Australasian Bus & Coach 431 July 2023

ABC

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IGNITION

SEAN MORTELL – EDITOR

Investigating infrastructure While the bus and coach industry continues to welcome everything to do with zero-emissions vehicles, the infrastructure required to make the change has become even more important

U

pon looking at the majority of great historical moments throughout a variety of industries, there’s one factor that is ever-present.

Change.

Whether it be the printing press or the invention of the internet, all landmark events have been precipitated by the uncomfortable notion of altering ideas, beliefs or approaches. The Australian bus and coach industry’s current transition towards zero-emissions vehicles is no different – who would’ve thought 20 years ago manufacturers would be concerned with how to best transition fleets to battery electric buses or hydrogen fuel-cell coaches?

Yet now the change is here and the bus and coach sector is in the midst of the biggest movement in its Australian history.

While vehicle technology continues to evolve, there’s one part of the zero-emissions transition that will be crucial to our country successfully switching power sources in the coming years – infrastructure.

This edition of ABC delves into the current state of play in the zero-emissions infrastructure space. One thing that’s been made clear is that it’s a wide open field consisting of charger OEMs, technology solutions providers and trusted partners who can help guide depots into the new age of vehicle technology.

Leading the way in this space is the company that graces our cover for July.

Lion Energy has redefined its approach to new age fuels in recent years, evolving from its oil and gas roots to make a bold bid on hydrogen generation.

We were lucky to speak to Lion on page 18 to discuss its plans to open its first hydrogen hub at the Port of Brisbane and roll out a revolutionary distribution system that will enable Brisbane’s hydrogen bus and coach fleets to flourish. It’s a fascinating concept that up until only a few years ago seemed more akin to sci-fi movies.

Before this exciting future takes hold,

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ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

we thought it was best to investigate the current state of zero-emissions infrastructure in Australia. Our feature, starting on page 23, looks into the myriad of reasons why the zero-emissions transition is lagging behind.

One of the many players doing its bit to try and make zero-emissions infrastructure easier to access and maintain is JET Charge. From page 27, we spoke with the growing start-up about how it has refined its focus to best exert its increasing knowledge on the local bus and coach market.

While companies like JET Charge continue to hone their expertise, manufacturers like Nexport are expanding their offerings by opening new divisions such as GoZero that will give operators a dedicated partner to guide them through the transition to cleaner power, as seen on page 35. ARCC is another manufacturer

heightening its zero-emissions focus, with the brand now releasing its electric bus model this month on page 38 to supplement its hydrogen vehicle.

ABC July also welcomes Webfleet on page 31, who shared its insights into another transition – this one from the 3G network to 4G – and what operators need to consider before this starts to take effect.

In terms of other industry news, VDI Australia gave us the lowdown on its recent trip to the amazing Yutong factory in Zhengzhou, China, while StyleRide has welcomed a new appointment that is already embracing the community-minded ethos of the local seating manufacturer.

If you take one thing away from this edition of ABC, we hope you understand the hard work being done in the zero-emissions infrastructure space to make electric and hydrogen bus dreams a feasible reality.

“ABC July also welcomes Webfleet on page 31, who shared its insights into another transition – this one from the 3G network to 4G – and what operators need to consider before this starts to take effect.”

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contents ISSUE 431 JULY 2023

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT: Facebook – facebook.com/ABCBusnews YouTube – bit.ly/busandcoachtv Twitter – twitter.com/ABCmag

40

While the bus and coach industry continues to welcome everything to do with zero-emissions vehicles, the infrastructure required to make the change has become even more important

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

17. column | bic BUSY BIC The middle months of the year have been very busy for the Bus Industry Confederation as they continue working on numerous important projects

features

18. cover story | lion energy LEADING THE CHARGE Two years ago, Lion Energy decided to investigate the unknown of green hydrogen generation in Australia.

Its first hydrogen hub at the Port of Brisbane will be rich reward for a visionary leap of faith into the zeroemissions space

23. feature | zero emissions infrastructure LAGGING BEHIND The transition to zero-emissions buses and coaches is all the rage in the local industry, but the process is gradual. ABC looks into the challenges behind implementing zero-emissions infrastructure for the nation’s operators

27. infrastructure feature | jet charge ELECTRIC EXPERIENCE

35. infrastructure feature | nexport NEW PARTNER

Electric bus and coach brand Nexport has expanded its horizons, announcing a new division that will specialise in helping bus and coach operators along their zeroemissions transition journey

40. feature | yutong VISIONARY VISIT

In early June, a group of VDI Australia leaders hosted a delegation of local operators on a trip to Zhengzhou to view exciting electric bus technology courtesy of Yutong

42. feature | styleride FRIENDLY FACES

StyleRide Australia’s latest appointment to its leadership team shows its intent to welcome new ideas and faces to grow within the local industry

45. column | busnsw SUPPORTING HEALTHY MINDS

ADVERTISING Trader Group Sales Manager: Asanka Gurusinha ph: 0423 312 298 e-mail: Asanka.Gurusinha@primecreative.com.au Business Development Manager – Bus: Matt Alexander ph: 0413 599 669 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 mail: 379 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 Australia Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $99* NZ: $A109 Overseas: $A170 (Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST

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

BusNSW’s launch of Signal for Help is helping support the mental health of all NSW bus and coach industry members

47. competition | best bus WINTER WONDER

The winner of ABC’s Best Bus competition for July sums up the current cold snap many in Australia are currently rugging up for

departments

50. bus marketplace | classifieds 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

53. events INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR 2023

Be sure not to miss out on an opportunity for these fantastic in person events

54. factory facts | bus deliveries MONTHLY RESULTS

31. feature | webfleet PREPARING FOR CHANGE

58. back seat | news BRINGING BACK THE BEDFORD

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

Trader Transport Managing Editor: Geoff Crockett e-mail: geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au

Brougham Press

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

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

PRINTING

In the past six months, JET Charge has taken its electric charging training to the next level with a range of new installations coming online around Australia

As one of the leading telematics providers in the world, Webfleet is ready to help Australian operators through an unexpected change that is fast approaching

e-mail: Christine.Clancy@primecreative.com.au

Art Director: Bea Barthelson

ARCC’s unique hydrogen fuel-cell bus design is already thriving on Australian roads. Now, the Australian manufacturer is introducing a battery electric model to complete its zero-emissions set

4. editorial | investigating infrastructure

COO: Christine Clancy ph: (03) 9690 8766

PRODUCTION

38. feature | arcc OPENING OPTIONS

In the know

EDITORIAL

It took decades, but a vital part of Queensland bus industry history has been returned to the McCafferty family

379 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.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.

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NEWS

METRO TASMANIA AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR TWO ZEROEMISSIONS BUS TRIALS In major news for the Tasmanian bus industry, Metro Tasmania has announced contracts for an electric and a hydrogen fuel-cell bus trial in the state.

Tasmanian bus and coach operator Metro Tasmania has revealed who has been awarded contracts for two separate zero-emissions bus trials in the state.

Metro Tasmania has appointed three firms to supply vehicles and equipment for operational trials of two separate zero-emissions bus technologies in

Tasmania in a landmark moment Following an extensive request for expressions of interest and a subsequent request-for-tender process run late last year, two vehicle companies and an infrastructure business have been awarded the contracts.

Custom Bus Group has won a contract to supply and maintain three battery electric city buses and associated battery chargers in Launceston, while Foton Mobility will supply and maintain three hydrogen

fuel-cell electric buses in Hobart.

Furthermore, H2H Energy will supply and maintain a hydrogen refuelling station that is set to be installed at Metro’s Mornington satellite yard in Hobart.

In Hobart, three FCEBs will operate on a wide range of Metro routes for three years, expected to commence in mid-2024.

The BEBs will operate Metro services across the Launceston network for two years starting in the last quarter of 2023.

Metro CEO Katie Cooper says the trials will provide the company with critical operational experience and information to inform the potential longer-term transition of Metro’s fleet to zero-emissions buses.

“We will be able to test which technology is better suited to the range of conditions we experience across our networks,” she says.

In the electric trial, the batteries will be charged by mains power via special chargers which will be installed in Metro’s Launceston depot.

The Tasmanian state government allocated $6 million for Metro to conduct the BEB trial.

It has also approved $11.3 million sourced from the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program to progress a FCEB trial in Tasmania.

ROAD SAFETY EXPERT CALLS FOR REFORMS FOLLOWING BUS CRASH A road safety expert has listed four reforms to help make the bus and coach industry safer following a recent bus crash.

Following the recent Hunter Valley bus crash that tragically claimed the lives of 10 passengers, an Australian road safety expert has listed four key reforms that must be made to make heavy vehicle public transport safer.

Professor Raphael Grzebieta is a professor emeritus of road safety at the University of NSW and at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Upon talking to the Sydney Morning Herald after being recognised with a Member of the Order (AM) on the King’s birthday, he called for four ways to save lives on Australian buses and coaches.

The first point was to make seatbelts mandatory on buses in NSW, after NSW

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ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

premier Chris Minns said that the driver was responsible for ensuring passengers wore seatbelts, yet it wasn’t compulsory to wear them.

While Australian Design Rules (ADRs) require coaches to be fitted with seatbelts, route buses aren’t required to have seatbelts installed.

Grzebieta says seatbelts should be made mandatory to wear on all buses.

He also says unnecessary delays in introducing emergency braking and

stability control must be fixed.

“Had there been electronic stability control, this may have been avoided,” Grzebieta told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The current government regulations mean electronic stability control and mandatory braking must be fitted into new models from November 1 this year and in older vehicles from November 1, 2024.

Grzebieta also wants to see ejection control and rollover crash standards after lobbying for years to adopt the US ejection mitigation rules for buses, cars and trucks.

Finally, he also wants black box recorders onboard to be made available to police to help decipher what goes wrong in tragic incidents.

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7/7/2023 9:35 am

NEWS

BUSWAYS EXPANDS SYDNEY ELECTRIC BUS FLEET NSW operator Busways is building on its electric bus infrastructure with the addition of more Yutong electric buses in Sydney last month.

Australian bus operator Busways has expanded its Sydney electric bus fleet to 18 zero emissions buses, allowing it to now operate the second largest electric bus fleet in NSW. Busways purchased the first 12 NSW-made Custom Denning Element electric buses in 2021 and invested heavily in charging infrastructure at its Penrith depot over two years, with the new deliveries coming via Yutong and VDI Australia.

Busways managing director Byron Rowe says adding six new Yutong E12 electric buses to the Busways fleet in Penrith continues the journey to decrease carbon emissions.

“These new zero-emissions buses (ZEBs) are part of our plan to increase sustainable outcomes for local communities and contribute to NSW’s objectives of cutting emissions by 70 per cent by 2035,” Rowe says.

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ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

“One electric bus saves up to 34 tonnes of Co2 emissions per annum locally – with 18 buses, each year we are preventing 620 tonnes of Co2 from entering the local atmosphere in Western Sydney compared to a diesel bus.”

The news follows Busways’ recent trials of various electric bus makes, including Volvo, Express Coach Builders, Nexport, BYD and Yutong.

Busways chief operating officer Chris Wolf says Busways will continue to work closely with a range of manufacturers as electric vehicles are constantly evolving.

“We’ve always taken a partnership approach with manufacturers, providing advice and feedback from our employees and customers and working with manufacturers to improve aspects like drivability, dashboards, security and accessibility,” Wolf says.

“The Yutong’s have the ability to recharge in around three hours – we will closely monitor the charging and range of these vehicles in Western

Top: Busways has added more Yutong E12s to its Penrith fleet Above: More than 80 drivers have already been trained to operate the new energy vehicles

Sydney conditions.

“Efficient ZEB fleets are all about charging management.

The scalable charging infrastructure we installed over the past two years at Penrith is the key to being able to add these buses and future new electric buses.”

Busways has already trained more than 80 drivers and seven mechanics on the new vehicles with more drivers undergoing training.

Busways says four of the Yutong electric buses started service last month with the rest to be running soon.

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www.styleride.com.au ABC 431.indd 11

11/7/2023 9:10 am

NEWS

THE WOT!?!

FUNNY BUS A ROARING HIT

BUS INDUSTRY TASKFORCE TO EXPAND TO SAFETY AND SEATBELT INVESTIGATION In a response to recent events, the NSW government has urgently instructed the recently formed NSW Bus Industry Taskforce to examine the adequacy of bus and coach safety regulation in NSW. Following the tragic bus incident in the Hunter Valley, the Taskforce will now also look at a number of current concerns around safety management, seat belt use and regulatory arrangements.

Specifically, the Taskforce will examine the following: • T he adequacy of retrofitting seat belts on school buses in regional NSW over the past 10 years.

• C onsideration of expanding seat belts on buses to other areas of the state and enforcement of seatbelt laws.

• W hether any changes should be recommended to the Australian Design Rules for buses and coaches.

• B us and coach operator safety management systems, including driver training and fatigue management.

The Taskforce will also review Transport for NSW’s oversight of operators and their ability to actively manage, monitor and implement safety management systems, as well as engaging the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to review if any gaps in risk management of bus safety exits between the two agencies and bus and coach operators.

Transport for NSW is working with NSW Police and will seek their recommendations on the implementation of any necessary measures to ensure the safety of the travelling public.

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ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen has also appointed Darren Lane as a member of the Taskforce to provide independent safety advice on bus operations in NSW. “When tragic events like this happen, we need to look at what we can do to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” Haylen says.

“Passengers get onto buses and coaches expecting to be kept safe and the taskforce will look at what needs to be done to improve passenger safety across the industry.”

Haylen says Lane has more than 20 years of experience assisting major Australian organisations in government and the private sector improve safety systems, including the former State Transit Authority.

The Taskforce will deliver any early findings on increasing bus and coach passenger safety by July 31, 2023.

The Taskforce has already identified actions to help to help address the bus driver shortage and get more services running, including making it quicker, easier and cheaper for drivers to get their bus driver authority.

“We know seat belts save lives but if there needs to be more enforcement around this issue put in place so something like this doesn’t happen again, we will do it,” Haylen says.

“I thank Darren Lane for joining the Taskforce and bringing with him decades of experience in the implementation of safety systems. His expertise will be crucial in reviewing what is already in place and what we can do better.”

What’s the funniest encounter you’ve ever had on a bus? It would have to be pretty knee-slapping to beat what is currently being dished up in Cleveland. The city’s Funny Bus Comedy City Tour is gaining rave reviews, as one of three comedians are put onto a bus of eager passengers enjoying BYO drinks to narrate the tour of Cleveland. Throughout the 90-minute journey, passengers are treated to a mix of comedy and history on the 34-seat open-air bus.

ONE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY When 47-year-old Andrew Cowell took off from Derby, England, he was looking to replicate his well-known bus and coach trips through Britain on the two-pound bus fare cap scheme. He got much further this time as Cowell managed to take seven buses and two international coaches to reach the Polish city of Krakow in just over two days. The journey, covering more than 1,800 kilometres, was Cowell’s first international coach trip, and it sure seems like it was a memorable one.

SCHOOL BUS DATES? In the American town of North Idaho, a cool school bus is being put to different uses, as the setting of many high school romances has been turned into an adult date night host.

The small school bus in the USA has been transformed into a cool date night vehicle, with Jayson Frank buying the old model and adding horns, lights and a loud stereo to make it a neighbourhood attraction.

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7/7/2023 9:35 am

NEWS

KINETIC ACQUIRES DINGO BUS TO EXPAND INTO WA Kinetic is extending its WA influence with its latest acquisition of the Perth bus company Dingo Bus Charter.

Australasian operator Kinetic has signalled its next stage of growth in Western Australia after reaching a sale agreement to acquire Perth bus company Dingo Bus Charter (Dingo) based in the city’s north-east.

Kinetic Executive General Manager Western Australia, Sarah Ismail, was on site at the company’s Midvale depot in June to meet the Dingo team.

Dingo has developed a strong reputation over 15 years providing school bus services across Perth under long-term contracts with the Western Australian government and privately.

The company holds three contracts with the Public Transport Authority to operate school transport and also provides private charter bus services to other clients in the schools, tourism and corporate markets.

The announcement continues Kinetic’s expansion in Western Australia after welcoming the arrival of a brand-new fleet of premium quality coaches at its High Wycombe depot in November last year.

At the completion of the acquisition Kinetic will welcome Dingo’s fleet of 12 buses and 13 team members to its growing family as the company continues its investment in Western Australia.

Kinetic is one of Australasia’s largest providers of government-contracted public and school bus services, with operations in Melbourne, across Queensland and Tasmania and across New Zealand. Kinetic also operates bus contracts in the UK,

Europe and Singapore through a joint venture.

Through its global and local experience, Kinetic says it is supporting public transport authorities with the decarbonisation of transport networks globally. The company is steering towards a fleet of 1,000 battery electric buses (BEB) by the end of this year, with 300 in Australasia.

Ismail welcomed the Dingo team and says Western Australia has been an attractive market for Kinetic.

“We are excited by the team at Dingo and congratulate them on building a business with a strong reputation backed by experience and quality assets,” she says.

“This signals our first government-contracted work in Western Australia and we are committed to building on the relationships created through Dingo to grow our existing charter operations and identify opportunities in other markets.

“From contracted bus services to specialist charter services supporting the resources sector, we’re passionate about our role connecting communities and getting people to where they want to go safely.”

Dingo Bus Charter Directors Carl Gray and Ray Shortt say the team will continue to deliver excellent customer service with the support of Kinetic.

“It’s exciting for the team to be joining a company which shares our community values and which demonstrates through ongoing investment and continuous improvement a clear customer-first approach,” Shortt says.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the years with this team through our commitment to supporting local schools and supporting all of our other clients. This is the start of the next chapter for Dingo.”

The sale is expected to complete by the end of July.

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busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

15

BIC National Conference 2023 29 October – 1 November 2023 Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia

Registrations NOW OPEN

Registrations close midnight, 29 September 2023

Partnership opportunities now available

For more information EVENTS@BIC.ASN.AU 02 6247 5990 MOVINGPEOPLE.COM.AU/CONFERENCE

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BUS & COACH SHOW 2024 17–18 September 2024 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

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E: events@bic.asn.au P: 02 6247 5990 Level 2, 14–16 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600

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BIC

Busy BIC The middle months of the year have been very busy for the Bus Industry Confederation as they continue working on numerous important projects

A

s time seems to accelerate and we pass the midpoint of the year, we are thrilled to share with you some of the major activities of the Bus Industry Confederation over the past 12 months and the benefits of being a member of the BIC. The industry’s continuous support and active participation in our activities has enabled us to accomplish significant milestones in advocacy, technical advice, industry support and engagement activities. Here are some of the highlights from our recent endeavours: 1. S uppliers in Crisis Campaign: The BIC took the lead in spearheading the Suppliers in Crisis Campaign, an essential initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by suppliers in the industry. Hyperinflation, supply chain disruptions, contractual complexities and skill shortages have posed serious threats to our suppliers. Through active engagement with governments across Australia, we have been advocating for much-needed support to resolve this critical issue facing the industry.

“The industry’s continuous support and active participation in our activities has enabled us to accomplish significant milestones in advocacy, technical advice, industry support and engagement activities.”

2. R ecruitment and Retention Project: In collaboration with APTIA, we initiated a groundbreaking project to enhance the image of public transport and promote bus driving as a rewarding career pathway. This strategic project will be driven by dedicated consultants funded by a special voluntary levy set by the APTIA Council. Our goal is to attract skilled and passionate individuals to join our industry and ensure its sustained growth.

3. Transition to Low and Zero Emission Buses and Coaches: As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we have developed the first in a series of advisories to facilitate the transition

to low and zero-emission buses and coaches.

The initial advisory focusing on Standards and Specifications is set to be released in July.

We are also diligently working on additional advisories that will cover safe operations and maintenance, as well as depots and infrastructure. These guidelines will be crucial in supporting our collective efforts to embrace eco-friendly technologies.

Apart from celebrating these achievements, we want to emphasise the benefits that BIC membership provides: • Networking Opportunities: By being a part of the BIC, you gain access to a wide network of industry professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

• Policy Influence: Your membership allows you to directly influence the BIC policy agenda and the direction we pursue as an industry.

We actively engage with federal and state governments to identify opportunities for regulatory improvements that benefit the bus and coach industry and the communities that we serve.

• Recognition and Promotion: As a BIC member, your organisation receives widespread corporate recognition within the industry. Your company will be promoted on the BIC website and various print materials, increasing your visibility and reputation.

• E xclusive Events: Our National Conference and various other events offer unparalleled opportunities for members to connect with key decision-makers, stay up-to-date with industry trends and showcase your products and services through exclusive sponsorship opportunities.

• Access to Resources: BIC produces and publishes a wide range of industry guidelines and advisories, providing valuable how-to guides on workplace practices and compliance with heavy vehicle laws and industry standards.

We are committed to continuing our journey of progress and innovation in the bus and coach industry. Your membership support plays an integral role in driving positive change and ensuring a sustainable future for our sector.

Thank you for being a part of the Bus Industry Confederation. Together, we will shape the future of public transport and contribute to a greener, more connected world.

Experience the power of BIC membership.

Join us today! busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

17

COVER STORY

LION ENERGY

LEADING THE CHARGE Two years ago, Lion Energy decided to investigate the unknown of green hydrogen generation in Australia. Its first hydrogen hub at the Port of Brisbane will be rich reward for a visionary leap of faith into the zero-emissions space WORDS SEAN MORTELL IMAGES LION ENERGY

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hroughout its history as an oil and gas company, Lion Energy has not been averse to taking calculated risks. Its DNA has been to make investments without necessarily having the oil or gas market there ready to enter.

Whether it be engineering science, geoscience or geophysics, Lion Energy hasn’t been afraid of taking steps and trusting its nous to move forward. Yet what it’s currently doing in the green hydrogen space for Australian bus and coach operators is a whole new leap.

“We’ve been in the production of crude oil (indirectly, fuel for transport) for about 15 years and it’s not an area that intimidates us,” Lion Energy executive chairman Tom Soulsby told ABC. “Not everyone has the experience to do what we’re doing, but we’re comfortable that we’ll be able to pull this off without incident.”

What Soulsby is talking about is Lion Energy’s latest foray into green hydrogen in Australia.

Two years ago, the oil and gas company decided to look into hydrogen, and it concluded that the hydrogen refuelling market and its take-up for regulated transport vehicles in Australia was an area of opportunity. It saw a chance in a sector beginning to accelerate at a dynamic rate in other countries, piquing the interest of Lion Energy leaders like Soulsby.

The Lion Energy executive chairman, together with executive director Damien Servant, looked at the potential for green hydrogen production in Australia. Their mountain of work paid dividends when they identified a primary target industry 18

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

for their new fuel – the Queensland bus and coach sector.

Lion Energy director Russell Brimage says there was one particular reason why the Queensland bus industry stood out as the perfect avenue for Lion Energy to begin its hydrogen journey.

“Queensland became a target because the industry is committed to converting its internal combustion engine buses to zero emissions,” Brimage told ABC. “That technology is being phased out starting 2025, so we identified early that we could play a role in helping with this transition by providing a new option.”

The keen eyes of Soulsby and Servant had found the opening Lion Energy was after – now they just had to find the physical site to begin realising Lion Energy’s hydrogen dreams.

A plethora of meetings with local authorities in the greater Brisbane area found a space that would be best placed to

serve green hydrogen to Queensland bus operators – the Port of Brisbane.

Better known for its container, shipping and freight focus, the port also shone like a beacon for Lion Energy’s plans for a hydrogen refuelling station.

“The Port of Brisbane quickly presented itself as the best place for our site location,” Brimage says.

“There’s lots of bus activity in the area that is nearby and it also is close to the heavy truck industry that we want to target down the line.”

Lion Energy quickly got to work to plan its maiden hydrogen production site. Once completed, the site will be the centre of a hub and spoke operation designed to make the distribution of green hydrogen to local operators of hydrogen fuel-cell buses much easier.

The hub and spoke design starts with the Port of Brisbane site, which will be the place for Lion to initiate the delivery of green hydrogen for the city’s bus fleets.

Once operators come onboard with Lion Energy, their depots will be supplied with all the hydrogen they require to keep their vehicles refuelled, each depot becoming one of many potential spokes for Lion Energy to deliver hydrogen to.

Brimage says this design will revolutionise the transition to hydrogen fuel-cell buses for Brisbane operators, who will not have to factor in space to produce green hydrogen in their depots.

Instead, they will have Lion Energy as the hydrogen-providing partner to deliver hydrogen to them that they can then store and use to fuel buses.

“The bus depots around Brisbane are scattered throughout the area and they can’t afford to have a production facility at each of those,” Brimage says.

“We want to have the multiple production hubs in Brisbane and then distribute the green hydrogen to the areas that show demand, starting with bus depots. We then plan to repeat this in other capital cities in future.

“The concept is a great idea. Our goal is to then have other hubs that feed surrounding areas to minimise the number of production stations and support the local bus and coach operators.”

This idea was first conceived during Soulsby and Servant’s fact-finding missions, where they attended conferences and government authority meetings to keep pushing the boundaries of the sustainable production of hydrogen for heavy vehicles. They also visited successful operations in Europe.

Brimage says Lion Energy is being proactive in its approach and the construction of the Port of Brisbane site is on track to produce

something that will be unique in the Australian bus market.

“We’ve had to be the pro-active party in this green hydrogen space,” he says.

“For Australia, we’re certainly an early mover and we’re still learning about how our strategy will work, but the acceleration is dynamic now.”

When the Port of Brisbane hub is ready to begin producing and distributing green hydrogen, it’ll give local operators an alternative zero-emissions power source to alleviate infrastructure issues.

Soulsby says the current state of play with battery electric bus charging infrastructure makes it difficult for operators to electrify their transport fleets due to the lack of available electricity. However, while many companies want to completely electrify their lives, including their depots and buses, the appetite for electricity from the transport industry would be twice the size of the demand coming from household energy.

He says it’s taken 100 years to put together a grid of its current size, yet

Above: The Lion Energy site will use a hub and spoke model to deliver hydrogen to operators Opposite, Bottom: Lion’s goal is to then have hydrogen refuellers available on nearby Brisbane bus depots

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

19

COVER STORY

LION ENERGY

it needs to be three times as large again to accommodate for the electrification shift as well as household demand.

“None of this is going to happen overnight,” Soulsby says. “In some places, battery electric vehicles will be easier, but for a lot of places hydrogen is a more suitable alternative. Operators like it because of its similarities to diesel.”

Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, when done in the way Lion Energy is proposing with a hub and spoke model, can have countless benefits. As Soulsby says, its ability to offer a much quicker refuelling time than battery electric chargers makes it more akin to the diesel refilling experience for bus and coach operators.

With the green hydrogen also being generated at the Lion Energy hubs before being transported to depots as spokes, it allows operators to save plenty of space that might have been required for charging infrastructure and better use it to house more vehicles.

Compared to a raft of electric chargers, Lion Energy’s model means operators only need to house hydrogen dispensers and storage infrastructure, similar to their current diesel refuelling setup.

Soulsby says that all these infrastructure benefits are also overshadowed by hydrogen’s predominant plus – it removes the burden to recharge buses off the

the Australian heavy vehicle transport sector as well.

Lion Energy’s Port of Brisbane hub is one of two advanced projects currently being built in Australia for hydrogen refuelling, with the second about to begin construction at Viva Energy’s site in Geelong, Victoria.

Once complete, Lion’s Port of Brisbane space will enable around 40 buses per day to enjoy hydrogen refuelling, with Brisbane buses being the starting point for a national expansion towards the clean power source.

Although Lion Energy’s project looks set to be the first one to officially open, the company has still experienced its fair share of challenges along the way.

Soulsby says the main issue has been getting access to electrons to produce the hydrogen at the depot.

This is where Lion’s global expertise has come to the fore.

“One of our strengths is we can shop around for access to grid capacity at the Port of Brisbane,” he says.

“That can take care of accessing the electrons so then we can produce the hydrogen and deliver it accordingly. The opportunities for hydrogen are aplenty if we can position the production of it near the electrons.”

Lion Energy’s way of overcoming this issue in the future is to follow in the Port of Brisbane site’s footsteps with the hub and spoke model. From

We want to be a leading independent producer and distributor of hydrogen, that’s our goal. It’s as simple as that. power grid at the depot location and provides a bus range that surpasses the battery electric vehicle range, meaning that fleet management is much more similar to the diesel bus experience for operators and depot impact is minimal.

It’s these important factors that makes Soulsby and the team at Lion Energy confident that hydrogen fuel-cell refuelling infrastructure technology is the way to go for not just the local bus industry, but for 20

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

there, accessing the right electrons to produce green hydrogen becomes easier and more efficient.

Although it’s made breakthroughs in the Australian hydrogen production space, Lion Energy refuses to get ahead of itself.

The process of expansion will be simple. Once the Port of Brisbane hub is up and running, spokes can then be constructed after verification of demand. If an operator commits to purchasing a fleet of hydrogen

Above: The latest renders of the hydrogen refuelling station have been revealed for the Port of Brisbane site

fuel-cell buses, Lion Energy could then move to put in storage and refuelling dispensers on their depots. This would only require around 370 sqm per 40 buses being refuelled a day, limiting the infrastructure footprint.

With two tube trailers coming from a hub nearby, Lion Energy will then replace the hydrogen tanks and circulate them around the system to keep all vehicles refuelled. This system has its own rhythm that Soulsby says alleviates any major safety fears.

“There’s no technology risks in what we’re going to do, everything is already well proven in overseas markets such as the US and China,” Soulsby says.

“We’re going through our safety inspections of our development plans in minute detail for what our plans are for certain instances. They’re well thought-out and meet very high standards.”

From Brimage’s perspective, this hydrogen system has many benefits over battery electric bus infrastructure. He says electric batteries take a substantially longer time to charge and the electric recharging units typically require significant investments and larger amounts of depot space.

“Hydrogen is more like refuelling for diesel vehicles and can be done in between 10-16 minutes,” Brimage says.

“The infrastructure required isn’t anything like what it is for electric charging.

Batteries also consume a lot more material in their construction and disposal, whereas

hydrogen is made, processed and used without generating greenhouse gases.”

Brimage is confident Lion Energy’s hydrogen production process can work without emitting any greenhouse gases as it creates green hydrogen to revolutionise the Australian transport industry.

Lion’s investment is with the belief that hydrogen is the right way to go in the future as it’s a clean fuel that’s easy to produce once the infrastructure is established.

It may have been a fast ride for Lion Energy since it decided to turn its attention to green hydrogen, but it is clear the team is not ready yet to stop and smell the roses.

Both Soulsby and Brimage say they won’t veer down the way of a proposed hydrogen highway along the east coast of Australia, instead choosing to provide more

hubs and spokes supporting back to base businesses as they see fit.

With the Port of Brisbane site expected to start commercial operations next year, expect Lion Energy to be making a name for itself in more and more areas around Australia, servicing bus and potentially coach operators with a technology that is quickly advancing.

“The acceleration is breathtaking, and the bus industry will be the first to benefit from this change,” Soulsby says.

“This Port of Brisbane site will only be our first hub. Once we develop at scale and the demand grows, we’re already looking at other locations in mind in Queensland.

New South Wales and Victoria.

“We want to be a leading independent producer and distributor of hydrogen, that’s our goal. It’s as simple as that.” busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

21

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7/7/2023 2:39 pm

ZERO-EMISSIONS INFRASTRUCTURE

FEATURE

LAGGING BEHIND The transition to zero-emissions buses and coaches is all the rage in the local industry, but the process is gradual. ABC looks into the challenges behind implementing zero-emissions infrastructure for the nation’s operators

IMAGES WARRNAMBOOL BUS/ BUSVIC

Above: Warrnambool Bus is one of many operators considering the zeroemissions transition

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s we speak, the Australian bus and coach industry is in a period of great change.

While many factors are involved in this evolution, nothing compares to the current focus on the zero-emissions transition for bus and coach operators all over the country.

Goals to completely decarbonise bus and coach fleets once hovered on the horizon, yet now they loom closer than ever, with the start of some state transitions beginning this year.

So why is the switch to zero-emissions bus and coach technology lagging behind expected targets and the efforts of other nations?

As the managing director of major Victorian operator Warrnambool Bus and the chair of the Bus Industry Confederation’s (BIC) Zero Emission Bus Committee, Stephen Lucas is one of many currently trying to put together the complex puzzle of transitioning to a more sustainable vehicle fleet.

He says the numerous challenges facing the infrastructure behind this technology is causing the transition to be slower than many had hoped.

“There’s currently a lot of complications involved in introducing infrastructure for running zero-emissions buses and coaches,” Lucas told ABC. “My current message to operators is to not

enter into this space thinking it’s going to be easy to do.

“It’s really complicated – although it’s technically feasible, it has a lot of moving parts. Operators must make sure they clearly understand the downside of the different technologies and their associated costs with the added infrastructure and processes required.”

When asked what main challenges are rearing their heads in operators’ quests to redesign depots for zero-emissions infrastructure, Lucas can reel off enough to cover more fingers than he has. Whether it be costs, space, supply or policy, there’s enough issues to make most operators scratch their head and wonder why they should go through this ordeal.

The main gripe that Lucas has with the current status of the zero-emissions transition in Australia is the lack of policy around green power and the infrastructure that will be needed.

“The biggest challenge we face is changing the way we do things to deal with this different infrastructure,” Lucas says.

“For example, with battery electric buses we have to source green power, install it, potentially store it and perhaps generate it. We then have to use it to charge our buses using expensive infrastructure.

“All of this we’ve never done before and busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

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FEATURE

ZERO-EMISSIONS INFRASTRUCTURE

We’re in a really interesting spot where the industry is in an ideal position to be an exemplar of transitioning to zero-emissions power.

the provision and cost of power can be complex and expensive.”

When it comes to hydrogen fuel-cell infrastructure, Lucas says the green power supply challenge intensifies. Not only will operators need to store a high-pressure gas within their depots, they’ll have to use power to generate it, cool it, dispense it and compress it.

He says all of these requirements add a massive demand for green electrical power that doesn’t currently exist for companies.

A key part of this additional burden is the power needed to generate hydrogen and the electrical infrastructure needed in bus and coach depots.

“As we move away from coal-fired and gas-fired power stations, we’ll have to be transporting a lot of new green power around the country,” Lucas says.

“I’m not quite sure how we’re going to do that and we need clear energy policy to give us the confidence that the transition will be possible.”

Lucas says the demands on completely transitioning vehicle fleets are also too much for many operators, particularly 24

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

when the vehicle technology isn’t readily available at the numbers required. He wants Australian governments to instead consider biodiesel and hybrid technology to make the transition easier and more gradual in the meantime.

Although these problems will hit both electric and hydrogen infrastructure hard, Lucas says battery electric vehicles will be easier to initially transition to because the power is self-contained and the technology is currently more available than hydrogen.

As we speak, Lucas says hydrogen is expensive, while electricity is easier to access at a lower cost.

In wider Victoria, Chris Lowe is well aware of the obstacles facing many operators. The Bus Association Victoria (BusVic) executive director says the differing zero-emissions targets in each Australian jurisdiction are only confusing operators more.

“The issues with transitioning a fleet from diesel to zero-emissions are voluminous,” Lowe told ABC. “Each state or territory has a different timeline for when they want to be renewable by.”

Lowe says operators are also asking who is going to foot the bill for these expensive depot redesigns, as well as the rising power bill caused by a zero-emissions bus switch.

He says mechanics and servicing staff will have to be retrained to work on zero-emissions vehicles and the leadership team will spend countless hours drawing

plans for new depots.

Lowe, much like Lucas, has many questions for policy makers regarding these issues.

Where will these depot conversions start – with big metro depots or with the regional sites? Where are all of the new buses coming from?

Given the technology is advancing so rapidly, how can the industry be sure that what is purchased will still be fit for purpose in 15 years’ time?

Lowe warns that operating both diesel and zero-emissions buses simultaneously for a good number of years is something operators will need to give lots of thought to, as the budget is tight and replacing all existing fleet within 10 or 15 years is going to be very difficult to achieve. Furthermore, who will help fund the massive fleet orders required to transition companies all at once?

These answers will also have a direct impact on government contracts. If governments want to nationalise these new zero-emissions bus fleets, operators will have to re-negotiate contracts.

In Victoria, Lowe says the government is working on a draft transitioning to zero-emissions bus plan that will soon be released for public consultation. Lowe and BusVic have already gone through this process. They have worked with Monash University to devise guides that assist

operators with the transition to zero-emissions. These handbooks for operators have become a valuable resource for the state’s bus companies. Lowe eagerly awaits the results of the Victorian government’s version on this topic.

“We’ve made a small contribution to this plan as it’ll give some insights into what the government expects for the transition regarding infrastructure,” he says.

“We look forward to seeing how the transition will be managed.”

As an operator and leader of BIC’s

Zero Emission Bus Committee, Lucas wants to see the federal government take the lead on energy policy.

He hopes federal policies can open the door to accessing more green power for depots around Australia, and that from there, operators are able to gain the experience and understanding needed to finalise power purchase agreements and order enough vehicles to hit zero-emissions targets.

Lucas credits federal government agencies like the Australian Renewable Energy Agency

(ARENA) for its funding packages for operators currently looking to transition to zero-emissions fleets.

To put it simply, ARENA funding bridges the gap between what operators have to additionally pay for zero-emissions operations compared to what they had to pay to maintain diesel depots.

Although there’s plenty of hope for what the bus and coach industry can do to lead the zero-emissions charge in the transport sector, Lucas says more bonuses like the ARENA funding program are needed to guide operators forward towards a greener future.

“We’re in a really interesting spot where the industry is in an ideal position to be an exemplar of transitioning to zero-emissions power,” he says.

“To take advantage of that, we need a lot of support from local, state and federal governments with not just money, but also approvals.

“The energy policy and power source debate is the single biggest impediment to the zero-emissions transition, so we need this to be fixed so we can embrace the change.”

Above: A hydrogen fuelcell refuelling station in Japan shows an example for the local industry Below: CNG dispensers in California are another example of infrastructure innovations Opposite, from top: A Warrnambool bus on the road, another hydrogen refuelling station in Japan, BusVic’s Chris Lowe

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

25

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST HYDROGEN GOVERNMENT BUS TRIAL A HUGE SUCCESS

“The ARCC bus has performed brilliantly and their support has been exceptional. It’s the best electric bus we have trialed.”

- J ohn Shor e

Real World Efficiency: 16.6 km/kg of H2* *As calculated during the bus trial in Bateau Bay NSW on a typical route as a median result.

Efficiency will vary based on ambient temperature, passenger volumes, driving style and terrain.

ABC 431.indd 26

11/7/2023 9:10 am

JET CHARGE

ELECTRIC EXPERIENCE In the past six months, JET Charge has taken its electric charging deployments to the next level with a range of new installations coming online around Australia IMAGES JET CHARGE

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he past few months have been a blur for JET Charge. As the electric vehicle infrastructure company continues to scale up, it is learning more and more about the ways it can help a range of industries, including the Australian bus and coach sector.

Roughly six months ago ABC last sat down with JET Charge Bus and Heavy Vehicle Sector Lead Alex Bowler to discuss the company’s plans for the future of electrified bus depots in Australia. In the months since, JET Charge has been hard at work delivering domestic charging solutions, commercial public and larger scale industrial charging DC programs.

“We’re starting to see charging products we’ve invested in and brought to the market now being deployed and in customer hands,” Bowler told ABC. “It’s really exciting. It represents a scale-up for JET Charge in our capability to procure, design

FEATURE

and deliver charging systems. We would’ve installed more than 50 high powered DC charging systems to a large range of clients so far this year and have rolled out more than 5000 charging stations per year across our business.”

In the bus industry, JET Charge has previously focused on an end-to-end process that started with fleet assessment calculations and concept designs and ended with installation and maintenance.

It’s now refined this scope to focus on its expertise in the supply, fit-off commissioning and maintenance of electric bus charging equipment.

“The maturation of the market means we don’t need to play as large a role in facilitating operators to take the first step in understanding the requirements for electrifying a depot,” Bowler says.

“Operators have been running trials, understanding what’s involved and working closely with partners on wholesale depot conversions, so we’re now focusing on rolling out the chargers for them as part of these projects.”

This slight shift centres on what JET Charge specialises in, with its experience and knowledge better suited to the chargers used in electrifying depots. As part of its value on offer, JET Charge can commission and fit the equipment before providing ongoing maintenance plans for bus and coach operators.

As an agnostic provider of charging hardware, JET Charge is securing its many relationships with charging system OEMs to give operators a range of options when it comes to electrifying depots. Bowler

Top: JET Charge has refined its approach in the bus and coach industry Above: Whether it be commercial chargers or heavy vehicle equipment, JET Charge is fast becoming a specialist in zero-emissions infrastructure

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

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FEATURE

JET CHARGE

JET Charge’s hands-on experience with charger installation and maintenance provides an enticing package for bus and coach operators

If the company keeps gaining hands-on experience at its current rate, JET Charge can fast become a leading voice in the Australian bus electrification conversation. says many recent projects have included Kempower chargers, as JET Charge continues working closely with the brand by ordering and holding stock to fulfil requirements in Australia.

“Through a number of projects across the country, we’ve found Kempower’s DC chargers to be highly flexible and reliable in commercial operations,” Bowler says.

“This is a good fit for JET Charge as we’d rather do the hard yards and sell a good piece of equipment which continues to deliver throughout its operating life.”

The company is also investing back into the organisation through continual technical training for the JET Charge team, focusing on the complexity and challenges that can arise in the installation and management of electric vehicle chargers.

“Over the past six to 12 months we’ve stood up a technical training team internally as we look to upskill our staff throughout the company as well as the contractors we work with,” Bowler says.

“We’re doing it in conjunction with our suppliers and partners to make sure our teams are up to speed and ready to deliver projects.”

Bowler says the most effective training JET Charge can do is out at the depots, working on new projects to understand the many ways electrical charging can be 28

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

embedded into depot redesigns. While JET Charge will always remain agnostic with charger brands, the many Kempower products it has installed in the past six months has allowed it to learn more about the Australian electric bus charging sector than ever before.

One of these recent projects included the installation of chargers for ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) for its zero-emissions bus trial in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

Working under ENGIE, JET Charge installed chargers at the depot as well as at the Monash University bus interchange in what is the first off-depot electric bus charger in the country. This approach avoided costly infrastructure upgrades at the depot by letting vehicles recharge during their layover at the interchange and will allow the project group to better understand operational requirements for future in-field charging applications.

JET Charge has also been involved in two other major projects in the wider transport industry, including a year-long charger installation for the Victorian government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Program. The project has installed more than 400 chargers at more than 25 sites around the state and has showcased JET Charge’s capabilities as an expert charging system provider.

“This project is testament to our growing ability to manage multiple concurrent program rollouts at the same time while delivering quality products and service to our clients,” Bowler says.

“This was particularly challenging as we worked across hospitals, libraries and large office buildings, all of which have their own stakeholder groups to deal with.”

JET Charge also sharpened its heavy vehicle charging knowledge through an ARENA-funded future fuels product with logistics company Team Global Express, providing a mix of AC and DC chargers for 60 Fuso and Volvo trucks.

It may not be a bus industry project, but Bowler says this example highlights JET Charge’s ability to work with large electrical contractors to install and maintain charging equipment for a range of medium-duty electric commercial fleets.

Throughout this whirlwind journey as a company, JET Charge has continued to expand its experience and capabilities in the bus sector. One learning that sticks out to Bowler to impart on bus and coach operators is the need to consider more than just the initial funding required to electrify depots.

“I want operators to know that the project is more than just the upfront design and capital costs,” Bowler says.

“Capital works are critical to get right, but as more projects go live we are beginning to see a gap in the maintenance products industry can offer and what’s needed by operators. We’re focusing on ongoing maintenance now for the transport sector, and in the next couple of months we’ll start testing products on live depots.”

All of these lessons enhance JET Charge’s focused approach to the bus and coach industry in Australia. While JET Charge has already proven itself as a complete electrification partner across the electric vehicle industry, it’s now refining its role in depot conversions as a specialist supplier and installer of EV charging equipment in the bus and coach industry.

“Our goal for the next year is to be known as a trusted advisor and solution supplier to the bus industry,” Bowler says.

“We don’t need to own every project, but if someone needs a job done with quality, on time and on budget, then JET Charge is the place to go.

“If the company keeps gaining hands-on experience at its current rate, JET Charge can fast become a leading voice in the Australian bus electrification conversation.”

ABC 431.indd 29

7/7/2023 9:37 am

ENABLING GREEN HYDROGEN DELIVERY HYDROGEN HUB #1 - BRISBANE

OPENING 2024 For hydrogen supply enquiries, email marketing@lionenergy.com.au

ABC 431.indd 30

11/7/2023 9:10 am

WEBFLEET

FEATURE

PREPARING FOR CHANGE

As one of the leading telematics providers in the world, Webfleet is ready to help Australian operators through an unexpected change that is fast approaching

I

t’s a change so unknown and beneath the hood that many would never expect it to affect them. Operators running thousands of buses and coaches around Australia may have no idea the change has happened until they return from a run and find their vehicle has no data to report.

The change is technological in the form of a disruption to mobile phone and data services when telecommunications providers turn off their 3G networks.

It will all start in December this year when Vodafone switches off its 3G mobile network, with Telstra following suit in June 2024 as both providers seek to bolster their 4G service capacity.

The changes will hit bus and coach operators with vehicle telematics hardware fitted to their fleet that relies on 3G to provide data such as vehicle location, man-down alerts, fuel consumption and performance or maintenance data.

IMAGES WEBFLEET It’s a change that telematics provider Webfleet knows only too well, and that many operators won’t know they’re affected until it’s too late.

“There are many Australian bus and coach companies that we’ve spoken to who are completely unaware of the change that is about to happen,” Webfleet Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) country manager Jonny Clarke told ABC. “Even some of the larger operators don’t know how this will impact them and don’t know they need to upgrade solutions for hundreds or thousands of buses.”

Whether it be the larger operators or the smaller companies, Webfleet is already working with many bus and coach businesses to prepare for this change.

“Hardware will need to be replaced to report by 4G instead of 3G, it’ll be a big operation to do this smoothly, so operators need to get on the front foot,” Clarke says.

“Preparation is key. It can be a relatively

easy process with the right project plan. On the other hand, it’ll be a monumental task for companies that aren’t ready for it – they will be left behind, disrupted and in the dark.”

Webfleet has plenty of experience in handling change, including hands-on involvement in the switchover from 3G to 4G technology in the United States.

Clarke says Webfleet’s involvement in this switch in the US highlighted the challenges faced by many operators who thought they were 4G ready and wouldn’t be affected, only to find out too late that they needed help, which meant last-minute disruptions to their day-to-day operations.

“Supply and demand in the latter stages approaching that 3G deadline was massive; installers were booked out for months and months,” Clarke says.

“In Australia, there’s a large pool of auto-electricians that provide services for busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

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FEATURE

WEBFLEET

telematics companies, and everyone will be asking for their work.

“It took months in the US for the dust to settle and lots of businesses were significantly disrupted, so Australian operators must be wary of this. They can’t wait until 2024 to do this, or else it’ll be too late.”

Clarke says Webfleet was able to win new business during the transition in the US by ensuring it had the right hardware and software stored locally for quick supply, instead of being shipped in from an international head office.

He says the same approach is being applied in Australia, where stock is being held to meet any forecast changes in demand.

“We’ve never let supply chain issues impact us, even with the chip shortage over recent years,” he says. “Our ability to pool stock globally means we’ve never had any issues.”

Although the looming deadlines to switch over to 4G appear to be a headache for many operators, Clarke says it’s a necessity. If operators don’t make the change, they won’t be able to report necessary data for on-time running to meet contracts, achieve KPIs or demonstrate service quality.

Yet when they do put the time, money and effort into the transition, Clarke says there’ll be many benefits.

For businesses using older 3G units, new 4G hardware will be a noticeable upgrade when it comes to telematics.

As Europe’s biggest telematics company, Clarke says Webfleet is 32

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

Australia is one of the few regions with a need for satellite communications due to the vast landscape we have, which is necessary for companies travelling out of signal to have satellite to still provide data and communication. also able to meet the demand for devices and solutions that work on zero-emissions buses.

“The new technology on 4G units is already built for electric vehicle readings so customers can see energy consumption,” Clarke says.

“They’ll also be able to extract information on remaining driver distance, battery status, battery data and how to manage it to get longer battery life. By upgrading early, operators will future-proof at the same cost and gain plenty of new services on their devices.”

Throughout Webfleet’s network

Above: Webfleet’s software on display on a variety of desktops Below: Bridgestone Mobility Solutions international VP Raj Bajaj (left) with Jonny Clarke (right) Opposite, Top: Many drivers may not be ready for the 3G to 4G transition

of larger companies and smaller bus and coach operators, it is already helping customers plan for the installation of 4G hardware to get ahead of the curve.

Clarke says this preparation is helping many operators avoid disruptions when 3G is switched off around Australia, particularly when it comes to the companies who haven’t yet realised their ‘4G upgraded’ messages only apply to American devices and that the systems they have installed on their own fleets in Australia still require an upgrade.

It’s an important message that Clarke and the Webfleet team are sharing around Australia with many bus and coach businesses.

As a business, Webfleet has evolved and changed since 2019, when they were then known as TomTom Telematics and were acquired by Bridgestone for around $1.4 billion.

The acquisition and rebranding as Webfleet has allowed the business to flourish and enabled it to bring its full range of products and solutions to Australia when

it previously could only sell a selection of what was being sold in Europe.

“The acquisition by Bridgestone saw a huge investment into the region,” Clarke says.

“In the four years since, we now have a full suite of products available, and any new products come to market in Australia and New Zealand either at the same time or even earlier than in Europe or the rest of the world.”

Clarke says Australia’s unique satellite scenario has also allowed Webfleet to grow globally as a heavy vehicle telematics provider.

“Australia is one of the few regions with a need for satellite communications due to the vast landscape we have, which is necessary for companies travelling out of signal to have satellite to still provide data and communication,” Clarke says .

“Australia proved the use-case and need for satellite-connected vehicle tracking and critical alerts – such as crash or man-down.

With the launch of Webfleet SAT in 2022, we can provide this requirement for our customers.”

Clarke says Webfleet continues to

receive strong focus and investment from Bridgestone, which is helping Bridgestone build its suite of products to offer the broadest and most sustainable solutions available to the local bus and coach market.

This range of solutions now includes Webfleet’s market-leading platform that showcases its live GPS, an AI camera solution, a live dashcam and many telematics devices. The strong line-up of products means Webfleet is perfectly placed to help operators move from 3G to 4G when the transition occurs.

“As one of many companies owned by Bridgestone, we’ve been able to build our offering to ensure sustainability is a key part of our bus and coach products,” Clarke says.

“We have multiple ways of lowering emissions, not just through sustainable tyre solutions but also through fleet management and telematics.

“Being part of Australia’s most trusted tyre brand gives us more to offer customers outside of just telematics – we can provide complete solutions for your journey.”

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7/7/2023 2:41 pm

NEXPORT

FEATURE

NEW PARTNER

Electric bus and coach brand Nexport has expanded its horizons, announcing a new division that will specialise in helping bus and coach operators along their zero-emissions transition journey

N

export has always sought to differentiate itself from other heavy vehicle manufacturers in Australia.

Whether it be by unveiling a fleet of buses and coaches that use the latest in battery electric technology or by focusing on safety features outside of the vehicle, Nexport has never been idle in its journey towards a zero-emissions transport offer for Australian operators.

It’s now taking its solutions to the next level with the recent launch of its new division, GoZero.

Nexport and GoZero chief commercial officer Dan Porter says this latest announcement is

IMAGES NEXPORT pivotal for Nexport’s long-term goal of supplying a total ecosystem of electric bus assets, infrastructure and applications.

“We found time and again when talking to customers that they didn’t see how Nexport could be truly agnostic as an OEM and that was our starting point,” Porter told ABC. “We knew we needed a strong methodology to bring the components of the zero-emissions operating platform together into a consortium model that acts as the end-to-end partner for operators.

“Our goal is to make the transition to zero-emissions fleets easier for operators in a way that

gives them more flexibility to bring in the various partners they need for their business.”

The market feedback helped to create GoZero, a business that positions itself as a completely vendor agnostic integrator of zero-emissions solutions for Australian operators looking to make the switch to sustainable transport.

Porter says GoZero is committed to working in deep partnerships with operators, sharing their KPIs, risks, penalties and successes.

“We don’t do it and then leave – for us it will be a long-term partnership,” he says.

GoZero plans to work with operators to ensure the vehicles

Above: GoZero is the result of market feedback on the need for agnostic zero-emissions transition partners

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

35

FEATURE

NEXPORT

The foundation of GoZero proves it’s an exciting time to be an operator. As they make the transition to zero-emissions, we have a proposition for them that will make it easier to make the transition by being a valued partner along the journey.

Above: Nexport and GoZero chief commercial officer Dan Porter Right: GoZero is Nexport’s latest division that will focus on the entire zero-emissions transition process 36

they chose are suitable for the tasks they are needed for, before helping the operator to select the right infrastructure and applications to complement their new zero-emissions fleets.

Porter says Nexport’s rich operational experience will be critical to GoZero’s initial launch, enabling it to draw on a combination of charging and vehicle companies to build a point of difference for operators wanting to switch their fleets.

GoZero will then begin to help operators to develop their own ecosystem – a term Porter uses to describe the entire sphere of chargers, assets, vehicles, applications and devices they will need if they are to successfully transition depots and fleets to zero-emissions.

“Our suggestions and proposals as a partner will be all about finding the right mix for the

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

operator throughout their journey,” Porter says.

“The ecosystems we will create will include many building blocks such as deep operational analysis, energy provision, engineering and procurement, construction, assets, aftersales and financing.

“GoZero seeks to pull all of this together to make the transition easier for operators. We won’t offer it all ourselves, we’ll work side-by-side with operators to build a platform that includes a variety of brands and solutions.”

This ecosystem will be a menagerie of bus and coach products, with various companies and systems being combined to create the best value offering for an operator on their zero-emissions journey.

Although it’ll be a brand agnostic company, Porter says GoZero will continue working with Nexport to develop new products and solutions that operators ask for through GoZero partnerships.

It’s a thorough business offer for GoZero, with Porter saying the past 12 to 18 months has been spent talking to operators in a variety of sectors to learn what GoZero can do to help the

Australian bus and coach industry. A mixture of charter and public transport companies, combined with logistics operators and industrial contractors, have liaised with GoZero to help build a company that focuses on the wider zero-emissions challenges with operators.

“Our conversations over recent times show we need to be flexible and agnostic – we know that no one size fits all,” Porter says.

“We’ll operate with what works best for each operator, allowing Nexport to focus on the development of electric buses and coaches while GoZero becomes the perfect partner for the operators.”

GoZero has been busy hiring a wide team of experts with a range of backgrounds, varying from OEM companies to industry titans with industrial and operational experience.

Porter says the company’s ability to draw on this experience enables it to develop a deep understanding of the needs of its operator partners and to custom build and design the ecosystem that will serve them best.

At this point, Porter says Nexport staff

will help by working across GoZero too, with the eventual goal being to separate the two companies so Nexport can be a pure passenger asset brand OEM while GoZero investigates the zero-emissions transition side of the equation.

The key to this approach at all stages will be the flexibility of both Nexport and the newly founded GoZero.

“Where we need to build locally for local content, for financial sense or customer requirements, we’ll engage with Nexport to build fully in Australia,” Porter says.

“Where we don’t need to, we’ll use our global supply chain to find the right products for customers and use manufacturers to build this.

“It’ll be all about the operator’s choice – whatever they want, we’ll then go and get it for them and add it into their ecosystem for the transition.”

To put a detailed value proposition simply, GoZero is intent on making the zero-emissions transition for operators easier by being a knowledgeable partner that will follow every step of the journey with them.

It’s an offering that’s based on the belief that moving to a zero-emissions bus and coach platform is fundamentally cheaper nowadays and can also make for better services and more efficient processes.

Following the launch of GoZero last month, the business is in talks with public transport operators to establish contracts while it’s also having conversations with operators in a variety of locations and sectors.

As is the way with most parts of this newly formed division, Porter says its approach to partnerships will be all about flexibility.

“While we have these discussions, we’re also seeing opportunities to work more in the charter space, where operators have more control over their own destiny,” Porter says.

“The foundation of GoZero proves it’s an exciting time to be an operator.

As they make the transition to zeroemissions, we have a proposition for them that will make it easier to make the transition by being a valued partner along the journey.”

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busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

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FEATURE

ARCC

OPENING OPTIONS

ARCC’s unique hydrogen fuel-cell bus design is already thriving on Australian roads. Now, the Australian manufacturer is introducing a battery electric model to complete its zeroemissions set

E

IMAGES ARCC

ver since Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC) began building its novel energy agnostic dual power option aluminium zero-emissions bus seven years ago, it’s done so with the mantra of ‘doing more with less’.

It’s taken this philosophy to the next level as it looks to introduce a new battery electric bus model that is nearly identical to its inaugural hydrogen fuel-cell bus in Australia.

Using the same energy agnostic dual power option aluminium frame, ARCC’s new electric model is once again chasing lighter weights to make the most of running zero-emissions bus services for Australian operators.

“Our hydrogen bus is performing beyond our expectations, but the challenge for operators is how to integrate hydrogen buses into their fleets due to the lack 38

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

of existing refuelling infrastructure and commercial metrics around hydrogen costs,” ARCC founder and managing director Peter Murley told ABC. “To meet the market and counter this challenge, we’re now ready to roll out our battery electric bus model with its world-class efficiency to provide options for operators wanting to make the zero-emissions transition.”

The key to ARCC’s design is once again in its complete chassis and body aluminium bolted solution. The lighter material offers a model that has a tare weight of only 11,850kg, meaning it is ligher than a diesel bus and can run on 250kWh for a range of more than 350 kilometres.

Murley says that much like the hydrogen fuel-cell ARCC bus, the battery electric version uses this lighter weight to reduce the energy needed to power the bus around Australia. His target is to get the electric bus to a level where it travels

around 1.4 kilometres per kWh. “The ARCC premise is using less to achieve more, and this new electric bus proves it,” Murley says.

“Our battery chemistry allows for fast charging in around 30 to 40 minutes depending on the charger used, changing the dynamic around the zero-emissions infrastructure challenges in Australia.”

Murley, like many in the Australian bus and coach market, has had to think long and hard about whether the zero-emissions transition will go the direction of battery electric or hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Instead of going down one avenue exclusively, ARCC’s decision to roll out the battery electric bus is proof it is remaining open to both power sources depending on the application of each vehicle.

ARCC has done this by developing technology that makes its designs interchangeable so that from the roof down its buses are essentially exactly the same. This deliberate ploy encourages interchangeability between the models and allows for a world where one vehicle technology may unexpectedly flourish, with the replicated design giving operators the chance to switch power sources for the bus.

“We’ve made the design so that the roof space remains the same, meaning the bus module can have a hydrogen or a battery cell system bolted into the same eight holes,” Murley says.

“Our technology is agnostic to the power system and can start as one source and be changed to the other if it’s not commercially viable for the customer.

“This new model means Australian operators can start their ARCC journey with a battery electric bus and then switch it out for hydrogen tanks if that technology takes off in the next decade.”

Although they’re very similar models, ARCC’s latest battery electric bus incorporates plenty of learnings from the manufacturer’s first forays with its hydrogen-fuel cell model. Murley and his team have refined and enhanced the performance of the electric bus in line with the feedback gathered from the hydrogen vehicle’s metrics while out on operator trials.

One key learning ARCC has applied is to dial back the power on the bus via its software because it was too quick. Now, ARCC will continue reviewing its new battery electric bus to refine its design even more in the coming years.

Although the hydrogen-fuel cell model

was ARCC’s first to come out due to the timing of contracts, both models have been designed, planned and structured in a parallel manner.

“The deployment of the hydrogen bus first meant our resources were allocated to that, but now we have the battery electric bus in focus,” Murley says.

“We expect to deliver that along with the next hydrogen buses delivered to Transit Systems in Melbourne followed by CDC in Geelong in early 2024.”

This joint approach to building zero-emissions buses means ARCC has also been able to learn best practice for both power sources.

Unlike other electric buses in the markets that use around 350kWh of electric batteries, ARCC’s lightweight structure means its 250kWh of batteries offers a unique advantage.

For Australian operators who want to reduce costs over the total ownership cycle, Murley says ARCC’s electric bus helps ensure demand outstrips supply, lowering the costs involved and making the running of the bus cheaper than other alternatives in the market.

This flexibility on the new ARCC electric bus extends to batteries.

In a bid to localise the bus’s production and follow the changing trends around the world, ARCC switched battery suppliers to global company Webasto. Murley says this ability to change to reflect the evolving nature of zero-emissions transport means ARCC also has its eye on potentially assembling

batteries for its buses in Australia.

“Anything we can localise and apply our software to talk to, including any CAN system, we see as a benefit for us in terms of how the bus will be deployed,” he says.

“The bus is set up so that it can go immediately into a fleet.

There’s nothing bespoke about the charger it needs or any additional infrastructure.”

Although ARCC’s latest model isn’t the only new battery electric bus being released in Australia in 2023, Murley says it can offer benefits that other models can’t.

He says while a standard electric bus can travel 0.7 kilometres per kWh, he is excited by the 1.3 kilometres per kWh data that his electric version is recording.

Breaking it down, he says this 60 per cent efficiency boost, when compared to other battery electric buses in the market, provides a major advantage in terms of operational costs for Australian companies.

“Our vehicle will be significantly cheaper over the lifespan of the bus while doing the same range with less power,” Murley says.

“By going 60 per cent further per kWh and not carting around an extra 2.5 tonnes in battery weight, the battery life may extend and the total cost of ownership will only get better.”

Much like its openness with its Red Bus hydrogen bus trial, ARCC will continue being transparent with its telematics data as the electric bus rolls out into Australian operations.

Anything we can localise and apply our software to talk to, including any CAN system, we see as a benefit for us in terms of how the bus will be deployed.

Above: ARCC founder and managing director Peter Murley Below: The new electric model is ready to go on trial with major Australian operators Opposite, Top: ARCC’s new electric bus partners its existing hydrogen fuel-cell model

Murley says the new model will be given to major NSW operators for testing and evaluation before the company compiles feedback and releases the bus to the market.

ARCC has picked major operators for this testing phase. It’s a leap of faith, but ARCC’s can-do attitude means it’s raring for the challenge to introduce its unique approach to the expanding battery electric bus market in Australia.

“We’ve already got committed sales for our hydrogen version and reputation-wise we’ve proven through our Red Bus trial that our vehicle reliability is there,” Murley says.

“The electric vehicles, going forward, will be available for sale when Panel 4 comes out in NSW, so hopefully around the end of this year we have electric buses in build for customers.

“We’re looking to prove our premise of ‘doing more with less’ is true by choosing to trial our electric model with CDC and Transit Systems. We’re ready to show our technology off.” busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

39

FEATURE

YUTONG

VISIONARY VISIT

In early June, a group of VDI Australia leaders hosted a delegation of local operators on a trip to Zhengzhou to view exciting electric bus technology courtesy of Yutong

J

ames Gauci’s first impressions while travelling through the Chinese city of Zhengzhou focused on its ultra-modern appearance.

The new chief operating officer of VDI Australia noticed the city was extremely well presented, with contemporary technologies in abundance.

“The autonomous charging bus depots immediately caught our attention,” Gauci told ABC. He, along with a delegation of VDI Australia staff and Australian operators, soon arrived at the global headquarters of Yutong. As the Australian distributors, VDI Australia and its guests made the trip to the home of Yutong in early June to attend the launch of its latest YEA technology.

Joined by senior representatives from Victorian operator Dyson Group and Western Australia’s Go West Integrated Transport Solutions, the Australian travellers were treated to a release of Yutong Electric Architecture (YEA) that was more befitting of a game show mixed with a TED talk.

The release, for new energy Yutong commercial vehicles, is based upon making Yutong buses more economical, durable and convenient. Following the showcase of this evolution of quality, the delegation were taken to Yutong’s headquarters and production facilities in Zhengzhou for a three-day visit.

“The city of Zhengzhou itself is technology rich and this clearly extended into its manufacturing precincts,” Gauci says.

The visit to Yutong’s 133-hectare Eastern International Logistics Park highlighted the mesmerising bus 40

IMAGES VDI/ YUTONG

and coach technology that VDI is working hard to bring to Australia.

With a forecast annual output of 30,000 electric vehicles, it’s the world’s largest manufacturing base of new energy buses and the most technologically leading of its kind in China. Yutong’s total forecast annual output across all of its plants exceeds 60,000 units.

The Australian group grabbed the opportunity to ride in autonomous buses around the precinct, signifying the active presence of Yutong’s cutting-edge technologies. These advanced technologies extend to the robotics functionality Yutong has

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

in its global headquarters, with the delegation making a stop to observe the robotic welding facilities at the massive site.

VDI Australia general manager Lou Riccardi recalls the ongoing investments Yutong has made in production line technology standing out, with it now becoming virtually fully computerised since his last plant visit.

“The electrophoresis of bus bodies was particularly impressive to watch,” Riccardi told ABC. “It’s quite sophisticated, involving the body, frame and chassis receiving a series of full immersion cathodic electropho-

Above: The delegation visited Yutong’s huge headquarters in Zhengzhou, China Below: Attendees watch Yutong buses undergo on-site testing

resis treatments, enhancing the vehicle’s anti-corrosion and aesthetic attributes.”

The delegation also visited acoustic labs inside the Zhengzhou site. Gauci says the visually impressive, high-tech facilities test and record a series of acoustics-based criteria in accordance with Yutong’s quality assurance standards.

“These testing grounds were great to observe as a series of buses that had just been built were carefully examined,” Gauci says.

“Yutong perform six discrete areas of testing upon every vehicle it manufactures, including on a high-speed test road, comprehensive test road, climbing road, high-ring test road, ESP test field and a wading pool.

“All new products undergo a gruelling one million kilometre testing regime on these areas.”

VDI Australia has now set about helping Australian operators and the broader industry understand how to gain the most from YEA technology.

For Dyson Group general manager of fleet services and infrastructure Sam Distefano, the Zhengzhou trip proved that

Yutong and VDI Australia are first-class organisations that many can learn from.

“I was very surprised at the sheer magnitude of the factory and impressed by how much of the company’s annual revenue goes back into research and development,” Distefano says.

“Visiting their testing facilities and research and development centre gave me confidence that we are dealing with a world leader in the electric vehicle and bus building world.”

Go West general manager Brad Bunce was similarly fascinated by the visit, saying the innovation of Yutong was truly inspiring.

This feedback is helping fuel VDI Australia as it seeks to continue introducing this exciting Yutong bus technology to local operators while also improving existing facets of its operations.

“The nature of our relationship with Yutong enables us to meet with key senior people to progress our strategic imperatives, most of which translate to improved standards of customer experience and further learning among our people internally,” Gauci says.

“While major breakthroughs such as YEA excite us, we remain committed to our customers back home in areas that are really important to them, such as real-time parts availability, quality technical support, training and product reliability.”

VDI Australia’s latest agreement to supply 90 electric buses to Transport Canberra not only reinforces the growing presence of Yutong vehicles in Australia, but also VDI’s credentials in electrification locally. After seeing the pristine sites of Zhengzhou and its world leading manufacturing capabilities, VDI is committed to bringing this futuristic technology to the local industry so that ultimately Australian operators and passengers can also benefit from it.

“We look forward to helping our customers utilise YEA to operate their fleets more economically and reliably,” Gauci says.

“We’re also committed to retaining the value and benefits that YEA delivers across our driveable knockdown (DKD) program as it enables Australian workers to remain in direct contact with these world leading technologies.”

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FEATURE

STYLERIDE

FRIENDLY FACES

StyleRide Australia’s latest appointment to its leadership team shows its intent to welcome new ideas and faces to grow within the local industry

O

n the floor of one of the offices in StyleRide Australia’s new site in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane is a collection of components.

Scattered across the floor, it’s not an example of clutter. The parts are instead open for various StyleRide workers to come in and have their say on how the intricate features of StyleRide’s seating models can be changed to become an even better product.

In a sector filled with larger companies and international influence, StyleRide is embracing a unique approach to growing as a small local business, and it all boils down to involving all StyleRide workers in the decision-making process.

When the seating manufacturer went through a restructure last year, as a response to market ripples, managing director Garrin Angel saw a need to build the business by focusing on customer engagement. His latest hire to the StyleRide Australia leadership team is the result of his wish for StyleRide to become the friendly face of the Australian bus and coach seating sector.

“We’ve brought in a new national business development manager, Simon Allen, to change the strategic direction of both our customer engagement and product strategies,” Angel told ABC. “Simon’s depth of experience is going to result in immediate benefits to our customers, who will now have a new point of familiarity with our business and can look forward to us expanding our product range.”

Throughout StyleRide’s history in Australia, even when acquired by Italian seating company Lazzerini, it has sought to stay within the nation’s niche bus sector.

Yet the appointment of Allen is a step into the unknown for Angel, with Allen being relatively new to the bus industry.

Angel says welcoming a new face into StyleRide highlights the growth that has occurred in Australia’s bus and coach industry, where personal relationships in the sector have given way to more 42

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

IMAGES STYLERIDE AUSTRALIA

corporate structures as major operators excel and suppliers support them.

“It’s exciting as Simon is relatively new to the industry, but his key account management capabilities will allow him to operate at corporate levels while also helping independent operators,” Angel says.

Although he is new to buses and coaches, Allen knows plenty about transport seating. He’s been working with driver seats for around 30 years in Australia, including recent forays into the rail industry.

Allen says the similarities between the rail and bus industry makes it easier for him to adjust to the new market he’s now in.

Above: Garrin Angel (left) and Simon Allen (right) are the new dream pairing for StyleRide Australia

“It’s a different industry and it takes a while to get my head around everything involved but I’m very excited about this new role in a different sector,” Allen told ABC. “I’m looking forward to meeting as many people as possible and creating opportunities for us and the wider network.

“I want to bring a personal touch to the business and converse with industry members firsthand to welcome customers into the StyleRide family.”

Already the appointment of Allen is

paying dividends for StyleRide.

The new two-person leadership team at the Australian seating manufacturer offers a contrast of styles that both men agree works to complement their individual skillsets.

While Angel now gets to focus more on the operational side of the business, Allen will take over the customer relations segment and focus on promoting the StyleRide brand.

“He’s very creative in integrating products and creating market opportunities,” Angel says.

“The way it works now is Simon will bring us the baby and our success, while I’ll be going through the labour pains for him.”

Allen’s method of engagement brings another level of detail to the business that Angel says will give customers a single point of contact for sales and aftersales activity.

In his early days at StyleRide, Allen is embracing the new skills he can introduce to the seating manufacturer.

His goal is to get out to as many industry members as possible to spread

the word about what StyleRide is doing and how it is improving as a company.

This includes StyleRide’s ability to customise seats for customers at any stage of the manufacturing process.

“Having the ability to say yes to the customer in every instance to meet their desires and passions is a big bonus for us,” Allen says.

While doing so, the pair also share a generous philosophy on making the lives of all StyleRide employees better in the long run.

Both say they are more than “just two guys in an office”. Allen already feels a deep responsibility to the business, proving he’s the perfect fit for the role.

“Culturally we want to have our whole

I feel very strongly that StyleRide can drive our small economy to become a seating manufacturer that has a lasting impact.

“We’re already discussing with customers how we can take our support elements of the business to the next level, so we become more than just a seat supplier for these operators.”

This sharpened focus will also veer towards the electric market, with Allen and Angel agreeing that StyleRide’s ongoing facelift of its products will allow for more ultra-lightweight products to suit zero-emissions minded customers.

team involved in bigger decisions around product development and refinement,” Allen says.

“I feel a responsibility to our staff in the role I’m in. It’s not just a job anymore – it’s about allowing everyone who works here to go home and feed families.

“I feel very strongly that StyleRide can drive our small economy to become a seating manufacturer that has a lasting impact.”

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BUSNSW

FEATURE

SUPPORTING HEALTHY MINDS IN THE BUS INDUSTRY BusNSW’s launch of Signal for Help is helping support the mental health of all NSW bus and coach industry members

WORDS & IMAGES BUSNSW

D

uring July, BusNSW announced the official launch of Signal for Help – a program to support healthy minds in the NSW bus and coach industry.

BusNSW Executive Director Matt Threlkeld says the project, funded under the NSW government’s Recovery Boost initiative, is a BusNSW-designed mental health program that encourages early intervention, supports recovery and helps to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues in the workplace.

“Round three of the NSW government’s Recovery Boost Program received 344 expressions of interest and BusNSW’s Signal for Help initiative was one of only eight winners for project funding,” Threlkeld says.

“There are approximately 30,000 bus industry workers in NSW and in recent years, operators have seen some employees leaving the industry. COVID, job pressures and challenges outside of work have contributed to this situation.

“The Signal for Help program aims to address this problem by increasing awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health within the bus and coach industry, as well as promoting and facilitating early help-seeking by those affected by mental health issues.”

The project centres around a dedicated Signal for Help website which includes worker case studies specific to the industry and is supported by an awareness campaign that encourages bus industry workers and managers to engage with the website.

From L to R: Sally Webb, Bernard Carlon, Matt Threlkeld, John King and Jenny Aitchison

The website includes links to information and resources that help manage a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

“By encouraging people to seek help early, Signal for Help aims to increase the knowledge and awareness of mental health issues among all workers and create a more supportive and productive work culture across the industry,” Threlkeld says.

“I would like to thank the NSW government for funding the project and the industry representatives covering bus operators, insurance and superannuation providers and workplace health advisors that formed the Working Group for this project.”

Transport Workers’ Union NSW assistant secretary Mick Pieri says being a bus driver can be physically and mentally demanding, and drivers face pressures that often go unnoticed.

“During the pandemic, our members braved the elements and kept Australia moving,” Pieri says.

“We therefore support any mental health programs that can encourage bus companies to support our members.

“By acknowledging the mental health challenges our bus drivers may face, we can collectively contribute to a healthier and more supportive work environment.”

BusNSW President John King says he’s

pleased to be part of the working group and delivery of this innovative health and safety tool for members.

“Bus drivers are our key interface with the travelling public and it’s critical that we understand they are no different to other members of society and can be affected by mental health issues like anxiety and depression,” he says.

“This also applies to our administration, operations and workshop staff who support service delivery and ensure our fleets are maintained to a high standard.

“I strongly encourage bus operators to promote the Signal for Help program to their employees and play an active part in reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues in their workplace.”

In addition to the BusNSW team, members of the Working Group included Buslines Group’s Brendan Love, Elin Thorell from Busways, Red Bus’s Joanne Mouthier and Leanne Griffiths, Navigate Work’s Nikki Britt, Phillipa Good from CDC NSW, Transdev’s Shayna Fraticelli, BusInsure’s Vanessa Kasemsuk and Verenya Mohan-Ram from TWU Super.

For more information about Signal for Help, access the official website at www.signalforhelp.com.au or contact BusNSW at (02) 8839 9500 or via email at info@busnsw.com.au to learn how your workplace can get involved. busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

45

S U B T BES N O I T I T E P M CO !

D E V L O V N I T GE

E T A P I C I T R A P O T E D O C SCAN QR Send in your best bus or coach photos to feature in next month’s magazine.

ABC 431.indd 46

7/7/2023 9:35 am

BEST BUS COMPETITION

FEATURE

WINNER

Nathum Munroe’s shot of a frozen over Alpine Spirit Volvo took out Best Bus July

WINTER WONDER The winner of ABC’s Best Bus competition for July sums up the cold snap many in Australia are currently rugging up for

T

his month’s edition of the ABC Best Bus competition took a twist as winter set in for many in Australia and some different shots started coming through.

Instead of the lovely array of summer and autumn photos we’ve received in past months, it was a couple of winter snaps that stood out and suited the time of year best.

The stand out in this genre came courtesy of Nathum Munroe and the team at Alpine Spirit and their photo of a frozen over coach in the snow.

The winner of the monthly competition will have their photo shown off on the ABC Facebook cover photo slot for the entire month, while the entrant with the most beautiful bus photo will also receive a free 12-month subscription to ABC Magazine.

As always, there were plenty of great photos that deserved honourable mentions for their wonderful bus and

coach features!

Crown Coaches’ Daryl Kirkwood submitted a folder of wonderful photos for July that were all stunning, but his shot of a Crown Melbourne Boomers service courtesy of a Mercedes-Benz/ BCI coach on rural Victorian roads nearing sunset was absolutely stunning and very close to taking out the competition.

A different part of Aussie culture was on display from Mitchell Bruce, who submitted a range of photos of Down Under Tours in various landmarks. The aerial photo of a Down Under coach by a waterfall was a standout.

The team at ABC also loved Samuel Love’s shot of a Mercedes/ Volgren bus arcing around a round-about in Bunbury!

But the winner definitely summed up the winter chill we’ve all been feeling as Alpine Spirit embraced the freezing time of year!

Midway through the month, Nathum Munroe sent through a photo of a frozen over Alpine Spirit coach stuck in

the snow. From the frost covering the front windscreen through to the way it engulfed the rest of the vehicle, it made for a stunning photo and is a deserved winner of July’s Best Bus competition.

Munroe is one of Alpine Spirit’s more experienced snow drivers and he moved quickly to snap the photo of one of the first Volvo B12s sold in Australia while it was covered in ice.

“The same bus also does work in Darwin and Central Australia,” Alpine Spirit owner Chris Bonacci told ABC. “We’re used to this happening to buses.

On that day it was about -7 degrees on Mt Hotham, but it’s such a popular bus among our drivers for how it still continues to work each and every day.”

Flip over the page to see many of our finalists and entrants’ photos from what was an amazing month, and don’t forget to send through your Best Bus photos for the months ahead via email and keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details! busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

47

FEATURE

48

BEST BUS COMPETITION

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

Top, Left to Right: Daryl Kirkwood’s sunset Crown and Lynne Essex’s shot of a Palmers Tours coach Middle row, Left to Right: A bending Benz from Samuel Love, John Mikita’s sunset coach and a line of Metros from Anil Pandey Bottom, Left to Right: A vibrant photo from Jarrad Rust and a scenic Down Under Tours shot

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

49

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EVENTS

BUS INDUSTRY CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2023

Be sure not to miss out on an opportunity to attend these fantastic in-person events JULY

BusWA July 13-14 AGM and Bus Display in Perth

AUGUST QBIC August 5

Regional Member Forum Chinchilla

BusWA August 9-11 Geraldton/ Northam/ Pinjarra Regional Conference

BusWA August 14-15 Merredin/ Corrigin Regional Conference

BusWA August 18 Busselton Regional Conference

BusWA August 21-25 Esperance/ Jerramungup/ Albany/ Manjimup/ Narrogin Regional Conference

BusNSW August 25 NextGen Leaders Forum Sydney

SEPTEMBER QBIC September 8

Partner Forum Cairns

QBIC September 9 Regional Member Forum Cairns

OCTOBER BusNSW October 4-5

2023 Conference Wollongong

BusWorld Europe October 16-19 (Brussels)

BIC October 16-19 Moving People Conference (Energy Events Centre, Rotorua NZ)

DECEMBER BusNSW December 4

Delegates Forum/ Country & Metro Meetings/ Xmas Function

TBA

QBIC Christmas Event

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

53

DELIVERIES

JUNE

McConnell was once again a clear leader in the seating sector

Deliveries spike in June While May’s 115 deliveries were superb, June eclipsed it as the end of financial year saw many buses and coaches delivered around Australia

T

he year 2023 is going from strength to strength for Australia’s bus and coach markets as an amazing amount of vehicles continued to fly out the door and onto roads in June.

In the final month of the financial year, an incredible 134 deliveries were recorded as the local market continues to set records in recent times.

In the chassis market, Volvo still retained top spot, although this time it was a much more even market. Its 45 deliveries in May dropped down to a still market leading 31 in June, with Scania hot on its tail with 28. Rounding out the top three was Yutong who increased from 12 deliveries in May to 19 in June, while BCI (13) had a very busy month. Denning (nine) kept in touch with the leaders and remained well ahead of the likes of MAN and King Long, who both registered four deliveries.

Finishing the chassis market for June were BYD and BLK with the two units each, while BusTech Group had the single delivery for the month.

When it came to the crowded bodybuilders market, a familiar name continued to sit atop. Volgren (28) was once again the market leader despite dropping eight from its May tally, as BCI shot from five deliveries in May to claim second place in June with 22 units. Yutong (21) resurged once again, keeping ahead of Irizar (17) and Custom Denning (15). There was a clear gap after these heavy hitters, with the next best coming from Express Coaches and Marcopolo with seven apiece, as BusTech Group (six) remained hot on their heels. Rounding out the even market was King Long (four), who edged ahead of Coach Design (three) and BLK (two), while Scania Higer and Coach Concepts both recorded single deliveries.

In the seating market, it remained top heavy courtesy of McConnell’s dominance. Following 60 deliveries in May, McConnell continued to lead easily with 44 in June, staying well

54

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

ahead of the next best Sege with 31. StyleRide made a jump up in numbers from 15 in May to 25 in June, while Yutong (21) kept well ahead of Marcopolo (seven) and the final three companies that shared six deliveries, including the return of Precision Bus. There were no major surprises when it came to air-conditioning as Thermo King ran riot with 40 deliveries in June. It finished comfortably ahead of the next best Cling-Yutong with 21, as Hispacold (18), Coachair (16) and Valeo (12) all made the market more competitive. MCC wasn’t far away with nine, while Denso and Spheros both recorded seven units, staying ahead of King Long with four.

The tit-for-tat battle in the state and territory market took another turn in June as Victoria regained its crown from NSW. The latter may have claimed victory in May, but Victoria returned to its winning ways in June with 42 deliveries, comfortably edging out NSW, who had the 31 deliveries. Queensland remained close with 29 units, while WA (21) also had a good month. In the first time in forever, all Australian states and territories delivered units in June, as South Australia (six) was consistent, while the ACT and Tasmania both had two deliveries and the Northern Territory recorded the single unit.

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

When it came to the crowded bodybuilders market, a familiar name continued to sit atop.

Seat delivery units

Volgren 28 BCI 22

MCCONNELL 44 SEGE 31

Yutong 21 Irizar 17

STYLERIDE 25 YUTONG 21

Custom Denning 15

MARCOPOLO 7

Express Coaches 7

KING LONG 4

Marcopolo 7

TST 1

BusTech Group 6

PRECISION BUS 1

King Long 4 Coach Design 3

In the seating market, it remained top heavy courtesy of McConnell’s dominance. Following 60 deliveries in May, McConnell continued to lead easily with 44 in June, staying well ahead of the next best Sege with 31. StyleRide made a jump up in numbers from 15 in May to 25 in June, while Yutong (21) kept well ahead of Marcopolo (seven) and the final three companies that shared six deliveries, including the return of Precision Bus.

2% 2% 1% 4% ACT TAS NT SA

BLK 2 Coach Concepts 1 Scania Higer 1

31% VIC

16% WA

REGION

QLD

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER There were no major surprises when it came to air-conditioning as Thermo King ran riot with 40 deliveries in June. It finished comfortably ahead of the next best Cling-Yutong with 21, as Hispacold (18), Coachair (16) and Valeo (12) all made the market more competitive. MCC wasn’t far away with nine, while Denso and Spheros both recorded seven units, staying ahead of King Long with four.

Percentage by

21%

SALES BY BODY

When it came to the crowded bodybuilders market, a familiar name continued to sit atop. Volgren (28) was once again the market leader despite dropping eight from its May tally, as BCI shot from five deliveries in May to claim second place in June with 22 units.

Yutong (21) resurged once again, keeping ahead of Irizar (17) and Custom Denning (15). There was a clear gap after these heavy hitters, with the next best coming from Express Coaches and Marcopolo with seven apiece, as BusTech Group (six) remained hot on their heels. Rounding out the even market was King Long (four), who edged ahead of Coach Design (three) and BLK (two), while Scania Higer and Coach Concepts both recorded single deliveries.

23%

Thermo King 40 Cling-Yutong 21 Hispacold 18 Coachair 16 Valeo 12

MCC Denso Spheros King Long

9 7 7 4

NSW

VOLVO 31 SCANIA 28 YUTONG 21 MERCEDES-BENZ 19 BCI 13

Sales by chassis

DENNING 9 MAN 4

In the chassis market, Volvo still retained top spot, although this time it was a much more even market. Its 45 deliveries in May dropped down to a still market leading 31 in June, with Scania hot on its tail with 28.

Rounding out the top three was Yutong who increased from 12 deliveries in May to 19 in June, while BCI (13) had a very busy month. Denning (nine) kept in touch with the leaders and remained well ahead of the likes of MAN and King Long, who both registered four deliveries. Finishing the chassis market for June were BYD and BLK with the two units each, while BusTech Group had the single delivery for the month.

KING LONG 4 BYD 2 BLK 2 BUSTECH GROUP 1

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

55

JUNE

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION BCI

BLK BUSTECH GROUP BYD CUSTOM DENNING KING LONG MAN MERCEDES-BENZ

SCANIA

VOLVO

YUTONG

56

James Newtons Bus Service SE Bus Lines Scifleet EP Charters Go West Tours Go West Tours Ross Bus Charters Emu Run Tours Southern Cross Transit Saxby's Singleton Charters Clad Investments Clarks Logan QLD Kinetic Melbourne N/A N/A N/A N/A Skybus Irizar Oceania Irizar Oceania N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A B & G Christian BNA Buses Cavbus Pty Ltd T/As Logan Coaches Dept.of Public Transport Infrastructure Driver Group Australia Ezi Drive Coaches G & J Purtill Horsham Bus Lines/Wimmera Roadways Lavanz Smith Pty Ltd T/As Kyogle Busco Mee's Bus Lines Mooroopna Passenger Service Mooroopna Passenger Service Oberon Bus Service Transport Canberra Operations Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines Wimmera Roadways Wimmera Roadways Public Transport Authority WA Public Transport Authority WA Buslines Group Cumberland Coachlines Sodhi Transport Casino Bus Service Kellam Buslines Dept. for Education South Aust.

Hornibrook Bus Lines Pinnacle Coachlines Bundaberg Coaches Kinetic Group Kinetic Group N/A Mt Gravatt Coach & Travel Christians Bus Company Coles Coaches N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

VIC VIC QLD SA WA WA QLD NT QLD NSW NSW QLD VIC NSW SA SA QLD QLD VIC VIC NSW VIC NSW NSW VIC VIC VIC QLD QLD QLD VIC NSW VIC NSW QLD SA VIC NSW VIC VIC NSW VIC VIC VIC NSW ACT VIC VIC VIC VIC WA WA NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW SA QLD WA QLD TAS TAS QLD QLD VIC VIC NSW VIC WA WA VIC QLD NSW

ENGINES

TRANS­MISS

UNITS

DELIVERIES

CHASSIS (Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

A: Automa M: Manu AS: Auto-S O: Opticru

1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 2 9 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 6 1 2 7 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 5 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 3 5 4 3 1 2

BCI Proma Low Floor BCI Cruiser 12 BCI Cruiser 10 BCI Proma BCI Classmaster 43 BCI Fleetmaster BCI Cruiser 12 BCI Cruiser 12 BCI Citirider 12 President 2 President 2 BusTech ZDI-P450 D9RA Custom Denning EV King Long King Long King Long LE.19.330.RC2.E6D CO.26.510.RR4 IC.19.360.RR8 O500LE O500RS O500RF O500RS O500LE O500RF O500RS O500RS O500RS O500RF O500RF O500RS K 370C B4x2NB K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 360 UA6X2/2 K 320C B4x2NB K 410C B4x2NB K 410C B4x2NI K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 320C B4x2LB K 320C B4x2LB K 310 IB4X2 K 320C B4x2NB K 320 UB4X2 K 320C B4x2LB K 320C B4x2LB K 320C B4x2LB K 320H B4x2LB Volvo B8RLE Volvo B8RLEA Volvo B8RLE Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo BZL Electric Volvo B11R Volvo B11R Volvo B11R Volvo B11R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Volvo B8R Yutong D7 Yutong D7 Yutong D7 Yutong D9 Yutong D12 Yutong D9 Yutong D12

BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BLK BLK BusTech Group (QLD) Volgren Custom Denning King Long King Long King Long BusTech Group Irizar Irizar Express Irizar Volgren Irizar Volgren Irizar BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI Scania Higer Express Coaches Irizar Bustech Irizar Coach Design Coach Design Irizar Express Coaches Custom Bus Group Custom Bus Group Volgren Express Coaches Bustech Volgren Volgren Custom Bus Group Custom Bus Group Volgren Volgren Express Marcopolo Marcopolo Marcopolo Marcopolo Volgren Volgren Irizar Irizar Irizar Irizar Marcopolo Marcopolo Coach Design Coach Concepts Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

210 360 285 210 300 325 380 380 300 360 320 321 300 kW 340 250 285 250 330 510 360 300 360 300 360 300 460 360 360 360 360 460 360 370 310 310 360 320 410 410 310 310 320 320 310 320 320 320 320 320 320 320 320 320 330 330 330 330 320 N/A 460 460 460 450 330 330 350 330 190 190 190 250 360 250 360

R R R R R R R R R R R R R L:R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R N/A R R R R R R R R F F F R R R R

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

A A A A A A A A A A A A A N A A A A A A A A A A A AS A A A A AS A A A A A A Opticru Opticru A A A A A A A A A A Opticru A A A A A A A A AS AS AS AS AS A A A A A A A A A A A

TOTAL DELIVERIES 129

TRANS MAKE

AXLES

TRANS­MISSION

missions andard

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

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

A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A Allison 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2 A ZF 2 A BYD 2 N N/A 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A Tipmatic 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF Ecolife 2 A ZF Ecolife 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 AS M/BENZ 3 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 AS M/BENZ 3 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 3 A ZF 2 Opticruise Scania 2 Opticruise Scania 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A Scania 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 Opticruise Scania 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 AS Volvo 2 AS Volvo 3 AS Volvo 3 AS Volvo 3 AS Volvo 3 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A ZF 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2 A Allison 2

BODY LENGTH

AIR-CON

8.9 12.3 10.6 8.8 10.6 12.3 13.3 12.3 12.5 12.5 12.5 10-12.9 12.1 12.5 9 10 9 12.5 13.5 12.3 12.5 12.3 12.3 12.5 12.5 13.5 12.2 12.2 12.2 12.2 13.2 12.2 12.5 12.3 12.3 18 12.5 12.3 12.5 12.3 12.3 12.5 12.3 12.3 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.3 12.5 10-12.9 10-12.9 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 10-12.9 13.5 14.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 10-12.9 10-12.9 8 8 8 10 12.4 10 12.4

(metres)

NUMBER OF SEATS

(Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

MCC Thermo King Thermo King Valeo MCC MCC MCC MCC MCC Valeo Valeo Thermo King Thermo King Valeo King Long King Long King Long Thermo King Hispacold Hispacold Thermo King Hispacold Thermo King Hispacold Thermo King Hispacold Coachair Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Denso Thermo King Hispacold Hispacold Hispacold Thermo King Thermo King Hispacold Thermo King Coachair Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Coachair Coachair Coachair Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Spheros Spheros Spheros Spheros Thermo King Denso Hispacold Hispacold Hispacold Hispacold Spheros Spheros Thermo King Denso Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong

– 57 – – – – – – 57 57 57 46 – – – 46 40 – – – 49 57 57 57 44 – 57 53 53 53 – 57 58 57 57 57 57 – – – 57 – – 57 57 – – – – – – – – 57 57 57 57 57 44 – – – – 57 57 57 57 27 27 27 – 57 – 57

– – 43 35 43 55 61 54 – – – – – – 36 – – – 56 48 – – – – – 56 – – – – 44 – – – – – – 50 48 48 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 52 56 48 48 – – – – – – – 39 – 39 –

APPLICATION

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

On Demand

28 – – – – – – – – – – – 37 43 – – – 47 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 53 53 – – 43 44 44 49 53 41 57 49 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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

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

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

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

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

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WHEEL SEAT CHAIR LIFT BELTS ACCESS

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

N N N N N N N N N N/A N/A Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y N N N N Y N N N N N N Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N N Y Y Y N N N N N Y N Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N N N

busnews.com.au July 2023 ABC

57

NEWS

THE BACK SEAT

Bringing back the Bedford

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It took decades, but a vital part of Queensland bus industry history has been returned to the McCafferty family

ast month a memorable part of McCafferty’s history as a family operator was returned to its home base in Toowoomba.

It arrived at the end of a remarkable journey, stretching more than seven decades, that rolled out alongside the ups and downs of Queensland’s bus industry itself.

That it is finally being returned, at the behest of the Queensland Omnibus and Coach Society (QOCS), is a fitting outcome for one of Queensland’s oldest buses.

When the old Bedford bus was returned, Tony McCafferty of McCafferty’s Coaches could breathe a deep sigh of relief after many years.

“I can sleep much easier at night now,” he told ABC. The McCafferty bus’s journey started in 1938 when the chassis was dispatched from England to Australia and served the Toowoomba community for more than four decades before being purchased by Alastair Grant of Sunshine Coast Coaches for his museum.

Tony’s father and founder of McCafferty’s Jack McCafferty had endured ill health in 1994 and his future was uncertain after many operations.

Being aware of Jack’s situation, Tony secretly purchased the Bedford Bus from Alastair Grant’s widow Beverly and had it painted in the original colours from the early 1940s.

On Jack’s 82nd birthday on March 11, 1996, Tony told Jack to come out of his office for a photo beside a bus at the coach loading bay. Jack reluctantly obliged and Tony ran around the corner street where the Bedford was hidden from view and then drove it into the loading bay in front of Jack.

“I’ll never forget the expression on his face when that old bus came around the corner,” Tony says. “He thought he was dreaming when he saw the bus.”

Tony stepped out and handed the keys to Jack as a birthday present. On the day, Tony also organised a gathering on the day for former employees of the early days of McCafferty’s to re-enact the bus’s first service on April 1, 1940 from

58

ABC July 2023 busnews.com.au

Toowoomba city to Rangeville.

After arriving at Picnic Point, Rangeville, all on board were then driven

by Tony to the railway refreshments dining room, which was restored in the period décor, and enjoyed a menu from the '40s.

Sadly, Jack passed away in 1999 and the bus was used for promotional purposes and housed in the Toowoomba workshop until Tony purchased Greyhound/Pioneer from its receivers in 2000.

The bus was then placed in McCafferty’s/Greyhound workshop at Eagle Farm Brisbane for the next three years before Tony accepted an offer from the ANZ Bank to form a new company and involve the bank and a co-investor as shareholders.

At the time of this deal the old Bedford was included in the asset sale agreement between the old and new company. Tony was unaware of this as it was the private property of Jack and after his passing was left to his wife Lorna in his estate.

This anomaly was presented to the ANZ and co-investor who owned Greyhound, but they refused to return the bus. Later efforts were made by the Mayor of Toowoomba Di Thorley to have the bus returned to Lorna McCafferty and be placed in the Cobb & Co Museum

Top: Tony McCafferty (left) was reunited with the old family bus recently Above: The decorated bus for the 1997 Carnival of Flowers celebrating McCafferty’s 57 year history.

Toowoomba, with this request also denied with the threat of legal action.

Finally, the bus was sold to a consortium involving Tony’s family and many of his business associates who were happy to pass ownership of the bus to QOCS. It’s now been placed on display at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport and will ultimately be housed in QOCS’s new museum.

“I am grateful for the support from all the caring people in the bus industry which has been so essential in the development of Australia over the years,” Tony says.

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