ABC #398

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH 

ABC 

VOLVO-VOLGREN 

1000TH BUS TO 

WEST OZ PTA 

90 E-BUS DEAL 

ACT GOVT 

FOUR-YEAR 

PLAN PLEDGE 

HYDROGEN 

LIGHTWEIGHT 

‘SUPERBUS’ 

ISSUE 398 October 2020 $5.95 inc GST 

MULTIPLICITY 

Bustech’s Cummins-backed masterstroke unveiled: 

one body, three powertrain options 

driven: volvo olympian operator: caboolture bus lines, qld guide: info + aircon

The greener choice 

for your e Bus battery 

Toshiba’s SCiB batteries last up to 5 times longer than most other chemistries, 

which means less end-of-life waste and more up-time, making them 

the better choice for the environment. 

Long life battery 

20,000 cycles 

Second life 

applications 

Reduce battery waste 

by up to 60% 

End of life recycling 

process assured 

Toshiba... improving transport electrification since 1875 

Toshiba International Corporation Pty Ltd 

www.tic.toshiba.com.au/e-mobility 

Email: emobility-info@tic.toshiba.com.au 

11A Gibbon Road Winston Hills NSW 2153 Australia 

Telephone: +612 8867 6200

THE ALL-NEW 

FUSO ROSA. 

THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER. 

With a longstanding history of being Australia’s favourite light-duty bus, 

the next generation of Fuso Rosa continues to raise the bar in safety, 

reliability and overall driving experience. With the only 5year/200,000km 

warranty * and 15,000km service interval in its class, you really can’t go 

past a Fuso Rosa. 

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

• Advanced Emergency Braking System 

• Pedestrian Detection 

• Lane Departure Warning Systems 

• Electronic Stability Programme 

• Dual Airbags 

• LED Headlights 

• 22 or 25 seater configuration 

• 129kw/430Nm Euro 6 engine 

• 6-speed AMT or 5-speed Manual 

• Flat Floor 

*Visit fuso.com.au/Warranty for more details

ISSUE 398 OCTOBER 2020 

contents 

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT: 

Facebook – facebook.com/ABCBusnews 

YouTube – bit.ly/busandcoachtv 

Twitter – twitter.com/ABCmag 

EDITORIAL 

Editor: Fabian Cotter 

ph: 0451 194 600 

e-mail: Fabian.Cotter@aremedia.com.au 

Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge 

Contributors: Michael Apps, Anjali Behl 

PRODUCTION 

Art Director: Bea Barthelson 

Sub-Editor: Cat Fitzpatrick 

PRINTING 

IVE Print 

ADVERTISING 

Group Sales Manager – Industry: Adrian Christian 

ph: 0423 761 784 

e-mail: Adrian.Christian@aremedia.com.au 

Group Sales Manager – Transport: Peter Gatti 

ph: 0437 895 600 

e-mail: Peter.Gatti@aremedia.com.au 

VIC Sales: Matt Alexander 

ph: 00413 599 669 

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

QLD Sales: Hollie Tinker 

ph: 0466 466 945 

e-mail: Hollie.Tinker@aremedia.com.au 

SA/WA Sales: Nick Lenthall 

mobile: 0439 485 835 

e-mail: Nick.Lenthall@aremedia.com.au 

NSW Sales: Con Zarocostas 

mobile: 04357 594 238 

e-mail: Con.Zarocostas@aremedia.com.au 

08 

in the know 

6. editorial | ignition 

Bus Search 2020, ABC 398 - a crazy month! 

8. news | the front line 

We’ve gathered up all the key, hardhitting 

bus and coach news for you, to keep you in 

the loop. 

18. column | BIC 

BOOSTING THE INDUSTRY 

Michael Apps outlines what the 2020 

budget means for bus business. 

in focus 

22. In focus | brisbane busways 

BRISBANE BUSWAY CELEBRATES 

20 YEARS OF OPERATION 

Translink hails Brisbane’s South East 

Busway reaching 20 years of operation. 

26. In focus | nsw bus rally 

BUS BUSINESSES RALLY NSW 

PARLIAMENT 

More than 50 family owned and 

independent buses rallied to lobby for a 

government rescue package. 

32. coverstory | bustech cummins 

THREE OF A KIND 

Bustech and Cummins have partnered 

to bring a multi-option powertrain bus to 

the market. 

40. operator | caboolture bus lines 

SUNNY SIDE UP 

Caboolture Bus Lines is continuing to 

expand its footprint in Queensland, with its 

Bribie Island Coaches acquisition another 

feather in the cap. Anjali Behl reports. 

46. guide | info + air-con 

Latest innovation from some of the 

market’s leading passenger information 

and air-con system manufacturers. 

62. driven | volvo olympian 

DESIGNED FOR LONGEVITY 

In 2010, Fantastic Aussie Tours brought 

over four 1997 Volvo Olympian buses from 

the UK to run on its Blue Mountains tourist 

routes. Paul Aldridge put one through its 

paces on the mountain roads. 

departments 

52. bus marketplace | classifieds 

FOR SALE! 

There’s hundreds of great vehicles and 

services listed here from some of the 

leading bus and coach companies on the 

planet. Have a look around and see what 

you might find in there! 

58. factory facts | bus deliveries 

MONTHLY RESULTS 

We know you love them and so we have 

the latest bus and coach supplier sales 

data collected and recorded for you to sink 

your teeth into. To know who is who and 

who’s done what simply check it out! 

MARKETING & EVENTS 

Marketing Manager: Andrew Amato 

ph: 03 9567 4145 

e-mail: Andrew.Amato@aremedia.com.au 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

www.magshop.com.au 

e-mail: magshop@magshop.com.au 

ph: 1300 461 528 between 8am – 6pm (EST) Mon – Fri 

mail: Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW, 2001 

Annual subscription rates (12 issues): 

Australia: $89* NZ: $A100.05 Overseas: $A122.50 

(Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST 

EXECUTIVE GROUP 

GM – Industry: Graham Gardiner 

Group Finance Manager: Cain Murphy 

Commercial Director: Matt Rice 

Digital Director: Tim Kennington 

Operations Manager: Regina Fellner 

People & Culture Manager: Nicola Ramsay 

PUBLISHED BY 

Are Media Pty Limited 

ABN 18 053 273 546 

73 Atherton Road, Oakleigh, Vic, 3166, Australia 

e-mail: abc@aremedia.com.au 

CIRCULATIONS 

AUDIT BOARD 

For Are Media’s privacy policy please 

visit www.aremedia.com.au 

ISSN 1324-8634 

Member: Circulations Audit Board 

Circulation 3,502 

(CAB Audit, September 2019) 

Largest circulating bus and coach magazine in Australasia 

CIRCULATIONS 

AUDIT BOARD 

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 

Notice: All material published in this magazine is published in good faith 

and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. 

Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary devices 

and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before 

the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information 

we provide. Further all performance criteria was provided by the 

representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to 

them. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written 

consent from the copyright holder. 

4 

ABC October 2020 busnews.com.au

WITH YOU for 

the road ahead. 

However that looks. 

At Volvo Bus, we often refer to ourselves as your ‘business partner’. That couldn’t be 

more true than in uncertain times like these. 

We’ve been actively involved in the Australian Bus & Coach industry for nearly 50 

years, and that means a lot to us. So, in these unprecedented times, we want to take 

time thank everyone involved in our industry – operators and their staff, our dealers and 

their teams, our supplier partners and industry associations who are contributing to 

provide vital transport solutions for our communities. 

Whether it’s service support, some preventative maintenance or simply just a chat, 

we’re with you for the long road ahead. However that looks. 

www.volvobuses.com.au 

ABC-FP-5032483-CS-397

IGNITION 

FABIAN COTTER 

The Great Reset? 

How trying to pair some wireless headphones led to learning about 

‘The Great Reset’ I’m not sure, but in 2020 … well, here we are. 

Volume button up, press the on 

button. Or volume button 

down? Or both? And then press 

the power button? Hold for 10 

seconds. Hold for 25.4 seconds. Or go full 

moron and hold silently for a lengthy two 

minutes waiting for the good ol’ bloody 

Bluetooth headphones to reset, so that 

‘pairing’ could be attempted yet again - for 

like the 50th time. Frustrating! 

If you’ve ever tried to pair anything via 

Bluetooth over the years you’ll know what 

a spiritually challenging journey that can 

be. Granted things have improved a lot 

throughout the past 10 years, let’s say, but 

for techno fools like me, some recent issues 

meant searching endlessly for random 

help on ‘The Tube’. 

‘The Great Reset’ totally sounded like 

the thing I was looking for. But what the…? 

No self-appointed tech guru here banging 

out the tunes happily after unboxing their 

product and pairing it all up. No, this was a 

news link to some global bigwig gathering 

about changing things in the world 

economy so that everything is cleaner and 

greener and leaner and ‘better-er’ and … I 

assume we all get paid? Sounds like a plan, 

Stan. Where do I sign? 

Yet with everything online these days 

automatically suggesting to you all related 

info, products, links, surveys and cereal box 

brands that in any way connects to what 

you’ve just been looking for – there was 

much, much more to come... 

‘Agenda 21 – what’s that?’ More clicking, 

more viewing, more Cheetohs down the 

hatch taking it all in about the long-term 

aim for sustainability and the changes the 

world should/could/would/must make by 

set deadlines, etc. 

I’m assuming this all links to the Paris 

2030 carbon agreement? I really need to 

watch more TV. Or not. And just stream 

away other stuff. 

Anyway, there’s all sorts of info there 

about how the business world and society 

must/should change and how we are 

all affected. And with such an impact 

on small-to-medium enterprises – as in 

a resultant ‘see ya later, alligator’ – I’m 

particularly worried about bus companies 

that fit into those categories because 

perhaps their destinies have been taken 

out of their hands through no fault of their 

own. Seriously, who knows? 

SILVER LINING 

Which brings me to the Euro 6 diesel 

engine… Now I really ‘feel sorry’ for it. No 

particular brand, just the concept and 

direction behind it. 

Through this whole bus magazine 

gig, I’ve been privileged enough to keep 

abreast over the years of all the emerging 

tech advances and public transport 

machinations taking place. 

With the diesel engine being the staple 

propulsion method for decades, its latest 

Euro 5 and 6 emissions standard iterations 

are still pretty damned good by all 

accounts, ‘cleanliness wise’. So (to me), given 

the millions, if not billions, of collective 

industry R&D dollars that have gone into 

it from top manufacturers worldwide it 

seemed a waste with emerging electro-mobility 

effectively slapping a use-by date on it. 

Fast. Or so I thought… 

Interesting news then in this issue with 

the Bustech concept of using one bus body 

to swap out different powertrain options. 

And with Euro 6 diesel still in that mix, it 

gives some hope of that tech’s its longevity 

– in this market at least (and remember it 

is not even mandatory here yet) – amongst 

operators as a matter of choice. 

And with so many e-bus and fuel-cell 

options popping up and being developed 

now, some operators understandably 

still reticent to embrace electric-based 

advances can find solace in such an option 

still being at their disposal. 

OPEN UP AND SAY ‘AH!’ 

On that note, snaring the cover-story spot 

for ABC magazine Issue 398 is the world 

exclusive story we broke about Bustech’s 

partnership with renowned commercial 

vehicles powerhouse Cummins and their 

plan to offer the Australasian bus market a 

thus-far unique future bus-fleet option: one 

body, three powertrains of choice. 

Yup, taking a re-imagined XDi bus 

body – whose exclusive concept art is 

shown gracing our cover – the 

Cummins-backed idea means you can 

choose Euro 6 diesel, fully electric or 

fuel-cell hydrogen powertrains for the 

life of the body, swapping things out as if it 

were a simple maintenance service. 

Where the saving for the bus operator 

is, I’m told, is in not having to keep buying 

full new buses as technology requirements 

change. An interesting idea. 

That’s the gist anyway and, yes, Australian 

Bus Corporation’s (Bustech, Precision and 

Elphinstone) did sign MOUs with other 

international bus entities, which also are 

part of the group’s overall product portfolio 

and plans. Check it out on pages 32–36. 

Also inside we visit the lovely people 

at Caboolture Bus Lines in Queensland, 

which only recently acquired Bribie 

Island Coaches. The family owned and 

run company proves there’s still hope for 

bus companies from such humble origins 

to evolve and expand ‘naturally’ rather 

than larger global mass-equity-backed 

organisations absorbing such operations. 

Bit of a charmingly quirky one on the test 

drive front this month where we take an 

older Volvo Olympian double-deck import 

for a spin around the NSW Blue Mountains 

and it turned out to be a suitable 

performer. It also gives a great insight into 

a typical day-tour tourist company like 

Fantastic Aussie Tours, which, like so many 

others around Australasia, is doing it tough 

in this ‘pandemic period’. That’s on pages 

62–66 this issue. 

In terms of guides, we briefly explore 

overall the commuter journey experience 

looking at some air-con and passenger 

information systems innovations, while 

our latest deliveries figures for September 

shows things moving in the right direction. 

For now, at least. God only knows what’s 

happening month to month these days, 

but it seems the back end hasn’t dropped 

out just yet so as far as I’m concerned that’s 

a little ‘winner, winner, chicken dinner’ time 

for us all (P.S. Snuck in a bit of PUBG Mobile 

online gaming humour for ya right there ;)). 

And with Volvo and Volgren delivering its 

1, 000th city bus to Perth’s PTA recently and 

Hyzon announcing plans for a lightweight 

hydrogen fuel-cell ‘superbus’ – that’s pretty 

much a wrap this October. 

Just kidding. There are other bits and 

bobs inside, too; you’ll just have to take a 

look. Hope you enjoy. 

Until the next thrilling instalment… 

6 


Simply better – 

from A to B and then C 

Yutong delivers quality and comfort 

you can trust. 

In a world where it’s as much about the journey as the 

destination, Yutong leads the way in manufacturing quality, 

comfort and reliability. Our commitment to technology and 

design has made us the world’s largest bus manufacturer – 

with vehicles known across the globe for their reliability, safety 

and drive comfort. Fully customisable for a range of uses, 

Yutong buses and coaches are rigorously safety-tested and 

fully backed with nationwide service and parts support. 

Simply better – for every journey and every destination. 

yutong.com.au 

ABC-FP-5211257-CS-387

NEWS 

1,000TH VOLVO-VOLGREN BUS 

DELIVERED TO WA PTA 

VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA has delivered 

its 1,000th bus to the Public Transport 

Authority (PTA) of Western Australia. 

The milestone represents a 

decade-long relationship between the 

two parties, with both organisations 

looking forward to the arrival of the first 

Volvo electric buses into Perth in 2021, 

they state. 

Volvo’s first contract with PTA in 

2010 saw Volvo Bus Australia deliver 

912 buses, the success of which has 

been followed by a second contract – 

awarded in 2019 that will see up to 900 

additional buses delivered between 

2019–2029, Volvo confirms. 

According to the company, the most 

recent contract is worth more than 

$500 million and is part of PTA’s plan 

to safeguard Western Australia’s future 

bus fleet by replacing its older vehicles 

with new, high-quality, modern and 

fuel-efficient buses. 

Over the course of the current 

agreement, 90 Volvo buses are planned 

to be delivered annually, with an initial 

five-year deal and an option for a further 

five years. With this contract in place, 

Volvo Bus Australia will be nearing its 

2,000th bus delivery to PTA in 2029. 

“We are humbled, yet very proud, 

to mark our 1,000th bus delivery to 

PTA,” said David Mead, acting general 

manager Volvo Bus Australia. 

“We feel very fortunate to be working 

with an organisation that shares our 

passion for creating sustainable public 

transport for our communities. 

“Our focus on innovation, fuel 

efficiency and sustainable technologies 

will no doubt be reflected in the 

vehicles and services we deliver to PTA 

over the coming years. 

“We are also looking forward to seeing 

our eagerly awaited electric bus model 

become part of PTA’s fleet and the 

environmental benefits this will have for 

PTA, and the city of Perth.” 

TEAM EFFORT 

“We need to recognise our supply 

partners, especially Volgren Australia, 

whose Malaga-based production 

facility has produced all 1,000 of 

these buses in Western Australia 

for PTA,” Mead said. 

“It’s also an exciting time for our 

dealer partner in Perth, Truck Centre 

Western Australia, who are just putting 

the finishing touches on a new 

multi-million dollar investment 

in facilities – increasing their local 

footprint, investing in local training 

and competence and setting 

Right: The milestone represents a decade-long 

relationship between the two parties. 

8 


TTS AWARDED SINGAPOREAN 

BUS DEAL 

themselves for a bright future 

supporting Volvo’s customers 

across Western Australia,” he 

added. 

As part of the technology 

roadmap agreed between 

Volvo and PTA, four electric buses 

are set to commence operation 

in Perth in early 2022, with 

planning well under way for 

this much anticipated handover, 

Volvo states. 

On receiving its 1,000th Volvo 

bus, Western Australia Transport 

Minister Rita Saffioti said: “The 

partnership between the Public 

Transport Authority, Volvo 

Australia and Volgren is a perfect 

example of how government 

can support both local and 

international business investment, 

creating high-quality products 

locally, and creating jobs and 

opportunities.” 

THE BUS 

The 1,000th bus delivered – 

a Volvo B8RLE – is a model 

renowned for its superior fuel 

efficiency and reliability, says 

Volvo. 

The durability of the Volvo 

B8RLE driveline means that its 

efficiency and environmental 

performance is consistent 

over time – meeting the PTA’s 

goals of delivering sustainable 

and environmentally efficient 

public transport to the Perth 

metropolitan areas, Volvo 

explains. 

AUSTRALIAN public transport entity 

Sealink’s subsidiary Tower Transit 

Singapore (TTS) has secured minimum 

five-year bus service contracts worth 

in excess of S$1 billion in revenue, the 

company has announced. 

The PT217 contracts to operate both 

the Bulim and Sembawang-Yishun 

Packages – totalling 56 bus services – 

followed a competitive tender by the 

Singaporean Land Transport Authority 

(LTA), it states. 

Under the Bulim Package, TTS will 

operate 29 bus services and maintain 

a fleet of 324 buses. It will also be the 

anchor operator of the Bulim Bus Depot, 

the Jurong East Bus Interchange, the 

Bukit Batok Bus Interchange and a new 

interchange to be built along Venture 

Drive, it explains. As the incumbent 

operator of the Bulim Package since 

2016, TTS will transition seamlessly into 

the new five-year term commencing on 

May 30, 2021, it adds. 

The Sembawang-Yishun Package, 

which contains 27 bus services, will 

transition from the current operator 

to TTS on September 5, 2021. TTS will 

operate and maintain a fleet of 409 buses 

under the Sembawang-Yishun Package 

and will be the anchor operator of the 

newly built Mandai Bus Depot, the Yishun 

and Sembawang Bus Interchanges and 

the bus terminal at Geylang Lorong 1, 

Sealink explains. 

Each package will be operated for a 

term of five years from start of services 

with the option of a two-year extension 

exercisable at the discretion of the LTA, 

it states. 

TRANSPORT TRANSFORMATION 

“We are delighted at this demonstration 

of confidence by the LTA in Tower 

Transit and the Group’s commitment 

to high quality service delivery,” said 

Clint Feuerherdt, Group CEO of Sealink 

Travel Group Limited, TTS’ parent 

company. 

“With two bus packages, Tower 

Transit Singapore will be in a position to 

contribute more effectively to Singapore’s 

bus network. We look forward to 

renewing our partnership with the 

Land Transport Authority and continuing 

to support its plans to transform 

Singapore’s land transport industry 

in the year to come. 

“We will implement new initiatives 

to make our services more inclusive 

and customer focused and continue to 

work closely with the National Transport 

Workers’ Union to invest in and upskill 

our workers.” 

One such initiative is to make ‘Every 

Bus Captain a Customer Service Officer’ 

by training all of Tower Transit’s frontline 

staff in selected modules of the Level 1 

WSQ Certificate in Service Excellence, 

according to Sealink. 

Other initiatives by TTS include 

increasing paternity leave for its 

male employees to three weeks; the 

installation of 360° camera systems in 

all its buses to help its Bus Captains stay 

safe on the roads; and programmes to 

promote inclusivity at the Jurong East 

Bus Interchange. 

Above: TTS has been awarded contracts for a total 

of 56 bus services in Singapore.. 

busnews.com.au October 2020 ABC 

9

NEWS 

HYZON LIGHTWEIGHT ‘SUPERBUS’ 

PROJECT ANNOUNCED 

DEVELOPMENT of a fuel-cell ‘Superbus’ is 

set to start in 2021 after hydrogen mobility 

and clean energy company Hyzon Motors 

signed a Memorandum of Understanding 

(MOU) with Australian industrial technology 

company Warpforge, the companies have 

announced. 

Warpforge’s first products to market 

were lightweight light-vehicle trays 

offering increased payload and greater 

fuel efficiency, it explains. 

Under the collaboration, Hyzon 

will incorporate its core hydrogen 

fuel-cell technology with Warpforge’s 

innovative composite material capabilities 

to deliver a new integrated bus shell that 

provides significant weight savings and 

ensures corresponding fuel savings, 

they state. 

The Superbus aims to realise longer 

driving ranges, reduced manufacturing 

costs, improved safety features and 

emission-free driving, they explain. 

Development of the prototype Superbus 

will take place at Warpforge’s facilities in 

Perth, Western Australia, and is expected to 

start in 2021. 

Hyzon’s fuel-cell technology enables 

hydrogen commercial mobility without 

compromising on performance or cost, 

it’s claimed. 

Combining world-class fuel-cell 

technology with leading-edge composite 

technology positions Hyzon and 

Warpforge to disrupt many heavy mobility 

applications in the coming years as heavy 

vehicle and equipment operators seek out 

the optimum approach to decarbonising 

these hard-to-abate activities, the 

companies state. 

Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial 

component of the future energy 

landscape, as it offers the only viable green 

solution for high-utilisation commercial 

mobility, many industry experts say. The 

global heavy transport and equipment 

sector is fast becoming a key target for 

the implementation of clean energy 

alternatives, Hyzon adds. 

“We are excited to be collaborating with 

an innovator of Warpforge’s calibre and 

see this agreement as a first step in a long 

and fruitful partnership,” said Craig Knight, 

co-founder and CEO of Hyzon Motors. 

“This collaboration with Warpforge will 

allow Hyzon to take hydrogen mobility 

to the next level, as we build on our 

stated strategy of accelerating the energy 

transition by deploying commercial 

vehicles with zero emissions with zero 

compromises.” 

SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION 

Warpforge executive chairman Brian 

Maloney said: “We’re pleased to have 

secured this agreement with this 

pioneering group in global zero-emission 

mobility and look forward to developing 

this partnership as we collaborate on this 

exciting Superbus vehicle. 

“Warpforge shares Hyzon’s vision for 

scientific innovation and is excited to 

develop some of our IP portfolio further to 

extract value for our stakeholders, creating 

value for the global mobility market,” 

he added. 

Hyzon Motors earlier this year expanded 

existing operations by opening its new US 

headquarters and engineering centre at 

the former General Motors fuel-cell facility 

in Honeoye Falls, New York. Hyzon also 

launched its European manufacturing 

plant in the Dutch city of Groningen with 

JV partner Holthausen Clean Technology. 

With production facilities in North 

America, Europe and Asia, Hyzon expects 

to deliver several thousand fuel-cell trucks 

and buses over the next three years, 

it claims. By the end of 2025, Hyzon’s 

expected turn-key capacity will be 

more than 40,000 fuel cell vehicles 

annually, it states. 

Australia’s Fortescue Metals Group 

announced in August, 2020, an agreement 

to purchase zero-emission buses from 

Hyzon motors. 

ABOUT HYZON 

US-headquartered hydrogen mobility and 

clean energy company Hyzon is a global 

supplier of hydrogen fuel cell-powered 

commercial vehicles,. 

As part of its mission to decarbonise 

commercial mobility around the world it 

has established itself in locations, “…where 

and when the clean energy markets have 

been growing, including USA, Europe, Asia 

and Australia.” 

Hyzon anticipates its novel zero-emission 

mobility model will expand in global 

markets over the next few years. 

10 


AMA BUYS WESTERN TRUCK REPAIRS 

FOLLOWING its addition of Wales 

Bus Repairs mid last year, the 

AMA Group’s latest deal adds to 

its growing list of bus and truck 

repair acquisitions. 

Recent consolidation in the bus 

and truck-repair space rolls on 

as AMA Group bolsters its heavy 

vehicle footprint with the purchase 

of Western Truck Repairs (WTR). 

Based in Williamstown, 

Melbourne, WTR will join Wales 

Bus and Truck Repairs (NSW), 

Recar (Victoria, Queensland), Parins 

(WA) and All Transport (SA) as part 

of AMA’s national heavy vehicle 

repair network. 

It has more than 30 years’ 

experience in the industry and 

adds a team of mechanics, body 

builders, fabricators, spray painters, 

chassis aligners, electricians and 

fibreglassers to the AMA portfolio, 

the company confirms. 

AMA heavy vehicle division 

CEO Darren Wales says WTR adds 

superior craftsmanship from 

an experienced team of repair 

professionals. 

“For over 30 years, Western has 

been Victoria’s leading truck repair 

group and from myself and our 

team we are excited for them to 

be a part of a quality company like 

AMA,” Wales said. 

“Western will complement 

our coverage not only in 

Victoria, but Australia wide. It’s a 

‘one-stop-shop’ for truck, bus & 

coach repairs.” 

WTR managing director Phil 

Purdy welcomes AMA’s backing for 

its operations. 

“Our decision to join the AMA 

Group was not taken lightly. What 

they bring to the heavy vehicle 

repair industry is second to none 

in terms of quality and service,” 

Purdy said. 

“This ensures our client base of 

over 30 years remain the sole focus, 

for now and many years to come. 

Above: 

WTR becomes 

the fifth business 

in AMA’s heavy 

vehicle portfolio. 

“Myself and our other two 

directors, Joe Portelli and Erio 

Mirra, look forward to working 

with Darren and the whole AMA 

organisation.” 

This move comes as private 

equity-backed smash repairer 

Royan makes its play in New 

Zealand and expands further 

in NSW. 


11

NEWS 

THE WOT!?! 

MELBOURNE INSTALLS 

DRIVER SCREENS 

JOIN THE JOYRIDE 

In scenes resembling a farce, an 11-yearold 

boy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, 

was arrested recently for stealing a school 

bus and taking it for a spin. For 45 minutes 

he led the police on a wild goose chase 

around the city streets, flipping off officers 

and hitting three cars before finishing up by 

crashing into a tree. Miraculously, neither he 

nor anybody else was hurt. But, we know you 

want the real details; it was an International 

3800 school bus. 

TRANSDEV MELBOURNE has 

installed safety screens in 15 new 

buses ‘fully enclosing’ the driver 

cabins as part of its ongoing 

commitment to improving driver 

safety, the company announced 

recently. 

The new cabins, that have cuts 

outs for sound and tickets, were 

installed in the 15 buses delivered as 

part of the Victorian Government’s 

largest bus renewal order for 25 

years. This follows a successful trial 

period in consultation with Transdev 

drivers, the Department of Transport 

and the Transport Workers’ Union 

(TWU), Transdev confirms. 

Based on feedback received 

during the trial period, the new 

enclosed driver cabins feature a 

more robust design to minimise 

rattles and squeaks, anti-glare film 

on the glass to improve visibility of 

internal and external mirrors, and a 

stronger door-locking mechanism, 

the company explains. 

“Everybody has the right to feel 

safe when they come to work and 

these new screens, which fully 

enclose the driver’s cabin, provide 

our front-line staff with additional 

peace of mind as they travel on 

the public transport network,” said 

Loretta Lynch, managing director of 

Transdev Melbourne. 

“Our drivers’ experience driving 

buses on the network every day 

make them subject matter experts 

and they have played a vital role in 

the final design. 

“We have used their suggestions 

and feedback and collaborated 

closely with key stakeholders to 

ensure the new design incorporates 

safety, practicality, and comfort,” 

Lynch added. 

DRIVER ADJUSTMENT 

The new design also features a 

cut-out in the screen to allow for a 

full-size windscreen blind that can 

be adjusted from the driver’s seat, 

and a drink holder and storage in 

the driver’s door, says Transdev. 

The design enhancements 

were funded by Transdev as it 

continues to work with the Victorian 

Department of Transport on further 

improvements to its bus fleet to 

ensure the safety of its drivers and 

passengers. 

Below: The fully enclosed screens are said to 

improve safety for Melbourne’s bus drivers. 

TO BE OR NOT TO BE? 

Elon Musk mentioned a potential Tesla 

electric bus in a tweet that he later deleted 

– sparking discussions about the possibility 

of a new Tesla vehicle. Musk’s ‘Loop’ project 

in Las Vegas, which will be a series of tunnels 

using Tesla autonomous cars, has been 

using images of higher passenger density 

vehicles for a while, but is yet to unveil a 

prototype. Asked about this, Musk replied 

“we will make a dense Tesla if it matters” in a 

comment that he quickly removed again. All 

very hush hush! 

FUELLING CHANGE 

Trials of the world’s first hydrogen-powered 

double-decker bus have begun in the 

Scottish city of Aberdeen. The 15 buses 

were manufactured by Wrightbus and 

will be operated by First Group during the 

trials. If all goes well, they will start carrying 

passengers in November. First Group claims 

that the buses have an equal or greater 

range than their electric counterparts and 

that they can refuel in around 10 minutes. 

12 


BUS STOP 

KING LONG IS SIMPLY 

BETTER VALUE 

FULLY 

SUPPORTED 

NEW KING 

LONG 35-39 

SEATER 

Cummins UK 6.7L ISBe 

250HP, ZF 6 speed 

automatic, Independent 

front suspension, 39 fixed 

high back cloth seats with 

seatbelts. 

NEW KING 

LONG 12M 

53-57 SEATER 

Cummins UK 8.9L ISL 

turbo diesel, ZF 6 speed 

automatic, 53-57 fixed or 

reclining seats, independent 

front suspension. 

NEW KING 

LONG 41-45 

SEATER 

Cummins UK 6.7L ISBe 

285HP, ZF 6sp automatic, 

independent front 

suspension, 41 reclining 

high back leather seats with 

seatbelts. 

NEW ISUZU 

I-BUS 26- 

32 SEATER 

MINIBUS 

Isuzu turbo diesel, AMT 

transmission, 26-32 fixed 

seats with seatbelts, front 

engine bus. 

$POA 

Perfect School Bus 

$POA 

In Stock Now 

$POA 

Perfect Tour Bus 

$POA 

Perfect School Bus 

NEW YUTONG 

35-39 SEATER 

COACH 

2020 models just arrived, 

choice of 35 - 39 fixed or 

reclining seats. 250HP 

Cummins, Allison auto. 

NEW KING 

LONG 13M 

57-61 SEATER 

Cummins 

UK ISL turbo diesel, 

ZF 6 speed automatic, 

57-61 fixed or reclining 

seats, independent front 

suspension. 

2013 

IVECO/KING 

LONG 53 & 57’S 

Both 53 and 57 belted 

available,TK Air, good bins, 

Cummins, Allison, Auto, 

Bright’s bar. 

2014 IVECO 

IRIZAR 13.5M 

COACH 

What a coach! 52 belted 

reclining seats, toilet, DVD/ 

TV screens, Alloys, Steerable 

lazy, big bins, ready to go! 

Ready to go 

Call Now! 

$POA 

Class Leading Ride 

Value at 

$135,000 + GST ono 

Priced at 

$245,000 + GST ono 

BUS STOP 

07 3277 2115 

AUSTRALIA WIDE 

busstopsales.com.au

NEWS 

ACT ELECTION DRAWS ATTENTION 

TO CANBERRA E-BUS PLAN 

great strides the city has made in 

the field of green transport, and it 

applauds the government’s decision 

to continue down this path, says 

managing director Toby Roxburgh. 

Electromotiv is a Canberra-based 

company with expertise in 

zero-emission vehicles, recharging 

and refuelling infrastructure and is 

involved with Transport Canberra’s 

current zero-emission bus trial. 

“This announcement sets 

out a clear path to transition, 

acknowledging that zero-emission 

buses require infrastructure that 

can be upgraded or built quickly, 

but not immediately. This doesn’t, 

however, need to be an expensive 

project. Ever-decreasing technology 

costs combined with a smart 

AFTER WINNING THE ELECTION 

has been far more reliable. 

approach to charging infrastructure 

with Greens support, it remains 

“We’ve learnt a lot from that in 

tailored to specific routes and 

to be seen if the ACT Labor 

terms of the need to have a partner 

destinations can keep costs 

government meets its pledge to 

that can work with us,” he said. “And 

relatively low,” Roxburgh said. 

buy 90 electric buses over the next 

making sure we’ve got a range of 

“This policy will cement the 

four years. 

spare parts.” 

ACT’s position as an Australian 

Its e-bus plan is said to include 

The report explains each vehicle 

pace-setter in zero-emission buses. 

a new zero-emissions bus depot 

costs about $750,000, but the 

It will allow the city of Canberra to 

in north Canberra, plus a Woden 

minster says new developments 

enjoy the many benefits that come 

depot upgrade so it can handle the 

were constantly pushing the 

with the leader advantage: more 

next-gen technology. 

price down. 

jobs, more investment and a faster 

According to local media reports, 

“There are a range of different 

transition to vastly better public 

it would cost $114 million during 

companies who have newly 

transport,” he said. 

the next four years to implement 

emerged so we want to test the 

“This isn’t just about replacing 

the plan with the government 

saying it is on track to transition 

every public bus to zero emissions 

by at least 2040. 

In the lead-up to the election, 

transport minister Chris Steel said 

that under a Labor government no 

new diesel buses would be 

purchased from 2025, and that 

if re-elected the government 

would ‘go out to market’ at the 

market,” Minister Steel said. 

Apparently, the plan would 

help reduce Transport Canberra 

emissions by about 17 per cent, with 

the minister saying the move would 

require extra mechanics skilled with 

electric vehicles. However, diesel 

mechanics currently employed 

by Transport Canberra would be 

up-skilled to work on the new buses, 

he says. 

Above and 

Below: 

“This isn’t just 

about replacing 

a few buses. This 

is the next step 

in Canberra’s 

transition to a 

21st century 

public transport 

network,” said 

Electromotiv 

managing director 

Toby Roxburgh. 

a few buses. This is the next 

step in Canberra’s transition to 

a 21st century public transport 

network. 

“In 2020, commuters should 

expect a smooth and enjoyable 

ride across their city, without 

worrying about excessive noise 

or noxious fumes. 

“That’s exactly what they’ll get 

once these buses are in place,” 

end of the year to find an electric 

Further, an additional 64 bus 

bus provider. 

drivers would be recruited from 

As The Canberra Times report 

2024 to support the running of the 

highlights, the ACT undertook a 

expanded fleet, the report states. 

previous trial of electric buses but 

those were “…plagued with reliability 

CHARGING INSIGHT 

issues, and two buses missed more 

E-bus charging and leasing 

than one-third of their services.” 

specialist Electromotiv has worked 

Currently, the government is 

with Transport Canberra for three 

trialling a more advanced bus from 

years to date. In that time it has 

Yutong, with Minister Steel saying it 

witnessed, and contributed to, the 

14 


VOLGREN BUS APPRENTICES HIGHLIGHT 

CAREER CHANGE SUCCESS 

WITH THE 2020 Federal Budget’s strong 

focus on jobs, employee re-skilling at all 

ages could prove key to its success as two 

recent Volgen adult apprentices’ paths 

have proven. 

Ten years ago, Paul Timu was working 

in construction when the industry hit a 

flat spot. He knew he needed to make a 

career change and, after speaking with a 

family member who worked at Volgren, 

he managed to get a job at the company’s 

Eagle Farm facility. 

“I was helping out in the chassis area 

building the roofs. I was casual for two and 

a half years and expressed my interest in 

an opportunity to become an apprentice,” 

Timu remembered. 

Volgren was offering four-year 

apprenticeships in truck, trailer and bus 

manufacturing and Timu says he, “…took 

that opportunity with two hands and 

ran with it.” 

It was then in 2013 that Paul 

met Nelson Rowlingson, a fellow 

adult-apprentice with a similar 

background: Nelson had practical skills 

but no trade and he found that this 

limited the types of work he could seek, 

he explains. 

“I was a second-class welder [and] 

Volgren were willing to give me a start. I 

started on production, fitting gas tanks to 

MAN buses. 

“When the apprenticeship came up, 

I put my name down and was lucky 

enough to start in 2009,” Rowlingson said. 

Timu was 23 when he started the 

apprenticeship and Rowlingson was 34. 

They were in the same class at TAFE and 

quickly became friends, they explain. 

“It was really great to do the 

apprenticeship with Nelson. We were 

just bouncing off each other. Anything 

that I didn’t know I would ask him and 

vice-versa. It worked really well and 

from early on we had each other’s 

back,” Timu said. 

Rowlingson says he also enjoyed 

Above: 

[L-R] Rowlingson says he also enjoyed learning 

alongside fellow Volgren apprentice Timu. 

learning alongside a fellow Volgren 

apprentice and says he was motivated 

by what felt like a rare opportunity. 

“Going through the apprenticeship it 

honestly felt like a career lifeline to get 

a trade and it gave me a lot of purpose,” 

he said. 


15

THE ENGINE OIL 

THAT WORKS AS 

HARD AS YOU 

Our customers depend on Shell Rimula to protect their bus 

and coach fleets in the harsh Australian conditions. From long 

distance coaches traveling through the centre of Australia, to 

stop/start driving of city buses, you can trust Shell Rimula. 

Shell Rimula oils are formulated to safeguard engines against 

wear and acid corrosion, which can be harmful to engine and 

oil life. 

Coupled with a comprehensive range to transmission, 

gearbox, hydraulic and differential oils as well as greases 

and coolants, our range of lubricants cover just about every 

application to keep your buses and coaches working as hard 

as you do. 

To find out more about Shell Rimula and other 

quality lubricants call our technical team on 

1300 134 205 or visit Shell.com.au/Rimula

INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF UP TO $150K UNTIL 31 DEC 2020 

ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED ON ALL VEHICLES ADVERTISED 

3x 2014 Iveco 

Chassis Irizar 

Bodied 

52 Belted leather 

recliners, Toilet 

Equipped, TV DVD, 

AC, Auto Trans, Alloy 

Wheel, large luggage 

bins. Expressions of 

interest invited on a 

bulk purchase. 

WAS $265,000 + GST 

$245,000 + GST 

1 x 2013 

Munro 

Luxury fit out with 

19 wide, reclining 

leather Styleride 

seats, curtains, 

DVD, Bull bar and 

tow bar etc 

WAS $65,000 + GST 

$60,000 + GST 

Only 3 left x 2013 

Iveco Delta Euro5 

Cummins ISL / King 

Long Body 53/57 seats, 

belted Cloth recliners, 

AC, TV DVD, Cummins 

engine, Auto trans, 

Under Floor Luggage 

Bins. Expressions of 

interest invited on a bulk 

purchase. 

From 

WAS $145,000 + GST 

$135,000 + GST 

USED BUS 

SALES AUSTRALIA 

OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN 

THE BUS & COACH INDUSTRY 

FINANCE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE 

For Further Listings with Colour Photos & Specs Sheets 

Go online to www.usedbussales.com.au (All new stock available) 

USED BUS SALES AUSTRALIA 

Phil on 0417 848 946, phil.stonestreet@stonestreets.com.au 

or ken@usedbussales.com.au, 0419 661 220

BIC 

MICHAEL APPS 

Boosting the industry 

What the 2020-2021 stimulus budget means for bus businesses... 

Michael Apps 

BIC executive 

director 

PO Box 6171, 

Kingston ACT 2604 

p: 02 6247 5990 

f: 02 6273 1035 

e: admin@bic.asn.au 

The Morrison government delivered its 2020– 

2021 ‘stimulus’ budget for the Australian 

tax-payer on October 6, 2020. There are mixed 

reviews from the ‘experts’ and in varying 

degrees depending on what media outlet you tune 

into. The various polls are also mixed – Newspoll (Oct 

11) claims that 80 per cent of Australians support the 

income tax cuts for low and middle income earners; 

the Essential Poll (Oct 6) states that only 25 per cent 

of voters think the budget will be of benefit to them. 

My bet is, if I was to conduct a bus industry poll, 

I think there would be reasonable support for this 

budget, especially the tax breaks for small business 

– asset write-offs and tax loss ‘carry back’ up to June, 

2022, and the significant stimulus being injected into 

transport infrastructure. 

The infrastructure spend is a big one in my view 

because ultimately the federal government purse is 

open for business for the states and territories to get 

going on new and improved road infrastructure. A 

possible bus rapid transit first in any federal budget 

that I can think of is the $17.5 million for the Bus 

Lane Program – Stirling and Canning Highways in 

Western Australia. 

The budget also comes with a $3 billion 

commitment over two years for two nation-wide 

infrastructure programs. The Local Roads and 

Community Infrastructure Program will be extended 

with another $1 billion over two years for local 

councils to maintain and deliver local infrastructure. 

Another program, the Infrastructure Investment – 

Road Safety and Upgrades Project aims to provide 

“The new energy technology 

coming out of our sector has 

become a significant eyecatcher 

of all state/territory and 

local governments.” 

$2 billion for shovel-ready projects on a first-comefirst-serve 

basis where states/territories ready to start 

will get priority. 

BIC has long advocated for the federal government 

to provide a greater focus through a specific funding 

program available to states, territories and local 

governments on the ‘low hanging fruit’ improvements 

across the public transport (PT) network in the form 

of bus priority infrastructure and smart technology to 

prioritise bus services on the road. 

I have been holding discussions with the 

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and 

his department since May of this year regarding 

a number of key projects for road and transport 

infrastructure – specifically bus shovel-ready (smart, 

sheltered and accessible bus stops), integrated 

PT mode stations and bus layover and traffic-light 

priority projects. I have also taken this agenda to the 

states and territories, including local government, 

to keep bus infrastructure in their city planning 

and new infrastructure or improvements to existing 

infrastructure. 

The $1.5 billion put forward in the Modern 

Manufacturing Strategy is an interesting one. The 

strategy aims to “to help our manufacturers to 

scale-up, become more competitive and build 

more resilient supply chains”. Although vehicle and 

parts manufacturers are not included specifically 

in the six sectors set to receive the direct benefit of 

this scheme, I can say that I do have the attentive 

ear of all state manufacturing ministers, federal 

Manufacturing Minister Karen Andrews and Ben 

Morton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister 

on where bus manufacturing and parts supply/ 

manufacturing fits. 

As mentioned in last month’s column, the new 

energy technology coming out of our sector has 

become a significant eye-catcher of all state/territory 

and local governments. Watch this space – the 

wheel is in forward motion on this one and I will be 

looking closely at proposed procurement and vehicle 

replacement programs. 

I have long contended that the federal government 

needs to provide a capital differentiation payment to 

support state/territory governments in their purchase 

of low-emission buses. In order for state/territory 

governments to receive this funding they would 

have to do one of two things – increase actual public 

transport bus services or increase the frequency of 

services by an agreed percentage-amount or invest 

in recharging infrastructure at bus depots for electric 

buses, as an example. 

The federal budget is a good indicator of the 

possible investment trajectory longer term. I think the 

infrastructure and manufacturing commitment are 

the jobs-and-more-jobs winner, which will need to be 

sustained long term. 

Although I think this budget is definitely a green 

light for business to get busy, it is extremely clear that 

the economic recovery of Australia and the success 

of this budget is based on a number of assumptions 

– unfettered national and international borders, a 

Covid vaccine being available for mass distribution by 

December, 2021, and any substantial interim Covid 

outbreaks likely to affect confidence of households to 

spend and businesses to invest and employ people. 

Keep safe and well. Stay informed at ozebus.com. 

au/covid. 

18 


RUN WITH MAX. 

MERITOR ® MAX 

PREMIUM BRAKE PADS 

Meritor is the global leader in brakes for heavy duty trucks, trailers and buses. MAX pads are the newest 

addition to our range and are designed specifically for bus applications. Independently tested to deliver 

performance comparable to original equipment levels and far exceeding the ECE R90 requirements they 

deliver consistent, reliable stopping power and low wear rates even at the prolonged high brake temperatures 

common in bus and transit applications. Meritor Max Pads, for bus customers who choose to run with the best. 

• Outstanding friction coefficient 

• Low pad and rotor wear at high temperatures 

• ECE R90 Approved 

• Premium braking performance 

Find out more by contacting 

your local DRIVEFORCE 

representative or visit 

meritorpartsonline.com.au 

TRUST THE LEADER IN BRAKES. 

At Meritor we have a heritage of building world class axles that stretches 

back over 100 years. This year, in Australia we’re celebrating. It’s been 50 

years since the first Australian-built axle rolled out of our Sunshine facility in 

Melbourne. Today, as the world’s largest independent manufacturer of axles 

and the first-fit of choice on so many Australian trucks we maintain our high 

commitment to support our customers with a range of quality components 

proven to perform under Australian conditions. We look forward to another 

50 years here in Australia. 

meritorpartsonline.com.au | (613) 8353 6050 | cvaau.sales@meritor.com

SPONSORED CONTENT 

Style and substance 

Muirhead’s high-performance leather is key to bus and coach operator 

success, says head of sales mass transit Kevin Smith. 

For bus and coach operators, 

it is no longer enough to 

just transport customers in 

a safe and timely manner. 

Passengers don’t only 

expect a hassle-free journey, but 

also a first-rate experience during it. 

Maximum comfort, safety and 

hygiene, Wi-Fi access and mobile 

charging, real-time information 

screens, air conditioning and 

CCTV security – all delivered with 

sustainability in mind – are the 

minimum expectations for today’s bus 

or coach traveller. The challenge is to 

create interiors that deliver the best 

possible experience at the best value 

for the operator. Muirhead believes 

that high-quality, high-performance 

leather is key to delivering that 

enhanced passenger experience 

and setting an operator’s service apart. 

Muirhead has been manufacturing 

fine Scottish leather at its own tanneries 

for over 180 years as a key supplier to 

the bus, coach, rail, marine and aviation 

industries in countries from the UK 

and USA to Europe, Japan, and now 

Australasia. Muirhead’s leather is taking 

the passenger experience to the next 

level, while enabling operators to take 

full advantage of the value, performance 

and sustainability benefits it can provide. 

SAFETY AND HYGIENE 

For bus and coach operators, passenger 

safety and hygiene are paramount. 

The coronavirus pandemic has 

highlighted just how easily pathogens 

are transferred, meaning all onboard 

surfaces – such as seats, headrests and 

armrests – not only need to look, smell 

and feel spotless, but also need to be 

quick and easy to deep clean when 

vehicles return to the depot. 

We have all seen unsettling videos 

of fabric seat covers releasing plumes 

of dust and bacteria when given a firm 

slap. Muirhead’s high-performance 

natural leather is easy to clean and, 

importantly, easy to keep clean long 

term. A simple wipe with soap and 

water quickly eradicates dirt and 

pathogens, ensuring that leather seat 

covers are always visibly clean and 

safe. Vehicle turnaround times and 

associated lost revenues are kept down. 

Real leather is naturally flame 

retardant. Muirhead’s leather exceeds 

today’s strict regional fire, smoke 

and toxicity safety regulations for the 

bus and coach sector without the 

heavy addition of environmentally 

20 


damaging chemicals required by 

alternative materials during their 

manufacture, it says. 

DURABILITY AND VALUE 

Genuine leather is one of the most 

durable and best performing 

materials on our planet. The 

proven longevity and structural 

stability of real leather, along with 

its inherent ability to resist and 

repel stains and fluids, massively 

reduces the need for regular 

repairs and costly refurbishments. 

Alongside increased CCTV 

security, provision of onboard 

Wi-Fi for entertainment and the 

inclusion of high-quality materials, 

vehicles are more likely to be 

enjoyed and treated with respect. 

If damage does occur, leather’s 

inherent ease of cleaning and 

repair can provide long-term 

cost savings over a busy vehicle’s 

working life. 

PERFORMANCE AND 

COMFORT 

The southern hemisphere can be 

a hot and humid climate in which 

to travel. The more operators and 

seat manufacturers can do to 

enhance passenger comfort, the 

more people will regularly use 

public transport. 

Natural leather breathes, 

reducing perspiration for a more 

comfortable experience. Genuine 

leather maintains its luxury 

appearance and durability over 

its long working life and with 

the ability to perforate and style 

leather in many different ways, it 

remains contemporary. 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Throughout its 180-year history, 

Muirhead has focused on creating 

the most sustainable supply chain 

in the global leather industry, it 

says. Today, Muirhead produces 

the lowest carbon intensity leather 

in the world, it explains. 

The company works closely 

with local farmers to ensure 

cattle are treated humanely and 

it only ever uses hides that are a 

by-product of the meat industry, 

saving huge volumes from landfill. 

Muirhead’s own waste products 

become valuable elements in 

the circular economy and its 

innovations in energy and water 

management make it a reliable 

and environmentally responsible 

business partner. The company 

brings substance to any operator’s 

sustainability messages, it says. 

For more detail on Muirhead’s 

sustainability credentials, visit its 

dedicated sustainability platform 

at www.sustainablebynature.co.uk. 

BRANDING AND STYLING 

As an operator, your brand 

matters. Muirhead can supply 

leather in your corporate colours 

to support your brand and 

marketing activities. It helps make 

your vehicle fleets distinctive and 

eye-catching. 

Muirhead leather can be used to 

colour-code seats and headrests 

on specific bus and coach routes 

to make vehicle identification 

easier for passengers. This 

attention to detail enhances the 

customer experience and makes 

public transport easier to use. 

Fashion is fleeting, but style 

is forever. You don’t want to 

replace outdated fabric designs 

as consumer fashions change. 

The colours, styling options and 

finishes available in the Muirhead 

range ensure that the leather you 

specify will still be ‘in vogue’ at 

the end of your vehicle’s lifetime, 

it says. 

Passenger expectations will 

continue to evolve, but one thing 

Muirhead has been 

manufacturing fine 

Scottish leather at its 

own tanneries for over 

180 years. 

is for sure – good enough is no 

longer good enough. Operators 

and seat manufacturers must 

continue to improve customer 

experiences and Muirhead 

believes that its genuine leather 

will enhance both your vehicles 

and your passenger experience. 

MUIRHEAD AND LEFFLER 

Unlike many suppliers, Muirhead 

has no minimum order quantity, 

so regardless of the scale of 

your project (headrest, half 

leather or full leather), it can 

guarantee supply, it states. The 

company’s long-term sales 

and distribution partnership 

with Melbourne-based leather 

specialist Leffler means that stock 

of its 120+ colour leather range 

is available for delivery at short 

lead times. 

To find out more about 

Muirhead’s passenger seating 

leather range please contact its 

Melbourne-based distribution 

partner Leffler by emailing 

leffler@muirhead.co.uk. 

Above: 

Muirhead 

produces the 

lowest carbon 

intensity leather 

in the world, it 

says. 

Opposite: 

Leather seats 

mean that a 

simple wipe 

with soap and 

water quickly 

eradicates dirt 

and pathogens. 


21

IN FOCUS 

BRISBANE BUSWAY 

BRISBANE 

BUSWAY 

CELEBRATES 

20 YEARS OF 

OPERATION 

There were no 

elaborate celebrations 

as Brisbane’s South 

East Busway marked 

20 years of operation 

by simply ‘getting 

on with its day-today 

utilitarian task’ 

of providing a safe 

and efficient mass 

transport corridor, says 

its operator, Translink. 

The opening of the South East 

Busway in 2000 was the beginning 

of a busway network that has 

become an example of best 

practice for public transport around 

the world, says head of Translink, Matt Longland. 

“During peak periods, the busway can move 

up to 18,000 customers every hour, compared 

with up to 1,600 bus passengers an hour in 

general traffic corridors,” Longland explained. 

“That’s one bus every 12 seconds passing the 

busiest point of the South East Busway inbound 

of Woolloongabba Station. 

“This is one of the reasons Brisbane’s 

Busway receives so much interest from national 

and international public transport providers,” 

he added. 

The first section of the South East Busway 

between Queen Street Bus Station and 

Woolloongabba opened in September 2000, 

in time for the Brisbane Olympic Games 

Football Tournament, as part of the Sydney 

2000 Olympic Games. 

The next section to open, in April 2001, was 

Woolloongabba to Eight Mile Plains. 

There are now more than 30km of 

busway, which includes 27 stations and 20 

tunnels. More than 72 million trips are made 

on its busways each year, it states. 

“The busway stations have been 

developed at key suburban nodes to serve 

major activity centres. This allows buses 

to serve low-density communities, collect 

passengers from local roads and then join 

the busway for a faster trip into the city,” 

Longland said. 

“The busways feature real-time safety 

and security incident management, with 

more than 750 CCTV cameras monitoring 

the infrastructure, tunnels and assets 24 

hours a day, 365 days a year. Real-time 

bus information is displayed at all stations,” 

he stated. 

SUCCESS STORY 

Translink staff work alongside Brisbane 

City Council staff to provide real-time 

network coordination through the Busway 

Operations Centre, including close 

collaboration with the Queensland Police 

and emergency services to ensure the 

safety of the busway network, it says. 

“Busways continue to be a great success 

22 


story for South East Queensland 

public transport. They separate buses 

from general traffic and deliver more 

reliable and efficient bus services for 

customers,” Longland stated. 

ABOUT BUSWAYS 

As Translink explains, a full bus 

produces less pollution per person 

than a full car. In fact, it only takes 

six passengers to make the bus a 

cleaner option - and every full bus 

means 50 fewer cars on the road, 

it confirms. 

Its rationale is that if the city 

doesn’t continue to use more public 

transport, “…Brisbane will be faced 

with more cars on the road, more 

congestion, longer trips to work, 

more noise and poorer air quality.” 

In terms of building one, Translink 

says air quality studies take place 

before new busways are built to 

ensure the local air quality – and the 

health of those near the busway – 

is protected. 

It says it also builds its busway 

stations to blend in well with 

During peak periods, the busway can move 

up to 18,000 customers every hour, compared 

with up to 1,600 bus passengers an hour in 

general traffic corridors. 

the existing environment. 

Wherever possible Translink 

uses environmentally friendly 

construction products and busway 

stations have sustainable design 

features including: 

• rainwater harvesting for station 

irrigation, bathroom facilities and 

cleaning 

• solar-generated power 

• natural ventilation and lighting 

• drought-resistant landscaping. 

Above: 

The first section 

of the South East 

Busway between 

Queen Street 

Bus Station and 

Woolloongabba 

opened in 

September, 

2000. 

Left: 

Streetview of 

Royal Brisbane 

Women’s 

Hospital (RBWH) 

busway station, 

Bowen Hills 

Northern Busway. 

Opposite, Below: 

Bus travelling 

on the Inner 

Northern Busway. 


23

SPONSORED CONTENT 

AXALTA SOLE COATINGS 

SUPPLIER TO BUSTECH 

Axalta has been announced as the sole paint and coatings supplier to 

Bustech, Australia’s largest privately owned bus manufacturer. 

Axalta – with extensive 

experience in supplying 

coatings to the commercial 

market both globally and 

within Australia – is well 

positioned to meet the needs of Bustech, 

today and into the future. 

“As the clear market leader in coating 

supply to the Australian manufactured 

bus and coach industry, Axalta fits well 

with the requirements of Bustech, to be a 

partner that is tuned into delivering quality 

products and solutions to meet customer 

requirements,” said Steven Brett, managing 

director, Axalta Australia and New Zealand. 

“With more than 150 years of expertise 

in the paint and coatings industry, we can 

leverage our global experience to deliver 

local solutions to the Bustech team and its 

customers in Australia.” 

Michael Busch, Axalta National OEM 

manager added: “Bustech’s complete 

commitment to quality and consistency 

makes the Axalta/Bustech partnership an 

outstanding corporate fit. 

“Through introducing the next 

generation of paint and coating 

technology, providing extensive training to 

all production personnel, and establishing 

clear documented painting processes, 

the significant improvement in output 

quality was inevitable – but also extremely 

satisfying. Bustech’s existing and future 

customers are seeing the end result of 

Bustech’s commitment to continuous 

improvement, and this all bodes well for 

the extensive plans they hold for their 

future as an Australian manufacturer.” 

AUSTRALIAN MADE 

Bustech is based in Burleigh Heads on 

Queensland’s famous Gold Coast and is 

Australia’s largest privately-owned bus 

manufacturer. Designing, engineering 

and manufacturing chassis’ and bodies 

for mass passenger vehicles, 95 per cent 

of all parts and components are sourced 

from local Australian suppliers, delivering 

unmatched economic development and 

sustainability for Australia. 

Bustech is now owned by the Australian 

Above: Bustech CEO Thinus Steyn with Axalta Territory Business Manager (QLD) Stephen Morris. 

We can leverage our 

global experience to 

deliver local solutions 

to the Bustech team 

and its customers in 

Australia. 

Bus Corporation, which also owns Precision 

Buses based in Edinburgh Parks, South 

Australia. Through this partnership, Axalta 

will also work with Precision Buses in its 

Adelaide facility replicating the model it 

has with Bustech. 

“Axalta’s experience in the commercial 

vehicle industry gives us great confidence 

that they will be able to provide the 

necessary products and support as we 

continue to build on the strong platform 

we have, positioning ourselves for future 

product development with our strategic 

partners,” said Bustech CEO Thinus Steyn. 

“We are confident this partnership will 

help us continue to be a leading supplier of 

government and private sector passenger 

vehicles in Australia.” 

WHAT IS IMRON? 

The Imron Fleet Line paint system is 

designed for commercial vehicles that 

spend most of their life on the road, in all 

types of weather. It delivers exceptional 

weather and corrosion resistance while 

providing a beautiful finish. It is the 

product of choice of more than 70 per 

cent of the Australian Bus and Coach 

manufacturing industry. Axalta is a global 

leader in the manufacture of coatings for 

the heavy-duty truck and bus market. 

NETWORK SPREAD 

Axalta works with its 25 local distribution 

partners Australia-wide to offer Bustech 

and its fleet customers a flexible and 

timely logistic solution. 

TECHNICAL SUPPORT 

With more than 40 support personnel 

servicing all Australian states and 

territories - specialising in paint 

application, process refinement, colour 

matching, quality control and business 

analysis – Axalta is uniquely positioned to 

support manufacturers ready to embrace 

their full potential within the painting 

operation. 

24 


IN FOCUS 

NSW BUS RALLY 

BUS BUSINESSES RALLY 

NSW PARLIAMENT 

More than 50 family owned and independent buses circled NSW state 

parliament recently in a rally to highlight their pandemic-induced plight 

and lobby for a government rescue package. 

Held on September 16, 

Australian Family 

Owned Bus Companies 

group spokesman Rod 

Williams, who owns 

Near or Far Bus & Coach in the Blue 

Mountains, says he was pleased with 

the turnout and show of solidarity 

from companies from Sydney and the 

surrounding area, as well as places as 

far afield as Canberra, Newcastle and 

Kempsey. 

“It’s a phenomenal effort,” Williams 

said. “There’s obviously a lot of pain 

out there.” 

Arranged to police requirements, 

the convoy of 53 vehicles was a 

peaceful demonstration representing 

regional and city bus operators, their 

staff and service providers, with buses 

tooting horns past Parliament House, 

organisers explain. 

26 


“We’re not out to cause trouble. 

We’re doing things right. All we’ve 

done is ask for help.” 

Dozens of family owned and 

independent buses are on the 

brink of collapse, thousands of 

drivers could lose their jobs and 

‘mum and dad’ operators stand 

to lose their homes as an impact 

of Covid-19 restrictions, the group 

states. 

While smaller bus companies 

were grateful for government 

help such as JobKeeper and 

did not begrudge the success 

of large companies – which are 

needed to maintain the industry – 

organisers say many aspects of the 

industry had been overlooked and 

they needed help with: 

• costs – depot rent, tolls, and 

vehicle registration, insurance and 

fuel 

• work – fair share of government 

transport jobs for work such as 

hotel quarantine transfers and rail 

replacement transport 

• stimulus package to remain 

viable and employ staff. 

Under the banner Australian 

Family Owned Bus Companies, 

rally organisers would like to drive 

the lobby to federal parliament 

in Canberra to support intra- and 

inter-state colleagues at a date to 

be announced. 

Stay tuned... 

It’s a phenomenal 

effort. There’s 

obviously a lot of 

pain out there. 

Opposite: 

Under the 

banner 

Australian Family 

Owned Bus 

Companies, rally 

organisers would 

like to drive the 

lobby to federal 

parliament in 

Canberra; Dozens 

of family owned 

and independent 

buses are on the 

brink of collapse 

due to Covid-19 

restrictions. 

Above: 

The rally brought 

together more 

than 50 family 

owned and 

independent 

buses. 

Left: 

There were calls 

for help with 

costs, allocation 

of work and 

a stimulus 

package. 


27

SPECIAL EVENTS 

BUSINESS EVENTS 

– WHY DO WE DO IT? 

The 2021 Brisbane Truck Show is like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel 

Amidst the madness 

of 2020, sometimes 

it is difficult to know 

if we are heading in 

the right direction; 

at times it feels like the pace of things 

is slowing down to a cautious crawl 

at the expense of our businesses, our 

economy and maybe even our sanity. 

Then, that speck of light in the 

distance provides us with everything 

we need to pick up our pace again 

and start heading forward, with the 

surety that everything is going to 

be alright. 

Naturally there have been some 

nerves about whether everything 

will be good to go by 2021. Well, five 

months into 2021 actually: the 2021 

Brisbane Truck Show will run from 

May 13 to 16. 

But, there are some actions 

that have added to the level of 

confidence that everyone needs. 

Try Brisbane hosting the AFL Grand 

Final for starters and looking at a 

capacity of 30,000. 

Add to that the Australian 

government’s stimulus to restart 

Australia’s business events sector. Its 

announcement includes a whole 

range of support for exhibitors to 

attend and build their displays. 

What does that mean for you as 

an attendee? It means all the pieces 

are falling into place to ensure that 

your expectations of the Brisbane 

Truck Show you know and love will 

all be met, and typically exceeded. 

It means the exhibitors are given 

the assurance they need to invest in 

bringing their full array of products, 

displayed with the flair that you have 

become accustomed to. 

The deputy prime minister 

and minister for infrastructure, 

transport and regional development 

Michael McCormack hit the mark 

when he said the government’s 

grant program would provide 

opportunities and encourage 

businesses from regional Australia to 

attend events in their own backyard. 

“Making it less expensive and 

easier for regional businesses to 

attend events in Australia will 

present new opportunities to 

connect with and secure new 

customers,” the deputy prime 

minister said. 

It goes both ways – it is equally 

a great opportunity for you to 

connect with your suppliers - and 

with your mates of course. We bet 

there’s plenty of them you’re looking 

forward to seeing again soon. 

The social side of the event keeps 

getting bigger as many who enjoyed 

the South Bank activations at the 

last show can testify. 

Rest assured, the hotels, 

restaurants, cafes and pubs of South 

Bank are all looking forward to 

welcoming you back. 

NATIONAL APPRENTICE 

CHALLENGE 

The call for apprentices from 

around the country is out now. 

The opportunity to compete in the 

National Apprentice Challenge, with 

selected teams taking on 

It is equally a great 

opportunity for you 

to connect with your 

suppliers. 

the best-of-the-best from all 

over the country, has been raised 

another notch. 

The prizes are hugely attractive 

for a young person on the tools, 

what with a fully hosted trip to the 

V8 Supercars up for grabs, with full 

corporate treatment, pit lane tours 

and a whole lot more. 

Now, there is the added pressure 

of performing under the spotlight. 

The apprentice challenge is moving 

from the loading bays at Brisbane 

Convention and Exhibition Centre 

(BCEC) into South Bank Piazza. The 

set-up at BCEC was great, but this is 

like going from kick around at the 

park to the MCG in one fell swoop. 

Or in this year’s case – the Gabba. 

Find out all about everything 

that is going on at www. 

brisbanetruckshow.com.au 

Above: 

The National 

Apprentice 

Challenge is 

making the big 

move to the 

South Bank 

Piazza in 2021. 

28 


INNOVATION - SUSTAINABILITY - SAFETY - KNOWLEDGE - CAREERS - COMMUNITY

Are YOU 

up for the 

CHALLENGE? 

HVIA 

NATIONAL 

APPRENTICE 

CHALLENGE 

An exciting opportunity for heavy 

vehicle mechanical apprentices at 

any stage of your study! 

Teams from all 

over Australia will 

compete for amazing 

prizes including 

VIP Supercars 

experiences and 

tools kits. 

NOMINATIONS CLOSE FEB 2021 

www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au/NAC 

Staged live at Brisbane Truck Show 

13-16 May 2021 South Bank Parklands 

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

THE NEW IRIZAR 

i6 MIDI PTA SCHOOL BUS 

Irizar’s range of Midi Coaches and School Buses are coming to Australia. 

The Irizar i6 Midi combines the reliability and fuel economy from European drive line, 

with the modern and classic design of the Irizar i6. 

Vehicles within 10.8 m and 11.5 m length. Capacity for 34 to 45 fixed or reclining seats. 

Irizar i6 is accepted and fully funded in all Australian States funding models for school buses. 

Pre-order your new i6 for 2021 delivery and receive a 

full comprehensive 3-year warranty. * 

BRAD SCHULZ 

brad@irizar.com.au +61 (0) 457 006 344 

irizar.com.au 

*Terms and conditions apply

COVERSTORY 

BUSTECH CUMMINS 

THREE 

OF A KIND 

In essence, the landmark-concept 

agreement would mean a bus operator 

could use the same Bustech body and 

frame for its 25-year-plus life cycle – a 

traditional Australian bus community 

expectation in some parts still – but have 

it use either a Cummins diesel, Cummins 

‘zero-emissions’ fully battery electric, or 

Cummins hydrogen fuel-cell power option 

– at any time desired, for whatever route 

reason required – effectively decapitating 

the need to keep buying entirely new buses 

each time, it seems. 

With a ‘change’ essentially deemed a 

mere ‘maintenance service’, an operator 

simply chooses whether they want to have 

a Cummins Euro 6 emissions-standard bus 

(hybrid will not be available), or a fuel cell or 

electric option, thereby arguably offering the 

Australasian market unparalleled, at present, 

flexibility to futureproof a bus fleet. 

The radical idea would mean Cummins 

continues to power Bustech via new battery 

electric and fuel cell electric powertrains 

into the future. 

The electric and fuel-cell powertrain 

components will be manufactured in the 

United States, with final assembly and 

integration into the buses taking place in 

Australia. No offical pricepoint has been 

announced as of yet, ABC magazine can 

confirm, though it is being described as 

“market competitive in terms of pricing”. 

“We are excited to continue working 

with Bustech to provide the next evolution 

in clean, dependable solutions from 

Cummins,” said Amy Davis, president of new 

power at Cummins. 

“Our ability to offer a full portfolio of 

32 


Touted as a next-gen bus fleet technology solution, Australian 

manufacturer Bustech and US commercial vehicle global giant 

Cummins will partner to offer a unique ‘one bus, three powertrain 

options’ bus to futureproof operator fleets. 

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY BUSTECH/PRECISION 

solutions allows our customers to seamlessly 

transition to one of several decarbonised 

solutions depending on their needs and 

specific use case. 

“With a global support and service 

network already established, we’re 

equipped to support customers as they 

integrate zero-emission vehicles into their 

fleets,” she said. 

LONG LIFECYCLE 

The agreement provides for initial 

units to be developed for both battery 

electric and fuel cell electric, with plans to 

ramp up production late 2021 and early 

2022, respectively, according to Bustech 

and Cummins. 

Of the idea – based on using an updated 

XDi low-floor transit/city bus body and 

frame – Bustech group managing director 

Christian Reynolds said: “We have leveraged 

Cummins diesel technology for many years 

to produce over 500 integrated chassis, and 

now we are excited to work together to 

deliver the next evolution of the platform. 

“With technology evolving rapidly and a 

long vehicle lifecycle, we know customers 

need a vehicle architecture that provides 

commonality, but allows them to adapt. We 

are focused on value for money and total 

cost of ownership.” 

AT THE FOREFRONT 

The Battery Electric System from 

Cummins debuted in 2019 after extensive 

development, testing and validation, the 

company states. 

Cummins battery packs – which form 

an integral part of the battery electric 


33

COVERSTORY 


E-BUSES IN QLD 

ELECTION COMMITMENT 

A MASSIVE pre-election ‘carrot dangle’ 

by the current Queensland State Labor 

government will see $23 billion invested to 

“supercharge roads, public transport and 

jobs”, with electric buses a key feature of 

the plan, according to a statement made 

recently. 

With the Queensland general 

election taking place on October 31, the 

announcement would see The Gold Coast 

and Logan areas set to become, “…the home 

of electric buses with a re-elected Palaszczuk 

Government to supercharge the industry by 

building and trialling the technology in the 

growing region,” it states. 

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark 

Bailey says Gold Coast and Logan commuters 

would enjoy “…a first-hand glimpse of the 

future” with the government to partner with 

local companies Bustech, Kinetic (Surfside 

Buslines) and Clarks (Clarks Logan City Bus 

Service), it confirms. 

“We’ve built light rail, we’re rolling out the 

longest electric vehicle superhighway in the 

world, and from next year locals will build 

and ride electric buses that will be able to 

travel up to 300km from a single charge,” 

Minister Bailey said. 

“It’s part of a $23 billion commitment by 

the Palaszczuk Government to supercharge 

roads, public transport and jobs,” he 

explained. 

Labor party candidate for Burleigh Wayne 

‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew - a three-time world 

surfing champion, passionate conservationist 

and Southern Gold Coast local of more than 

60 years, according to his online party précis 

– says Queenslanders had stepped up when 

it comes to managing the health impacts of 

Covid-19. 

“Because of that, the Palaszczuk 

Government has been able to deliver 

Queensland’s plan for economic recovery – 

and that includes electrifying our 

advanced manufacturing capabilities,” 

candidate Bartholomew said. 

“It’s great to see Burleigh Heads’ very 

own Bustech will build electric vehicles to 

be trialled by Clark’s Logan, supporting the 

company’s 150 jobs and boosting our local 

supply chains in the process,” he added. 

DRIVING FORCE 

Member for Waterford and Minister for 

Employment and Small Business, and 

Minister for Training and Skills Development, 

Shannon Fentiman says in total 10 electric 

buses built on the Gold Coast would be 

rolled out onto bus routes across Logan. 

“Before Covid-19 hit, our community was 

a driving force behind two record years of 

public transport use,” Minister Fentiman said. 

“As part of Queensland’s plan for economic 

recovery, the Palaszczuk Government is 

extending the busway in Logan thanks to the 

$749 million M1 upgrade through to Daisy 

Hill, and very soon we’ll see electric buses on 

our streets.” 

Labor’s candidate for Currumbin Kaylee 

Campradt says on the Gold Coast electric 

buses would be used for the very first time 

on the 777 bus route between Broadbeach 

and the airport. 

“We know buses play an important role 

in connecting our community, alongside 

the coast’s popular light rail and heavy rail,” 

candidate Campradt said. 

“With this very important first step it’ll 

mean that by 2030 every new bus being 

rolled out across Queensland will be a zeroemissions 

bus, which is great news for our 

environment too. 

“We’re building more than $4 billion 

in roads and transport for the region 

supporting more than 3,000 jobs, and 

with the electric bus market continually 

evolving, I think we’ll potentially see 

our community become the home of 

advanced vehicle manufacturing in 

Australia,” she said. 

LOCAL CONTENT 

Of the announcement, new Bustech CEO 

Thinus Steyn said: “We have the skills, 

capacity and supply chain in Queensland 

and more broadly Australia to design, 

engineer and manufacture zeroemissions 

buses locally, creating and 

supporting hundreds of jobs. 

“Bustech’s locally manufactured 

electric buses being delivered to Clarks 

have the highest local content of any 

bus available in Australia, providing 

the highest levels of economic return 

for industry and local communities” 

Steyn explained. 

“It’s important that local state 

governments promote sovereign 

capability as we look to recover from 

the impacts of Covid-19. 

“The transition to zero-emissions 

technology buses can create and 

sustain industry and employment whilst 

driving sustainability in mass transit 

and it’s fantastic that the Queensland 

Government is supporting local 

manufacturing in this way,” Steyn added. 

A FORWARD-THINKING CITY 

Co-CEO at Surfside operator 

Kinetic Adam Begg congratulated the 

Queensland Government on leading the 

adoption of sustainable bus technology 

in Australia, which also comes after a 

recent announcement that five electric 

buses would soon arrive to Cairns’ public 

bus network via Kinetic’s Sunbus. 

“This is a fantastic outcome for regular 

Gold Coast commuters and tourists alike, 

who will be among the first to experience 

the benefits of cleaner, greener buses 

with quieter, smoother operation. It 

will change the way people think about 

public buses and strengthen the Gold 

Coast’s reputation as a progressive, 

forward-thinking city,” Begg said. 

“We’ll soon be operating the largest 

fleet of electric buses in the region and 

we are passionate about working with 

the Palaszczuk Government and other 

proactive governments across Australia 

and New Zealand looking to embrace 

innovative new ways to move people.” 

A BETTER EXPERIENCE 

Clarks general manager Martin Hall says 

the new buses would be something local 

residents would be proud of. 

“As Logan matures as one of 

Queensland’s most attractive cities to 

live and do business in, Clarks continues 

to look for better ways to keep residents 

moving and connected – and greener 

buses will make travelling with us an 

even better experience,” Hall said. 

Queensland Bus Industry Council 

(QBIC) executive director David Tape says 

he welcomed the greener bus future and 

investment in the state’s bus industry. 

“Queensland’s bus industry keeps 

more than 10,000 people in jobs across 

the state and makes 125 million trips 

each year,” Tape said. 

“Having more electric and greener bus 

fleets is important as well as ongoing 

investment and support for our vital 

industry.” 

34 


Our ability to offer a full portfolio of solutions 

allows our customers to seamlessly transition to 

one of several decarbonised solutions depending 

on their needs and specific use case. 

powertrain – are designed and 

built by Cummins, it confirms. The 

batteries feature a lightweight 

enclosure and flexible energy-dense 

modules, all controlled by a 

proprietary battery management 

system (BMS) to keep the 

packs operating at maximum 

performance, says Cummins. 

Within the system, the packs can 

be scaled from 444kWh to 518kWh. 

The battery electric powertrain 

for Bustech will have a range up 

to 350km between recharging, 

Cummins states. 

The Cummins fuel-cell electric 

powertrain will maintain a large 

amount of commonality with the 

battery electric system and will 

be built on the same chassis 

from Bustech, it confirms. 

Cummins, which acquired 

Hydrogenics Corp. in 2019, will 

combine Cummins proprietary 

batteries with its 90kW proton 

exchange membrane (PEM) fuel 

cell to provide a 450–600km range 

based on various on-board hydrogen 

storage options, it states. 

Bustech chief technology officer 

Gregg Dinning said: “Cummins 

shares our philosophy of building 

a vehicle platform to ease the 

transition to zero emission vehicles. 

Top: 

Bustech is 

partnering with 

Cummins to 

provide a ‘one 

body, three 

powertrain’ 

bus that helps 

futureproof fleets. 

Above, Right: 

The idea, says 

Bustech, is to ease 

the transition to 

zero-emission 

vehicles. 

Below: 

Battery packs 

– which form 

an integral 

part of the 

battery electric 

powertrain – are 

designed and 

built by Cummins. 

“An operator can select the best 

energy solution for a route, taking 

advantage of the unique properties 

of the battery and hydrogenpowered 

vehicles. 

“The updated XDi architecture 

simplifies mixed fleet vehicle 

maintenance through the quantity 

of shared components,” Dinning 

explained. 

“Leveraging Cummins’ knowledge 

of zero-emissions technology and 

powertrain operation in Australia 

enables Bustech to deliver a vehicle 

that is optimised for Australian 

conditions from conception.” 

EXTENSIVE NETWORK 

To support Bustech’s XDi 

zero-emission products, 

Cummins will provide local 

service to customers through 

its company-owned distributor 

network, one of the largest in 

Australia supporting the bus market, 

it explains. 

Cummins has more than 35 

branch locations in Australia and 

New Zealand, and in excess of 6,000 

dealer and distributor locations 

globally, it confirms. 

“We’re excited to strengthen 

our already strong relationship 

with Bustech, allowing our mutual 

customers to experience the journey 

to zero emissions with partners they 

know and trust,” said Chris 

Bowerman, bus and coach business 

manager for Cummins South Pacific. 

“Being able to offer customers 

everything from Euro 6 clean diesel 

to battery electric and hydrogen 

fuel-cell electric within one bus, 

should create confidence that we 

can provide the best-fit solution 

for each customer’s unique needs,” 

Bowerman explained. 

ABOUT BUSTECH 

Bustech is Australia’s largest 

privately owned bus manufacturer 

and is fully Australian owned and 

operated, it states. 

Based at Burleigh Heads 

on Queensland’s famous Gold 

Coast, Bustech designs, engineers 

and manufactures chassis and 


35

COVERSTORY 


...updated XDi architecture 

simplifies mixed fleet vehicle 

maintenance via quantity of 

shared components. 

bodies for mass passenger vehicles. 

generation and fuel cell products, 

has been developed to support all 

The company has established 

it explains. 

operators in scale who manage 

facilities in Queensland and South 

Headquartered since its founding 

city/school bus fleets who want a 

Australia, with a production capacity 

in 1919 in Columbus, Indiana, USA, 

product which gives them flexibility 

of 400 buses per annum and also 

Cummins employs approximately 

to transition to zero emission 

has a joint venture arrangement in 

61,600 people committed to, “… 

strategies without having to 

Tasmania, supplementing the overall 

powering a more prosperous world 

purchase a new vehicle. 

capacity for the group by 100 per 

through three global corporate 

“Having worked with Cummins 

annum, respectively (NB: Australian 

responsibility priorities critical to 

to deliver this strategy we have a 

Bus Corporation – Bustech, Precision 

healthy communities: education, 

strong partnership to deliver on the 

Buses and Elphinstone). 

environment and equality of 

upgrades in energy and driveline 

ABOUT CUMMINS INC. 

opportunity,” it states. 

Cummins serves its customers 

technology. This is further supported 

by the tech support framework 

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, 

online through a network of 

Cummins has across Australia. 

is a corporation of complementary 

company-owned and independent 

“Euro 6 Hybrid is not a focus 

business segments that design, 

distributor locations, and through 

for this project; feedback we have 

manufacture, distribute and service 

thousands of dealer locations 

received has been very specific to 

a broad portfolio of power solutions, 

worldwide, it says. 

the functional of diesel and electric. 

it states. 

In 2019, it earned about USD$2.3 

“The XDi diesel vehicle is market 

The company’s products range 

billion on sales of USD$23.6 billion, 

competitive in terms of pricing 

from diesel, natural gas, electric and 

it confirms. 

and is being supplied to operators 

hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related 

components including: 

JUST TO CONFIRM... 

today. However, the real benefit is 

when you upgrade to electric or 

filtration, ‘after-treatment’, 

When Australasian Bus and 

hydrogen; you do so without having 

turbochargers, fuel systems, controls 

Coach magazine (www.busnews. 

to pay for a complete new vehicle, 

Above: 

Three powertrain 

options allows for 

greater flexibility 

within the fleet. 

systems, air handling systems, 

automated transmissions, electric 

power generation systems, batteries, 

electrified power systems, hydrogen 

com.au) asked Bustech to explain 

and confirm a few things further, 

it stated: 

“The universal body concept 

just the upgrade in respect of new 

zero emission powertrain. This is 

modelled around the traditional 

repower cycle of an engine.” 

36 


Performance. 

Naturally. 

Luxury for your passengers. Long term value for you. 

Muirhead’s high performance leather is the hygienic, durable and long lasting choice 

for your passengers’ seating. Genuine leather adapts to temperature and humidity, 

reducing sagging, cracking and premature wear. It naturally flexes for comfort and 

absorbs body heat. Leather is long-lasting, reducing refits and refurbs. Its durable 

natural surface resists staining and scuffs, minimising your maintenance costs and 

keeping your vehicles in use and on the road. 

Muirhead leather improves passenger experience while reducing your operating costs. 

For more information, please contact our regional sales partner Leffler, in Melbourne. 

leffler@muirhead.co.uk 

muirhead.co.uk/mass-transit

NEW! NEXT GENERATION 

DESTINATION DISPLAYS 

FROM HANOVER 

Slimmer and lighter than our previous range of LED 

signs. Hanover’s G4 destination displays again set the 

global standard by offering an efficient, reliable and 

cost effective solution. 

POWER SUPPLY 

Hanover G4 LED displays use our 

most efficient and lowest profile 

power supplies to date. 

SURFACE 

MOUNT LEDs 

G4 displays use the very latest 

generation of Surface Mount 

LEDs, providing the best 

efficiency available and allowing 

for a slimmer case design. 

PROCESSOR 

Our G4 display processor 

supports all previous generation 

display features and now 

includes IP connectivity as an 

standard option. 

HANOVERDISPLAYS.COM 

+613 9872 6673 

parts@partssupply.com.au 

ULTRA THIN DESIGN 

Our new ultra thin, lightweight design enables easier 

installation and supports savings on fuel consumption.

YOU'VE TRIED THE REST 

Bus 

Comfort 

4036 

HOSTESS 

HUGE SELECTION OF FABRICS 

VIP 

Driver 

School 

CITY 

Bus 

Comfort 

4030X 

AUSTRALIA’S 1ST 

BUS SEAT MOBILE SHOWROOM 

NEW Hygiene Seat Separators 

26000+ 

Production of Seats 

per month 

100% 

Positive 

feedback 

40+ 

Countries Supplied 

Worldwide 

100% 

ADR-68 

Approved 

We Won’t Be Beaten 

on Quality 

Prestige Designs 

Supplying Over 40 

Countries World Wide 

+61 2 9727 0440 www.segeseats.com.au

OPERATOR 

CABOOLTURE BUS LINES 

SUNNY SIDE UP 

Over three decades on, Grant and Janette Craike’s family run 

business, Caboolture Bus Lines, is continuing to expand its 

footprint in Queensland. The recent purchase of Bribie Island 

Coaches is yet another feather in the cap of the business that 

was first established with just two buses. 

WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES WHITEDRESS PRODUCTIONS 

On an average day in the 

Sunshine State you will 

find the two directors 

of Caboolture Bus Lines 

(CBL) starting work 

early at their depot. While Grant Craike 

begins overseeing general operations, 

Janette Craike’s work day starts with 

staff and driver training before the 

team heads off in different directions. 

“Involvement with our staff is pivotal 

to us. It’s the support network and the 

family feel we bring to CBL that has 

enabled us to become the business we 

are today,” Janette pointed out. 

“Just being there helps with the 

continuity of our CBL culture; ensuring 

our team delivers excellent customer 

service to the community,” 

CBL operates two depots – one 

each in Caboolture and Bribie Island, 

and a fully equipped workshop in 

Caboolture. The business provides 

services from Caboolture to Morayfield, 

Beachmere, Bribie Island, Toorbul, 

Elimbah and Beerwah. CBL holds a 

TransLink contract with the QLD state 

government for school and urban 

services, as well as private charter. 

THE RIDE UP HERE 

Grant, who was brought up on a farm, 

entered the bus industry when he and 

his father bought two school buses in 

Warwick in the ’80s. Grant sold his bus 

in 1987 and moved to Caboolture with 

Janette, where they then bought two 

school buses. From there, the business 

40 


Left: 

Janette and 

Grant, with their 

sons Lachlan and 

Alister. 

Above: 

Starting with just 

two buses, Grant 

and Janette are 

now running a 

fleet of 75. 


41

OPERATOR 


drivers and 65 are casual drivers, 

and family members remain 

engaged in key management 

roles. 

“It has always been important 

progressed to where it stands 

strongly today. 

“It was very important that 

we continued to expand our 

business as opportunities 

presented,” Grant explained. 

“Since the purchase of CBL 

Bus Lines, two school services 

in Caboolture North and, now, 

Bribie Island Coaches. The 

development in our region has 

also been extensive, which has 

enabled us to experience natural 

growth in our business.” 

to us that our business remained 

family owned and operated. 

This family focus enables us 

to look after our staff and 

community, both of which form 

the fundamental basis of our key 

ideals,” Grant added. 

The Caboolture workshop is 

run by a skilled team of seven 

mechanics. Grant and Janette’s 

eldest son, Lachlan, is the 

workshop manager, overseeing 

the servicing and maintaining of 

the bus fleet. 

“Lachlan has grown up with 

the business. When he was a 

toddler we used to bring him 

into work where he would get 

to ride on the buses. As he 

grew up, he started helping out 

Above ( L-R): 

For CBL, the 

family focus helps 

it look after its 

staff and local 

community, 

says Janette and 

Grant; The team 

is passionate 

about helping the 

business deliver 

a safe, reliable 

and personal 

service to the 

community. 

Left: 

Janette 

developed an 

award-winning 

‘Bus it safe’ 

program that 

teaches school 

children how to 

safely use public 

transport. 

in 1988 we have acquired 

Beachmere Bus Service, 

Murrumba Bus and Coach, 

Burpengary Bus Lines, Toorbul 

FAMILY FOCUS 

The company employs 110 staff, 

out of which 25 are permanent 

after school and during school 

holidays. After finishing his 

apprenticeship, he joined the 

business full-time,” Janette said. 

Opposite, Below: 

CBL employs 

110 staff, with 25 

permanent and 

65 casual drivers. 

42 


“Meanwhile, our youngest son, 

Alister, is in his third year of an 

apprenticeship in automotive heavy 

commercial vehicle mechanic 

technology. We are very grateful to 

have their loyalty, hard work and 

passion for the family business.” 

Grant and Janette have a family 

board set up with their children, 

including their two daughters, 

Bethany and Grace. 

This family focus enables us to look after our 

staff and community, both of which form the 

fundamental basis of our key ideals. 

THE FLEET 

CBL operates 75 buses, with an 

average fleet life of eight and a 

half years. 

“The entire fleet is made up of 

Mercedes-Benz buses, except for 

three buses in the Bribie Island fleet,” 

Grant explained. 

“Our association with Benz started 

in 1994, when we bought our first 

two Benz buses. Using just one brand 

of vehicles has enabled us to reduce 

the amount of parts that we need on 

hand and has enabled our mechanical 


43

OPERATOR 


staff to specialise in one particular 

model,” he explained. 

“The flow-on benefit is the 

relationship that we have built 

with Mercedes-Benz, giving us 

access to diagnostic tool systems, 

maintenance programs and staff 

training. Working with Benz has 

given us the opportunity to become 

knowledgeable and cost-effective 

when it comes to maintaining our 

bus fleet.” 

Janette added: “We have also 

been able to fit our buses with 

USB-charging points – a feature that 

has been very much appreciated 

by the community. To further assist 

our passengers with disabilities, we 

have ensured our new urban low-floors 

contain the ironing board feature, 

allowing wheelchairs to be anchored 

through the use of a seatbelt around 

the handle of the wheelchair to make 

it more stable and comfortable for the 

passenger.” 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 

Since joining the business in the ’90s, 

Janette has focused on the growth 

and administration of CBL. Janette and 

Grant are passionate about helping 

the business deliver a safe, reliable and 

personal service to the community. 

Talking to Janette, it is hard not to 

be impressed by her passion for 

community involvement. 

“Community focus is very 

important to us. As we deal with 

the Covid-19 situation we wanted 

to reach out to the senior members 

in our community, by offering a free 

door-to-door service to help them 

access essential grocery and medical 

supplies,” she said. 

“This service has been a real success, 

with many seniors taking up the offer, 

including our eldest passenger, who is 

97 years old.” 

Janette has also developed an 

award-winning ‘Bus it safe’ program, 

which has been implemented at local 

44 


BRIBIE ISLAND COACHES ACQUISITION 

Grant, Janette and the CBL team are enthused by their recent purchase of Bribie Island Coaches – a service that has been an important 

part of the public transport network on Bribie Island and South East Queensland for many years, they say. 

Based on Bribie Island - one of only two islands in Queensland connected to the mainland by a bridge - it provides local and urban 

services to Caboolture rail together with school services to the island and Caboolture region. 

“We are excited to align the Bribie Island team with CBL’s focus on customer service and community involvement and strive for 

continuing improvement. We are looking forward to investing in the long-term future of public transport within our local region,” 

Grant commented. 

schools via a series of lessons 

Transport Plan,” he explained. 

growth of the business. 

and demonstrations. This 

“We are also sanitising the 

“Working closely with 

free-of-charge program teaches 

school children about safety 

around buses and equips them 

with the skills they need to be 

an informed public transport 

user. They also host Community 

Christmas Light events to raise 

money for the Salvation Army 

Christmas appeal. 

COVID-19 IMPACT 

Even though Queensland has 

largely escaped the brunt of 

the pandemic compared to 

the southern states, CBL is 

experiencing a significant blow 

to its charter operations. Grant 

feels it will not be until early 

next year when things start 

getting back to normal on 

the charter side. 

“To assist with community 

confidence in using public 

transport we have implemented 

the TransLink Covid-safe Public 

Opposite, Above: 

The Caboolture 

workshop is run 

by a team of 

seven mechanics 

overseen by Grant 

and Janette’s 

eldest son, 

Lachlan. 

Opposite, Middle 

( L- R): 

Since the couple 

bought CBL 

in 1988, they 

have acquired a 

range of other 

bus companies, 

including two 

school services in 

Caboolture North 

and, most recently, 

Bribie Island 

Coaches; CBL is 

an accredited 

Translink provider, 

Right: 

CBL is no slouch 

when it comes to 

collecting awards 

for its top service 

and business 

accumen. 

buses every day, supplying 

hand sanitisers on-board, and 

ensuring social distancing is 

maintained between our drivers 

and passengers,” Janette added. 

Their plan is to remain 

innovative and proactive to 

ensure the continued 

TransLink is also a priority to 

ensure we meet our contractual 

requirements and state 

government expectations. Our 

focus is also to engage with 

our community by the care 

and service we provide our 

passengers,” Grant said. 


45

SUPPLY LINES 

PASSENGER INFO SYSTEMS + AIR-CON 

INNER PEACE 

Bus journeys need to be comfortable, clean, safe and timely – and those principles 

have been striven for whether it’s 2020, 2010, or 1830 when Great Britain’s Sir 

Goldworthy designed a large steam-driven stagecoach that arguably many consider 

the first “motor-driven” bus. 

As we go forward, keeping commuters up-to-date with travel info and bus 

air-conditioning controlled for pleasure will continue to be key for a favourable 

travel experience. 

Here are just a few highlights from specialists in these fields… 

46 


THE CCTV & 

SPARE PART 

SPECIALISTS 

KUB4X2-7-C -2-1 

DIRECTION (AUS) 

NTS 

1 OF 1 

ARE YOUR 

BIGGEST ASSETS 

PROTECTED? 

Protect your fleet 

Protect your staff 

CCTV footage doesn’t lie. 

Talk to us about making 

your biggest assets secure 

03 9872 6673 

parts@partssupply.com.au 

www.partssupply.com.au 

EXAMPLE OF AN 8 CAMERA SYSTEM 

FEATURES 

Flexible options 

for every bus 

Drivers panic 

buttons 

Full installation 

Remote live view 

& hosting 

Real time & 

historical playback 

Mobile app 

Driver Fatigue 

Monitoring 

PARTS SUPPLY SOLUTIONS IS A FULLY LICENSED SECURITY COMPANY

SUPPLY LINES 


NEW ERA IN TRANSPORT 

The joining of Mobitec and Luminator is bringing advanced 

technology to the passenger transport market. 

The Mobitec brand is one that 

is well known in the bus 

industry with over 30 years of 

involvement. The company’s 

primary products that 

Mobitec has built its reputation on are the 

provision of destination signs and, in more 

recent times, CCTV, it explains. 

The joining of Mobitec Australia 

with the global Luminator Technology 

Group means that it is now part of a 

purposefully architected and uniquely 

positioned team to provide support to the 

public transport industry. This alignment 

provides Luminator Australia with more 

product by which Mobitec can assist the 

bus industry to deliver for the clients they 

serve and the travelling public. 

There are several trends and technology 

shifts that are becoming evident in the 

bus industry that have both a direct 

and indirect impact on the provision 

of products to passengers, PTAs, body 

builders and operators. Luminator 

is here to support all sections of the 

transport industry in understanding and 

implementing these changes, it says. 

LESS WEIGHT/LESS POWER 

As the industry shifts its focus to the use 

of zero-emissions vehicles it is becoming 

more and more critical to design items 

that both weigh less and consume less 

power. Luminator is working constantly as 

LED technology improves to ensure it is 

supplying the most energy-efficient and 

long-life product available. It is working 

with bus suppliers to ensure its extensive 

range of passenger information screens 

are lighter and use less power, it says. 

SAFETY SYSTEMS 

The focus on passenger and staff safety 

has never been more important. To meet 

this need, Luminator has developed an 

improved offering for its CCTV system 

with live streaming and fault notification. 

In recent months, Luminator has 

become the distributor for Safety Visions 

camera mirror system, which replaces 

the traditional mirror with a camera 

and screen combination. This provides 

ADR-compliant, enhanced, all-weather 

viewing to the driver, it explains. 

PASSENGER-FOCUSED 

SOLUTION 

The stated objectives of government 

bodies ensures that customers are central 

to what is offered in public transport. 

Luminator continues to develop products 

that support this goal, it says. Products 

such passenger information systems, 

real-time displays, disruption information, 

safety and intermodal information now 

form part of the Luminator Australia 

offering, the company confirms. 

SOPHISTICATED INSTALLATIONS 

As transport systems become more 

sophisticated, Luminator can support 

the integration of these systems into a 

cohesive operation, it says. It has a testing 

team that supports internal Luminator 

and customer projects for testing 

both hardware and software systems, 

including third-party solutions. The 

Australian team contains skills that come 

from delivering and maintaining some 

of the most complex systems available 

today, it adds. These skills are well placed 

to support the bus and wider transport 

industry. In addition, the company is 

developing service level agreements with 

its customers to include support from the 

service team, it explains. 

STANDARDISED AND 

IMPROVED INTERFACES 

Luminator is an active member of both 

VDV and ITxPT associations, which are 

working to enable open architecture, 

data accessibility and interoperability 

between public transport IT systems. 

These standards and best practices bring 

reduced cost of operation, improved 

passenger experiences and a community 

of innovation, with methods to ensure 

quality and compliance within the 

industry. Luminator leads the way in 

the move to IP networks as all of its 

new solutions come with ethernet 

connectivity, it says. 

L-R: Fabian Mueller, Leigh Kennedy, Anthony Goodman, Kyle Blake, Kurt Hennessy, Lara Peterson 

and Rod Pulbrook. Absent - Sorin Serban. 

CONNECTED VEHICLES 

Luminator offers connectivity solutions 

for buses and stationary equipment, 

including software solutions to produce 

and display real-time information. Its 

software suite integrates stationary and 

mobile solutions seamlessly. This provides 

for true Intermodality, it states. 

These are just some of the shifts in 

thinking that have emerged over recent 

times. Luminator will continue to respond 

to these trends and support the industry 

in delivering change effectively, it adds. 

48 


OUR BUS SOLUTIONS 

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF 

TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY 

Uniquely positioned to deliver a full range of hardware and software, as well as integration and support 

services, Luminator provides tangible benefits to transportation operators and passengers: 

• By delivering meaningful real-time information to transport agencies and passengers – providing the 

intelligence needed to make informed decisions 

• Enhancing safety with comprehensive security, lighting and accessibility options 

• Ensuring on-going efficiency with solutions that are easy to maintain, update and operate 

Learn more about how Luminator is bringing intelligence, safety and efficiency to transport by visiting: 

www.luminator.com 

E sales@mobitec.com.au P (02) 9533 2000 A 10/85 Boundary Rd Mortdale 2223 

9 Development 

and Engineering 

Centers across 

the Globe 

Founded in 1928 

Serving 

Customers 

in over 85 

Countries

SUPPLY LINES 


VALEO – 

Electrification innovation 

Valeo has a comprehensive range of solutions for all bus and coach models 

– whether electric or hybrid – across all geographies and climates. 

The demands placed on HVAC 

systems are more complex 

and differentiated than ever, 

and present a new challenge 

to manufacturers. 

Valeo places emphasis on the 

integration and interplay of innovative 

air conditioning components, including 

newly developed control software, 

especially for the strongly growing 

market for electronic drives, it says. 

REVO-E GLOBAL 

The REVO-E Global product family of 

electric roof units plays a leading role in 

electric- and hybrid-bus HVAC systems. 

Their modular design makes them 

adaptable and special emphasis has 

been placed on keeping the weight of the 

structure light, extending the output range 

and simplifying installation, it explains. 

A heat-pump option and/or heating 

components make it possible to boost 

the vehicle’s range. Thanks to the fully 

automatic defrosting feature, the heat 

pump works even when the outside 

temperature falls precipitously, Valeo says. 

The REVO-E Global electric roof unit is 

affordable to run and, with its hermetically 

sealed refrigeration circuit, REVO-E Global 

requires virtually zero maintenance and is 

leak proof, Valeo adds. 

SPUMP S120 

Valeo has supplemented its latest 

generation of SPump circulation pumps 

with a 120W version that is particularly 

suitable for smaller water circuits. It 

provides the high performance required 

for e-bus applications with a flow rate of 

4,000L/hour @ 0.35 bar. The 120W model 

has 40 per cent fewer individual parts, 

making it the lightest weight and most 

compact circulation pump of its kind 

within the product family, Valeo states. 

Versions with pulse-width modulation 

(PWM) and CAN (interface) offer decisive 

advantages for the customer: both have 

variable speed control, enabling optimum 

Pictured: Valeo markets a full range of 

e-bus solutions in the HVAC sector. 

coordination with the main vehicle system 

and reducing energy consumption while 

increasing the vehicle’s range. In addition, 

an intelligent diagnostic function in the 

pump sends early warning signals by 

automatic error detection and transmits 

key operating data, the company states. 

Due to the extended ambient 

temperature range of up to 95°C and 

a lifetime of min 30,000 hours, Valeo’s 

SPump is the best solution for water 

pumps worldwide, it says. 

E-COOLER BTM 

Valeo offers a full range of battery thermal 

management systems covering versions 

with either 5, 8 or 10kW. 

E-Cooler cools the battery during the 

charging or discharging process and 

during the journey at higher ambient 

temperatures. Depending on the outside 

temperature, it cools in two different 

ways: low ambient temperature for an 

energy-saving cooling mode (passive 

cooling) or an active cooling circuit 

(active cooling) at higher temperatures. 

The standalone solution with a complete 

coolant circuit including electric heating 

and water pump is modular and can 

be regulated according to the energy 

demand, Valeo explains. 

UV PURIFIER 

Valeo’s UV purifier system eliminates, in a 

single airflow cycle, more than 95 per cent 

of viruses, including Covid-19, as well as 

any bacteria or mould present in the air 

circulating in the cabin, the company says. 

The Valeo devices are available as a 

standalone solution box or they can be 

directly integrated into the vehicle’s air 

conditioning systems, it adds. 

Valeo has created a unique solution 

integrating a UV light and a ‘light labyrinth’, 

which blocks the UV rays from spreading 

outside of the metal box, ensuring that 

passengers are never exposed to them. 

Only the air circulating in the ventilation 

box is purified by the light., Valeo says. 

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE 

Valeo Thermal Bus Service network offers 

best access to attractive and high-quality 

services and products. Qualified training 

sessions and extensive technical literature is 

available to inform customers in a fast and 

reliable way, it says. 

As a global supplier to the bus 

industry, Valeo Thermal Bus operates 

a network of its own development, 

production and sales facilities on five 

continents, it confirms. 

SPONSORED CONTENT: Contact Valeo 

Thermal Commercial Vehicles Australia 

Pty Ltd on +61 3 97 06 00 84, or by email: 

ths.mel1-reception.mailbox@valeo.com. 

Visit: www.valeo-thermalbus.com 

50 


SMART TECHNOLOGY 

FOR SMARTER MOBILITY 

BEST BUS 

CLIMATE SYSTEMS 

German Engineered 

Loved in Australia & New Zealand 

We stand for customised total solutions for air conditioners as well as 

heating systems and roof hatches. Our expertise from over 60 years 

of experience has enabled us to become one of the leading development 

and system partners in the bus industry worldwide. 

UV PURIFIER – Anti Virus System 

• Virus inactivation rate more than 95% 

• Highest safety standard 

• Fully autonomous system flexibly 

applicable to all bus types 

SPump S120 

• 100% Valeo in-house development 

• CAN/PWM features 

• Full diagnosis 

• Longlife operation 

E-Cooler 

• Full range of Battery Thermal Management 

System 5/10kW 

• Active/passive cooling and heating 

REVO ® -E Global 

• Size Dimensions 3,100 x 1,900 x 295 mm 

• Weight 230 - 250 kg 

• Cooling capacity R 134a/R 407c: 23/30 kW 

• Heat pump capacity R 134a/R 407c : 13/19 kW 

Visit us, wherever you are 

+61 3 97 06 00 84 

WWW.VALEO-THERMALBUS.COM

AUSTRALIA’S #1 NEW AND USED BUS MARKETPLACE 

BUY 

More than 550 buses 

and coaches to 

choose from 

SELL 

Maximise your ad’s 

exposure online & in 

ABC magazine 

TO LIST YOUR AD CALL 03 9567 4154 TODAY! 

WWW.BUSNEWS.COM.AU

D9 

TfNSW CAT 3 APPROVED 

D12 

TfNSW CAT 4 APPROVED 

Simply sensational school buses 

Proven reliability and unmatched value. 

Yutong is the world’s largest bus manufacturer – combining 

technology, design and reliability to deliver consistent quality and 

drive comfort at every turn. Each vehicle is built with safety and 

longevity in mind – to provide a transport experience you can trust. 

Both the D9 and D12 are impressive school buses, seating 43 and 

57 passengers. With ABS, ASR, EBS, ECS, full air suspension and ECAS 

combined with 3 x 2 seating, makes the D9 and D12 one of the most 

comfortable in its class. 

Quality meets value with both the D9 and D12 school buses. Electro 

plated for maximum corrosion resistance, enhanced frame strength 

and ergonomic design makes Yutong a seriously smart choice. 

Both the D9 and D12 buses are TfNSW Panel 3 approved. 

CALL TODAY! 

Lou Riccardi | 0411 426 148 

nswsales@yutong.com.au 

yutong.com.au

2 X 2013 HIGER 

MUNRO 

Cummins ISF 165hp, automatic, 

28 lap sash seat belted seats in 

leather, roof A/C, DVD, towbar, 

travelled approx. 200,000klm 

very clean 

$45,000.00+GST each 

2016 BONLUCK 

“SENATOR 9” 

Cummins ISB 250hp 

Allison auto inc retarder,43 

lap sash seat belted seats, 

A/C, underfloor bins,4 x sliding 

windows, bull bar, travelled 

approx. 145,000klm ,very clean 

$135,000.00+GST 

2 X 2007 DENNING 

PHOENIX 4X2 12.5M 

Cat C9 330hp, Allison auto inc 

retarder, 53 lap sash seat belted 

leather reclining seats, Thermo 

King A/C, large underfloor bins, 

Travelled approx. 730,000klm 

many extras, very clean 

$130,000.00+GST each 

2010 MAN 18-360 

ZF As Tronic trans, Coach Design 

12.5m body, 57 McConnell 

Educator 3/2 combination, 

Thermo King A/C, underfloor 

bins, DVD, travelled approx. 

217,000klm, very clean 

$175,000.00+GST 

2005 MERCEDES 

BENZ 0500 

6sp manual,12.5m Mills Tui 

body, 46 lap sash seat belted 

recliners, mid toilet, Thermo King 

A/C, Urn, Tachograph, DVD, UHF, 

Guide seat, Travelled approx. 

703,000klm 

Priced to sell 

$50,000.00+GST 

2015 BONLUCK 

”PRESIDENT 2” 10.8M 

Cummins ISL 320hp, Allison 

auto inc retarder, 38 leather 

reclining seats, toilet, Guide seat, 

underfloor bins, A/C, USB ports, 

many extras, travelled approx. 

334,000klm 

$165,000.00+GST 

2010 BCI “EXPLORER” 

CUMMINS ISM410HP 

Allison auto inc retarder, 58 

lap sash seat belted leather 

recliners, rear toilet, Tracs A/C, 

large underfloor bins, very clean, 

complete service history 

$115,000.00+GST or 

wheelchair lift equipped 

model $125,000.00+GST 

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-397 

2 X 2015 IVECO 

EURORIDER 

Cursor 330hp,ZF automatic 

inc retarder, Marcopolo 

12.5m body,57 lap sash seat 

belted seats,A/C,underfloor 

bins,travelled 245,000klm 

Reduced to 

$175,000+GST each 

2 X 2015 SCANIA 

K440EB 

Opticuise,13.5M Coach 

Concepts body, 50 Styleride 

lap sash leather recliners, 

tachograph, 2 door, mid toilet, 

many extras, one fitted with a 

Wheelchair lift, travelled approx. 

400 to 440,000klm 

from $380,000+GST each 

2017 MAN 18-293 

MCV 12.5m body, automatic, 

57 lap sash seat belted seats, 

Thermo King A/C, underfloor 

bins, school lights, travelled only 

50,00klm very clean 

$155,000.00+GST 

2 X 2013 SCANIA 

K440 

Opticruise inc retarder, Coach 

Concepts 14.5m body, 58 lap sash 

seat belted seats in leather, guide 

seat, Thermo King A/C, 2 door, mid 

toilet, Hanover sign,tachograph,full 

service history, travelled approx. 

780,000klm 

Reduced to 

$220,000+GST each 

2017 SCANIA K310IB 

auto inc retarder, Irizar I6 12.5m 

body,57 lap sash seat belted seats 

in leather, A/C, underfloor bins,DVD, 

travelled approx. 270,000klm 

very clean 

$240,000+GST 

2014 MERCEDES 

BENZ 0500R 

automatic,12.5m Irizar Century 

body, 65 (3 for 2) fixed coach 

seats including lap sash seat 

belts, A/C, underfloor bins, 8 

camera surveillance, travelled 

only 113,000klm 

$175,000+GST 

4 X 2011/12 HIGER 

“T SERIES” 

Cummins ISB300, automatic, 

57 lap sash seat belted seats, 

A/C, underfloor bins, travelled 

approx. 180-220,000klm 

$85,000+GST each 

PLUS MANY MORE, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT 

www.roddhoodsbusandcoachsales.com 

Mobile: 0417 699 980 - Email: rodd.hood@bigpond.com.au 

Over 34 years experience in the bus and coach industry 

LICENSED MOTOR DEALER 3341258 

Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane 

LIMITED 

STOCK 

NEW NEW USED 

IN STOCK 

$295,990 + GST & ORC 57x Seater School Bus 

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom 

A premium vehicle that looks as good on the outside as it does in. Here, 

passengers receive more spacious luggage compartments, reduced noise 

ride comfort and high-end audio/visuals, while the driver enjoys greater 

manoeuvrability and performance. The T12 also features customisable seating 

options to suit your needs. 

Mercedes Benz engine with 

11.97L displacement and up to 

1850N/m torque 

Optimised ZF automatic 

transmission and rear axle ratio 

11m 3 capacity luggage 

compartments 

Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane 

Yutong Bus Centre Cairns 

Exceptional ride comfort with 

reduced noise 

Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD 

Seats 53 Coach 

Seats 57 School Bous 

Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift 

D7 

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, 

DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar 

optional, Great little mini-bus. 

GREAT VALUE. CALL NOW 

IN STOCK 

NEW & USED 

2016 YUTONG Goanna 

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, 

EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP 

AUTO A/C. 


IN STOCK 

D12 

D9 

51 Recliner or 57 Fixed Seats, 39 Seats, Cummins ISB6, 250hp, 

Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, School Bus School Bus with through bins, ABS, 

with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more 

ECAS and many more features. features. 



Barry Henderson | 0427 750 885 | qldsales@yutong.com.au 

David Green | 0418 253 422 | david@abccoachsales.com.au 

NEW & USED 

yutong.com.au 

ABC-HH-5211257-CS-397 

54 ABC OCTOBER 2020 busnews.com.au

WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154 Bookings for next issue close on Nov 12th 2020 

HERE TO 

SUPPORT 

YOUR 

GROWING 

NEEDS. 

BUS & TRUCK RENTALS 

Bus and Coach Dry 

Hire 12-58 seats 

Latest models, Great 

long term Rates, 

Single Day Hires. 

PLEASE CALL 1300 134 227 

www.ltdrentals.com or email: bookings@ltdrentals.com 

For vehicle sales please call Glenn 0403 747 999 

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, 

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. 

The Volvo B8R and Volvo B11R chassis, fitted with a selection of Volgren, Marco Polo, 

Irizar, Custom or Coach Concept bodies, are ready for delivery. 

Volvo B8R Euro 6 Irizar Available November 

Volvo B8R Euro 6* Volgren Endura Available Now 

Volvo B8R Euro 5 Volgren Endura Available Now 

Volvo B8R Euro 5 Marco Polo Available Now 

Volvo B8R Euro 5 Irizar Available Now 

Volvo B8R Euro 5* Irizar Available Now 

Volvo B8R Euro 5* Custom Available Now 

Volvo B8R Euro 5 Coach Concepts Available Now 

*Suitable for TfNSW Panel 3 

Volvo B11R Euro 5 Irizar Available Now 

Volvo B11R Euro 5 Coach Concepts Available Now 

Contact your local Volvo representative for more information: 

NSW Ray Andrich 0418 213 320 

Stuart Woodward 0406 465 301 

QLD, NT Anthony Browne 0418 215 743 

VIC, SA, TAS Darren Cottle 0419 500 324 

Anthony Fisicaro 0418 365 356 

WA Adrian Boevé 0488 902 205 

busnews.com.au OCTOBER 2020 ABC 

55

CONTACT Phil 03 5623 5377 

admin@warragulbuslines.com.au 

2000 VOLVO B7R 

50 Seatbelts, Toilet, TV/DVD, Manual 

2000 MERCEDES 0405 

Volgren body, Lowfloor, 2-door, AC 

1999 VOLVO B7 

Auto Bus Body, Auto, 

53 Seatbelt seats, 

Air Conditioned. 

2015 IVECO MARCO POLO 

57 Seatbelts, Automatic, Air 

Conditioned. 

$60,000 + GST 

$32,000 + GST 

$60,000 + GST 

$175,000 + GST 

2013 HIGER 

T-Series, 12m, A/C, 

57 Seatbelts 

$98,000 + GST 

2002 IVECO 

Custom CB50 body, 61 seats, Manual, 

Thermoking. 480,000km 

$46,000 + GST 

2006 HINO RK260 

P&D body, 57 seats, Manual. 

348,000 KMS 

$56,000 + GST 

2010 MITSUBISHI 

ROSA DELUXE 

Manual, 390,000km 

$28,000 + GST 

ABC-HH-5171496-TS-395 

Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne 

LIMITED 

STOCK 

NEW 

IN STOCK 

NEW 

USED 

ABC-HH-5211257-CS-397 

$315,990 + GST & ORC Including Wheelchair Lift 

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom 

A premium vehicle that looks as good on the outside as it does in. Here, 

passengers receive more spacious luggage compartments, reduced noise 

ride comfort and high-end audio/visuals, while the driver enjoys greater 

manoeuvrability and performance. The T12 also features customisable seating 

options to suit your needs. 

Mercedes Benz engine with 

11.97L displacement and up to 

1850N/m torque 

Optimised ZF automatic 

transmission and rear axle ratio 

11m 3 capacity luggage 

compartments 

Exceptional ride comfort with 

reduced noise 

Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD 

Seats 53 Coach 

Seats 57 School Bous 

Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift 

Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne - PH (03) 8376 7121 

24 Grasslands Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3064 

D7 

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, 

DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar 

optional, Great little mini-bus. 


IN STOCK 

NEW & USED 

2016 YUTONG Goanna 

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, 

EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP 

AUTO A/C. 


IN STOCK 

D12 

D9 

51 Recliner or 57 Fixed Seats, 39 Seats, Cummins ISB6, 250hp, 

Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, School Bus School Bus with through bins, ABS, 

with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more 

ECAS and many more features. features. 



Lou Riccardi | 0411426 148 | vicsales@yutong.com.au 

NEW & USED 

yutong.com.au 

56 ABC OCTOBER 2020 busnews.com.au

WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154 Bookings for next issue close on Nov 12th 2020 

Like ABC on Facebook for a 

unique mix of bus news, reviews, 

events & entertainment 

visit facebook.com/ABCBusnews 

buses 

large & small 

$$$ 

bounty paid 

on 

collection 

(03) 9782 3207 

Like ABC on Facebook for a 

unique mix of bus news, reviews, 

events & entertainment 

Need a good 

STRETCH? 

visit facebook.com/ABCBusnews 

2013 Scania K480 EB 

Coach Design 62 pax body, 

includes 5 TV’s, DVD/CB/PA, 

lap/sash seatbelts, cloth 

reclining seats, curtains, 

Thermo King A/C,through bins, 

toilet, steerable tag and a 

lot more. Only 240,000 Klms 

sell now or later. 

ABC-SV-5191650-TS-398 

FLEET REFURBISHMENTS 

Our experienced staff have implemented 

project management systems to ensure 

all projects are managed to meet 

your expectations regarding project 

specification, delivery and importantly 

budget. 

Full Refurbishments: including remodelling 

Complete Exterior: repanel & glazing services 

Refinish Services: from touch ups to complete 

resprays 

Frame Inspections: structural repairs to life 

extensions 

Retrofitting: of all major components 

Interior Upgrades: to trim work, flooring & seating 

P: (07) 3344 4544 

E: info@coachworks.com.au 

W: www.coachworks.com.au 

$440,000 inc GST 

Call Brian 0418 297 985 

busnews.com.au OCTOBER 2020 ABC 

57

DELIVERIES SEPTEMBER 2020 

Deliveries fight back 

against ‘the virus’ 

Numbers trend in the right direction even if from a low base, 

exclusive ABC data reveals. 

Amonth-on-month improvement provides some 

welcome relief for the bus and coach industry, 

with 85 deliveries reported in September. 

That’s back above August’s low of 70 and 

May’s 80 as the Covid-19 pandemic continues 

to impact demand and the supply chain globally. 

For the chassis sector, while perennial leaders Volvo and 

Scania aren’t back at historical levels, both slightly lift their 

monthly tallies; the former up from 20 to 26 and the latter 

from 14 to 15. There were also slight improvements for BCI (up 

from seven to 11) and Yutong (six to nine). Meanwhile, MAN 

had its biggest month for the year with seven, off the back of 

its ongoing Surfside Buslines order. 

For the body builders, Australian Bus 

Corporation (ABC) pipped Volgren 24 to 23, 

aided by its three brands Bustech (15), Precision 

Buses (6) and Elphinstone (3). Similarly, both 

figures represent monthly gains, with ABC up 

from 15 and Volgren 21. Elsewhere, BCI also 

exceeded double figures and recorded 13 deliveries, 

though that’s a decrease of one on August. 

In the air-conditioning sector it is business as usual with 

Thermo King occupying the majority of the market. It was 

credited with 45 deliveries, well above last month’s 30 and 

more than July’s 42. Spheros also rose back to double figures, 

up from three last month. 

Despite its lockdown, Victoria emerged as the busiest state, 

occupying 31 per cent of the market. Queensland beat NSW 

for second place, accounting for 23 per cent compared with 

the latter’s 21 per cent. 

Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery 

information for September. Please note all data is as 

supplied from manufacturers, with their involvement at their 

discretion. 

Despite its lockdown, Victoria emerged 

as the busiest state, occupying 31 per 

cent of the market. 

58 


ABC* 24 

Volgren 23 

BCI 13 

Yutong 9 

Coach Concepts 4 

Coach Design 3 

Custom Bus 3 

irizar 3 

Bonluck 1 

Express Coaches 1 

Scania Higer 1 

SALES BY BODY 

For the body builders, Australian Bus Corporation 

(ABC) pipped Volgren 24 to 23, aided by its three 

brands Bustech (15), Precision Buses (6) and 

Elphinstone (3). Similarly, both figures represent 

monthly gains, with ABC up from 15 and Volgren 

21. Elsewhere, BCI also exceeded double figures 

and recorded 13 deliveries, though that’s a 

decrease of one on August. 

7% 

SA 

13% 

21% 

NSW 

5% 

TAS 

Percentage by 

REGION 

31% 

VIC 

% 

SALES BY 

AIR-CONDITIONER 

In the air-conditioning sector it is business as usual with 

Thermo King occupying the majority of the market. It was 

credited with 45 deliveries, well above last month’s 30 

and more than July’s 42. Spheros also rose back to double 

figures, up from three last month. 

Thermo King 45 

Spheros 10 

Cling-Yutong 9 

MCC 7 

Denso 5 

Hispacold 5 

Coachair 1 

Kingtec 1 

Konvekta 1 

N/A 1 

VOLVO 26 

WA 

23% 

QLD 

SCANIA 15 

BCI 11 

MERCEDES-BENZ 11 

YUTONG 9 

Sales by chassis 

For the chassis sector, while perennial leaders Volvo and Scania aren’t back at historical levels, both slightly 

lift their monthly tallies; the former up from 20 to 26 and the latter from 14 to 15. There were also slight 

improvements for BCI (up from seven to 11) and Yutong (six to nine). Meanwhile, MAN had its biggest 

month for the year with seven, off the back of its ongoing Surfside Buslines order. 

MAN 7 

ABC (BUSTECH) 3 

HINO 2 

BONLUCK 1 


59

DELIVERIES SEPTEMBER 2020 

MANUFACTURER, 

OPERATOR & LOCATION 

UNITS 

CHASSIS 

(Model) 

BODY 

BUILDER 

HP* 

ENGINES 

Rear / Front 

Emissions 

standard 

AUST BUS CORP* MetroTas TAS 3 Bustech XDI Elphinstone 300 R Euro 6 

BCI Go West WA 3 Fleetmaster BCI 320 R Euro 5 

Crown Coaches VIC 3 Cruiser 9 BCI 290 R Euro 6 

Brisbane Christian College QLD 2 Proma BCI 207 R Euro 5 

Brisbane Christian College QLD 1 Proma BCI 207 R Euro 5 

Link SA SA 1 Proma BCI 207 R Euro 5 

J&B Buses NSW 1 Cruiser 13 BCI 400 R Euro 5 

BONLUCK Pursers Coaches QLD 1 President 2 Bonluck 320 R Euro5 

HINO N/A VIC 1 RN8J Custom Bus 286 R Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 RN8J Custom Bus 286 R Euro 5 

MAN Surfside Bus Lines QLD 5 RC2 19.320 LE E5 Bustech 320 R Euro 5 

Shoalbus NSW 1 RC2 19.320 LE E5 Custom Bus 320 R Euro 5 

Outback Aussie Tours QLD 1 15.290 4X4 BUS Coach Design 250 R Euro 5 

MERC-BENZ N/A VIC 1 OC500RF/3 E6 2543 BCI 422 R Euro 6 

N/A VIC 1 OC500RF/3 E6 2543 BCI 422 R Euro 6 

N/A VIC 1 XBC Express Coaches 260 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 OC500LE Volgren 299 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 OC500LE Volgren 299 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Coach Concepts 360 R Euro 5 

N/A QLD 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 OC500LE E6 Volgren 360 R Euro 6 




SCANIA Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure SA 1 K 320 UB4X2 Precision Buses 320 R Euro 6 

Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure SA 3 K 320 UB4X2 Precision Buses 320 R Euro 6 

Irizar Asia Pacific VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Irizar 310 R Euro 5 

Jadbrooke Park VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Design 310 R Euro 5 

Leschenault Bus Services VIC 1 K 360 IB4X2 Scania Higer Touring 360 R Euro 6 

Mee's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 450 EB6X2*4 Coach Concepts 450 R Euro 6 

Newmans Bus Service NSW 1 K 310 IB4X2 Volgren 310 R Euro 5 

Pearson's Bus Services VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Design 310 R Euro 5 

PK & BI Olver VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Concepts 310 R Euro 5 

Transit Systems West- Leichhardt NSW 2 K 320 UB4X2 Precision Buses 320 R Euro 6 

Ventura Bus Lines VIC 2 K 320 UB4X2 Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

VOLVO Keolis Downer Hunter NSW 4 B8RLE Bustech 330 R Euro 5 

CDC Hunter Valley Bus NSW 1 B8R Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Westside Bus Co QLD 1 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Irizar Asia Pacific SA 1 B8R Irizar 330 R Euro 5 

Kastoria Bus Lines VIC 6 B8RLE Bustech 330 R Euro 5 

Stephen Holmes Enterprises VIC 1 B8R Coach Concepts 330 R Euro 5 

Brisbane City Council QLD 1 B8RLE Art Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Brisbane City Council QLD 6 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Perth Transport Authorities WA 5 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

YUTONG N/A WA 1 D7 Yutong 140 F Euro 5 

N/A WA 1 D7 Yutong 140 F Euro 5 

N/A WA 1 D7 Yutong 140 F Euro 5 

N/A QLD 1 D7 Yutong 140 F Euro 5 

N/A TAS 1 D7 Yutong 140 F Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 D7 Yutong 140 F Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 T12 Yutong 350 R Euro 5 



60 

ABC October 2020 busnews.com.au 

TOTAL DELIVERIES 85

TRANSMISSION 

A: Automatic 

M: Manual 

AS: Auto-Shift 

O: Opticruise 

TRANS 

MAKE 

AXLES 

BODY 

LENGTH 

(metres) 

AIR-CON 

(Brand) 

NUMBER OF SEATS 

Fixed 

Coach 

Recliners 

Metro 

Long 

Distance 

APPLICATION 

SEATING 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 52 – – – – X – Styleride N 

A ZF 2 12.3 MCC – 55 – – X – – Sege Y 

A ZF 2 9.6 Denso 43 – – – X – – Sege Y 

A ZF 2 8.80 MCC – 35 – – – – X Sege Y 

A ZF 2 8.8 Kingtec – 35 – – – – X Sege Y 

A ZF 2 8.8 MCC – 35 – – X – – Sege Y 

A ZF 2 13.5 MCC – 61 – – X – – Sege Y 

A Allison 2 12.5 Spheros 57 – – – X – X Sege Y 

A ZF 2 12 Denso 57 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 12 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 50 – – – – X – McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 47 – – – – X – Custom N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 30 – – – X – – Styleride Y 

A ZF 3 14.3 Thermo King – 52 – – X – – Sege N 

A ZF 3 14.3 Thermo King – 52 – – X – – Sege N 

A Allison 2 12.5 Thermo King 43 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Spheros 47 – – – – X – McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Spheros 47 – – – – X – McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 13.5 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 13.5 Thermo King – – 45 – – X – McConnell N 




A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King – – 46 – – X – Custom Bus N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Hispacold – – 42 – – X – Styleride N 

O Scania 2 12.3 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.3 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

A Scania 2 12.3 Konvekta 57 – – – – – – McConnell N 

A Scania 3 13.5 Denso 50 – – X – – – Styleride Y 

A Scania 2 13 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A Scania 2 12.3 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 13 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X APM Y 


O Scania 2 13 Thermo King – – 44 – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King – – 46 – – X – Styleride N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Coachair 61 – – – – – X McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King – – 44 – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Hispacold – 53 – – X – – Sege Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 44 – – – – – – McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 53 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Spheros – – X – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Spheros – – X – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King – – 41 – – X – McConnell N 

A Allison 2 8 Cling-Yutong 28 – – – X – – N/A Y 



A Allison 2 8 Cling-Yutong 28 – – – – – X N/A Y 



A ZF 2 12.4 Cling-Yutong 53 – – – – – X N/A Y 



Charter 

City or 

Route 

School 

SEAT 

BELTS 

*Australian Bus Corporation (ABC) comprises Bustech (16), Precision Buses (10) and Elphinstone (2). Volgren’s count includes two units from its partnership with Supportrans. 


61

DRIVEN 

VOLVO OLYMPIAN 

DESIGNED 

FOR LONGEVITY 

In 2010, Fantastic Aussie Tours brought over four 1997 Volvo Olympian buses 

from the UK to run on its Blue Mountains tourist routes. Paul Aldridge dropped by 

to learn more about the family owned company and try out an Olympian for size. 

This test drive is a bit 

different; it’s a home 

town story with a focus 

on a long-running, family 

operated tourist business. 

The big red Explorer Buses are a 

part of the Blue Mountains scenery; 

on weekends you can’t drive the 

streets of Leura or Katoomba and 

not pass one. The Explorer Bus 

has operated in the region since 

1986 and currently there are six 

double-deckers in the fleet. 

Speaking with the operations and 

fleet manager for Fantastic Aussie 

Tours, Darrell Booth, he gave some 

background on this long-running Blue 

Mountains company. 

“The company was started in 1974 

when John Cronshaw purchased 

two local companies to combine 

to become Golden West Tours. 

They operated day tours in the Blue 

Mountains, extended tours around 

Australia and school tours,” he said. 

“In about 1988, we got involved with 

Bus Australia; they wanted to expand 

on the tourism side in NSW. 

“We repainted our coaches 

into Bus Australia colours and the 

long-distance coaches were branded 

as Bus Australia.” 

The next part in the company’s 

journey was a name change from 

Golden West Tours to Blue Mountains 

Sightseeing, which continued to 

operate tours, 

“In around 1991, Bus Australia 

decided to step away from the 

tourism industry in NSW to 

concentrate on the Express Network,” 

he added. 

“We basically took over all the 

tour and charter work that we had 

developed with Bus Australia in 

WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE 

62 

ABC October busnews.com.au

Sydney and we partnered with Chris 

Brownlee from Manly Coaches with that. 

When we eventually stepped away from 

Bus Australia, we branded ourselves as 

Fantastic Aussie Tours.” 

The iconic Explorer Bus is a hop-on, 

hop-off service started by the company 

in 1986 as a weekend and public holiday 

service, but which then expanded to 

become part of the core business, Booth 

explained. 

“We have four Volvo Olympians that 

we imported from the UK in about 2010. 

That purchase was a massive leap for the 

Explorer Bus,” he added. 

VOLVO OLYMPIANS 

On why the company decided to import 

the Volvo Olympians from the UK, Booth 

said: “Effectively in 2008 we owned the 

newest double-decker ‘bus’ in Australia 

at the time, which was a 1980 MCW 

Metrobus, as well as 1973-model Leyland 

Atlanteans and Bristol VRs. We needed 

to do something with the Explorer Bus 

fleet and at the time you couldn’t buy 

a double-decker bus in Australia, so we 

imported these buses and it was a process 

that took two years. 

“What this purchase did actually 

changed the Explorer Bus overnight; all 

of a sudden we had a clean, modern 

fleet, [that was] well-presented and 

impressive. Staff morale went through 

the roof, whereas prior to that we had the 

old Leyland and Bristol buses that were 

still running in 2008 with all the 1973 

technology.” 

The old Leyland and Bristols required 

a lot of maintenance and parts were fast 

becoming scarce, he explains. 

“It was just so hard; we would use the 

bus all day and I would work on them all 

night in order to be able to use them the 

next day. 

“So, we had to do something. We stuck 

our neck out and bought these four Volvos 

from the UK.” 

The Olympians were originally a Leyland 

brand, before Volvo took the company over 

in 1988 and revamped them to match the 

run goes: each bus does about 150km per 

day. Being the Mountains, half of the run is 

uphill, half of it is downhill and the average 

speed would only be 30km/h. Although 

the speeds are low, they are working hard 

with all the inclines. 

“The engines overall have been great. 

On the coldest of days, they’re all fitted 

with cold start, but we’ve never had to 

use it. You turn the key, press the button, 

the thing fires up on the coldest of days. 

Generally speaking, the bus is just a very 

well built bus: robust and super strong.” 

A common theme when purchasing old 

vehicles is the problem with availability 

and time delays sourcing spare parts, but 

Booth says that he has been impressed 

with the support provided, even after so 

many years. 

“Volvo has been outstanding in their 

support of these buses right from the 

beginning. There’s no problem with parts. 

Volvo immediately put the VIN numbers 

on their computer in Australia. All I’ve got 

to do is ring Volvo, and say: ‘This is the VIN 

number, I need this part.’ It’s a no brainer,” 

laughed Booth. Sounds like a good thing 

to know – if you’re going to buy an old bus, 

a Volvo sounds like a smart choice. 

CARBON-NEUTRAL TOURISM 

On the Explore Bus website it states that 

it is “proudly Australia’s first 100 per cent 

carbon-neutral tourism service”. Asked how 

this came about, Booth explained that to 

We stuck our neck out and 

bought these four Volvos from the UK. 

new company’s style, launching its own 

version of the bus in 1992. 

“There are still a couple of features that 

really date back to the Leyland days,” 

explained Booth, “but all in all they’re 

basically like a B10M Volvo. They’re a great 

vehicle with a heavy chassis, well built, 

comfortable, and really easy to work on.” 

The Olympians brought over to Australia 

were built in 1997, so we asked how they 

compare now regarding performance 

and fuel usage. From what Booth says, the 

Olympians are definitely a great example 

of a solid, well-built vehicle. 

“The performance has been 

exceptionally good,” he explained. “I have 

a lot of confidence in the product. Fuel 

consumption is around about 1.7km/L and 

that’s based on the nature of where the 

achieve certification, auditors calculated 

the company’s carbon footprint, which 

included fuel emissions, on-site energy 

usage, fleet maintenance and the life-cycle 

emissions of each bus in its fleet. 

“We were independently audited to the 

international standard, then neutralised 

carbon emissions by buying more carbon 

offsets than the amount of its emissions,” 

he said. 

“We recognise that people are conscious 

of the need to be clean and green. How do 

you do that with a diesel fleet? You know 

it’s easy to say ‘go get an electric bus’, and 

for the ‘hop on, hop off ‘we will investigate 

that down the track certainly, but at the 

moment the only fuel that we could 

consider running these days – because 

our coaches might need to drive 1,000km 


63

DRIVEN 


driven 150km of dead running and 

can do a job cheaper than we can 

Top: 

The original Volvo dash 

is still there, but has 

everything you need. 

do driving around the corner. How 

sustainable is that for them or our 

community? We need to constantly 

put ourselves out to the marketplace 

Above, (L-R): 

The driver security 

screen has been 

removed to help the 

driver be more part 

of the passenger 

experience, but 

changes overall have 

been minor; The ‘hopon, 

hop-off’ service has 

been a core part of 

Fantastic Aussie Tours 

since the ’90s. 

a day – is diesel, so you need 

something that can just go and go 

and go.” 

However, he adds: “Being a 

carbon-neutral tourism service is a 

great and positive initiative to be 

part of and we promote it proudly.” 

FAMILY BUSINESS 

Blue Mountains – the ‘Love Local’ 

campaign promoting to the 

community the economic benefit to 

the local economy of spending their 

money in town. 

“We have always recognised 

this and, as a locally owned family 

business, do as much as possible to 

live that creed and put money back 

to say, ‘hey look, we are worth 

investing a little bit more money on’. 

“If you want to hire our buses, 

sure it might cost a little bit more 

but here’s the reason why. We’re 

promoting to our customers these 

benefits, as well as that we are 

carbon neutral.” 

COVID IMPACT 

Opposite: 

Being a shorter and 

taller bus, you’d 

assume pretty heavy 

body roll, but that 

wasn’t to be.. 

The company motto is ‘Service, 

Family, Enduring’, which is the 

underlying foundation of all aspects 

of Fantastic Aussie Tours’ operation. 

“The other things that we really 

into our town. We buy everything 

we can locally – fuel, tyres, printing, 

stationary, uniforms, IT services – 

albeit at a premium, but how can 

we expect the kids we carry on 

Asked what the change in visitors 

from mainly overseas to fully local 

means for the Explorer Bus, Booth 

said: “For international visitors the 

dollar spend is different. If you go 

are promoting now [are being an] 

school excursions to have a job in 

overseas, you’re generally going 

Australian family owned and local 

the Mountains if the community 

to spend a lot more money on 

business. One hundred per cent 

doesn’t spend money in the 

experiences than you would visiting 

self-funded, we don’t take a cent in 

Mountains? 

locally.” 

subsidies from anyone. If we don’t 

“There are a number of family 

“So that’s why the international 

sell the tickets, we don’t eat,” he 

bus businesses in the Mountains 

markets are so important. They are 

emphasised. 

to choose from, but It really 

to us, percentage wise, probably 

“The local council has had a 

frustrates me when we lose a job 

80 per cent of our business. At the 

great initiative since the bushfires 

to a multinational with economies 

moment, whilst the Mountains 

earlier in the year impacted the 

of scale or an operator who has 

are booming from domestic 

64 


We’re reinventing the wheel at the 

moment; we’re coming up with new 

ideas, new products that will be more 

attractive to a domestic market. 

visitation, where coffee shops and even 

accommodation are doing well, the 

local attractions and tour operators are 

still struggling with no international and 

minimal interstate visitors. 

“What’s been really helpful for us is 

JobKeeper. It’s been a lifesaver for us. We 

still have all our people employed and 

because the asset of our business is not 

the buses, you know – you can buy them 

anywhere as they’re a dime a dozen. The 

real asset of our businesses is our people 

and that’s what I believe sets us apart from 

other operators.” 

Asked if there have been any positives 

from this year’s upheaval, Booth pointed 

out that it, “...has certainly made us really 

knuckle down on our costs. But the main 

positive for us has been the strengthening 

of the relationships with our staff.” 

“Another positive may well be that the 

industry might come out of this a little bit 

healthier because those that do survive, 

have survived because they’ve been well 

managed businesses. 

“It’s also a chance for people to reinvent 

themselves a little bit. We’re reinventing 

the wheel at the moment; we’re coming 

up with new ideas, new products that will 

be more attractive to a domestic market.” 

TEST DRIVE 

The 1997 Volvo Olympian being driven 

today was the first to be purchased by the 

company and its original fleet number 

of 251 has been retained. Other than 

meeting Australian Design Rules regulation 

requirements and the removal of some 

hand and support rails for improved 

passenger visibility, the bus is pretty much 

mechanically how it was from new. 

The driver security screen has also been 

removed to help the driver be more part of 

the passenger experience, but all changes 

have been minor. 

The Volvo Olympian has a 77-passenger 

capacity and is powered by a 10-litre D10A 

engine with 250hp (186kW) and 1,200Nm. 

This second-generation build is a new and 

completely revised version of its Leyland 

predecessor, and this two-axle model 

comes in at just under 10.5m. 

We set off today from the Fantastic 

Aussie Tours depot at Katoomba. The 251 

hadn’t been driven for a few days and once 

this driver found the start button (Doh!) 

she started first go. A tricky manoeuvre 

through some vehicles and off we set. 

The roads today are familiar, so we were 

looking forward to driving with the extra 

deck on top to see how it handles. If you’ve 

ever visited the Blue Mountains and done 

the scenic route you’ll know that there are 

plenty of inclines and tight bends to tackle. 

Being an older vehicle, you would expect 

a limited dash display. Booth pointed out 

that it’s a typical B10M Volvo dashboard, 

but it wasn’t missing any modern day 

necessities. All was easy to read and 

understand, with the added bonus of 

a digital clock to keep your eye on the 

time. A safety feature on the dash is that 

you have to press a green button before 

selecting reverse. It did take a few minutes 

for the air to build up for the brakes and 

airbag suspension, it must be noted. 

Visibility was good, even though the 


65

DRIVEN 


mirrors are smaller. However, this is 

necessary on tight mountain roads, 

where we often are scarily close to 

overhanging branches. 

Another feature that we’d been 

told was really good was the ZF 

transmission. In fact, Fantastic Aussie 

Tours was so happy with it that it 

asked for it to be in its new vehicles 

as well. It’s a ZF 4HP/500 with an 

integral retarder and as soon as 

you start driving you feel just how 

smooth the ZF is. Considering this 

bus and drivetrain has 950km on 

the clock, there shouldn’t be any 

problems soon. 

The safety features are all more 

mechanical because the Olympian 

was a conventional suburban-type 

route bus with Z-Cam brakes. The 

brake system has really impressed 

Specs 

MAKE: Volvo 

MODEL: 1997 Olympian Explorer 

BODY: Alexander (Scotland) 

ENGINE: 10-litre D10A 

POWER: 250hp/186kW 

TORQUE: 1,200Nm 

TRANSMISSION: ZF 4HP/500 

with an integral retarder 

SEATING: 77-passenger capacity 

LENGTH: 10.5m 

BRAKES: Z-Cam 

DASH: Original B10M Volvo 

dashboard 

One of the outstanding 

features of a Volvo chassis is 

its turning circle. 

Above: 

Although it’s an 

older doubledecker, 

it handled 

smoothly on 

twisting mountain 

roads. 

Below: 

The 10-litre 

D10A engine, 

which produces 

250hp/186kW and 

1,200Nm. 

Booth because they have never 

done a brake reline on any of the 

four Volvos and the average distance 

travelled is around the 40,000km per 

year mark, he says. 

As the average speed these 

buses get to on the tourist route 

is only 20–30km/h, combing the 

brilliant retarder system with the 

Z-Cam brakes means these buses 

aren’t experiencing any really heavy 

braking. 

Blue Mountains roads are a mix of 

suburban streets, tight hilly terrains 

and highway driving. On the drive 

today we’ve given the Olympian a 

test in its everyday environment and 

tourist routes. Being a shorter and 

taller bus, you’d assume pretty heavy 

body roll, especially in a vehicle of 

its age in comparison to one with 

modern-day technologies applied, 

but the Olympian surprised us. 

Overall, there was little to not like. 

For the era, the staircase is curved 

and easy to get up and down. A 

smart safety feature that Booth 

incorporated into the external 

emergency exit ladder treads is the 

addition of handles, which would 

make for a much safer exit in case 

of emergency. It’s a long way down 

when you’re looking from the upper 

deck. it must be said! 

These Volvos started their lives as 

route buses in Edinburgh and one 

feature that certainly translates well 

to the Olympians’ new home in 

the Mountains is the radiating heat 

system. It can get pretty chilly in the 

winter and although the locals are 

used to the cold, tourists certainly 

aren’t. Booth told us that it works 

so well you’ll see the drivers in short 

sleeves in winter. 

One of the outstanding features 

of a Volvo chassis is its turning circle. 

The Olympian, though 23 years 

old, still has the same impressive 

turning circle as a modern vehicle. 

Katoomba Street and neighbouring 

main streets have several busy 

roundabouts that can be tricky for 

buses and the Olympian handled 

them well. Great job for an old girl. 

With 950,000km on the clock, No. 

251 drove like it was a much newer 

build; the combination of the build 

quality and being a Volvo chassis 

makes this one strong and solid bus. 

This year has certainly been one to 

look inwards; to look at how we do 

things and what we can or need to 

change in the way we all go about 

our lives. Yes, testing times for ours 

and many industries but also time to 

re-evaluate and re-invent if we can. 

Looking at the Blue Mountains 

region, the Explorer Bus has always 

been an icon of its streets. If you’ve 

never been, now’s the time. Fresh 

air, great villages with wonderful 

restaurants, cafes and shopping 

combined with beautiful and scenic 

beauty that’s second to none – 

with the best view upstairs on the 

Explorer Bus. 

Come visit! Mountains’ springtime 

is amazing, you’ll love it. 

66 


Take the Challenge... 

Our NEW Challenger V10 & V12 Coach 

Quality Large and medium capacity 

Quality Materials Known & trusted running gear 

Custom-build flexibility Improve your running costs 

V12 - 57 seater in stock ready to go 

V10 - the new mid size bus in Australia 

STANDARD FEATURES 

Mobile eye proximity sensor system 

Fibreglass and alloy panels, PVC Floor 

Blind spot mirrors and reversing cameras 

Alloy bullbar, stone guard, alcoa alloy wheels 

Stella tube stainless steel chassis and body frame 

CANBUS wiring Telematics, lane departure warning 

Cummins isl engine, Allison transmission, Zf drive train 

Greg Sloan m: +61 418 314 642 (International) 0418 314 642 (Australia) 

e: greg@challengerbusandcoach.com.au w: www.challengerbusandcoach.com.au 

AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED AND OWNED

a new beginning 

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER 

Mick Neskes 

National Sales Manager 

0422 224 117 

Mick Hall 

NSW Sales Manager 

0478 768 387 

Ben Kiddle 

Head of Custom Care 

0416 331 633

ABC #398

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?