Australasian Bus & Coach August by Prime Group

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

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POWER UP ISSUE 468 August 2026 $5.95 inc GST

Kempower‘s national reach

THE BIG REVEAL

IRIZAR CAME TO THE 2026 AUSTRALASIA BUS AND COACH SHOW WITH A STUNNING NEW MODEL TO SHARE Widening workforce: Scania Special welcome: Wrightbus Embracing evolution: Busable

CONTENTS

AUGUST 2026

EXECUTIVE GROUP CEO: Christine Clancy Chairman: John Murphy Head of Customer Experience: Regina Fellner

Image: BusSafe

in the know 06. editorial | ignition SUPERB SHOW The Australasian Bus & Coach Expo was a hit

08. news | all aboard

Check out all of the latest news

features 13. cover story | irizar MOMENT OF TRUTH Irizar made full use of a captivated audience at this year’s Bus & Coach Expo

16. feature | emerald coaches LATEST IN LINE

Fourth-generation bus operator Michael Baulch was always destined to join the bus industry

20. expo recap | styleride MIXED MAGIC StyleRide’s seats captured the imagination

22. expo recap | bci COVERAGE ACROSS THE BOARD BCI showcased its diverse bus and coach fleet

24. expo recap | zbus GRAND RETURN Zhongtong’s ZBus brand was front and centre

26. expo recap | vdi DREAM LAND VDI Australia’s Expo space was its own world

28. expo recap | wrightbus SPECIAL WELCOME Wrightbus celebrated its return to Australia

30. expo recap | sege NEW WAY FORWARD Sege Seats’ mobile showroom was popular

32. expo recap | scania WIDENING WORKFORCE Scania Australia’s stand was all about innovation

34. expo recap | penske PRIORITISING PARTNERS MAN celebrated with a milestone delivery

38. expo recap | challenger WIDESPREAD WINS Awesome foursome for the Challenger stand

40. expo recap | bus stop GREEN MACHINE

Designer: Apostolos Topatsis

42. expo recap | busable EMBRACING EVOLUTION

ADVERTISING

It was all about the purple at Busable

44. expo recap | blk SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS

Brougham Press Sales Manager – South: Courtney Burton ph: 0481 736 890 e-mail: courtney.walker@primecreative.com.au

BLK celebrated its customers in style

SUBSCRIPTIONS

46. feature | chargehub NOTHING STOPS HERE

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Charge Hub Australia discusses why lifecycle support matters when electric bus depots enter real-world

48. feature | bussafe SAFETY PLATFORMS The BusSafe education program has entered an exciting new chapter with new industry partnerships

Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $99* Overseas: $A170 (Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST Cover image: Irizar

50. feature | odin REGIONAL SPARK A well-known South Australian regional hub is the home of six new zero-emissions minibuses courtesy of ODIN and Keolis

52. feature | team super MONEY MATTERS Team Super discusses financial stress and how bus and coach operators around Australia can reduce these issues

departments 54. factory facts | bus deliveries JUNE DELIVERIES Check out the latest bus and coach supplier sales data and see how the market fared in June

58. back seat | red cross BLOOD ON THE RUN Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s mobile donor centres do far more than travel between towns

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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.

ABC • busnews.com.au

Art Director: Daz Woolley

PRINTING

Kempower discusses how Australia’s electric bus charging network has reached industrial scale

Managing Editor: Geoff Crockett e-mail: geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au Editor: Sean Mortell e-mail: sean.mortell@primecreative.com.au ph: 0468 577 166

Bus Stop Sales’ green stand a highlight

36. feature | kempower BALANCING ACT

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EDITORIAL & DESIGN

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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.

IGNITION

EDITOR’S NOTE

Image: Irizar

Superb show ABC was part of another major industry event, with the sector coming together for one grand week at Sydney Showgrounds

The 2026 edition of the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo didn’t disappoint 6

ABC • busnews.com.au

here’s nothing quite like the opening morning of a Bus & Coach Expo. The clean halls and stands waiting for visitors, a sense of excitement in the air. Gleaming buses and coaches, some with black curtains dragged over, begging to be unleashed. The 2026 edition of the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo didn’t disappoint, allowing the industry to take in the latest and greatest in the local industry over two jam-packed days. Much credit must go to BusNSW for running the industry event, which packed two days of exhibiting and a superb gala dinner in with aplomb. To all the award winners and exhibitors, well done on what you were able to do – it made covering it via ABC an absolute pleasure. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for ABC’s latest coverage, including our second episode of the Bus News Podcast with Shane Dyson and some Expo recap videos after we were lucky to visit exhibitors at their stand on the opening morning of the trade show. Speaking of the podcast, it was wonderful to use the chat with Michael Baulch from the opening episode to delve into Emerald Coaches’ history. Don’t miss that deep dive into the Queensland operator and Michael’s ongoing bus family legacy. Regarding the Expo, which spans most of our stories in the August Expo Recap edition of ABC, no release sparkled more than Irizar Asia Pacific’s on the opening morning. Flick over a few pages to our cover story to read more about Irizar’s grand plans for its new i6S Efficient and how it’s spurring the brand onto further growth in Australia.

The morning was filled with releases – whether it was official launches like Wrightbus’ in Australia and New Zealand (combined with its 80th anniversary), VDI’s wonderland of vehicles on display or the latest King Long technology available via the bustling Bus Stop Sales stand, there was no lack of action packed into the halls of Sydney Showgrounds and its impressive Dome. Then there were various other brands that were a pleasure to cover. Don’t miss out the latest buses, coaches, seats, chargers, technology and parts that were unveiled at the Expo, while we also recap a productive June of deliveries and end on another fun note with the Back Seat article. Thank you to all who attended the wonderful event and made the Expo an amazing week for the local bus and coach industry. We hope you enjoy the recap of the two days and we look forward to a productive run home in 2026 for the sector. Enjoy the read and check out our latest episodes of ABC’s new Bus News podcast!

Sean Mortell EDITOR, ABC

NEWS

NSW provides driver wage boost A $200 million funding package has been announced for private bus companies in the state to help fund driver wage rises moving forward The New South Wales government has pledged $200 million to pay private bus companies in a move to help fund driver wage rises. BusNSW has welcomed the state government’s funding commitment to support improved bus driver remuneration, describing it as an important investment in addressing driver shortages and strengthening the sustainability of contracted bus services across Greater Sydney and the Outer Metropolitan regions. The announcement reflects a key recommendation of the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce, on which BusNSW represented the private bus industry. The Taskforce identified improving the remuneration and reputation of bus drivers through enhanced contractual funding, passed directly to drivers, as a critical initiative to improve recruitment, retention and the long-term sustainability of the contracted bus industry. BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld says bus drivers perform an essential frontline role delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused public transport services and deserve to be appropriately recognised and remunerated. “BusNSW and the operators currently bargaining for new enterprise agreements have enormous respect for the role of bus 8

Above: NSW bus driver wages are in for a welcome boost. Image: Volvo Bus Australia

drivers as the frontline representatives of their businesses, connecting communities with employment, education, healthcare and other essential services every day,” he says. “This funding represents an important investment in the industry’s workforce and will assist operators to attract and retain drivers, helping to address workforce shortages and improve service reliability for passengers.” Threlkeld says BusNSW also supports the broader workforce initiatives attached to the funding, including improved access to part-time work to encourage greater female workforce participation, enhanced training opportunities and practical workplace improvements such as more workable meal break arrangements. “These measures complement improved remuneration and will help make bus driving a more attractive career, while improving productivity and strengthening the industry’s workforce into the future,” he says. He says the six operators involved in the current multi-enterprise bargaining process, together with BusNSW in its role as a bargaining representative, would continue working constructively with the Transport Workers’ Union and the NSW government over the coming

months to finalise the details of the funding package and enterprise bargaining outcomes. “Our objective is to achieve a practical and commercially viable outcome that appropriately recognises drivers, supports operators to deliver reliable services and provides long-term value for passengers, taxpayers and the NSW government,” he says. He says the announcement reinforces the value of the private operator model in New South Wales and demonstrates why it should remain the preferred approach for the upcoming renewal of bus service contracts. “This investment further reinforces the value of contracting private bus operators in New South Wales, ensuring the NSW government continues to receive excellent value from its investment while supporting the delivery of safe, reliable and high-quality public transport services to communities across the state,” he says. “It also aligns with the NSW government’s Procurement Policy Framework by supporting a competitive and efficient private sector that delivers the best possible value-for-money outcomes for the people of New South Wales.”

ABC • busnews.com.au

Challeng

busnews.com.au • ABC

Challenger_Buses_ABC Mag #454_210mm x 297mm_PressAD_0625_fa.indd 1

5/6/2025 9:05 pm

NEWS

Historic electric articulated bus unveiled Western Australia has welcomed a zero-emissions bus with a bendy edge to its fleet with the help of its political elite Australia’s very first electric articulated bus has been unveiled in Western Australia. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook was on hand with WA transport minister Rita Saffioti to unveil the Volvo BZL Electric Articulated bus. Featuring a body locally produced by Volgren in Western Australia, the bus will run for the Public Transport Authority. The vehicle was revealed at Volgren’s Malaga facility in late June, with Cook and Saffioti joining senior representatives from the PTA, Volvo Bus Australia and Volgren. The 18-metre, 57-seat bus is Volvo Bus Australia’s first low-floor, fully electric articulated chassis. Developed by Volvo Bus Corporation with the Australian market as a primary driver, it was engineered to meet the operational needs of the PTA. Transperth will introduce two locally made electric articulated ‘bendy’ buses to its fleet, with the 18-metre buses being around six metres longer than a standard Transperth bus and able to carry about 105 seated and standing passengers, compared to about 80 on a standard bus. The two articulated buses will begin testing on routes in Perth’s northern suburbs in the coming weeks and are expected to enter service around August, providing increased capacity for passengers on some of the network’s busiest corridors. The buses can recharge in approximately four hours and form part of Transperth’s growing electric fleet, which includes more than 150 electric buses, with around 11 new electric buses entering service each month. “This Australian-first – locally made articulated buses – is just another way my government is prioritising the diversification of WA’s economy,” Cook says. “We can keep WA the strongest economy in the nation, by making 10

ABC • busnews.com.au

Above: The Volvo BZL Electric Articulated electric bus will join the Public Transport Authority fleet. Image: Volvo Bus Australia

more things here and develop a skilled and productive workforce. “More than 100 local jobs, including 15 apprentices, are supported here at Volgren’s Malaga facility, working to make Transperth’s fleet greener and be part of the energy transition.” Transperth’s diesel and Compressed Natural Gas bus fleet will gradually be phased out as they reach their end of service life. The last diesel Transperth bus was manufactured more than a year ago, with every new addition to the Transperth fleet since being a locally built electric bus. Shifting bus manufacturing to fully electric follows on from a $250 million program jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments to deliver an initial 130 electric buses and associated infrastructure and bus depot upgrades. “We’re proud to be leading the nation with the roll out of our first locally made electric ‘bendy’ buses – made right here in WA,” Saffioti says. “These two new buses build on our growing electric bus fleet, with 11 new electric buses entering service each month. “Building electric buses locally is a key part of our government’s plan to diversify our economy and generate long-term jobs for Western Australians.

“The transition to locally made electric buses is keeping our economy strong while delivering a greener, cleaner public transport network for the future.” Unlike competing electric articulated products, which are fully imported, the Volvo BZL Electric Articulated is bodied locally at Volgren in Malaga, supporting Western Australian manufacturing and local jobs. The Volvo BZL Electric has been in service in Australia since 2022, when the PTA became the first operator in the country to receive Volvo electric buses – built on the Volgren Optimum body. With more than 140 Volvo BZL Electric buses now operating nationally, the platform is backed by an established base of technical knowledge, operator confidence and local support. The relationship between the PTA and Volvo Bus spans more than a decade, with over 1,400 Volvo buses delivered into the Perth network. The launch of Australia’s first electric articulated bus marks a significant milestone in that ongoing partnership. “This is a genuine Australian first, and it has been built right here in Perth,” Volvo Bus Asia Pacific director of product and industry Mark Fryer says.

busnews.com.au • ABC

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IRIZAR

COVER

Moment of truth It was the first morning of a packed 2026 Bus & Coach Expo and everyone was at the Irizar Asia Pacific stand. Cue the pulling down of three black curtains to unveil the latest historic Irizar coach model to hit Australian roads, Sean Mortell reports

he nerves were jangling, butterflies filling stomachs. People moved with purpose across the floor, ensuring all preparations were done. Furtive glances, pointing fingers, speedy phone calls. An amassing crowd of interested industry members filled the hall, their eyes darting at the looming mystery in front of them. Crisp black curtains draped over three large vehicles, with camera flashes ensuring everyone knew what the name of the game was. Hushed whispers soon dissipated as a microphone crackled to life, photographers poised their tools and the Sydney Showgrounds Dome held its collective breath. The time was 9.30am and many of the attendees and exhibitors at the 2026 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo were at the Irizar Asia Pacific stand, eagerly awaiting the first new release of the major event. After nearly two years of preparations, it was

time for the local arm of the global bodybuilding giant to unveil its latest model. The official unveiling was led by Irizar Group CEO Imanol Rego alongside Irizar Asia Pacific managing director Steve Heanes, highlighting the significance of the Australian market and the importance of this launch to the global Irizar Group. Then the moment, curtains rippling down over three gleaming coaches of varying colours. There was a slight pause, a temporary moment of silence, before nods and grunts of approval preceded widespread applause. For all the preparations and perfect placements, the unveiling of the Irizar i6S Efficient was done in a split-second, and the market was just as quick to explore the groundbreaking addition to the brand’s growing local fleet. “This product has been more than a year in the works, while it’s nearly two years old now in the global market,”

Above: The 2026 Bus & Coach Expo was the perfect place to reveal the newest coach model for Irizar

Heanes told ABC. “We wanted to see how the product performed in other markets while working to localise for Australian conditions, so we made a number of trips to Irizar’s factory in Brazil to start creating something special for Australia.” It’s this extensive background work, tireless hours completed behind the scenes to scheme, plan, design, engineer, review and begin building, that made the unveiling of the new Irizar i6S Efficient such a monumental moment for the Irizar team. The latest Irizar model is the most efficient coach in the brand’s history, which spans 137 years to 1889 when Jose Antonio Irizar established the company in Ormaiztegi, a town in Spain’s Basque Country. Designed to reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions while delivering an improved total cost of ownerships for busnews.com.au • ABC

IRIZAR

operators, the i6S still maintains the hallmarks of Irizar’s manufacturing over more than 100 years – comfort, reliability and performance. “The most impressive features of this new coach are the weight savings, which is very important in Australia as we’re more restricted than European markets – Europe can have 19.5 tonnes on two-axle coaches while we only have 18 tonnes – as well as the fuel consumption,” Heanes says. “We’re saying there’s a 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, but we know it’s better than that. We believe customers are going to enjoy fuel savings with this efficient model.” As operators continue balancing rising operating costs with increasing customer expectations, efficiency has become far more than an engineering objective. For Irizar, it has become the benchmark by which every future coach will be measured. While the overall reveal was for the i6S Efficient, the three coaches unveiled showcased different versions of the body. Alongside the standard i6S Efficient was the i6S Efficient Plus, featuring approximately 100mm of additional luggage compartment height to accommodate more luggage or allow bicycles to be transported upright. This makes it particularly suited to rail replacement and government contracts while maintaining generous luggage capacity for tour and charter operators. “With recent rail contracts, this luggage and standing bike space is important, so we’ve met the demand with the new model,” Heanes says. “We’ve also focused a lot on the driver experience, putting a lot of thought into the driver layout and their comfort. In our view, if the driver’s happy, that’s half the battle to running successful operations with high-quality vehicles.” The other half lies in passenger comfort, with the Irizar i6S Efficient model being wider and longer internally courtesy of a redesigned frame. The end result are seats more spaced out and larger swabs to remove any cramming of passengers. On the safety side, all seatbelt system requirements ahead of November’s 14

ABC • busnews.com.au

Images: Irizar Asia Pacific

COVER

Australian Design Rule (ADR) implementation have been included ahead of time with visuals and audio reminders to wear seatbelts, with the addition of LED light indicators taking Irizar’s system above and beyond national regulations. It’s a lot to pack into one coach, with Heanes and his team kept busy over the past year to tailor this global success to the unique Australian set of requirements. Buses run longer than most throughout their lifespan in Australia and New Zealand, with vehicles that can multi-task being critical in a region that can quickly turn from city to country. Heanes says market awareness is key – with linehaul coaches running up to 150,000 kilometres each year, the Australian version of the i6S Efficient had to match these demanding needs. “The feedback’s been really positive already – you’ll never tick every box for every person, but we’re seeing everyone picking out features that they really enjoy,” he says. “Nearly all coaches we deliver are unique in some way and we’ll continue providing bespoke vehicles that meet customer needs with this new model.” As the brand nears 20 years in the local market, Irizar’s growing network of loyal operators continues

Above: Irizar Group CEO Imanol Rego was on hand to launch the company’s latest products to market

to grow. The brand used the grand reveal at the Expo to pay tribute to some of their major customers, including Kangaroo Bus Lines and Alston Coaches, with two of the three coaches being unveiled featuring their wrap ahead of deliver. The launch also brought out key members of Irizar’s global force, including Irizar Group CEO Imanol Rego, who says the unveiling of the i6S Efficient was a highlight in the brand’s 19-year history in Australia to date. “Since arriving in Australia in 2007, we’ve been able to continue growing, and that’s courtesy of the trust of our customers,” he says. “The i6S Efficient is a vehicle designed with one clear priority – to maximise efficiency. This isn’t just a product, it’s a major step forward in our ongoing journey to sustainable transport. “This product has a special meaning for us in Australia – it’s a very difficult market to build for, so we’re very proud to be inspiring more innovation in the market for our customers.” Despite the grand event, the i6S Efficient wasn’t the sole focus for Irizar Asia Pacific at its Expo space. Across the way from the black curtains and trio of unveilings sat the brand’s new i6 model that blends the older i6 and i6S model into one common platform.

Heanes says this new version settles the i6 vehicle and delivers more of the latest technology to the premier coach. “The i6 is still our workhorse, our bread and butter vehicle for our mining, charter and school sectors,” he says. “It’s important to note the i6 and i6S Efficient are two very different models that won’t be mixed – if you want an efficient coach with all the mirrors and charter requirements, the i6S Efficient is the answer, while the i6 will continue to cater to mining and charter requirements. “Competition is currently fierce in Australia’s bus and coach industry – people want to come here to sell vehicles, and deals are so long-term in their nature, so we’re looking for ways to continue growing amid these challenging conditions. We believe the i6 and i6S Efficient are the answers.” By the time the next Expo rolls

This product has a special meaning for us in Australia – it’s a very difficult market to build for, so we’re very proud to be inspiring more innovation in the market for our customers

around Irizar will be into the 20s in Australia, with Heanes firmly fixing his gaze on continuing to diversify the brand’s offerings. This expands beyond just vehicles, with a recent focus on service capabilities seeing Irizar lead the way in coach care across the country. The recent addition of staff in South Australia specialising in air-conditioning and then vehicle care only expands this presence, with regional staff being upskilled to also service Hispacold air-conditioning. Heanes’ goal is to have a service network that can cater to any vehicle and air-conditioning issues throughout Australia, whether it be inner-city or regional. As he and his team takes a deep sigh of relief in the wake of the i6S Efficient unveiling, he knows it won’t be long until the brand is back innovating, developing and releasing more leading coach models for the local market. It’s also noted that Heanes used the word diversifi-

cation for the brand in ANZ and says it’s more a question of when, not if. “We’re continuing to expand and the team is very solid,” he says. “We’re looking at investing in our Melbourne facility again to expand, as we’ve outgrown that facility quicker than expected due to our growth. “We’ll also keep an eye on what Irizar is doing globally and see what we can bring to Australia to innovate for the industry.”

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busnews.com.au • ABC

BUS NEWS FEATURE

Latest in line As a fourth generation bus operator, Michael Baulch was always destined to come into the industry. Now, decades down the line, he chats on the Bus News podcast about his career to date and what it means to be continuing a formidable family legacy

or Michael Baulch, it was always about family. Many have claimed to have bus running in their blood, but few have the ability to prove it like he has. Yet it was never a case of going straight into the bus and coach game for the fourth-generation operator. Instead, his unique family background meant he could’ve been either tending crops or behind the wheel to continue separate bus legacies. Fortunately for the local bus and coach sector, he chose the passenger transport route. “The bus family history was on my mother’s side, while my father was actually a farmer,” he told ABC’s Bus News podcast. “I could’ve been a fourth-gener-

ABC • busnews.com.au

ation farmer or a fourth-generation operator – it could’ve gone either way. The choice to go into buses wasn’t intentional – I was jackarooing around for my first couple of years out of school and my intention was to go back to the farm, but my grandfather told me to do something different and spend time with the buses. “I went there for a couple of years in the early ‘90s and it was like I had never ever left.” It saw Michael, a young lad in his 20s at the time, return to rekindle his earliest childhood memories around buses. This included running around the Warrnambool Bus Lines’ Raglan Parade depot and adjoining car dealership in the ‘70s under the watchful eye of grandfather Tom

Above: Emerald Coaches came into the Baulch family in 2016 and the business continues to grow under their stewardship

‘Grumpy’ Lucas. Michael recalls the Bedford fleet that dominated the yard and soon stoked his winding career in buses that has taken him all over Australia and now to the Queensland mining town of Emerald. “My grandfather was originally from Flinders, while his father Sam ran buses on the Mornington Peninsula and eventually got involved with his brother-in-law Eric Marcus Hall, who ran Peninsula Bus Lines,” he says. “After he came back from the war, he had the opportunity to purchase Wannon Bus Lines with a group of investors. Eventually, through the ‘50s, my grandfather, as a qualified mechanic, managed to grow the fleet and create a depot and maintenance infrastructure.

Images: Emerald Coaches

EMERALD COACHES PODCAST

“Then through the ‘70s his son Stephen Lucas became involved in the business and bought out another local major operator in South Western Roadways. Subsequent to that, in recent years we’ve seen Sam Lucas, Stephen’s son, come back to the business to lead that organisation.” Under the eyes of ‘Grumpy’ – handed the nickname due to his constant happy approach to life while flying a Kitty Hawk in the First World War – Michael began his career in the bus industry in his early 20s by driving and washing buses while spending plenty of time in the workshop. Michael cherishes the moments he spent in the ‘90s driving Bedfords around the yard and on runs, with his bus upbringing involving a stint at Latrobe Valley Bus Lines to diversify his experience. It was a different time in the industry, with a raft of operators working together in their various regions to provide top quality passenger services. While the state of the current operator landscape has evolved, Michael says he can still notice the same pillars of the industry shining through today. “To a certain extent that tight-knit, collaborative nature still exists,” he says. “In Queensland, we still work together and we all have our own patch, to a certain extent. Back in the day there was this real camaraderie between the tour operators and drivers – when you speak to guys that used to do these tours, they speak really fondly of those times and the group they had with them on the road.” This foray north started when Buslink Queensland, which was eventually sold to CDC, bought Gladstone based business Cox Coaches, with Michael tapped to run the venture. As his family expanded in the form of two kids, he, alongside wife and now fellow Emerald Coaches director Rachael, made the call to “spread their wings” and head to Gladstone. With blessings given by Stephen to do their own thing, the pair headed north in the late ‘90s, joining a new contractual system in Queensland for

I would describe my career and family involvement in the bus industry as fulfilling – it’s been pretty cool to be involved and build some friendships throughout the way school bus services. In these short few years, Michael and Rachael got their head around the different contractual environment while enhancing their operational skills. It served them well for when a family acquisition created an opportunity out west, with Michael and Rachael following family traditions to acquire an operation that would act as a precursor to the Australian Transit Group (ATG) in Western Australia. “One opportunity to acquire a bus operator out west really stood out to me,” he says. “We decided to put some investors together and buy that business. It

Below: Michael, Rachael and their children in the early days of their bus business journey

wasn’t as easy as what we thought, but my grandfather bought his Warrnambool operation by putting investors together, and history repeated itself again for us we as we needed a bit more dough to get into that organisation.” Under yet another jurisdiction and a different set of contractual regimes, Michael began his time in Western Australia, this time in mining operations. Working from a depot in Karratha in WA’s north, Michael and Rachael were introduced to mining contracts and clients. Whether it be fresh challenges in sourcing workers or learning the different ways to look after drivers, the pair soon learnt new

busnews.com.au • ABC

BUS NEWS FEATURE

ideas when it came to handling fleet and labour requirements out west. “What we’ve learnt is creating a good culture is key, as is paying the right dough,” he says. “Whether it’s mechanics or drivers, you have to pay the right money to attract the right people. We’ve tried to create a culture at each of our depots at Emerald Coaches now that attract the right people, but it starts with paying the right money.” This experience out west, operating mining contracts out of Mackay and regional WA, served as a period of significant growth and experience in Michael’s bus operating career. By 2016, Michael and Rachael decided to sell the WA business and focus solely on Queensland operations, meaning a return to the northern state. This was facilitated by Murray and Noela Berkaman – a fellow operating couple that decided to sell Emerald Coaches to the Baulch’s after starting the mining transport business in 1981. “They were keen to have a family business buy it – it took a little bit of time as we worked out how we wanted to operate it and what our vision for the business was,” Michael says. “Both Rachael and I come from country towns and understand how important it is to support the local clubs and community groups, and we wanted to be part of the Emerald community, which resonated with

ABC • busnews.com.au

EMERALD COACHES PODCAST

Murray and Noela.This was a great move as it was a really good business. It was well set up, had good vehicles and it evolved from there.” After buying the business in 2016, things moved quickly for Michael and Rachael in Emerald. By 2020, they had bought another depot in Mackay, with ongoing regional purchases continuing throughout the years. It culminated in the acquisition of Trans North’s southern division in March this year, with 46 vehicles across Ayr, Bowen, Collinsville and Mirani joining the growing Emerald Coaches brand. With a fleet of roughly 180 vehicles across six depots in regional Queensland, the Emerald Coaches badge has grown remarkably since Michael and Rachael took over. Through a variety of mining, school and urban bus runs, there was only one other evolution for the pair to look at – zero-emissions vehicles. Since 2021, Emerald Coaches’ e-Mission Zero has seen the operator become the first private bus and coach business to commit to a zero-emissions strategy, trialling vehicles and infrastructure in the rural setting. “It’s never really made sense to me that decarbonisation is done in just the capital cities, as it seems more difficult to me,” he says. “The area you really want to target

Below: The country community is a big part of life for Michael and Rachael

is school or mining buses where the vehicles sit in the depot during the day – it just makes sense as there’s set runs and set kilometres over a long period of time. “It’s a no-brainer to me, but we have to get the infrastructure right to decarbonise properly.” It’s been a whirlwind journey for Michael and Rachael, with the operating couple continuing to grow Emerald Coaches using their decades of experience around Australia’s bus and coach industry. While the operator continues to navigate a new set of challenges for transport companies, there is an eye on eventually seeing the Baulch legacy continue to a fifth generation in the distant future. “We’re always going to be looking for acquisitions in the right area – we’d like to expand further if we can, but we don’t want to go outside our operational area and stretch ourselves too thin,” he says. “We’ve got two kids who live overseas currently and aren’t too keen on coming home, so it’s up to myself and Rachael for the immediate future, but I’d like to think at some stage they’d be interested in the business. “I would describe my career and family involvement in the bus industry as fulfilling – it’s been pretty cool to be involved and build some friendships throughout the way.”

Founded in 1946, Wrightbus is the UK market leader in zero-emission buses with over 3,000 in service. With a choice of BEV and FCEV technologies, our double and single deck buses have covered over 200 million km. That gives us the experience to smoothly manage your transition from diesel to zero-emission fleets. And when it comes to support, we have a highly experienced team based in Australia, supported by mobile service engineers, while our sister company FUZE offers a turnkey solution of vehicles, infrastructure and maintenance. For more information, contact: julian.gurney@wrightbus.com

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EXPO RECAP

STYLERIDE

Mixed magic

StyleRide’s array of seats on display at the Expo showed the depths of the brand’s versatility when it comes to seating design, colours and fabrics

he resurgence of seating supplier StyleRide was on full display at the Expo, with its space adorned with various intriguing and comfortable seats. A recent dedication to improving its processes and product range has clearly paid dividends, with the brand displaying a true variety of models for a wide range of applications. The use of the StyleRide space saw seats arrayed like a traditional school bus, with some experimental models filling the seats to give the bus and coach industry a true indication of what the brand is capable of. “Within this configuration, we’ve got variations for school buses like our Orion, Solutions 2-3 and School Guard 3-2 models,” StyleRide Seating Systems national business development manager Troy Wells told ABC.

ABC • busnews.com.au

“We then thought we’d mix these up with the covers we put on them and so on, with one of these blue seats being a special shade of blue that the Shann Group made for us. “We worked with them on this particular shade of blue, so it was worthy of displaying alongside a mixture of fabrics.” Outside of the school bus display, the StyleRide stand also transitioned to its coach capabilities, including some of the latest variants it’s been putting into new Flix buses and coaches. Wells says the trademark of StyleRide’s seats, regardless of the model, continues to be the comfortability. “Everybody loves these seats, they’re just super comfortable,” he says. “We’ve had many people want to briefly take a seat from all the

Below: The latest range from Styleride caught plenty of attention at the Bus & Coach Expo. Image: Prime Creative Media

walking around and they sink into one of our models and let out a sigh of relief and comfort. We’ve played around with the design on some seats, using different fabrics like microfibre suede, but it’s all been very well received.” Other seating models on display begin to get more experimental, including a different arrangement used for alpine snow bus tours – something Wells says has turned out incredibly well. “It all showcases our versatility and the unique products and options we can provide for customers,” he says. “We’ve shown this through our different styles and designs on display so we can show off a bit. This includes new colours, fabrics and options. “A lot of them look really good and is a perfect example of our flexibility for customers.”

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EXPO RECAP

Images: Prime Creative Media

BCI

Coverage across the board

The BCI stand at the Expo saw the growing brand showcase the continual diversification of its bus and coach fleet

hen it came to eyecatching buses, it was hard to venture too far past the BCI stand at the Bus & Coach Expo without stopping to gaze at the supplier’s array of vehicles on display. From low-entry coach bodies to lowfloor city buses, BCI had it all, with its presence extending far beyond its own stand through a unique launch on the Volvo stand and the brand lending a Proma eight-metre lowfloor model to another stand to show hoists.

ABC • busnews.com.au

Upon walking into BCI’s world at the Expo, the immediate pick of the bunch was a special BCI model for South Australian operator Willunga Charter. “Willunga Charter has recently purchased a very unique model that’s only available through BCI,” BCI Victoria, NSW and Tasmania sales representative Chris Cordia told ABC. “No one else has a product like this – it’s essentially an intercity coach but with a flip-out ramp to provide wheelchair access straight through the front door.”

Above: This blue and white wonder from the Premier Transport Group fleet in Kiama showcased BC’s offerings

It’s not the first release of this unique model from BCI, with Kangaroo Bus Lines having bought four of the coach before Willunga Charter ordered a batch of its own. The model on the display was the third to go to the South Australian operator, with a fourth currently in build of the 51-seat, 12.5m model that allows two wheelchairs to access the interior. Beyond this particular product, BCI’s stand depicted the current state of play for the supplier. With BCI having penned deals with both Scania and Volvo to build on their chassis in

Australia, an array of models on BCI’s stand were built on technology from the two European manufacturing giants. Cordia says this highlights BCI’s versatility as a leading body and solutions supplier for operators all around the country. “We’ve got two Volvo coach chassis on our stand as well as two Scania models, including an 11-metre coach with 45 reclining seats,” he says. “That’s a Cruiser coach body on a Scania chassis, while we also have a 12.5m school bus owned by Premier Transport Group on a Volvo B8. That comes with 57 seats featuring McConnell’s 2-3 seat model.” Another highlight of the BCI stand was an 11m coach body on a Scania K320 chassis, with Cordia saying the benefits of the model lie with operators wanting to provide high-quality and accessible services. “The benefit of this model is it can provide access in a range of places while maintaining a luxury coach style of service,” he says. “We recently received queries about providing a slightly smaller but high-end touring option rather than larger touring vehicles – this vehicle is perfect for that need.” It all made for a concoction of BCI products, ranging from big to small and low to high-floor, as well as luxury coach to accessible urban route applications. Cordia says this diversity of models, as well as the new release on the Volvo stand, highlights BCI’s current approach to leading the way in Australia. “One of the strongest features of BCI in general is our ability to adapt to the market’s needs very quickly,” he says. “We have a huge range of vehicles but they’re unique to us specifically – we have an intercity coach with wheelchair access and a nine-metre Proma low-floor coach that’s quite different from anything else out on the market. “Then there’s our nine-metre heavy-duty bus with wheelchair access and 29 passenger seats, which has become popular in another market in the tourist area transport space.” Cordia points to this model as a key

example, which is currently working on Hobart’s Mt Wellington in snow season to offer improved access for many. This is before he mentions BCI can supply this wide range of vehicles in electric versions too, with the EV Proma, school buses and mining buses now being joined by Volvo’s new electric coach that features a BCI body. He says the main takeaway he wants Expo attendees to leave Sydney Showgrounds with is how BCI can provide a vehicle or solution to cover

Above: The 12.5m school bus is on a Volvo B8 chassis and has 57 seats featuring McConnell’s 2-3 seat model

Below: The Willunga Charter bus is an intercity coach with a flip-out ramp to provide wheelchair access straight through the front door

an array of customer needs. “A strength of ours is that we’re in a position to offer products to every segment – we’re on a scale where we can deliver the volumes required while adapting vehicles to client needs,” he says. “We’re also focusing on transitioning large fleets to zero-emissions operations – we’re continuing to pioneer in this space by partnering with OEMs and operators to deliver the latest EV technology around the country.”

busnews.com.au • ABC

EXPO RECAP

ZBUS

Grand return

t’s only been a short amount of time since Zhongtong, through ZBus, returned to the Australian market, but already the brand is making a splash in the local sector. Its 2026 Expo space encapsulated this productivity, with five vehicles quickly arriving in the country and at the Sydney Showgrounds to be displayed

Images: Prime Creative Media

An array of new vehicles highlighted Zhongtong’s resurgence in Australia through the growing ZBus brand

to the local market. From its L7 and H12 models to its L8 and H12H plug-in hybrid options, ZBus’ fast array of models raised plenty of eyebrows. “It’s fantastic to be at the Expo – we’ve had a great amount of people come through to check out our range,” ZBus national corporate sales

Above: The Cavbus Group’s H12 Diesel model ZBus coach dressed in gold made a statement on the stand

Left: The L7 Diesel model was one of five ZBus models on show at the Expo

ABC • busnews.com.au

manager Glenn Davidson told ABC. “The standout so far is our L8 hybrid model and H12H larger hybrid bus. We’ve just been inundated with queries and interest, which is terrific.” We currently have five vehicles in our local range; the L7 7.3m 26-seat diesel model on show is a new bus to Australia, while the popular L8 8.5m plug-in hybrid model caught attention for its suitability for school and city applications. ZBus then went larger with its 57-seat Cummins diesel engine H12 in a high spec and its H12 hybrid option. The event marked ZBus’ first Expo in Australasia since officially returning to the local market in the past year, with Davidson harbouring high expectations for the brand’s ongoing growth. The grand display of vehicles, which also includes a new full-electric low-floor N12 model available in 350 to 460+ kWh configurations specially engineered for Australian conditions, was brought to Sydney to show how

ZBus is back “with a vengeance” in Australia. “Our L8 hybrid model features an 88kW battery, offering great range capabilities, space and a quiet rear-mounted engine,” Davidson says. “We’ve got no range anxiety with our hybrid models at all – if anything, it extends the range for operators wanting to travel to various places.” The hybrid model uses an electric battery to complete much of the work, with even the air-conditioning unit being powered by an electric compressor. It’s simply a case of plugging in to charge, while the diesel side is used when longer range and trips are on the cards for operators. “A predominant feature of our model range is the quality standard features we include across the board,” he says. “All of our buses come with a range of features as standard, highlighted by seatbelt monitoring systems, Child Checking System and a full AEBS

We’ve got no range anxiety with our hybrid models at all – if anything, it extends the range for operators wanting to travel to various places

package to create a full package, while we also have extensive safety systems as standard on all of our batteries.” When it comes to the finishing touches, ZBus is also able to provide different coloured seats depending on operator preferences. Davidson emphasises the wide range of seating options available to customers as they’re also able to pick their own bus’s paint colour included in the price. To showcase this flexibility, a striking gold bus adorned ZBus’ stand, standing out from surrounding white models. Throw in options like toilets and wheelchair lifts that come directly from the Zhongtong factory, and a factory warranty ensures the majority of bus parts are specifically protected. When combined together, Davidson says it proves to be an enticing package for many Australian operators. “We want to continue educating the

Smart charging for smarter fleets.

industry on just how long Zhongtong has been around, as they started in 1958, have become the second largest bus manufacturer in the world and are currently building roughly 30,000 vehicles each year, so we’re no drop in the ocean,” he says. “The Australian market is discovering the depth of our quality and the scale of our product range We’ve built up a large parts inventory locally, and we have a diverse fleet of vehicles ready to roll out across the country.”

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busnews.com.au • ABC

EXPO RECAP

VDI

Dream land

VDI Australia’s massive Expo space created its own world for attendees to learn all about the brand’s latest vehicle range and expanding support capabilities

ntering the VDI Australia stand at the 2026 Bus & Coach Expo was like stepping foot into a wonderland. With the largest stand at the show coming in at 840sqm, VDI’s presence was hard to miss as many operators and attendees were drawn into the growing world of VDI and Yutong. As the brand recently celebrated 2,000 deliveries to operators across Australia, an array of VDI Australia’s latest vehicles in a range of segments showcased its immense capability to fulfil various needs in the market. “It’s been a busy couple of years at VDI – we’re happy with our deliveries numbers so far this year so we wanted to showcase our big range of vehicles,” VDI Australia managing director Peter Woodward told ABC. “We also wanted to emphasise our aftersales capabilities and the spare

ABC • busnews.com.au

parts and support we offer to our customers.” In the wake of the landmark 2,000th vehicle delivery that occurred earlier this year, Woodward says the VDI team set out to also bolster its supports capabilities. The move to bolster the spare parts it carries now matches the brand’s rapid expansion, with VDI carrying more than $7.5 million in parts stock, including a dedicated Cummins powertrain inventory, available through five Yutong Bus Centres in Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. This investment has been matched by strong support from Yutong, the world’s largest bus manufacturer by volume, with the manufacturer’s own team on hand throughout the show working alongside VDI staff. Outside of the parts focus, VDI Australia has also invested in growing its team, both across the spare parts

Above: The Yutong buses attracted plenty of attention at VDI Australia’s massive 840sqm stand

and services side, to employ more than 140 bus professionals around Australia. “It’s been wonderful to showcase our 2,000th delivery,” Woodward says. “We collected photos from all of our customers to really show off the varying range of customers we have across school, mining or route bus operations. This wide range of vehicles means we have a very diverse list of customers and use cases for our models.” The extensive list of VDI Australia Yutong models were organised into different zones, starting with a flexible transport area that included the recently launched E7S. “This model is suitable for shuttles and on-demand services, as well as flexible transport,” VDI Australia national sales manager Sara Clark told ABC.

configuration and drivetrain, the stand brought VDI’s service, parts, telematics and support teams together in one place, open for business and ready to handle real enquiries. This occurred on the day, with the service and spare parts desk catering to a range of queries from customers. Visitors were also able to get hands-on with a set of tools built to make their decisions and day-to-day operations easier via a total cost of ownership calculator, service scheduling tool and various support systems. Clark says the key theme of all of

Above: The VDI Australia Yutong team was out in force to share the excitement of its product line-up with Expo vistors

Below: There was even space to rest and enjoy the VDI Australia story

this was clarity to help operators run buses efficiently with fewer headaches and a clear view of the real numbers. Combine this with the ongoing celebrations of 2,000 deliveries in Australia and it makes for a seminal moment in VDI Australia’s rapid growth in the local market. “It’s a really proud moment for us to be able to showcase what we do here,” she says. “There’s a lot of our team present at the event and it’s been amazing to be able to bring them out to meet with our customers from across the country.”

Images: Prime Creative Media

“Then we have the battery electric side that includes our E12 model, which is a low-floor battery electric option within our public transport zone. “In the front corner of the stand we had our new D7 model that’s received a facelift ahead of being unveiled later this year, so it offers a sneak peek for the industry.” The final section of the VDI stand was its ongoing diesel range, with an array of solutions catering to school, charter and tourist applications. A popular part of this zone was the C12, designed for high-floor school and charter operators, while a mining segment also showcased the best models available for that sector. The range is specified with Cummins Euro 6 diesel engines, connecting operators to one of the most established powertrain ecosystems in the country. “We’re trying to have something for everybody, which is why we have the best of both worlds in diesel and electric vehicle technology,” Clark says. “There are a lot of different sectors in the market that we sell these products into. Think of some buses like the D7 and C12 – we sell these to very different industries, but then we also supply to community transport, school and mining operators with the same model.” As well as Yutong vehicles spanning seat capacity, floor

busnews.com.au • ABC

EXPO RECAP

WRIGHTBUS

Special welcome The opening morning of the Expo saw European brand Wrightbus celebrate its official return to the local market, with plenty of opportunity awaiting

t was a different type of homecoming. A grand return to a familiar region, a relaunch done right. The opening morning of the Expo saw Northern Irish based bus and coach manufacturer Wrightbus mark its return to the Australian and New Zealand market while also celebrating a special milestone globally.

ABC • busnews.com.au

“It’s really exciting to be back in Australia and New Zealand,” Wrightbus head of sales for Australia and New Zealand Julian Gurney told ABC. “Around 30 years ago we delivered 30 Wrightbus bodied Dennis Darts to Transport Canberra, so it’s wonderful to be back.” The latest iteration of Wrightbus

Above: Wrightbus regional director Asia Pacific Daniel Castro set the scene at the launch

Below: Head of sales for Australia and New Zealand Julian Gurney is excited to be back in Australia

down under will be led by Gurney and regional director Asia Pacific Daniel Castro, with both on deck at Sydney Showgrounds for the show. In a unique touch, new Consul General NSW and deputy trade commissioner for Australia and New Zealand Anna Shotbolt attended the event to discuss the significance behind Wrightbus’ launch locally. In her first speech in Australia since starting the role, she says the launch of Wrightbus in Australia and New Zealand is a great demonstration of the UK’s innovation, advancement and manufacturing. “This demonstrates a real commitment between Australia and the UK in our trade and investment relationship,” she says. “It’s underpinned by our free trade agreement – I really want to congratulate Wrightbus and hope they inspire more Australian and British businesses to work together.” Castro says the launch is more than just the start of a journey – it’s the continuation of Wrightbus’ ongoing evolution globally. “We’ve been supplying buses across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia, and helping operators on their path for a cleaner and sustainable transport solution,” he says. “We’re close to Australia and our presence in Asia Pacific continues to grow. We have our operations in Malaysia and more than 2,500 Wrightbus vehicles currently operate across Singapore and Hong Kong, therefore Australia is our next step. “This market has strong goals for the local public transport network and a clear commitment to decarbonisation. “We’re not just introducing a product, we’re establishing a long-term presence and investing in relationships and building local

Images: Prime Creative Media

capabilities. We’re committed to supporting operators, governments and communities as Australia continues its transition towards a zero-emissions public transport sector.” Wrightbus’ global managing director Christian Reynolds also made the trip across to Sydney for the launch, saying the event marks “18 months of hard work”.

“Through our 80 years as a business, Wrightbus has always prided itself on innovation, whether that be the first to use aluminium bodies, to use hydrogen double-deckers or to introduce ultra-low floor vehicles,” he says. “Our core philosophy is looking to innovate as part of our partnership with operators. Over the course of the future, we’ll look to establish a

Left: The UK’s Consul General NSW and deputy trade commissioner for Australia and New Zealand Anna Shotbolt was there to help with the Wrightbus launch

foothold in Australia and to provide partnerships with operators as part of our value proposition.” The business says it currently has more than 3,000 zero-emissions buses running through the UK and Europe. Gurney says the initial products to land in Australia and New Zealand include two hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles operating in Queensland, while there’s also a three-axle double-decker he teases could work well in NSW. Then there’s also the single-deck 12.5m bus that he believes could work in many urban settings, creating a network of opportunities for Wrightbus locally. “Once we get ourselves further established, we’ll be off and running,” he says. “We’ve got amazing customers, and the governments are really onboard with the transition to zero-emissions. We see critical opportunities ahead in the Queensland Olympics and so on.”

busnews.com.au • ABC

SEGE

New way forward The Sege Seats stand featured both the old and the new in its mobile showroom and the brand’s new generation of modular seating systems

hen walking the halls of the industry’s Expo, it can be easy to overlook some of the more intriguing spaces and products. While major vehicle releases dominated the opening day of the 2026 Bus & Coach Expo, it only took a brief venture down the halls of the Sydney Showgrounds to find some more unique options for operators. For the many people who flocked to the Sege Seats stand, an exciting mobile showroom and an array of the brand’s latest seating models quickly became an attendee favourite. “What stands out first at the Sege stand is our mobile showroom bus,” Sege Seats director Ozcan Kuvanci told ABC. “We’ve fitted out the model with

ABC • busnews.com.au

our old enduring generation of seats that we’ve been producing for the Australian bus market since 2017. It’s an outstanding proven product that has no complaints, so it’s available for the people to see.” After many headed onto the bus to check out the variety of seats on display, the floor surrounding the mobile showroom became a point of many discussions. As home to Sege’s newly unveiled generation of modular seats, the space allowed for Sege to showcase how it has taken local bus and coach seating technology to the next level. “We’ve advanced our technology and done our research and development to create a new generation of bus seats worthy of celebration,” Kuvanci says. “In this model range we’ve got a

Above: Sege Seats’ mobile showroom bus had plenty of visitors through the door over the course of the Expo

variety of driver seats and guide seats, including our 4036 model, which is our most popular, as well as the 4020 which is a popular option for higher class vehicles. “We’ve also seen the VIP 5050 getting plenty of attention, being an all-in-one configuration up the front of our stand.” The very front of the stand is where this up-market offering shines for interested onlookers. Arranged in either a five-across option or a three-plus-two combination, Sege’s new school bus seats were joined by the brand’s latest removable seat legs on display. As the third generation of the product, much of Sege’s new model range is about making switching seats as simple and efficient as possible. “These revised seat legs have been

Images: Prime Creative Media

EXPO RECAP

revised to slide onto the rail without having to lift the seat up – you can simply unlock and physically slide it,” Kuvanci says. “We also wanted to showcase our diversity in products by displaying an ambulance seat we produce for other markets.” “What has stood out is the VIP configuration, while the 40-36 model with diamond stitch padding is also popular among operators at the Expo.” Kuvanci and the Sege team walked many through the full array of models throughout the two-day event, with ABC being able to witness how the new modular seats can be easily interchanged. Older models traditionally required more work and parts to change seat covers, but the new system requires only a screwdriver to work on four screw points on the seat. From there, the cover can be removed and changed as operators see fit.

Down the line an operator may want to upgrade seats or do something different – all they have to do is order some front seat covers and it only takes a couple of hours to change all seats in a bus Looking down, the seats can also be slid out and off with ease, with Kuvanci saying it only takes 10 minutes to change the cover and then slide it off the rails. The simple clip-in and clip-out procedure means seats can be taken out or locked into place in a matter of seconds, removing time for mechanics and workshop staff when an operator may want to change the seating configuration in a vehicle. “Down the line an operator may want to upgrade seats or do something different – all they have to do is order some front seat covers and it only takes a couple of hours to change all seats in a bus,” he says. “No extra engineering has to be done, and the trusted seat frames

remain the same, so there’s no structure changes happening. It’s only the padding that’s being swapped.” Kuvanci says the main focus for Sege moving forward is the new generation modular seats, with customers now learning more about the benefits of the latest seating technology. “We’ve chatted to customers about why we’ve gone down this avenue and the benefits it presents for operators,” he says. “It’s offering major savings in time and money for maintenance, serviceability and spare parts. We think it’s the next step forward for bus and coach operators in Australia.”

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busnews.com.au • ABC

SCANIA

Images: Scania Australia

EXPO RECAP

Widening workforce Scania Australia’s stand, from its latest electric model and new engine platform, to an experimental project, was all about the brand’s innovative capabilities

s hordes of crowds burst through the doors to Sydney Showgrounds’ Dome, one vehicle quickly stole the attention of many. Gleaming shiny black and yellow, the all-new AutoBus Australia Trubus 4x4 off-road high-capacity vehicle took many to Scania Australia’s stand. Outside of this unique vehicle, many then stayed for plenty of time, taking in the latest variety of releases from the European OEM for the local bus and coach market. “Our stand includes a fully electric city route bus that we’ve delivered to Adelaide for South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and 32

ABC • busnews.com.au

Transport,” Scania Australia director of sales for bus and power solutions Niklas Walter told ABC. “So far we’ve delivered around 60 of these models, with more to come this year and next year too. It’s a totally developed Scania product from the chassis, including our own electrical engine and batteries.” This particular model on display features three batteries on the roof and another in the rear of the vehicle, demonstrating the latest technology in Scania Australia’s zero-emissions stable. It wasn’t all about electric for the Swedish brand, with a coach chassis featuring the brand’s new Super 13 diesel powertrain sitting

Above: Scania’s fully electric city route bus features three batteries on the roof and another in the rear of the vehicle

next to the electric bus. Walter says this coach showcases Scania’s Super 13 powertrain and drivetrain, which is positioned as the most significant new model introduction at the brand’s 2026 Expo space. “This features the new Super chassis, including a new six-cylinder, 500hp engine,” he says. “The whole driveline is new alongside the gearbox, while the electrical system mirrors the current model with its digital dashboard. This is the latest and greatest technology we have in the world right now, so it’s very fulfilling to be able to show it to the local market.”

The Scania Touring, which Walter describes as the company’s “ongoing workhorse”, was also on display for customers to enjoy. He says the model has been around for a while but continues to be proven product for customers wanting quality and performance at every turn. “This all joins the AutoBus project we have on display – it’s a truck that’s been modified to be a 4x4 bus,” he says. “This concept is our way of showing innovation in the industry and that we’re open to different things.” The final piece of the puzzle was the brand’s ongoing showcase of its services, including its financial capabilities for customers in the region. It all marks a recent shift for Scania, with the zero-emissions model being a symbol of the brand’s sustainability push throughout the Australian market. Walter says there’s “no silver bullet” for operators locally, with Scania providing options for the market with the introduction of electric technology. “Our strategy has been to provide different technology for operations depending on what they’re looking to run,” he says. “This model is built on our modular system, which I really like as we can cover different power or fuel sources while maintaining our quality components across the fleet. “We’re planning to do this with a plug-in hybrid model too – it’s not on the stand but we’d love to launch it soon in the market, using our

electrical gearbox together with an EV battery so we can maintain fuel efficiency for operators.” Walter says the development of this concept is still in the works, but he’s eagerly awaiting the chance to add this to Scania’s modular platform. He’s adamant the process won’t be rushed so it can become a permanent option for the Australian market that can run for a long time. “We’re intent on future-proofing the technology to ensure the products can be serviced and maintained for a long time,” he says. “We also want to integrate our partners into this strategy, whether it be the best local bodybuilders or global businesses.” Moving forward, Walter says the new Super 13 option lays the platform for Scania’s local bus and coach future, offering operators a huge advantage when it comes to fuel savings. In an environment

ZHONGTONG BUSES

Above: Autobus Australia Managing Director Boris Cherny with with the all-new Autobus Australia TruBus 4x4 off road high-capacity vehicle

Left: A close-up look at the driving force of the Scania bus

where fuel prices continue to vary, these advantages could offer critical benefits to operators through longer range, service intervals and working lives. Combine this with a growing variety of power source options and Scania is looking to future-proof its future in the Australasian bus and coach market. “We want to continue having a strong presence in the Australian industry across many different segments,” he says. “We want the industry and governments to continue being consistent with what they want and need so we can continue planning ahead and bringing the very best vehicle technology to the region. We’ve been here for 40 years doing this and we hope to be here in another 40 years leading the way.”

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busnews.com.au • ABC

EXPO RECAP

PENSKE MAN

Prioritising partners

Penske Australia & New Zealand mixed its latest vehicle innovations with a milestone delivery alongside a popular family operator at the Expo

ngoing partnerships are a hallmark of the Australian bus and coach industry. For years, family businesses have worked together, suppliers and operators forging forward to lead the way and provide high-class services to customers across the country. The bond between MAN Truck & Bus, Penske Australia & New Zealand and fabled operator Fallons Bus Group has been years in the making, with the 2026 Expo allowing them to celebrate a special milestone in their ongoing partnership. The Penske Australia & New Zealand stand was proudly emblazoned with an MAN bus featuring the signature Fallons wrap, paying homage to the operator’s 70th MAN bus across its ongoing history. “We had the Fallon family, including director Luke, Larry and the rest of the

ABC • busnews.com.au

family, on our stand on the opening morning to hand over the 70th MAN bus,” MAN Truck & Bus head at Penske Australia & New Zealand Derek Schroff told ABC. “It was a real privilege to have them on the stand to deliver their latest school bus to them and celebrate our enduring partnership.” The Victorian-based family operator is a hallmark of the industry’s timeless nature, with Fallons Bus Group now being run by the three grandsons of the original business owners in Frank and Lorna Fallon. The milestone delivery comes in the form of the MAN 330hp RR8 chassis with a Coach Concepts body, with MAN’s technology coming a long way since the operator was first introduced to the MAN badge via the acquisition of two 1996 16.290 MAN’s and a 2002 18.360 MAN. The new RR8 will add to the

Below: Fallons 70th MAN bus featured on the Penske Australia & New Zealand stand

Fallons’ MAN fleet that still includes the 2002 18.360 model, which has ticked over 1.3 million kilometres in distance covered with only regular maintenance required. “I personally first became familiar with the MAN brand when I worked in Europe as a driver and was very impressed by the product,” Luke Fallon says. “At Fallons, we transitioned to MAN as our primary chassis supplier in 2012. I believe MAN is the industry-leading chassis, and key to that is the safety features and innovative driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, which is fantastic, especially at night. “Plus stability control, traction control, ABS, and descent control, together with the powertrain, which dominates other brands on the market. “It all comes down to safety,

suspension forms an exceptionally stable platform.” He says the 330hp engine is very much targeted to school bus, charter and mining applications, tackling hills and an array of roads with ease, while Penske is proud to partner with the Coach Concepts body to provide the only Australian-made school bus on display at the Expo. “This is unique and you don’t have to look too closely to see the quality involved,” he says. “We’ve received plenty of comments so far that it’s a very nicely made vehicle. Once it gets on the road we can’t wait for customers to appreciate how smooth and quiet it is.” Schroff says Penske Australia & New Zealand feels very fortunate to have a quality German engineered product to sell, while the local aftersales focus provides a total package for operators. “We have a network of more than 65 dealer locations across the country, while offering a three-year entire vehicle warranty on these chassis,” he says “We also have a four-year unlimited kilometre roadside assistance package that’s free of charge and we can fit the latest telematics systems in as well. Then there’s our in-house financing capabilities too to add more pieces to the puzzle and I believe we have the most comprehensive range

Above: Three generations of the Fallon family (top) were there as Fallons’ 70th MAN bus was delivered to Luke and Larry by the MAN team (pic above)

Below: The MAN 330hp RR8 chassis is fitted with a Coach Concepts body

of safety features available in the local market as optional add-ons. “We’re waiting for our first chassis to come in with our comfort electronic steering package that includes lane keeping and Safe Stop and we also have the highest horsepower vehicle available in the Australian market with 520 horsepower. “Most importantly, we want to give our appreciation to the Fallon family – it’s all about our relationship and customers.”

Images: Penske Australia & New Zealand

reliability, cents per kilometre, and MAN ticks those boxes. The support we get from MAN and Penske is paramount to keep our fleet on the road at all times. The team at Penske is fantastic.” Outside of this grand release, another RR8 model was shown in bare chassis form for the market to see up close to display how MAN’s latest platform looks internally. “It’s been great to highlight our technology, including our new chassis with all the latest improvements and the completed version, while also celebrating our long-standing relationship with the Fallon family,” Penske Australia & New Zealand’s MAN regional account manager Warren Young told ABC. “It’s been wonderful to support the family and our customers with not just a great product, but also high-class support through our aftersales team. “This new platform is largely built around the modern-day needs of operators when it comes to electronics. It’s nice to include an electronic dash and what it represents for operators to achieve greater access to diagnostics data. Add this into a chassis that’s well proven, accepted and has the wide track rear

busnews.com.au • ABC

FEATURE

KEMPOWER

Balancing act

ow much have you done in a decade? Has the family evolved before your very eyes? Friendships flourished or floundered? It was just under a decade ago that parent group Kemppi built on more than 70 years of business by branching out as Kempower into vehicle electrification technology. In the nine years since the Finnish DC charger producer for electric vehicles was founded, it’s fast become a central player in Oceania’s bus and coach electrification journey. The proof is in the building – after arriving in the region in 2022 when Australia’s bus electrification process was still in its early stages, it has now installed more than 600 plugs. This pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s electric bus charging network has reached industrial scale is a far cry from its local foundations.

ABC • busnews.com.au

Images: Kempower

For Kempower, it’s a case of 600 plugs and counting in Australia. The global charging solutions provider discusses how Australia’s electric bus charging network has reached industrial scale in just a matter of years

“Back in 2022, most projects were pilot programs and large-scale electric depots were largely untested,” Kempower Business Development Manager APAC Dylan Perera told ABC. “Australia presented unique challenges compared to Europe, such as grid, heat and distances. These have all been challenges we’ve had to work through.” With a growing local team looking after sales, solutions, service and marketing in Australia, Kempower has been able to provide solutions for a range of obstacles in just a few years. By 2023, Kempower’s product capabilities saw it selected to provide charging solutions for a large bus depot in Perth. Western Australia continued to emerge as an eager market, with Kempower and its local partners working together to supply the DC fast charging system for the

Above: The Kempower team of Dylan Perera, Aeman Nadeem and Peter Edmonds, were ready to share their knowledge with Expo visitors

state’s largest electric bus depot in Malaga – a 110-bus project requiring installation without disrupting operations. Last year, this was extended to the several other bus depots for electrification in Perth as well, with Kempower teaming up with partners to provide electric charging capacity for several hundred buses. Further large-scale bus projects have been appointed with Kempower’s hardware in NSW, SA and VIC. As time has continued to pass and show Kempower’s capabilities, the brand has been central in the local industry working through grid constraints, Australia’s unique climate conditions and the nature of depot operations to successfully complete large-scale projects. “Maintaining and supporting electric vehicle charging solutions here in Australia means working

around real grid constraints and challenging climate conditions. It takes a lot of forward planning and attention to detail, with a strong emphasis on planned service and maintenance, backed by a network of supportive service partners”, says Benjamin Clements, Service Manager for the APAC region. “We’ve been able to do this while establishing a local team, starting with our Melbourne office that opened in 2023,” Kempower Director of New Markets Carlo Cecchi says. This collection of knowledge has allowed Kempower to offer solution engineering support and ongoing technical expertise when it comes to local project deliveries. Through its service team’s capabilities, Kempower also offers ongoing customer support to ensure the electrification process across the industry is constant and efficient. “Our aim is to understand the use case of our customers first and then match them to our products,” Kempower Sales Application Engineer, Peter Edmonds says. “It’s been wonderful to grow the Australian business through a team of

experts in the field.” These people are behind the projects that form Kempower’s backbone in the Australian bus and coach industry. Supporting this group is rich experience from the brand’s European origins, with the Finnish business leveraging the region’s earlier adoption of zero-emissions vehicle and charging technology to then apply to the Australian market. European electric bus markets were one of the first to develop globally, with 5MW bus stations already being in place since 2022. This has allowed Kempower to transfer these lessons and experience to Australian operators, acting as a bridge of information to allow local businesses to benefit by using proven approaches. Central to this growth in Australia in such a short period of time is Kempower’s willingness to partner with local brands. Kempower ANZ Partner Manager, Rebecca Prins, is quick to admit Kempower didn’t arrive at this point by itself, with various partners, such as JET Charge and Charge Hub, helping the European brand fulfil requirements on

Above: Hand-assembled in Finland to meet the highest quality standards

NT QLD WA SA

22MW DC power

13MW DC power

NSW 3MW DC power

VIC

2MW DC power

Left: 40 MW of DC charging power delivered by Kempower across the states

major depot projects in Australia. “Success depends on collaboration, and local delivery partners have been essential,” she says. “We’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful partners to achieve success on some large depot electrification projects in recent years.” The numbers speak for themselves – since 2022, Kempower has received firm orders for more than 600 plugs at 11 electric bus depots across the country, with a large portion of this now being installed in the country, from Western Australia and South Australia to depots in New South Wales and Victoria. These all haven’t been done by providing DC Power Units to just a couple of larger depots – there are several ongoing projects with operators across different states that have allowed Kempower to quickly enhance its local knowledge and expertise. “These figures demonstrate how rapidly both the market and charging infrastructure in the market have grown,” Cecchi says. “Whether it be pantographs or other charging plugs, Kempower is providing a range of options for local operators.” In the space of nearly four years, Kempower has been witness to the Australian electric bus market’s rapid evolution from pilots to large-scale projects. While playing a major role in growing fleet sizes through larger charging installations, Kempower has also been able to manage increasing power requirements and more complex depot operations, all while juggling local growth and international experience. It’s a fine balancing act, and one that’s creating long-term infrastructure certainty and operational reliability for the latest generation of Australian bus and coach operators. “As Australian operators continue transitioning towards zero-emission fleets, the next challenge will be scaling infrastructure to meet future demand,” Perera says. “We can’t wait to see what’s next in this journey and continue helping the industry with our ever-growing knowledge and expertise.” busnews.com.au • ABC

EXPO RECAP

CHALLENGER

Widespread wins Challenger Bus & Coach’s 2026 Expo stand included four of its leading vehicle models, highlighting the brand’s commitment to providing solutions for a range of operators

ach Bus & Coach Expo that passes, the Challenger stand has evolved. After first forming in 2017 under the watchful eye of Greg Sloan, Challenger Bus & Coach emerged in the market as a welcome alternative, focusing on quality builds that were suited to what an operator wants. By the 2022 BusNSW Expo, the fiveyear-old business had two models on display in its V10 and V12. These two models remain the hallmark of the brand, but its 2026 stand included a fresh twist to show how far the brand has come in four short years. “We have our entire model range on display at the Expo, covering both diesel and electric options,” Challenger Bus and Coach general manager Paul Fagg told ABC. “The focus of the event has been our latest electric vehicle options, including our low-floor EV, which has done plenty of real-world testing in recent times to get an idea on its driveability and impressive range. “It’s a fantastic vehicle – it’s set up to

ABC • busnews.com.au

do route bus services, but we’re also getting plenty of interest to run it as an airport transfer vehicle and in other different options.” It’s a far cry from the original V10 and V12 quality models Challenger had on display at the last BusNSW Expo, showcasing a diversification of fleet for the growing brand. Despite these different forays, Challenger’s flexibility and commitment to quality have remained constants. “One of our biggest strengths is our flexibility and being able to offer changed seating arrangements or luggage racking,” Paul says. “Much like the rest of our range, the electric low-floor model is fitted out with OEM-backed drivetrains and battery systems, including the latest CATL batteries available in the market and a DANA drive axle. Just like our other models, we maintain our unique built with the use of stainless steel and aluminium to maintain the longevity of the vehicle.” Always looking to offer a twist at its stand, Challenger also featured a

Above: An impressive lineup of models at the Challenger Bus and Coach stand at the 2026 Expo

luxury V10 model with an interesting backstory. At the Expo, the team were planning to sell the unique bus via a silent auction, with plenty of interest flying in to secure the vehicle. By the end of the event, the team was hoping to see the bus head out the door to a one-of-a-kind winner. “This is a very special bus, being very flexible in its design to include a kitchenette, a toilet, 32 premium reclining leather seats and a wood grain interior,” Challenger company secretary Emily Sloan told ABC. “It’s a perfect example of exactly what our usual V10 can look like. The structure itself doesn’t change, but people can spec it in any way they like.” A couple of years ago the Challenger Callibar was a novelty at the Challenger stand, with the seven-metre premium mini-bus being a hit in an emerging market segment. Now, having matured in recent times, the small vehicle still stood out as an impressive member of the brand’s growing fleet.

continues to be a workforce for many fleets,” Paul says. The only model not available for attendees to check out at the Sydney Showgrounds was Challenger’s newest model in its three-axle Pinnacle coach. Paul says putting this latest piece of the puzzle alongside the other four vehicles is offering a comprehensive Challenger package for many operators around the country. “It’s very hard to offer one size fits all, but I believe our flexibility and latest models allow us to provide plenty of options for different operators,” he says. “We also have another upgrade planned for the Callibar to bring some new features that no one else in the market offers, especially in the smaller bus range. “We’re currently one of the few that offer air suspension on the model, so we’re going to take that to the next level on our upcoming model while introducing a few aesthetic upgrades

Our flexibility in design allows us to provide plenty of options for different operators

Below: The V12 - 12.5m Challenger bus can cater for 4857 passengers

and an increase in horsepower. “The model range continues to gain traction while we remain committed to working with operators to understand what we can supply to help them.” Challenger is also launching an online parts store for Australasian Bus & Coach Parts (ABCP), providing operators with easy access to parts for not just Challenger vehicles, but also those running Cummins, Allison, Thermo King, Meritor, ZF and Dana products, as well as belts, filters and other consumables. “Our catchphrase is the way a bus should be, so we’re going to keep building buses that last longer than the usual 20-year lifecycle.”

Images: Prime Creative Media

“Being our smallest vehicle with 28 passenger seats, we still get a lot of interest in the Callibar,” Emily says. “It’s an approved category two vehicle on the Transport for New South Wales panel and we’re continuing to upgrade it for a range of customers. “In the Queensland market there are also very few buses that meet requirements in the 28-seat range, we’ve done vehicles with a rear wheelchair lift, two wheelchair bays and 22 seats still. It’s led to further queries on supplying the Callibar for retirement home services and school bus runs.” The final member of the brand’s Expo stand is a timeless classic in its 57-seat V12 coach. As a perennial leader of Challenger’s fleet, the powerhouse coach with a Cummins engine is still a force for many operators looking for quality, power and reliability in a coach. “We continue to receive lots of interest about the V12 – it just

busnews.com.au • ABC

EXPO RECAP

BUS STOP

Green machine

Bus Stop Sales’ collection of five varying vehicles at its green-tinged Expo space summarised a brand continuing to lead the way in sustainable vehicle innovation

hroughout the halls of Sydney Showground, Bus Stop Sales’ Expo space was a refreshing burst of green. Whether it be throughout decorations on the stand or the brand’s latest zero-emissions bus models, Bus Stop’s five buses on display provided a depth of technology to set the tone for the local industry’s future. The highlight of the Bus Stop Sales space, and a vehicle that managing director Pete White labelled the “bus of the show”, was the latest version of King Long’s EVolution model that was launched at the Expo. “It’s been a real stand-out – King Long has come a long way as one of the biggest bus OEMs in China,” White told ABC. “This model encapsulates everything a customer is looking for – it’s an adaptable solution that’s a testament to the very best of King Long technology.” The EVolution’s newest version

ABC • busnews.com.au

includes refined parts, with highest-quality componentry decking out the electric low-floor 12m bus. In a low-floor electric city bus market that is fast filling up with a variety of choices in Australia and New Zealand, White says Bus Stop focused on differentiating its King Long entrant into that area. The list of world-class componentry is long, from the engine to axles to air-conditioning. White says this quality has impressed customers at the Expo, offering a “whole new category” of electric low-floor city buses for the market. “We’re using these components and reliable brands in our fleet to de-risk the transition for operators,” he says. “We’ve seen examples in the market of electric buses that feature components that may not last the lifespan of the vehicle, so as a group we’ve collectively worked with the industry to develop a vehicle

Above: Bus Stop Sales stand was a green oasis that explored the possibilities on offer through the latest King Long EVolution models

that delivers on quality and life expectations. Arguably that’s where success lies – on understanding the market and then supporting it post-sale. “We’re very proud of the product and the work we’ve done with Australian engineers to get it to this point.” The new version of the EVolution may have been dominant on Bus Stop’s stand, but it was only a fifth of its total vehicles on display. Across the way from the EVolution was a mixture of diesel and electric vehicles that ventured from traditional drivetrains to Bus Stop’s latest innovations, including the nine-metre electric bus. White says the nine-metre electric market is an “interesting category” in the local market, with Bus Stop’s newest model being designed for on-demand transport with full disability support and DDA compliance. “For somebody in a wheelchair,

Images: Prime Creative Media

treating them the same way as you would someone who is able-bodied is front of mind for us,” he says. “We’ve spent a significant amount of time working on replicating the accessible experience of one of our larger buses into a smaller category, and it’s resonating well with the industry for that reason.” Outside of the new entrants to Bus Stop’s fleet, tried, tested and beloved models also filled the stand, including King Long’s mainstay 57-seat, 12m diesel coach. “There are a lot of 12m coaches here, particularly from China, but this stands out due to its quality components,” White says. “We’ve got the highest specification of components available – ZF independent front suspension and a Cummins X11 engine being the pick of the bunch. The X11 may be a touch more expensive but it provides significantly lower fuel consumption for customers wanting to push big numbers in terms of distance.” Then there was the nine-metre King Long Euro 6 midi, which is continuing to solidify its presence in the market over the past three years. Having been upgraded with 320hp, White says the sub-12m model is once again

a market leader when it comes to horsepower capability in a nine-metre bus. White was quick to highlight Bus Stop isn’t just limited to King Long products, with the I-Bus range, powered by Isuzu, on display in Sydney through a 30-seat model that he labels a “stand-out” in its segment. “This model is absolutely loved by operators that don’t run on tarmac or highways, want a Cat 2 NSW or QLD School bus on the LR licence and work in regional or rural areas,” he says. “Demand is definitely outstripping

Above: The fully electric EVolution model was a highlight

Below: The 9m EV has been designed for ondemand transport with full disability support and DDA compliance

supply for this model, while we’re running a six-year warranty and amazing roadside assistance to support it. We’ve had recent success running this on the NSW Panel and it’s also compliant in Queensland.” He says the motivation behind this diverse range is remaining customer-centric for a variety of operators across Australia. By building different relationships within the market, this expanding range of vehicles, whether it be 2x4 or 4x4 models, positions Bus Stop to become the vendor of a total solutions package. A key focus moving forward on this will be Bus Stop’s aftersales care, with White’s motivation firmly focused on supporting these high-quality products in the market. He’s confident this concentration on customer care will stand out amid a wave of new entrants coming to the local market. “It’s incredibly easy to make bold statements and not live up to it with value – fortunately Bus Stop Sales has the runs on the board for customers wanting to invest,” he says. “We’ve invested millions of dollars in our facilities and sites for training – we’re a market leader in investing in zero-emissions training. Our custom facility at our Rocklea head office is a leading attendee experience while we also offer groundbreaking training. “On our product side, we’ll never stop refining what we have, so there’s more exciting innovations around the corner.” busnews.com.au • ABC

EXPO RECAP

BUSABLE

Embracing evolution

pon stepping inside the Dome at the Sydney Showgrounds, there’s always a collection of white buses and coaches to greet onlookers. Crisp white high-floor coaches or white low-floor buses so shiny they reflect the lighting – many stands feature the same. It’s this background of buses and coaches that allowed Busable’s purple stall to keep drawing onlookers. When arriving, many were happy to stay around for a while, with the bus management software provider offering a variety of benefits to operators to keep them enthralled. “We’ve got a mixture of new technology to display as part of our fully unified end-to-end platform as well as t-shirts and prizes for attendees to enjoy,” Busable

ABC • busnews.com.au

Images: Prime Creative Media

A shock of purple garnered plenty of attention at the Expo as the Busable stall proved popular for many local bus and coach operators

co-founder Heroly Chour told ABC. “Our platform already does everything that a multi-fleet operator will ever need, but we want to show the technology is out there and our software engineers are on site to discuss any future capabilities we can build into the system.” The dominant feature of Busable’s stand was its latest Able AI capability that allows operators to use an AI agent to run fleet operations with ease. Fellow Busable co-founder Graham Webber says different operators have come to the business to look at integrating modules together – something Able AI empowers them to do. “A lot of operators have realised how much control they have over the fleet when using Busable technology,” he told ABC.

Above: The Busable team were easy to spot in their purple business shirts and branded t-shirts

“Operators tend to stress about what’s going on with their fleet and all of the compliance requirements, so using our technology to manage this creates a sense of excitement among them.” This pressure isn’t just limited to operators – Chour says he tends to feel it on their behalf too upon hearing of the many requirements they have to fulfil on a daily basis. Whether it be contracts or fleet issues, Busable thrives on using its building array of systems to offer solutions that are easy to manage. “I think the industry is starting to wake up to this technology now,” he says. “There are more entrants coming into the space and we welcome it. It’s good for our customers to have more choice, and healthy competition is

great for the industry. Our focus is on working with customers to let them know we’re always there for them. From the Expo we want to have more conversations with customers to build out more systems for operators across the country.” While the Expo forms an important touchpoint in Busable’s evolution, the team also took the time to tease a few new innovations on the way for local bus and coach operators. Chour says the industry is hitting a point where

various systems are converging into one, forming an important unified solution for operators. He wants Busable to be a leader in this space. “Operators have one of the hardest jobs in the world with managing staff and fleet,” he says. “If we can bring all of this into one central point, we can help them in a massive way. One day we want operators to be able to enjoy their jobs more, secure in the knowledge that everything is running smoothly

Above: The Busable screen provides real clarity for its users

Below: There was plenty of interest in the software with the stand busy throughout the Expo

and safely.” This is where Able AI will come into the fold more and more for operators. Webber says the AI agent allows operators to negate the morning stress of having a driver call in sick at late notice, with the system able to simultaneously call available drivers to confirm who can fill the shift, all without an operator having to move a muscle. This is the power of the technology. These features have already caught on. New industry lead Jeff Neill, former general manager of Ogden’s Coaches, was drawn to Busable by the benefits the technology offers the local industry. His focus, along with Busable’s growing team, is now on putting these technological innovations into more hands around the industry. “We’ve got a really good end-to-end platform now and operators are really keen to deploy our solution so they can scale with confidence,” he told ABC. “We want to keep working with our customers and the wider industry to develop solutions for operators based on their feedback and experiences. We love hearing about these challenges and finding ways for the industry to overcome them.”

busnews.com.au • ABC

BLK

Images: Prime Creative Media

EXPO RECAP

Special celebrations

BLK was front and centre at this year’s Expo, with its stand paying tribute to key customers that have helped shape the brand’s ongoing local legacy

he further you get inside the Australasian bus and coach industry, you learn not every Expo is the same. Held every two years, there’s always cause for excitement, but for some operators, there are some instances of the industry event that just mean a touch more for exhibitors. The 2026 edition of BusNSW’s Australasia Bus & Coach Expo was by no means BLK’s first time exhibiting in front of the local market. In the end, timing meant it became one of the more meaningful moments in the business’ history. This year has already seen the Australian vehicle supplier raise 20 years since first launching in the local market, when the business first arrived in Australia to sell Bonluck buses and coaches with a wider and clearer vision for success. “Australasia became central to the ongoing development of the

ABC • busnews.com.au

product,” BLK national sales manager Mark Nichols told ABC. “Every generation of vehicle benefited from customer feedback, helping improve engineering integration, durability and operational performance.” Over the next two decades, BLK has become an integral part of the local market, with its presence on full display at Sydney Showgrounds in July. Upon entering the doors to the dome, BLK was catching the eye of attendees with a range of its leading vehicles on display. Out of the trio of vehicles on display – a President 2 new Trainlink vehicle with Oxley Explorer, a President 3 Flix model for Bundaberg Coaches and a 41-seat President 10 model with Premier Transport Group’s wrap making it shine – diversity of BLK’s range became a key connector. “These three vehicles are for three of our different and beloved operator

Above: The BLK team were ready to serve at the 2026 Bus & Coach Expo

customers, while they also represent different applications we can supply for – school, rail and charter,” Nichols says. “Twenty years is a major milestone for us. Our strength is in our industry-leading five-year warranty and our extensive spare parts holding and aftersales support.” The trio of local models on display was only part of BLK’s coverage at the major industry event, with the

Every generation of vehicle benefited from customer feedback, helping improve engineering integration, durability and operational performance

BLK team celebrating 20 years in style at the BusNSW Expo Gala Dinne held on the opening night of the Expo. This was highlighted by BLK chairman Peter Aldridge speaking at the packed event about the brand’s enduring history in Australia before BusNSW handed out its 2026 industry awards. “Alongside our BLK partners in China, we decided as a group to sponsor the gala dinner and celebrate our 20 year anniversary with the industry,” BLK operations manager Kylie Bellamy told ABC. “We wanted to use the time to thank the industry, BusNSW and our customers while also showcasing our buses. This has been our first year in the Dome at the BusNSW Expo and it’s been wonderful to celebrate 20 years. “It’s allowed many in the industry to acknowledge that we’ve been here for a long period of time and we continue to support the product right through. It’s definitely been a wonderful 20th anniversary at this year’s Expo.” This enduring legacy was cemented by the President 2 new Trainlink vehicle with Oxley Explorer, who has been a BLK customer for roughly 18 years. At the start of 2026, the operator took delivery of its 20th coach from BLK, coinciding with the supplier’s milestone to make for an exceptionally timed celebration. “For Malcolm, Tammy and all the team at Oxley, it’s been great to have a customer that’s been part of that journey for nearly 20 years taking that milestone bus and allowing us to showcase it at the Expo,” Bellamy says. “It’s given us an amazing opportunity to catch up with operators we’ve dealt with since 2006 – this includes John King and the Premier Transport Group team. It results in the celebration of our team, our customers and our brand.” As usual, BLK won’t be spending too much more time reflecting, with work already underway on new projects. The team remain tight-lipped about what lay ahead, but offered enough of a teaser to let ABC know there’s a few new projects

currently in development. “We’re pretty excited about it, but we’ll keep it under wraps for a little bit longer,” Nichols says. “We recently took a group of customers over to our factory and they have assisted in this project we’re

Below: The lime green President 3 Flix model is headed to Bundaberg Coaches

working on. We have a new model launch coming soon and we’re pretty excited. “Our message to the industry is we’ve been here for 20 years and we’ll still be here in another 20 years supporting our customers.”

busnews.com.au • ABC

FEATURE

CHARGE HUB

Nothing stops here

Images: Charge Hub

Charge Hub Australia discusses why lifecycle support matters when electric bus depots enter real-world, high-utilisation operations

ommissioning day should be the easy part for zeroemissions infrastructure providers. The chargers are clean, the vehicles are available for testing and the project team is standing by. Sessions start, power flows and the system is signed off. The real test as to whether an operator has made the right purchasing decision comes six weeks later at 4:30am. A bus has returned late. Two vehicles have swapped routes. One connector has been damaged, another charger has dropped offline and every required vehicle still needs to leave the depot on schedule. That is when electrifi-

ABC • busnews.com.au

cation stops being an infrastructure project and becomes an operational system. For a high-utilisation bus depot, charging infrastructure is more than just another electrical asset. Nowadays, it sits directly in the critical path of service delivery. “If charging fails, buses may not leave the depot, routes can be disrupted and operational teams are forced into last-minute substitutions,” Charge Hub Australia managing director Paul Guy told ABC. “Installing chargers is important, as keeping the fleet moving is what matters.” Charge Hub has to date deployed

Above: Installing chargers properly is key to a successful electric bus program

more than 918 Kempower DC connectors across 101 heavy-fleet sites in Australia and the United Kingdom, representing more than 55MW of installed charging capacity. Across the past three months, that network has maintained average connector health of 99.4 per cent. Charge Hub also supports a further 1,511 bus charging connectors in the UK and 799 connectors across smaller fleet and public charging applications across Australia, with another 1,000 DC bus charging connectors in the short-term pipeline. The business is now supporting electrification at a scale where uptime, maintainability and operational resilience cannot be treated as afterthoughts. “Those numbers matter because high performance doesn’t happen by simply selecting good hardware,” Guy says. “It comes from managing the entire charging ecosystem, from initial modelling and specification through to commissioning, monitoring, maintenance and continuous improvement.” Charge Hub’s lifecycle approach covers six connected stages: plan, design, deliver, commission, operate and optimise, with each stage supporting the next. Fleet schedules and route energy requirements are modelled before infrastructure is specified, while charging technology is selected around the actual application, not simply a headline power rating. Electrical infrastructure, communications, software and vehicle interoperability are considered together and installation quality is governed before commissioning begins. Once operational, the system is monitored, maintained and improved using real performance data. Guy says a weakness at any point

in that chain will eventually appear in operations. A charger may be technically capable of delivering the required power, but that means little if the vehicle can’t reach it, the software can’t control it, the grid connection can’t support it or replacement parts take months to arrive. He says the objective is to deliver a complete operational charging system. “Bus depots are demanding environments,” he says. “Vehicles arrive at different times and with different states of charge. Charging windows are compressed by traffic delays, cleaning, maintenance and changes to vehicle allocation. “Drivers may connect vehicles in different bays. Cables are handled repeatedly, and equipment is exposed to heat, dust, moisture and constant operation. “Meanwhile, vehicle firmware changes, charger software evolves and operational requirements continue to shift. A design can look perfect on paper and still struggle once it meets a live depot. “Therefore, lifecycle planning needs to begin before equipment is purchased. Can faults be diagnosed remotely? Are critical spare parts available locally? Have technicians received the appropriate OEM training? Is responsibility clear when the charger, vehicle and software platforms disagree? Can the depot continue operating when one charger or communications pathway becomes unavailable? These questions are just as important as charger ratings and cable sizes.” In a high-utilisation depot, Guy says waiting for a driver to report that a charger isn’t workin” is already too late. By then, the available charging window may have been lost. He says operators need visibility of charger status, active sessions, vehicle charging progress, faults and recurring performance issues, while service teams need access to charger logs, communications data and charging-management platforms to determine where a problem actually sits. A failed charging session doesn’t automatically mean the charger

has failed – the issue may be with the vehicle, connector, depot network, management software, upstream electrical supply or the communication between systems. Without structured diagnostics, multiple contractors may attend site, each reviewing their own equipment while no one takes ownership of the complete outcome. Guy says remote monitoring changes that, with many issues now able to be resolved without site attendance. When a technician is required, they can arrive with better information, the correct parts and a defined repair plan. The result is faster recovery and less operational disruption. “High-utilisation charging equipment works hard – connectors are plugged and unplugged every day, cables are dragged, twisted and occasionally driven over, cooling systems operate for extended periods and filters collect dust, seals deteriorate and electrical connections experience repeated heating and cooling cycles,” he says. “A generic annual inspection isn’t enough for every site. Maintenance needs to reflect the equipment, environment, utilisation and

Below: Maintaining charging infrastructure on a regular basis is part of the package with Charge Hub’s lifecycle approach

operational consequences of failure. Inspection findings, fault history and operating data should be reviewed together so that developing issues are addressed before they become service interruptions. “The objective is much more than completing a checklist – it’s to prevent disruption.” He says a charger can be repairable and still remain unavailable for weeks – the difference is often whether the right spare part is already available. A practical spares strategy focuses on components with higher failure risk, longer lead times or a significant operational impact. Charging cables, connectors, cooling components, communications hardware and critical control parts may all need to be held locally. The right part can turn weeks of downtime into hours, but only when supported by trained technicians, current procedures and clear escalation pathways. This means lifecycle support requires coordination between the operator, service provider, charger manufacturer, vehicle OEM and software provider – replacing components without understanding the root cause may restore service temporarily while leaving the underlying issue unresolved. Guy says Australia’s bus fleet will electrify depot by depot, and the decisions being made now will shape operations for decades. Charge Hub’s position is clear – those decisions must be based on operational data rather than assumptions. The timetable, depot layout, vehicle requirements, grid connection, tariff, software ecosystem, maintenance strategy and future fleet plan must be considered together before the first trench is dug. “Charge Hub has the scale, data and operational experience to lead that process, from modelling and specification through to supply, commissioning, support and optimisation,” he says. “This is because successful electrification is not measured by how many chargers are installed, it’s measured at morning pull-out, when every required vehicle is charged, available and ready for service.” busnews.com.au • ABC

FEATURE

BUSSAFE

Safety platforms The BusSAFE education program has entered an exciting new chapter with the announcement of new industry partnerships

usSAFE has announced new partnerships throughout the national bus and coach industry as it works with Irizar Asia Pacific, transportme and Volvo Bus Australia. Officially launched at the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo last month, this support will enable BusSAFE to continue delivering its award-winning safety education program in schools across Australia. Each organisation is closely aligned in their mission to deliver safer passenger transport. For Irizar Asia Pacific managing director Steve Heanes, the brand continually invests in research and development to deliver safer, more efficient vehicles. “Irizar Asia Pacific is committed to promoting best practice in school bus safety and supporting initiatives that educate passengers, drivers and the broader community,” he says. Likewise, transportme’s technologies provide valuable

ABC • busnews.com.au

innovations like clear of bus checks and real-time student onboarding/ de-boarding notifications, helping to ensure students arrive home safely. “We are excited to work together to reduce risk, support drivers and keep families informed,” transportme CEO Nigel Tooth says. As part of the global Volvo Group, Volvo Bus Australia consistently delivers buses and coaches built around a single guiding principle: safety. “Volvo Bus Australia is proud to be a partner of the BusSAFE Program,” Volvo Bus Australia general manager Sarah Forbes says. “Safety has been at the heart of everything we do for close to a century, and this partnership reflects our belief that safer bus travel starts with education, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to looking after the people on board.” BusSAFE supplies bus operators with materials, training and support to deliver education sessions in the

Above: Representatives from Volvo, Irizar, transportme, BusNSW, BIC, QBIC, BusSA and BusSAFE celebrate the recent partner launch at the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo 2026 in Sydney last month

schools that they service. Among the safety skills taught at a BusSAFE session, students develop strategies for staying alert at the bus stop, observe how bus blind spots impact safe road crossing and learn safe seatbelt, headphone and phone use. After a recent session, a primary-aged student summed up their experience. “We learned that buses are big, so you need to stand two metres back from the kerb. I had fun today,” the student said. An older student observed: “If you can’t see the bus driver, the bus driver can’t see you!” BusSAFE is the first nationally co-ordinated education program of its kind. Session content was adapted from an education program developed by BusVic in 2010, with input from a team of operators from across Australia. Developed in collaboration with educators and aligned with the Australian Curriculum for Foundation to Year

Images: BusSAFE

9, the program combines academic rigor with practical classroom insight, supporting enjoyable, meaningful learning at every stage. Since its national launch in late 2024, over 20,000 students across South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria have attended more than 450 BusSAFE sessions, thanks to support from the NHVR and Education Department of South Australia, with other states

set to follow. The program was recognised as “School Program of the Year” at the 2025 Australian Road Safety Awards. Recent independent evaluation of BusSAFE by the Institute of Transport and Logistical Studies (ITLS) at the University of Sydney surveyed participating teachers, drivers, operators and students, with results showing BusSAFE had been successful in engaging students,

Above: Students learning about blind spots during a recent session with Kinetic in Tasmania

Below: Students learning about bus safety at a BusSAFE session in Tasmania last year

supporting their understanding of safety messages and promoting safer behaviour on and around buses. BusSAFE has been warmly welcomed by teachers with 93.7 per cent rating the program as highly worthwhile. When asked if they would host BusSAFE again, 96.3 per cent supported repeat visits to their school. Importantly, the ITLS evaluation found that BusSAFE meaningfully impacts student safety. Participating drivers, teachers and operators observed positive shifts in student safety behaviours following a BusSAFE session. “Students who had done the program... were course correcting students from other schools on the bus around behaviour such as seat belt wearing,” one operator observed. More broadly, the study suggests that alongside technological and mechanical advances, passenger education is a critical element of safer journeys. By introducing bus safety education from the earliest years of schooling, BusSAFE aims to help shape a new generation of responsible and confident transport users. A bus full of informed passengers also delivers tangible benefits for drivers. With fewer onboard distractions and less risky behaviour at the bus stop, drivers report greater job satisfaction as well as improved student safety. BusSAFE is led by BusSA in partnership with the Bus Australia Network. The program is available to members in all states, its use guided by each state association. “We welcome our new partners and look forward to this next phase of growth of the BusSAFE program,” BusSA executive director Craig Spurr says. “Together with Irizar, transportme, Volvo and the Bus Australia Network, we will support operators across the country to proactively improve school bus safety - for students, drivers and communities.” To learn how to implement BusSAFE, visit www.bussafe.com. au/contact busnews.com.au • ABC

ODIN

Images: Keolis Bus SA

FEATURE

Regional spark

A well-known South Australian regional hub is the home of six new zero-emissions minibuses courtesy of ODIN and Keolis

nly just an hour out of Adelaide, a popular regional town is making waves in the zeroemissions transport space. Mount Barker is best known for being a regional hub in the Adelaide hills, near the popular German settlement Hahndorf and just a short drive away from the famous rolling hills and wineries of McLaren Vale. Now the area has transport that suits its peaceful and idyllic nature courtesy of new-look electric buses. In a significant step forward for regional zero-emission transport, Keolis Bus South Australia has introduced six new ODIN ATHENA

ABC • busnews.com.au

seven metre battery electric minibuses into service, supporting on demand transport operations across the Mount Barker region. Recently delivered, the vehicles mark the first deployment of a small-format electric bus in Australia capable of meeting the demanding requirements of regional operations, including high-speed inter-town travel and varied terrain without compromise. Keolis Bus South Australia general manager Shane Fedele says the introduction of the ODIN electric minibuses is strategically important to the operator’s future goals in the state’s regional hubs.

Above: The ODIN ATHENA bus is sparking up on demand transport in Mount Barker, South Australia

“These buses have been specifically chosen as they meet all of our current regional operational requirements without compromise,” he told ABC. “Keolis Group, along with the South Australian government, are committed to delivering the best possible services for our communities. Passengers will benefit from reduced operational noise, improved comfort, and a mobility-accessible design. “We are very pleased with ODIN’s vehicle offerings and their commitment to facilitating our custom requirements.” It provides a fast start to

operations for ODIN Motors, which was established in Australia just last year. Via this delivery of its ATHENA models, ODIN is continuing to expand its footprint in the local market. The brand is backed by global manufacturing partner Wisdom Motors – a company that brings decades of experience in new energy vehicle development and international deployments to Australia. This allows ODIN to position itself as a key supplier of next-generation commercial transport solutions, starting with its battery electric minibus in South Australia. The ODIN ATHENA seven metre platform has been engineered to bridge a long-standing gap in the Australian transport market, delivering a compact electric bus capable of sustained highway speeds of up to 100 km/h while maintaining efficiency and range for regional duty cycles. Powered by a 144 kWh low-profile battery system and a newly developed Bosch electric axle, the vehicle maximises both energy efficiency and interior space. This configuration allows for a driving

range of up to 350km depending on operational conditions (range may vary depending on route, load and operating conditions), while enabling rapid recharging in approximately one hour. The integration of the Bosch E-AXLE system further enhances drivetrain efficiency and reduces mechanical complexity, contributing to lower maintenance requirements and improved vehicle uptime. The ATHENA seven metre model by ODIN has been designed with both driver and passenger experience front of mind, offering seating for 18 passengers alongside additional space for standees. The interior layout incorporates a fully DDA-compliant wheelchair-accessible area, ensuring inclusivity across all passenger groups. ODIN says the electric driveline delivers “exceptionally quiet” operation, offering a key benefit for both passengers and communities, particularly in residential and low-noise environments. The deployment aligns with Keolis Group’s global decarbonisation strategy and the South Australian government’s commitment to transitioning public transport fleets

Keolis Group, along with the South Australian government, are committed to delivering the best possible services for our communities toward zero-emission technologies. As a 100 per cent battery electric solution, the ATHENA seven metre model produces zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to improved local air quality and reduced environmental impact across the lush green of the Mount Barker region. Looking ahead, ODIN’s plans are to continue broadening its deployment portfolio, with upcoming deliveries to include diesel/electric hybrid range extender (PHEV) platforms designed for longer-distance operations, further supporting operators transitioning toward low- and zero-emission fleets. Below: The fully dressed ODIN ATHENA for Keolis Group has plenty of fans

For more on ODIN’s vehicle range, email info@odinmotors.com or call the team on 02 8072 0634

busnews.com.au • ABC

TOP TIPS

TEAM SUPER

Reducing the impacts of financial stress

Team Super discusses financial stress and how bus and coach operators around Australasia can reduce these issues

inancial worries affect most Australians at some point and with the increasing cost of living, many people are feeling the pinch. According to research from Independent Financial Adviser, many retirees and pre-retirees worry about outliving their retirement savings. And for young Australians, Headspace research says the cost of living is the single biggest concern, with the affordability of housing also a significant stress factor. So, if you’re feeling the pressure of your financial responsibilities, you’re definitely not alone. But it’s not just your bank balance that feels the strain, as financial stress can affect your mental and physical health too. The good news is that there are plenty of support services to help you through.

it’s important you know that there are things you can do. And remember, anyone can experience problems with money, no matter your background. It’s important to not try to deal with it alone, but to seek support from family and friends. It’s also important to look after your physical and mental health by eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

What causes financial stress?

• The Moneysmart website, an Australian government service, provides tips and advice on managing your finances. Go to moneysmart.gov.au. • If you have debts and don’t know where to start, the National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that can help you with managing your debts, negotiating payment plans and getting you back on track. Call them for free on 1800 007 007 or go to ndh.org.au. Are you a member of Team Super? Advisers from Team Super Financial Advice can help you plan and manage bigger financial decisions and help put the right strategies in place to achieve your goals. See teamsuper. com/advice to find out more.

You’re probably well aware of what causes you financial stress in your own life, whether it’s mortgage repayments, rent, being unable to set aside money for a rainy day or juggling monthly bills. Other more serious triggers include losing your job, being unemployed, unable to pay off debts or having gambling problems.

What are the effects of financial stress? Common effects of financial stress include: • arguing with the people closest to you about money; • having trouble sleeping; • feeling angry or fearful; • mood swings; • feeling tired; and • loss of appetite. If you relate to anything on this list, 52

ABC • busnews.com.au

How can you reduce financial stress? There are things you can start immediately to help you deal with financial stress. A good starting point is to identify the issues that cause you the most financial stress – whether that’s your mortgage, other debts or retirement planning.

Financial management resources

Mental health resources Financial stress can also cause existing

mental health problems to worsen. If you are feeling depressed or anxious about your situation, it’s important to seek support. Talk to your doctor or a trusted friend or family member to discuss your situation, and how you are feeling. There are also several organisations you can contact for help, including: • Beyond Blue — if you’re feeling depressed or anxious, call 1300 224 636 or go to beyondblue.org.au to chat to a counsellor online. This is a free service available all day, every day. • Lifeline — if you need support through a personal crisis, call 13 11 14 or go to lifeline.org.au to chat online. This is also a free service, available all day, every day. Team Super is Team Super Pty Ltd AFS licence 246864, the trustee for the Team Superannuation Fund. Refer to the PDS and TMDs on Team Super’s website at teamsuper.com when considering if their financial products are right for you. Any financial advice in this article does not take into account your financial situation, needs or objectives, and you should consider these factors before taking any action.

“Australian Truck Radio works for me. Great trucking tunes and heaps of handy info day and night. Keep on trucking guys!” KIRSTY MARTIN

DRIVER FOR ACE CRANE TRUCKS

Visit us on www.australiantruckradio.com.au

DELIVERIES

JUNE

Strong push

The bus and coach industry stormed home at the end of the financial year to record another impressive month of sales for June

s the industry prepares for the 2026 edition of the Bus & Coach Expo, suppliers and manufacturers clearly aren’t slowing down when it comes to deliveries. The latest Australian bus and coach deliveries data, courtesy of ABC, recorded 152 units in June. This is down by one from last month and is five behind the deliveries recorded in the same month last year, allowing the sector to continue flourishing through the middle part of 2026. Once again the chassis sector saw Volvo dominate, with the European manufacturer taking home top honours with 57 deliveries in June. Fellow European brand Scania nestled into second with 35 units, with Yutong (13 heavy and three light bus deliveries) snatching third from BYD (15 units). Custom Denning came narrowly behind with 11 deliveries, MAN recorded six units and King Long (four) came in ahead of BCI (three), I-Bus (three light bus) and BLK (two). Volgren’s bodybuilding dominance was on full display in June, nearly 54

ABC • busnews.com.au

capturing half the market with 71 out of 158 deliveries being attributed to the brand. Yutong was a long way behind in second with 16 deliveries (13 heavy, three light), but did enough to hold off Irizar (14), Custom Denning (11) and BCI (10). Global Bus Ventures had six deliveries, while the final 24 deliveries were split between seven brands in an even finish. Attributing for more than half the market is no easy feat, but that’s exactly what McConnell did in June as it claimed 84 of the 158 deliveries for the seating sector. StyleRide’s impressive renaissance continued with 39 deliveries, with Sege sitting in third with 14. The remaining market was split between Yutong (eight), King Long (four) and APM (three). The air-conditioning market returned to its competitive ways, with Coachair winning a tense battle to claim June’s top honours with 38 deliveries. Thermo King and Hispacold shared second with 24 units. Cling-Yutong had the 16 deliveries, which was enough to see it past Valeo (15), while Spheros (13) and Denso (10) both settled with double

Above: BCI remained consistent with its recent deliveries in June. Image: NSW government

digit deliveries. The final market saw King Long (four) come in ahead of I-Bus (three), Konvekta (three) and BCC (two). New South Wales continued its state-based dominance, recording 62 June deliveries to easily account for the market. The next best was its northerly neighbour in Queensland (34), while Victoria (22) held off South Australia (20) in a close finish. Western Australia motored along with 13 June deliveries, while the ACT popped up with one. The power source split swung back in the favour of diesel units in June, with only 56 out of the 152 units being zero-emissions vehicles. In this market, BYD led the way with 15 ahead of Custom Denning (11), Yutong (10), Volvo (10), Scania (nine) and BCI (one). The diesel side saw Volvo claim top spot with 47 deliveries ahead of Scania with its 25 diesel deliveries and sole hybrid model. Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for June. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion.

Volvo

Scania

BCI

Yutong

Custom Denning

13%

41%

ACT

NSW

14% VIC

22%

Sales by air-conditioner

39 14

QLD

In the seat battle for June McConnell delivered more than half of the market with its 84 handovers coming in ahead of StyleRide’s 39 and Sege’s 14 to round out the top three for the month

BYD

Sales by chassis

Sales by region

Volgren captured 71 of the 158 deliveries in June, to lead the chart, followed by Yutong with a total of 16, and Irizar with its 14 deliveries coming in third

Diesel deliveries

ZEB deliveries

Seat delivery units

Sales by body

Coachair Thermo King Hispacold Cling-Yutong Valeo Spheros Denso King Long I-Bus Konvekta BCC

38 24 24 16 15 13 10 4 3 3 2

The split between diesel and zero-emissions vehicles in June fell the way of diesel with only 56 of the 152 units delivered being zero-emission

Once again the chassis sector saw Volvo dominate, with the European manufacturer taking home top honours with 57 deliveries in June. Fellow European brand Scania nestled into second with 35 units, with Yutong (13 heavy and 3 light bus deliveries snatching third from BYD (15 units)

busnews.com.au • ABC

DELIVERIES

JUNE UNITS

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION

CHASSIS (Model)

BODY BUILDER

CLASS MD or ME

GVM

ENGINES HP*

Rear / Front

TRANSMISSIO

Emissions standard

A: Automati M: Manual AS: Auto-Shi O: Opticruis

BCI

Deanes Coaches

VIC

BCI Proma EV

BCI

11.8t

N/A

Zero

N/A

BCI

Punchbowl Bus

NSW

BCI Classmaster

BCI

18t

315

Euro 6

BCI

Nicholls Bus & Coach Service

BCI Classmaster

BCI

18t

315

Euro 6

BLK

Government

NSW

BLK President 2

BLK

18.5t

360

Euro 6

BYD

Kinetic Melbourne

VIC

BYD BC12A06

Volgren

19t

382kWh

Zero

BYD

Transit Systems Australia

NSW

BYD BC12A06

Volgren

19t

382kWh

Zero

Custom Denning

Government

NSW

Custom Denning

18t

400

L:R

Zero

Without

I-Bus

School

VIC

Isuzu NQR

I-Bus Australasia

190

Euro 6

I-Bus

School

QLD

Isuzu NQR

I-Bus Australasia

190

Euro 6

I-Bus

School

Isuzu NQR

I-Bus Australasia

190

Euro 6

King Long

Private

QLD

King Long

14t

320

Euro 6

King Long

Private

NSW

King Long

14t

320

Euro 6

King Long

Private

King Long

18t

400

Euro 6

King Long

Private

QLD

King Long

18t

400

Euro 6

MAN

Sunbus Sunshine Coast

QLD

MAN LE.19.330.RC2.E6D

Global Bus Ventures

19.5t

330

Euro 6

MAN

Transit Australia - Townsville

QLD

MAN LE.19.330.RC2.E6D

Global Bus Ventures

19.5t

330

Euro 6

MAN

Transit Australia - Sunshine Coast

QLD

MAN LE.19.330.RC2.E6D

Global Bus Ventures

19.5t

330

Euro 6

Scania

B&D Holiday

VIC

Scania K 370C B4x2NB

Scania Higer

19.5t

370

Euro 6

Scania

Crisps Coaches and Bus Lines (Stanthorpe)

QLD

Scania K 320C B4x2NB

Irizar

19.5t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Department of Infrastructure and Transport

Scania K 230E B4x2LB

Volgren

20.5t

N/A

Opticruis

Scania

Department of Transport & Main Roads

QLD

Scania K 320C B4x2LB

Nexport

19.5t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Department of Transport & Main Roads

QLD

Scania K 320C B4x2LB

Nexport

20.2t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Department of Infrastructure and Transport

Scania K 320H B4x2LB

Nexport

20.2t

320

Euro 6

Opticruis

Scania

Dyson Group

VIC

Scania K 500C B6x2*4NI

Coach Concepts

26.5t

500

Euro 6

Opticruis

Scania

McHarrys Bus Lines

VIC

Scania K 320C B4x2NB

Volgren

20.5t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Nowra Coaches

NSW

Scania K 320C B4x2LB

BCI

19.5t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Premier Motor Service

NSW

Scania K 320C B4x2LB

Volgren

19.5t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Rockleigh Tours

VIC

Scania K 410C B6x2*4NI

Coach Concepts

26.5t

410

Euro 6

Opticruis

Scania

S G & K J Koch

VIC

Scania K 320C B4x2NB

Irizar

19.5t

320

Euro 6

Scania

South Coast Bus

VIC

Scania K 370C B4x2NB

Scania Higer

19.5t

370

Euro 6

Opticruis

Scania

Transport Canberra Operations

ACT

Scania K 320 UB4X2

Nexport

19.1t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Transport for NSW

NSW

Scania K 360C A6x2/2MB

Volgren

30t

360

Euro 6

Scania

Wangaratta Coachlines

VIC

Scania K 370C B4x2NI

Coach Concepts

19.5t

370

Euro 6

Opticruis

Scania

Warragul Bus Lines

VIC

Scania K 370C B4x2NB

Scania Higer

19.5t

370

Euro 6

Opticruis

Scania

Warragul Bus Lines

VIC

Scania K 320 UB4X2

Express Coaches

19.1t

320

Euro 6

Scania

Wimmera Mallee Waste

VIC

Scania K 320C B4x2NB

Irizar

19.5t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

Public Transport Authority WA

Volvo BZL Electric

Volgren

19t

N/A

Zero

Volvo

Bus Queensland - Westside Bus Co

QLD

Volvo B8RLE

Volgren

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

Fassifern Coaches

QLD

Volvo B8R

Irizar

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Emerald Coaches

QLD

Volvo B8R

Irizar

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Bus Queensland - Westside Bus Co

QLD

Volvo B8RLE

Volgren

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

Kinetic Sunshine Coast

QLD

Volvo B8RLE

Volgren

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

Kinetic Resources

Volvo B8R

Irizar

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Department for Education SA

Volvo B8R

Volgren

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

CDC NSW Hunter Valley

NSW

Volvo B8R

Volgren

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Keolis Downer Hunter

NSW

Volvo B8RLE

Express

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

CDC Blanch

NSW

Volvo B8R

Irizar

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

CDC Forest

NSW

Volvo B8R

Irizar

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

CDC Q City

NSW

Volvo B8R

Irizar

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Hornibrook Bus Lines

QLD

Volvo B8RLE

Volgren

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

REO Investments

NSW

Volvo B8R

Volgren

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

Kiama Coaches

NSW

Volvo B8R

BCI

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

Eggins Holdings

NSW

Volvo B8R

Volgren

19t

320

Euro 6

Volvo

On-Course Travel

NSW

Volvo B13R

Irizar

26t

500

Euro 6

Volvo

School Bus Logistics

Volvo B8R

Irizar

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Swan Hill Bus lines

VIC

Volvo B8R

BCI

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Mt Gambier Buslines

Volvo B8R

BCI

19t

350

Euro 6

Volvo

Stephen Holmes

VIC

Volvo B8R

Volgren

19t

350

Euro 6

Yutong

Private

QLD

Yutong C12

Yutong

18t

340

Euro 6

Yutong

Private

QLD

Yutong C12

Yutong

18t

340

Euro 6

Yutong

Private

Yutong E7S

Yutong

8.5t

175

N/A

Yutong

Private

VIC

Yutong C12E

Yutong

18t

350

N/A

Yutong

Private

VIC

Yutong C10

Yutong

18t

340

Euro 6

Yutong

Private

NSW

Yutong D7

Yutong

190

Euro 6

Yutong

Goverment

NSW

Yutong E12

Yutong

18t

350

N/A

ABC • busnews.com.au

TOTAL DELIVERIES 152

TRANSMISSION

Emissions standard

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

TRANS MAKE

AXLES

BODY LENGTH

AIR-CON

(metres)

NUMBER OF SEATS

(Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

APPLICATION

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

On Demand

SEATING

DOOR MFR/ SUPPLIER

SEAT BELTS

WHEEL CHAIR LIFT ACCESS N

Zero

N/A

9.1

Coachair

–

Sege

BCI

Euro 6

12.3

BCC

–

StyleRide

BCI

Euro 6

12.3

BCC

–

Sege

BCI

Euro 6

Allison

12.5

Spheros

–

StyleRide

BLK

Zero

BYD

12.5

Coachair

–

McConnell

Ventura

N/A

Zero

BYD

12.5

Coachair

–

McConnell

Ventura

N/A

Zero

Without

N/A

Spheros

–

McConnell

Ventura

Euro 6

Isuzu

8.3

I-Bus

–

APM

I-Bus

Euro 6

Isuzu

8.3

I-Bus

–

APM

I-Bus

Euro 6

Isuzu

8.3

I-Bus

–

APM

I-Bus

Euro 6

Cummins

King Long

–

King Long

Euro 6

Cummins

King Long

–

King Long

Euro 6

Cummins

King Long

–

King Long

Euro 6

Cummins

King Long

–

King Long

Euro 6

12.5

Valeo

–

StyleRide

Ventura

Euro 6

12.5

Valeo

–

StyleRide

Ventura

Euro 6

12.5

Valeo

–

StyleRide

Ventura

Euro 6

12.5

Konvekta

–

Sege

N/A

N N

Euro 6

12.3

Hispacold

–

Sege

N/A

Opticruise

Scania

11.8

Hispacold

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

Ventura

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

Ventura

Euro 6

Opticruise

Scania

11.8

Hispacold

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

Opticruise

Scania

14.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Coach Air

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

Opticruise

Scania

13.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Hispacold

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

Opticruise

Scania

12.5

Konvekta

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

SMC

Euro 6

18.0

Thermo King

–

McConnell

N/A

Euro 6

Opticruise

Scania

12.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

N/A

Euro 6

Opticruise

Scania

12.3

Konvekta

–

Sege

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

N/A

Euro 6

12.5

Hispacold

–

Sege

N/A

Zero

Volvo

10 - 12.9

Denso

–

McConnell

Ventura

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

Ventura

Euro 6

12.3

Hispacold

–

Sege

Masats

Euro 6

12.3

Hispacold

–

Sege

Masats

Euro 6

12.5

Coachair

–

McConnell

Ventura

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Valeo

–

StyleRide

Ventura

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Hispacold

–

Sege

Masats

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Coachair

–

McConnell

SMC

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Coachair

–

McConnell

SMC

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

SMC

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Hispacold

–

McConnell

Irizar

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Hispacold

–

McConnell

Irizar

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Hispacold

–

McConnell

Irizar

Euro 6

12.5

Coachair

–

McConnell

Ventura

Euro 6

12.5

Coachair

–

McConnell

SMC

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

StyleRide

BCI

Euro 6

12.5

Coachair

–

McConnell

SMC

N N

Euro 6

Volvo

13.5

Hispacold

–

Sege

Masats

Euro 6

12.3

Hispacold

–

McConnell

Irizar

Euro 6

Volvo

10 - 12.9

Coachair

–

Sege

BCI

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Coachair

–

Sege

BCI

Euro 6

10 - 12.9

Coachair

–

McConnell

SMC

Euro 6

Allison

12.3

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

N/A

Euro 6

Allison

12.3

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

N/A

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

N/A

12.3

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

N/A

Euro 6

Allison

12.3

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

N/A

Euro 6

Allison

7.7

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

N/A

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

StyleRide

Yutong

N/A

busnews.com.au • ABC

BACK SEAT

A vital service on wheels Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s mobile donor centres do far more than travel between towns. Purpose-built, carefully maintained and supported by local partnerships, they help keep blood donations flowing across metropolitan and regional communities

S w

hey may not turn heads like a restored coach or a gleaming new electric bus, but Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s mobile donor centres carry something just as important as passengers. Across Australia, these purpose-built vehicles help bring blood collection closer to communities that may not have easy access to a permanent donor centre. More than a quarter of the nation’s whole blood is collected through mobile donor centres, with 40 per cent of those collections taking place in regional areas. That reach is no accident. Lifeblood considers population size, expected donation rates, staff availability and proximity to processing centres when deciding where a mobile centre can operate. Each site also undergoes a detailed screening process covering donor access, staff safety, traffic management and the suitability of the location. These are not buses that can be ordered from a catalogue and sent straight to work. Lifeblood says every mobile collection facility must meet strict Therapeutic Goods Administration requirements.

ABC • busnews.com.au

The organisation also reviews international mobile donation models and works with overseas blood services to identify approaches suited to Australian communities. Inside, the design shares many of the priorities of a static donor centre, but space is at a premium. Custom-built cabinetry helps staff manage clinical equipment and consumables while keeping the environment safe, practical and accessible for donors. Unlike a city bus running a daily timetable, a Lifeblood mobile centre may remain at one location for anywhere between three days and two weeks. Accredited third-party providers move the units between sites and complete the necessary safety and pre-departure checks. Reliability is critical, with an unexpected breakdown doing more than disrupting a schedule. It can reduce the number of donations collected and place pressure on the national blood supply. Lifeblood’s preventative maintenance program is therefore designed to minimise downtime and keep collections moving. Each mobile centre also carries a temperature-monitored cabinet

Above: These customdesigned buses collect 40 per cent of all blood collections across Australia. Image: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

to ensure the collection of consumables remains within the required conditions. Power is another important consideration – while diesel generators have traditionally supported mobile operations, Lifeblood is increasingly moving to sites with suitable three-phase electricity. In one month alone, four sites made that transition, reducing annual emissions by an estimated 24.1 tonnes. Keeping the network operating requires coordination across Lifeblood’s Mobiles, Operations, Quality and Partnerships teams. Just as important are the host venues, community organisations and local councils that provide the places and local support needed to make each visit possible. Looking ahead, Lifeblood’s priorities are straightforward: place mobile centres where they are most needed, provide donors with a seamless experience and reduce the network’s environmental impact. For the bus industry, it is a reminder that some of the most valuable vehicles on the road are not measured by how many people they carry, but by the communities they help.

“ w o b -

Safer transport starts with education “Students who had done the program... were course correcting students from other schools on the bus, around behaviour such as seat belt wearing.” - Bus Operator

For kids that catch a bus twice a day, or for kids that do not access a bus, this information was vital for their safety. I learnt so much too! – Junior Primary Teacher

BusSAFE is a student safety education program built by the bus industry, for the bus industy. We provide operators with materials, training and support to deliver education sessions in schools. Awarded ‘School Program of the Year’ at the 2025 Australian Road Safety Awards, BusSAFE education sessions have measurable impact. Independent assesement of BusSAFE by researchers at the University of Sydney noted a positive shift in safety behaviours among participating students.

BusSAFE sessions: - teach strategies for staying alert at the bus stop - demonstrate how to cross the road safely around buses - illustrate safe seatbelt, headphone and phone use - encourage respectful on-board behaviours - show students what to do in an emergency.

Keep up the good work! – Bus Driver

The presenter explained how important it is to be aware of your surroundings when boarding or exiting the bus. – Year 7 Student

The information was relevant and the time on the actual bus very worthwhile. – Middle Primary Teacher

Help build a generation of BusSAFE passengers. BusSAFE is complimentary to Bus Association members. For more information: P (08) 8269 1077 W www.bussafe.com.au

BusSAFE gratefully acknowledges the support of:

BUS STOP SALES AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST SALES & SERVICE CENTRE

QUEENSLAND NEW SOUTH WALES VICTORIA