Australasian Bus & Coach 421 September 2022

ABC

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

ISSUE 421 September 2022 $5.95 inc GST

NEW LEADER PTAANZ reveals new acting CEO INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE Inside E-T-A’s global sustainability push MARKET MATTERS Siemens discusses electrical charging insights

SUPPLYING SAFETY YUTONG’S L ATEST MODEL CONTINUES ITS GLOBAL PUSH TOWARDS SAFER SUSTAINABLE BUSES

Hydrogen help: Red Bus Test Drive: Foton Mobility Back Seat: Climate stripes

Victoria / Queensland Please email your resume to careers@blkauto.com.au.

SALES MANAGER ROLES X 2

NATIONAL AFTERSALES MANAGER X 1

BLK is seeking highly experienced and motivated bus industry professionals for the exciting new challenge in representing BLK in the sales of our full range of Bus Products with a core focus on BEV and FCEV Chassis supported by locally manufactured Volgren bodies. BLK offer one of the most extensive range of vehicle line-ups on offer and we cater for all customer types.

BLK is seeking highly experienced and motivated bus industry professionals for the exciting new challenge in representing BLK in the Aftersales of our full range of Bus Products, including our BEV and FCEV Chassis supported by locally manufactured Volgren bodies. The position will be responsible for supporting our Quality Managements Systems and ensuring Continuous Improvement directly between our customer and our Engineering Team. This is a Senior Management role within our business and will drive future development of our products.

– Victoria / Queensland

• Permanent full-time position • Excellent retainer, commission package and working conditions offered to the right candidate • Company Car/Vehicle Allowance, Phone and Laptop Impressive line-up of vehicle offerings to suit every customer; • FCEV / BEV 12.5m Chassis with Volgren low floor / school bus body • Diesel BLK extensive range – 6m – 14.5m low floor bus, coach, double deck options • European Chassis with BLK body options • FCEV / BEV mine spec and long-range luxury coaches and double deck options.

– Victoria Based

• Permanent full-time position • Excellent retainer, commission package and working conditions offered to the right candidate • Vehicle Allowance, Phone and Laptop • Training on New Energy Products

Call our Team on P 1300 287 377 W blkauto.com.au ABC 421.indd 2

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New FCEV and BEV Chassis Designed in conjunction with Volgren’s Optimus and Endura Body Design.

Vehicle chassis are specifically designed in conjunction with Volgren’s existing Optimus and Endura Body Designs. This ensures a reduction in manufacturing time and processes to provide an efficient and purpose-built quality product.

Our collaboration has enabled us to change the way vehicles are designed for operations within Australia, we have spent the time gathering data with local operators to ensure our products will meet the flexible needs and better suit the transition to New Energy Products

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL LOWFLOOR CITY BUS: (FCEV) HIGHLIGHTS:  >450km design range per Hydrogen Fill*  <15 Minute Hydrogen Fill time  Ability to maintain heavy application on gradients and highways  European driveline, steering, brakes, and suspension components.  Fuel Cell Technology using quality Toyota/ Refire components  Brake Regeneration

BATTERY ELECTRIC LOWFLOOR CITY BUS: (BEV) HIGHLIGHTS:  >350km design range per Battery Charge*  <2 hour charge time*  100klm/hr max speed  European driveline, steering, brakes , and suspension components  Powerful and proven Dana TM4 direct drive motor  Reliable LFP Battery technology , supplied by the World’s leading traction battery supplier “CATL”  Brake regeneration

About both: Locally Support Product + product & maintenance training provided by BLK Auto. *Vehicle design range provided under test conditions, Fill and charge times are dependent upon fuelling and charging equipment under normal operating conditions.

Contact Ben Kiddle 0499 568 319 or sales@blkauto.com.au

Call our Team on P 1300 287 377 W blkauto.com.au ABC 421.indd 3

9/9/22 9:40 am

Sustainability Beyond Emissions With the Volvo BZL Electric

At Volvo Buses, sustainability is about more than just care for the environment – it also extends to social and ethical responsibility.

From committing to supply chain audits to uphold responsible material sourcing and ethical labour practices, to ensuring a vehicle that is 90% recyclable and produced in a 100% renewable energy facility – we are striving to ensure our Volvo BZL Electric is sustainable in ever y sense of the word. So, as operators invest more in responsible transpor t solutions, you know you’re on board with the sustainability exper ts when you Go Electric With Volvo.

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Scan the QR code below to find out more

Australia’s most sustainable electric chassis

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TEN YEARS AND COUNTING We are excited to have tracked down our first ever bus sold on Australian shores!

Pictured with the latest model of the D7, this 28-seater still performs brilliantly for its original owner, the Royal Life Saving Aquatic Academy that operates in Seven Hills, Sydney.

The bus transports over 3,000 local school students each year to the aquatic centre and back to ensure they all receive adequate swimming lessons.

If you would like to see what the new D7 can do for your business, please call us on 1800 Yutong (1800 988 664)!

1800 YUTONG Yutong Bus

ABC 421.indd 6

t 1800 Yutong(988664)

e sales@yutong.com.au

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YUTONG CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN AUSTRALIA TEN OF THE BEST What better way for VDI Yutong to mark 10 years of Yutong buses in Australia than to deliver ten of our market leading E12 electric buses to Kinetic for their Sunshine Coast and Cairns operations.

CONTACT ONE OF OUR YUTONG SALES TEAM TOLL FREE

1800 YUTONG (988 664) 1800 YUTONG ABC 421.indd 7

FLEET SALES Warren young 0459 910 262

NSW Glenn Davidson 0407 993 972

NORTH NSW/SOUTH QLD Barry Henderson 0427 750 885

NORTH QLD David Green 0418 253 422

yutong.com.au

Packed with safety features, fast delivery, as well as a proven track record of efficiency and reliability, the E12 gives you an edge on your competition.

12/9/22 1:37 pm

IGNITION

SEAN MORTELL – ASSISTANT EDITOR

Trying the technology

More and more stories of trials and new releases are helping make the industry safer and more innovative than ever.

C

ompared to its older siblings in the truck and heavy vehicle industries, the bus and coach sector is relatively small in Australia. Its family feel and welcoming nature is a sticking point for those who are fortunate to meet the fraternity.

Yet, this also means the bus and coach industry has been harder to reach for new technology and international developments. After slowly growing its zero-emissions vehicles capabilities, the Australian market is now beginning to see the many helpful ways that other systems and products can streamline operations and lower costs.

This very full September edition of ABC is jam-packed with technological developments and solutions that Australian operators may not have even heard of, let alone considered. In the lead-up to the looming Australasian Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney, many different companies are putting forward their best technological breakthroughs to give an enticing insight into what the industry could evolve towards in the coming years.

When it comes to safety, more advances are being made before our very eyes. Yutong and its Australian distributor VDI are focusing heavily on

this, as can be seen in its new C12e electric model. Following the success of its D7 minibus earlier this year, Yutong’s discussion on the new product’s capabilities on page 28 unveils some new safety innovations that may soon proliferate the entire Australian market.

While the electric side of new energy buses is receiving these benefits, the hydrogen option hasn’t been left alone.

Foton Mobility may be new to the game in Australia, but our test drive of its latest hydrogen model on page 36 resulted in an interesting deep dive into the role hydrogen can play in a zero-emissions future.

In between these major developments is too much technology to completely cover here. In a snapshot, fabric producers like Camira are finding ways to protect passengers and operators against disease transmission, using the COVID-19 outbreak to its advantage

on page 80. New technology groups like Sepura are branching out into the bus and coach market and enjoying its reception. While Sepura’s there, it’s also introducing fascinating technology for fleet owners to consider, as can be seen on page 82.

While manufacturers and companies work hard behind the scenes to quickly advance our local industry, operators are joining for the ride. Some customers like Red Bus Services on New South Wales’ Central Coast have taken massive risks to support the new technology being introduced by OEMs. Red Bus is proving that risks can reap rich rewards, as its new hydrogen depot on page 40 makes it a trailblazer in Australia.

Businesses on all sides of the sector are finding that now is the time for change. Whether it be through technology or structural shuffles, Australia’s bus and coach industry is moving faster than it has in a long

“While manufacturers and companies work hard behind the scenes to quickly advance our local industry, operators are joining for the ride.” time. For some, like BCI on page 50, rebranding is needed to signify its changing intentions to the market.

For operators like the PTAANZ on page 32, an emerging wave of leaders with new-energy ideas are now steering the ship towards a greener future.

It’s not just global either. It was just as fun chatting with England’s Reading Buses for our Back Seat article on page 98, where we discussed how important livery can be to spreading the sustainable message.

With all of these developments occurring rapidly, I hope you enjoy catching up with it before heading to this year’s Expo. It’s the prime time for our industry to evolve, and this edition reflects that.

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ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

ON TIME It’s about time to reinvent ourselves. How can we do things better?

Keeping the essence, expanding our vision, building our buses just for you.

BCI manufacture a complete range of zero emission buses.

BUS & COACH INTERNATIONAL Contact our team for further information on 1300 289 224 or visit bcibus.com.au

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Head Office Perth: 08 9353 9000 Melbourne: 03 8787 2100 Brisbane: 07 3275 6900 Adelaide: 08 8182 3888

9/9/22 9:41 am

contents ISSUE 421 SEPT 2022

50. feature | bci

TIMELY REBRANDING

BCI has been importing buses and coaches into Australia since 1991. It recently announced a massive company change on the eve of the Bus & Coach Expo.

52. feature | queensland thermo king

KEEPING IT COOL

Queensland Thermo King has been waiting for nearly three years to receive its latest electric bus air conditioning unit from Thermo King Global. At this year’s Expo, will release a model that is lighter and more efficient than ever before.

54. q&a | siemens

CHARGING CHALLENGES

Australia’s leading electric bus charging infrastructure brand Siemens gives its insights on the current market.

12 In the know

36. feature | foton mobility

TEST DRIVE

8. editorial | action everywhere Positive energy and amazing releases fill the industry as we head towards the Bus & Coach Expo.

Foton recently started commissioning hydrogen buses in Australia. Its new FTH12 hydrogen city buses showcases this evolution.

12. news | all aboard An overview of the latest Australasian and international bus and coach news that you need to know.

40. operator | red bus services

27. bic column Moving people in safe and efficient ways, the 2022 Bus Industry Confederation National Conference is fast advancing.

features

28. cover story | yutong

SAFETY FOCUS

Yutong’s recent bus models have been focused on new safety technology. Its latest C12e electric vehicle continues the trend.

32. operator | PTAANZ

STEPPING UP

PTAANZ continues to support its member organisations. It’ll look to leap into the sustainability sphere with a new acting CEO.

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HOOKING UP HYDROGEN

The NSW operator has always had an eye on the environment. It took it to the next level when it began a hydrogen refuelling journey in 2019.

44. feature | e-t-a

LIVING THE ELECTRIC DREAM

E-T-A’s zero-emissions dream is more than a company focus. Individual employees are living the sustainable ideals to make E-T-A a truly eco-friendly business.

47. feature | geotab

THE RIGHT CHOICE

The Geotab solution has helped a German operator to achieve its sustainability goals.

48. feature | smc corporation

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

SMC Corporation is a company that is always finding new ways to operate – adapting its supply chains during COVID.

58. feature | blk auto

LOOKING LOCAL

BLK Auto is intent on supporting the Australian bus and coach industry. In its latest partnership with AngelTrax, it is helping a First Nations company find a foothold in the market.

62. feature | volvo

BEYOND THE BUS

For years, Volvo Bus Australia has been keeping the environment in mind when building its chassis. It’s now building on the principle that sustainability extends well beyond a zero-emissions bus hitting the road.

66. feature | ebusco

ELECTRIC EVOLUTION

Ebusco is only a relatively young player to the electric market. Its latest lightweight is doing things no other electric has done before.

EDITORIAL COO: Christine Clancy ph: (03) 9690 8766 e-mail: Christine.Clancy@primecreative.com.au

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT:

Assistant Editor: Sean Mortell

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

e-mail: Sean.Mortell@primecreative.com.au

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

PRINTING Brougham Press

70. feature | zf

E-MOBILITY EXCITEMENT

ADVERTISING

ZF is looking to plough new ground.

Alongside its popular, high-quality products, the global technology company wants to increase its e-mobility offerings.

Trader Group Sales Manager: James Rock ph: 0419 139 941 e-mail: James.Rock@primecreative.com.au

74. feature | mercedes-benz

Business Development Manager – Bus:

When Marshall’s Bus & Coach Service took a leap of faith in regional NSW, it had no idea what it was getting itself into.

Now, the regional operator is continuing to expand.

ph: 0413 599 669

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

Matt Alexander e-mail: Matt.Alexander@primecreative.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.busnews.com.au/subscribe ph: +61 (0)3 9690 8766 – Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm (EST) e-mail: subscriptions@primecreative.com.au

78. feature | bus stop sales

mail: 11-15 Buckhurst Street,

NEW VENTURES

South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia

After releasing Australia’s first high-floor fully electric coach, Bus Stop continues to import new King Long models under a partnership with Volgren Australia.

80. feature | camira

A DOUBLE CENTURY TO SAVOUR Camira has a storied history when it comes to seat fabric manufacturing.

During its 200-year anniversary, Camira is determined to remain at the cutting edge of fabric technology.

Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $99* NZ: $A109 Overseas: $A170 (Australian air-mail only)

80 departments

*price includes GST

EXECUTIVE GROUP CEO: John Murphy Head of Customer Experience: Regina Fellner Trader Group Sales Director: Brad Buchanan

88. bus marketplace | classifieds

82. feature | sepura

BRINGING IN BROADBAND

It took a chance foray into the Australian mining sector for Sepura to reach the bus and coach market. Now, it’s revelling in the new technology it’s developing for the sector.

84. feature | challenger bus & coach

GROWING FAST

Challenger is already taking to the Australian market like a duck to water.

With more models set to be released next year, Challenger is using customer feedback to find its niche.

FOR SALE!

Check out all these great listings from some of the leading bus and coach companies on the planet. Have a look and see what you might find.

92. events

INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR 2022 Be sure not to miss out on an opportunity for these fantastic in person events.

94. factory facts | bus deliveries

MONTHLY RESULTS

We have all the latest bus and coach supplier sales data collected and recorded for you review, check out how the market has performed in the past month.

98. back seat | news

READING BETWEEN THE STRIPES

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An English operator has taken matters into its own hands when it comes to climate change, unveiling a livery of global warming’s local impact on county of Berkshire.

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

ISSN 1324-8634

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 September 2022 ABC

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NEWS

FOTON HYDROGEN CITY BUSES ARRIVE FOR TRANSIT SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA Foton and Transit Systems have entered into an Australian-first partnership on hydrogen fuel cell city buses.

Foton Mobility and Transit Systems have announced an Australian first with the arrival of two hydrogen fuel cell buses, marking a new era in mass transport sustainability.

The hydrogen buses are equipped with the fuel cell system jointly developed by SinoHytec and Toyota after 10 years of development to reach the point of commercial readiness.

The hydrogen fuel cell buses have been added to Transit Systems’ growing green fleet of sustainable transport solutions, which now includes 60 electric buses and two hydrogen buses – making Transit Systems, which is part of the Kelsian Group, Australia’s most experienced sustainable public transport operator.

Foton Mobility Australia CEO Neil Wang says the hydrogen buses are in their infancy in Australia but have great potential.

“Given our vast land and need for immediate carbon emission reduction in the transport area, hydrogen fuel cell buses are an important part of the mass transport landscape,” Wang says.

“Our bus operator clients are ready to make the leap to hydrogen and have scope to include them in their fleet.

Transit Systems is the first client to take on the zero-emissions challenge in battery electric buses – and now in hydrogen city buses.”

Foton Mobility Australia says it’s proud to be the sole Australian distributor of Foton New Energy vehicles in Australia.

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Foton has now manufactured and delivered in excess of 1,100 units of this model, including the 450 that were provided to the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.

“We now have operating data from over 13,000,000km of run time, providing clients like Transit Systems, and their network partners, with the confidence that they are operating proven technology, and proven reliability,” Wang says.

Transit Systems chief operating officer Greg Balkin says the two new Foton Mobility hydrogen fuel cell buses are nearly complete.

“We are engaged in exciting deployment discussions with clients on the hydrogen fuel cell buses offering the opportunity to work with us to set another Australian record in sustainable transport,” Balkin says.

“This is without a doubt one of the most exciting periods in public transport.”

Balkin says Transit Systems is proud to work with government partners and industry stakeholders to bring the very latest technology and innovations into Australia.

“We successfully operated hydrogen fuel cell buses in London for more than seven years and have continued to leverage that experience, knowledge and contacts to pave the way for a diesel-free bus fleet in Australia,” he says.

“We are confident that our efforts will further drive the performance of hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric technology and accelerate the deployment of more sustainable public transport in Australia.”

Above: The hydrogen fuel cell buses have been added to Transit Systems’ growing green fleet Below: Foton Mobility Australia is the sole distributor of Foton New Energy buses

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NEWS

KINETIC ACQUIRES NZ BUS TO EXPAND OPERATION Australasian bus operator Kinetic has officially welcomed NZ Bus Ltd (NZ Bus) to its business in New Zealand after acquiring the company.

The acquisition expands Kinetic’s operation into the fast-growing cities of Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga under long-term government contracts.

NZ Bus’s accelerated electric bus roll-out program and significant investment in depot conversion and infrastructure will also bolster Kinetic’s sustainability credentials and commitment to zero-emission transport as the region’s largest battery electric bus (BEB) operator, and one of the largest globally.

NZ Bus currently operates 70 BEBs and, last year, announced Australasia’s biggest electric bus order in partnership with Auckland Transport (AT), with 152 BEBs to replace around 12 per cent of the diesel bus fleet over the next four years.

Kinetic already operates 10 BEBs in Auckland as part of the AirportLink service in partnership with AT and a further 25 in Christchurch in partnership with Environment Canterbury. A further 16 will be delivered to Christchurch

by December.

In Australia, Kinetic is introducing 36 BEBs into Melbourne over the next three years in partnership with the Victorian government and 20 BEBs across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns in partnership with the Queensland government.

Kinetic also launched Tasmania’s first 14

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

two fully electric buses on its SkyBus service from Hobart Airport.

Kinetic first entered New Zealand with the launch of SkyBus Auckland and in August 2020 it acquired Go Bus and Johnston’s Coachlines.

This year Kinetic more than doubled its contracted services with the New Zealand Ministry of Education as the preferred supplier for 679 school routes across the country.

NZ Bus will provide Kinetic with a strong presence in major population hubs and diversify its offering across regional, school and urban bus services.

NZ Bus holds 27 contracts across Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga, with a team of 1,475 people and 800 buses spread across 14 strategically located depots, with Kinetic’s Australasian network now including 4,800 buses and 6,375 people.

Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says he’s delighted to officially welcome NZ Bus to Kinetic.

“NZ Bus is a high-quality business with a high-quality management team and this is an exciting day as we

welcome them into the Kinetic family,” Sewards says.

“New Zealand is a clear leader in the decarbonisation of public transport and we are excited to grow our partnership with government and councils so that people can enjoy safer, cleaner and greener public transport for many generations to come, and to help realise a carbon net-zero future.

“Through extensive testing and implementation of vehicles and infrastructure, we are developing significant experience and IP as we partner with more and more governments to develop a zero emissions roadmap.”

Kinetic head of New Zealand Calum Haslop says it will be an exciting future for NZ Bus and its workforce.

“There is a lot to be excited about as we welcome NZ Bus to our network and continue to deliver exceptional bus services that communities can be proud of,” Haslop says.

“We have built a reputation as an employer and transport service partner of choice over many decades and we now look forward to working closely with the NZ Bus management team, customers, staff and stakeholders as we continue to invest and innovate to build a substantial and sustainable public transport platform for New Zealand.”

NZ Bus CEO Barry Hinkley says he’s delighted to handover a company in such a strong position to a reputable transport operator, and he is confident the company will go from strength to strength under Kinetic’s stewardship.

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9/9/22 9:41 am

NEWS

DRIVER SHORTAGES CAUSING BUS SERVICE CHAOS IN NSW Figures suggest thousands of bus trips are being cancelled in NSW daily due to driver shortages.

Recent union figures supplied to the Herald suggest bus journeys being cancelled courtesy of driver shortages happened to more than 1,200 trips daily across four privatised Sydney regions on an average July weekday.

Figures provided show Transdev John Holland-operated Region 9 buses covering the eastern and south-eastern suburbs had 280 cancelled trips on one day due to a staff shortage of nearly 100 drivers.

Other services, like the Region 8 northern beaches and lower north shore buses run by Keolis Downer, saw an average of 360 trips cancelled per day due to a shortage of 60 drivers, while inner west

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ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

buses in Region 6 had 500 journeys lost, with Transit Systems having a driver shortage of 100 according to the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union.

Bus NSW executive director Matt Threlkeld says COVID-19 and an older workforce is responsible for the shortage, with reports saying NSW has 3,000 fewer bus drivers than in 2020.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson says workforce shortages are impacting other industries too.

“Currently bus services are impacted due to an increase in COVID-related driver absences and an industry-wide driver shortage,” it says.

“Private operators are working to minimise the impact on customers by preserving service coverage

across the network and limiting trip cancellations to high-frequency routes during short windows in the morning and afternoon peaks.”

Keolis Downer says it is doing everything possible to maintain a full timetable.

“We are making every effort to promote and encourage recruitment to support our driver workforce over the coming months,” Keolis Downer says.

HOW BUS NETWORKS HOLD THE KEY TO VICTORIA’S ELECTRIC TRANSITION

A University of Melbourne researcher has suggested ways to improve Melbourne’s bus network to increase its electric bus transition.

The University of Melbourne is suggesting implementing better bus networks in the city’s suburbs as a way for the transport industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr John Stone says despite the incentive for driving electric cars, finding ways to drive less is the best way of meeting climate targets.

A key method to providing alternatives to driving in Melbourne is by addressing the city’s bus system.

Stone says the University of Melbourne recently completed its Better Buses for Melbourne’s West and Melbourne’s Zero Emission Bus Transition studies to show how it can transition to clean electric buses operating on a fast and connected network.

Stone says the Victorian government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Roadmap is a step in the right direction, but wants to build on the zero-emissions bus trial and charging infrastructure plans.

With the government committing to 341 new electric buses to be in service by 2030, Stone says this isn’t enough, as it is less than 20 per cent of Melbourne’s current route-bus fleet.

Stone says strong government leadership is needed for this escalation, as now is the time

to make an informed call on buying power and technical infrastructure required for an increased electric bus fleet.

Yet, Stone says the current model, where 28 separate contracts with 14 private operators run Melbourne’s bus network, isn’t able to accommodate the electric bus transition.

Stone says the 2025 deadline for a lot of these contracts is the right time to find new ways to manage the transition, as technology proves there are techniques to transition efficiently and effectively if the state government is willing.

Above: For more electric buses to operate in Melbourne, a new model needs to be applied to improve the charging infrastructure available

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

17

NEWS

TRANSDEV INVESTS IN A HYDROGEN FUTURE

Transdev has joined forces with the Queensland government to invest in hydrogen buses.

Public transport operator Transdev has backed a cleaner hydrogen transport future by investing in two hydrogen buses with support from the Queensland government.

Queensland Deputy Premier Dr Steven Miles announced a $1.5 million commitment for the buses under the state government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.

Transdev will match the $1.5m investment to purchase the two hydrogen fuel cell buses to service the eastern suburbs of Brisbane from its Capalaba depot.

Transdev Queensland managing director Mark McKenzie says he is proud of securing the funding and the government’s commitment to growing the hydrogen industry and its opportunities.

“The state government has already backed zero-emissions vehicles 18

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

and now we look forward to what hydrogen has to offer,” McKenzie says.

“Transdev is not only investing in the buses but also working with suppliers in building the necessary hydrogen supply infrastructure at our depot and the upskilling of our staff.

expertise using the experience of our global Transdev teams in running zero emission fleets right around the world.”

Transdev delivers more than two million passenger trips each year on passenger, school and charter

“The state government has already backed zero-emissions vehicles and now we look forward to what hydrogen has to offer.”

“The buses will be built by Volgren using a Wrightbus hydrogen chassis and we look forward to testing these buses on city roads and providing valuable data to Translink and the Queensland government about their performance.

“Our local Brisbane team is also excited to grow our own hydrogen

services across Redlands and Brisbane via a fleet of around 109 diesel buses.

In Brisbane, Transdev also runs an electric bus, which was Australia’s first 100 per cent sustainably powered full-size electric bus powered by a massive rooftop solar generation system at the depot.

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07 3712 7777 | info@qtk.com.au | www.qtk.com.au/thermo-king-bus-hvac-air-conditioning/

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NEWS

ICONIC MCCAFFERTY’S BUS RETURNS HOME TO TOOWOOMBA One of Queensland’s oldest buses has returned home to the Garden City for the first time in more than two decades.

The rare 1938 Bedford bus, now on display inside Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, operated on passenger services in Toowoomba for 40 years.

The bus is now owned by the Queensland Omnibus and Coach Society (QOCS), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving Queensland’s passenger transport heritage.

QOCS purchased the vehicle in November last year after it was put up for auction by Greyhound Australia.

Its acquisition was made possible by a consortium of bus industry colleagues and members and friends of the McCafferty family, who generously donated $45,000 to QOCS. “We are very pleased to have the bus return home to Toowoomba for the first time since 2001,” QOCS president Nick Wilson says.

“Having one of our vehicles on display inside an airport is a first for our organisation, and we are very grateful to the Wagners 20

and the team at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport for making it happen.”

A formal unveiling of the vehicle with the McCafferty family took place in early September.

The bus’s story begins in England in 1938 when the chassis was exported to Australia, making it one of the few WTB model Bedfords that arrived in Australia prior to World War II. The vehicle’s bodywork was completed by Waddingtons (later renamed Commonwealth Engineering) at Granville in western Sydney on April 5, 1939, as its body frame construction is all-steel, which was rare at the time as most builders in Australia were still using wood for framing.

The bus was sold new to Toowoomba bus proprietor James Frain, who operated a service between the city and South and Alderley Streets.

The bus spent most of its life under the joint ownership of George Wingett, Bill Mitchell and Wally Cousins, trading as Hume Street Bus Service, and then under the sole

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

Above: Jack and Lorna McCafferty pictured with the Bedford bus outside their home in Turnbull Street, Toowoomba after the bus was refurbished by Coachworks for Jack McCafferty’s 82nd birthday in 1996.

ownership of Wally Cousins, before it passed down a generation to Graham Cousins.

The bus was retired from service in April 1979 and was sold for preservation to Sunshine Coast Coaches owner Alastair Grant.

After Grant sadly passed away, the bus was purchased

by Tony McCafferty of McCafferty’s Coaches, repainted into McCafferty’s original colours, and gifted to his father and company founder Jack McCafferty on his 82nd birthday in March 1996.

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NEWS

SCANIA LAUNCHES 2023 APPRENTICE APPLICATIONS Scania Australia has opened applications for its 2023 apprenticeship program.

Whether you want to be on the tools in the workshop, or marshalling parts to feed to technicians, Scania says it offers world-class apprenticeships in Australia that will lead to a rewarding career working with the most advanced trucks and buses available.

Directly employed by Scania at one of its nine capital city branches, apprentices work with state-of-the-art industry-leading technology in heavy trucks, buses, and engines, using factoryprovided computerised diagnostic systems to ensure efficient, reliable performance.

Scania’s company-owned modern workshops use cutting edge technology and are already transitioning towards a battery-electric driven vehicle future.

Over four years, apprentices will complete industry-accredited training in association with TAFEs, comprising on-the-job mentoring, 22

factory-supplied guided learning, as well as face-to-face training at Scania’s Dealer Support Centre in Melbourne.

Apprentices may also join the Scania global Top Team workshop competition, which takes place every two years and in which Australia has been a regular global winner and finalist.

Scania’s earn-while-youlearn approach pays above award wages, there are flexible working arrangements, and apprentices can accelerate their learning to gain qualification in under four years.

Once qualified with a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) or Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30320), there are multiple career paths to follow within Scania, both in Australia and within Scania’s global network.

A Scania apprentice becomes a member of the 50,000-strong global Scania family, backed by the Traton Group, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

Above: Apprentices will work with advanced truck and bus technology Below: Scania says its apprenticeship scheme will lead to a rewarding career in the industry

and one of the world’s premier automotive original equipment manufacturers.

Third-year apprentice Max Davies is based at Scania’s Campbellfield branch in Melbourne and says the process so far has been smooth sailing.

“You’re treated like a real person, and you are learning all the time, gaining experience all the way. The sense of teamwork in the workshop is very strong, and the qualified technicians go out of their way to help you out,” he says.

“I was attracted to Scania because of the level of innovation in the trucks and I am looking forward to working with Scania’s hybrid and EV powertrains when I qualify,” Davies says.

Scania Australia managing director Manfred Streit says: “Our apprentices are some of our most highly-prized assets.

“We’re nurturing the next generation of technicians who will play a critical part in our industry’s technology transformation as we journey to a zero emissions future for our trucks, buses, and marine and industrial engines and gensets.”

Scania is seeking more than 20 apprentices for its 2023 intake.

If you want to be trained for a career that will really take you places, contact Scania to find out more at careers@scania.com.au or visit www.scania.com/au/en/home/ career/apprenticeships.html

NEW BATTERY ELECTRIC BUSES HIT CAIRNS Five new zero-emissions buses will soon be operating in Cairns according to Kinetic.

Cairns streets will soon see new battery electric buses (BEBs) operating Translink services across the city, with each BEB expected to save as much as 1,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases over their lifespan and reduce noise pollution.

Their arrival in north Queensland builds on the Queensland government’s commitment that every new bus in south east Queensland will be zero-emissions from 2025, with regional implementation to begin between 2025 and 2030.

Cairns MP Michael Healy inspected the new BEBs as

they underwent commissioning prior to entering passenger service in September.

Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says each battery electric bus has an immediate impact on emissions reduction.

“Every electric bus we put on the road replaces a diesel one and that has an immediate benefit to the environment, community and passengers,” he says.

“With its abundant natural beauty, Cairns is the perfect location to introduce more efficient and environmentally friendly modes of travel.”

Sewards says these five battery electric buses are among 20 fully electric vehicles that Kinetic is rolling out across Queensland.

He says Kinetic is proud to

Above: The new BEBs are now operating in Cairns

be supporting Translink and the Queensland government in achieving its zero-emission targets.

“It is important transport infrastructure and technology meets the needs of passengers today and into the future and we are delighted to be in the front seat leading this charge,” Sewards says.

“We know our passengers love travelling on electric vehicles and we look forward to welcoming the people of Cairns on-board.”

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HINO39316 22 ABC Bus FPC - Poncho Bus HP Ad - 190x133mm.indd 1

22/7/22 9:45 am

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

23

NEWS

KANGAROO BUS LINES CALLS FOR DRIVERS Kangaroo Bus Lines says there are many benefits to becoming a driver with the company as it looks for new drivers.

The Brisbane operator is expanding and looking for enthusiastic bus drivers to join its team.

Over the past four decades, Kangaroo Bus Lines has grown from a fleet of nine

buses to more than 130 through the power of its people and its brand.

The Kangaroo Bus Lines fleet consists of young, modern buses and coaches ranging in seating capacity from 10 to 95 seats, with various vehicle technologies and added vehicle features.

Since the company’s inception, Kangaroo Bus Lines has always been motivated about the same things – wanting the business to grow – and has the same focus of maintaining high standards and continuing to be people-centric.

Most importantly, it says it is

NSW GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN AUTOMATED BUS TRIAL NSW is another step closer to automated buses as it prepares for a state-wide trial of the technology.

The New South Wales government says it will invest $5 million towards preparing for a Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) bus trial.

According to Roads Australia, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is now seeking expressions of interest from local and international technology leaders to partner with bus manufacturers and transport operators to deliver the trial of on-road connected and automated buses.

24

The trial is a way of revolutionising the state’s transport networks.

TfNSW has identified a program to successfully accelerate the real-world application of CAV technologies and is pursuing the integration of this technology into the state’s transport system.

The latest CAV Readiness Strategy from the NSW government outlines six priority areas that focus on integrating CAV technology into its transport system.

This includes working within the national regulatory

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

framework over the next five years to be ready for commercial deployment.

THE NSW CAV READINESS STRATEGY SEEKS TO: • Test and deploy CAVs on the road network • Shape CAV policy and customer outcomes • Get the state’s road network ready for CAVs • Develop physical and digital CAV testing capabilities • Support freight services automation • Increase local CAV knowledge and skills

passionate about its people and providing them with safe and secure employment.

The operator’s recruitment process is based on a few key elements.

The most important characteristics are passionate people who deliver excellent customer service, take pride in their driving, and have a good driving history.

At Kangaroo Bus Lines, its passengers, drivers, and other road users’ safety are paramount.

Therefore, to become a bus driver,

its candidates must be able to communicate clearly and put safety at the forefront of everything they do. Candidates must also have the following: • M inimum class of MR open licence • D rivers Authority (DA) class General or the ability to obtain one via TMR • T ransport and Main Roads Corporate Forms F2978 – Driver Authorisation Application • U ndertake a pre-employment medical • Y ou must not be a prohibited person as defined by the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998.

• M ust be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status or visa permitting you to work in Australia Kangaroo Bus Lines says it is an equal opportunity employer, giving its employees the right to be treated equally in all aspects of their job.

Employees work in an open environment and innovative atmosphere that values new approaches, processes, and ideas.

The operator says it offers a competitive salary/rate including annual increment (conditions apply); uniforms and personal protective equipment are also supplied. It also provides access to free counselling assistance through EAP.

THE WOT!?!

SLOVENIA FOULED BY BUS

As the 2017 European basketball winners in Slovenia waited to begin its title defence, a bus driver lost their job due to missing the memo. Slovenia may have kicked off its campaign in style with a win over Lithuania, but the coach driver responsible for picking up the team from its hotel hours before the game never showed up. The side was forced to catch taxis to the arena after realising the coach wasn’t coming. After basketball bodies received criticism for the incident, it was revealed the driver didn’t follow the schedule and was dismissed from their position.

FREE PARTY BUS

A Blackpool venue in England has roused memories from people who used to find novel ways to reach the premises. The Blackpool Mecca is an institution in the region. Despite being long shut down, the popular 1970s it has been revealed that it enticed attendees to party the night away at the venue by offering free bus transport to the club on Saturday nights. With many young dancers being tight for cash, locals have fondly recalled the move that helped them make the Mecca a treasured club.

DRIVER CASH BONUSES

England’s Durham School Services is putting its money where its mouth is as it finds new ways to attract drivers.

The operator is offering a $2,000 sign-on bonus for workers with no experience, while previous coach driving experience can net potential employees up to $5,000 in bonuses if they join the operator and complete the daily school routes for Durham.

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2022 BIC NATIONAL CONFERENCE 13-16 November 2022 Sofitel Brisbane Central www.movingpeople.com.au/2022

Moving People > Navigating Change

OPERATIONAL

IMPERATIVES

Z

ER OE

DEMAND N O

MISSIONS

AC C E S

REGULATION

SI B IL

AL

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IT Y

N IC H C E

ISSUES

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BIC

Moving people in safe and efficient ways The 2022 Bus Industry Confederation National Conference is fast advancing

T

he Bus Industry Confederation’s (BIC) National Conference ‘Moving People – Navigating Change’ will provide national and international delegates with the opportunity to listen and engage with industry leaders, politicians and bureaucrats. Following two years of pandemic-imposed restrictions, from Sunday 13 November to Wednesday 16 November 2022 the bus and coach industry will get together in person at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, Queensland, to share ideas and collaborate on current and emerging industry challenges and opportunities.

The BIC’s Chair, Tony Hopkins, reflects on the significance of the upcoming Conference.

“It is important for the bus and coach industry to acknowledge the size of our public transport footprint and our vital role in delivering more than just a mobility outcome. Industry is also a policy driver and ‘change maker’ that can deliver on government’s objectives for economic growth, congestion management, emissions reduction, a better environment, energy security, social inclusion and improved road safety,” Hopkins says.

“The past two years has seen a significant shift in passenger transport provision due to the COVIDpandemic, steep declines in our skilled labour force and government’s transition plans to achieve netzero. These ‘change drivers’ are challenging, but I also believe these challenges will stimulate new approaches to the moving people task and provide operators, manufacturers, and suppliers with the opportunity to be sector leaders.

Within the next two years, industry will experience transport law and regulation changes as the result of several Commonwealth reforms relating to disability access, road safety, the Heavy Vehicle National Law and heavy vehicle charging.

“This year’s BIC National Conference provides the forum to discuss the options for navigating these changes, bring fresh thinking to the recruitment and retention of our labour force and hear from state and territory governments on plans for their future public transport systems. I look forward to welcoming delegates to the conference in Brisbane.”

This year’s Conference comprises fast-paced and compelling keynote presentations including special addresses from a number of key politicians from the Australian and Queensland governments. Delegates will be briefed on developments in government net-zero initiatives, procurement and contracts.

To kick things off, there will be panels comprising chief executive officers of bus and coach operators within the Australian market, who will reflect on operational imperatives. Later in the program, a panel of

state and territory government department heads will be questioned on all things transport, with a focus on the transition to zero, procurement and contracts.

This year we are thrilled to announce special guest speaker Michael McQueen. Michael is a best-selling author of eight books, has featured publications in the UK’s Daily Mail, presented to more than 500,000 people across five continents and features regularly as a TV and radio commentator. Michael will speak on COVIDinspired shifts in consumer behaviour and how industry can adapt. He will explore how artificial intelligence, quantum computing and augmented reality could change the bus and coach industry and what exciting new opportunities this technology brings. Delegates will also learn valuable insights on Gen Z’s role in redefining industry norms and find out about techniques industry can adopt, including contemporary tools that foster and embed successful remote and hybrid workforces.

The program will include operational sessions that explore the relationship between service providers and passengers, covering safety assurance schemes, industry best practice and service delivery. Other highlights of the Conference will include subject matter expert presentations on funding, asset management and contracts for operators transitioning to zeroemission fleets.

“On behalf of the BIC team and myself, we look forward to meeting with delegates at our 2022 National conference to promote, support and enable robust discussion and engagement between industry leaders and government on current and emerging challenges, needs and opportunities,” BIC executive director Roz Chivers says.

The BIC would like to thank all event partners and sponsors, with special thanks to our Conference partners, Keolis Downer, Queensland government, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Australasian Bus and Coach, as well as our major sponsors of the social events in Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Scania.

Nominations are still open for the 2022 National Industry Awards, remember to please submit any nominations via our website (www.movepeople.com. au/2022) by Friday 14 October 2022.

If you would like to find out more about the 2022 BIC National Conference or read about other BIC news and events, please visit our website – movingpeople.com.au.

If you would like to represent and advance the interests of bus and coach operators, manufacturers, and suppliers, become a BIC member today and benefit from discounted event registration fees. Together we will ensure the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of bus and coach transport in Australia. busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

27

COVERSTORY

YUTONG

SAFETY FOCUS

Yutong’s recent bus models have been heavily focused on new safety technology. Its latest C12e electric vehicle continues the trend.

W

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES YUTONG

hen Yutong released its D7 minibus earlier this year, safety was a key theme. Now, Yutong has taken it to a new level as the largest electric bus manufacturer in the world is set to welcome its new C12e electric bus model to Australia.

Yutong’s Australian national distributor, Vehicles Dealer International (VDI) Australia, will receive the new model once it arrives here.

VDI Australia general manager Lou Riccardi says the latest electric bus model from the global Yutong workshop will have a similar suite of safety technology to the D7 minibus.

“The equipment in the C12e is the same as what’s in the D7,” Riccardi told ABC. 28

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

“This includes a 360-degree camera, Mobileye, driver fatigue management, standard seatbelts, and technology like an anti-lock braking system, electronic braking system, and a whole lot more.

“All safety features come into play on the C12e. This model is all about safety, which also incorporates Yutong’s world first YESS electric vehicle safety and fire mitigation system.”

Riccardi says the new electric bus model also prioritises flexibility for international operators.

Yutong developed the C12e with its eye on a worldwide release, resulting in a modular bus design that allows it to be tailored to each market’s needs as either a 9m or 12m vehicle for Australia.

Riccardi says VDI Australia is expecting to

The C12e is going to suit a range of operators such as in the school, charter or mining areas.

Far left: Yutong’s new C12e model is due to reach Australia soon Above: The new C12e has the same flexibility in terms of application as the current D12 model Left: Features include Mobileye Below: A new, improved driver’s area comes from operator feedback

have both a 9m and 12m model in Euro 6 diesel versions coming to the Australian market soon.

The first C12e model is on its way to Australia. The 12.4m, 53-seat charter/ mine bus can also be configured as a 57-seat school bus.

“The C12e is going to suit a range of operators such as in the school, charter or mining areas,” Riccardi says.

“Our current D12 12m bus currently covers these three segments and this model is no different.”

The C12e model concept first started just under two years ago when Yutong began the design process. After following through to an input phase, the international manufacturer moved quickly to build the bus and plan its global release.

Riccardi says the electric bus underwent a comprehensive testing phase at Yutong’s rigorous research and design centre before being sent to Australian shores.

Once Riccardi and the Australian team are satisfied with the imported bus, VDI Australia will then move to introduce a low engine emissions version of the new model.

“As well as firstly bringing the electric bus to Australia, we’ll also be importing a Euro 6 version of the model to Australia,” Riccardi says.

“Yutong is the largest electric bus manufacturer in the world, so it makes sense for us to bring these new products to the market and supply them to customers.”

The new C12e is essentially an electric replacement of Yutong’s current D12 model. Riccardi says the C12e is another entrant into Australia’s limited electric bus market to give operators more options while transitioning to a zero-emissions industry.

“We felt that our current D12 model was a bit tired,” Riccardi says.

“The model is now about eight to 10 years old, so it needed a change and

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

29

COVERSTORY

YUTONG

we had a number of improvements we wanted to make based upon feedback from customers, such as larger luggage bins and an improved driver’s area.

“It was a gradual change that it underwent, and it coincided with us moving towards electric buses simultaneously, so the C12e represents this zero-emissions update for our line of buses.”

Yutong is proud of its latest electric bus development. The imported model will come at an ideal time during September. Once the C12e reaches Yutong’s Australian premises, it will be transported to the Sydney Showgrounds in October to display at Yutong/ VDI Australia’s stall at the upcoming Australasian Bus & Coach Expo.

It makes for a tight timeline for Yutong, but Riccardi is confident it’ll result in the C12e model being launched successfully in Australia.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the C12e electric model at the Expo,” Riccardi says.

“We haven’t had an Expo in Australia for several years now, so I’m expecting a large turnout.

“It’s an excellent chance for attendees to see and touch the C12e and ask questions so they can see the build quality and all the safety features we have fitted.”

30

Above: In coming months the new bus will be tested with operators throughout Australia Below left: A Euro 6 diesel will be available soon Below: The C12e will be on display at the Australasian Bus & Coach Expo in October

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

Following the Expo, Yutong will actively look to put the C12e model on trial with operators throughout Australia.

Once that’s underway, Riccardi plans to bring another four C12e vehicles and run them in different states to engage customer feedback. Yutong wants to get quality feedback on how the new model operates from that expansive range of customers so it can meet their requirements in future builds.

There’s no timeline for the following four C12es to be imported to Australia. Instead, Riccardi will patiently gauge the reaction of the new electric bus at the Expo and see the opportunities for sales shortly.

“We haven’t got any trials established yet,” Riccardi says.

“We’ll bring the vehicles into Australia first and familiarise ourselves before engaging with operators and other customers.

“I’m confident that we’ll get excellent feedback and a great reaction in the coming months.”

Regardless of what happens at the Expo and in the later months of 2022, Riccardi is proud of the new electric bus model. He says Yutong’s goal is to help the Australian market achieve its goals in the electric vehicle space moving forward.

The VDI Australia general manager says the C12e is the latest Yutong model that adheres to government requirements of transitioning to a zero-emissions industry by specific dates.

Introducing it to the Australian market will give VDI an ideal chance to expand its reach in the country.

“It’s been a hectic 12 months,” Riccardi says.

“It’s all hands-on deck at the moment and moving forward in the next few months, but it will be definitely worthwhile.

“We’re most excited about introducing the C12e to the marketplace. It’s going to be a gamechanger in the Australian industry.”

It’s going to be a gamechanger in the Australian industry.

er g is t e r u m. a Pre via o c e o. in onl exp d h c a n dc o uick a n a q us t ur e w.b s w n ie n w to e onven ay c ed h t n ry o e nt

BusNSW Bulletin September 22.indd 44 ABC 421.indd 31

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FEATURE

PTAANZ

STEPPING UP The Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ) continues to support its member organisations.

It’ll look to leap into the sustainability sphere with a new acting CEO.

S

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES PTAANZ

ue Chan is no stranger to public transport. Before joining PTAANZ as chief operating officer in June 2022, Chan led the Asia-Pacific Division of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) for nearly seven years.

She has worked in the sector for more than

32

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

two decades as the director of transport and engineering consulting firms and is now taking her career to the next level with PTAANZ. The premier peak body for public transport and sustainable mobility solutions in Australia and New Zealand recently announced that Chan would take on the responsibilities of former CEO Michelle Batsas.

In an immediate move, Chan will be the acting CEO until further notice as she looks to use her experience in the field to take PTAANZ forward in the industry.

Chan says she is honoured to be leading the association towards a greener and more efficient transport future.

“When my family and I decided to move to Australia, the opportunity arose to join PTAANZ,” Chan told ABC. “With more than 70 member organisations representing all modes of public transport and sustainable mobility, PTAANZ is helping shape the region’s future.

“I love facilitating collaboration between all the different industry stakeholders so they can work together to deliver the best public transport outcomes for the communities they serve.”

Chan says her experience has given her long-standing relationships with members of the local industry. During her tenure with UITP, she was the project manager for the Asia-Pacific Annual Regional meeting in Canberra in November 2019 and the program manager for the previous two editions of the Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE).

Chan has also been the director of several transport and engineering consulting firms, including leading the Hong Kong and China operations of Wilbur Smith Associates and CDM Smith.

In these roles, the new PTAANZ acting CEO

Left: Sue Chan Above: Chief executive of Crossrail Mark Wild (second from left) visited the PTAANZ Crossrail Learning Legacy Tour in Brisbane in July

says she has focused on transport planning, strategy and policy, as well as being accountable for leading business development and membership engagement across the Asia-Pacific region.

Despite all of this experience, Chan says she is particularly thrilled to now be running PTAANZ. “I’m passionate about bringing together stakeholders from across the public transport sector to work

collaboratively to achieve the best possible public transport solutions,” Chan says.

“I believe PTAANZ is a leader in Australia and New Zealand in facilitating those important relationships for the industry.

“I feel a deep sense of responsibility to continue the strong member offering we have established over the past five years and I’m excited to harness my connections from all over

the world to give PTAANZ members access to public transport leaders globally.”

Chan has already got her priorities in order. For her first three months as acting CEO, Chan is focusing on member engagement activities and developing the association’s 12-to-18-month events and training program.

Chan admits it’s an ongoing process, but she wants to complete busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

33

FEATURE

PTAANZ

the groundwork to meet members’ needs and offer them the best value for their PTAANZ membership.

These priorities align with the PTAANZ’s need to engage with members and deliver high-value events for them.

Chan says the association’s events calendar includes member favourites like boardroom lunches, webinars, training sessions and the potential for a major conference series in 2023 following the success of the inaugural Public Transport Australia New Zealand Conference in Sydney in May this year.

Chan says her focus while at the helm of PTAANZ goes beyond local events.

“We’re also building new partnerships with like-minded organisations internally,” she says.

“We recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Public Transportation Association [APTA] and are collaborating with them on a 34

range of activities including a webinar series.”

Chan says PTAANZ will also continue focusing on championing women in mobility through its podcast Women Who Move Nations and using the Emerging Mobility Leaders Committee to nurture future leaders.

It’s still to be determined how long the acting PTAANZ

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

Above: The PTAANZ executive team Below: PTAANZ board members at the Public Transport Australia New Zealand Conference

CEO will be in the role for, but Chan says she’s grateful to have the current opportunity through an exciting time of transition.

With the zero-emissions push in the bus and coach industry being a major focus for PTAANZ, Chan knows she will have her hands full focusing on the sustainable transition.

“We’re committed to leading the transition to zero-emissions

I feel a deep sense of responsibility to continue the strong member offering we have established over the past years. fleets and it has been a focus for our association for a couple of years now,” Chan says.

“We run a zero-emissions bus working group for public transport authorities in the region and are also hosting more training sessions in Sydney and Auckland in November.

“We’ve also confirmed Dr Josipa Petrunic, the president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), as the keynote speaker for our Zero-Emissions Transport Forum to be held in Sydney in March 2023.”

PTAANZ says it’s happy with Chan leading the association. Chair of the PTAANZ board Mark Streeting says

Chan is well equipped to carry on the legacy of Batsas.

“Sue is an internationally renowned public transport leader with unrivalled industry connections that will bring invaluable insights to PTAANZ members,” Streeting says.

“Under our former CEO Michelle Batsas, the association has seen unprecedented growth and established itself as the premier peak public transport body in our region.

“Sue will continue the highly valued membership offerings and work with members to shape the future of public transport in Australia and New Zealand.”

Many people may be daunted by the role that Chan has taken on. But

the acting PTAANZ CEO says she’s fortunate to be leading an executive group that includes prominent figures in the Australian and New Zealand public transport industry.

Through this experience, Chan is enthusiastic to see what the future holds for PTAANZ. “I’m excited to bring lessons from the Asia-Pacific, such as China’s world-leading zero-emissions bus transition and Singapore’s advanced on-demand services, to our members in Australia and NZ,” Chan says.

“PTAANZ is lucky to have members and board directors including senior leaders from public transport authorities across Australia and New Zealand and C-suite executives from key industry operators and suppliers who help us keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the region.

“We’re going from strength to strength as an independent peak body for public transport and I’m keen to be part of it.”

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

35

TEST DRIVE

FOTON MOBILITY FTH12

A FOTON FUTURE

Foton Mobility only recently started commissioning hydrogen buses in Australia. Its new FTH12 hydrogen city bus showcases the evolution that the new energy heavy vehicle distributor is undergoing.

F

oton Mobility CEO Neil Wang certainly isn’t a newcomer to the bus and coach industry, with many knowing him from his involvement with associations and other companies.

A few years ago, Wang changed paths and decided to operate his own business, using all the experience and expertise he had acquired. As a result, he decided to introduce new technology to the market to help build Australia’s hydrogen industry.

Wang is now CEO of Foton Mobility, the first project of which was to bring its test drive vehicle – a hydrogen city bus with zero emissions – to Australia. Although hydrogen technology is new to Australia, hydrogen fuelled vehicles have been successfully operating in both the Chinese and world market since 2008.

WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE When we think of new technologies, we are all now accustomed to understanding the benefits of electric vehicles in both the domestic and transportation markets. The introduction of another new technology with environmental benefits is set to change the game again, and ABC got the chance to test drive Foton’s new FTH12 hydrogen bus.

As hydrogen fuel cell technology is new to the Australian market, Wang discusses how the system works. Hydrogen tanks are fitted to the roof of the bus, with the motor using the fuel cell to recharge the battery. When the bus power drive motor’s state of charge falls below 80 per cent, the fuel cell is activated to operate the power motor and, in turn, recharge the power battery.

The power battery drives the power motor using a similar process to what is used on a fully electric bus.

“In simple terms, the hydrogen fuel cell acts as an onboard charger to charge the battery and also powers the buses’ electric drive motor,” Foton Mobility national sales manager Greg Abel told ABC. “It works through a set of parameters that are based on the state of charge and the speed of the bus as to what stage the fuel cell runs the bus and charges the battery.”

With hydrogen power still being relatively new for Australia, we wanted to know where the Foton Mobility CEO sees the Foton hydrogen bus in the market.

“We see this bus as a solution for the metro city bus operator that works in an environment where they might have limited land space and they would find it difficult to upgrade their power supply,” Wang told ABC. “Operators will have the option to have a hydrogen hub onsite, or have it delivered as they would their diesel buses.

“In the future when there is a larger volume of hydrogen usage, we plan to build hydrogen hubs that allow for expansion into regional areas and this will mean employment opportunities for a growing industry.”

INFRASTRUCTURE BENEFITS With all new technologies there are of course changes needed to infrastructure to support the new fuelling requirements. With both electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, Wang says operators need to consider the costs and any 36

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

Above: Fonton Mobility CEO Neil Wang says a significant benefit of hydrogen power is that it doesn't require significant infrastructure changes Left: Everything is clear and in reach for drivers Opposite: Capacity is for 44 passengers seated and 20 standing

limitations while these new fuel sources are becoming more established in our industry.

“A real benefit of the switch to hydrogen is that it doesn’t require significant infrastructure changes for operators,” Wang says.

“With our current partners, we can provide hydrogen to operators by two different methods. We can build a hydrogen station within the bus depot and the operator will pay a fee per kilogram just like you would pay for purchasing standard fuels. The other option is that we can have the hydrogen delivered straight to the depot and the hydrogen tanks refilled.”

THE TEST DRIVE – FOTON MOBILITY FTH12 The test drive of the Foton Mobility FTH12 is my very first drive of a hydrogen bus. Externally the FTH12 is wrapped in blue and green announcing that the future has arrived.

In the driver’s cabin, there’s plenty of room, even for taller drivers. The busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

37

TEST DRIVE

FOTON MOBILITY

Specs MODEL: BJ6123FCEVCH LENGTH: 12.48m FUELSTACK: SinoHytec TS60 (Toyota fuel stack) 60kW TRACTION MOTOR: Dana 1,200/3,300Nm 150/250kW FRONT AXLE: ZF 7.5T disc brakes REAR AXLE: ZF 13T disc brakes SUSPENSION: Air suspension with stabliser STEERING: Bosch ABS / EBS: Yes LDWS: Yes ECAS: Yes SEATS PASSENGER: Ster DRIVER: Grammer AIRCON: Thermo King EL200LW

38

In the future when there is a larger volume of hydrogen usage, we plan to build hydrogen hubs that allow for expansion into regional areas and this will mean employment opportunities for a growing industry.

Above: The future is here, and it's powered by hydrogen Below: The FTH12 is powered by a SinoHytec TS60 Fuelstack

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

driver’s seat is a Grammer high backed model, meaning it’s very comfortable and can be raised up or down to suit the driver. The leather-bound steering wheel feels really nice in hand and everything is easy to see and reach.

Once we’re away, it immediately drives really nice and smooth. The very first feature that stands out is the visibility onboard. A big bonus is the mirrors on this bus. You can have all the safety features under

the sun, but if the visibility of the road, vehicle and surroundings is perfect, then it’s a big safety bonus for all drivers. There are also digital internal mirrors, meaning the driver has eyes everywhere.

The FTH12 is powered by a SinoHytec TS60 Fuelstack (Toyota Fuel Stack) 60kW and the traction Motor is a Dana 1,200/3,300Nm 150/250kW. When taking off at lights, it really does go. The FTH12 accelerates very quickly and effortlessly up to 80km/h. The instant acceleration is smooth and linear and there’s no jerky behaviour.

The front and rear axles have ZF disc brakes, and this model comes with an anti-lock braking system, electric braking system, lane departure warning system and electronically-controlled air suspension, meaning there’s plenty of safety features for driver ease and peace of mind. Never underestimate the responsibility a driver has with a loaded vehicle. Added safety features give drivers another layer of protection.

The Foton FTH12 is a route bus and has very good accessibility for

for passengers. It’s got a low flat floor until you hit the rear back door and there are two roomy areas for wheelchairs with fold down seating for passenger usage. The passenger capacity is 44 seated and 20 standees. This configuration can be adapted to operators needs, along with the seating choice. For standing passengers, there is ample head height. At each passenger seat, there is the all-important USB port.

Simplicity is the key to avoiding time off the road and, as you walk around the bus and check out each area, the same simplicity and access continues all around. At the rear of the bus is the hydrogen fuel cell and this is where things look very different. There are multiple safety systems in place, including covering leakages or impacts to ensure ultimate safety of the vehicle and passengers. In all of the service areas, simplicity of visuals and access is a feature that really stands out.

The warranty periods are impressive and this means confidence on the part of a company with their product. The vehicle has a five year or 400,000km warranty, whichever comes first. The power battery warranty is eight years or 600,000km, while the fuel stack is five years or 400,000km.

Going forward, it is going to be interesting to see just what impact this new hydrogen technology has on the industry. With Foton having built and operated hydrogen-powered buses since 2008, it really isn’t a newcomer.

With the lag we’ve had to experience this technology, it seems with the FTH12 that any issues have long been ironed out.

I feel frustrated that the switch to the new technologies may be slower than what our environment needs. This is probably based on infrastructure and not the actual vehicles. It is people like Neil Wang, driving and believing in the importance of advancements in greener power, that are just what’s needed to go forward. Like Wang says, it’s all about taking the first step out there.

"When people are aiming for the goal of zero emissions for public transport, they think the only option for them is to go electric,” Wang says.

“But now there is another option to consider. When you really compare the capital costs for electric and hydrogen, even if you don’t include the infrastructure costs to upgrade your depo, their prices are pretty much the same.

“You must remember the chargers also have a limited warranty and lifetime. It’s the big picture and lifetime costs that also need to be considered, and we’re confident operators who choose our FTH12 bus will reap these rewards.”

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busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

RED BUS SERVICES

HOOKING UP HYDROGEN

New South Wales operator Red Bus Services has always had an eye on the environment. It took this to the next level when it began a daunting hydrogen refuelling service project in 2019.

WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES RED BUS SERVICES

Red Bus Services has explored a range of ways in which it can reduce its environmental impact

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ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

L

eanne Griffiths never would’ve conceived of running a hydrogen refuelling service station in her wildest dreams.

The general manager at Red Bus Services, based in New South Wales’s Bateau Bay, may struggle to believe it, but she is now helping run Australia’s first hydrogen refuelling service for buses and coaches.

It all started in 2019, when Griffiths first began discussions with the local Newcastle University about a collaboration on a hydrogen service project. In early 2020, the operator began the process of registering to build the service station. In August that year it submitted its expression of interest to the New South Wales government and waited.

Leanne Griffiths

The request follows a long line of eco-minded projects by Red Bus. After first operating in the Central Coast region in 1940, Red Bus took a warming to sustainability in the 1990s, when it used water harvesting techniques at its suburban depot.

“The Shore family, that have historically run Red Bus, have always had an appreciation for the land,” Griffiths told ABC. “We have 120,000 litres of water that we collect and we don’t use any town water. Instead, we recycle our water for bus washers and steam cleaning and everything else we do.

“On our depot we have beautiful green grass that stays green even if there’s a drought because we reuse our water.”

After this, Red Bus also went on a solar voyage. Currently, nearly half of its depot electricity usage comes from solar energy. Griffiths says Red Bus can focus on the environment because its depot isn’t like other bus companies that are situated in industrial parks. Red Bus’s depot sits in the

middle of a residential area and has large grass areas and a duck pond that helps it blend into the scenic Bateau Bay region.

When the Australian industry began turning to zero-emissions vehicles, Red Bus jumped on board. The operator has already trialled two electric vehicles and is waiting to trial New South Wales’s first hydrogen bus later this year when the vehicle, built by Western Sydney-based manufacturer Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC), passes its testing phase.

“When the government gave us the option to start going into zeroemissions, it was awesome for us,” Griffiths says.

“We don’t have any electric vehicles at the moment because we’re out of the metro bus contract zone that the NSW government is currently focusing on.

“With Newcastle hoping the Hunter can become a hydrogen hub, we want this trial to generate jobs for our community.”

When Red Bus’s neighbour in the Hunter was named by

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

41

FEATURE

RED BUS SERVICES

With Newcastle hoping the Hunter can become a hydrogen hub, we want this trial to generate jobs for our community.

Above: One challenge was to find a spot on the depot that was safe to store hydrogen, away from other dangerous goods 42

the NSW government as the hydrogen hub in 2021, Red Bus got to work. It constructed its refuelling services at its depot courtesy of a partnership with Origin Energy. Under the affiliation, Origin is providing hydrogen refuelling on site in a mobile solution to Red Bus to install at the station.

Although Griffiths is excited about the results of the station so far, she admits it wasn’t an easy process. Without any Australian laws or standards to govern the development of the hydrogen refuelling service station, Red Bus, along with Origin, had to forge its own path and learn from its mistakes.

Griffiths says the operator quickly encountered many challenges that proved installing a hydrogen service isn’t as simple as ordering a diesel bowser for buses.

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

“One thing we realised early on in the project was that the civil costs are big because hydrogen is expensive,” Griffiths says.

“Hydrogen is a dangerous good so it has to be earthed, resulting in significant costs.

“We also had to overcome the reception we initially received about placing hydrogen on our depot.”

The first challenge came down to careful designing. Red Bus hosted many consultants throughout the building process who insisted hydrogen wouldn’t safely fit on Red Bus’s depot.

Griffiths says the operator worked through these issues, finding safe places to store hydrogen that was far away from other dangerous goods. The depot couldn’t have piping snaking over and under its land, so Red Bus was careful to find a particular spot to place the hydrogen away from the

likes of welding equipment and diesel fuel.

When this was done, Red Bus had to answer a wealth of community questions. The mention of hydrogen caused many neighbouring citizens to be scared of what Red Bus was installing on its depot. Despite being on a 13-acre block of land that houses 120 buses, Griffiths says the operator had an obligation to help Bateau Bay residents understand the process.

“We felt it was our responsibility to educate our local residents, which took a bit longer to do,” Griffiths says.

“We needed to make them feel safe and assured that we knew what we were doing. Our other challenges then involved getting everything compliant with Australian standards and getting enough supply of equipment to complete the project.”

Griffiths says the medium-sized operator also benefited from collaborating with other companies in the process. She says that she wishes the project had begun construction before or after the COVID lockdowns, so

she could’ve visited other projects globally to understand how best to remain safe.

“My tip would be to understand other projects that have happened around the world,” Griffiths says.

“If COVID hadn’t of hit I would’ve gone to Los Angeles because they have a hydrogen bus depot plant situated there.

“I advise people to reach out to their peers to get an understanding of how it works in a commercial sense so the right collaborations can be made.”

With the hydrogen service now ready to receive its first trial bus later this year, Griffiths says Red Bus is lucky its location allows for the project to be run.

The station Red Bus had built was originally designed for European conditions, making it challenging for operators in mining areas or outback Australia to build a refuelling service.

In stage one of the trial, Red Bus

will receive the ARCC-built vehicle in late 2022 and run it during the beginning of 2023.

From there, the NSW government holds the fate of the hydrogen trial in its hands as it then decides whether to continue rolling out more hydrogen buses to Red Bus. Regardless of what happens once the first hydrogen bus parks at Red Bus, Griffiths says the operator will always reflect on the project with satisfaction.

“When we started the project, I wanted to understand the technology and see the bus operating,” Griffiths says.

“But I feel like we’ve already won by doing so much work behind the scenes.

“It’s rewarding to see it all come to fruition, to see we’re assisting a Western Sydney manufacturer in ARCC and helping them be able to sell their product is a great feeling.”

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FEATURE

E-T-A

LIVING THE ELECTRIC DREAM E-T-A’s zero-emissions dream is more than a company focus.

Individual employees are living the sustainable ideals to make E-T-A a truly eco-friendly business.

IMAGES E-T-A

W

hen E-T-A Engineering Technology business development manager (BDM) Philipp Teepe first joined the company halfway through 2017, he wanted a new challenge and a cultural change. Five years into his time with the circuit breaker technology provider, Teepe is now living and breathing E-T-A’s sustainable lifestyle.

“I was previously working with a huge international group before I arrived at E-T-A,” Teepe told ABC. “What I love about the company is that the management is empowering all of us employees to live sustainably.

“I love the fact we’re on this mission to benefit the world and lives around us and not just say it without action.”

Teepe is also part of the company’s CO2 reduction team that aims to prioritise reducing the company’s emissions. He recently initiated a company-wide survey 44

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

to understand how employees travelled to work and analyse how each individual could reduce their carbon footprint. For a global company, this is no easy feat.

As a result of the survey, E-T-A is now installing more charging stations at the company’s car park to help employees who can’t charge electric vehicles at home.

When employees travel, E-T-A is ensuring they travel by electric vehicles or train rather than by plane whenever possible.

It may all be small details, but Teepe knows these initiatives are making an impact.

“It’s motivating people but, in the long run, also helping our business,” Teepe says.

“Other initiatives include installing solar panels, reducing energy consumption, turning to wood-based heating over oil and gas, and recording emissions in our supply chain to see where we can actively cut consumption.”

This sustainable culture has become so entrenched in E-T-A’s daily schedule

that it’s now being reflected in its suite of products. The engineering technology includes circuit breakers and protective equipment for assets and vehicles like buses and trucks.

With the bus and coach industry quickly turning towards battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell solutions, Teepe says E-T-A is aware that electric energy is becoming pivotal for the sector. With electricity production and consumption set to increase significantly in the coming years, the E-T-A BDM says his company’s technology becomes more valuable for manufacturers.

“Wherever power distribution, overcurrent protection and electric switching is playing a role, E-T-A can make a difference,” Teepe says.

“It’s part of our DNA to go beyond existing solutions in the field of power distribution.

“Our motto is to protect lives and assets, and by doing that we also support the transition to zero-emissions technology.”

As a BDM for E-T-A’s bus and truck business, Teepe focuses on reducing carbon emissions by supporting manufacturers wanting to transition to zero-emissions vehicles. Whether it be battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell buses, Teepe is helping provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with the right technology to keep electric charging infrastructure safe.

“On a daily basis in the E-T-A transportation division, we talk to key clients to understand their existing and future challenges,” Teepe says.

“We talk about challenges in overcurrent protection in battery electric vehicles where safety, performance and reliability are key.

“We then propose and discuss solutions to the challenges. Once a good idea exists, we develop new components like contactors, breakers or pyro-fuses.”

Examples of these products acting as solutions include E-T-A’s HVR10 hybrid high voltage contactor that withstands high short circuit currents and has a self-monitoring function that signals critical operating conditions to the control gear.

Teepe says other contactors tend to get damaged fast, but the HVR10 switches high voltages suppressing the arc when opening or closing mechanical contacts on an electric bus. The Smart Control System also replaces conventional fuse and relay centres, using CAN bus communication to monitor

Above: E-T-A BDM Philipp Teepe Below: E-T-A’s HVR10 hybrid high voltage contactor Opposite: E-T-A’s products includes circuit breakers and protective equipment

currents, voltages and other switches on board the bus.

“These products also come at a much lower energy consumption as other energy consuming electromechanical relays,” Teepe says.

“This technology now means significant holding currents aren’t needed anymore.”

While E-T-A continues producing this circuit protection technology, Teepe says the company is also looking into autonomous driving projects to make transport more efficient.

He says the company is looking at the big picture when it comes to providing solutions for overcurrent protection for highly available electric systems as a way of providing sustainable autonomous buses and solving the driver shortage problem.

Teepe says his role involves considering these issues as well as talking to manufacturers to install widespread electric solutions to the global market.

“In the transportation division we talk to key bus and coach OEMs to develop new overcurrent protection solutions,” Teepe says.

“These solutions support the OEMs’ efforts to offer sustainable but also reliable, safe and

cost-effective vehicles to operators worldwide.

“Only through this process is it possible to transition to a zero-emission industry anytime soon.”

From Teepe’s perspective as a BDM with E-T-A, he says price tags on carbon emissions will continue to reiterate to the industry that manufacturers should be considering electrical solutions when building new models.

With electric protection paramount in these products to maintain safety assurances, Teepe says E-T-A’s circuit breaker technology is more important than it has ever been.

While Teepe will continue being one of E-T-A’s many workers living the sustainable ethos in his day-to-day life, he says the company as a whole will continue pushing to become an important solutions provider for global companies wanting to take the zero-emissions leap.

“When it comes to emissions, E-T-A’s technology is a cutting-edge solution,” Teepe says.

“E-T-A will continue its efforts to reduce and ultimately completely remove carbon emissions through its evolving products.”

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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GEOTAB

THE RIGHT CHOICE

The Geotab solution has helped a German operator achieve its sustainability goals.

B

efore it settled on Geotab, German transport operator DG Regio Bus previously trialled another telematics system to manage its 29 companies and 10,000-vehicle fleet.

“The solution we chose initially was unable to deliver the expected data diversity, data quality and speed, and the hardware didn’t meet our quality standards,” DB Regio Bus senior telematics specialist Peter Hecker told ABC. In 2020, the operator began using Geotab’s telematics solutions for its varying fleet types, including non-articulated, articulated, electric, touring and minibuses.

Since then, the market leader of local transport throughout Germany hasn’t looked back.

Running thousands of buses through Germany daily, it is important for DB Regio Bus to gain insight into the health of each of its buses to help keep passengers safe, maximise uptime and reduce maintenance costs. Leveraging the Geotab solution throughout its fleet has allowed DB Regio Bus to observe relevant data insights related to each vehicle’s condition on one single platform.

DB Regio Bus says Geotab’s solution has helped transform how the transport provider looks at data. In terms of vehicle maintenance, the Geotab solution offers clear benefits for analysing, processing and reporting technical anomalies, including: • faults on the CAN bus system (e.g., condition of the passenger doors or door faults) • timely detection in the event of insufficient or significant deviation in brake pad thickness • measurement of workshop visits and availability times • assessment of the installation quality

The solution also leverages active warning lights to notify drivers and fleet operators about high electricity consumption and faulty parts of the bus.

Passengers are front of mind for DB Regio Bus, specifically regarding day-to-day operations, as punctuality and driver style influence passengers’ satisfaction. Geotab’s solutions help ensure punctuality regarding the network’s timetable. Using updated technical maintenance, DB Regio Bus helps ensure vehicles are ready to drive and on time. In addition, it can help schedule maintenance work quickly to prevent delays or cancellations.

FEATURE

fleet, ranging from the state of charge to the remaining range and charging interruptions. DB Regio Bus estimates that, in two years, it will have substantially reduced its fuel costs and have saved on vehicle condition and driving behaviours.

An area of huge emissions reductions has come from implementing environmentally friendly driving styles.

Observing data and driving patterns informs drivers and helps them improve their habits to lower fuel consumption and improve the safety of the driver and the passengers. DB Regio Bus introduced the Fairfleet Eco-App software that leverages aggregate data processed by Geotab and delivers immediate feedback to drivers.

The software has been well received by the drivers as it reduces stress and results in reduced fuel costs, as well as lowering risk of accidents and increasing passenger comfort.

“Our aim is to reduce our carbon emissions by up to 15,000 tonnes annually by using the Eco-App,” DB Regio Bus senior telematics specialist Peter Hecker says.

“This takes the pressure off around 1,200,000 trees per year, and it doesn’t end there. We’ve found that drivers experience less stress, meaning we’re able to do our part for the environment

We’ve found that drivers experience less stress, meaning we’re able to do our part for the environment by lowering emissions while the passengers enjoy greater comfort and the company reduces its costs.

SUSTAINABILITY DB Regio Bus operates through more than 400 districts and self-governing cities and prides itself on being a climate-friendly mobility company. In 2020, the group reduced carbon emissions by more than 34 per cent compared to 2006 levels.

Beyond maintenance, Geotab’s telematics solution can provide insights into why a vehicle collision occurs, as well as helping fleets focus on sustainability.

For standard buses, data insights can help operators optimise fuel consumption. For electric buses, the solution allows operators to observe electric vehicle data to better manage charging and understand range.

When it comes to electric buses, Geotab can monitor the charging statuses of the

by lowering emissions while the passengers enjoy greater comfort and the company reduces its costs.”

Whether it be sustainable advantages or flexibility for a massive fleet, Hecker says Geotab’s telematics options have been a gamechanger for the German operator.

“We believe that we are making a relevant contribution to higher air quality while simultaneously reducing our drivers’ stress levels and increasing profitability,” Hecker says.

“We are also using the opportunities that digitalisation offers us to increase passenger safety. By switching to Geotab, we have considerably extended our potential for savings.”

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FEATURE

SMC CORPORATION

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

SMC Corporation is a company that is always finding new ways to innovate. It proved so when supply chain disruptions first hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I

t can be difficult to view the COVID-19 pandemic as a positive for manufacturing companies, but SMC Corporation is doing just that.

The leading automation manufacturer learnt valuable lessons over the past few years.

As new challenges now present themselves in the sustainable bus and coach market, the Australian arm of the Japanese company is using its experience to overcome trials.

“The supply chain impact of COVID-19 was a real challenge on the bus door and automation side of our business,” SMC Australia national sales manager for Bus Doors Darryl Wilson told ABC. “Bus door sales declined and as there wasn’t much passenger uptake, governments pulled back when it came to bus purchases.

“On the bus door side we lost a few big suppliers and our aluminium and rubber suppliers pulled out of Australia, so we had to relook at our supply chain to catch up.”

And catch up it did. SMC began recovering from these issues and found innovative ways of satisfying its customers.

It wasn’t an easy process. Wilson says SMC got to within a couple of days of running out of its rubber extrusions for its bus door products.

“It was a heart in mouth moment for us, because when you change rubber supplies you have to readjust your dyes because each rubber extrudes differently,” Wilson says.

“We use fairly thin-walled rubber to allow for more sensitivity on our

48

IMAGES SMC CORPORATION

sensors, so it was crucial to use just the right thickness. It took a number of tries testing the different rubber supplies over a few months to get it right.

“Through the development and research we did during COVID-19, some beneficial changes were made.”

Wilson says SMC switched from importing aluminium from a Chinese supplier to returning to Australian manufacturing, creating a positive out of the pandemic’s challenges.

While the bus door sector of SMC’s production was struggling to source materials, the major part of SMC in its automation side boomed throughout the pandemic. Wilson says many

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

We pride ourselves on our doors and we do the best that we can to make our products as high quality as possible.

Above: SMC Australia national sales manager for Bus Doors Darryl Wilson Opposite, Top: The COVID-19 pandemic forced SMC to adapt to supply chain challenges

companies unexpectedly decided to begin maintenance works on its equipment and manufacturing returned from offshore to within Australia, giving SMC more customers to satisfy.

Wilson says SMC has never been quite the same since. The company adapted its operations to match lessons it had learnt during the pandemic. Ever since,

SMC has increased its efficiency during the pandemic by streamlining operations and relooking premises and layout to ensure a more efficient and productive environment.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS In moving with the times, SMC has now set its sights on electric doors. Wilson says SMC has recently been working on an electric bus door for its latest product offering.

Wilson says that if a normal pneumatic bus door loses power, the door can still be moved and go into a failsafe mode. Yet, with electric doors, if power is lost then the doors are stuck in place, creating a safety hazard for passengers. SMC is busy working behind the scenes to devise a pneumatic arrangement that complies with safety regulations. Wilson hopes to give the industry some good news on this development soon.

SMC is also constantly looking to improve its existing products. Recent upgrades to the popular quad sensitive edge have made it more weatherproof.

Wilson says the changes made to the

quad sensitive edge over the past two years have been positively received by customers.

SMC has also changed the bearing mechanism to its new DryGlide system.

Wilson says the DryGlide mechanism has now been on the market long enough to prove itself as a very successful option for the Australian industry.

Safety is a key part of SMC’s products.

Wilson says its upcoming projects include a range of testing on some of its door offerings to ensure it adheres to changing safety mandates being introduced to NSW. It’s this high-quality finish in both design and manufacturing that has allowed SMC to rebound from supply challenges. During Wilson’s career at SMC, he says the lofty standards the company holds itself to consistently results in successful products hitting the Australian market.

“I’ve been at SMC for 26 years,” Wilson says. “For me I always notice that the quality of the product is paramount – you can rely on SMC time and again.

“We pride ourselves on our doors and we do the best that we can to make our products as high quality as possible.”

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49

FEATURE

BUS & COACH INTERNATIONAL

TIMELY REBRANDING

Bus & Coach International has been importing buses and coaches into Australia since 1991. It recently announced a massive company change on the eve of the Bus & Coach Expo.

IMAGES BCI

B

us and Coach International’s (BCI) past few years have been filled with new sustainable bus releases. Ahead of the upcoming Australasian Bus & Coach Expo, the company is making a different kind of announcement.

After eight years of the branding that the Australian market has become familiar with, BCI is changing tack. The company is unveiling a new logo and motto that it says better aligns with its new sustainable vehicle strategy.

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ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

BCI CEO Desmond Armstrong says the new branding is important to show the eco-friendly goals the company has.

“It’s about time that we reinvent ourselves in terms of where we’re going as a company,” Armstrong told ABC. “It’s exciting and it’s a bold outlook for us.”

At this year’s Expo in Sydney this October, BCI will unveil the new logo and change in motto. The logo differs from the existing BCI silver logo, instead using a cursive blue style for BCI that takes the shape of the infinity sign.

Underneath the logo is the new motto of ‘Delivering Sustainable Transport’. The brighter and more visually appealing logo is coupled with the new motto to propel BCI into its sustainable bus and coach journey.

“Instead of just the bold ‘BCI’ logo, it’s more of a flowing and radical symbol that we had developed for us,” Armstrong says.

“Now it’s different, we think it’ll be a great talking point on what BCI is about now.”

The branding change is another

release in what has been an extremely busy 2022 for BCI. The Perth-based bus and coach manufacturer has been welcoming new battery electric solutions into its suite of products.

BCI has been in operation since 1991, prioritising the cutting edge of bus and coach technology.

The new motto and sustainable strategy makes this focus official.

Armstrong says BCI will continue to pursue the best zero-emissions vehicles in this new phase.

“The motto of ‘Delivering Sustainable Transport’ aligns ourselves with the renewable sustainability and future technology we want to prioritise,” Armstrong says.

“We feel, as an Australian company, that we can get lost in the background about what we do as a business.

“We thought we’d get back to expressing who BCI is and showing we are on the move and progressing with the latest technology.”

How does a company go about changing its branding? The BCI CEO says the process took more than six months from the logo and motto’s initial conception to its upcoming unveiling at the Bus & Coach Expo. BCI first discussed the potential to reinvent its branding late last year before putting the suggested changes in front of directors for approval.

The manufacturer was intent on not letting the project extend.

Several key members of the company worked on the new logo and motto to ensure it was completed as quickly as possible.

Coming out of Australia’s COVID-19 lockdowns, the BCI CEO says the company was keen to start fresh.

“It’s a timely situation post-COVID with everyone looking for something new,” Armstrong says.

“It was a necessary process for us as a business when it came to thinking about how we can do things better as a company.”

The changes all align with BCI’s strategy to be more socially committed as a company. BCI

is now in the position where it can deliver a wide range of zero-emissions bus and coach models, as its growing electric range is set to be joined by hydrogen options.

Armstrong says the new logo and motto is already giving BCI a boost when it talks to potential clients. BCI is currently discussing tenders with Australian government entities and organisations, making this revamp an important part of its presentation and how it is perceived in the industry.

The BCI CEO is confident the rebranding will help in this area and is prepared to stand behind the move.

“Orders may change and we will get our critics, but we’re ready for it,” Armstrong says.

“We have explained the new logo, we’re still BCI and nothing has changed in what we’re doing.

“We’re simply driving our new sustainable process, which is something we can explain pretty well to customers.”

BCI is now turning its focus towards the unveiling of its new logo and motto. The new visuals will appear on certain buses and coaches as its livery, as well as on BCI uniforms and promotional gear.

The main promotional event will be this year’s Bus & Coach Expo, where BCI will first show its branding changes to the industry.

Armstrong and his team at BCI

Now it’s different, we think it’ll be a great talking point on what BCI is about now.

Top: BCI CEO Desmond Armstrong Above: The logo and motto change indicates a new chapter for BCI, focused on sustainability Opposite: The new BCI logo takes the shape of an infinity sign

are already excited about it.

“We’ll do the unveiling gradually in line with our marketing team,” Armstrong says.

“We expect to have good conversations about our new motto and logo at the Expo, as well as in the following year as we go through the new process.

“For everyone involved, we’re rapt about it. We believe it shows both internally and externally that we’re trying to improve and look at ways to secure our position in the market well into the future.”

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

QUEENSLAND THERMO KING

KEEPING IT COOL Queensland Thermo King has been waiting for nearly three years to receive its latest electric bus air conditioning unit from Thermo King Global. At this year’s Bus & Coach Expo, it has released a model that is lighter and more efficient than ever before.

I

IMAGES QUEENSLAND THERMO KING

n 2019, Thermo King’s global body started a rather ambitious project.

Seeing the wave of electric buses coming onto the market, the company has been striving to design air conditioning models that are lighter and more efficient to suit these battery electric buses. While Australian arm Queensland Thermo King continues to supply its current products to OEMs around Australia, the global Thermo King group has had a side project finalising its groundbreaking new electric bus air conditioning system platform.

These efforts have finally paid off, and are ready for the world to see.

Queensland Thermo King product development manager Allan Lowes says its latest electric bus units will be released to the local market just in time for October’s Australasian Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney.

“We’ve got a new electric bus E1200 LW model coming out from Thermo King Global that we’ll showcase at the Expo,” Lowes told ABC .

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“It started being designed in 2019 and was then made available for some research and development in early 2020.

“We’ve then seen it be rolled out to our factory, where it will now become available to the market from 2022 onwards.”

Lowes says the new E1200 LW bus AC unit is the latest lightweight development that builds upon Queensland Thermo King’s previous E1200 electric model. The E1200 LW is suited for electric buses, with the company having gone through a stringent process of reducing the unit’s weight as much as possible so it can fit the efficiency agenda of new battery electric bus and coach models.

Thermo King Global used a wide array of techniques to make the E1200 LW unit more compact and lighter than previous models. The overall size of the unit is now smaller, with a new lightweight aluminium frame being incorporated to replace the previous

FRP frame. The team stripped the older systems’ componentry to ensure multiple weight reductions, with an impressive result.

Lowes says these changes have caused a 24 per cent weight loss between the E1200 LW and Queensland Thermo King’s previous models.

“All of these weight changes add up,” Lowes says.

“Based on feedback about where the electric bus market is heading, we thought making this model as light as possible would help the industry.

“The E1200 LW model is beneficial for the bus market as it allows electric batteries to work for longer so the bus can cover more distance.”

Also included in the latest unit is new inverter technology that allows the air conditioning model to be configurable to both high voltage DC and AC chassis inputs. Lowes says Thermo King also upgraded the control sequence, transitioning over to a smarter iCAN controller system.

These changes mean the E1200 LW unit integrates well with all chassis to allow for efficient power management. Lowes says the model’s CAN network allows for good two-way communication throughout the bus’s network, while a new energy efficient heat pump has also made the entire system more efficient.

“The most efficient way of running an air conditioner onboard an electric bus is through the energy efficient heat pump,” Lowes says.

“It also has optional PTC heating for ambience when the weather hits below -10 degrees Celsius – not that it does much in Australia.

“It may not be super useful in Australian climates, but it’s handy around the world. It also increases our cooling capacity by 10 per cent from our previous models and has auxiliary battery cooling that is integrated in with the chassis.”

These efficiency updates all came about through feedback from Queensland Thermo King to its parent company. Lowes says the E1200 LW

unit will help Queensland Thermo King continue moving into the zero-emissions market, which will in turn benefit Thermo King’s global reach.

After a few years spent developing and waiting, Lowes says the team at Queensland Thermo King can’t wait to release the new E1200 LW air conditioning model at this year’s Bus & Coach Expo.

“It’s still good timing the way it has worked out, as we’ve now got a lot of interest in it from people who are keen to see the lightweight design at the Expo.”

There may be many minute design changes that have helped the E1200 LW unit become an even sleeker and more efficient air conditioning unit for electric buses. But when stepping back

The E1200 LW model is beneficial for the bus market as it allows electric batteries to work for longer so the bus can cover more distance.

Despite waiting patiently for the release, Lowes says the timing is now perfect for the company to showcase its most efficient unit yet.

“It’s definitely amazing timing,” Lowes says.

“In a perfect world we get to release the model earlier, but the COVID-19 pandemic inhibited the roll-out in Australia.

and admiring the completed product, Lowes says Queensland Thermo King can clearly see the improvements made on previous models.

“I definitely think it’s an enhancement on our product range,” Lowes says.

“We’re so excited about the unit’s capability and can’t wait to see what the industry thinks when we roll it out to the market at this year’s Expo.”

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53

FEATURE

SIEMENS

EV CHARGING INSIGHTS WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES SIEMENS

Pathways to net zero energising the world of electrical vehicles

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lectrification of transportation is one of the main pathways to achieving net zero emissions.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry continues to grow exponentially and, in tandem, so does the supporting infrastructure to help the adoption of electrified transportation.

Siemens has had a long history in this space. In fact, between 1905 and 1909, in Berlin, Siemens was building various versions of electric cars itself, including a van, a minibus and four-seat convertible that was used as a hotel taxi.

Today, governments across the world – from Nuremberg to Netherlands and Canada to China – are working with Siemens to electrify their bus transport fleets so they can meet their emission reduction targets. Whilst opportunities are aplenty, there are several considerations.

Siemens electric vehicle charging 54

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infrastructure lead Olivia Laskowski sat down with ABC to share the company’s insights into bus operators’ considerations and choices when transitioning their fleets to zero-emissions vehicles.

ABC: Looking at the current bus and coach industry, what are the different types of stakeholders in the market and how does Siemens fit into that?

OL: Bus and coach companies in most instances have multiple stakeholders who all have a role in electrification of their fleets.

First up, you have the technology suppliers of the vehicles and charging and grid infrastructure, and this is where Siemens fits in. Many bus operators choose to purchase directly from suppliers. As a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure and transport, we offer technology and service for the charging industry. Siemens also supplies and maintains our equipment. We provide the Sicharge UC charging infrastructure for electric bus depots, and DepotFinity

charging management software, along with medium voltage equipment such as transformers, switchgear, and microgrid solutions to manage onsite solar and battery storage.

Next, there are the electrical and civil contractors who manage the onsite work.

Some will have internal design houses that can plan the optimal cable and equipment placement design to minimise interruption to the depot, reduce costs and maximise parking space.

Consultants could also be another group of stakeholders who map out how the transition to electric fleets impacts bus depot layouts and summarise technology options available in the market. Consultants may also assist with mapping how route, climate, and other variables impact the consumption of the vehicle battery.

There are also many turnkey solution providers in the market that wrap up all of the above; project managing the selection of suppliers, design and electrical and civil upgrades.

Finally, operators sometimes rely on financiers who can provide options such

as Build Own Operate Maintain (BOOM) models or infrastructure leasing at a $/kW cost. Many of the financiers in the market are also turnkey solution providers.

Bus operators have a wealth of choices; from well-established Australian businesses with strengths in managing large power upgrades across multiple industries, through to global companies bringing international experience in electric bus depots – and even homegrown start-ups.

ABC: Australia’s bus and coach industry is certainly a testing ground for the nation when it comes to transitioning to zero-emissions charging infrastructure. For operators looking to make the leap to new energy, what are the first considerations they need to factor in when bringing electric buses into their fleet?

no different. What we’ve found in Australia is that many bus operators start small and look to scale over time. They may have a mix of diesel and electric buses operating out of one depot for a number of years and need infrastructure that will scale with them as their fleet transitions towards fully electric. Regardless of how big or small the starting point, proper planning upfront with the end goal in mind is vital to avoid costly repetition of electrical and civil upgrades.

One consideration is: what is the most cost-effective point to change connection to the electricity network from a low voltage customer to a medium voltage customer? Another is: should the bus operator privately own the grid connection equipment onsite (including transformers, switchgear and more) or ask the electrical distributor to perform that upgrade on the public network? Strategies to scale infrastructure with minimal sunk cost should always be at the forefront of an operator’s mind.

Siemens’ charging infrastructure is built with scalability and flexibility in mind. Our Sicharge UC chargers for electric buses and trucks have a power range from 100kW to 600kW, with ground and overhead plug-in options, as well as pantograph and hood. Up to five buses can connect to a single charging station via the slimline dispensers. Many operators we work with take advantage of this feature to scale their fleet quickly without needing to upgrade their switchboards. For example, they may have a fleet of 10 electric

Proper planning upfront with the end goal in mind is vital to avoid costly repetition of electrical and civil upgrades. buses charged with five Sicharge UC chargers with two dispensers each. Over time they can charge up to 50 electric buses with the same Sicharge UC chargers by adding additional dispensers with no impact on the size of their grid connection infrastructure.

ABC: Olivia, Siemens has been well involved in electric charging infrastructure in the industry for quite some time. What are the key challenges that you’ve seen operators face and how can they overcome them?

OL: Operators face three key challenges: cost, time and space.

The cost relates to the initial capital outlay, especially for the depot infrastructure, and how the capital investment is funded. A battery is far more efficient than a combustion engine, and electricity is cheaper than diesel. However, the amount of power an electric bus depot needs still takes most bus operators by surprise. As a quick rule of thumb, a 1.25MVA transformer would be sufficient for a fleet of between 20 to 30 electric buses. It is not uncommon for traditional depots to have an existing transformer of less than

Opposite, Top: Siemens’ emobility team Below: Siemens can help bus operators optimise their electric charging network

OL: Implementation and adoption of new technologies in any industry takes time, effort and a bit of learning on the go. The electric charging industry for large part is busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

SIEMENS

500kVA. Additional capital investment in solar and battery may assist in offsetting operating costs. However, the investment might not always stack up, so energy sourcing scenario planning at the start is key to the process of electrification.

Charging management software, with smart load management, supports a simple and inexpensive way to reduce the electricity bill. Staggering and adjusting the charging power over the available time reduces peak demand and enables operators to charge within the windows of the cheapest electricity. The savings in electricity expenditure can be significant – between 20 to 50 per cent..

Siemens DepotFinity software is the most widely used charging management backend in the Australian and New Zealand markets. A one-year free trial of DepotFinity Connect is part of purchasing all Sicharge UC chargers. This allows bus operators to understand the features and benefits to their business.

Time is also a factor. The period to upgrade a transformer is typically 12 months. Additionally, charger and vehicle lead times are increasing due to global component supply and freight constraints.

We identified the need to have product on the shelf in Australia early on. We manage a 56

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local stock of Sicharge UC ourselves as well as through our distributor Yurika.

Finally, space is a factor for all large bus depots – how do you install significant quantities of infrastructure without consuming valuable parking spots?

Siemens Sicharge UC is designed to minimise the footprint in the parking lot, with slimline Dispensers installed up to 100m from the primary Charging Centre. Multiple overhead solutions are also available. I will be travelling across Europe in September to document some of the latest overhead solutions and bring the learnings back to share with ABC magazine, so watch this space to learn how to save space!

ABC: As we’re both aware, it’s certainly not just small operators that are beginning to see the benefits of installing electric charging infrastructure. If very large depots are looking towards a full-scale zero-emissions transmission, what do they need to consider?

OL: For sizeable electric bus fleets or even small but fully electric depots, charging and grid infrastructure becomes critical infrastructure. The need to plan for contingencies in the event of a power

supply or charger failure becomes very real.

Sites like these should consider backup power options, including battery storage or even diesel generators. In addition, the quantity of charging infrastructure installed should be designed with inbuilt redundancy in mind. There should be sufficient chargers available at any time to meet the operational needs of the depot, including if a charger is out of service.

The other factor for larger sites is the need for greater sophistication in charging management software. Small depots will be quite happy with software that provides real-time information about the charger availability and status of charging buses, historical analytics of prior charging sessions, and a basic level of smart charging to reduce electricity expenditure.

However, larger depots need more grunt.

Siemens DepotFinity Control Module provides a day ahead plan of charger schedules following the fleet schedule, mapping where buses will park and how long they will charge for. But things don’t always go according to plan! Buses are delayed, taken out of service and parked in the wrong spot. DepotFinity Control adapts the plan in real time over the course of a day to accommodate for the unexpected to ensure buses can still meet their next

scheduled route. This is all done with one goal in mind – to minimise the electricity bill. DepotFinity Control will continually and dynamically optimise the charging plan to minimise peak demand and chase the cheapest time-of-use tariff.

ABC: One thing I often hear from operators is that the transitioning process for electrifying depots goes much further than the initial set-up. From Siemens’ perspective, how vital is service for operators of electric bus depot infrastructure?

OL: The electric bus industry is still relatively new in Australia. Bus operators are often focused on the technology and the bus and charging infrastructure. The service topic can become an oversight.

However, I firmly believe service will become the differentiating factor for technology suppliers, particularly in the bus industry.

To be honest, the service network capable of fully supporting the emerging customer base at scale is still developing and will grow in tandem with the industry. This is an important part of our business

already and we have a 24/7 hotline, an existing team of national service technicians, and dedicated application engineers to perform system integration work and diagnostics. Plus, we hold a stock of spare parts in the country.

But this is a growing area for us too. We are aware that this is not enough. We are building an inhouse service team and partner network that can meet the fast response and resolution times traditionally expected in the bus industry, as well as the expertise to develop solutions for local needs.

It’s a journey we’re already on, and we aim to stay in pole position.

Opposite: Siemens has helped with electric bus trials in Victoria Below: Multiple fleets could pay to use available infrastructure

globally where Sicharge UC has met a particular electric bus model.

Until very recently, all available electric buses in Australia and New Zealand were either Asian or homegrown brands. The first opportunity to integrate with a Siemens charger out of Europe was right here!

ABC: Australia’s industry may be adapting quickly, but there are plenty of advancements being made globally. What do you see happening overseas that we may be able to learn from?

ABC: Is Australia’s journey to zero emission buses unique in any way compared to the international market?

OL: Over the past three years, our engineers across Australia and New Zealand have been integrating our Sicharge UC charger with numerous different electric bus models.

Due to a unique local mix of available buses and chargers, to date, Australia or New Zealand have often been the very first location

Australia or NZ have often been the very first location globally where Sicharge UC has met a particular electric bus model.

OL: The electric vehicle transport revolution is here, and the speed at which buses and passenger vehicles are making this transition is increasing rapidly. Following behind are the light and heavy truck, marine and aviation industries.

The transition of these vehicles to electric relies on advances in new charging infrastructure solutions.

Our Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard is due to be released in 2024. MCS is a step change in technology from kW charging to MW charging through a cable. Currently, this level of power can only be delivered through a pantograph.

The other very exciting future is rethinking the real possibility of what an electric bus depot is. Business opportunities for mixed-use depots exist in two ways.

Multiple fleets could pay to use the available charging infrastructure, be it passenger, truck or bus fleets, creating a parallel revenue stream and greater utilisation of assets.

In addition, given the lack of emissions and noise, landowners can now think about developing the space above existing quiet, zero emission electric bus depots for various industrial, commercial or even residential needs.

One thing is for sure, the future is exciting!

It’s been a pleasure Olivia. Thank you for chatting with me about the current state of the electric bus depot market.

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

57

FEATURE

BLK AUTO

LOOKING LOCAL BLK Auto is intent on supporting the Australian bus and coach industry. In its latest partnership with AngelTrax, it is helping a First Nations company find a foothold in the market.

IMAGES ANGELTRAX

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lobal truck and bus manufacturer BLK Auto first came to Australian First Nations company AngelTrax earlier in the year looking to partner.

Originally BLK wanted a reliable Australian Design Rule (ADR) approved electronic mirror for its zero-emissions buses. It came away with plenty more.

“We first approached AngelTrax around six months ago,” BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic told ABC. “It was based on the fact that we’re building new energy vehicles in our electric and hydrogen bus models and we saw the need for approved electronic mirrors.”

BLK moved quickly to use AngelTrax products on its buses. Pecotic says it was the right move for BLK Auto as it looks to become a leading zero-emissions bus provider to the Australian market.

“It helps us be positioned right at the cutting edge of the industry,” Pecotic says.

“It’s an exhilarating partnership going forward and we’re excited about what it will bring.”

For AngelTrax Australia, it was the perfect opportunity for the First Nations company to showcase its varied suite of products for buses and coaches. AngelTrax

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

sales specialist Bob Barwick says BLK came to them looking for electronic mirrors that adhered to ADR standards, but walked away impressed by more.

“We first introduced the product to them and then showed them our development of our new destination signs and e-mirrors,” Barwick told ABC. “We then showed them our CCTV range and got a very positive reception from them.

“AngelTrax has thousands of CCTVs around Australia at the moment – it’s been a very good and reliable product. It was nice to see that BLK Auto also viewed them as bulletproof products.”

The partnership between BLK and the local AngelTrax may only be in its infancy, but it’s already beginning to pay dividends.

BLK Auto’s buses that it is set to showcase at October’s Australasian Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney will feature AngelTrax destination signs to give the First Nations company exposure on a large scale.

Some of these signs have recently been developed and introduced to the local market as Australian-made options. Barwick says he’s hopeful that customers attending the Expo will want to buy AngelTrax’s products due to it being manufactured by a local company.

“We don’t want to ever bring in from overseas because the cost of buying and shipping it in is extraordinary,” Barwick says.

“The company is employing Australian people to manufacture our latest products, so creating local jobs for us is a big deal, and it is too for BLK. “We think that being able to have our products bought and repaired locally without having to source parts from overseas is a major bonus for customers looking to buy signs, mirrors or CCTV models.”

The Australian owned systems manufacturer and provider has been around for more than 70 years. Over time, AngelTrax has specialised in producing signs, whether it be highway or LED signs for buses throughout the country.

Barwick says being a First Nations company is important for AngelTrax. It is continuing to supply its mirrors, signs and other systems in Australia to ensure customers in the industry have a local option to source parts from.

“The technology we have is of a superior quality than most other systems overseas because we develop it in Australia for what the operators and local market want,” Barwick says.

“Buying European-designed systems from overseas is totally different to buying Australianmade and designed products.

“We’re only a small market here in Australia, so being able to build something for Australian operators specifically is important to us.”

BLK Auto will become the first company outside of trials to put AngelTrax’s e-mirrors on its buses.

Previous trials with Australian

We think that being able to have our products bought and repaired locally without having to source parts from overseas is a major bonus for customers looking to buy signs, mirrors or CCTV models. companies like Interline Bus Services gives Barwick confidence that AngelTrax’s electronic mirrors are ready to adorn BLK’s vehicles.

The partnership between the pair will extend further than just e-mirrors. Barwick says BLK is also interested in AngelTrax’s destination signs and CCTV products. This includes AngelTrax’s latest CCTV system, which has been expanded to have more information recorded. This means customers can use various types of cameras at the highest resolution to achieve 30 days of recording while adhering to New South Wales’ CCTV specifications.

AngelTrax is then intending to use its opportunity with BLK Auto as a stepping stone to grow its presence in the Australian bus market.

“We’ll be trying to provide these products to not just BLK Auto, but to everyone,” Barwick says.

“Having our mirrors on BLK’s buses at the Expo will be a great start.

“It’s even better to have it on a bus than just presented at a static stand. BLK having our e-mirror on its bus is a great reference point for AngelTrax.”

Barwick is certain the

Above: AngelTrax’s products are Australian made and designed Left: AngelTrax’s signs and systems will adorn BLK Auto’s Expo buses Opposite: AngelTrax’s products adhere to Australian safety standards

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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Above: AngelTrax specialises in LED signage for various applications

BLK AUTO

partnership also benefits BLK Auto. The AngelTrax sales specialist says BLK’s investment in Australian-made parts is proof that locally sourced systems distributed through BLK can be beneficial to the local market.

“There’s no reason why AngelTrax won’t be around for another 20 or so years,” Barwick says.

E-T-A_SCS200_Jun2022op.indd 1

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“So we’ve got the lifetime of buses covered with our local supply.”

Pecotic echoes this sentiment.

The BLK Auto managing director says he is keen to continue working with AngelTrax in the future after helping it gain exposure at the upcoming Expo.

“We’re looking to expand through technology,” Pecotic says.

“Technology is moving at such a fast pace that we want to continue keeping up with it, and AngelTrax’s products will help us do that.

“It’s so important that we have this arrangement with Australian owned suppliers like AngelTrax where we’ll be using Australian made and supplied reliable products going forward.”

08/06/2022 11:36:34

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12/9/22 1:45 pm

FEATURE

VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA

BEYOND THE BUS

For years, Volvo Bus Australia has been keeping the environment in mind when building its chassis. It’s now building on the principle that sustainability extends well beyond a zeroemissions bus hitting the road.

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IMAGES VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA

or Volvo Bus Australia, sustainability isn’t only about producing a new fleet of zeroemissions buses. In Volvo’s latest eco-friendly strategy, it is considering a range of methods it can use to lead the way in Australia when it comes to sustainability.

The proof of this sustainable focus is the new Volvo BZL Electric chassis. The chassis is 90 per cent recyclable and features a range of other eco-friendly credentials.

Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden says his company has put plenty of thought into going the extra mile when it comes to sustainability.

“We’ve been excited to start the conversation on sustainability being far wider than just the physical zero-emission bus (ZEB) driving past,” Peden told ABC. “With this BZL Electric chassis, we’re just scratching the surface of what this means.”

Peden says Volvo Bus Australia is looking further than the chassis when it considers how it can be more sustainable as a company. As an example, Volvo’s bus factory in Borås, Sweden, where the BZL is produced, has been completely powered by renewable energy such as hydropower and biofuel sources for numerous years.

The Volvo Group is currently in the process of auditing its entire manufacturing supply chain to ensure all materials and inputs into Volvo products are sourced in a sustainable way while remaining ethical so that the company doesn’t expose itself to non-sustainable labour practices such as child or slave labour.

Peden says Volvo is moving to ensure it stays above board and aligned with the 62

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United Nations’ sustainability goals.

“A lot of thought is going into what we present to the market,” Peden says.

“We are incrementally putting steps in place to have a long-term sustainable business model that can be relied upon to enhance the social licence of operators and partners using our products.

“If Australian state governments are spending money on our products, we want to be sure it’s leading the way when it comes to sustainability. Volvo has a long history of being known for safety, and we also will present as a safe partner to work with in terms of sustainability around our electric products like the Volvo BZL.” Volvo Group’s supply chain audit is currently focusing on the procurement stage to ensure raw critical materials are sourced ethically and also free from irresponsible mining practices.

Peden says the audits will be especially important when it comes to mining for materials to build the BZL Electric batteries, which include lithium and cobalt.

Peden says the Volvo Group has also partnered with steel production company SSAB on the development and commercialisation of fossil-free steel that it plans to integrate into its bus products in future.

“We don’t necessarily benchmark ourselves against other electric buses on offer in Australia – we do

Volvo has a long history of being known for safety, and we also will present as a safe partner to work with in terms of sustainability around our electric products like the Volvo BZL Electric. believe though that procurement teams should ask these questions around sustainability and the environmental and social impacts of how the products have been produced when looking to buy,” Peden says. “The partnership with SSAB will be in both the truck and bus division.

“Down the road we will be able to offer steel in the Volvo BZL for Australia that is fossil-free produced for chassis and rails, which will be fantastic.”

When it comes to electric batteries, Volvo Bus Australia is also making sustainability plans.

Peden says Volvo Group has been holding discussions with second-life battery organisations to find ways to recycle electric bus batteries in future. First life electric bus batteries are expected

to operate for around eight years or more. While the challenge is not short term, Volvo has set up a new division called Volvo Energy that will be globally responsible for understanding how to best re-purpose batteries for a second life in the hope of eventually responsibly recycle batteries.

Peden says Volvo Bus Australia understands that it will be unable to ship used batteries back to Europe, so Volvo has begun partnering with local organisations like the CSIRO to understand what future partnerships will look like.

It’s Peden’s goal for Volvo to be a leader in the responsible disposal of electric batteries.

As Volvo Bus Australia embraces circularity in its BZL Electric chassis, it is also strengthening its cyber and data security to promote

Above: Volvo is focusing on ensuring that its raw materials are ethically sourced Opposite: In the future, Volvo will be offering buses made from fossilfree steel

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA

We’re keen to show there’s more than just the product – there’s social and ethical responsibilities around building and sourcing materials.

Above: Volvo is a member of the Global Battery Alliance, which operates sustainable battery supply chains Below: The company is looking beyond the final bus product to see how it can apply sustainable practices at all stages of its manufacturing process

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sustainability. Peden says this sustainability mission is part of Volvo Group’s core value of environmental care that the company has focused on for more than 50 years.

“Sustainability for Volvo goes back to 1972 during the first UN Conference discussing environmental care when the company first outlined that our industry was part of the environmental problem,” Peden says.

“Since then, we’ve actively set the course to be part of the solution.

“It kicked off in the 1970s for us

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

when conversations around being eco-friendly first began. It’s always front of mind since and we believe there’s a much wider scope than just talking about zero-emissions vehicles hitting the road.”

By 2025, Peden says Volvo Group is expecting to have completed the audit of the supply chain. In the meantime, it will continue moving forward as a member of the Global Battery Alliance, which is committed to sustainable battery supply chains.

Volvo Bus Australia will use its membership in the alliance

to partner with fellow participants and showcase its commitment to long-term sustainable business models. Through these commitments, the Volvo Group as a whole wants to show it can continue evolving sustainable practices for many decades to come.

Peden says sustainability has been important to the entire Volvo company over the past 50 years.

This recent shift to looking beyond the vehicle is particularly exciting, as it allows Volvo Bus Australia to showcase its wider sustainability legitimacy while also protecting the future of the planet.

“We believe there’s a much wider scope to discuss than just the vehicles hitting the road,” Peden says.

“We’re keen to show there’s more than just the product – there’s social and ethical responsibilities around building and sourcing materials.

It’s a much bigger ecosystem to consider when looking to buy an electric or zero-emissions bus.

“We think we’re a safe pair of hands and can be a trusted and leading member of the industry going forward when it comes to sustainability.”

• • • •

•

• • •

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9/9/22 9:41 am

FEATURE

EBUSCO

ELECTRIC EVOLUTION

EBUSCO is an established and highly reputable player in the global battery electric bus market. Its latest model is doing things no other electric options have done before, with Australia set to get a slice of the new technology at this year’s Expo.

IMAGES EBUSCO

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BUSCO knows all about electric buses. Founded in 2012, the newage manufacturer has quickly forged innovative ways of building unique new zero-emission buses.

All of EBUSCO’s nous and knowledge has been put into its latest range. The public company that first started manufacturing electric buses and accompanying charging infrastructure in the Netherlands is now releasing its first right-hand drive option to the Australian market.

While EBUSCO begins delivering its EBUSCO 2.2 vehicle to

in Australia and will debut at the Australasian Bus & Coach Expo in October after years of refinement.

EBUSCO has more than 400 vehicles and 65 chargers operating in seven countries around the world, with that figure growing. Pearce says he’s excited to premiere the EBUSCO 2.2 to Australian drivers.

“It’s been a really exciting journey for us,” Pearce says.

“We spent time talking with local customers understanding the system requirements needed for Australia’s different climates.

“We’ve tailored our batteries to ensure they will handle Australia’s heat, giving the European-based model an Australian twist.”

The first EBUSCO 2.2 right-hand drive bus is now waiting to be taken to Sydney Showgrounds for its first Australian Expo.

It’s not the sole focus for EBUSCO. In an example of the company’s fast-paced evolution, the manufacturer is also continuing to develop world-first technologies as featured on its newest model in the EBUSCO 3.0 electric bus model.

At 9.5 tonnes, the EBUSCO 3.0 is nearly four tonnes lighter than the 13-tonne EBUSCO 2.2. Pearce says the EBUSCO 3.0 is lighter than its competitors, achieved by adapting aerospace technology and using carbon fibre in its structure.

“This means the EBUSCO 3.0 requires fewer batteries, meaning customers Down Under, it will build models that continue to advance battery electric bus technology.

“We’re proud to have the EBUSCO 2.2 in Australia now as a right-hand drive option,” EBUSCO Australian director Simon Pearce told ABC. “It’s been a project years in the making, so we’re proud to have the Australian vehicle fitted with EBUSCO’s latest technology.

“What I love most about our bus is that it’s been designed with Australia in mind – it’s not just a European product that’s been shipped to Australia.”

EBUSCO’s 2.2 model has arrived

We’ve tailored our batteries to ensure they will handle Australia’s heat, giving the European-based model an Australian twist.

Above: EBUSCO is now delivering its new 2.2 electric bus to customers

the bus can travel further per full charge due to its lighter weight,” Pearce says.

The technology changes don’t stop with the weight. In a gamechanging move, EBUSCO has been able to move its electric batteries from the rear and roof of

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EBUSCO

the bus to the floor, lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity.

Pearce says this enables EBUSCO to do a few important things. The EBUSCO Australian director says the batteries being placed on the bottom of the bus reduces the overall vehicle weight while allowing the manufacturer to optionally install a clear sunroof.

“The feel of the vehicle is different to any other electric bus on the market. It’s lighter, more open and there’s more room,” Pearce says.

Along with the sunroof and additional light, the company has also built the EBUSCO 3.0 to ensure it maintains an even low floor for the entire length of the bus. Rather than having the usual slope towards the back of the vehicle, the EBUSCO 3.0 remains as low and flat as a tram, while the width remains the same to increase accessibility for passengers.

Pearce says the EBUSCO 3.0 interior walkway is wider than most other buses of its class, making it easily accessible for wheelchairs.

With anti-bacterial grab handles as standard, adjustable and flexible chair positions and a workspace that is personalised to adjust to each individual driver, Pearce says the EBUSCO 3.0 benefits both the driver and the passenger.

EBUSCO’s 2.2 and 3.0 buses come in both 12.5m and 18m options depending on customer requirements. Pearce says the EBUSCO 3.0’s range is currently more than 575 kilometres per full charge.

Pearce says EBUSCO is more than an electric bus manufacturer.

Ever since EBUSCO first hit the market in 2012, it has also specialised in electric charging infrastructure and storage. With an eye on reducing carbon emissions as much as possible, EBUSCO also offers energy management systems to monitor its bus batteries and provide demand response solutions to help grid stability.

“The 40-foot container can feed 37 buses in a yard for up to three days without the need for connecting to the grid,” Pearce says.

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“It can then also feed the additional energy back into the grid for profit if need be to help operators.”

Along with the storage comes an electric charging and fleet management software that tracks every bit of zero-emissions data necessary for customers.

Buses in a fleet can be tracked at real time, with information available ranging from speed to the current pressure the driver is applying to pedals as the bus completes its daily route.

By combining this technology, Pearce says EBUSCO can also make the charging of a bus fleet autonomous through its system to ensure all buses are always running with plenty of energy on board.

When asked how EBUSCO can manage all of these technological advancements, Pearce says the company benefits by not having a diesel bus background.

“Since we started, we have only

The 40-foot container can feed 37 buses in a yard for up to three days without the need for connecting to the grid. ever designed and built ground up battery electric buses, being unburdened by the legacy of diesel bus models,” Pearce says.

“It means we can be more innovative than others. For example, our EBUSCO 3.0 uses concepts taken from the global aerospace sector.”

“Many of EBUSCO’s employees come from operator backgrounds. This has been a big advantage as, by the time we designed our EBUSCO 3.0, they had imparted their perspective from an operator standpoint and we drew on this knowledge, building it into our models, then taking them to the market.”

Along with the EBUSCO live telematics platform, Pearce is confident EBUSCO is going to impress many with the unveiling of the first right-hand drive EBUSCO 2.2 at the Expo.

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

Above: The lower weight means the bus can travel further on one charge

Although EBUSCO has had its challenges bringing the vehicle to market and to Australia in time for the Expo, Pearce says it’s now a great time to be showing the revolutionary bus model to the industry.

Pearce says EBUSCO isn’t stopping with its current models.

The unveiling of the EBUSCO 2.2 in Sydney will soon be followed by some exciting new products that are set to continue revolutionising the electric bus game.

“It’s a great time to be doing what we’re doing, so we’ll push ourselves to see what we can do with this new technology,” Pearce says.

“It’s amazing to be able to debut the EBUSCO 2.2 in Australia at the Expo and then keep pushing forward. We invite you to visit us at Stand 126 at the Expo”

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busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

ZF

E-MOBILITY EXCITEMENT ZF is looking to forge new ground. Alongside its popular, high-quality products, the global technology company wants to increase its e-mobility offerings for the industry’s future.

IMAGES ZF

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hen it came to taking the next step, ZF followed the wave.

The zero-emission transition is engulfing the local region’s bus and coach industry. ZF’s Australian arm is now continuing to grow by bolstering its e-mobility sector.

ZF has been focusing on increasing its e-mobility capabilities recently. The direction received a

massive boost when ZF acquired electronic system provider WABCO in May 2020. Blair Rundle was one of the WABCO employees who joined the ZF team to increase the manufacturer’s zero-emissions capabilities and is now ZF’s head of commercial vehicle aftermarket in Oceania.

“The integration from WABCO to ZF has been smooth,” Rundle told ABC. “We feel like we’re part of it all

now, as with the acquisition it makes ZF a bumper-to-bumper supplier for buses and coaches.

“From a ZF point of view we have axles and transmissions, and now it has been joined by WABCO’s control, braking and safety products for vehicles.”

Rundle says the acquisition of WABCO by ZF couldn’t have been a better decision to link two safety-minded companies together.

He says the two businesses bring different parts of e-mobility manufacturing to the table, with only the telematics systems needing to be consolidated into one solution.

In a way of combining to strengthen each other, Rundle says ZF now offers a more comprehensive package to Australian and other

Oceania-based customers.

Heritage played a key role in the two companies merging seamlessly.

Both WABCO and ZF are German, meaning there was nothing lost in translation when WABCO workers began transitioning to ZF’s model.

Rundle says the process has excited many from both of the merging parties, as ZF can now become a major force in the local industry.

“The acquisition was a harmonisation of the two companies that strengthened our overall offering to the market,” Rundle says.

“What we offer now is a more comprehensive solution. We have telematics alongside braking and control systems as well as electric axles [AxTrax] and electric centre drives [CeTrax] that allows us to Above: Blair Rundle Below: ZF says the WABCO acquisition will benefit Australian customers

offer a one-stop shop for the bus and coach sector.”

The acquisition wasn’t the only transition occurring at ZF. The Australian branch of the global ZF Group has been busy working on e-mobility options to cater for the zero-emissions minded local market.

Rundle says ZF’s years of research and development has helped it remain ahead of the e-mobility competition as it unveils a wider range of high-quality solutions to cover the growing needs of the industry.

For the public transport sector, the AxTrax AVE portal axle offers the next step in e-mobility. Rundle says the axle has already been installed in several thousand electric buses globally and has travelled more than 150 million kilometres with zero emissions.

The portal axle can be utilised in different configurations such as in pure electric or hybrid buses with energy provided from a range of sources. ZF designed the AxTrax AVE axle with an eye on keeping the weight low to save space and suit low-floor zero-emissions vehicles.

The system also utilises regenerative braking to conserve as much power as possible.

ZF didn’t stop there, as the ZF CeTrax is another recent addition to its range that suits electric buses.

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ZF

We’ll continue solidifying the two companies and bringing them closer together to capitalise on what we can offer and how we do it.

Above: ZF’s axles and transmissions have now been joined by WABCO’s control, braking and safety products Below: ZF’s energy management software controls the flow of energy in an electric vehicle

72

The CeTrax can be used in both low-entry and high-floor buses, as well as low-floor buses in combination with ZF’s AV 133 portal axle. ZF modelled the CeTrax off components from the ZF EcoLife 2 city bus transmission and made the drive lighter and more compact to suit zero-emissions vehicles.

Rundle says ZF and the incorporated WABCO have been working hard to transition its products from diesel buses to electric vehicles.

“Both Australia and New Zealand seem to be playing a lot in the electric bus sphere, so we’ve fast tracked our development in that market,” Rundle says.

“When we turned to e-mobility and you lose diesel engines and

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

pneumatic systems as that source of air, we ultimately had to come up with an electric compressor that can generate that air to work the brakes and raise and lower the bus.

“We started the development nearly eight years ago at WABCO before joining with ZF, while the e-compressor has been around for five years. We then had to integrate this into the brakes system as well as the hardware and software that comes with it.”

ZF’s e-mobility push ventures further than just new axle products.

In January this year, ZF launched its new Commercial Vehicle Solutions division. The division combined ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology and Commercial Vehicle Control Systems (formerly WABCO) divisions in a bid to maximise its commercial vehicle solutions position in the market.

The new division is supported by around 25,000 employees based in 28 countries, and combines ZF’s expertise with WABCO’s experience to advance solutions for safe, sustainable and digitised transport.

Rundle’s role at ZF is to lead the after-market commercial vehicle solutions division in Australia. He says ZF’s previous e-mobility work in passenger vehicles had to be

quickly translated to the bus and coach market.

“It was a very smart decision to separate and create a division that focuses on bringing these e-mobility products to fleets,” Rundle says.

“It’s allowed us to focus on the specific heavy vehicle part of the market.”

Now the acquisition of WABCO

by ZF has gone smoothly, Rundle says ZF is aiming to maximise the partnership. Rundle says WABCO has always been selfsufficient in the e-mobility space.

But, now, ZF can provide more resources to make the e-mobility process smoother for customers.

For the next year, Rundle says he’s excited to see what ZF can do in the e-mobility sphere as it continues to bring new electric products to the market.

He says there are a number of products and systems in development stages that will come to market in future years. Rundle says it certainly is a watch this space activity for ZF. “We’ll continue solidifying the two companies and bringing them closer together to capitalise on what we can offer and how we do it,” Rundle says.

“This will help us hasten our offerings to our local customers and to manufacturers.

“It’ll mean we can firm our package and make sure we create happy and smooth experiences with customers we deal with.”

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ABC 421.indd 73

12/9/22 1:37 pm

FEATURE

MERCEDES-BENZ & MARSHALL’S BUS & COACH SERVICE

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

When Marshall’s Bus & Coach Service took a leap of faith in regional New South Wales, it had no idea what it was getting itself into. Now the regional operator is continuing to expand.

IMAGES MERCEDES-BENZ AND MARSHALL’S BUS & COACH SERVICE

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n 1996, Marshall’s Bus & Coach Service’s fleet comprised only three run-down buses and a recently purchased MercedesBenz 1418. Then, Peter Marshall purchased a rival operator near NSW’s Tuross Head. It proved to be a gamechanger for the family business.

Marshall first started working for the family business in 1976 when he operated the telephone exchange at the age of 13. Based in the tiny NSW town of Gubbata, the business began when parents Ken and Helen bought the town’s two buses as part of a local

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bulk fuel company and post office/ telephone exchange purchase.

At age 17, Marshall left school and immediately took to bus driving. In 1994 his parents came home from a beach holiday at Ulladulla and decided to retire to the coast, leaving Marshall to continue the business. At this point he was married with two young daughters. Marshall took his family to the coast as well. With bus operating now in the veins, Marshall bought a beachside-based bus company and soon took the family business to Tuross Head.

Marshall stayed at Gubbata to run the business for five years until his older brother Wayne returned from the Northern Territory. Before long Marshall was at Tuross Head and buying his first Mercedes-Benz bus.

Up until that point, the business had only three buses – a couple of old Bedfords and an equally old MAN. Marshall decided to add a fourth run to the business, meaning the family purchased its first new bus in the form of a 1418.

“I have to say that the 1418 was absolutely bulletproof,” says Marshall.

“In 2004, we then bought our first 0 500 RF, which we still have. That bus convinced us how good the Mercedes-Benz product was, and is.

“We followed it up with an 0 400 for coachwork. Suddenly, when you have a couple of nice buses like we did with those Mercedes-Benz vehicles, everyone asks if we can take them to Sydney or Canberra in it.”

Before long, Marshall’s Bus & Coach Services escalated

operations, buying the 21-bus strong Moruya Bus Service to add to Marshall’s four-vehicle fleet.

“I won’t tell you what we paid, but it was an absolute bargain,” Marshall says.

With the purchase came a depot on one side of the road and an old sawmill site on 10 acres opposite. In the old sawmill shed were four brand new 1418s and 1621s.

“The previous owner, Doug McKay, had purchased these buses to reduce the age of his fleet to the governmentrequired 12-year average,” Marshall says.

“I asked him why he didn’t use them, and he said at $180,000 each they’re too good to put schoolkids in when he could buy a $3,000 Bedford and do the same job. I put them all on the road that afternoon.”

After taking over Moruya Bus and transitioning it into Marshall’s Bus & Coach,

Marshall’s brother Wayne and his wife Julie sold the original Gubbata business in 2007 to reunite at Tuross Head. By then, the fleet had grown to 30 buses.

When Marshall’s Bus & Coach Service needed 12 new buses to adhere to the new seatbelt mandate, Marshall turned to Mercedes-Benz. Due to past experience with the brand, Marshall met with MercedesBenz’s then sales manager Mick Neskes on its stand at the Sydney Bus Show. The meeting resulted in Marshall buying eight 0 500 RFs and four XBCs.

Opposite: Marshall’s Bus & Coach Service has Mercedes-Benz buses at the heart of its fleet Top: Peter Marshall (left) is keeping the business in the family Above: Peter’s daughter Melissa now helps run the business

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FEATURE

MERCEDES-BENZ & MARSHALL’S BUS & COACH SERVICE

Suddenly, when you have a couple of nice buses like we did with those Mercedes-Benz vehicles, everyone asks if we can take them to Sydney or Canberra in it.

Top: The latest 0 500 RF joined the fleet, it brought the total number of vehicles up to 30 Right: Marshall’s is still a family concern, with the third generation now working in the company 76

Although Neskes has since moved on from Mercedes-Benz, Marshall says his exemplary service is continued by his successors in Iain Dorward and Andrew McClelland at Huntingwood in Sydney.

“The 0 500 RF is still the best thing I’ve ever driven, so to have something of that calibre – that highly-engineered chassis under our school buses – is fantastic,” Marshall says.

“Over engineering is better than under, any day of the week.”

The 12 Mercedes-Benz buses were all delivered by 2017.

Marshall’s has since added another four 0 500 RFs to its fleet. When the last of this order recently arrived at Tuross Head, Marshall’s 30-vehicle fleet included 16 Mercedes-Benz buses.

“We won’t be stopping there,” Marshall says.

“With its turning circle, ride,

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

safety features, robustness and power, the Mercedes-Benz 0 500 RF has everything we need to run a successful business.

“There’s also economies of scale in servicing, parts inventory and more.”

Unfortunately, Marshall’s father, Ken, passed away before he got to witness the company’s continued success. Marshall says he believes his father would be satisfied with the business’s growth and the part the Mercedes-Benz buses have played in it.

Marshall now runs Marshall’s Bus & Coach Service alongside daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Josh Seidel, who became the third generation involved with the operator.

Marshall says both he and Wayne are happy to know that the company will remain in safe family hands in future.

Although Mercedes-Benz buses have played a major role in Marshall’s career at the helm of the family business, he still has one wish to ask for regarding the Mercedes-Benz product.

“I wish I could buy the whole bus fully assembled from Mercedes-Benz,” Marshall says.

“I’m not knocking the local body builders, but to have the whole lot come out of the factory would be a dream for me.

“Unfortunately, the Euro product is 50mm too wide for our archaic laws. Maybe one day we’ll get it.”

2022 ALL ABOARD SEMINAR Date: Friday 2nd December Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm Venue: RACV Club Melbourne - 501 Bourke St, Melbourne The theme for this year’s All Aboard event is Driving Inclusion.

Developments and challenges of the past few years have highlighted challenges faced by the most vulnerable, at risk, and disadvantaged within our communities. In addition to this, the bus industry has now embarked on a social procurement regime that aims to shape an inclusive economy that engages minority populations and the disadvantaged. Bus operators are looking to innovate ways that meet these demands, as well as being inclusive of the communities we serve. This year’s All Board event explores the role and what the industry can offer Indigenous Australians and youth at risk.

This event will help operators and their teams with: • Creating awareness of current workplace attitudes and practices that act as barriers and identify opportunities for improvement.

•

Identifying risk management strategies, resources, and expertise available to help operators and their teams.

PRICES Seminar & Luncheon

$150 per person

Seminar Only

$65 per person

Luncheon Only

$100 per person

Table of 10 (luncheon only)

$875 per table

Registration is essential - please register here: https://www.busvic.asn.au/node/14919 The event will be held pursuant to Victorian State Government COVID-19 restrictions in place for the time.

PROGRAMME 9:00am

Registration

9:30am

Welcome – Julia Evans Acknowledgement of Country and program overview – Julia Evans

9.45am

Session 1: Indigenous Australians The Victorian Government’s social procurement regime encourages the bus industry to engage with Victorian Aboriginal businesses, support sustainable Indigenous business enterprises, and employ Victorian Aboriginal people. This session explores the perceived and actual challenges of achieving this.

10:45am

Morning Tea

11:00am

Session 2: Youth at Risk Leading infectious diseases and COVID-19 pandemic expert and commentor, Professor Sharon Lewin, is the inaugural Director of the Doherty Institute and a Professor of Medicine at The University of Melbourne.

12:00pm

Pre-lunch canapes

12:30pm

Luncheon and keynote presentations Mikeala Stafrace & Charlotte Dillon Mikaela Stafrace, Founder and CEO of Woman CAN Australia on their partnership with Charlotte Dillon, General Manager, Housing for the YWCA Australia that houses, trains, and finds employment for disadvantaged women.

Rhiannon Tracey

2:30pm

2022 All Aboard flyer.indd 1 ABC 421.indd 77

Event Close

6/09/2022 2:38:16 PM 13/9/22 1:46 pm

FEATURE

BUS STOP SALES

NEW PARTNERS After releasing Australia’s first high-floor fully electric coach, Bus Stop Sales continues to import new King Long models. Under a new partnership with Volgren Australia, Bus Stop is further enhancing its zero-emissions buses in the lead-up to October’s Bus & Coach Expo.

IMAGES BUS STOP SALES

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here are great things happening at Bus Stop Sales, with the bus and coach dealer continuing to add zero-emissions buses to its evolving sustainable range.

The exclusive distributor of King Long buses and coaches has announced it is bringing two more King Long vehicles into its fold. The two new arrivals for Bus Stop include a completely new King Long electric urban bus chassis and a new and locally manufactured bus package from Bus Stop.

The new model comes courtesy of a gamechanging new body partnership between Bus Stop and Australian body builder Volgren Australia. Bus Stop Sales 78

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managing director Pete White says the new arrivals and the Volgren partnership is incredibly exciting.

“The opportunity with Volgren to be selected as a partner is an honour for us – it helps us position our products alongside a respected local manufacturer,” White told ABC. “We’re very excited to release a product like the new chassis at a high-quality level, which is market-leading. With it being Australian built and a local content product, the chassis is something we believe will deliver an excellent solution to operators.”

Under the new arrangement, Bus Stop and Volgren will look to provide Australian operators with both excellent value and local support.

White says Volgren Australia’s local content and jobs program were key drivers in Bus Stop choosing Volgren as a launch partner.

The electric King Long urban chassis and the new model join an increasingly impressive suite of zero-emissions offerings at Bus Stop. These two products complement Australia’s only high floor fully electric coach in the 12.5-metre-long EVolution model and the fully electric mini bus 12–14 seat Joylong.

The electric urban bus chassis is King Long’s first chassis released onto the Australian market. White says King Long’s size and scale as a group makes it one of the world’s biggest bus manufacturers and allows Bus Stop to fast

Left: King Long’s new electric urban bus chassis Below: Bus Stop Sales is aiming to become a one-stop shop for the Australian bus industry Opposite: The Horizon is the result of a partnership between Bus Stop Sales and Volgren

track the revolutionary new chassis. For White, it’s a partnership that has been years in the making for his family.

“My father, Dick White, contributed significantly to the development and refinement of King Long products to be customised to meet the needs of Australian operators,” White says.

“Fortunately King Long has been an excellent partner to meet the needs of Australian bus operators with a product that is being developed purely for the Australian market.”

Despite King Long being a well-known brand in Australia for many years, White says the manufacturer is only just starting to come to life following Bus Stop’s investment and customisation. He plans to expand Bus Stop’s wide range of diesel and electric buses to increase solutions for Australian customers.

“We strive to provide end-to-end customer options in both diesel and zero-emissions markets that meet customers’ needs,” White says.

“We will become a one-stop bus shop.”

King Long’s latest electric bus chassis is the start of the manufacturer diversifying its range to target the urban bus segment.

White says the choice to package together a Chinese-assembled chassis bringing together leading global components with excellent quality control systems provides an enticing alternative for fleet owners.

This quality took time and effort for Bus Stop Sales to obtain on its new releases.

White says each component selected was required to offer global warranties managed end-to-end through Bus Stop from suppliers such as ZF, DANA, VDO (Bus Stop’s global partnership with King Long,

We strive to provide end-to-end customer options in both diesel and zero-emissions markets that meet customers’ needs.

ZF, Michelin Tyre, Alcoa alloys and WABCO), CATL and WABCO. While the Evolution low floor chassis is part of a new generation of Chinese products to hit Bus Stop, White remains intent on enhancing this range with more quality.

“The build quality is very impressive, the package is well-priced and the product is fully supported,” White says.

“All of this is crucial for the long-term success of the product and brand.

“We have sold buses within my family for more than 50 consecutive years and this range will help us continue to be here for the long haul.”

White says both the EVolution chassis and the Horizon Volgren urban bus will be showcased at the upcoming Australasian Bus & Coach Expo. With local manufacturing content being an important part of the procurement process for many operators, White wants to appeal to fleet owners with Bus Stop’s latest models.

When looking at the recent trend of urban buses having an imported European chassis, White says this soon won’t be the case as leading solutions continue to emerge out of China.

The Bus Stop director says China is already far beyond zero-emissions bus trials. The country’s early adoption of electric buses means China has already

deployed 98 per cent of all electric buses in the world after years of testing, development and operational experience.

It’s this experience and technology that has White excited about King Long’s upcoming releases.

“The King Long solutions released utilise a DANA permanent magnet synchronous drive motor that is fully supported here in Australia,” White says. “It also has global leading CATL batteries in both 350kW and 422kW options, fitted with the King Long fire limitation safety system within the batteries.”

White says the DANA drive motor is expected to have a 1.4-million-kilometre life before rebuild.

“We’re so excited to release these high-quality products under new partnerships,” White says. “It’s such a busy yet thrilling time for us and we want to continue changing the game in the Australian market for years to come.” busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

CAMIRA

A DOUBLE CENTURY TO SAVOUR Camira has a storied history when it comes to seat fabric manufacturing. During its 200-year anniversary, Camira is determined to remain at the cutting edge of fabric technology.

F

or Camira’s 200-year anniversary, it focused on the latest evolution of its products.

The fabric manufacturer could’ve been forgiven for reflecting on its storied past that began in northern England under the name of John Holdsworth & Co. Instead, Camira is continuing to prove why it is a global force in textiles for public transport networks.

In this year alone, Camira is releasing many developments and improvements that keep with both the company’s heritage and the modern age.

Camira Australia area business manager Rodney Peterson says the Aura range is one such improvement that showcases the timeless quality of Camira’s fabrics.

“The Aura wool moquette has been expanded to a selection of 200 patterns, in commemoration of wool-rich moquette as the core of Camira’s 200-year celebration,” Peterson told ABC. “The fabric blends the rich heritage of Camira’s transport journey with the modern and geometric-inspired patterns in the collection that is suited to the new era of hybrid and zero-emission buses.”

Customers can now use Camira’s new 3D configurator to choose fabric, including options for fabric type and additional trim.

The new-age configurator includes the incredible augmented reality function that, when used with a mobile phone, overlays the 3D seat to the screen, giving a lifelike view of how the seat and fabric combinations look in a bus or coach.

Keeping with global current events, 80

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IMAGES CAMIRA Camira is also promoting its anti-COVID-19 StaySafe range and its anti-stain and anti-bacteria Defender product.

StaySafe is an advanced textile treatments that reduces the potential for viral transmission in bus and coach interiors. The treatment contains silver ions that attract virus particles and bind to them, immobilising and deactivating the virus. This technology then targets the outer coat of the virus, destroying the membrane and keeping the textile surface hygienic.

“When applied to a fabric, this textile technology destroys viruses and kills bacteria,” Peterson says.

“This ensures upholstery doesn’t act as a potential source of transmission.

“StaySafe means less time and associated costs spent on disinfecting seat materials, resulting in lower usages of

harsh chemicals so that Staysafe can create a continuously effective anti-COVID-19 protection compared to daily or weekly disinfecting.”

An example of Camira’s recent high-tech breakthroughs is Camira’s in-house capability to print on moquette. Peterson says Camira has spent years researching and developing the optimal print capability.

He says the final product in Camira Print realises the untapped potential of transport textiles.

“It’s flexible, fast and free from the design restrictions of traditional weaving,” Peterson says.

“This means the benefits are tangible and the possibilities are limitless. These centuries of experience provide a wealth of knowledge and capability when it comes to producing fabrics that are fit for purpose,

durable, safe and trendsetting. It’s what makes us the natural choice for fabric and textiles solutions globally.”

Camira’s story started in 1822, when cloth manufacturer John Holdsworth founded a worsted spinning mill called Holdsworth in Halifax in the north of England.

Two-hundred years later, the head office and core manufacturing facility remain in Yorkshire, close to where Holdsworth first began, but extends far wider.

Nowadays, Camira’s reach continues to be global. In addition to the various mills and processing plants in Yorkshire, it has a manufacturing plant in Lithuania and warehouse and distribution facilities in the US, China and Australia, alongside distributors in New Zealand (Reid & Twiname), the Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Through this time, Camira has invested in being vertically integrated to now do it all.

From spinning and dyeing yarns to weaving and finishing them, Camira has forged a reputation as one of the world’s best textile manufacturers for

public transport networks.

Peterson says a key part of Camira’s enduring success is its ability to produce safe and durable fabrics.

“We predominately use wool, which has inherent attributes of low flame, smoke and toxicity,” Peterson says.

“In Australia, we’re seeing increased safety ratings in the bus and coach industry when it comes to flame, smoke and toxicity, which is more in alignment with those of the rail sector.

“Camira is playing its part in continually developing and improving on a variety of fire-retardant processes to further enhance seating fabric fire safety ratings.”

With all of this going on, Peterson says the 200-year anniversary will be a whirlwind for the company.

He says the manufacturer will use the milestone to expand its reputation as a trusted and innovative fabric provider for buses and coaches and the broader public transport industry.

“Camira will continue giving local and personalised service, as well as ongoing support, to our customers,”

Peterson says.

“Our customers in Australia include levels involved in the public transport industry, from government departments to industrial designers, bus and coach seat builders, fleet operators and the single bus operators.”

Peterson says the fabric company is intent on remaining young at heart by continually providing new innovations in fabric, treatments, and textures. At this year’s Australasian Bus & Coach Expo, Camira is looking forward to showing its blend of experience and youth to the industry.

“This is what makes us the natural choice for fabric and textiles solutions globally,” Peterson says.

“We can’t wait to show this off to the industry at the Expo.”

Top: After 200 years, Camira has a global reach Above: Anti-bacterial and anti-viral fabric treatments help keep public transport safe Opposite, top and bottom: Camira’s ability to print on moquette provides for a wide array of potential colours and designs

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

SEPURA

THE POWER OF DATA IMAGES SEPURA

Telecommunications equipment company Sepura has had a successful history providing solutions in public safety, mining and transport. It now has a powerful new solution to aid bus and coach operators.

B

us and coach companies aren’t traditional customers for Sepura in Australia.

Although it does already supply radio solutions to bus, metro and rail operators around the world, particularly in Asia and Europe, Sepura’s latest product caters directly to the industry.

The UK-based telecommunications company first started in 2002 as a supplier of mission-critical voice solutions to emergency services personnel and vehicles. After achieving significant global growth providing solutions to public safety organisations, Sepura then began supplying Australia’s mining industry.

“Around 15 years ago we started to grow the business here in Australia by tapping into the mining business,” Sepura’s senior business development manager Doug Bowden told ABC. “Users here have similar needs to public safety users: tough, durable radios, with loud clear audio that can enhance an emergency response.

“Alongside providing radios to individual users, we also equip large fleets of buses, trucks and other support vehicles, as well as both individuals and vehicles in the loading and maintenance yards for these.

This has enabled significant growth in our business.”

Having achieved significant success in the mining sector, Sepura is now looking at technology to support the growing transport sector.

The company has released the SCU3, a new broadband terminal that combines TETRA voice communication capability with the power to add operational data through Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connectivity.

“Our DNA is in mission critical voice and data communications and TETRA technology,” Bowden says.

“That digital standard has been ratified

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by the European Standards Organisations and we continue to see significant demand for these products.

“But technology evolves and, increasingly, organisations are looking to add data to their solution.

The SCU3 is a dual mode device and offers users the best of both worlds – the security and reliability of TETRA voice communications, with the flexibility of mobile data.

This is in response to the demand from the market and is especially suitable for transport operators such as bus companies.”

The SCU3 provides a native Android capability, allowing operators and drivers to run apps all from the one device. Organisations with access to this data can benefit from live GPS reporting, telemetry reports on servicing or repair requirements and updates to journey planners, digital signage and other connected applications.

Bowden says the SCU3 comes in the form of a box that can be mounted anywhere in the bus or coach, with a vehicle handheld control unit or touch screen placed near the driver. This allows drivers to make push-to-talk voice calls and change talking groups while adjusting the volume.

“It gives us the opportunity to look at buses and other public transport vehicles with huge flexibility now it has that Android capability onboard,” Bowden says.

“A bus provider can now have just the one device in a bus instead of multiple handsets. This comes in handy with SIM card management, which we have found to be a significant operational issue.

“Instead, our SCU3 system manages everything with just the one SIM card. This reduces training needs, cost of ownership and the complexity of requiring purchase agreements with multiple devices.

“Operators can privately access our Sepura Device Manager [SDM] programming tool to control what goes on and off the device and what apps are run on the device,” says Sepura technical expert Theo Kalkandis.

“They decide what goes permanently onto the SCU3 as

a pre-requisite when installed.

This means bus companies are free to develop Android apps for dispatching and vehicle management that can be run from the SDM, ensuring the solution always works within the customer’s standard guideline and policy.”

Bowden says Sepura is keen to highlight the option that mobile data provides to operators.

“It’s a very power-efficient device,” Bowden says.

“Alongside apps, automated reports such as GPS and specific operational applications, it can also be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot within the vehicle. This ensures that data can be accumulated and communicated via one device.

An example of this might be for on-board ticketing or payment devices, or for digital signage on the vehicle or en route.

Bowden sees this new technology as an opportunity to join the bus and coach industry

We see this as our chance to tap into more commercial markets like the bus and coach sector. and provide important solutions to companies looking to transition to zero-emissions vehicles that require lightweight technology.

“We see this as our chance to tap into more commercial markets like the bus and coach sector,” Bowden says.

“It took a number of years to capture what the device can do and now it’s our time to get in the market and get the information out.

“We look forward to showcasing the device to bus and coach operators and working with them to power their future communications.”

Above: Sepura’s SCU3 broadband terminal provides voice, Wi-Fi and 4G/5G connectivity

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

CHALLENGER BUS & COACH

GROWING FAST New vehicle brand Challenger Bus & Coach is already taking to the Australian market like a duck to water. With more models set to be released next year, Challenger is using customer feedback to find its niche.

S

IMAGES CHALLENGER BUS & COACH

ince its inception in 2017, Australian vehicle brand Challenger Bus & Coach has been on a whirlwind of a journey as it prepares to release new models onto the market.

In just the past year alone, the Melbourne-based company has expanded to establish Perth and Brisbane offices, with further plans to set up in Sydney too. Despite Challenger facing hurdles along the way, sales manager Dan Campbell says the brand has forged through to hit an exciting patch for the fledgling company.

“We started getting some momentum before COVID-19 hit as we were taking off,” Campbell told ABC. “It was tough, but we’ve gotten through

it and are now starting to build in the past six months as everything opens back up.

“Having recently gone to conferences, and with the Australasian Bus & Coach Expo coming up, it’s helped get us going again.”

Challenger is coming up against some formidable competitors in the Australian bus and coach market, but Campbell says the vehicle brand has a distinct advantage over its larger competitors as Challenger begins to flourish.

“We hired sales managers from all different areas that were outside of the bus and coach industry,” Campbell says.

“We all really believe in the product we’re selling. We’re a tight-knit family community in the business.

“It’s all about continuing to expand and

showcasing our products firsthand.”

Just a few years into its operations as a company, Challenger Bus & Coach had to handle the interruptions that COVID-19 brought with it. Campbell says Challenger is now enjoying being able to show its V10 and V12 bus models in person to customers as it aims to build upon its recent growth.

He says the V12 model is receiving positive feedback in both the coach and school bus option and that the flexibility of its models will remain critical as it looks to move forward from Euro 5 vehicles to Euro 6.

“We have a couple of buses due to land 84

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

that have been purchased for V/Line services that will be built with toilets and wheelchair lifts incorporated,” Campbell says.

“One of our strengths is our flexibility – we work with what operators want or need, depending on contracts, and can do whatever they need to a high standard. Whether it be a 45-seat school bus or a luxury coach with air purifiers, USB charging ports and more, we can do it.”

Challenger ensures these flexible options are well-made.

With high-quality componentry

coming from the likes of ZF, Cummins, Meritor and Thermo King, Campbell says Challenger is excited to show customers the finer details of its buses and coaches.

One of the biggest drawcard when it comes to quality products is its steel. Campbell says Challenger is using different steel options like Stalatube and Lean Duplex that are guaranteed to not corrode. A section of the Stalatube stainless steel chassis has been outdoors in country Victoria, exposed to exteme weather

conditions for more than four years with no corrosion.

Campbell says Challenger is using these materials as a key way of selling its buses and getting ahead of the game in the Australian market.

It’ll continue using quality products to build flexible options with its incoming models.

Campbell says Challenger has a new V8 model with 25–30 seats coming soon in a similar format to existing models. Challenger has also been working on a low-floor bus option and an electric bus,

Above: Challenger’s V10 is flexible, and has been configured as a school bus for Victoria’s Hadden Bus Lines Opposite, Below: Different operators have trialled Challenger’s products with positive feedback

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

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FEATURE

CHALLENGER BUS & COACH

Whether it be a 45-seat school bus or a luxury coach with air purifiers, USB charging ports and more, we can do it.

Above: The 32-seat V10 model with a kitchen and toilet, which was recently delivered to a WA operator, has been receiving great feedback 86

with both set to be released to the market next year.

The Challenger sales manager says the company is referring to customer sentiment when developing its next range of products.

“After talking to customers, we want to be sustainable and economical, so we see electric buses as the way of the future,” Campbell says.

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

“One of the great parts of our V10 is that, for a coach of its size, it can be flexible and is more durable than competitors.

“We heard durability was a major factor for our buses, so even in remote areas where roads aren’t as good, we have made buses that have durability.”

As a recent example, Challenger sold a luxury coach to Pinnacle Coach Lines in

Western Australia. Despite only being on the road for a couple of weeks, Campbell says the 32-seat V10 model with a kitchen and toilet has received great ongoing feedback.

As a young company in the Australian bus and coach industry, Challenger is still trying to find its niche in the market.

Campbell says the vehicle brand will produce electric versions of its V10 and V12 models as well as releasing 25–30 seat options for operators.

He says the company is confident its zero-emissions options will stand up in the market as a reliable choice for customers.

Alongside these models, Challenger is also prioritising its aftersales sector.

“Nothing is perfect, and we admit that things can always go wrong,” Campbell says.

“As soon as it does, our priority is to get it resolved.”

As part of its service, Challenger will deliver certain parts of the bus, including windscreens, filters and belts, to be used at any time by the operator to remove lead times.

The vehicle brand is carrying parts at its three different locations in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, and the company’s expansion means it will soon be able to offer this service on a larger scale throughout Australia.

The parts business linked to Challenger is called Australasian Bus & Coach Parts. Campbell says he’s excited about the potential for Challenger to continue growing as a company.

“Our end goal is to source and carry in stock parts that are well priced for all bus brands so that customers can call us for anything they require, and we’ll see what we can do,” Campbell says.

“We want to be a business that continues to look after customers, long after they have purchased our vehicles. At Challenger we are proud to be an Australian owned and operated business and we look forward to increasing our manufacturing footprint in Australia as we continue to grow.”

Communicate Smarter Sepura's solutions allow bus operators to use one device for voice and data communication

For further information visit www.sepura.com

ABC 421.indd 87

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EVENTS

INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR 2022 Be sure not to miss out on an opportunity for these fantastic in-person events.

AUSTRALASIA BUS & COACH EXPO 2022 5–6 OCTOBER 2022 SYDNEY Australasian Bus & Coach magazine is proud to be the Official Media Partner for the 2022 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo. Taking place at Sydney Olympic Park, the event will be an opportunity to see and evaluate the latest in bus technology – including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses – all in one location.

Organisers expect exhibition spaces to sell out, with strong interest in both exhibiting and attending. The event will include a Volvo Welcome Function on Tuesday October 4 and an Industry Gala Dinner on Wednesday October 5. www.busandcoachexpo.com.au

2022 BIC NATIONAL CONFERENCE 13–16 NOVEMBER 2022 BRISBANE The Bus Industry Confederation will hold its National Conference in Brisbane from 13 to 16 November. The theme for the National Bus Industry Conference is ‘Moving People – Navigating Change’. The conference aims to engage high level discussion on current 92

and emerging issues, trends and challenges for our moving people industry. The program will include presentations from highly regarded policy leaders and policy thinkers to engage delegates on what our future cities and regions look like and future transport needs. The industry is currently experiencing a number of external factors that, for many, will mean a new or adapted sustainable business model for the future. The conference will include a blockbuster session on zero emissions and examine business agility and resilience in recovering from environmental and health impacts such as floods and pandemics. https://movingpeople.com.au

BUSVIC ALL ABOARD 2 DECEMBER 2022 MELBOURNE

The theme for the 2022 All Aboard event is driving inclusion.

Developments and challenges of the past few years have highlighted challenges faced by the most vulnerable, at risk, and disadvantaged within our communities. In addition to this, the bus industry has now embarked on a social procurement regime that aims to shape an inclusive economy that

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

engages minority populations and the disadvantaged.

Bus operators are looking to innovate ways that meet these demands, as well as being inclusive of the communities we serve. This year’s All Board event explores the role and what the industry can offer Indigenous Australians and youth at risk.

This event will help operators and their teams with creating awareness of current workplace attitudes and practices that act as barriers and identify opportunities for improvement, risk management strategies, resources and expertise available to help operators and their teams. www.busvic.asn.au/2022-busvic-all-aboard-seminar

Above: The 2022 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo will take place in Sydney in October Below: The All Aboard event will take place in Melbourne in December

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12/9/22 1:37 pm

DELIVERIES

AUGUST 2022

Volvo led the way in chassis deliveries in August with 18

August deliveries drop back down

After consecutive months of triple-figure deliveries, August numbers dropped below 100

D

espite a stellar couple of months, Australian bus and coach deliveries have finally dropped below the 100 mark.

After May and June saw 102 units and July jumped up to 120, August fell to 90 deliveries.

In the chassis section, Volvo was once again the leading company, following its 27 July deliveries with a further 18 in August. Scania rose and nearly stole Volvo’s crown with 16, while Mercedes-Benz (13) and Yutong (12) weren’t far behind. Bus & Coach International (BCI) fell to eight deliveries, while MAN increased its deliveries in August with six units delivered. BYD and I-Bus (4) both increased their August output by one, while King Long and Custom Denning (3) rounded out the tail with BLK Auto and Challenger (1).

When it came to bodybuilders, there was once again no beating Volgren. Although overall deliveries fell in August, Volgren didn’t suffer the same fate as it rose by one from July with 27 deliveries made in August. Volgren was far and away the best in the sector, with Yutong and Bustech Group (12) coming up behind. The latter’s number fell while Bustech Group improved on July. BCI remained prominent with nine, while Irizar recorded half of its July result of 14 deliveries with seven for August. Once again Custom Denning and I-Bus were steady with four deliveries, while King Long, Coach Concepts and Express Coaches couldn’t be split with three each. In an even finish, four body-builders delivered the final six units for August.

In the air-conditioning sector, Thermo King firmly held its spot as king of the pack. In a similar pattern to July, Thermo King

94

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

followed up July’s 36 deliveries with another 35 in August. Next best was Coachair with 16, improving rapidly from its six deliveries in July, while Cling-Yutong remained consistent with 16. Hispacold dropped from 17 units in July to 10 in August, with Valeo (7) and Songz (4) being the next best in a one-sided market. Following the newcomer for August was King Long with three deliveries and MCC (1) bringing lower numbers for the month.

After being usurped in the states battle in July, New South Wales flexed its muscles in August. NSW came third in July with 26 deliveries, but returned to the top again in August with 32, or 36 per cent, of the deliveries. Queensland remained steady, recording just the one fewer delivery in August to finish with 23, or 26 per cent, rising to second place. Next best was Victoria, which dropped from 31 July deliveries to just the 15 in August, while Western Australia fell away badly from its 43 July deliveries with just the 13 (14 per cent) in August. South Australia jumped back up from its three deliveries in July to record six in August, while Tasmania had a sole unit delivered for the month.

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

When it came to bodybuilders, there was once again no beating Volgren.

Volgren 27 Yutong 12 Bustech Group 12 BCI 9 Irizar 7 Custom Denning 4

SALES BY BODY

I-Bus 4 King Long 3

When it came to bodybuilders, there was once again no beating Volgren. Although overall deliveries fell in August, Volgren didn’t suffer the same fate as it rose by one from July with 27 deliveries made this month. Volgren was far and away the best in the sector, with Yutong and Bustech Group (12) next best, as the latter fell while Bustech Group improved on its July numbers. BCI remained prominent with nine, while Irizar recorded half of its July result of 14 deliveries with seven for August. Once again Custom Denning and I-Bus were steady with four deliveries, while King Long, Coach Concepts and Express Coaches couldn’t be split with three. In an even finish, four body-builders delivered the final six units for August.

Coach Concepts 3 Express Coaches 3 Coach Design 2 BLK 2 Marcopolo 1 Challenger 1

6% 1% TAS

36%

SA

NSW

14% WA

Percentage by

REGION

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER In the air-conditioning sector, Thermo King firmly held its spot as king of the pack. In a similar pattern to July, Thermo King followed up last month’s 36 deliveries with another 35 in August. Next best was Coachair with 16 as it improved rapidly from its six deliveries in July, while Cling-Yutong remained consistent with 16. Hispacold dropped from 17 units in July to 10 in August, with Valeo (7) and Songz (4) being the next best in a one-sided market. Following the newcomer for August was King Long with three deliveries and MCC (1) bringing lower numbers for the month.

Thermo King 36 Coachair 16 Cling-Yutong 12 Hispacold 10

17% VIC

Valeo Songz King Long MCC

26%

7 4 3 1

VOLVO 18

QLD

SCANIA 16 MERCEDES-BENZ 13 YUTONG 12 BCI 8 MAN 6 BYD 4

Sales by chassis

I-BUS 4

In the chassis section, Volvo was once again the leading company, following its 27 July deliveries with a further 18 in August. Scania rose and nearly stole Volvo’s crown with 16, while Mercedes-Benz (13) and Yutong (12) weren’t far behind. Bus & Coach International (BCI) fell to eight deliveries, while MAN increased its deliveries in August with six units delivered. BYD and I-Bus (4) both increased their August output by one, while King Long and Custom Denning (3) rounded out the tail with BLK Auto (2) and Challenger (1).

KING LONG 3 CUSTOM DENNING 3 BLK 2 CHALLENGER 1

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

95

DELIVERIES

AUGUST 2022 ENGINES

TRANS­MISS

UNITS

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION

CHASSIS

BCI

S&T Tiley Enterprises Red Bus Services Go West Tours

VIC NSW WA

1 6 1

Cruiser 10 Citirider 12 Fleetmaster

BCI BCI BCI

285 290 325

R R R

Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5

A A A

BLK

Bundaberg Coaches Imperial Pacific Coaches

QLD QLD

1 1

Senator 8 President 2

BLK BLK

210 320

R R

Euro 5 Euro 5

A A

BYD CHALLENGER

Surfside Bus Lines Northern Corridor

QLD WA

4 1

BYD D9RA Challenger V12GT

Volgren Challenger

300kW 360

R R

Zero Euro 5

A AS

VIC QLD

2 1

Custom Denning EV Denning

Custom Denning Custom Denning

340 280

R R

Zero Euro 5

Withou A

N/A N/A

SA QLD WA

1 2 1

Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR Isuzu NQR

I-Bus I-Bus I-Bus

190 190 190

F F F

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A

KING LONG

N/A N/A N/A

NSW QLD QLD

1 1 1

King Long 6911AY King Long 6911AY King Long 6120BSE

King Long King Long King Long

250 250 –

R R R

Euro 5 Euro 5 Zero

A A A

MAN

Kinetic Kinetic Neil Green Nowra Coaches Nowra Coaches

NSW NSW QLD NSW NSW

2 1 1 1 1

IC.19.320.RR8 IC.19.320.RR8 TGM.13.290.4X4.BL LE.19.330.RC2.E6D LE.19.330.RC2.E6D

Irizar Irizar Coach Design Custom Denning Volgren

320 320 290 330 330

R R R R R

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6

A A A A A

MERCEDES-BENZ

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NSW VIC VIC QLD NSW VIC TAS

1 1 1 2 6 1 1

OC500LE E6 O500RS OC500RF E6 1939 OC500LE E6 OC500RF E6 1930 O500RS OC500RF E5 1936

BusTech Coach Design BCI BusTech BusTech Irizar Volgren

300 360 388 300 360 360 360

R R R R R R R

Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A A A A A

SCANIA

Irizar Asia Pacific QLD Glasshouse Country Coaches QLD Glasshouse Country Coaches QLD Bulzomi Bros QLD Sodhi Transport QLD Hopes Bus Service NSW VIC Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines VIC DPTI - Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure SA WBL VIC L C Dyson's Bus Services VIC Forest Coach Lines NSW CDC Victoria P/L VIC

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2

K 360 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 320C B4x2LB K 320 IB4X2 K 320 UB4X2

Irizar Volgren Volgren Volgren Volgren Express Volgren Volgren BusTech Volgren Volgren Volgren Volgren

360 310 320 310 320 310 320 320 320 320 320 320 320

R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6

VOLVO

Irizar Asia Pacific QCity Transit Deanes Coaches Group Sodhi Transport Cooma Coaches Buslines Group Nova Coach Powers Bus Lines Latrobe Valley Buslines Latrobe Valley Buslines Willunga Charter Public Transport Authority WA

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

1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4

Volvo B11R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8RLE

Irizar Volgren Coach Concepts Volgren Volgren Express Marcopolo Irizar Coach Concepts Coach Concepts Volgren Volgren

450 320 350 350 350 330 330 330 350 350 330 320

R R R R R R R R R R R R

Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A A A A A A A A A A

YUTONG

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

QLD QLD NSW QLD SA NSW WA WA

1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4

Yutong D7 Yutong D7 Yutong D9 Yutong D7 Yutong D7 Yutong D9 Yutong D12 Yutong D7

Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

160 160 250 160 160 250 360 160

F F R F F R R F

Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6

A A A A A A A A

CUSTOM DENNING N/A N/A I-BUS AUSTRALIA N/A

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ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

TOTAL DELIVERIES 90

(Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

A: Automa M: Manu AS: Auto-S O: Opticru

Opticru A A A A A A A A A A A A

NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION SEATING

SEAT BELTS

WHEEL CHAIR LIFT ACCESS

AXLES

TRANS­MISSION

BODY LENGTH

Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5

A A A

Allison Allison ZF

2 2 2

10.6 12.5 12.3

Thermo King Coachair MCC

– – –

43 – 55

– 44 –

– – –

– – X

– X –

X – –

– – –

Styleride Styleride Sege

Y N Y

N N N

Euro 5 Euro 5

A A

Allison Allison

2 2

8.8 13.2

Valeo Valeo

– 61

33 –

– –

– –

X X

– –

– –

– –

Sege Sege

Y Y

N N

Zero Euro 5

A AS

BYD 2 Cummins 2

12.1 12.3

Thermo King Thermo King

– 57

– –

37 –

– –

– –

X –

– X

– –

StyleRide Fainsa

N Y

Y N

Zero Euro 5

Without A

N/A Allison

2 2

12.5 10.5

Valeo Valeo

– –

– –

43 37

– –

– –

X X

– –

– –

McConnell Custom Denning

N N

N N

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A

Isuzu Isuzu Isuzu

2 2 2

8 8 8

Songz Songz Songz

32 32 32

– – –

– – –

– – –

– – –

– – –

X X X

– – –

APM APM APM

Y Y Y

N N N

Euro 5 Euro 5 Zero

A A A

ZF ZF ZF

2 2 2

9 9 12.44

King Long King Long King Long

40 40 50

– – –

– – –

– – –

X X –

– – –

– – X

– – –

King Long King Long King Long

Y Y Y

N N N

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6

A A A A A

ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF

2 2 2 2 2

10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9

Hispacold Hispacold N/A Thermoking Coachair

52 57 N/A – –

– – – – –

– – – 53 44

– – N/A – –

– – – – –

– – – X X

X X – – –

– – – – –

Sege Sege N/A Custom McConnell

Y Y N/A N N

Y Y N Y Y

Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A A A A A

ZF ZF EcoLife GO 250-8 ZF ZF ZF EcoLife ZF EcoLife

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

12.5 12.3 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.3 12.3

Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Hispacold Thermo King

50 57 – 46 55 57 53

– – 53 – – – –

– – – – – – –

– – – – – – –

– – – – – X –

– – X X – – –

X X – – X – X

– – – – – – –

McConnell McConnell Sege McConnell Styleride Sege McConnell

N Y N N Y Y Y

N N N N N Y N

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6

Opticruise A A A A A A A A A A A A

Scania ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

12.5 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12

Hispacold Coachair Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Hispacold Coachair Thermo King Coachair Coachair

57 57 57 57 57 57 – – 43 – – 57 –

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

– – – – – – 44 44 – 47 41 – 41

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

– – – – – – X X X X X – X

X X X X X X – – – – – X –

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

McConnell McConnell McConnell Styleride Styleride McConnell McConnell McConnell Precision Bus Styleride McConnell McConnell McConnell

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

N N N N N N N N N N N N N

Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5

A A A A A A A A A A A A

Volvo iShift ZF Volvo ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF

3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

14.3 12.5 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.5 12.5 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9

Hispacold Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Hispacold Valeo Valeo Thermo King Thermo King

– 53 – 57 57 – – 57 57 57 75 –

57 – 53 – – – 53 – – – – –

– – – – – 50 – – – – – 41

X – – – – – – – – – – –

– – X – – – X X X X X –

– – – – – X – – – – – X

– X – X X – – X X X X –

– – – – – – – – – – – –

StyleRide McConnell Sege McConnell Styleride Styleride Marcopolo Styleride Styleride Styleride Styleride McConnell

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

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

Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6

A A A A A A A A

Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

8 8 10 8 8 10 12.4 8

Clint-Yutong Clint-Yutong Clint-Yutong Clint-Yutong Clint-Yutong Clint-Yutong Clint-Yutong Clint-Yutong

28 28 39 28 28 39 57 28

– – – – – – – –

– – – – – – – –

– – – – – – – –

– – X – X X X –

– – – – – – – –

X X – X – – – X

– – – – – – – –

Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N

missions andard

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

TRANS MAKE

(metres)

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

On Demand

busnews.com.au September 2022 ABC

97

NEWS

THE BACK SEAT

Reading between the stripes An English operator has taken matters into its own hands when it comes to climate change, unveiling a striking livery of global warming’s local impact on the county of Berkshire.

S

ustainability seems to be on the lips of many in the bus and coach industry lately. But why say it when you can show it?

That’s what Reading Buses is doing. The English operator is pushing for a more carbon neutral industry in its own unique way by covering one of its bio-methane powered single deck buses with a unique livery.

The bus has been transformed into a climate stripes bus as a way of showing the change in temperature in the county of Berkshire since 1863. Following months of consultation with University of Reading Professor and world-leading climate scientist Ed Hawkins, who came up with the warming stripes idea, Reading Buses decided to raise awareness of climate change through its own fleet.

“The idea to put the climate stripes on one of our buses came from the fact that the stripes had been developed locally and used in so many international settings, but weren’t seen very often in the wider community,” Reading Buses CEO Robert Williams told ABC. “The warming stripes are a means of visually communicating

98

rising temperatures and the threat of global warming for all of our futures and have already been displayed nationally and internationally.”

The Reading Buses CEO is aware of the contribution private transport makes to carbon emissions. He says he is keen to promote sustainable practices using his environmentally friendly buses.

“Each stripe or bar represents the temperature averaged over a year, with blue being colder and red being warmer,” Williams says.

“It shows the change in temperature we’ve seen in

ABC September 2022 busnews.com.au

Above: The coloured lines on the livery represent Berkshire’s warming since 1863 Below: Reading Buses worked with the University of Reading to accurately depict the warming data

Berkshire over the past century.”

Williams says the livery is the next step in Reading Buses advocating for a sustainable transport industry. The operator has already made investments in clean vehicle technology, with more than a third of its fleet running on bio-methane since 2013.

The Reading Buses CEO says he hopes the bus livery will highlight the environmental benefits of travelling by bus for members of Berkshire county.

Along with other initiatives, such as sourcing a new recyclable vinyl to keep the carbon impact of the warming stripes livery as low as possible, Williams says Reading Buses is intent on spreading a sustainable message to the industry.

“We are delighted to partner with the University of Reading to help highlight climate change,” Williams says.

“By covering a bus powered by bio-methane gas with the climate stripes, we are able to offer an extremely low carbon reminder of the climate emergency.

“It’s also a reminder to people that using public transport is one of the easiest ways that they can help to cut emissions.”

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ZERO EMISSION IS NOT A DREAM. IT IS A CHOICE. The goal of Ebusco is to contribute to a better living environment by enabling reliable, sustainable, emission-free and affordable public transport.

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Our electric buses contribute to a sustainable solution for public transport and so ensure clean and quiet cities. For many people the transition from diesel to electric is by no means obvious or easy. We can imagine that you have many questions. By offering customers a comprehensive ecosystem, Ebusco makes the transition from diesel to zero-emission electric as simple as possible.

Ebusco provides advice and support with layout and preparation of depots, charging solutions and sustainable energy. Together we look for the ideal comprehensive solution for all stakeholders.

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