: fewer accidents; reduced repair costs; increased uptime; and the potential to reduce insurance premiums. A key benefit also is the effect these systems can have on the driver’s mental and physical health.”

DASH AREA One of the most noticeable changes of the New Bus Generation is the

design and fitment of the new driver station, Scania says. The dashboard is all new and follows the design of the New Truck Generation that Scania introduced locally in 2018, which has been lauded globally among truck operators and drivers.

“Drivers will love the new layout,” O’Brien said.

The dash is now lower for greater forward visibility, and there’s more adjustment of the steering column, which benefits a wider range of driver profiles, the company states. The dashboard includes ventilation outlets for a more comfortable and less fatiguing driving experience, particularly for the delivery of air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable and stable temperature in the driver station.

The dashboard itself displays greater levels of information and system control buttons are grouped for ease of operation.

There are new display graphics and the switchgear is easier to use, while steering wheel-mounted buttons allow access to controls without the driver needing to take their eyes off the road or the mirrors, it adds.

Notably, the new six-speed ZF automatic transmission is now controlled via a rotary dial rather than push-buttons.

Another significant change is the introduction of a completely new and simple-to-use electro-pneumatic park brake, with multiple built-in safety features, which include removing the possibility of bus roll-away. This will be good news for all bus operators, Scania says.

Ultimately, the new driver station design aims to ensure the driver is well informed, has good visibility and can maintain dynamic control of the vehicle, it adds.

RANGE THOROUGHNESS “All these introductions and updates apply across the Scania range of city, school and charter bus and coach applications, but also the popular Scania Touring and A 30 product,” O’Brien commented.

The Scania Touring - a school and charter bus that is “…100 per cent Scania from bumper-to-bumper” – is now standard with the more powerful 13-litre, 370hp/1,900Nm Euro 6-compliant engine and available with six-speed automatic, or 12-speed Opticruise transmission.

ABOUT SCANIA Scania is a world-leading provider of transport solutions, it states. Together with its partners and customers it’s driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system, it adds.

In 2020, Scania delivered 66,900 trucks, 5,200 buses, as well as 11,000 industrial and marine power systems to customers, it confirms.

Founded in 1891, Scania now operates in more than 100 countries and employs some 50,000 people, the company explains. busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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IN FOCUS

NEW BUS GENERATION - LAUNCH

LIVING SOCIAL The Scania New Generation Bus Launch wasn’t just about new product but a time for a long overdue in person event.

IMAGES COURTESY SCANIA

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Left, Opposite: Industry stalwart Trevor O’Brien celebrates a mammoth 40 years for Scania. Epic!

Left, Opposite, Top: A bit of low-floor oldschool cool helped set the night scene.

Clockwise, Left and Above: For many it was the first real bus catch-up for 2022; A successful launch meant well-earned Scania smiles; Julian Gurney played host for happy guests; ABC magazine Issue 412 coverbus ‘Dorothy’ the Food Bank on wheels made a special appearance.

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IN FOCUS

NEW BUS GENERATION - LAUNCH

Above, Middle + Below): Team Tassie was out in force; Smiles aplenty; The original and the best.

Opposite, Top: New Bus Generation product was centre of attention that night.

Opposite, Below + Clockwise: Scania Australia product manager – bus and engine Trevor O’Brien and {far right) managing director Mikael Jansson welcomed guests; Regular bus event faces there – as in before the world went haywire; Great conversation all around; ‘Hey, what’s under the hood?”

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45

IN FOCUS

QUANTRON CIZARIS EV

QUANTRON CIZARIS E-BUS LAUNCHED

Named after a Germanic goddess of fertility, Quantron has launched its longawaited, much-touted and first ever Cizaris 12 EV low-floor electric bus, recently – highlighting also that its fuel-cell hydrogen 12 H version will debut in 2023.

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY QUANTRON AG

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HE 12m-LONG Cizaris EV will, according to the company, “…stimulate the market for zero-emission and at the same time affordable buses.”

It is available in two- and three-door models with a total of nine interior layout options available, it confirms.

Using “robust and reliable” lithium iron phosphate batteries – the packs of which are roof mounted (a maximum of six in the front and six in the rear depending on customer preference) – and “highly efficient” synchronous central motor from Dana/TM4, used in tens of thousands of buses for years thanks to Asian company EV Dynamics, Quantron explains, this combination has so far been rare in 46

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Europe, but represents, “…the optimal team for converting the energy on board into propulsion as safely and efficiently as possible.”

With 242–424kWh of ‘selectable battery capacity’, the roof-mounted battery packs are fast-charged via CATL with 65kW– 150kW direct current (DC) in two to five hours, it says. The matching CCS combo plug is installed on the right, left or in the rear at the customer’s request – a key point in terms of customer convenience, Quantron explains.

In the medium-heavy eSORT 2 cycle, this energy is sufficient for routes of 220-370 kilometres with a charging stroke (DoD) of 10 per cent. This range is fully sufficient for most transport operators, saving them

greater expense on charging infrastructure, Quantron says. Yet, for higher demands, the Cizaris 12H fuel-cell hydrogen version – using a largely identical powertrain – will have even greater range for intercity travel, starting in 2023.

THE NAME GAME Augsburg-based Quantron explains the name of its new e-bus as so: the basic ‘Ci’ stands for ‘City’ (i.e. the area of use), the central and prominent ‘Z’ stands for ‘Zero (emissions)’ and the suffix ‘aris’ derives from Greek and means ‘the noblest or the best’.

Additionally, an Augsburg goddess also comes into play: Ciza or Cisa(ris) was the name of the fertility goddess of the Germanic people of the Vindelics, who

settled in Augsburg. In this way, the modern drive technology of the future is also linked to the origins of the Augsburg-based company Quantron, which has 140 years of roots in the Haller Commercial Vehicle family business, it says.

NEW LOGO As the first model for Quantron, the electric bus bears the new “evolutionarily enhanced” company lettering and new ‘Q’ logo – which stands for “Reliable - Energetic Brave”, Quantron explains. These values are also embodied in the striking three-part, intermittent ‘running light indicators’ in the front, which are similarly installed in other Quantron models.

ABSOLUTE ZERO BLUE As expected of a new electric bus, the Quantron Cizaris features a modern vehicle design with, as the company states, “…a friendly character”.

Featuring purposefully-placed colour components in ‘Absolute Zero Blue’ throughout, but at first glance at the top of the roofline and matched below under the front bumper with a thin strip, the overall bus’ front is visually appealing thanks to its generous windshield and new logo treatment.

The roof edge trim at the front and rear puts the emphasis on the battery technology, which is hidden in the roof outside any crash areas, Quantron says.

Inside, there are options for 24–35 seats – and, in total, there is room for 81–95 passengers depending on the battery package; this is significantly more than many competitors, Quantron says.

The rear end with its large tail-lights, some of which are made of frosted glass or have a light-striped design, is also visually very striking and European, it adds.

SPACE PLACE Access is through two or three 1,200mm-wide doors; pneumatic interior swing doors are standard, electric exterior swing-sliding doors are also available on request. Wide passages between the axles or to the optional third door at the rear

The roof edge trim at the front and rear puts the emphasis on the battery technology, which is hidden in the roof. contribute to the airy and pleasant impression of space, as does the headroom of 2,449mm, it says.

The front area up to door two is fully low floor and very easy to clean thanks to beautifully designed ‘keel’ seats (with cantilever suspensions in the case of the individual seats), the company explains. For the first time in this segment, the seat covers are manufactured using textile digital printing and feature the Quantron logo in the specially created parametric design pattern, it says.

The colour scheme can be very easily adapted to suit needs such as those of people with limited

mobility, making these seats instantly recognisable. A total of four seat configurations are available for the two-door model, and as many as five for the three-door model, Quantron says.

In the rear, the seats are mounted on pedestals, offering passengers a comfortable, elevated seating position on longer journeys, it says.

For short-distance passengers, the seats are mounted transversely on the compact engine box directly opposite door three are ideal for “hop on, hop off”. Optionally, a large luggage rack can also be mounted here; for example, for airport buses.

Above: The newly launched Quantron Cizaris 12-metre electric bus (BEV).

Left: The bus is fully low-floor for improved access, Quantron says.

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IN FOCUS

QUANTRON CIZARIS EV

Stabilisers on the front and rear axles ensure high safety and comfort on board.

LESS IS MORE

Above: The battery is in the roof, away from crash zones.

Opposite: Inside, there are various seating options available for two and three-door models.

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A Valeo heat pump/air conditioning unit with a cooling capacity of 33kW provides the right climate on board, and the driver also has a front box. Thanks to the advanced principle of ‘Positive Temperature Coefficient Heating (PTC)’, the total heating capacity can be increased to a total of 50kW, if required, it confirms.

A special highlight in the interior is the elaborately perforated aluminium ceiling with indirect side lighting and additional LED lights mounted transversely to it, the colour of which can be changed on request, Quantron says.

When it comes to USB charging there’s either the standard sidewall-mounted USB-A plugs or the optional USB-C plugs under the seats.

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For the driver there’s a high-quality and versatile adjustable seat from Isringhausen or Grammer. The easy-to-grip steering wheel with the new brand logo, but without buttons that tend to distract in city traffic, can also be adjusted in two directions. A VDV-compliant version currently in planning will even be fully adjustable.

The functionally designed panel with large monitor for rear-view camera has very few buttons, which are also easy to replace. The manual spring-loaded lever is just as easy to hold as the door control buttons.

On the right of the steering wheel is the recuperation lever, which can be used to select the power of the brake energy recuperation in three stages. The power steering pump for the sensitive electrohydraulic steering is installed quietly in the rear.

Information on all important processes and status messages is provided by a fully digital instrument cluster from Actia, which is optimally readable at all times – as are the high-resolution camera mirror monitors mounted directly in front of the A-pillars, where they cut down little field of vision, Quantron says.

The Cizaris is also equipped with the latest electronic safety systems such as ABS/ASR, EBS 5.0, ECAS

from European production, and the turn-off assistant from Mobileye can also be retrofitted on request.

Stabilisers on the front and rear axles ensure high safety and comfort on board. Optimum fire protection is ensured in the rear compartment, in the battery modules and other high-voltage components by means of fire detectors (temperature/gas sensors) and separate powder extinguisher cartridges – even though the LFP batteries are considered by all experts to be largely ‘incombustible’, Quantron highlights.

THE PERFORMANCE The Cizaris’s vehicle-mounted and water-cooled central motor from Dana/TM4 based on the permanent synchronous principle (PSM) is appealing due to its low speeds and particularly high efficiency compared with asynchronous motors, it says.

It has an output of 145/245 kilowatts (nominal/maximum) and a maximum engine torque of 1,055/3,329Nm, which is developed without any gear changes, it explains. With the introduction of the fuel-cell version, an even more powerful powertrain will be used.

Another advantage of the central engine, in addition to its largely silent operation, is that since it does not contribute to the unsprung masses of the chassis like an electric portal axle, it is not exposed to constant vibrations and thus has a longer service life than such systems.

SERVICE AND WARRANTY The basis for its long bus life is a complex cataphoretic dip painting

of the frame (KTL) and other effective corrosion protection measures, the company confirms. A central lubrication system on the front axle ensures optimum maintenance. The warranty terms are basically two years for the entire vehicle, and eight years or 3,000 charge cycles (or 80 per cent charge capacity – whichever comes first) for the all-important batteries. Extensions or service contracts can also be offered on request, it says.

Re-use options for batteries at their end of life can also be offered by Quantron.

In total, Quantron has a network of 700 service partners in Europe, many of whom can also service electric buses. In a multi-stage service concept, it is checked in each case whether the customer’s workshop can be upgraded to work largely self-sufficiently with the support of Quantron technicians, Quantron explains.

Bus connectivity is ensured by the FMS 4.0 interface, and the use of partner telematics CAPTE or Vincity is also currently being examined.

Initial sales focus is on the markets of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Scandinavia, and Southern Europe.

Due to the special requirements of the German market, such as the VDV specifications relating to the driver’s workplace and other systems, the market launch in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will take place in the second half of 2022, it confirms.

Specs MAKE: Quantron MODEL: Cizaris 12 EV DIMENSIONS: 12.180/2.550/ 3.450mm (LxWxH) MOTOR: Vehicle-mounted, watercooled DANA TM 4 SUMO MD HV3000 6P synchronous central motor behind the drive axle; power – (nominal/maximum) 145/245kW; Torque – (nominal/maximum) 1,055/3,329Nm

ABOUT QUANTRON Bavaria, Germany-based Quantron AG is a system provider of clean battery and hydrogen-powered e-mobility for commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and vans, it states.

In addition to new electric vehicles, the range of services offered includes the electrification of used and existing vehicles, the creation of individual overall concepts including the appropriate charging infrastructure, as well as rental, financing and leasing offers and driver training, it adds.

Quantron AG also sells batteries and integrated customised electrification concepts to manufacturers of commercial vehicles, machinery and intralogistics vehicles.

BATTERIES: Temperaturecontrolled lithium iron phosphate (LFP) mounted on the roof (max. six modules each front and rear); 242–424kWh selectable capacity; charging time (with 65-150kW (DC) – 2–5 hours; range eSORT2 220-370km, customer-specific position of CCS combo type 2 CHASSIS: Vo. Dana comfort rigid axle with stabiliser, max. load 7.5t; rear Dana hypoid axle with stabilisers, max. load 11.5t (techn. 13t); WHEELS/TYRES: 275/70 R22.5 (with aluminium rims) SEATING: Total capacity – two-door: 31–36 / 89–93*; Three-door: 25–34 / 91–95*, where * = with smallest battery pack MISC.: ABS/ASR, EBS 5.0, ECAS, mirror replacement system with nose observation camera; rear-view camera; turn assist (Mirroreye) and attention assist on request; fire detection/extinguishing system in all relevant components

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FEATURE

STYLERIDE

STYLERIDE BUS SEAT ‘LEAN MANUFACTURING’ GETS GREENLIGHT QUEENSLAND-BASED Styleride Seating is to enhance its bus-seat ‘lean manufacturing’ processes, following its Italian owner’s recent visit to Styleride’s brand new premises, the company confirms.

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY STYLERIDE AUSTRALIA

Top: Lazzerini’s group president and CEO Innocenzo Carbone (second from left) made the journey from Italy to visit Styleride in Brisbane, recently.

Right: Carbone gets his cool new Styleride shirt.

Below: (L-R): Lazzerini’s group president and CEO Innocenzo Carbone and Styleride managing director Garrin Angel are excited for Styleride’s future.

L

azzerini’s group president and CEO Innocenzo Carbone completed a very long trip from Monsano, Italy, recently to arrive at a very wet Brisbane International Airport for his post-pandemic Styleride visit, spokespeople confirm.

Carbone was the Australian bus seat specialist’s first international visitor for more than two years due to Covid restrictions, whereupon the Styleride leadership team presented and toured the new company premises with him located at 29-41 Lysaght St, Acacia Ridge, Queensland.

Styleride managing director Garrin Angel was able to spend the

week with Carbone, working closely with the greater team to finetune both near- and long-term business plans and review the detail of the relocation requirements.

It also importantly was a time to discuss the development and enhancement of Styleride‘s manufacturing process focusing on ‘lean manufacturing’ methodology.

This is now even more attainable through taking advantage of such a significant relocation to better support Styleride’s customers, says Styleride general manager sales, Stephen Long.

“Relocation of the business has been in plan since Lazzerini purchased Styleride three years ago, with a focus on presenting the right platform to enable Styleride to continue our growth in the existing market and expanding our product range into new markets,” Long explained.

NEW BEGINNINGS In endorsing the new location and increased lean-manufacturing processes, Carbone stated: “Styleride-Lazzerini proudly 50

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

delights its customers thanks to the experiences acquired in the entire world by offering its knowledge, innovations, flexibility and products.”

Before returning to Italy, Carbone was presented with a key to the new building and a Styleride polo shirt.

“On behalf of the Styleride team we thank Innocenzo and the Lazzerini team for their guidance and support and we look forward to his return visit as part of the formal opening of the new facility in the very near future,” Long said.

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15/3/22 8:33 am

COVERSTORY

LETENDA ELECTRIP

ICE AND SPACE

With a fully low floor and copious space for up to six wheelchairs – or maybe cumbersome ski gear – the Letenda Electrip 9-metre bus is perhaps a multi-region, all-weather wizard in disguise.

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WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY LETENDA, CANADA

eather conditions and extremes have a lot to account for when it comes to helping or hindering our daily lives. And, in Australia, it would seem we have those extremes pretty much covered these days.

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Extreme heat? Sweltering transport, urban and rural droughts, or burning bushfires come to mind. Extreme rain?

Muddy footy, cancelled cricket and ruined picnics are to be expected – and the horrible recent east-coast floods and the poor victims of it remind us just how tough things can get here.

Yet, what we don’t really – well, not

yet anyway – get is extreme cold and snow. But, if some of the latest theories become a reality then we’ll be ‘walkin’ in a winter wonderland’ some day soon while heading to the local shops in thongs (flipflops). Who knows?

The point is, weather greatly influences not just how we eat, drink and live but how we move –

Our intention is to be a global player of the zeroemission passenger vehicle industry.

Left: The bus is powered by a Cummins battery electric system.

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COVERSTORY

LETENDA ELECTRIP

and the vehicle designs needed to accommodate such fluctuations in comfort zones. There are also the safety features that goes with that.

So, what could a bus designed in Québec, Canada, have to do with a land some 14,000km away? At first it might seem like not much, but further investigation into the 9-metre,

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rear-steer axle Letenda Electrip – with its largely lightweight aluminium design – reveals innovation and intent more connected to Australasia than one might think at first. Mind blown...

HOT V. COLD The Québec-designed small bus no doubt drew upon its local weather

conditions as to what was needed to make the bus successful in its public transport remit while availing itself to inter-global uses and transit systems.

As the largest province in Canada, Québec gets more than its fair share of precipitation yearly of more than 1,000mm, including in excess of 300cm of snow in many areas. In summer, it’s no walk in the squirrel-park, either; think severe weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes occasionally, as well. Who knew?

And while Australia can’t match its average winter temperatures of -10°C to -25°C, its extremes can get to 35°C in summer (not bad) and -40°C (ouch!) during a stinging Québec winter. So whatever bus gets used and designed there it has got to have all bases covered – and for the Electrip that’s thanks to its smart insulation system, the company explains.

So, could it ever get here? Australian

Knowing that customer demand is a key driver for our intention to expand globally.

Top: The low-floor design can accommodate up to 45 people, including up to six wheelchairs.

Opposite: It has been designed for Canada, but Letenda says the Electrip could be applicable to Australian use.

Design Rules permitting, this region is totally in Letenda’s sights!

SNOW BUS Innovative Canadian bus maker Letenda – which recently premiered its ‘snow and disability-access friendly’ Cummins-powered Electrip e-bus – confirms the Australian and New Zealand bus markets are “in our plan”, it revealed.

According to Québec-based zero-emission bus company Letenda’s president and CEO Nicolas Letendre, the Electrip – a 9m (30-foot), zero-emissions transit bus backed by AngloAustralian mining-resources behemoth Rio Tinto – is not solely for Canadian or North American market use.

It cited exclusively to ABC magazine (www.busnews. com.au) that snow-season bus operators in this region may find a localised version of it useful given it was designed with harsh Canadian winters in mind, while its advanced insulation system means it is suitable in warmer climes, too.

“Our intention is to be a global player of [the] zero-emission passenger vehicle industry. Yes, busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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COVERSTORY

Above: The bus is designed to handle extreme winter weater conditions – which in Quebec can reach as low as -40°C. Below: The 9-metre Letenda Electrip small bus has a largely lightweight aluminium design.

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LETENDA ELECTRIP

[the] Australian market is in our plan and a collaboration with an Australian partner would be the most efficient way to enter into the market,” Letendre stated.

“It could be good for alpine regions of Australia and New Zealand and also good for [the] warmer climate due to the advanced insulation system we have,” he said.

In terms of wheelchair access and local disability-regulation compliance, given the flexibility of layout and common-sense approach to planning the Electrip

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bus interior, Letendre explained: “From my research that I made in the past, Perth Transit [PTA] used a bus model which was sharing a similar accessibility feature [front door behind the front axle], but without [the] rear steering system and other key features of the Electrip bus.

“Our bus could be adapted for right-hand drive application,” he confirmed.

“Knowing that customer demand is a key driver for our intention to expand globally.

“Yes, if there were demand

The Electrip is perfectly suited for transportation companies wishing to reduce their environmental impact and optimise their operations. from [the] Australia region we would be interested to evaluate a business opportunity,” Letendre clarified.

CUMMINS POWER Key to the Letenda Electrip demonstration bus performance claims is its selection of global commercialvehicle heavyweight Cummins as supplier for its battery-electric technology and know-how.

Specifically designed for the North American region at this stage, Letenda’s new electric bus utilises Cummins’ proven battery electric system (BES), featuring remote diagnostics and over-the-air connectivity, Cummins explains.

“The Electrip utilises three battery

packs providing 222kWh capacity and is compatible with DC fast charge and plug-in charging,” a Cummins statement confirmed.

“Cummins provided the complete electrified powertrain including the powertrain controls, batteries, propulsion motor, power electronics, charging controls and connectivity systems,” it added.

Letendre commented: “We are proud to collaborate with Cummins with whom we share the same values of innovation and sustainability.

“Cummins has a proven track record of delivering leading power solutions for the bus industry and as a global powertrain leader.

“We’re pleased to offer our customers busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

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COVERSTORY

LETENDA ELECTRIP

a safe, efficient and reliable solution to transition from diesel-powered buses,” he explained.

Cummins New Power vice president and president Amy Davis, stated: “Cummins is delighted to work with Letenda to power their zero-emissions transit bus.

“Letenda has completely designed their bus from the wheels up for electrification, which is exciting for us and for our customers.

“This demonstration expands Cummins battery-electric solutions to smaller transit bus applications, which can help communities meet 58

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sustainability targets,” she said.

Cummins and 2016-founded Letenda will look to expand this collaboration in the future as Letenda plans to commercialise its zero-emissions transit bus across Canada and the United States, the companies say.

The Electrip will be on trial with a Canadian transit authority in the Province of Québec, they confirm.

FIRST MODEL The Electrip is the first of a range of ‘new generation’ e-buses from the Québec manufacturer. It is entirely engineered in Québec and, “brings

together the best of the latest sustainable technologies by leveraging the full potential of electric propulsion”, the company states.

At its recent launch, Letendre stated: “We are proud to present today the result of six years of research and effort: the Electrip, an electrically powered city bus designed to withstand winter temperatures.

“This achievement was made possible with the help of an experienced team including world leaders in electric vehicle technologies and Québec manufacturers to develop and market an innovative bus.

“The Electrip is perfectly suited for transportation companies wishing to reduce their environmental impact and optimise their operations while moving towards sustainable mobility.

“Our product is complementary to the existing electric vehicle offer for public transit due to its size and innovative design,” he concluded.

THE DESIGN With a redesigned geometry to ensure “unrivalled comfort and manoeuvrability”, the Electrip is an ultra-lightweight, long-range, 9-metre intermediate bus, the company says.

Its “superior energy efficiency”

SHORT TURNING RADIUS

EASY BOARDING

the passenger area can accommodate up to 45 people, including 24 seated passengers and up to six wheelchairs, it states.

The Electrip is also designed to facilitate the integration of the latest intelligent and autonomous vehicle technologies, the company confirms.

ensures “excellent performance in winter conditions”, the company highlights. The vehicle’s manufacturing concept is innovative with its modular structure made mainly of aluminium and inspired by the aeronautics industry, it adds.

Depending on the configuration chosen, its full low-floor throughout

Above: The advanced system can steer the rear wheels in the opposite direction to that of the front wheels, reducing the turning circle and making it easier to maneuver. The system can steer the rear wheels in the same direction to that of the front wheels, enhancing maneuverability and making the curb approaches easier to navigate.

Opposite:

There are three battery packs providing 222kWh capacity.

THE BACKING Letenda’s financial and support base ‘ecosystem’ comprises major partner Rio Tinto, as well as several Québec partners, such as: Constructions Proco, Simplex Tool Rental, Promotion Saguenay, Société de la Vallée de l’aluminium, Développement économique Longueuil, ACET Banque Nationale, Hydro-Québec and Cummins, a leader in battery technology, it confirms.

“This business project is made possible with the financial support of private investors and the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec, the Ministère de l’Énergie et de

The vehicle’s manufacturing concept is innovative with its modular structure made mainly of aluminium.

Ressources naturelles du Quèbec and the National Research Council of Canada,” Letenda acknowledged.

“Rio Tinto is proud to have supported Letenda from the very beginning in the development of a new generation of zero-emission aluminium city buses that will help reduce the environmental footprint of public transit in Quebec,” said Rio Tinto Aluminium executive director of Atlantic Operations, Sèbastien Ross.

“We are pleased to contribute CAD$650,000 [AUD$704,000] to support the company and to encourage networking with regional partners, in order to contribute to its success and maximise the economic benefits in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region,” he said.

Specs MAKE: Letenda MODEL: Electrip electric 9m BODY: Modular concept; heated surfaces, narrow windscreen pillars CHASSIS: Mostly aluminium; steerable rear axle INTERIOR: Flexible seating layout; full low-floor and no wheelhouse obstruction; radiant heat flooring (winter); driver’s area electric controls and mirrors BATTERY: 222-296 kWh energy onboard; Cummins Li-Ion NMC modules; integrated battery management system; liquid cooled battery temperature management system; charging time – 2 hours@150kW DC MISC.: Intelligent data management through continuously connected systems

busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

59

OPERATOR

COOLUM COACHES

FROM COUNTRY TO COAST C Next year Glynn Ross will mark his 50th work anniversary in the bus and coach industry. We chat with the veteran operator and driver about his successful business, Coolum Coaches, and how he found his true calling behind the wheel and never looked back – adapting to a new life and new business on the Sunshine Coast, far away from his roots in Toowoomba.

WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES COURTESY COOLUM COACHES

60

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

oolum Coaches’ CEO Glynn Ross was a school teacher for 17 years before shifting gear to run a bus and coach company. While continuing to teach, Ross also drove buses for his father, Glynn Ross (whom he was obviously named after), who operated a school bus service in Toowoomba in the 1980s.

Driving Leylands, Tiger Cubs and Comits for 12 years, as well as running the business with his father, Ross became so attached to the industry that he decided to quit teaching and run the company by himself. While he enjoyed working in the education sector, he realised that he loved to

talk and to be on the road more than anything. Driving buses was the right combination of those two passions.

The first few years he drove buses, worked as a mechanic, washed the fleet and helped in the office – working 12 hours per day, seven days per week.

He bought out his father’s share

Right: Glynn Ross’s love of the bus industry led him to move from school teaching to running his father’s business.

Below: A range of vehicles from 24 to 65 seaters manage the charter side of operations.

I saw the opportunity to buy Coolum Coaches and so I decided to sell my Toowoomba business.

busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

61

OPERATOR

COOLUM COACHES

They are absolutely indestructible. I can send them anywhere, for any job without worry. of the business and ran it successfully before moving to the Sunshine Coast in 1999.

“I saw the opportunity to buy Coolum Coaches and so I decided to sell my Toowoomba business. I took a chance and moved my family to the Sunshine Coast. My kids often had asthma and we disliked the cold of Toowoomba. We made a new life in Mooloolaba. All five of my children went to school on the Sunshine Coast,” Ross said.

Coolum Coaches is today one of Australia’s most well-respected bus and coach service providers. In 2010, Ross purchased North Stradbroke Island (NSI) buses in beautiful Straddie at Moreton Bay. Since then, the business has operated school bus services on Stradbroke Island and Sunshine Coast, a QConnect contract on Stradbroke Island, corporate and private event hire, and cultural tours in South Queensland via its new outpost, Out & About Travel. There 62

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

is a depot each in Coolum and Stradbroke Island and a workshop in Coolum.

OPERATIONS Coolum Coaches started with two IBCs, a Bedford and two Volgrens. Now, Ross really loves his five Denning Phoenix coaches.

“They are absolutely indestructible. I can send them anywhere, for any job without worry,” he said. The fleet also includes two each of Bustech, Scania, Iveco and Bonluck buses, three Higer, a Daewoo, a Toyota HiAce and a Mitsubishi Rosa.

A fleet of 19 buses provides morning and afternoon coach transfer services for around 20 schools in the areas covering Lake Weyba, Peregian Springs,​

Cooloolabin, Coolum Hinterland, Kiamba, Mt Ninderry, North Arm, Parklands, Valdora and Yandina.

The team also offers local and interstate coach tours, group tours including social clubs, probus groups, senior citizen groups, airport and wedding transfers, and corporate event charters. A range of vehicles from 24- to 65-seaters manage the charter side of operations.

The current team includes Ross, who is MD of the group of companies; 20 drivers; an operations manager at each depot; two mechanics; and an admin manager.

“I thank my staff profusely for all they’ve done for me and carried my business when I’ve been sick. I do appreciate it.

Lavish praise when praise is due,” Ross said.

COVID INTERRUPTION Although things are slowly picking up, Ross believes it could take up to six months before things get back to normal after the disruptions caused by Covid-19.

“During the restrictions, all private tours, charter and weddings were on hold. We continued with most school excursions and sport days and our school bus routes remained the same, but they were not as busy. Our employees qualified for JobKeeper payments, which was very appreciated to be able to sustain their income while our charter work was non-existent,” he said.

However, Ross’s team did not

Top: Coolum Coaches runs a range of services, from school runs to tours.

Above: North Stradbroke Island (NSI) buses in beautiful Straddie at Moreton Bay. Opposite, Top: JobKeeper meant that staff could be retained during the pandemic downturn.

Opposite, Below: Around 1,200 school children are driven to and from school on 12 buses in Coolum and seven on Stradbroke Island.

busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

63

OPERATOR

COOLUM COACHES

There is one basic thing the government can’t forget and that is what school bus transport is all about – providing safe and reliable transport of children to school.

Top: Though the charter side dropped off during Covid, the school runs and team events helped keep Coolum Coaches in business.

Below: Coolum Coaches has five Denning Phoenix coaches in its fleet.

64

sit idle during that down time.

They used that time to research and implement new tour itineraries, update marketing strategies and restructure the group of companies.

“My team also worked on upgrading our three websites and remapping our school routes with Translink’s

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

Optimisation team. I believe we are the only school bus company to have interactive school bus maps on our website,” said Ross.

A JOB WELL LOVED “Running your own business means you can be autonomous and flexible with your time,” Ross explained.

“When I was a school teacher, I was governed by the clock, which I found stressful. Bus driving is stress-free and, since most of our customers are on holidays, it is a more relaxed environment.

When I first started out, we had four buses on the sunshine coast and six buses on Stradbroke. The entire sunshine coast has grown and so has my staff.

“Now that I am retired, I enjoy coming in and having a conversation with the drivers and the staff and show them some support and interest in what they are achieving every day.

“I’ve been involved in the bus industry for 49 years. I’ve seen many changes over the years – changes for the best and changes for the worst, but there is one basic thing the government can’t forget and that is what school bus transport is all about: providing safe and reliable transport of children to school. If the government loses sight of this, the industry will collapse.”

The 12 buses in Coolum and seven on Stradbroke Island move around 1,200 kids to and from school every day. As the next step, the team is looking to grow its school routes further and cater its private charters and tours to a broader international market.

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Exceptional ride comfort with Mercedes Benz engine with reduced noise 11.97L displacement and up to 1850N/m torque Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD Optimised ZF automatic Seats 53 Coach transmission and rear axle ratio Seats 57 School Bous 3 11m capacity luggage Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift compartments

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ABC MARCH 2022 busnews.com.au

ABC 415.indd 66

15/3/22 8:40 am

To advertise email matt.alexander@primecreative.com.au – Bookings for next issue close 14 APR 22

2015 BCI “CLASSMASTER 45’

2007 DENNING “PHOENIX” Cat C9 335hp, automatic, 53 lap sash seat belted recliners in leather, Thermo King A/C,underfloor bins, travelled approx. 740,000klm, very clean

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-415

Reduced to $122,500+GST

Cummins ISB250hp,automatic inc a retarder, 45 lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, school lights, underfloor bins, travelled approx. 225,000klm

2 X 2014 IVECO EURORIDER ZF AsTronic trans,Irizar I6 13.5m body, 52 lap sash seat belted recliners, rear toilet, A/C, underfloor bins, DVD many extras, travelled only 247,00klm

$105,000+GST

Reduced to $185,000+GST EACH

2015 BLK “PRESIDENT 2”

2012 BLK “SENATOR 12”

3 X 2008 SCANIA K380IB

Cummins ISL360, automatic, 57

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Cummins ISB300hp, automatic inc a retarder, 57 fixed coach seats inc lap sash belts, A/C, top slide windows, underfloor bins, Travelled approx. 230,000klm,

$175,000+GST

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2017 KING LONG ZF automatic, Volgren ULF 10.5m body, 29 metro seats, A/C, Hanover electronic desto, travelled approx. 540,000klms

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DELIVERIES

FEBRUARY 2022

Bus deliveries remain steady in February Bus deliveries are seeing a strong start to 2022 with February’s 97 just falling short of triple figures, exclusive ABC figures reveal.

A

fter January’s delivery total of 86 there was a welcome uptick to 97 in February. This was six units ahead of February 2021’s total of 91, and a positive start to this year.

In the chassis sector, Volvo repeated January’s total of 20 and took the top spot from Yutong, which delivered 18. BCI’s 18 also earned it joint second place – not only a huge jump from January’s seven, but its best result since June 2021. Scania dropped one for a total of 10 compared to January, but King Long staked its claim with nine for February. MAN returned after a two-month absence with eight, while Mercedes-Benz dropped down the chart from January’s 14 to six units in February. I-Bus also reported its first deliveries of the year with five.

In the body-building sector, Volgren is back in the number one position with 22 deliveries for February, up five on January.

BCI and Yutong again were in second place with 18 units each, while King Long took third with nine. Irizar retained its fourth place with eight, down from January’s 11, while I-Bus’ first 2022 deliveries made up five. Of the remaining companies, both Coach Design and Express Coaches remained steady on three, matching January, but of note is Gemilang making a return to the ABC deliveries table after its last appearance in December 2020, with three units for February.

In the air conditioning sector, Thermo King recorded the top total of 25, matching its January effort, but not far behind was MCC with an impressive 18 – up 11 units on its January total – and Cling-Yutong, also on 18. King Long came in third with 12, while Spheros bumped up five on January to reach nine. Hispacold saw a slight drop from 13 to eight, and Coachair from six to five, but another return from 2020 is Kingtec, with two deliveries.

At the state level, it’s Western Australia’s time to shine with 36 – more than double its January total. Queensland’s January dip looks to be temporary with a second place-grabbing 21, while Victoria eased off a little with 18. NSW took a drop from January’s 28 for a total of 13 in February. The Northern Territory still made itself known with a total of four, while South Australia and Tasmania rounded out the total with one each.

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

At the state level, it’s Western Australia’s time to shine with 36 – more than double its January total.

70

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

Volgren 22 BCI 18 Yutong 18 King Long 9 Irizar 8 I-Bus 5 Coach Design 3

SALES BY BODY

Gemilang 3 Express Coaches 3

In the body-building sector, Volgren is back in the number one position with 22 deliveries for February, up five on January.

BCI and Yutong again are in second place with 18 units each, while King Long took third with nine. Irizar retained its fourth place with eight, down from January’s 11, while I-Bus’ first 2022 deliveries made up five. Of the remaining companies, both Coach Design and Express Coaches remained steady on three, matching January, but of note is Gemilang making a return to the ABC deliveries table after its last appearance in December 2020, also recording a February total of three.

BLK 2 Marcopolo 2 Bustech 1 Coach Concepts 1 Custom Bus 1 P&D Coachworks 1

1% 4% 1% SA TAS NT

37% WA

16% NSW

In the air conditioning sector, Thermo King recorded the top total of 25, matching its January effort, but not far behind was MCC with an impressive 18 – up 11 units on its January total – and Cling-Yutong, also on 18. King Long came in third with 12, while Spheros bumped up five on January to reach nine. Hispacold saw a slight drop from 13 to eight, and Coachair from six to five, but another return from 2020 is Kingtec, with two deliveries.

Percentage by

REGION

Thermo King 25 MCC 18 Cling-Yutong 18 King Long 12

19% VIC

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

Spheros Hispacold Coachair Kingtec

9 8 5 2

22% QLD

VOLVO 20 BCI 18 YUTONG 18 SCANIA 10 KING LONG 9 MAN 8

Sales by chassis

MERCEDES-BENZ 6

In the chassis sector, Volvo repeated January’s total of 20 and took the top spot from Yutong, which delivered 18. BCI’s 18 also earned it joint second place – not only a huge jump from January’s seven, but its best result since June 2021. Scania dropped one for a total of 10 compared to January, but King Long stakes its claim with nine for February. MAN returned after a two-month absence with eight, while Mercedes-Benz dropped down the chart from January’s 14 to six units in February. I-Bus also reported its first deliveries of the year with five.

I-BUS 5 BLK 1 BYD 1 HINO 1

busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

71

FEBRUARY 2022

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION BCI

Ashantra Pty Ltd

WA

ENGINES

TRANS­M

UNITS

DELIVERIES

CHASSIS (Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

1

BCI Cruiser 10

BCI

285

R

Euro 5

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

A

Custom Service Leasing

NT

1

BCI Fleetmaster

BCI

325

R

Euro 5

A

Go West Tours

WA

6

BCI Fleetmaster

BCI

325

R

Euro 5

A

Northfleet

WA

10

BCI Fleetmaster

BCI

325

R

Euro 5

A

BLK AUTO

Blue Bus Company

QLD

1

President 2

BLK

360

R

–

A

BUSTECH GROUP

Kinetic

QLD

1

BYD D9RA

Bustech Group

–

R

–

A

HINO

N/A

NSW

1

RN8J

P&D Coachworks

286

R

Euro 5

A

I-BUS AUSTRALIA

N/A

SA

1

Isuzu NQR

I-Bus

190

F

–

AM

N/A

QLD

1

Isuzu NQR

I-Bus

190

F

–

AM

N/A

QLD

1

Isuzu NQR

I-Bus

190

F

–

AM

N/A

VIC

1

Isuzu NPS

I-Bus

190

F

–

AM

N/A

NT

1

Isuzu NPS

I-Bus

190

F

–

AM

KING LONG

MAN

MERCEDES-BENZ

SCANIA

VOLVO

YUTONG

North Sydney Bus Charter

NSW

4

King Long

King Long

360

R

Euro 5

A

QLD school operator

QLD

1

King Long

King Long

360

R

Euro 5

A

QLD school operator

QLD

1

King Long

King Long

285

R

Euro 5

A

NSW school operator

NSW

1

King Long

King Long

360

R

Euro 5

A

NSW school operator

NSW

1

King Long

King Long

360

R

Euro 5

A

VIC school operator

VIC

1

King Long

King Long

250

R

Euro 5

A

Howe Farming Enterprises

QLD

1

IC.19.320.RR8

BLK

320

R

Euro 5

A

Ventura Bus Company

VIC

4

IC.19.330.RR8

Volgren

330

R

Euro 6

A

State Transit Authority

NSW

3

ND.24.320.A95

Gemilang

320

R

Euro 5

A

A

N/A

TAS

1

OC500LE E6

Express Coaches

300

R

Euro 6

N/A

QLD

2

OC500LE E6

Volgren

300

R

Euro 6

A

N/A

NT

1

OC500RF E5 1936

Volgren

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NT

1

O500RS

Irizar

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

OC500RF E5 1936

Coach Design

360

R

Euro 5

A

Cavbus Pty Ltd T/As Logan Coaches QLD

1

K 310 UB4X2

Express Coaches

310

R

Euro 5

A

L C Dyson's Bus Services Pty Ltd

VIC

1

K 320C B4x2LB

Volgren

320

R

Euro 6

Optic

Lonestar Coaches

QLD

1

K 450 IB6X2*4

Coach Design

450

R

Euro 6

Optic

Maffescioni Bus Lines

VIC

1

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Concepts

310

R

Euro 5

Optic

McHarry's Bus Lines

VIC

1

K 310 UB4X2

Express Coaches

310

R

Euro 5

A

Ventura Bus Lines Pty Ltd

VIC

5

K 320 UB4X2

Volgren

320

R

Euro 6

A

Coach Leasing Australia Pty Ltd

QLD

1

Volvo B8R

Marcopolo

330

R

Euro 5

A

Irizar

QLD

5

Volvo B8R

Irizar

330

R

Euro 5

A

Busways Pacific

NSW

1

Volvo B8R

Irizar

330

R

Euro 5

A

Port Stephens Coaches

NSW

1

Volvo B11R

Coach Design

450

R

Euro 5

A

Cowra Bus Service

NSW

1

Volvo B8R

Volgren

330

R

Euro 5

A

Nuline Charter

VIC

1

Volvo B7RLE

Marcopolo

290

R

Euro 5

A

Irizar

VIC

1

Volvo B8R

Irizar

330

R

Euro 5

A

Donric

VIC

1

Volvo B8RLE

Custom Bus

320

R

Euro 5

A

Public Transport Authority

WA

5

Volvo B8RLE

Volgren

320

R

Euro 5

A

Public Transport Authority

WA

1

Volvo B8RLEA

Volgren

320

R

Euro 5

A

Public Transport Authority

WA

2

Volvo BZL

Volgren

540

R

Zero Emission

A

N/A

WA

4

Yutong D7

Yutong

190

F

Euro 6

A

N/A

WA

2

Yutong D12

Yutong

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

Yutong D12

Yutong

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

Yutong D7

Yutong

190

F

Euro 6

A

N/A

NSW

1

Yutong D9

Yutong

250

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

QLD

4

Yutong E12

Yutong

350kWh

R

Zero Emission

A

N/A

WA

5

Yutong D7

Yutong

190

F

Euro 6

A

TOTAL DELIVERIES 97 72

ABC March 2022 busnews.com.au

ro 5

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

A

TRANS MAKE ZF

NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION

AXLES

sions dard

TRANS­MISSION

BODY LENGTH

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

2

10.6

MCC

X

–

–

–

–

–

X

(metres)

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

WHEEL CHAIR LIFT ACCESS

Sege

Y

N

ro 5

A

Allison

2

12.3

MCC

–

X

–

–

X

–

–

Sege

Y

N

ro 5

A

Allison

2

12.3

MCC

–

X

–

–

X

–

–

Sege

Y

N

ro 5

A

Allison

2

12.3

MCC

–

X

–

–

X

–

–

Sege

Y

N

–

A

Allison

2

12.5

Spheros

–

53

–

X

X

–

–

Sege

Y

–

–

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

35

–

–

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

12

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

–

–

AMT

Isuzu

2

8

King Long

32

–

–

–

–

–

–

APM

Y

–

–

AMT

Isuzu

2

8

King Long

32

–

–

–

–

–

–

APM

Y

–

–

AMT

Isuzu

2

8

King Long

32

–

–

–

–

–

–

APM

Y

–

–

AMT

Isuzu

2 - 4x4

7

Kingtec

20

–

–

–

–

–

–

APM

Y

–

–

AMT

Isuzu

2 - 4x4

7

Kingtec

20

–

–

–

–

–

–

APM

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

–

12

King Long

X

–

–

–

X

–

–

King Long

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

–

13

King Long

X

–

–

–

–

–

X

King Long

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

–

10

King Long

X

–

–

–

–

–

X

King Long

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

–

12

King Long

X

–

–

–

–

–

X

King Long

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

–

12

King Long

X

–

–

–

–

–

X

King Long

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

–

9

King Long

X

–

–

–

–

–

X

King Long

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Spheros

57

–

–

–

X

–

–

SEGE

Y

N

ro 6

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Spheros

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

Volgren

Y

N

ro 5

A

ZF

3

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

–

85

–

–

X

–

Styleride

N

N

ro 6

A

ZF

2

12.5M

Thermo King

49

–

–

–

–

X

–

Styleride

N

N

ro 6

A

ZF

2

12.5M

Coachair

44

–

–

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

N

ro 5

A

ZF Ecolife

2

12.3M

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

N

N

ro 5

A

ZF Ecolife

2

12.3M

Hispacold

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

Sege

Y

N

ro 5

A

ZF Ecolife

2

12.3M

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

N

ro 5

A

ZF

2

12.5

Coachair

57

–

–

–

–

–

–

Styleride

–

–

ro 6

Opticruise

Scania

2

12.5

Thermo King

–

–

41

–

–

–

–

McConnell

–

– –

ro 6

Opticruise

Scania

3

14.5

Thermo King

–

62

–

–

–

–

–

Styleride

–

ro 5

Opticruise

Scania

2

12.5

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

–

Styleride

–

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

12.5

Coachair

–

–

49

–

–

–

–

McConnell

–

–

ro 6

A

ZF

2

12.5

Thermo King

–

–

44

–

–

–

–

McConnell

–

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

12.3

Spheros

57

–

–

–

X

–

–

Marcopolo

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

12.3

Hispacold

–

44

–

X

–

–

–

Sege

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

12.5

Hispacold

48

–

–

–

–

X

–

McConnell

Y

–

ro 5

AS

Volvo

3

14.5

Coachair

–

64

–

X

–

–

–

Sege

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

12.3

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Spheros

–

–

44

–

–

X

–

Macopolo

N

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Hispacold

57

–

–

–

X

–

X

Sege

Y

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Spheros

50

–

–

–

–

x

–

Custom Bus

N

–

ro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

–

41

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

–

ro 5

A

ZF

3

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

–

–

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

–

mission

A

Volvo

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

–

–

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

–

ro 6

A

Allison

2

8

Cling-Yutong

28

–

–

–

X

–

–

Yutong

Y

N

ro 5

A

Allison

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

Yutong

Y

N

ro 5

A

Allison

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

Yutong

Y

N

ro 6

A

Allison

2

8

Cling-Yutong

28

–

–

–

X

–

–

Yutong

Y

N

ro 5

A

Allison

2

10

Cling-Yutong

39

–

–

–

–

–

X

Yutong

Y

N

mission

A

N/A

2

12.5

Cling-Yutong

–

–

44

–

–

X

–

Styleride

N

Y

ro 6

A

Allison

2

8

Cling-Yutong

28

–

–

–

X

–

–

Yutong

Y

N

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

busnews.com.au March 2022 ABC

73

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15/3/22 8:36 am

ABC 415.indd 75

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FUSO ROSA. FROM $131,930

*

THE BEST AND FAIREST

With 22 & 25 seat options, the all-star Rosa outclasses the competition on price, safety, power, uptime, fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership.

SAFETY FEATURES

ENGINE

OWNERSHIP

ACTIVE BRAKING

129/430 POWER/TORQUE (KW/NM)

5YR/200,000KM WARRANTY

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING

EURO 6 EMISSION STD

15,000KM SERVICE INTERVALS

PEDESTRIAN DETECTION

6-SPEED AMT/5-SPEED MT

6.84 CPK/120,000KM SERVICE COST

REVERSE CAMERA + 4 ADDITIONAL

FOR MORE INFORMATION WHY THE ROSA IS AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE LIGHT-DUTY BUS, VISIT FUSOROSA.COM.AU

*$131,930 price includes GST and is based on MSRP for 2022 Rosa 22-Seat Deluxe AMT, excludes any non-standard options and excludes any state based on-road costs.

Servicing is based on 15,000km intervals as per the 2022 Fuso Rosa warranty and service schedule booklet. CPK or ‘Cents Per Kilometer’ figure based on Best Basic Service plan cost over 120,000km. #Warranty terms and conditions apply, 5 year/200,000km, whichever comes first. See an authorised Fuso dealer or our warranty policy for further information. Please note: changes may have been made to the product since this publication went to press (February 2022). The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design, form, colour, and specification of the product. The images shown are to be considered examples only and do not necessarily reflect the actual state of the original vehicles. Fuso is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation Japan and distributed within Australia by Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty Ltd (ABN 86 618 413 282) daimlertrucks.com.au

ABC 415.indd 76

15/3/22 8:36 am