ABC #406

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH 

ABC 

ISSUE 406 June 2021 $5.95 inc GST 

KEOLIS DOWNER 

SYDNEY REGION 8 

BUSWAYS 

ELEMENT E-BUS 

DELIVERY STARTS 

ADL-BYD 

NZ 1 MILLION KM 

MARK REACHED 

AURORA 

AUSTRALIS 

TRANSDEV’S E-BUS PROJECT 

DRIVES FORWARD 

DOWN UNDER 

operator: st marys bus, nsw driven: iveco daily guide: passenger info sys

ABC-FP-5174476-CS-406 

 

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www.styleride.com.au

Introducing BLK Auto 

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contents 

ISSUE 406 JUNE 2021 

08 

in the know 

6. editorial | ignition 

Kappa, Delta, Gamma, Catherine Zeta – but 

no official Greek variant yet. Editor Cotter 

talks lockdowns, emissions and more. 

8. news | the front line 

We’ve gathered up all the key, hardhitting 

Australasian and international bus and 

coach news for you, to keep you in the loop. 

40 

20. bic column 

IS YOUR BUSINESS RVSA-READY? 

How to prepare for the arrival of the Road 

Vehicle Standards Act 2018. 

in focus 

22. In focus | volvo-volgren brisbane 

FINAL BRISBANE COUNCIL BUS 

The last bus of a Volvo-Volgren 12-year 

bus supply agreement with Brisbane 

City Council (BCC) has been delivered. 

24. In focus | sealink rap 

VIBRANT WRAPPED BUSES 

HIGHLIGHT RECONCILIATION CAUSE 

Stunningly wrapped buses and fittingly 

named ferries are spearheading the 

Sealink Travel Group’s updated indigenous 

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

26. In focus | cdc kbhac funding 

CDC NSW ADDS $750,000 TO 

‘STOLEN GENERATIONS’ BUS 

SUPPORT 

Not-for-profit Kinchela Boys Home 

Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC)’s 

community healing efforts will receive 

$750,000 over three years in support from 

CDC NSW. 

28. In focus | transdev e-bus phase 3 

TRANSDEV MELBOURNE E-BUS 

TRIAL ENTERS ‘PHASE 3’ 

The third phase of Transdev Melbourne’s 

e-bus trial is now underway, generating 

operational data in real-world conditions. 

30. In focus | volvo tafe partnership 

E-BUS TRAINING VIA VOLVO 

AND TAFE PARTNERSHIP 

Volvo Bus Australia and TAFE NSW will 

4 

ABC June 2021 busnews.com.au

EDITORIAL 

Editor: Fabian Cotter 

ph: 0451 194 600 

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

Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge 

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT: 

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IVE Print 

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SA/WA Sales: Nick Lenthall 

mobile: 0439 485 835 

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NSW Sales: Con Zarocostas 

mobile: 04357 594 238 

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

develop a new range of specialised 

industry-based courses specific to the 

introduction of electric buses in Australia. 

32. coverstory | transdev e-mobility 

POSITIVELY CHARGED 

Selecting, building and running electric 

buses day to day is one thing, but unless 

the critically collated data behind what 

works and what doesn’t marry up to 

overall public transport success, you’d 

have to ask: what was the point? Transdev 

Australasia’s Aurora Project in our region 

aims to provide that answer, reports 

Fabian Cotter. 

40. operator | st marys bus nsw 

FROM THE ASHES 

Many small bus and coach companies 

have been reeling under the repercussions 

of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there 

is something good that is happening 

too. Meet Ehab Ibrahim, who found an 

opportunity in this otherwise clambering 

market to realise his longstanding 

dream of starting a coach business in 

Australia – St Mary Bus New South Wales. 

Anjali Behl writes. 

48 

48. test drive | iveco shuttle 22 

FAR FROM BASIC 

With the addition of the Shuttle 22 to its Daily 

minibus range, Iveco is providing a larger 

vehicle for standard operations that is far from 

basic when it comes to safety features. Paul 

Aldridge gave it a drive. 

57. supply lines | passenger information 

systems 

Check out our guide to some of the best 

passenger information system suppliers in 

the market. 

departments 

63. 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! 

70. factory facts | bus deliveries 

MONTHLY RESULTS 

We know you love them and so we have 

the latest bus and coach supplier sales data 

collected and recorded for you to sink your 

teeth into. To know who is who and who’s 

done what simply check it out! 

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busnews.com.au June 2021 ABC 

5

IGNITION 

FABIAN COTTER 

Inconvenient Truths 

‘If it looks too good to be true, it probably is’ – heard that? It’s the 

starting point for many an inconvenient truth. 

Was the origin of the Covid-19 

coronavirus some lab in 

Wuhan, China? A seemingly 

belated push from multiple 

G7 countries now to seek out such truth 

might just that – belated. And maybe like 

that scene in 1981’s cinematic epic Raiders 

of the Lost Ark, where they realise the stick 

for the ancient headpiece needed to be 

a bit shorter for the sunlight to accurately 

shine through it in the ‘map room’, they’ll 

be “digging in the wrong place”. 

Why? The ‘virus’ came from the dark 

recesses of someone’s mind! Or more likely 

a collection of minds. Or such is what 

recent media reports imply. 

News stories across the political divide 

have been quick to cover the gamut of 

emails released involving head US medical 

expert Anthony Fauci – and whether US 

taxpayer funds were used for ‘gain of 

function’ research of such a virus. Either 

way, it’s not a good look. 

Given the lives lost and financial impact 

of Covid across the world – particularly 

God-knows how many small-to-medium 

business (like bus operators) going under, 

it’s a topic that’s going to be monitored by 

billions as this news further unfolds. 

Will it lead to ‘an inconvenient truth’? 

If so, will that truth be twisted or glossed 

over? Time will tell… 

THE POLITICS OF GREEN 

Speaking of inconvenient truths, word 

around the bus-industry campfire is it 

would be great if governments in general 

– regardless of political conviction – had 

genuinely sought more (if any) counsel 

from bus and coach manufacturers, 

when it comes to all things e-mobility 

and the impact and logistics of it all. 

With appropriate charging infrastructure 

to be rolled out en mass as e-fleets 

increase, and the electric grid implications 

and costs operators face, or what’s 

needed to sort hydrogen production and 

supply effectively, etc., perhaps many 

manufacturers are caught out a bit by a 

glut of good and modern diesel product 

that’s still usable in this region. Product 

that operators are baulking at buying 

because of the EV push. Or, conversely, 

operators baulking at EVs because of the 

above. Anyway, just their ‘two cents’ worth’. 

My two cents? Get your cash registers out. 

So, there’s a lot of talk about carbon 

emissions, but not much worldwide about 

carbon ‘absorption’, Or nothing near parity. 

That is, there’s no point trying to reduce 

carbon emissions if we aren’t properly 

protecting large tracts of the planet that 

can absorb it – like rainforrests (ie. The 

Amazon). Or is emissions reductions just 

targeteing ‘cleaner’ city air to woo votes? 

Hope not. 

FINAL DESTINATION 

Also, in more than 10 years of looking, I 

can’t really find any convincing rationale 

for large-scale vehicle battery recycling. 

Reuse, yes! I’m au fait with residential 

ex-bus battery stacks – like computer hard 

drive NAS does for data storage – but what 

happens after that – the recycling? 

I found one company that’s interestingly 

trialling micro-nutrients/fertiliser from used 

alkaline batteries on a wheat field, but is 

there anything like that for lithium-based 

commercial vehicle batteries? Or is future 

toxic landfill – which kind of defeats the 

purpose – the only upshot of e-bus batteries 

and e-mobility overall? Hmm... 

Any companies in the battery recycling 

field? I’m all ears. PS: And don’t start me on 

child slave labour for mining battery metals 

in some countries, either! Gees... 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 

Amongst the 76 pages cover-to-cover of 

Issue 406 of ABC magazine is a slightly 

different mix, covering topics, tech and 

pure emotions permeating the Australasian 

bus industry at present. 

Transdev Australasia’s Aurora Project, 

which is its long-planned strategy to bring 

e-mobility to its public transport structure 

‘Down Under’, kicks things off. 

With some key partners such as Volgren 

and ABB, there will be lots more coming 

out of the Aurora project, so we’ll keep you 

abreast of what’s what as it all unfolds. 

Check the current story out pages 32–38. 

Further in we visit a bus operator with 

a very interesting story. St Mary Bus 

NSW, with a solid commercial vehicles 

background backed by driver training 

expertise, had a long-held passion to ‘get 

into buses and run a bus company’ - which 

has now come good for Sydney operator 

Ehab Ibrahim. He was able to pick up a 

few cool buses with the market down, be it 

from others retiring or otherwise. 

It hasn’t all been easy going for the 

‘start-up’, but you’ve got to applaud 

his commitment and determination 

to follow a bus dream, and his call for 

governments to help the smaller operators 

by helping steer some of the contract work 

away from bigger players should strike a 

chord with many such operators doing it 

tough out there in the field. Check out his 

story pages 40–46. 

Test drives? You got it! A new and 

interesting combatant in the very critical 

MaaS/on-demand bus segment. The 

recently released Iveco Daily Shuttle 22 

prides itself on safety, room, efficiency and 

a host of other benefits to operators. 

Our tester Paul Aldridge was lucky 

enough to be in Melbourne to drive it 

and a few others just before things when 

pear-shaped in that state, That’s on 48–54. 

Quite a few In Focuses this issue, There’s 

Transdev’s e-bus trial entering ‘Phase 3’; 

Volvo and TAFE NSW have teamed up to 

start some inspired e-bus training courses; 

both Transit Systems’ blindingly awesome 

Indigenous-themed buses and CDC NSW’s 

$750,000 commitment over three years 

to the Kinchela Boys’ Home Aboriginal 

Corporation (KBHAC) are noble moves 

in honouring the ‘Stolen Generation’ 

and pursuing Aboriginal ‘reconciliation’ 

objectives in the modern arena. Check all 

those out starting from page 22. 

Our 2021 guide to passenger 

information systems and May deliveries 

data rounds things out. And that’s game. 

The Victorian lockdown’s just ended, but 

it’s been tough on our compadres, so I’ll be 

raising a glass or two in their honour. 

With mental health what it is, if there’s 

anything really getting anyone down and 

you are desperate for a good listener – I’m 

your man. Just drop me a line. 

I’ll just grunt and mumble in agreement 

and just hear you out. Easy peasy. The 

flipside? You might have to listen to my 

depressing stuff, so be warned. And trust 

me, I’m pretty sure I’d win. ;) 

Until the next thrilling instalment… 

6 


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NEWS 

KEOLIS DOWNER LANDS 

SYDNEY CONTRACT 

KEOLIS DOWNER has announced 

Downer will work closely with 

Keoride will also become a 

that it will be operating and 

TfNSW to deliver a range 

permanent part of the network, 

maintaining Sydney Region 8 bus 

of initiatives to further enhance 

it adds. 

services in a $900 million contract 

from Transport for New South Wales 

the journey experience of 

customers, across all aspects 

SMOOTH TRANSITION 

(TfNSW) 

of the service. 

Keolis Downer is delighted to 

The French-Australian bus- 

The contract will see the 

partner with TfNSW to deliver 

operating joint venture will 

introduction of 125 electric 

positive public transport outcomes 

be running bus services in the 

buses over the next eight years, 

to the local communities in the 

Northern Beaches and the lower 

North Shore areas for eight years 

from October 31, 2021, TfNSW 

has announced. 

The ‘partnership’ with 

TfNSW aims to “deliver innovative 

transport solutions in Sydney’s 

Northern beaches as the future bus 

operator”, states Keolis Downer. 

Global law firm Ashurst has 

advised Keolis Downer on 

the tender. 

According to the company, Keolis 

delivering more sustainable 

transport options for the local 

community from two newly 

electrified depots in Brookvale 

and Mona Vale, it confirms. 

Keolis Downer will also 

introduce innovative headway 

technology to further increase 

the reliability and quality of 

service of the successful B-Line, 

it explains. 

The popular on-demand 

transport service known as 

Above: 

Keolis Downer 

will introduce 

technology to 

further increase 

the reliability and 

quality of service 

of the successful 

B-Line, it states. 

Above: 

The contract 

will mean the 

introduction 

of 125 electric 

buses during the 

next eight years. 

Northern beaches and the lower 

North Shore, it states. 

Keolis Downer’s priority is to 

ensure a smooth transition of all 

the employees and maintain high 

standards of customer experience 

and operations, it says. 

Additionally, it is focused on 

introducing global innovations 

like headway services, new 

electric buses, and ‘wayfinding’ 

improvements that will deliver 

more connected and sustainable 

“We will introduce new service 

technology to enable staff to 

actively manage routes and monitor 

bus running times, improving the 

frequency of bus services.” 

8 


journeys, it says. 

“We are very proud to partner 

with TfNSW to support the future 

growth and transformation of the 

Northern Beaches,” said Keolis 

Downer CEO David Franks. 

“Drawing on our experience 

locally and globally, we will launch 

a range of new initiatives to 

enhance the customer experience 

building from the already 

excellent bus services in the area. 

“We will introduce new service 

technology to enable staff to 

actively manage routes and 

monitor bus running times, 

improving the frequency of 

bus services. 

“We are also very excited to 

continue to deliver the highly 

successful on-demand transport 

service, which we have been 

operating in the area since 2017. 

“We look forward to further 

engaging with the community to 

deliver a safe, efficient and reliable 

transport system that supports the 

liveability and future prosperity 

of this vibrant, growing region,” 

Franks said. 

ABOUT KEOILS DOWNER 

Keolis Downer is a leading 

operator of public transport 

services in Australia, it states. 

With 4,900 employees and 

a presence in five states, Keolis 

Downer enables 250 million 

passenger journeys per year, 

it confirms. 

The company operates 

and maintains the integrated 

network in Newcastle; the largest 

tram network in the world in 

Melbourne (Yarra Trams); the 

light-rail network on the Gold 

Coast (G:link); and 1,000 buses 

in NSW, Western Australia, South 

Australia and Queensland, it 

states. 

It also operates and maintains 

the Adelaide Metro train services, 

it adds. 

Established in 2009, Keolis 

Downer is a joint venture between 

Keolis, a leading public transport 

operator established in 15 

countries, and Downer, the 

leading provider of integrated 

services in Australia and New 

Zealand, it says. 

STRONG INTEREST FOR 2021 

SYDNEY BUS AND COACH EXPO 

EXCITIMENT IS BUILDING and strong 

interest is being shown for the forthcoming 

2021 Australasia Bus and Coach Expo, 

being held Wednesday 29 to Thursday 30 

September at Sydney Showground, Sydney 

Olympic Park, organisers have announced. 

BusNSW executive director Matt 

Threlkeld confirms there has been strong 

exhibitor and visitor interest for the 2021 

Expo, which is returning to Sydney after 

five years. 

“On the back of the successful 2019 

Melbourne Expo, the Sydney event this 

year promises to be another world-class 

exhibition for the Australasian bus and 

coach industry,” Threlkeld said. 

The Expo will include more than $50 

million-worth of vehicles and in excess of 

100 exhibition booths displaying products 

and services, covering 14,000 square metres 

and all under the one roof, according to 

BusNSW. 

Approximately 90 per cent of vehicle 

display areas and 70 per cent of booths 

have been sold, so there are limited 

opportunities remaining for industry 

suppliers to exhibit their products and 

services, it adds. 

“The Expo will have free entry to optimise 

attendance by key decision makers 

representing bus and coach operators, 

large and small,” Threlkeld explained. 

HIGH PRIORITY 

The Covid-safe event is being held at a time 

when public transport and the transition to 

zero-emission technology is a high priority 

for all levels of government, says BusNSW. 

“The NSW minister for transport and 

roads has challenged Transport for NSW 

to transition the state’s fleet of 8,000 

contracted buses to zero-emission 

technology by 2030, and we are pleased 

that Transport for NSW is proudly 

supporting the 2021 Australasia Bus & 

Coach Expo,” Threlkeld said. 

“This year’s Expo will have a significant 

number of electric buses on display,” he 

added. 

Operators, suppliers and industry 

stakeholders can keep well informed in the 

lead-up to the event via the official Expo 

website: www.busandcoachexpo.com.au 

DIARY DATES 

Online registration for social events, 

including a welcome function on Tuesday, 

September 28, and industry gala dinner on 

Wednesday, September 29, will open soon 

via the Expo website, BusNSW states. 

“If buses or coaches are your business, 

mark Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 

September 2021 in your calendar and start 

planning your visit to the Sydney Expo 

today,” Threlkeld advised. 

Suppliers interested in exhibiting 

can register online at: www. 

busandcoachexpo.com.au, or contact 

BusNSW directly via telephone on (02) 8839 

9500. 

Above: 

The 2021 Australasia Bus and Coach Expo will be 

returning to Sydney after five years. 


9

NEWS 

“Today we will set in motion a plan that will 

put pressure on the NSW government to 

take responsibility for safety and fairness 

throughout the bus industry,” TWU NSW 

Branch secretary Richard Olsen said. 

NSW UNION PUTS BUS DRIVER 

CONDITIONS IN SPOTLIGHT 

THE NSW STATE GOVERNMENT must 

“take responsibility for wages and 

conditions throughout the contracts 

it awards to private bus companies” 

and these should be “awarded on 

decent, secure jobs and safe conditions, 

not low cost”, according to the 

Transport Workers Union’s (TWU) 

NSW Branch, recently. 

The union’s branch delegates from 

several bus companies today voted in 

May to endorse a plan that includes a 

readiness to take industrial action to 

improve pay, superannuation and safety, 

it announced. 

Included in the bus drivers’ claim are 

provisions such as: realistic timetables 

so drivers aren’t forced to rush; working 

hours to manage fatigue; and strong 

safety committees. 

TWU NSW Branch secretary Richard 

Olsen led the vote from the bus 

delegates at the union’s Minchinbury 

office, stating the plan is about “lifting 

standards to ensure fairness and keep 

bus drivers, passengers and other road 

users safe”. 

“Bus drivers provide an essential 

service to our communities. Over the 

last year, while most of us isolated, bus 

drivers risked their own health to get 

passengers to supermarkets, Covid 

testing clinics and now vaccination 

centres,” Olsen said. 

“As our economy recovers, it does 

so off the backs of bus drivers getting 

people to work and kids to school. 

“The NSW government relies on 

these jobs and bus drivers take pride 

in doing them. 

“Of course, any industrial action can 

cause major disruption, but when bus 

drivers are under pressure to run to 

tight schedules and companies say 

they can’t afford to pay drivers fair wages 

or provide safe conditions, there is only 

one solution. 

“Today, we will set in motion a plan 

that will put pressure on the NSW 

government to take responsibility for 

safety and fairness throughout the 

bus industry,” Olsen said. 

ALARMING STATS 

According to TWU, citing the Bureau 

of Infrastructure and Transport, 113 

people have been killed in bus crashes 

in Australia in the past five years. 

Bus drivers are frequently subjected 

to attacks by passengers and members 

of the public, it explains. 

Last year, a TWU member was 

deliberately coughed on by a passenger 

who said he had coronavirus after he 

couldn’t pay the fare, it outlined. 

The TWU NSW branch successfully 

campaigned for spit screens to be 

installed in buses following this and 

other reports of passengers spitting on 

drivers during the pandemic, it says. 

SURVEY DATA 

According to a 2019 TWU NSW bus 

survey: 

• 84 per cent of drivers face verbal abuse 

from passengers 

• 81 per cent [are] experiencing verbal 

abuse daily 

• 74 per cent of drivers have faced 

regular abuse when enforcing Opal 

card rules. 

ABC magazine (www.busnews.com) 

contacted NSW transport minister 

Andrew Constance’s office and Transport 

for NSW (TfNSW) for a response at the 

time of the announcement. 

A TfNSW spokesperson responded: 

“Transport for NSW acknowledges 

the important role of front line 

transport workers in delivering 

services to customers and communities 

across NSW. 

“Negotiations on Enterprise 

Agreements are a matter between the 

union and the operator. 

“There are established safety 

requirements for the operation and 

delivery of bus services, and we expect 

these to be complied with. 

“We encourage all parties to 

work together constructively and we will 

be monitoring any negotiations closely.” 

10 


BUS COLLISION-REPAIR INDUSTRY STALWART RETIRES 

Retirement has called on 

Wales Truck and Bus Repairs 

stalwart and collision-repair 

key figure Sam Travato, who, 

after more than 50 years, 

leaves the company and 

greater bus industry, Wales 

announced recently. 

Travato has been 

instrumental in his guidance, 

work ethic and industry 

knowledge for the growth 

of Wales Bus Repairs for the 

past seven years, confirms 

Wales CEO Darren Wales, 

adding that his departure 

will be keenly felt amongst 

the Wales team. 

“His dedication and service 

levels to our client base has 

been beyond reproach,” 

Wales stated. 

“We wish Sam all the 

very best with his future 

endeavours of retirement 

and beyond and add that he 

will be sorely missed – both 

here at Wales Bus Repairs 

and the bus industry in general. 

“We are holding a casual 

farewell for Sam at Wales Bus 

Repairs on the 2nd July for 

anyone wishing to come say 

‘happy retirement’,” Wales said. 

Wales Bus repairs – a 

seminal institution within 

the Australian bus and 

truck and collision-repair 

industries – has been a part 

of the massive AMA Group 

since mid-2019. 

ABOUT AMA 

The AMA Group – with its 

Gemini Accident Repair Centres 

head office located in Bundall, 

Queensland – is a leader in 

the automotive aftercare and 

accessories market, it states. 

Each of its specialised 

automotive aftercare and 

accessory companies have a 

commitment to excellence in 

customer service, cost-effective 

operations, and sector-leading 

brands, it explains. 

AMA is Australia’s largest 

accident repairer business and 

owns and operates in excess 

of 180 accident repair facilities 

and 10 heavy motor facilities 

Australia-wide. 

Above: 

Sam Travato 

will be leaving 

Wales Truck 

and Bus 

Repairs after 

50 years. 

BUS SAFETY WARNING AMID ROAD-RULES ‘FORGETFULNESS’ 

TRANSDEV AUSTRALIASIA reminded 

motorists to give way and share the road 

with buses, light rail and other public 

transport services as part of National 

Road Safety Week (May 17–23). 

With the company citing 2021 research 

from vehicle manufacturer Ford Australia 

that suggests many drivers aren’t as 

familiar with road rules as they were 

before the pandemic – with many parts 

of the country staying off the roads and 

at home during part of 2020 – Transdev 

Right: 

Safety on the 

road is the 

responsibility of 

every road user, 

says Transdev 

Australasia 

chief safety and 

assurance officer 

Huw Bridges. 

Australasia chief Safety and Assurance 

officer Huw Bridges says everyone had a 

role to play in helping to keep roads safe. 

“Safety on the road is the responsibility 

of every road user,” Bridges stated. 

“Our responsibility is to train and 

help our drivers to be the safest they 

can be on the road. It’s a collective 

responsibility we share with private road 

users, and we encourage everyone to 

know the rules and to their bit to keep 

people safe.” 

Nationally, it is a requirement for 

passenger vehicles to give way to buses, 

and all passenger transport vehicles 

display a distinctive driver-side sticker 

advising of the rule. 

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians 

should take extra caution around train 

and light rail crossings and motorists 

should never turn in front of a light 

rail vehicle. 

ADDITIONAL DISTANCE 

Bridges explains that by being much 

smaller and lighter than bus, train or 

light rail vehicles, passenger vehicles 

often sustained greater chances of 

damage or injury in the event of a 

collision. 

“Light-rail vehicles weigh the 

equivalent of 30 rhinos and the average 

bus weighs the same as three African 

elephants, and they do need additional 

distance to stop or manoeuvre,” he said. 

“Our teams across the country work 

with schools, road users and government 

to deliver education and training to 

ensure that safety remains top of mind.” 


11

NEWS 

BUS DRIVER BEHAVIOUR 

‘ON THE RADAR’: TRANSIT 

SYSTEMS 

NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY 

WEEK – May 17–23, 2021 – was 

acknowledged at Transit Systems’ 

Morphettville, South Australia, 

bus depot where both Transit 

Systems and Torrens Connect team 

members hosted a morning tea 

with special guest speaker Peter 

Frazer, president of Safer Australian 

Roads and Highways. 

On February 15, 2012, Frazer’s 

daughter, Sarah, was killed in a 

completely avoidable road crash on 

the Hume Highway south of Sydney. 

As a consequence of this tragedy, 

he and his family decided they 

would contribute to improving road 

safety outcomes through their policy 

development, community education 

as well as their advocacy work, 

Sealink Travel Group-owned Transit 

Systems explains. 

With in excess of 5,120 drivers 

and support staff at the company, 

National Road Safety Week is a time 

to put all driver behaviour “on the 

radar”, according to Seal ink Travel 

Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt. 

Above: 

Sealink CEO Clint 

Feuerherdt (left) 

and Peter Frazer, 

president of Safer 

Australian Roads 

and Highways 

(right). 

“We can all help reduce the 

chances of an avoidable accident 

occurring,” he said. 

“As public transport providers, 

road safety is crucial given most 

of our team spend the majority of 

their time out on the road each and 

every day. 

“National Road Safety week serves 

as an important reminder to us all to 

eliminate distractions, be alert at all 

times and keep safety front of mind 

while we are behind the wheel or 

near roads and vehicles. 

“It’s not just about our drivers, 

it’s road safety; it’s being an aware 

driver, an alert cyclist and a mindful 

pedestrian,” Feuerherdt stated. 

SIGNING UP 

Feuerherdt signed the pledge and 

says Transit Systems encourages its 

drivers and other road users to be 

safe, and to give other drivers the 

room they need to be safe. 

“We’re saying – drive as though 

your loved ones are on the road 

ahead. We all share the road, so 

we are all responsible for driving 

safely,” he said. 

“Being a safe driver means 

driving to the conditions of the road 

environment and being ready to 

take action at any time.” 

100 MB CITARO HYBRID BUS ORDER FOR ROME 

ITALIAN public transport 

pollutant emissions, the Citaro 

operator Atac is to take 

hybrid reduces fuel consumption 

delivery of 100 Mercedes-Benz 

and emissions considerably, MB 

hybrid Citaro buses in three 

explains. 

instalments later this year, MB 

Daimler’s EvoBus Italia CEO 

has announced. 

and president Heinz Friedrich 

The order – including a 

said: “We are delighted with this 

10-year service contract that 

large-scale order from Rome, 

sees Daimler Buses take care of 

the Italian capital. We are 

maintenance in the customer’s 

supplying Atac with a city bus 

workshop – will be rolled 

equipped with the most efficient 

out between June and the 

and sustainable technology in 

European autumn, 2021. 

the segment.” 

Atac is one of Europe’s largest 

The new vehicles are painted 

fully air-conditioned, MB says. A 

municipal transport companies 

Amaranth Red and have a band 

protective glass driver’s cab door 

based in Rome, Italy. 

Its hybrid bus delivery is part 

of an ambitious investment 

program to modernise Atac’s 

bus fleet in Italy’s capital. As 

one of the company’s goals 

is to significantly reduce 

that runs around the upper section 

of the bus that reads: “+ Bus x Rom 

+ Bus x Rom” – which stands for 

“more buses for Rome”. 

The single-deck city buses 

for Atac are equipped with 

two passenger doors and are 

prevents close contact between 

the passengers and driver, which 

protects the driver from infections, 

it adds. 

Both the air conditioning system 

and the air conditioner housing are 

fitted with anti-viral active filters. 

Above: 

The singledeck 

city buses 

for Atac are 

equipped with 

two passenger 

doors and 

are fully airconditioned. 

12 


NZ ADL-BYD E-BUSES AMASS ONE 

MILLION ZERO-EMISSION KMS 

NEW FLYER subsidiary Alexander 

Dennis’ New Zealand-running 

electric buses – using BYD e-chassis 

– have completed more than one 

million kilometres of zero-emission 

operation, saving 1,000 tonnes of 

CO2 emissions in doing so, ADL 

confirms recently. 

The manufacturer has supplied 

18 ADL-BYD based Enviro200EV 

electric buses to transport 

authorities and operators in New 

Zealand to date, with more on order 

as the country prepares to fully 

decarbonise its public transport 

bus fleet by 2035, it states. 

The biggest carbon reduction 

has been achieved by the fleet of 

initially six, later eight, electric buses 

operated by Fullers360 on Auckland 

Transport services in Waiheke Island, 

which have prevented the emission 

of 300 tonnes of CO2 in just eight 

months, ADL confirms. 

NZ Bus saved 290 tonnes with 

five buses in Tauranga and Ritchies 

270 tonnes with three buses in 

Christchurch, while the two trial 

buses that Auckland Transport has 

been using in the central business 

district have cut out 140 tonnes of 

CO2 emissions since their launch in 

2018, the company explains. 

ADL recently announced it will 

assemble zero-emission buses 

locally in NZ, renewing a partnership 

with local manufacturer Kiwi Bus 

Builders, it confirms. 

The company’s electric buses 

for New Zealand are part of the 

BYD-chassis Enviro200EV-bodied 

range using latest BYD iron 

phosphate battery and driveline 

technology, ADL states. 

ADL general manager for New 

Zealand, Tony Moore, said: “Although 

our fleet of electric buses is small 

by international standards, as we 

Above: 

ADL’s NZ-running 

e-buses have 

saved 1,000 

tonnes of CO2 

emissions over 

one million 

kilometres, it says. 

approach World Environment 

Day it is heartening to see their 

contribution to tackling the global 

challenge of climate change. 

“Their continued impact will be 

further amplified as we deliver more 

and more electric buses.” 

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Richard Dawes: 0412 034 337 

Stefan Robinson: 0416 646 006 


13

NEWS 

The buses will be charged 

via state-of-the-art charging 

infrastructure on route and 

overnight depot charging. 

The Hess pilot vehicle for the 

Brisbane Metro project, a lighTram 

25, is scheduled to begin its trial in 

Brisbane in 2022. 

VOLGREN’S PARTNER 

HESS IN MAJOR SWISS 

E-BUS CONTRACT 

FOLLOWING its Brisbane Metro 

contract win in 2019, Swiss 

vehicle manufacturer Hess 

has been awarded a share of 

a major e-bus tender from 

public transport operator BVB 

(Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe) in 

Basel, Switzerland, the company 

confirmed recently. 

As part of the city’s conversion 

to an all-electric bus fleet, BVB 

is purchasing 62 e-buses from 

manufacturers Hess and EvoBus 

(Schweiz) AG for around 65 million 

Swiss francs (A$93.5 million). The 

e-buses are scheduled to go into 

operation from between autumn 

2022 and spring 2023, BVB explains. 

Hess will design and deliver eight 

of its 24.7-metre bi-articulated 

electric buses, the lighTram 25, 

which are similar to those that 

will be used in the Brisbane Metro 

project. 

Above: 

Artist’s Impression 

of the lighTram 

25, courtesy of 

Brisbane City 

Council. 

GREATER CAPACITY 

Naef says the lighTram 25 will 

be used to ease congestion on 

Basel’s popular airport service, 

which has reached peak capacity 

in recent years. 

“The response to the increase in 

demand has been to increase the 

frequency of services. However, 

further increases in service 

frequency are no longer possible 

because there is a risk that the 

buses will start to hinder each 

other.” 

The solution to the problem of 

overcrowding, Naef says, is larger 

vehicles with greater capacity. 

“With a length of 25 metres, 

about six metres longer than 

the previous diesel buses, the 

lighTram 25 provides more space 

for passengers and luggage, as well 

as generous areas for pushchairs or 

passengers with reduced mobility,” 

he explained. 

BUSWAYS RECEIVES FIRST CUSTOM-DENNING ELEMENT E-BUS 

SYDNEY-BASED operator Busways 

recently received the first of an order 

of six Custom-Denning Element 

electric buses, the company officialy 

announced recently. 

In keeping with the NSW government’s 

plan to electrify the state’s bus fleet by 

2030, minister for transport and roads 

Andrew Constance says the Element 

electric bus, built by Custom Denning, 

will be the first electric bus “entirely 

manufactured” in NSW. 

“We are another step closer to 

creating a greener, cleaner and healthier 

future for the people of NSW, thanks to 

Custom Denning manufacturing electric 

buses at its factory in St Marys,” minister 

Constance said. 

“Custom’s Element electric bus has 

undergone a thorough assessment and I 

am excited to see it now included on a list 

of electric buses available to Transport for 

NSW’s bus operators. 

“Busways has already placed an order 

for six new electric buses from Custom, 

and I look forward to many more local bus 

companies taking up the opportunity 

to support local manufacturing and 

local jobs.” 

CAPACITY, JOBS 

Custom Bus Group (Custom Denning) 

managing director Scott Dunn says 

Custom has been building buses in 

Sydney for more than 65 years, and 

has built more than 700 diesel buses 

for the NSW government during the 

past 10 years. 

“There are currently 12 people working 

on the electric bus project; however, we 

have the capacity to build around 400 

buses each year in our current factory 

and this could create more than 300 

jobs,” said Dunn. 

“The Element electric bus will be able 

to operate for around 22 hours on a single 

four-hour charge, and are cheaper to 

maintain and operate than their diesel 

Above: 

The Element electric bus will be able to operate 

for around 22 hours on a single four-hour charge. 

counterparts. 

Busways managing director Byron Rowe 

added: “Busways was Custom Denning’s 

first non-government customer and we 

have been buying high-quality, reliable 

buses from them since 1958. 

“We’ve been trialling the Element bus in 

the Penrith area for the last month and we 

are excited to be receiving our first order in 

the coming months.” 

14 


peace of 

mind 

with Volvo Buses. 


With Volvo’s after market support, you can count on a range of products and services 

designed to maximise uptime, reduce life cycle cost and secure long-term reliability. 

A global logistics network ensures a swift supply of Genuine Volvo Parts, which in turn 

ensure that your vehicles can keep running in top condition. Volvo Service Contracts and 

Telematics as standard, all deliver maximum uptime for the buses, and peace of mind for our 

customers – and with the largest dealer network of all bus & coach manufacturers in 

Australia, help is never far away. Our goal is simple: support at every stage of the journey. 

www.volvobuses.com.au

ISSUE 397 September 2020 $5.95 inc GST 

ABC_397_001_Cover FC.indd 1 

14/09/2020 12:53:44 PM 

NEWS 



ISSUE 388 December 2019 

$5.95 inc GST 

TELFORDS SOLD 

SKYBUS-KINETIC 

NEW OWNER 

BRISBANE 

METRO 

HESS-VOLGREN- 

ABB WIN DEAL 

DYSON GROUP 

NEW MACEDON 

BUS DEPOT 

BUSNSW 

BEST BUS DRIVER 

2019 AWARDS 

CARBON CYBER 

ACCLAIMED LIGHTWEIGHT DUTCH E-BUS WITH JET FIGHTER TECH 

driven: bedford vam70 operator: platinum journeys, nsw interview: darren wales 

ABC CONFIRMED 

AS MOST-READ BUS 

MAGAZINE 

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH (ABC) has 



reinforced its long-held position as the 

region’s largest-circulating bus and coach 

industry magazine, achieving an audited 

circulation of 3,312 copies per issue in 

the six months to March 31, 2021, new 

Circulation Audit Bureau (CAB) figures 

show. 

Since 1957, the CAB has been providing 

advertisers, marketers and media buyers 

with verified distribution data on free and 

controlled circulation magazines, delivering 

credibility to the media industry. ABC is the 

BUSTECH AND 

PROTERRA 

SIGN LANDMARK 

E-BUS DEAL 

WEST OZ GOVT 

FUEL-CELL 

MINING BUS 

ANNOUNCEMENT 

RALLY FOR HELP 

FAMILY, PRIVATE BUS 

BUSINESSES UNITE! 

SIMPLE ENERGY 

FOTON HYDROGEN BUS IN 2021 EV PUSH HERE SOON 

driven: man-blk president operator: brisbane bus lines, qld deliveries: drop 



ISSUE 401 Jan 2021 $5.95 inc GST 

BCI-MERCEDES 

V/LINE SAFETY 

COACHES 

COACHWORKS 

SOLD TO REPAIR 

SPECIALIST ROYANS 

BUSTECH GROUP 

AUST BUS CORP 

REBRANDED 

HYBRID THEORY 

SCANIA OFFERS OPERATORS PRAGMATIC E-BUS TRANSITION 

in focus: go west fleet operator: glenorie coaches, nsw driven: westbus volvo 

ABC_401_001_Cover FC.indd 1 18/01/2021 1:13:02 PM 

only Australian bus and 

coach magazine to subject itself to the 

official audit. 

Bolstering its overall audience reach, 

ABC’s digital platform www.BusNews.com. 

au attracted an all-time record 38,866 

visitors in May, up 23.7 per cent on the 

previous month and 24.5 per cent on 

the same month of 2020. Year-to-date 

(YTD) visitors are up 26.6 per cent on the 

comparable period of last year. 

Graham Gardiner, group publisher – 

industry at Are Media, ABC’s publisher, says 

the results are in line with the company’s 

strategy to grow its audience across print 

and digital platforms to enable advertisers 

to reach as many in-market buyers as 

possible and thereby maximise response. 

“Our publishing model is 

platform-agnostic: we publish all 

content – whether it’s classifieds or 

our market-leading editorial – across 

all platforms and let the audience 

decide where and when they consume it,” 

he said. 

SOLID SUPPORT 

Fabian Cotter, ABC magazine editor, 

says the YoY online growth, particularly 

during recent tumultuous times for the 

Australasian bus and coach industry, shows 

solid brand loyalty from readers, of which 

the title is truly humbled by. 

“In terms of pure readership, the 

solid interest in all things bus as we 

push on through out of the pandemic 

has been remarkable. 

“ABC merely endeavours to cover a 

discerning spectrum of local and global 

bus news and product development that 

mirrors the state of play, for an accurate 

snapshot that bus lovers and industry 

aficionados can relate to at the time, 

all the time. 

“We thank them for their ongoing 

support,” he said. 

FORTHCOMING VOLVO E-BUS TARGETS OZ LONGEVITY 

A CAUTIOUS AND CONSIDERED 

approach towards 

electro-mobility for Australian 

conditions bodes well for Volvo’s 

2022-due BZL electric bus’s 

long-term success here, following 

company statements in the 

lead-up to its 2021 Sydney Bus 

Show launch this September. 

Highlighting its decade-long 

journey into electro-mobility 

locally following its hybrid 

bus product introduction, the 

company is proud to have 

taken the time to ‘set things up 

properly’ as a solid foundation for 

the BZL e-bus in Australia. 

“The BZL is made for a long 

life on the road, in line with 

Australian standards and our 

customer’s expectations of what 

Volvo product durability will 

be: it’s a chassis designed for 

the long-haul,” said Volvo Bus 

Australia general manager Mitch 

Peden. 

“We take great pride in that 

our electric bus offering will be 

introduced to the Australian market 

at the right time; we’re taking time 

to set up long-term partnerships 

in the e-mobility space, we’re 

implementing specialised training – 

ultimately we’re busy ensuring this 

product is the highest quality, has 

the highest safety standards, and will 

last in the Australian environment,” 

Peden explained. 

Preparing to see both its hybrid 

chassis and fully electric chassis 

enter the market within less than 10 

years of each other is largely due to 

the “astute guidance and leadership” 

of VBA’s primary electro-mobility 

expert and engineer Dean Moule, the 

company says. 

“We embarked on the next phase 

of the electro-mobility project 

with the electric chassis in 2016 by 

scoping out what we wanted to do 

and how we would achieve it, in 

order to meet the expectations of 

our marketplace,” stated Moule. 

For both the B5L S-Charge hybrid 

and BZL electric chassis projects, 

the similarity of goals were extensive 

time and resources invested in 

creating a quality, safe and reliable 

product, Moule outlines. 

Above: 

(L-R) Volvo 

Bus Australia 

e-mobility 

team: Mark 

Fryer, Dean 

Moule 

and Sam 

Compasso. 

16 


THE WOT!?! 

BATTERY WOES 

With electric buses becoming increasingly 

popular, questions are going to be asked 

about what caused this fire that wiped out 

a line of them in China, recently. Located 

on a university campus in southern China’s 

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 

smoke was seen pouring from one bus early 

in the morning, believed to be a battery 

malfunction, before bursting into flames. 

The fire then quickly spread along the 

parked line of buses, destroying four before 

firefighters could put it out. 

CHARGING AHEAD 

In happier electric bus news, First Bus has 

announced that work has begun at its 

Caledonia depot in Glasgow – the largest 

bus depot in the UK – on turning it into a 

huge electric charging hub. With plans to 

have a completely emission-free fleet by 

2035, the Glasgow depot will eventually 

have capacity to charge 300 buses on site. 

The first phase of the project will see 11 

dual DC rapid charging units installed and a 

further 69 planned for later in the year. 

SOCIAL SCENE 

Showing perfectly how buses can bring 

people together, the Social Enterprise 

Council of NSW and ACT (SECNA) decided 

to try something different recently with a 

bus tour around Sydney to explore the work 

of social enterprises in the city. SECNA’s 

inaugural Social Enterprise Bus Tour took 

philanthropists, corporate employees, 

government officials and social enterprise 

leaders to over 20 Sydney businesses to 

discuss how to achieve greater diversity, 

sustainability and inclusiveness in society. 

Sydney deputy lord mayor Jess Scully says 

the tour was a way to showcase the work 

going on behind the scenes and that the 

bus tour is a way, “...to take people right to 

[the heart of] those places”. More info can 

be found at: www.secna.org.au 


17

NEWS 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT has become “more 

environmentally friendly and attractive” 

in German municipality Stadtwerke 

Weilheim after five new ‘e-midibuses’ 

were chosen for its City Bus 2022 tender, 

it announced recently. 

The five Atak EVs that municipal 

enterprise Stadtwerke Weilheim i.OB KU 

chose are from supplier Quantron AG 

Augsburg/Gersthofen. 

Stadtwerke Weilheim had presented 

its City Bus 2022 concept several times, 

and the city council then passed the 

basic resolution on November 19, 2020 

that: from January 1, 2022, Stadtwerke 

Weilheim will be “in charge of operating 

the city bus”. 

Head of Stadtwerke Weilheim Peter 

Müller said: “Our preparations for this 

are in full swing. 

“An important point of our ‘City 

bus 2022’ concept is that we want to 

operate public transport in Weilheim 

in a more environmentally-friendly 

way, not just a theoretical example, 

but a practical example of more 

climate protection.” 

According to the concept, the 

current diesel buses will be replaced 

by battery-electric midibuses. For 

the procurement of the five new 

battery-electric midibuses, the 

municipality had issued a Europewide 

invitation to tender at the 

end of February, 2021, it confirms. 

“After the end of the bidding 

and clarification of several detailed 

questions, the best bidder – the 

company Quantron AG in Augsburg/ 

Gersthofen – was awarded the contract 

for the delivery of five Atak electric buses 

at the end of April,” he explained. 

Müller signed the corresponding 

contract together with Andreas Haller, 

CEO of Quantron AG, on May 11, 2021, 

at the new headquarters of the supplier 

of the modern electric midibuses in 

Augsburg/Gersthofen. 

ABOUT QUANTRON 

Quantron AG is a system provider of 

clean battery and hydrogen-powered 

e-mobility for commercial vehicles such 

as trucks, buses and vans, it states. 

In addition to new electric vehicles, 

the range of services offered includes 

the electrification of used and existing 

vehicles; the creation of individual 

overall concepts, including the 

City mascot Wilhelm with 

a new Quantron bus for 

Weilheim public utility 

company. 

ELECTRIC ‘MIDIBUSES’ WIN 

GERMAN MUNICIPALITY TENDER 

appropriate charging infrastructure; 

as well as rental, financing and leasing 

offers and driver training, it explains. 

Quantron AG also sells batteries and 

integrated customised electrification 

concepts to manufacturers of 

commercial vehicles, machinery 

and intra-logistics vehicles, it adds. 

According to the company Augsburg, 

in Bavaria, it is a, “…pioneer and 

“We want to operate public 

transport in Weilheim in a more 

environmentally friendly way.” 

innovation driver for e-mobility in 

passenger, transport and freight traffic.” 

It has a network of 700 service 

partners and the comprehensive 

knowledge of qualified experts in the 

fields of power electronics and battery 

technology, through its cooperation 

with CATL, the world’s largest battery 

producer, it confirms. 

Quantron AG, as a high-tech 

spin-off of the renowned Haller GmbH, 

combines 138 years of commercial 

vehicle experience with state-ofthe-art 

e-mobility know-how, the 

company states. 

18 


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BIC 

Is your business RVSA-ready? 

Ensure you’re prepared for the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. 

Below: 

The Road Vehicle 

Standards Act 2018 

wil l come into effect 

on July 1, 2021. 

The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) 

will replace the existing Motor Vehicle 

Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) on July 1, 2021. 

The implementation of RVSA is complex 

and will see increased accountability on designers, 

manufacturers, suppliers and importers to comply 

with standards and regulations. 

The BIC Secretariat wishes to remind bus 

manufacturers and component suppliers of the 

following key information and dates. This user guide 

applies to the following businesses that are a: 

• holder of identification plate approval/s (IPAs), or is 

seeking to apply for vehicle type approval (VTAs); 

• holder of component registration number/s (CRNs), 

or is seeking to apply for component type approvals 

(CTAs); 

• holder of sub assembly registration number/s (SARNs), 

or is seeking to apply for component type approvals 

(CTAs); 

• currently registered test facility, or wishes to be a 

registered test facility in the new RVS system. 

SIMPLIFIED GUIDE 

• Road vehicle standards legislation (RVSA) full 

commencement date: July 1, 2021. Refer to 

infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/rvs/index.aspx 

• Implementation transitional period: 12 months from 

the commencement date. 

• RVSA introduces two type-approval pathways – VTAs 

and CTAs. VTAs replace IPAs and eligible holders of 

IPAs may ‘opt-in’ to become VTA holders. 

“The implementation of RVSA is 

complex and will see increased 

accountability on designers, 

manufacturers, suppliers and 

importers.” 

• VTAs can remain valid for up to seven years (opted-in 

VTAs are valid for up to five years – see below). For a 

guide to VTAs, refer to: infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/ 

rvs/vehicle-type-approvals/index.aspx 

• IPA holders may opt-in at any time in the six-month 

period from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. (A 

benefit of opt-in is that it is a simpler application 

process and allows the use of existing test reports, 

CRNs and SARNs). 

• While an IPA approval holder can rely on existing 

CRNs and SARNs to opt-in, if a new/different chassis 

or approved component were to be added to 

the opted-in approval, it would need a CTA (see 

below). For a guide to opt-in arrangements refer 

to: infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/rvs/vehicle-typeapprovals/opt-in-arrangements.aspx 

• Component type approvals: CRNs and SARNs are 

being replaced by CTAs. Applications for CTAs are 

now open (CRNs/SARNs cannot opt-in). Test reports 

for a CTA application must be from an approved 

testing facility (see below). For a guide to component 

type approvals refer to: infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/ 

rvs/component-type-approvals.aspx 

• Existing CRNs and SARNs: continue to remain 

valid during the transitional period for IPA holders 

who chose not to opt-in (including for any IPA 

amendments); continue to remain valid for five 

years for approvals that opted-in using CRN/ 

SARN evidence; and cannot be used for any RVSA 

applications (i.e. new applications after July 1, 2021). 

• Testing facilities: applications for testing facility 

approvals are open now. Where a testing facility 

applies for approval before July 1, 2021, its first annual 

levy of $970 will be waived. For a guide to testing 

facilities refer to: infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/rvs/ 

testing-facilities 

• Validity of test reports (RVSA-approved testing 

facility): if a testing facility is approved under the 

RVSA, existing test reports remain valid as long as 

the testing facility remains approved under the 

RVSA. Any testing conducted under an RVSA testing 

facility approval will remain valid even if the approval 

subsequently lapses. 

OTHER USEFUL INFO 

• Current testing facility approvals and component type 

approvals can be found at: https://rover.infrastructure. 

gov.au (a search function will be added soon) 

• Legislation guide and resources: infrastructure.gov. 

au/vehicles/rvs/rvs_legislation_guides_and_resources. 

aspx 

• Glossary of terms: infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/rvs/ 

rvs_glossary_of_terms.aspx 

• Members are also encouraged to subscribe to the 

RVS news update found at: infrastructure.gov.au/ 

vehicles/rvs/subscribe.aspx 

20 


ABC-FP-5209576-CS-406

IN FOCUS 

VOLVO-VOLGREN BRISBANE 

FINAL VOLVO- 

VOLGREN BRISBANE 

COUNCIL CONTRACT 

BUS DELIVERED 

The last bus of a Volvo-Volgren 12-year bus supply agreement with 

Brisbane City Council (BCC) was delivered recently. 

With the occasion 

marked officially at 

Volgren’s Eagle Farm 

production facility, 

the now symbolic 

Bus 882 capped off a successful 12-year 

council supply run, which amassed almost 

900 vehicles delivered from the collaborative 

bus duo, the companies confirm. 

The handover event featured the last 

of the locally-built buses to leave the 

company’s Eagle Farm facility, as well as the 

very first bus – a Volvo B7RLE – built in 2009. 

Volgren has been operating as prime 

contractor to BCC in partnership with 

leading chassis manufacturer Volvo. 

Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro says the 

partnership has, and will always be, an 

integral part of the company’s history. 

“We are grateful for the trust that Brisbane 

City Council has shown in us for 12 years as 

prime contractor, and for more than two 

decades in total. 

“We are also incredibly proud to have 

been given the opportunity to manufacture 

in Brisbane. 

“This bus, just like more than 800 before 

it, were made by Queenslanders for 

Queenslanders. And our partnership with 

[Brisbane] Council will endure. 

“We believe that when you choose 

Volgren, you don’t purchase a product, you 

purchase a relationship. Product supply is 

just one element of that relationship; we 

have a multi-skilled fully functional aftersales 

team based at Eagle Farm. They are only a 

phone call away.” 

VEHICLE EXCELLENCE 

Deiro says Volgren was doubly appreciative 

of the BCC partnership, which not only 

helped to bring about a vibrant bus-building 

supply chain in Queensland, but helped 

Volgren improve its products. 

“We believe we have helped Brisbane City 

22 


Council develop and maintain one 

of the country’s leading and modern 

fleet of buses. In return, they have 

contributed valuably to the success 

and excellence of our vehicles,” he 

explained. 

“Our Optimus is our flagship 

bus and we aim to make our next 

Optimus better than our last. We are 

continually making improvements, 

and many of the standard features 

have come from recommendations 

that were originally modifications 

specific to Brisbane.” 

Transport for Brisbane manager – 

engineering and assets – Karl Hain 

said: “Our collaborative partnership 

has seen several key product 

improvements for safety, customer 

and environmental outcomes. 

“Fitting fire suppression, setting 

industry best practice for emergency 

exits, USB charging points 

and the introduction of Euro 6 

low-emission vehicles have been key 

improvements along the journey.” 

Deiro adds he was hopeful that 

Volgren’s strong presence in, and 

outstanding knowledge of, the 

Queensland market would stand it 

in good stead when any future BCC 

bus tenders were announced. 

“Volgren has a proud history 

of supplying high-quality buses to 

all of Queensland and we have built 

up a dedicated team of specialist 

bus body builders and more than 

20 local suppliers. 

“As Australia transitions to 

zero-emission buses, led by 

operators such as Brisbane City 

Council, we believe we’re well placed 

to supply the next generations of 

on-road public transport vehicles 

to operators in this state and across 

the country.” 

TIME FOR REFLECTION 

Volvo Bus Australia (VBA) reflected 

on more than a decade of successful 

partnership with BCC and Volgren 

Australia. 

With close to 80 million passenger 

movements annually, across more 

than 400 bus routes, BCC is a major 

provider of public transport services 

– with VBA at the forefront of 

supporting BCC through the 

supply of safe, reliable and 

environmentally friendly vehicles 

and servicing, it states. 

Throughout the decades, BCC 

grew its small fleet of 11 buses to 

one that now boasts more than 

1,200 vehicles, it confirms. VBA has 

proudly been a part of BCC’s journey 

throughout this time, after official 

awarding in 2008 of the initial 

three-year contract to supply chassis 

to BCC, it states. 

VBA would soon go on to have 

its supply contract extended for 

a further nine years and would 

continue to deliver buses with its 

long-time body-build partner, and 

BCC’s prime contractor, Volgren, 

Volvo explains. 

MODEL BREADTH 

Since 2008, VBA and Volgren 

have together delivered 882 

buses to BCC, of various bus models, 

including the B7RLE, B12BLE, 

B8RLE, B8RLEA and the Volvo B5L 

self-charging hybrid. 

BCC was also one of Volvo’s first 

customers to adopt Euro 5 and 

Euro 6 vehicles. 

We believe we’re well 

placed to supply the next 

generations of on-road 

public transport vehicles to 

operators in this state and 

across the country. 

In addition to BCC’s support 

of local manufacturing its 

commitment to a clean, low-carbon 

public transport network has been 

boosted by the deployment of Volvo 

buses – particularly with BCC’s heavy 

investment in low-emission vehicles 

in advance of legislative regulations, 

Volvo says. 

The deployment of these 

vehicles has not only mitigated 

environmental impacts through 

reduced CO2 emissions, but has 

provided unparalleled bus safety 

to the general public of Brisbane, 

Volvo states. 

Opposite: 

For 12 years, 

Volgren delivered 

nearly 900 buses 

to Brisbane City 

Council. 

Above: 

Volgren has 

been operating 

as prime 

contractor to 

Brisbane City 

Council in 

partnership with 

leading chassis 

manufacturer 

Volvo. 

Left: 

A celebration of 

the partnership 

was held at 

Volgren’s Eagle 

Farm production 

facility. 


23

IN FOCUS 

SEALINK RAP 

VIBRANT WRAPPED 

BUSES HIGHLIGHT 

RECONCILIATION CAUSE 

Stunningly wrapped buses 

and fittingly named ferries 

are spearheading the Sealink 

Travel Group’s updated 

indigenous Reconciliation 

Action Plan (RAP). 

Transit Systems NSW, a 

Sealink company, has 

unveiled two public 

transport buses operating 

in the Transport for NSW 

(TfNSW) network, each showcasing the 

artwork by RAP artist Allan McKenzie 

– a Gamilario/Wiradjuri man – called 

Vibrations of Country. 

Sealink Travel Group (Sealink) itself 

has also taken significant steps to 

deliver a company-wide approach in 

establishing a revised RAP, it states, 

launching the brand new South East 

Tasmania Aboriginal Corporation 

(SETAC)-named vessel for Bruny Island 

called the ‘Parrabah’. 

“These initiatives are seemingly 

local, but when combined enable our 

company to deliver outcomes that 

continue to progress our communities 

further towards reconciliation,” said 

24 


Sealink CEO Clint Feuerherdt. 

The Parrabah joins 

a fleet of vessels and 

vehicles that also includes 

a new late-2020-launched 

catamaran-ferry for Palm Island, 

Queensland – the Coolgaree 

Cat – and the two new NSW-run 

reconciliation wrapped buses. 

“In developing and reviewing 

our RAP commitments, we 

have made great headway 

in delivering key items [and] 

authentically engaging with the 

local communities we service,” 

explained Feuerherdt. 

“We believe this demonstrates 

our respect of the regions 

where we operate, including 

some of Australia’s most iconic 

destinations, many of which have 

strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

Islander communities.” 

RESPECT AND MEANING 

The Sealink corporate RAP is 

being revised and is in addition 

to the Transit Systems NSW RAP, 

which was launched last year, 

with Feuerherdt outlining that the 

two work together. 

“Between our marine and 

land operations, we cover a lot of 

country and connect millions of 

people, and we want to continue 

to do that respectfully and 

meaningfully,” he said. 

Sealink launched the 34- 

metre, $7 million purpose-built 

Coolgaree Cat in 2020 with a 

traditional Welcome to Country 

smoking ceremony, but it wasn’t 

just the vessel’s capabilities that 

impressed the community, the 

company states. 

The artwork adorning the 

vessel was created especially 

for Sealink by local artist Sue 

Pryor – a Palm Island resident – 

and the vessel was named 

after the main bay of Palm 

Island, it confirms. 

TASMANIAN HONOUR 

Regarding the naming of the 

Parrabah, the brand new Sealink 

ferry servicing Bruny Island, senior 

Aboriginal woman and custodian 

Debbie Cowen from SETAC said: 

“The naming of this vessel, with 

language from the South East 

Between 

our marine and 

land operations, 

we cover a lot 

of country and 

connect millions 

of people. 

Nation, demonstrates to this 

community Sea link’s willingness 

to work with our community by 

acknowledging and showing 

respect to our people, and will 

be a great source of pride for 

generations to come.” 

Working within the community, 

local St Aloysius Catholic College 

Year 7 student Carmela Harris 

was announced as the winner 

of the SETAC whale dreaming 

creation of Bruny Island story 

artwork competition, sponsored 

by Sealink, with the artwork 

proudly on display on board 

Parrabah. 

Weetapoona Aboriginal 

Corporation co-chair Rodney 

Dillon also thanked Sealink 

for giving the community the 

opportunity for naming the 

new Bruny Island vessel: the 

South East Aboriginal language 

name for whale is ‘parrabah’. 

Dillon added: “There are no 

words that can truly express how 

meaningful and powerful this 

gesture is.” 

ABOUT SEALINK 

Sealink is Australia’s largest 

integrated land and marine, 

tourism and public transport 

service provider with established 

international operations in London 

and Singapore, it states. 

It is one of Australia’s most 

experienced and diverse 

multi-modal transport businesses, 

boasting performance-driven 

capabilities across ferry, bus and 

light rail, it confirms. 

Sealink comprises Australian 

marine and tourism operations 

and Transit Systems’ domestic 

and international public bus and 

light rail transport operations, it 

adds. The company moves more 

than 206 million customers 

per year, has in excess of 8,900 

employees and operates 

approximately 3,500 buses, 118 

ferries and 24 light rail vehicles, it 

confirms. 

Opposite: 

The two new 

artwork-wrapped 

buses will be 

operating in the 

Transport for 

NSW (TfNSW) 

network. 

Top: 

The artwork was 

commissioned 

from Gamilario/ 

Wiradjuri artist 

Allan McKenzie. 

Above: 

The brand new 

Sealink ferry 

servicing Bruny 

Island has been 

named Parrabah, 

meaning whale. 


25

IN FOCUS 

CDC KBHAC FUNDING 

CDC NSW ADDS $750,000 

TO ‘STOLEN GENERATIONS’ 

BUS SUPPORT 

Not-for-profit Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC)’s community 

healing efforts will receive $750,000 over three years in support from CDC NSW. 

With the donation 

announced on 

National Sorry 

Day – May 26, 2021 

– CDC and KBHACaffiliated 

Stolen Generations survivors also 

launched a ‘Sorry Day’ Campaign to build 

Australia’s first truth-telling museum and 

healing centre to help fellow survivors, 

their families and the community. 

KBHAC chairperson Uncle James Michael 

‘Widdy’ Welsh (Uncle Widdy) is calling on 

all Australians to support the project and 

says the proposed museum and healing 

centre will play a critical part in Australia’s 

truth-telling journey. 

“Without truth telling there can be no 

healing,” said Welsh. 

“Our pain must stop with us; this museum 

and healing centre will ensure what 

happened to Stolen Generations survivors 

will never be repeated. 

“It will contribute to the rebuilding of our 

family structures and support the journey 

to lasting intergenerational healing across 

Australia,” he said. 

Led by KBHAC, Sorry Day is receiving 

essential support from CDC NSW, one of 

the largest private bus operators in the state, 

it explains. 

CDC NSW’s commitment to a $750,000 

partnership over three years will assist the 

not-for-profit with its rapid growth as one of 

the leading Stolen Generations organisations 

in Australia, it states. 

UNLOCKING THE PAST 

KBHAC CEO Dr Tiffany McComsey says 

reconciliation takes action and she 

welcomes CDC’s strong support. 

“Our vision is for the museum to be built 

on a site of great historical significance for 

Australia – the former Kinchela Aboriginal 

Boys Training Home property in Kempsey,” 

said McComsey. 

The property was a home run by the NSW 

government between 1924 and 1970. In 

that period it housed between 400 and 

26 


600 young Aboriginal boys forcibly 

removed from their families and 

made to assimilate into white 

Australian society, KBHAC explains. 

KBHAC aims to raise $5 million 

through donations from businesses, 

organisations and the Australian 

public to purchase, repair and 

conserve the property, and build 

the envisioned living museum and 

healing centre, it confirms. 

A conservation management 

plan for the property has been 

developed by highly respected 

heritage specialist Alan Croker, who 

also developed the Sydney Opera 

House’s most recent conservation 

management plan, it says. 

McComsey says the site, historical 

records and the memories and 

stories of the home’s survivors 

– known as the ‘Uncles’ – would 

provide tangible evidence of 

past assimilation policies and 

practices for the education and 

understanding of all Australians 

and to ensure that what happened 

to the Uncles and other Stolen 

Generations survivors never 

happens again. 

“The property is a place of deep 

importance for the Uncles, their 

families and communities. The 

site and its associated places 

hold memories, both painful and 

otherwise, of their childhood 

after being kidnapped from 

their families,” said McComsey. 

FREEING THE FUTURE 

Commenting on CDC’s long-term 

commitment to working with 

KBHAC, McComsey says it was 

an example of the cross-community 

collaboration at the heart of 

reconciliation in action. 

“Genuine collaboration and 

mutual support between people 

from Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander communities and 

non-Indigenous communities is 

the only way forward. We need 

to work together towards the 

common goal of intergenerational 

healing,” she said. 

BUS SUPPORT 

CDC NSW CEO Edward Thomas says 

the organisation originally decided 

to assist KBHAC by maintaining its 

specially outfitted Mobile Education 

Centre (MEC), a retired commuter 

bus transformed for the purpose of 

raising awareness of the stories of 

Stolen Generations survivors. 

“Since then, we’ve continued 

to become more involved. Our 

engineers have participated in 

designing and creating elements 

of the MEC and our drivers have 

driven the vehicle all over Sydney, 

the Central Coast and northwest 

NSW, helping get the Uncles out 

there in their truth telling journey,” 

Thomas said. 

“Working alongside KBHAC 

has inspired us to commit to a 

three-year sponsorship program 

that will provide real benefits to 

their organisation, helping them 

to improve the social, emotional, 

cultural and spiritual wellbeing 

of the Stolen Generations who 

survived their time in the Kinchela 

Aboriginal Boys Training Home, 

as well as their descendants and 

families,” he said. 

CAREER PATHS 

In addition to helping launch 

the campaign to build the truth 

telling museum, CDC will also be 

providing extensive careers and 

skills development opportunities for 

Indigenous candidates nominated 

by KBHAC and back-office support 

for the organisation, it confirms. 

These include apprenticeships 

and subsequent long-term 

employment opportunities with 

Working alongside 

KBHAC has inspired us to 

commit to a three-year 

sponsorship program. 

CDC, study tours of CDC sites, work 

experience, mentoring, on-the-job 

training and opportunities to attend 

courses relevant to their chosen 

field, it adds. 

“At CDC we believe that all 

Australians will benefit from 

reconciliation with Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander peoples, aided 

by the promotion of a true account 

of Australian history and better 

opportunities to enter into the 

workforce,” Thomas stated. 

“It also helps us, on a practical 

level, to build bridges with 

Aboriginal communities and help 

them to find a career path within 

our organisation. 

“Partnering with KBHAC has 

been a learning experience for 

us at CDC. Every day we continue 

to learn more about Aboriginal 

culture and past experiences and 

how we can do our part to help 

achieve reconciliation.” 

For more information, or to 

donate towards making Australia’s 

first national truth telling 

museum a reality, head to www. 

kinchelaboyshome.org.au. 

Above: 

(L-R) Dr Tiffany 

McComsey, 

KBHAC CEO; 

Uncle James 

Michael 

‘Widdy’ Welsh 

(Uncle Widdy), 

Kinchela Boys 

Home survivor 

and KBHAC 

chairman; 

Edward Thomas, 

CDC NSW CEO; 

plus survivors 

of Kinchela 

Boys Home. 

Opposite: 

CDC NSW has 

committed 

to a $750,000 

partnership over 

three years. 


27

IN FOCUS TRANSDEV E-BUS PHASE 3 

TRANSDEV MELBOURNE 

E-BUS TRIAL ENTERS 

‘PHASE 3’ 

The third phase of 

Transdev Melbourne’s 

e-bus trial is now 

underway, generating 

operational data in 

real-world conditions. 

The trial, conducted by 

Transdev Melbourne and 

the Victorian Department 

of Transport, will now see 

the electric bus operate 

on an 86km route between Altona 

and Mordialloc, gathering valuable 

data about how the bus performs in 

a variety of different traffic conditions, 

Transdev confirms. 

Route 903 is known as an orbital route; 

it allows passengers in Melbourne’s middle 

and outer suburbs to travel across the city 

without travelling into the CBD. The orbital 

routes are among the longest bus routes in 

the southern hemisphere, Transdev states. 

Transdev Melbourne interim managing 

director Rachel Spencer said: “Transdev 

is committed to identifying cleaner 

transport options, which have a positive 

28 


impact on environment and 

local communities. 

“This trial is demonstrating 

the benefits of zero-emission 

buses and providing valuable 

data about how this technology 

can be scaled-up to operate 

zero-emission bus fleets.” 

Recently, the Victorian 

government announced 

that, from 2025, all new 

public transport bus purchases 

within the state will be 

zero-emission buses. 

In that context, the data 

gathered during this trial will 

be useful for the development 

of future bus fleet procurement 

strategies as the state moves 

towards reducing carbon 

emissions in the transport 

sector, according to Transdev. 

LOCAL INPUT 

This particular electric bus was 

built by Volgren in Dandenong, 

supporting local jobs and 

manufacturing, Transdev 

highlights. Up to 87 per cent of 

content used in Volgren buses 

is local with the manufacturing 

process sourcing parts from 

approximately 80 local suppliers, 

it adds. 

In March, 2021, Transdev took 

delivery of four new Volgren-BYD 

electric buses, which have been 

delivered to Transdev operations 

in New South Wales and 

Queensland. 

Incidentally, the NSW 

government will begin the 

transition of its entire bus fleet to 

zero emissions transport within 

the decade, and the Queensland 

government has indicated every 

new bus that is added to the 

state’s fleet of urban buses in 

South-East Queensland from 

2025 will be a zero-emissions bus. 

This current Victorian e-bus 

This trial is demonstrating 

the benefits of zero-emission 

buses and providing 

valuable data about how 

this technology can be 

scaled-up to operate zeroemission 

bus fleets. 

trial will continue until October 

31, 2021, Transdev confirms. 

ABOUT TRANSDEV 

Transdev believes public 

transport plays an important part 

in how a city comes to life, it says. 

Its day-to-day work influences 

families, friends and future 

generations where they live, work 

and play, it explains. 

In Australasia, Transdev has 

5,704 people passionate about 

operating its 2,150 vehicles and 

vessels, which deliver more than 

145 million customer journeys 

each year, it states. 

Opposite: 

Phase 3 will 

take place on 

the 86km-long 

Route 903 that 

runs between 

Altona in southwest 

Melbourne 

and Mordialloc 

in south-east 

Melbourne. 

Above: 

The Victorian 

government has 

announced, from 

2025, all new 

public transport 

bus purchases 

within the state 

will be zeroemission 

buses. 

Left: 

The trial will 

continue until 

October 31, 

2021. 


29

IN FOCUS 

VOLVO TAFE PARTNERSHIP 

E-BUS TRAINING 

VIA VOLVO AND TAFE 

PARTNERSHIP 

Volvo Bus Australia 

and TAFE NSW will 

develop a new range 

of specialised industrybased 

courses specific 

to the introduction 

of electric buses in 

Australia. 

The introduction of electric 

buses – such as the Volvo 

BZL Electric to be launched 

soon – introduces a range of 

new operational factors that 

must be addressed by industry, Volvo 

explains. The nature of electric vehicles 

means the introduction of high-voltage 

systems requires extensive understanding 

about the way vehicles are built, operated 

and serviced, it states. 

As part of the largest automotive 

manufacturer in Australia, Volvo Bus 

Australia believes safety in and around 

electric vehicles is an area that requires 

greater focus. It’s about protecting 

workers as they work with these new 

products in a variety of areas, including 

assembly of a new bus, service of the 

vehicle in the workshop, driving the 

bus and managing emergency service 

responses as required, it says. 

“Safety is in our DNA and our sincere 

hope is that the content and courses we 

are working on together with TAFE NSW 

become the industry standard across all 

the country for all makes, vehicle types 

and brands,” said Volvo Bus Australia 

general manager Mitch Peden. 

“We see the need for a national 

approach to training, skills and 

certification of staff, and are delighted 

to be partnering with TAFE NSW on 

these new programs. 

30 


“The introduction of electric 

vehicles is certainly not the time 

to compromise on safety; our 

operator partners and industry 

have done a fantastic job in 

recent years delivering safe 

public transport – now we have 

an opportunity to lift standards 

even further.” 

Volvo’s dedicated bus team 

across Australia is already the 

most experienced in the bus 

and coach industry and delivers 

training across the country 

on a continual basis, Volvo 

Bus states. 

“Being able to partner with 

TAFE NSW on the general 

courses we will provide together 

complements our more 

advanced diagnostic and vehicle 

training,” Peden stated. 

UPSKILLING MECHANICS 

State minister for skills and 

tertiary education Geoff 

Lee announced the NSW 

government, through TAFE, 

will develop short courses 

with Volvo Bus to help 

mechanics up-skill and work 

safely with industry-leading 

bus technology. 

Minister Lee says the 

training will play a key role in 

helping NSW transition to a 

zero-emissions bus fleet 

by 2030. 

“The adoption of electric 

buses introduces a new range 

of skills needs that we must 

address such as working 

with high voltage systems 

and understanding the way 

vehicles are built, operated, 

and serviced,” Minister Lee said. 

“We’re proud to be 

partnering with Volvo Bus, 

part of the largest automotive 

manufacturer in the country, 

to ensure the safety of people 

working in this industry.” 

BUS ASSEMBLY 

NSW minister for transport 

Andrew Constance says 

the training will provide a 

framework as more businesses 

adopt new products in bus 

assembly, servicing, driving, 

and managing emergency 

service responses. 

“With the NSW government’s 

commitment to introduce 

more electric buses, the 

number of workers who 

need to be retrained and 

up-skilled to support these 

vehicles is growing,” Minister 

Constance said. 

Our operator partners 

and industry have done 

a fantastic job in recent 

years delivering safe public 

transport – now we have an 

opportunity to lift standards 

even further. 

Opposite: 

NSW state minister 

for Skills and Tertiary 

Education Geoff Lee 

announced that the 

NSW government, 

through TAFE, will 

develop short courses 

with Volvo Bus to 

help mechanics upskill 

and work safely 

with industry-leading 

bus technology. 

Above: 

Volvo Bus Australia 

general manager 

Mitch Peden. 

Left: 

The TAFE course will 

help upskill diesel 

mechanics and train 

new mechanics to 

support an industry 

increasingly turning 

towards electric 

buses. 


31

COVERSTORY 

TRANSDEV E-MOBILITY 

Selecting, building and 

running electric buses dayto-day 

is one thing, but 

unless the critical data 

behind what works and 

what doesn’t marries up 

to overall public transport 

success, you’d have to 

ask: what was the point? 

Transdev Australasia’s Aurora 

Project, in our region, aims 

to provide that answer. 

Imagine, if you will, that those high-school 

science classes where someone in your group 

would slyly fling extra metal stuff into the acidfilled 

beaker (true story), or eye drop excess 

‘liquid x’ into a bubbling conical flask behind 

your back, didn’t require data collection at all. 

Sure the first few ‘snap, crackle and pops’ before 

the fire alarm goes off (might have been recess bell) 

while kids scramble for cover under desks screaming 

‘Incoming!’ might look and sound impressive at first, 

but … what would it all mean without ‘data’? 

Somewhere in there, the ‘results’ and ‘conclusion’ 

part of any decent science experiment, trial or 

test overrides any foolish momentary euphoria of 

potentially the school closing down due to untold 

litigation cases from irate parents and maimed 

teachers and students. 

Experiments and trials only exist to test a theory 

and to draw a conclusion – for the greater good of 

mankind, one would imagine, or at least to get a Year 

9 science grade higher than an ‘F’. 

Fortunately, the really clever students move on 

from the disheveled pack to enter career fields of 

discerning and accurate analysis, hopefully achieving 

a range aims and objectives that overcome problems 

and maximise performance potential for society. 

Public transport is no different - particularly 

with bus route planning and a raft of current 

environmental and safety requirements that 

encompass how bus product is purchased and run. 

In Australia, one of – if not the first – tests of a 

metro-route electric bus was spearheaded by 

Transdev Australasia in Melbourne, whose long-term 

plan to bring its e-mobility knowledge gleaned 

from European operations to Australian shores 

has successfully achieved many of its goals. And, 

perhaps more importantly, it generated the type 

of e-bus running data – involving chassis and body 

choice, charging infrastructure maximisation and 

implementation, battery performance and, in 

general, safe and timely PAX transportation – that 

provides insight and ‘learnings’ for the benefit of 

others during this electric vehicle (EV) transition. 

32 


POSITIVELY 

CHARGED 

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES NICK O’SULLIVAN 


33

COVERSTORY 


To that end, ABC magazine 

scene, the call helped to ignite a 

says, but usage in the Australian and 

recently heard from some of 

vision for a zero-emissions fleet in 

New Zealand market was still in 

the key players involved in 

Australia and New Zealand, helping 

relative infancy. 

Transdev’s Australasia’s successful 

to kick start internal ‘Project Aurora’. 

Transdev Australasia’s chief 

Project Aurora e-bus trial and 

Transdev had pioneered 

officer for bus Ian Craig explained: 

interstate rollout. 

zero-emissions electric and 

“Domestically, electric buses had 

Above: 

Transdev 

Australasia ran 

metro-route 

electric bus trails 

in Melbourne to 

generate realworld 

data. 

AURORA VISION 

Today, Transdev is one of the largest 

operators of zero-emissions electric 

and hydrogen bus fleet, operating 

more than 1,400 vehicles globally. 

The seeds for the company’s 

zero-emissions ambitions ‘Down 

hydrogen fleets internationally, it 

been proven in controlled settings, 

Right: 

BYD chassis, 

drivetrain and 

circuitry is used 

on the new 

e-buses. 

Opposite, Above: 

Knowing how 

electric vehicles 

operate in 

Australian 

conditions is vital 

to expansion of 

the industry. 

Under’ were sown in 2019, following 

a phone call with Transdev 

Australasia’s chief engineer Marc 

Cleave and Volgren Australia. Dandenong-based 

Volgren had recently 

commenced manufacture of its 

BYD-chassis prototype electric bus 

– a modified version of its popular 

Optimus model. For Transdev and 

Marc Cleave, now somewhat a 

veteran of the bus manufacturing 

34 


Transdev had pioneered zero-emissions electric 

and hydrogen fleets internationally, but usage in the 

Australian and New Zealand market was still in 

relative infancy, it says. 

such as airport routes or shuttles, though, 

at the time, trialling of battery-electric 

buses on urban-route services was 

still somewhat a novelty. From our 

international learnings we knew the value 

that zero emissions vehicles could add to 

our local fleets and contracts, which is why 

we acted quickly in developing Project 

Aurora.” 

Armed with insights about what worked, 

Transdev quickly set about gathering a 

group of locally based suppliers to help 

realise the vision and bring the company’s 

first electric bus - ‘Aurora 1’ - to Melbourne 

in November, 2019. 

BRIGHT SPARKS 

Being first to market does have its risks, 

which is why having the right support was 

imperative for Transdev. 

“Our goal was to do something truly 

innovative and having a team of local 

and international suppliers with proven 

experience was key,” said Craig. 

Following discussions with Volgren, 

Transdev placed an order for four new BYD 

Optimus electric vehicles with the view to 

introduce new vehicles into its operations 

in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. 

“The transport market is rapidly 

changing and we wanted to be ahead 

of the market, but at the same time we 

wanted to use a product that we could 

trust,” explained Cleave. 

“Volgren - rather than modifying the 

body for an electric chassis - [was] able 

to install an electric chassis on an existing 

body – a design that was proven with 

hundreds of vehicles already on-road.” 

The reduced weight added to the 

appeal of the Volgren Optimus BYD 

electric bus for Project Aurora, with the 

model having an overall tare weight of 

13,000kg. 

An added benefit was the use of 

BYD chassis, drivetrain and circuitry, 

with Transdev using BYD chassis 

extensively across its 1,400 strong global 

zero-emissions fleet. 

Volgren’s national sales and marketing 

manager Yuri Tessari says that Volgren’s 

e-bus product is the result of hundreds 

of hours of research and development 

work combined with a desire to preserve 

the characteristics that have made its 

flagship Optimus an industry leader for 

nearly 10 years. 

“The new Optimus e-bus is one of the 

lightest zero-emission bus bodies in its 

class,” Tessari said. 

“The design delivers longer range, less 

downtime for charging and Volgren’s 

unmatched total cost of ownership. 

“It is also the safest bus of any 

kind the company has produced, 

complying with the highest levels of 

safety and flammability standards for 

buses in Australia,” he explained. 

In bringing Aurora to life, Transdev 

engaged global electrification leader 

ABB. In 2018, the companies had worked 

together in helping to electrify a fleet in 

Harrogate, UK. Both recognised Project 

Aurora as a potential catalyst for turning 

the tide on e-mobility here. 


35

COVERSTORY 


ABB Australia’s work on Project Aurora 

was extensive, as e-mobility segment lead 

Steve Amor explaind: “Together, with our 

installation partners, we worked to provide 

an integrated grid-to-plug solution. All 

aspects of Transdev’s depots were assessed, 

so that we could offer a product that not 

just met their current needs, but future 

expansion of e-bus fleet[s] as well.” 

In order to power the new Volgren 

BYD Optimus fleet, Transdev opted to 

install ABB’s Terra depot and opportunity 

EV chargers, as they had a proven 

reputation for reliability and compatibility 

across multiple bus original equipment 

manufacturers, it explains. 

“Utilising CCS [Combined Charging 

System] connectivity and OCPP [Open 

Charge Point Protocol] compliance, 

ABB DC fast chargers combine rugged 

construction with a small infrastructure 

footprint and a durable design with 

multi-outlet scalability, making it suitable 

Our goal was to do something truly 

innovative and having a team of local 

and international suppliers with proven 

experience was key. 

for compact installations like bus depots, 

where space and utilisation is at a 

premium,” added Amor. 

SPECIAL DELIVERY 

Under Project Aurora, Transdev took 

delivery of its first new Volgren BYD 

Optimus Electric bus and BYD charging 

infrastructure in November, 2019, with 

the bus going into service on Melbourne’s 

streets in December of that year, as 

part of a trial with Victoria’s Department 

of Transport. 

The remaining four vehicles rolled off 

Volgren’s Dandenong production line in 

March, 2021, with one commencing service 

in Brisbane in April and three going into 

service in Sydney in May. Gala events were 

held in Dandenong, Brisbane and Sydney, 

with local authorities, stakeholders and 

industry to celebrate the launch of the 

new fleet. 

Tessari says the commissioning of the 

Transdev fleet as part of Project Aurora was 

significant for the company. 

“The first e-bus delivered to Transdev 

gave us the knowledge and know-how to 

adjust not only our product, but also our 

production facilities.” 

Transdev Australasia funded three of 

36 


Top, Left 

Volgren says 

that the Optus 

complies with 

the highest levels 

of safety and 

flammability 

standards for 

buses in Australia. 

Top, Right: 

Volgren’s 

e-buses have 

been operating 

in Melbourne, 

Brisbane and 

Sydney. 

Right: 

Transdev 

Queensland 

stakeholder 

function, recently. 

the five vehicles delivered under 

Project Aurora. Transport for NSW 

directly funded two vehicles for 

Sydney, which Transdev procured 

on its behalf. 

“We wanted to demonstrate zeroemissions 

technology by investing 

our own cash in it. It’s here now, and 

it’s the future now that we want 

to promote to government and 

show that public transport can be 

decarbonised,” Craig added. 

NEW KING ARRIVES 

Craig said that while the build and 

power were critical and logical steps 

in Project Aurora, the crown jewel for 

Transdev was the data that its new 

state-of-the-art fleet provides. 

“The transition to a zero-emissions 

fleet is a significant investment for 

governments and public transport 

operators alike,” he explained. 

“Recognising this, we want to get 

the most out of the assets, which is 

why. for Transdev, the monitoring 

and analysis of performance and 

operational data is king.” 

Engaging Sydney-based 

technology provider Orion Network, 

Cleave and his team at the Transdev 

Maintenance and Engineering 

Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, 

developed TECA – the company’s 

own proprietary telematics system. 

Working with Orion Network, 

TECA was developed as a variable 

‘internet-of-things’ (IoT) for 

buses, plugging into the vehicle 

CAN line, utilising 4G and radio 

communications to provide vehicle 

data on a real-time dashboard. 

“Operating and charging 

zero-emissions fleet[s] isn’t difficult. 

The tricky part is making sure 

that the vehicles and charging 

infrastructure operate properly, and 

you implement a charging strategy 

that extends battery life and vehicle 

performance. For this, data and. 

more poignantly, informed analysis 

of the data, is critical,” Cleave said. 

Hamish Duff, founder and director 

of telematics supplier the Orion 

Network added: “The innovation we 

developed with Transdev provides 

a real-time operational dashboard 

integrating energy and charging 

management, fault notifications and 

operational data. 

“Understanding how electric 

buses are operating is key to 

successfully integrating [them] into 

complex transport networks and 

service provision.” 

Operational and performance 

data and insights collected through 


37

COVERSTORY 


Transdev’s TECA is being shared with 

public transport authorities, to inform their 

own strategies, the company confirms. 

SOLAR FLAIR 

Not set on delivering electric buses alone, 

in March, 2020, the Transdev team set 

about ensuring one of its vehicles was truly 

‘zero’ emissions, powered 100 per cent 

from renewable solar energy collected at 

the company’s Capalaba depot in Brisbane. 

To bring the clean, green vision into 

reality, Transdev engaged Queens- 

The first e-bus delivered to Transdev gave 

us the knowledge and know-how to adjust 

not only our product but also our production 

facilities. 

Above: 

Transdev is 

helping pioneer 

zero-emissions 

bus transport in 

Australia and New 

Zealand. 

Below: 

ABB’s Terra depot 

and opportunity 

EV chargers have 

been installed 

to charge the 

vehicles. 

land-based solar supplier REA Global. 

REA installed 250 state-of-the-art solar 

panels and a bank of 15 individual Tesla 

Powerwall units at the Brisbane depot, 

capturing up to 658kWh per day, with a 

total storage capacity of 200kWh. 

“We have been working closely with 

the Transdev Engineering team for over 

two years designing the bespoke solar 

power and battery storage solution that 

best matches the charging requirements 

of the ZEB whilst providing leading 

efficiency, safety and reliability,” said 

REA global founder and director Michael 

Mrowka. 

“It is important we provide a solution 

that produces the most amount of energy 

possible from the available space in order 

to leave room for future expansion of the 

solar system and ZEB fleet.” 

CLEANER OUTCOMES 

To date, Project Aurora has helped to save 

more than 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions (as 

heavy as a Blue Whale, the Net says) with 

the original Aurora 1 bus in Melbourne 

saving 62 tonnes since 2019. Locally, 

Transdev has set itself a goal of cutting 

greenhouse gas emissions in its Australian 

and NZ operations by 30 per cent by 2030 

and the introduction of electric and new 

zero-emissions bus fleet will be critical to 

meeting the target. 

“Through Project Aurora we have 

proven that deca rbonised transport is 

a reality. We look forward to working 

closely with our partners at Department 

of Transport Victoria, Transport for NSW 

and Translink to share data, learnings and 

insights with the shared goal of driving 

cleaner, greener, and more comfortable 

journeys for our customers and drivers,” 

said Craig. 

Now, through Project Aurora, Transdev 

is aiming to further electrify and explore 

opportunities for new hydrogen-fuelled 

vehicles. 

“Growing our successful partnerships 

with innovators, like Volgren, ABB, Orion 

Network, REA Global and others, will be 

crucial to delivering emissions reductions 

in the years ahead,” Craig concluded. 

38 


OPERATOR 

ST MARYS BUS NSW 

Many small bus and coach companies have been reeling 

under the repercussions of the pandemic, but there is 

something good that is happening too. Ehab Ibrahim 

found an opportunity in this otherwise hard-hit market 

to realise his long-standing dream of starting a coach 

business in Australia. 

WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES BEN HOSKING 

40 


FROM THE 

ASHES 


41

OPERATOR 


Armed with grit, 

gumption and 

tremendous support 

from a friend in the 

industry, Ibrahim 

purchased two 21-seater coaches and 

launched a service in Sydney in the 

middle of a global pandemic. 

As some small bus and coach 

businesses began to leave the industry 

in early 2020, there was suddenly an 

increase in the number of vehicles 

for sale in a market where demand 

had plummeted. This gave Ibrahim 

an opportunity like none other. He 

was finally in a position to buy a few 

small coaches to get his business on 

the road, he explains. 

Ibrahim has been involved in the 

industry for a long time as a licenced 

heavy-vehicle driving instructor, trainer 

and assessor. Since migrating to 

Australia from Egypt in 2010, Ibrahim 

has been behind the wheels of buses 

and trucks, and this vocation for 

We want the market to be fair for everyone. 

That way it will bolster the industry and help 

provide safe services to passengers. 

driving fuelled a true passion to service 

the bus industry. 

He had looked into starting his 

business in 2016, but found the 

coaches, even used ones, much too 

expensive. However, last year he was 

finally able to invest in two Mitsubishi 

Rosas and two Toyota Hiace coaches. 

“I have always loved this industry, 

since the day I first drove a bus,” 

Ibrahim explained. 

“Last year finally gave me an 

opportunity to buy the vehicles 

because, suddenly, the market wasn’t 

so expensive to break into. I got the 

business accreditation and applied 

as a contractor with the [NSW] 

Department of Education. 

“Currently, we’re running a disability 

transport service for National Disability 

Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers. 

We also offer private bus hire and 

coach charter across Sydney.” 

A small, core team of three manages 

the business at present. His wife, 

Mariam Gindi, does the paperwork, 

while Ibrahim looks after the buses, 

general operations and everything in 

between. 

They have around 10 casual drivers 

and Ibrahim himself gets behind 

the wheel many times a week. St 

Marys-based heavy vehicle mechanic 

Brian Aeberhard is Ibrahim’s go-to guy 

for almost all repair work. 

“One person I wish to thank is my 

42 


Above + 

opposite: 

“The Zhongtong 

[models] are 

great luxury buses 

that have been 

performing very 

well for us,” said 

Ibrahim. 

Right: 

Ibrahim’s day 

starts at 4.00am 

with a full check 

of the coaches. 


43

OPERATOR 


Above: 

The fleet is made up 

of a 2012 Mitsubishi 

Rosa, two 2014 Rosa 

models, a 2015 Toyota 

Hiace, a 2010 Hiace 

and two Zhongtong 

2020 models. 

Right: 

There are plans to 

invest in another small 

coach this year. 

Opposite, bottom: 

The 21-seater 

van came with a 

wheelchair lift. 

44 


It fills me with 

energy when 

passengers say 

they felt safe in 

my coach. 

friend Philip Sheanoda, who runs his 

own bus and coach business in St 

Marys,” Ibrahim said. 

“Philip has helped me greatly in 

my professional journey so far. I’m 

indebted to him for his support and 

guidance throughout. 

“On the fleet side we have a 2012 

Mitsubishi Rosa, two 2014 Rosa 

models, a 2015 Toyota Hiace, a 2010 

Hiace and two Zhongtong 2020 

models. I like both Mitsubishi and 

Toyota for their performance and 

capacity. They’re the right fit for 

our business at present although we 

do plan to invest in another small 

coach this year. 

“Our 21-seater van came with the 

wheelchair lift, which was good for us 

for our work with NDIS providers. The 

Zhongtong are great luxury buses that 

have been performing very well for us. 

“While Covid-19 helped me get my 

foot in the door, it has also created a 

lot of uncertainty in the market. We’re 

not sure what will happen this year. I 

guess, we all have to wait and see how 

things go in the coming months.” 

during a pandemic sounds like a 

challenging if not Herculean task – 

fewer public transport contracts in the 

market, not enough local tourism, no 

international tourists, and an overall 

cloud of uncertainty shrouding the 

economy. 

However, as real as these factors 

are, for Ibrahim the biggest problem 

seems to be the competition created 

by non-accredited, non-licenced 

operators. 

“The one challenge facing the 

industry is that there are some 

operators that operate without 

accreditation and meeting operational 

requirements, sometimes without 

even valid licences, which makes it 

tough for smaller operators like us,” 

he explained. 

“We understand the rules and the 

cost structure, we have the necessary 

qualifications and experience, and, 

above all, we value how the rules are 

there to provide safety for passengers 

and operators alike and sticking by 

them helps everyone. 

“We want the market to be fair for 

everyone. That way, it will bolster the 

industry and help provide safe services 

to passengers. As a licenced heavy 

vehicle driving instructor and trainer, 

I believe in that very strongly.” 

Running his own relatively new 

small business means Ibrahim 

finds himself working round the 

clock. His day starts at 4.00am when 

he visits the depot to check all his 

coaches before the drivers arrive for 

work. 

DEMANDS OF THE JOB 

Launching a public transport business 


45

OPERATOR 


We are very conscientious about 

safety of all our passengers. 

Top: 

Safety is of the highest priority for the St Marys Bus NSW team. 

Above 

With buses dropping in price last year, Ibrahim picked up two 

Mitsubishi Rosa and two Toyota Hiace coaches to start his business. 

“I like to check all the vehicles 

early in the morning, so if there 

is any issue I have time to find a 

mechanic and get it fixed before 

the drivers come for their shifts,” 

he said. 

“I drive the coaches regularly 

and also train my staff on 

driving and managing tours. We 

sometimes have schools hiring 

these coaches for children 

with special needs and it is our 

responsibility to make sure that 

they have a safe journey. 

“As a team, we are very 

conscientious about safety of all 

our passengers. I also manage 

bookings on the phone so it’s a 

very hands-on role.” 

It is a demanding job, but the 

reward, says Ibrahim, is people’s 

smiles when they say “thank you 

for driving us”. 

“I get that feeling every time 

I see someone smile and say 

thank you. It fills me with energy 

when passengers say they felt 

safe in my coach. It means a 

great deal to me to help people 

get safely to their destinations.” 

GOING FORWARD 

“We do good work. We have 

an experienced team and a 

fleet of relatively new vehicles,” 

Ibrahim said. 

“I plan to contact the 

Department of Education again 

and see if I can get some more 

school runs this year. This is 

just the start. One day, I want 

to run the biggest coach 

company in Australia.” 

“We need government to help 

small business by giving them 

jobs not money; we want work 

because usually big companies 

take everything,” he said. 

46 


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TEST DRIVE IVECO SHUTTLE 22 

FAR FROM BASIC 

With the addition of the Shuttle 22 to its Daily minibus range, Iveco is 

providing a larger vehicle for standard operations that is far from basic 

when it comes to safety features and a quiet, comfortable ride. 

WORDS + IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE 

48 


The Iveco Daily minibus range 

has grown in Australia, with 

today’s test drive vehicle - the 

Shuttle 22 - the latest offering 

to the range. With a modern 

European design, the Daily minibus is 

available in 11-, 16- and 22-seat sizes, plus 

driver, with two trim levels – Shuttle and 

Executive – to meet the demands of the 

local minibus market. 

Speaking with regional sales manager 

George Stavrinou, we asked about the 

development of the range. 

“The first model came out around three 

years ago,” he explained. 

“We launched a 16 plus one [16 plus 

driver] in a Shuttle, which is the base 

model, and an Executive with leather seats 

[that is] a bit more upmarket. Then we 

followed with an 11 plus one, and we’ve 

had very good success with that. Around 

a year ago we brought out the 22 plus 

one, which is this model that you see in 

front of us and this is the latest model to 

the range.” 

As to why a 22-seat Shuttle seemed 

like the right way to expand, Stavrinou 

explained: “We felt like the 16-seater served 

a niche market, but we had requests from 

customers that really wanted to carry more 

passengers. So, we had a look at what we 

had available as far as chassis, and 22 was a 

good fit for the particular size of body that 

that we had available. 

“It meets a gap in the range and the 

target market will be rental companies 

that have minibuses on board: local 

tour operators, airport shuttle, aged care 

transport and government departments. 

We’ve built based on customer demand. 

It really has a big range of appeal. 

“We also have a bit of flexibility with this 

model to remove some seats from the rear 

and provide wheelchair access. We can 

make changes on a case-by-case basis, it 

all depends on what our customers need.” 

Being the times we are in, we asked 

Stavrinou about the order times and 

he confirms that Iveco has stock 

available right now for customers 

that are interested. 

“When we run out of the current stock 

we’re probably looking at around a 

six-month lead time if we’ve got to build 

a new one from scratch,” he added. 

PLENTY OF POWER 

Behind the Daily minibus range is a 

powerful Euro 6 engine with 180hp 

(134kW) and features a flat torque curve 

with maximum 430Nm from a low 

1,500–3,000rpm. 

“The engine is a really sweet engine,” 

Stavrinou said. 

“We’ve been running the 180hp 

Iveco FIC for about three years now. The 

same engine is also running in some of 

our seven-tonne vehicles, as well; our 

seven-tonne daily truck cab chassis and 

also our vans run that same engine, all 

with the ZF behind it. 

“So, the variable geometry turbo really 

gives you ... a lot of torque down low and 

it’s a pretty flat torque curve. So, if you look 

at the specs, you get 430Nm@1,500 to 

3,000rpm. It’s not like some competitors’ 

engines [that] will go up like a ramp, hit 

the peak torque and then fall off a cliff. 

These engines will actually make peak 

torque almost at idle. 

“The engine meets the strict Euro 6 

emissions measure using a combination 

system of exhaust gas recirculation 

(EGR) and selective catalytic reduction. 

Sometimes manufacturers will go one 

way or another, not often both but the 

advantage of going for a small EGR valve 

and then urea injection is you’re not using 

a lot of AdBlue. Our Euro 6 Daily use very 

little urea versus fuel, but I think for every 

90-litre tank you only use around about 

three and a half to four litres of AdBlue.” 

ESP 9 – SAFETY PLUS 

Having the two model types, Shuttle 

and Executive, we asked what we should 

expect from the base Shuttle model and 

what options can be added, if required, to 

meet operators’ needs. 

“The difference between the two 

models is basically on a ‘finish only’ 

basis,” Stavrinou said. 

“All safety gear comes as standard in 

both models. What we’ve basically done 

is put all the options in the vehicle as 

standard.” 

So, today, we can expect a drive from a 

base model in the , but with no shortcuts 

or omission of features related to vehicle 

safety. We really appreciate when features, 

especially of a safety nature, are included 

as standard with the base model of a 

range. Often this will be the model chosen 

to transport school children and the elderly 

where a luxury finish isn’t required but 

safety is vital. 

“Iveco have added their top-of-the-line 

safety package called ESP 9 to all their 

Daily minibus range,” Stavrinou added. 

“It’s basically a safety package that we 

buy from Bosch with a long list of safety 

features, so, no matter what vehicle you 

buy, safety is the main priority.” 

The ESP 9 safety package includes, 

as standard: front and rear disc brakes 

with an anti-lock braking system (ABS); 

lane departure warning (LDW); driver’s 

supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbag; 

electronic brake force distribution; anti-slip 

regulator; drag torque control; hill hold 

control; adaptive load control; trailer sway 

mitigation; hydraulic rear wheel 

boost; hydraulic fading compensation; 

roll-movement intervention; roll-over 

mitigation; and daytime running lights. 


49


We had requests from customers that really wanted 

to carry more passengers. 

Above: 

The driver gets a 

comfortable airsuspended 

seat. 

Right: 

The Daily range 

has good ground 

clearance for offroad 

needs. 

Opposite: 

Iveco added the 

top-of-the-line 

safety package 

called ESP 9 to 

the entire Daily 

minibus range; 

Internal overhead 

luggage storage 

is ample – an 

overnight bag 

would easily fit. 

FEATURE FOCUS 

It’s always interesting to find out what 

Australian components, if any, are used 

on a build. 

“We bring them in with just the 

air conditioning and a bare floor,” 

Stavrinou said. 

“Then we install the curtains, seating 

and rails, the floor coverings and the 

emergency switches on both sides. All 

this is fitted in our Dandenong plant 

with local componentry.” 

This is great to hear as even small 

locally sourced or made additions 

to a build allows local suppliers to be 

kept alive. 

For a personal opinion, we ask 

Stavrinou what aspects or features of 

the Shuttle 22 he is really proud of. 

“Honestly, the way the vehicle drives 

and handles both for the driver, but also 

for the passengers,” he answered. 

“So, that’s really where we believe the 

Shuttle 22 stands out from the crowd. 

The NVH [noise vibration and harshness] 

levels are very, very low compared to our 

competitors. 

“You’ll see, today, the ease of access 

to your daily checks. The ergonomics 

[are also a standout] – it doesn’t feel like 

50 


you’re driving a bus, it feels like you’re driving 

a car. If a driver’s doing long hours, they’re 

not going to come back fatigued. 

“I can speak from experience because 

I’ve done trips where I had to drive vans of 

a similar size to this one for four hours, and, 

with the Shuttle 22, you jump out like you’ve 

been in a car. 

“Ground clearance as well is better than 

a lot of our competitors, which is important 

sometimes, especially when you’re in touring 

and maybe going in off-road regions.” 

Aside from his personal favourite features, 

Stavrinou said that there are too many to 

mention smaller features and adaptations 

that make the Shuttle 22 a great choice for 

operators. He told us about one that makes 

good sense for ease of repair. 

“See how we’ve got the black plastic trim 

all the way around? That’s the first place 

where you’ll scrape or damage a vehicle. 

Those trims are not very expensive to buy at 

a dealer to replace, so, rather than having 

to get a panel beater and get some panel 

beating done, all you have to do is change a 

plastic part. 

“It’s the small design features like that that 

equate to the lower cost of ownership. We 

find it’s those features that fleet operators 

really appreciate from an Iveco.” 

Another feature that plays a part in 

efficiency and cost saving is the inclusion of 

a smart alternator across the Daily range. 

“What that means is that its smart 

technology detects when you need full 

power to the rear wheels and it’ll stop 

charging the alternator. Then, it’ll know 

that, when you’re on the brakes and you’re 

coasting, you’re slowing down, [so] it’ll put 

maximum charge, up to about 180 amps, 

through the battery. 

“So, the alternator technology is smart 

enough to give you very high current 

charging when you’re slowing down or when 

you don’t need power. So, for the majority of 

the time, the alternator is just freewheeling, 

adding to the to the fuel economy of the 

vehicle. It means that it requires a battery 

that is capable of taking those high currents. 

You can’t just put a standard battery in it. 

The way we’ve designed it, removing the 

battery out of the engine bay and putting 


51


it in the cabin, really extends its life 

because it’s always cool.” 

As to why the Daily Shuttle 22 is a 

smart choice for operators. Stavrinou 

says that the advantage to this vehicle 

is that there are already a lot in 

operation. 

“In the driveline the platform’s the 

same as the rest of our range,” he 

added. 

“So, for spare parts and servicing 

there’s a real advantage. If you want 

to replace the instrument cluster 

or the turbo or something like that, 

it’s not a unique product. The front 

bumper, the bonnet, the doors are all 

ESP9 OVERVIEW 

ABS – Anti-lock Braking System avoids wheel locking during heavy 

braking moments 

ASR – Anti-Slip Regulator, which acts on the engine and the brakes, preventing 

the drive wheels from skidding 

EBD – Electronic Brake Force dDstribution shares the brake force between front 

and rear axles 

ESP – Electronic Stability Program brakes each wheel and controls the engine 

by reducing the number of revolutions if the vehicle becomes unstable 

HBA – Hydraulic Brake Assist ensures emergency braking is as 

effective as possible 

HFC – Hydraulic Fading Compensation detects brakes’ fading conditions, 

increasing the brake circuit pressure up to ABS intervention level 

HHC – Hill Hold Control acts on the braking pressure to hold the vehicle 

during uphill departure 

No matter what vehicle 

you buy, safety is the 

main priority. 

the same – simplicity of range makes 

for real advantages for operators and 

reduction in downtime.” 

THE DRIVE 

The Shuttle 22 is the latest entry 

to the Iveco minibus family and, 

although called a minibus in size, it 

looks pretty impressive and larger 

Top: 

Versatile 

in its drive, 

the Shuttle 

22 handles 

both urban 

roads and 

rural, winding 

routes with 

ease. 

Below: 

ZF Hi-matic 

transmission 

with Eco 

mode. 

than what you’d expect up close. 

Yes, this is the base model of the 

range and there is an Executive option 

available but, although not a top-of-therange 

vehicle, it comes with a long list 

of features as standard across the range. 

This would have to be one of the key 

selling points to certainly take note of. 

Under the bonnet things couldn’t get 

any simpler, with clear and easy access 

to brake fluid, washer water bottle, 

water coolant, oil levels and top-up. The 

battery is by the passenger steps, but 

there’s a jump-start port here, too. 

To make it even easier, on the driver 

display there are indicators when you 

turn the ignition on that show all oil and 

water levels without going under the 

bonnet. No excuse for not doing your 

daily checks. 

The overall length is 7.5 metres, the 

external height is just over 2.9 metres 

and internal cabin height is 1.8m, so 

standing height for many. External 

safety features include daytime running 

lights and the mirrors have been carried 

over from the previous model – if they 

work well, why change? Truly great 

vision from these mirrors – some of the 

best we have tried – and electric and 

heated with good blind spot visibility 

at the base. 

From a driver’s perspective the 

driver’s area works really well, with an 

easy-to-read dash with touchscreen 

multimedia system, in-built reverse 

camera and really simple-to-use 

functions that show you everything 

you could need to know about the 

vehicle. The seat was a particularly 

notable feature, which feels like you’re 

sitting in an armchair. 

Stavrinou mentioned before the drive 

that the electronically controlled airbag 

suspension would probably be a little bit 

jerkier unladen than if you had a couple 

of passengers onboard. Iveco’s thinking 

is that it would rather have it drive well 

HRB – Hydraulic Rear-wheel Boost, which, in case of emergency braking, boosts 

the rear brake force to help reduce vehicle stopping distance 

LAC – Load Adaptive-braking Control identifies changes in the vehicle mass 

and center of gravity along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and adapts 

the interventions of ABS, traction control and ESP 

MSR – Motor Slip Regulation is engine speed management to control engine 

overrun braking 

RMI – Roll Movement Intervention mitigates dangerous roll-over situations 

during dynamic driving, such as evasive manoeuvres, U- turns, etc. 

ROM – Roll-Over Mitigation acts as an extension of RMI by mitigating rollover 

during quasi-stationary manoeuvres, such as motorway exits 

TSM – Trailer Sway Mitigation detects the presence of a trailer and adapts the 

ESC in order not to negatively influence the dynamics of the vehicletrailer 

system 

52 


YOU'VE TRIED THE REST 

Bus 

Comfort 

4036 

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4030X 

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Specs 

MAKE/MODEL: Iveco Shuttle 22 

ENGINE: 180hp Iveco FIC (Euro 

6) four-stroke diesel with directinjection, 

variable geometry 

turbocharger and intercooler; 

Power - (Max.) 180hp@2,800– 

3,500rpm; Torque - (max.) 

430Nm@1,500–3,000 rpm 

TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed ZF 

torque converter automatic (Himatic 

with Eco mode) 

EMISSIONS TECH: Exhaust gas 

recirculation system + selective 

catalytic reduction 

DIMENSIONS: (LxWxH) – 7,515mm 

x 2,174mm x 2,905mm 

GVM: 6,100kg 

TOWING: 3,500kg with braked 

trailer 

STEERING: Power steering; 

390mm diameter steering wheel 

with telescopic adjustment 

AXLES: Independent wheels 

(front); rigid, twin-wheel (rear) 

SUSPENSION: Independent with 

torsion bar (front); pneumatic air 

suspension with ECAS (rear) 

BRAKES: Disc brakes front and 

rear; ABS and ESP; manual 

parking brake on rear axle; service 

brakes dual circuit with vacuum 

servo; brake wear warning lights 

for front and rear 

FUEL TANK: 90L 

ADBLUE TANK: 25L 

CHASSIS: C-Section steel 

longitudinal side members and 

tubular cross members 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 12V – 110 

Ah battery; 12V – 180 A smart 

alternator; trailer wiring to rear of 

chassis 

WHEELS: 6J x R16 

TYRES: 225/65 Rl6 

SAFETY: ESP9 program; Day-time 

running lights 

MISC.: Iveconect multimedia 

system with steering wheel 

audio/phone controls; Bluetooth 

connectivity; anti-corrosion 

protection by full cataphoretic 

dipping; two rear doors 270° 

opening with heated windows; 

heated and electrically adjustable 

mirrors; electric bus plug door; 

athermic windscreen and single 

athermic glued windows; thermoacoustic 

insulation; four =-speed 

electrical fans with air distribution 

functions and air recirculation; 

A/C for driver with automatic 

control; passenger air conditioning 

through air channels on luggage 

rack; reverse camera; premium 

timber-imitation PVC floor 

covering standard; LED lighting; 

adjustable and air-suspended 

driver seat; electric driver window; 

cruise control 

with 10, 20 passengers in there than the driver 

on their own. Saying that, we found the drive 

very comfortable if a little bouncy with only 

three on board, but certainly comfortable. 

It was also super quiet, both as a driver and 

passenger down the back, as we tried out 

both positions. 

Internal overhead luggage storage is ample 

– an overnight bag would easily fit – though 

the rear storage area in this model isn’t huge 

as the 22 seats take up maximum floor space. 

However, the Shuttle 22 is probably not aimed 

specifically at the long-haul market, plus there 

is always the option of adding a trailer with a 

towing capacity of 3,500kg. 

The two rear-door access opening at 270 

degrees means that entry to this area is 

really generous. 

Above: 

With a 270-degree opening angle for the back doors, 

there’s plenty of room to get in and out. 

Below: 

The engine meets the strict Euro 6 emissions 

measure using a combination system of exhaust gas 

recirculation (EGR) and selective catalytic reduction. 

From city to winding 

country roads, the 

Shuttle 22 performed 

great on all. 

At the point of purchase, customers are 

given an SD card so they can download the 

latest maps for free, with speed limits and new 

roads, and insert this into the bus’ navigation 

system. After this, customers can annually 

download the latest maps and update their 

system for a minimal fee, so the vehicle always 

has the latest data for the driver. 

In addition to the aircon there’s an 

extraction fan for ventilation, which is good 

for days when the weather really doesn’t need 

the aircon operating, or to remove built-up 

heat in a parked vehicle. 

The transmission is an eight-speed ZF 

Hi-matic with Eco mode – synonymous with 

quality and longevity. The gearstick is very 

easy to operate, with a Power button and an 

Eco mode. When doing flat, not fully loaded 

driving, Eco mode means the transmission 

changes gears at a lower rpm to help optimise 

fuel economy. The Power mode will help give 

a bit more oomph when fully loaded and, 

when going downhill, will hold the gears for 

longer. Both modes give what you need when 

you need it, with the best economy. 

The drive from Iveco’s headquarters in 

Dandenong, Victoria, put us on both suburban 

and country roads and the coupling of the ZF 

transmission with Iveco’s Euro 6 180hp engine 

was the perfect combination. This Minibus 

feels like it has plenty of power in all terrains. 

The turning circle is outstanding, as well. 

From city to winding country roads, the 

Shuttle 22 performed great on all. We could 

see this working well for everything from wine 

tours to busy suburban runs; the Shuttle 22 

can handle it all. 

54 


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everywhere 

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PASSENGER INFORMATION SYSTEMS 

GUIDE 

STAYING ON TRACK 

Clear and accurate passenger information is vital to keep customers up to date and 

on the move to their destination. On a busy bus in rush hour, or waiting at a station 

with lots of vehicles arriving and departing, the latest technological advances in 

passenger information systems make it easier for both those running the buses 

and those catching them. Here, we take a look at a few... 

THOREB AUSTRALIA 

THOREB AUSTRALIA is one of 10 

subsidiaries of AB Thoreb Sweden, 

founded in 1978 by Ph. Dr. Thore 

Brynielsson. AB Thoreb proudly 

remains a family business, running 

manufacturing operations within its 

homeland of Sweden and various other 

locations throughout Europe. 

With more than 20 years’ experience in 

the industry, Thoreb Australia is a wholly 

owned subsidiary of the Swedish parent 

company, with a head office at Prestons, 

in southern Sydney. 

Thoreb prides itself on its 

forward-thinking approach to technology, 

including its ‘Multiplexing’ technology, 

which aids in fleet management, vehicle 

control and passenger experience 

throughout automation and data 

collection, it states. 

The first bus ever manufactured in 

Australia using this technology was a joint 

project between Volgren and Brisbane 

City Council late in 1999. 

Built on a Volvo B10L chassis this bus 

was years ahead of its time, boasting the 

C90+ Konfram on-board computer some 

18 years ago, showing the innovation 

and commitment Volgren and Volvo 

have made to the Australian market, 

cementing them both as current market 

leaders, says Thoreb. 

In more recent times, Thoreb continued 

its innovation at both B2B and B2C 

levels, unveiling real-time web tracking, 

telematics, fleet management, passenger 

counting systems and, most recently, 

top-quality white LED destination sign 

equipment made in Europe. 

For more information, visit: 

www.thoreb.com. 


57

GLOBALLY 

RECOGNISED 

PROUDLY 

INDEPENDENT 

G4 DESTINATION 

DISPLAYS 

Hanover’s new range of G4 LED displays are fully surface 

mounted and fully backwards compatible with existing 

products. We continue to offer an extensive range of sign 

sizes and colour options to suit different vehicle models. 

Hanover’s G4 destination displays again set the global 

standard by offering an efficient, reliable and cost 

effective solution that is slimmer and lighter than our 

previous range of LED signs. 

G4 combines the very latest power efficient SMD technology 

with our patented power saving LORA software. 

TFT PASSENGER 

INFORMATION DISPLAYS 

Our latest range of Thin Film Transistor (TFT) displays 

provides crystal clear information to the travelling passengers 

ensuring the smooth running of transport networks. 

The TFTs are automatically updated along the route, 

through a number of different inputs such as GPS, door 

switch and odometer. In addition to next stop, timetable 

and transfer information, the system can also be easily 

set up to show location-based advertising and real-time 

web and video feeds ensuring your passengers always 

have all the latest news. 

PHONE: 03 9872 6673 

PARTS@PARTSSUPPLY.COM.AU 

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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 & 

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Mobile app 

Driver Fatigue 

Monitoring 

PARTS SUPPLY SOLUTIONS IS A FULLY LICENSED SECURITY COMPANY

GUIDE 

PASSENGER INFORMATION SYSTEMSE 

SMART CHOICE 

Promoting safety, intelligence and operational efficiency through comprehensive 

passenger information solutions. 

PASSENGER INFORMATION is 

a critical component of 

any transit operation, but 

technology advancements, 

operational efficiencies and 

real-time updates can make these once 

basic solutions a critical component of 

smart cities. 

As a single source for all passenger 

information, ranging from on-board 

destination displays, interior next-stop 

and infotainment to displays at stops and 

stations, Luminator Technology Group 

(Luminator) offers a complete, end-to-end 

solution consisting of all the hardware and 

software required to manage passenger 

information. With the added capability 

to integrate into system architecture, a 

modular, automated and service-friendly 

network of information can 

be obtained. 

ON-BOARD PASSENGER 

INFORMATION 

Luminator supplies a full range of 

destination displays ranging from amber 

to full-colour for locations all around the 

bus or train. Optimised for durability and 

reliability, displays are easy to service and 

provide optimal visibility in all lighting 

conditions, ensuring the best readability 

for passengers. 

Interior display options are also versatile 

and optimised for operational efficiency. 

From simple text of next-stop displays 

to high-definition monitors displaying 

route information, advertising and public 

service announcements, content is easy 

to manage, update and automate for 

network-wide real-time updates. 

STATIONS AND STOPS 

Offering best-in-class solutions utilizing 

E-paper, TFT and LED technologies, 

Luminator supplies a full range of 

destination displays ranging from amber to 

full-colour. 

Luminator supplies a solution for 

virtually any application and mounting 

location. Possible locations range from 

large overview displays at rail stations to 

solar-powered displays in areas where 

power is not available or infeasible due 

to budget. Whether at close range or 

long distances, the technology Luminator 

supports provides a solution for all 

scenarios. 

With the ability to push real-time 

updates to the entire network or select 

locations or routes, messages about 

delays, outages, service alerts, public 

service announcements and emergencies 

can be dispatched quickly to inform not 

only passengers but also pedestrians and 

the general public. 

No matter how complex or specific your 

requirements, Luminator’s technology 

solutions combine the most up-to-date 

passenger information for on-board 

or stationary applications. Regardless 

of their associated interfaces and data 

formats, our technology will turn it all into 

user-friendly, reliable applications. 

Clients in over 85 countries worldwide 

benefit from Luminator’s decades of 

software development experience. Our 

service teams are local, supplying support 

when and where you need it to ensure 

ongoing operational efficiencies and 

informed transport passengers. 

60 


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

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busnews.com.au JUNE 2021 ABC 

65

CONTACT Phil 03 5623 5377 

admin@warragulbuslines.com.au 

2013 HIGER 

Road Boss, Cummins, 

Automatic, 53 Seatbelts, A/C 

2000 MERCEDES 

0405 

Volgren body, Lowfloor, 

2-door, AC 

1999 VOLVO B7 

Auto Bus Body, Auto, 

53 Seatbelt seats, 

Air Conditioned. 

2010 SCANIA K320 

Higer A30, 57 Seatbelts, 

Auto, A/C, 385,000km 

2005 MERCEDES 

0500RF 

50 Recliners, Toilet, 

A/C, Manual 

$115,000 + GST 

$28,000 + GST 

$50,000 + GST 

$140,000 + GST $95,000 + GST 

2004 MERCEDES 

0500RF 

Autobus, 57 Seatbelts, 

A/C, Manual 

$75,000 + GST 

2002 IVECO 

Custom CB50 body, 61 

seats, Manual, Thermoking. 

480,000km 

$45,000 + GST 

2006 HINO RK260 

P&D body, 57 seats, Manual. 

360,000 KMS 

$56,000 + GST 

2013 BONLUCK 

President, Cummins, 

Automatic, 57 Seatbelts, A/C 

$120,000 + GST 

2008 HINO RN8J 

A/C, 57 Seats, Manual 

$65,000 + GST 

ABC-HH-5171496-TS-406 

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66 ABC JUNE 2021 busnews.com.au

WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154 Bookings for next issue close on JULY 15th 2021 

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 

2009 ROADMASTER 

AUTOBUS 

Cummins ISL320hp, Allison 

automatic inc retarder, 59 lap 

sash seat belted seats, Tracs 

A/C, large undefloor bins, very 

clean,travelled 351,000klm 

$80,0000.00+GST 

2017 MITSUBISHI 

ROSA DELUXE 

6sp manual, 24 fixed coach 

seats inc lap sash seat belts, Sat 

Nav, Nudge bar, 50mm towbar, 

very clean, travelled approx. 

109,000klm 

$90,000.00+GST 

2018 VOLVO B8R 

automatic, Marcopolo 57 

passenger lap sash seat belted, 

Spheros A/C, underfloor bins, DVD 

travelled only 105,000klm 

Reduced to 

$245,000.00+GST 

2010 SCANIA K320IB 

A30 

automatic, 57 passenger lap 

sash seat belted, A/C, underfloor 

bins, DVD, travelled approx 

380,000klms. 

$140,000.00+GST Neg 

2011 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 

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2015 MERCEDES 

BENZ 0500R 

automatic, Irizar Century 

12.5m body, 57 lap sash 

seat belted seats, A/C, 

DVD, travelled approx. 

198,000.00klm 

$175,000.00+GST 

2013 BONLUCK 

‘SENATOR 12” 

Cummins ISL320hp 

Alllison automatic inc retarder, 

57 lap sash seated belted seats, 

A/C, underfloor bins, travelled 

approx. 275,000klm 

$120,00.00+GST 

2013 BONLUCK 

“PRESIDENT 2” 

Cummins ISL360hp, Allison 

automatic inc retarder, 53 lap 

sash seat belted seats in cloth, 

large underfloor bins, DVD, 

travelled approx. 242,000klm 

Reduced to $130,000+GST 

2015 IVECO 

EURORIDER 

automatic, 13.2m Irizar Century 

body, 52 lap sash seat belted 

recliners, toilet, A/C, travelled 

only 102,000klm 

$215,000+GST Neg 

2 X 2011 MITSUBISHI 

ROSA DELUXE 

automatic, 24 fixed coach seats 

inc lap sash seat belts, travelled 

approx. 320,000klms 

$26,500.00+GST each 

2012-2014 BOX 

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DELIVERIES MAY 2021 

Deliveries maintain 

consistent pace in May 

There’s ittle change in monthly figures and yearly average, 

exclusive ABC data reveals. 

May’s bus and coach deliveries remain in 

line with 2021 trends, ending at 91 for 

the month. 

The ongoing consistency sees three of 

the five months so far at 91 or 92 – the 

outliers being 99 and 87 – while both the median and 

average are a steady 92. 

In the chassis sector, Volvo takes top spot from Scania 

with 35 deliveries, one off its yearly best, while the 

latter eases to 21. Mercedes-Benz and Yutong share 

third spot with 13 each. BLK Auto, formerly referred to 

as BLK/Bonluck before its recent re-branding, recorded 

three deliveries. 

A busy body-building sector, involving 17 

brands, was once again led by Volgren with 19 

deliveries plus a further three from subsidiary 

Supportrans. Yutong matched its 13 chassis 

with 13 bodies. Bustech, despite no chassis 

this month, recorded 10 body builds. Custom 

Bus followed on nine, and BCI was in a similar 

situation to Bustech, with no chassis but eight bodies. 

Another interesting deliveries trend, this time in the 

air-con sector, sees Thermo King with 37 units for the 

third month this year (the other two months saw 36 and 

40). Spheros was second in 13, with Cling-Yutong the 

other to reach double figures. 

Victoria led the way for the states on 33 per cent, 

followed by NSW on 25 per cent. WA wasn’t far behind 

on 23 per cent. 

Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach 

delivery information for May. Please note all data is as 

supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion. 

May’s bus and coach deliveries remain 

in line with 2021 trends, ending at 91 

for the month. 

70 


Volgren 19 

Yutong 13 

Bustech 10 

Custom Bus 9 

BCI 8 

Express Coaches 5 

BLK Auto 4 

Gemilang 4 

Scania Higer Touring 4 

Irizar 3 

Volgren/Supportrans 3 

Coach Concepts 2 

Coach Design 2 

P&D Coachworks 2 

Challenger 1 

Marcopolo 1 

Omnibus 1 

SALES BY BODY 

A busy body-building sector, involving 17 brands, 

was once again led by Volgren with 19 deliveries 

plus a further three from subsidiary Supportrans. 

Yutong matched its 13 chassis with 13 bodies. 

Bustech, despite no chassis this month,recorded 10 

body builds. Custom Bus followed on nine, and BCI 

was in a similar situation to Bustech, with no chassis 

but eight bodies. 

7% 

SA 

12% 

23% 

WA 

Percentage by 

REGION 

33% 

VIC 

% 

SALES BY 

AIR-CONDITIONER 

Another interesting deliveries trend, this time in the aircon 

sector, sees Thermo King with 37 units for the third 

month this year (the other two months saw 36 and 40). 

Spheros was second in 13, with Cling-Yutong the other to 

reach double figures. 

Thermo King 37 

Spheros 13 

Cling-Yutong 10 

Hispacold 8 

N/A 8 

Denso 6 

Coachair 5 

Konvekta 4 

QLD 

25% 

NSW 

VOLVO 35 

SCANIA 21 

MERCEDES-BENZ 13 

YUTONG 13 

Sales by chassis 

In the chassis sector, Volvo takes top spot from Scania with 35 deliveries, one off its yearly best, 

while the latter eases to 21. Mercedes-Benz and Yutong share third spot with 13 each. BLK Auto, 

formerly referred to as BLK/Bonluck before its recent re-branding, recorded three deliveries. 

BLK AUTO 3 

MAN 3 

HINO 2 

CHALLENGER 1 


71

DELIVERIES MAY 2021 

MANUFACTURER, 

OPERATOR & LOCATION 

UNITS 

CHASSIS 

(Model) 

BODY 

BUILDER 

HP* 

ENGINES 

Rear / Front 

Emissions 

standard 

BLK AUTO School Bus Logistics WA 1 President 10 BLK Auto 250 R Euro 5 

Hurstbridge Bus & Coach VIC 2 MAN President 2 BLK Auto 320 R Euro 5 

CHALLENGER Mahoneys Coaches NSW 1 V12 GT Challenger 360 R Euro 5 

HINO N/A NSW 1 FD240 P&D Coachworks 240 F Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 FD240 P&D Coachworks 240 F Euro 5 

MAN Coast and Country QLD 1 IC.19.320.RR8 BLK Auto 320 R Euro 5 

Premier Motor Services NSW 2 LE.19.320.RC2.E6 Custom Bus 320 R Euro 6 

MERCEDES-BENZ N/A VIC 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Coach Design 360 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 OC500RF E6 1936 BCI 360 R Euro 6 



N/A WA 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Omnibus 360 R Euro 5 

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

N/A WA 1 OC500RF/3 E5 2543 BCI 360 R Euro 5 





N/A QLD 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

N/A QLD 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

SCANIA CDC Sunshine Pty Ltd VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Volgren/Supportrans 310 R Euro 5 

Department of Public Transport Infrastructure SA 5 K 320 UB4X2 Bustech 320 R Euro 6 

L C Dyson's Bus Services VIC 4 K 310 UB4X2 Gemilang 310 R Euro 5 

McHarry's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Express Coaches 310 R Euro 5 

McHarry's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Express Coaches 310 R Euro 5 

McHarry's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 310 UB4X2 Express Coaches 310 R Euro 5 

McHarry's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 320 UB4X2 Express Coaches 320 R Euro 6 

Mee's Bus Lines VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Concepts 310 R Euro 5 

Mooroopna Passenger Service VIC 1 K 360 IB4X2 Scania Higer Touring 360 R Euro 5 

Tasmanian Tours & Travel VIC 1 K 320 UB4X2 Express Coaches 320 R Euro 6 

Ventura Bus Lines VIC 1 K 360 IB4X2 Scania Higer Touring 360 R Euro 6 

Ventura Bus Lines VIC 2 K 360 IB4X2 Scania Higer Touring 360 R Euro 6 

WBL VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Volgren/Supportrans 310 R Euro 5 

VOLVO Kanga Coach Lines SA 1 B8R Marcopolo 330 R Euro 5 

Nuline Charter VIC 1 B8R Supportrans 330 R Euro 5 

CDC Victoria VIC 4 B5LH Volgren 240 R Euro 6 

Port Stephen Coaches NSW 1 B11R Coach Concepts 410 R Euro 5 

Buslines Group NSW 5 B8RLE Bustech 320 R Euro 6 

Busways Pacific NSW 7 B8R Custom 330 R Euro 5 

Irizar Asia Pacific QLD 1 B11R Irizar 450 R Euro 5 

Westside Bus Co QLD 1 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Transport for Brisbane QLD 6 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Perth Transport Authorities WA 6 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Perth Transport Authorities WA 2 B8RLEA Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

YUTONG N/A WA 1 D12 Yutong 360 R Euro 5 

N/A WA 1 D12 Yutong 360 R Euro 5 




N/A WA 1 T12 Yutong 350 R Euro 5 



N/A NSW 1 E12 Yutong 422kWh R Zero Emission 





TOTAL DELIVERIES 91 

72 


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 

Charter 

City or 

Route 

School 

SEATING 

SEAT 

BELTS 

A Allison 2 10.06 Spheros 43 – – – – – X Sege Yes 

A ZF 2 12.5 Spheros 57 – – – X – X Sege Yes 

AS Cummins 2 12.36 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X Fainsa Yes 

PS Hino 2 10.00 Thermo King 43 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

PS Hino 2 10 Thermo King 43 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Spheros X – – – X – – Sege Y 

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

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

A ZF 2 13.5 Denso 61 – – – – X – McConnell N 



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

A ZF 2 13.5 Thermo King 68 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

A ZF 3 13.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 3 13.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 3 13.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 



A ZF 2 12.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X Sege N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X Sege N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Coachair 57 – – – – – x McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 11.7 Hispacold – – 43 – – x – Precision Bus N 

A ZF 2 12 Thermo King – – 38 – – x – NB Trimming N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Coachair 57 – – – – – x McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 13 Coachair 57 – – – – – x McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Coachair – – 49 – – x – McConnell N 

O Scania 2 12.5 Coachair – – 49 – – x – McConnell N 

O Scania 2 13 Denso 57 – – – – – x Styleride Y 

O Scania 2 12.3 Konvekta 57 – – – – – – Styleride N 

A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King 49 – – – – x – Styleride N 

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

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

A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King 57 – – – – – x Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 N/A 57 – – – – – X Marcopolo Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnells Y 

A Volvo 2 10-12.9 N/A 40 – X – – X – McConnells N 

A Volvo 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 57 – – – X – – Styleride Y 

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

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King X – – – – – X McConnells Y 

A Volvo 3 10-12.9 Hispacold – 57 – – X – – Sege Y 

A Volvo 2 10-12.9 Thermo King – – 44 – – 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 ZF 3 10-12.9 Thermo King – – X – – X – McConnell N 

A Allison 2 12.4 Cling-Yutong 57 – – – X – – Yutong Y 





A ZF 2 12.4 Spheros 53 – – – X – – Yutong Y 



A N/A 2 12.5 Cling-Yutong – – 44 – – X – Styleride Y 





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


73

MAXIMISE 

your audience 

reach with 

3,315 

AUDITED CIRCULATION * 

+28,366 

WEBSITE VISITORS 

EVERY 

MONTH † 

Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) distributes 

3,315 copies every month based on the auditing 

period April to September 2020. 

These figures are independently audited by the 

Circulations Audit Board (CAB). 

Are Media proudly publishes CAB audit figures for 

Australasian Transport News (ATN), Australasian 

Bus & Coach (ABC) and Owner Driver magazines. 

Visit industry.aremedia.com.au for more information. 

*Average number of copies distributed per issue for the 6 months from April to September 2020. 

†Average Sessions per month, January to December 2020

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ABC #406

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