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Higer has a wide range of 28 to 57 seat buses designed specifically for local conditions. Best-in-class components and standard safety features include ABS, ASR, lap sash seat belts and reversing camera on every model. With the addition of EBS and ESC Higer ensures maximum safety, comfort and class-leading reliability.

Combine this with an extensive dealer and service network and extended driveline warranty,* and it’s easy to see why more people are getting on board with Higer.

*Optional 2 year driveline warranty extension available (4 years total). Conditions apply.

There’s a Higer for every purpose

HIGER’S NEW BUS & COACH RANGE

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001Driver’s Seat

“...there will be all sorts of organisations and people flogging the ‘cleaner’ benefits of sticking with traditional fuel sources. How will it all pan out?”

Fabian Cotter

IT’S KIND OF SCARY, really. Advertisements that pop up on your social media accounts relating to stuff that you looked up on your computer

a few days earlier just using a normal web browser.

Somewhere, somehow, someone – or thing – worked out what you were interested in then tracked you down on your social media account and nonchalantly flicks a related advertisement past your eye. Just like that.

Scarier? Search for something on another computer in another place, but such ads still pop up when you are at home and on facebook et al.

Hmm...It was quite a sexy video, for what it’s

worth, advertising the ‘sauciness’ (the only way I could put it) of coal from the Minerals Council of Australia. “Coal creates light and jobs, powers our homes and economy. And it can now reduce its emissions by up to 40 per cent”. In fact, put simply, “Coal, it’s an amazing thing.”

A slick video ensues, indeed, but I found the timing of it all a little weird.

Not only had I been researching some climate-change-related stuff recently, but I had been doing so on another computer. In a library, to be exact. Then at home and ‘facebooking’ and coal ads start popping up. Serendipitous coincidence, or something much more connected to the landmark climate-change deal signed at

the Conference Of Parties 2015 (AKA Paris Climate Conference), in Paris last December. I’m reckoning someone’s now a little worried.

In case you have missed it, an historic agreement to combat climate change was agreed by 195 nations and - for the first time - all nations committed to a common cause on climate action based on their historic, current and future responsibilities. Touted by many critics as ‘the beginning of the end of fossil fuel’, the goal is to keeping the rise in global sea temperature below 2°C. In fact, the official COP people state: “The agreement even establishes, for the first time, that we should be aiming for 1.5°C, to protect island states, which are the most threatened by the rise in sea levels.”

This agreement is massive! You can’t get a handful of nations to totally agree on the merits and use of the DRS (Decision Review System) in international cricket let alone getting 195 to commit time, money, energy, manpower and other resources to changing the way we collectively do business each day. And with commercial vehicles so reliant on diesel fuel and an increasing push towards full electro-mobility, there will be all sorts of organisations and people flogging the ‘cleaner’ benefits of sticking with traditional fuel sources. How it all pans out will be very interesting, indeed - particularly in terms of electric vehicles and just how the electricity that powers them is produced and delivered and not so much the ‘cherry on top’ fact of fewer or no emissions from an end point out of the vehicle itself.

Wind-turbine generators, hydroelectric schemes and most obviously solar panel technology and development are all totally on the cards now, in a big way. In fact, the latter would entail acres of solar panel ‘fields’ (like crops) soaking in the rays 24/7 to generate electricity for us all. And Australia - with its vast empty outback spaces – needs to be assessing suitable venues and getting onto it ASAP, as far as I’m concerned.

Still the problem with such big agreements is that all these things take time to really kick in, even at their fastest. So in terms of buses and coaches that’s a lot of time for the way the ‘cleaner’ commuter-transport game evolves and how we tackle it.

Euro6 may well now get green-lighted

faster; hybrid-electric and fully electric buses will be at the forefront of many organisations minds, such as this issue’s cover-story ‘All-Aussie’ electric bus from Bustech – and the plans that Chinese-Australian outfit Brighsun has for advanced battery technology globally could play a crucial role in how we charge things less often but for longer usage. Seemingly setting a new world record for the greatest distance travelled by an electric bus on a single charge of 1018km is an (potentially) astronomical, game-changing feat. Either way, the transport world is in for some very interesting times, indeed.

This issue we have a oodles of things for you to sink your 2015/2016 holiday-period teeth into. Hmm... Maybe that should be ‘noodles’, then? I dunno... We check out the massive coach and bus spectacle that was the 2015 Busworld Kortrijk show held in Belgium recently, while examining the bi-articulated Scania Megabus, which is being used in South American BRT systems. A sign of more to come for other global markets? Who knows, it could prove quite an interesting product option for the big Swede.

We also check out a few of the leading bus seat making and refurbishing companies on the market – passenger and driver bum comfort being ever so important on any journey, really. Plus we head to Hobart, Tasmania to check out Metro Tasmania, which celebrated its 60th anniversary earlier this year.

And finally we continue our chat with Volvo Bus Australia’s GM Sean Copeland while taking the new Volkswagen T6 and Caddy people-movers out for a quick Sydney spin.

Ultimately, though, by the time you read this it will be during the end-of-year holiday period, so I hope you and your families enjoy a great and happy festive season and that the new year brings love, peace and good fortune to you. And not necessarily in that order – just take what you get. Trust me. ;)

Until the next thrilling instalment...

CBT22_p001_Fab.indd 1 22/12/2015 7:47 PM

Issue 022

Regulars

ContentsCONTACT DETAILS

PO Box 3294 Erina, NSW 2250 www.truckandbus.net.au

Enquiries Tel: 0411 099 091

Follow us on Twitter #truckandbusnews

Managing Editor/Editor Fabian Cotter [email protected]

Art Director Luke Melbourne www.groeningdesigns.com.au

Advertising Sales E: [email protected] T: 0411 099 091

Contributing Writers Chris Smith, David Meredith, Sven-Erik Lindstrand, Allen Matzel

Contributing Photographers Mark Bean, Cristian Brunelli, Jan Glovac, David Meredith, Chris Smith, Paul Jakubicki, Matthew Everingham

Coach & Bus magazine is produced under license by the Truck Power Media Group Pty Ltd. ABN 85 122 374 547 six times per year and is distributed to bus and coach operators, business professionals and the industry throughout Australia.

All material contained herein including text, photography, design elements and format are copyright and cannot be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Truck Power Media Group is a member of the Copyright Agency Limited (1800 066 844).

Editorial contributions are welcome for consideration. Contact the Editor for guidelines, fees and level of interest.

All unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a stamp, addressed envelope for their return. We will not be held responsible for material supplied electronically.

Proudly printed in Australia.

Single copy price $6.60 incl. GST

Driver’s SeatThe recent Paris climate-change agreement between 195 countries is massive. Editor Cotter ponders its impact on buses and transport.

Up FrontWe wrap up the key local and international bus and coach news that affects us as a global industry and where we are heading.

In Depth – Adams’ Awards, 2015INDUSTRY STANDARD: On the west side of Australia, tour and transport operator Adams has been squirrelling away setting benchmark standards of bus and coach travel for the western state. A flurry of recent major awards celebrate that fact. Fabian Cotter reports.

Hot Stuff – Gadgets on the GoIf you are past Lego and Meccano then these trick gadgets on the go are hard to resist. You may not need them, but you’ll certainly want them. Or is that vice-versa?

Working Wheels / Company CarA bit of a special one this issue; VW is moving on given the recent ‘Dieselgate’ fiasco and has launch its latest range of non-affected T6 and Caddy vans and people movers for Australia. Fabian Cotter spent some time at the recent Sydney launch to check out the range.

MoneyThey say there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. While unfortunately we haven’t quite worked out how to make that the ‘death of taxes’, we don’t want to be caught out by either. Life insurance is key to helping offset the ramifications of the former, as financial guru Paul Clitheroe explains.

010418616264

3818

5649Missed an issue? Surf to www.truckandbus.net.au to register for a FREE back-issue today!

&coach buswww.truckandbus.net.au Issue 18 $6.60 incl. GST

LEARNING SPANISHIRIZAR - AT HOME IN OZOPERATOR: Buslink VIVO NEWS: Scania Poo Bus? INTERNATIONAL: Volvo Hybrid Electric INTERVIEW: HVA-King Long’s Anthony FisicaroCBT18_p000_COV.indd 1

25/02/2015 2:19 pm


INTERVIEW: Nikki Brouwers NEWS: Volgren Double-Deck EVENT: 61st UITP Milan, 2015 TECH: Solar Roads Concept

DAIMLER'S AWARD-WINNING CITARO IS FINALLY HERE!

Shining Star

CBT20_p000_COV.indd 1

25/06/2015 10:20 pm


INTERVIEW: Sean Copeland FEATURE: Higer H8200 Platinum GUIDE: Bus Air-conditioning TECH: Willie LCD Bus

VOLGREN DOUBLE DECK - VICTORIA'S SECRET!

High Roller

BusVic 2015Massive Show

Report

CBT21_p000_COV.indd 1 16/09/2015 10:09 pm

CBT22_p002-003_Con.indd 2 23/12/2015 1:11 PM

&coach bus

Shock and AweCOVERSTORY: Hidden away in a Star Wars, out-of-space feel tent at the 2015 BusVic Maintenance Conference and Expo was the latest show-stopping bus from Queensland-based BusTech. And as Australia’s first ‘All-Aussie’ fully electric bus it certainly did that. Fabian Cotter reports.

Busworld Kortrijk, 2015EVENT: It is THE bus show to end all bus shows, arguably; they don’t get much bigger than Busworld Kortrijk, held in Belgium every two years. With franchises all around the world, until an Asia Pacific version sets up – just saying - the 2015 European one is your best bet. Fabian Cotter checks it out.

Long Train RunningTECH: Trains still dominate the thinking in terms of mass commuter use, but what if buses were more like trains? The new Scania Mega Bus is one heck of an artic for the South American market. A trend cometh? Who knows? Fabian Cotter reports.

20

56

28

38

42

49

28

Game of ThronesGUIDE: No-one’s going to use a bus or a coach if the seats are uncomfortable, dirty or generally just look like crap – though some need to for anti-graffitti purposes. Some of the latest styles and designs are so good they make you not want to leave the bus. We examine a few of the leading seat makers and refurbishers around.

60 Minutes with... - Part 2INTERVIEW: Last issue we heard exclusively about how Volvo Bus Australia keeps at the top of its game and where it sees itself at. Now we look beyond and how the industry’s future may unfold. We continue our lengthy chat with general manager Sean Copeland. Fabian Cotter reports.

Second Chance DrawOPERATOR: Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2015, Tasmania bus operator Metro Tasmania has been doing good things for a while now and recently eyed a bargain in some ex-Melbourne Airport low-floors. Fabian Cotter headed way south to see how the refurbishing programme is going.

Features

“A massive 411 companies from 36 countries exhibited – with most bus manufacturers presenting at least one alternative powertrain vehicle.”

CBT22_p002-003_Con.indd 3 23/12/2015 1:11 PM

UpFront follow us online at: www.truckandbus.net.au

004 www.truckandbus.net.au

UITP WELCOMES HISTORIC CLIMATE DEALTHE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION of

Public Transport (UITP) welcomed the

landmark climate agreement made at

COP21 in Paris, late 2015, but reminds

governments that more must be done to

bridge the ‘emissions gap’.

An historic agreement to combat

climate change was agreed by 195

nations in Paris in December 2015,

with - for the first time - all nations

committing to a common cause on

climate action based on their historic,

current and future responsibilities.

Despite the landmark deal, the

promises given by countries to curb

their emissions in the run-up to the

COP21 will fall far short of the 2-degree

goal. Bridging the ‘emissions gap’ will

require even more commitment from

governments, meaning that a greater

focus on developing public transport is

needed, according to UITP.

Currently, around a quarter of all

countries that have identified specific

transport interventions have pledged

to focus efforts on public transport.

These are positive steps, but there is

considerable scope for further action,

it’s stated.

The good news is that countries

have agreed to submit updated climate

plans every five years, which is further

underlined by the agreement’s robust

transparency and accounting system,

which will provide clarity on countries’

implementation.

“UITP hails the historic agreement

made in Paris ... as it marks the

beginning of the end for fossil fuels and

offers a strong signal to markets for

green investment and innovation,” said

Alain Flausch, UITP secretary general.

“However, in order to meet the 2

degrees Celsius goal, expanding public

transport will be vital in the months and

years to come”.

UITP is a passionate champion

of sustainable urban mobility and

is the only worldwide network to

bring together all public transport

stakeholders and all sustainable

transport modes.

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 4 23/12/2015 1:05 PM

AUSTRALIA IS POISED to become a

major link in the production of global

vehicle battery technology, thanks

to Chinese-Australian bus company

Brighsun targeting resources after

local car-manufacturing plants reach

their closure dates, with plans to build

electric buses here from 2016. They will

also be exported back to China for use

as well as markets in Asia, the US and

Europe, it’s stated.

Brighsun recently showcased just

how advanced its battery technology

is by setting a new world record for

the greatest distance travelled by an

electric bus on a single charge: 1018km

on Victoria’s South Gippsland Highway,

between Tooradin and Lang Lang. It

previously did the Melbourne to Sydney

hop; the bus is certified to international

standards to drive 1004km on one

charge, which is more than twice any

current competitors, it’s claimed.

The Brighsun e-bus prototype –

launched in Yuroke, about an hour’s

drive north of the Melbourne CBD – is

just one of four fully electric buses,

which cover the spectrum of high-range

capacity route buses to luxury touring

couches. They feature a Brighsun

high-performance lithium-ion battery,

patented eMotor, a battery management

system and the usual regenerative

braking system.

Brighsun says the feat started at

10pm on Saturday, November 14 and

concluded just before midnight the

Sunday, with a Guinness World Record

adjudicator present to verify it.

Brighsun communications director

Gladys Liu says this proves that

commercial electric buses can now

travel big distances without needing to

find somewhere to recharge.

“We believe it will bring a whole new

concept of public transport with no

pollution to Australia and to the world,”

she explained.

The company plans to continue

work on its electric vehicle propulsion

technology, and on its vehicle range,

which includes commercial passenger

and goods vehicles, operating intra-city

and inter-regional country Victorian

services.

“New energy is key to Australia’s auto

industry revitalisation,” said Brighsun

CEO Allen Saylav, “and we believe

the eBus is the first step in the right

direction for this to happen.”

“We chose the heavy commercial

passenger vehicle to showcase how

high performance could be achieved in

larger transportation options, as well as

in passenger cars.”

“We believe this technology could

change the face of public transport

around the world and with the use of

the eVehicle propulsion system which

creates long lasting life in vehicles,”

Saylav said, who is also a director of

the Society of Society of Automotive

Engineers Australasia (SAE).

According to the company, e-bus

manufacturing plants are intended

across Australia – though nothing

has been confirmed as per specific

locations to date. The closure of

Australia’s Holden, Ford and Toyota car

manufacturing plants cannot be used,

according to the company, though

various manpower skills and resources

and equipment from these demises is

what attracted Brighsun to Australia as

a hub for electric battery production,

it’s claimed.

As reported in industry news website

www.goauto.com.au, Saylav said: “We

chose Australia because Australia is

going to be losing three of the major

automotive manufacturers, and there

will be available resources for us. The

resources will be people, the market

and the Government support.”

Citing that Australia also had a high

reputation in China for setting and

maintaining high standards, he added:

“We like the Australian brand. Australia

is regarded very well throughout

the world, especially our standards.

We have the highest standards for

automotive regulation throughout the

world.

“That will give our product much

more credibility, even throughout

Europe,” Saylav said, who says the

Australian Design Rules side-crash

testing requirements “Europe and the

USA do not have”.

“In China, when something’s

manufactured there, those standards

don’t apply and, hence, the product

does not have the durability and the

quality as what we [Australia] do.”

“New energy is key to Australia’s auto

industry revitalisation and we believe

the eBus is the first step in the right

direction for this to happen.”

www.truckandbus.net.au 005

� Head Office is in Australia and

focuses on using new energy

technology to produce market

ready E-vehicle solutions.

� Energy saving and pollution

reduction are prime goals of its

technology.

� R&D is critical to maintaining

its on-going competitive edge,

it’s stated.

� Its intellectual property is fully

owned by Brighsun and patented

in Australia.

� The capability of its technology

has reached or exceeded that of

its international counterparts, it’s

claimed.

FAST FACTS:

Aussie Hub For Global Battery Tech

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 5 23/12/2015 1:05 PM

HIGER DISTRIBUTED BY AHG


“I crash buses for a living. Your living.”

For more information about the safety features available on Volvo buses and coaches contact Volvo Bus Australia on (02) 8713 8200 or visit www.volvobuses.com

Peter Danielsson - Safety Director, Volvo Buses

Every day millions of people around the world rely on our buses, and our job is to bring them safely to their destination. So our vision is clear: zero accidents with Volvo Group products.

And we do it the Volvo way, with world-leading safety development focusing on how to avoid accidents in the first place. This means developing buses with superior handling properties and advanced active safety systems that help the driver operate the bus in the safest way possible. Every Volvo bus comes equipped with an electronically controlled braking system (EBS), which includes both anti-lock braking (ABS) and Lining Wear Sensing that evens the wear and lets the driver know when the brake pads will need

changing soon. Volvo’s state of the art Electronic Stability Program (ESP) assists in the prevention of vehicle rollover and driving off the road - even in the most slippery conditions. Our latest safety innovations on their way include Forward Collision Warning, Auto Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Support, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pedestrian Detection; and will take us even closer to reaching our zero accident vision.

We’re convinced our zero vision will come true. It’s just a question of when. Until then, we’re proud to keep leading the way with a range of pioneering safety innovations that are making their mark throughout the vehicle industry.

This is a global advertisement and not all features are available in all markets or on all models.


HIGER BUS AND Coach in Australia

is now officially part of diversified

automotive and logistics company

Automotive Holdings Group Ltd (AHG).

The Higer distribution business will

be housed under the umbrella of AHG

International, which will also handle the

Australian distribution of the JAC range

of light trucks.

“We are looking forward to the

opportunities that this brings,” said Neil

Bamford, CEO for Higer Bus and Coach

Australia.

“AHG is the largest automotive

retail company in Australia. After an

involvement with Higer for a number of

the years, the decision by AHG to take

over the business is a vote of confidence

for the Higer brand in Australia.”

AHG managing director, Bronte Howson

said it was a great opportunity to work

directly with one of the largest bus

manufacturers in the world.

“AHG has had a lengthy association

with Higer as an import partner and, with

a number of new products being brought

to market we see significant growth

potential in the brand,” Howson said.

“Higer produces a range of quality

buses that are suitable for the local

market as we build the brand’s

reputation and sales. That outcome

will also benefit existing and future

customers of Higer in Australia,” he said.

Higer customers will continue to be

supported with all warranties carried

over and no disruption to delivery of

buses currently on order, the company

states.

Staff members from the former

distributor have transferred to AHG

International and Higer Bus and Coach

has also engineered a closer market

focus with the appointments of regional

sales representatives in New South

Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western

Australia under the leadership of Francis

Burdock, Higer national sales and

marketing manager.

The sales team complements the

existing Australia-wide Higer dealership

network and will not only look to drive

Higer sales, but also provide necessary

customer support for existing Higer

owners, it’s stated.

“China has become a world leader in

the development of new energy buses

and Higer has established exclusive

partnerships with leading players,” said

Burdock.

Higer is in discussions with operators

to introduce the first fast-charge,

fully-electric low-floor bus to Australia.

The super-capacitor technology in this

bus is superior to the latest lithium

batteries in terms of weight, useful life

and cost. In addition, new Hybrid Higer

low-floor buses are now in use overseas,

confirming the excellent life-cycle cost

savings established through the testing

phase, the company states.

In a further move to meet the needs of

the local market, Higer stocks more than

$1.4m in parts at its Sydney warehouse

with an additional $0.4m in parts held

by its national dealer network. The

increased level of parts holdings was

instituted to address customer concerns

that overseas manufacturers do not hold

sufficient parts stock on the ground.

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 6 23/12/2015 1:05 PM


“I crash buses for a living. Your living.”

For more information about the safety features available on Volvo buses and coaches contact Volvo Bus Australia on (02) 8713 8200 or visit www.volvobuses.com

Peter Danielsson - Safety Director, Volvo Buses

Every day millions of people around the world rely on our buses, and our job is to bring them safely to their destination. So our vision is clear: zero accidents with Volvo Group products.

And we do it the Volvo way, with world-leading safety development focusing on how to avoid accidents in the first place. This means developing buses with superior handling properties and advanced active safety systems that help the driver operate the bus in the safest way possible. Every Volvo bus comes equipped with an electronically controlled braking system (EBS), which includes both anti-lock braking (ABS) and Lining Wear Sensing that evens the wear and lets the driver know when the brake pads will need

changing soon. Volvo’s state of the art Electronic Stability Program (ESP) assists in the prevention of vehicle rollover and driving off the road - even in the most slippery conditions. Our latest safety innovations on their way include Forward Collision Warning, Auto Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Support, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pedestrian Detection; and will take us even closer to reaching our zero accident vision.

We’re convinced our zero vision will come true. It’s just a question of when. Until then, we’re proud to keep leading the way with a range of pioneering safety innovations that are making their mark throughout the vehicle industry.

This is a global advertisement and not all features are available in all markets or on all models.

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 7 23/12/2015 1:05 PM

BT Brings Security Expertise to the Automotive Industry


BRITISH TELECOMUNICATIONS Giant BT

recently launched “BT Assure Ethical

Hacking for Vehicles”, a new security

service developed to test the exposure

of connected vehicles to cyber-attacks

and help all market players develop

security solutions.

Connected vehicles – cars, trucks,

buses, bulldozers or any other type of

commercial vehicle – rely on a variety of

connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, 3G

or 4G mobile data links, Bluetooth and

other wireless technologies.

These provide a range of new

on-board features and value-added

services, such as predictive systems

to bypass traffic jams, reduce carbon

emissions, improve safety and vehicle

performance. Vehicles are also

becoming more connected through

electronic systems like navigation,

infotainment, and safety monitoring

tools.

The proliferation of these technologies

raises concerns about the ability of

hackers to gain access and control to

the essential functions and features

of those vehicles and for others to

use information on drivers’ habits

for commercial purposes without the

drivers’ knowledge or consent. As

with all other devices plugged into

the “Internet of Things”, security and

integrity of data is of critical importance

to prevent unauthorised access or

remote hijacking of a vehicle, the

company states.

BT has a global team of security

specialists, including “ethical hackers”,

who provide a standardised method

to test systems by imitating hacker

attacks, reporting possible vulnerabilities

and providing recommendations. BT is

now extending that expertise to advise

vehicle manufacturers, insurance

companies and other players in the

automotive industry, with the aim of

identifying and fixing vulnerabilities

before the keys of a new vehicle are

handed to an owner.

BT Assure Ethical Hacking for

Vehicles includes a range of tests

targeted at the “attack surfaces” of

the vehicle. These cover interfaces that

are accessible inside the car, such as

Bluetooth links, USB ports, or the DVD

drive, as well as external connections

such as links to mobile networks or

power plugs. BT looks at the end-to-

end security by testing and verifying

all the systems that interact with

the connected vehicle. The ultimate

objective is to identify vulnerabilities

that would allow unauthorised

alteration of configuration settings or

that would introduce malware into the

vehicle. These remote systems can

include the laptops of maintenance

engineers, infotainment providers, and

other supporting systems.

To find out more about BT Security,

visit www.bt.com/security.

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Call or email us for further information

Please visit www.kinglong.com.au

for more information

130-132 Freight Drive Somerton VIC Australia 3062

t. (03) 9305 2299 f. (03) 8339 0265 e. [email protected]

CAB-HVA-0515-SDLMCT No: 10735

NSW, QLD, WA & NTStephen Long Regional Sales Manager m. 0409 488 834 e. [email protected]

VIC, ACT, SA & TASChris CordiaRegional Sales Manager m. 0438 040 411 e. [email protected]

Anthony FisicaroGeneral Manager m. 0400 968 106 e. [email protected]

TRANSPORTING AUSTRALIA

www.kinglong.com.auVIEW OUR FULL RANGE ONLINE

CAB-HVA-0515FullPage-SD.indd 1 29/04/2015 8:24 am

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 8 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

Call or email us for further information

Please visit www.kinglong.com.au

for more information

130-132 Freight Drive Somerton VIC Australia 3062

t. (03) 9305 2299 f. (03) 8339 0265 e. [email protected]

CAB-HVA-0515-SDLMCT No: 10735

NSW, QLD, WA & NTStephen Long Regional Sales Manager m. 0409 488 834 e. [email protected]

VIC, ACT, SA & TASChris CordiaRegional Sales Manager m. 0438 040 411 e. [email protected]

Anthony FisicaroGeneral Manager m. 0400 968 106 e. [email protected]

TRANSPORTING AUSTRALIA

www.kinglong.com.auVIEW OUR FULL RANGE ONLINE

CAB-HVA-0515FullPage-SD.indd 1 29/04/2015 8:24 am

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 9 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

FUSO BUSES HELP DEAKIN WIN

First NSW Bus Safety Week success



DEAKIN UNIVERSITY has been

recognised for its excellence in fleet

management in the 20th Annual

2015 AfMA Fleet Awards, in part

thanks to Fuso low-floor buses

acting as its inter-campus shuttle

service.

The Australasian Fleet

Management Association supports

innovation and excellence in Fleet

Management. The AFMA Fleet

Awards seek to identify advances in

best practice in Fleet Management

and the awards recognise new

approaches and applications

that have produced substantial

reductions in costs, lowered

emissions and improved safety

outcomes, it’s stated.

Drawing attention to advances

in fleet management techniques;

the application of technology; fleet

safety; and raising awareness of the

fleet’s impact on the environment,

the Awards inspire many to begin

their own voyage towards best

practice, the AfMA states.

Deakin University successfully

integrated its environmental

sustainability principals into its

innovative and creative strategy,

AfMA judges felt. It reduced its

passenger and light commercial

fleet by 21.7 per cent over two

years, reduced its kilometres

travelled by 17.32 per cent per

year and reduced C02 emissions by

12.78 per cent per year.

What differentiated Deakin from

other entrants was combining an

inter-campus shuttle service with a

‘Park & Ride’ service that operates

from a location between two of their

campuses. The solution incorporates

an under-utilised recreational

facility car park located midway

between those two campuses,

reduces the strain on car parking

at each campus, and replaces

hundreds of cars each day with two

Fuso City buses – these have the

best possible environmental rating

of JP 09, which is equivalent to

Euro6 with DPF and SCR emission

technology, it’s stated. The buses

also have stop-start technology,

which cuts the engine at idle.

The two city buses used in the

Deakin University programme were

purchased through a local dealer,

Fuso Geelong.

In addition to reducing their

C02 emissions the University’s

solution delivered a stress-free

travel experience for students and

staff, who are transported in large,

comfortable Wi-Fi enabled buses,

according to Deakin.

Facilities at each trip-end location

have been refurbished for active

transport users, creating safe and

secure, bright and welcoming

spaces. In 2012 the hourly inter-

campus bus service transported

22,630 passengers whilst today’s

service operates at 30-minute

intervals and transported 99,940

passengers in 2014.

Transport for NSW launched the first ever

Bus Safety Week – running from 1-7 last

November – dedicated to improving safety

around buses.

“NSW has the largest metropolitan bus

fleet in Australia, with more than 3800

buses operating in the Sydney Metropolitan

area and a further 1000 buses operating

in Newcastle, Wollongong and the Blue

Mountains,” acting executive director, NSW

Centre for Road Safety, Bernard Carlon said.

“So many people rely on buses and bus

travel is a really safe way to get around,

but there’s still more we can do to reduce

fatalities and injuries involving buses.

“Bus safety is everyone’s responsibility,

and being safe around a bus doesn’t just

apply to passengers – if you’re a pedestrian,

cyclist or in a car – you too need to be aware

of safety.”

From 2005 to 2014 across Sydney,

Newcastle and Wollongong, there were

almost 4000 recorded crashes involving a

heavy bus, where 58 people were killed and

almost 2600 people were injured.

Of these 58 fatalities, almost half were

pedestrians, followed by drivers of other

vehicles.

“The simple truth is that crashes involving

buses often result in more severe outcomes

to other road users due to their size and

mass,” Carlon said. “Buses are heavy

vehicles and take longer to slow down than

smaller vehicles on the road.

“That’s why the NSW Centre for Road

Safety has created Bus Safety Week and is

working with NSW Police, bus operators, the

education sector and the community, to help

people be Bus Aware.

BusNSW executive director, Darryl Mellish

said the Private Bus Industry was also behind

this important safety campaign.

“Bus Safety Week is an excellent initiative

to highlight bus safety all across NSW for

operators, drivers and the communities they

serve,” Mellish said.

ROLL WITH A LEGEND

50 Years on, still legendarY

our legendary buses and coaches arecustom made to your specifications and

wear the Hino badge, so you knowyou’re getting quality engineering.

so trust a brand with its roots in homesoil, 50 years on and Hino is still

producing legendary transport solutions.

hino.com.au

34214_v1 Revised Bus Ad for Coach & BusMagazine.indd 1 13/03/15 12:38 PM

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 10 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

ROLL WITH A LEGEND

50 Years on, still legendarY

our legendary buses and coaches arecustom made to your specifications and

wear the Hino badge, so you knowyou’re getting quality engineering.

so trust a brand with its roots in homesoil, 50 years on and Hino is still

producing legendary transport solutions.

hino.com.au

34214_v1 Revised Bus Ad for Coach & BusMagazine.indd 1 13/03/15 12:38 PM

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 11 23/12/2015 1:06 PM


LET IT NEVER BE SAID that the global

Mercedes-Benz folk don’t really get into

the end-of-year, festive cheer! If Santa

actually got around in this then maybe

the kiddies – and adults – would have a

chance of knowing he was coming.

With 135m of LED fairy lights on the

Christmas Travego, it was quite a sight

on the German roads at Christmas

time 2015.

The idea for the unusual Christmas

Travego came about at the Mercedes-

Benz bus and coach sales office in

Munich. The Christmas scene was

conjured up on the vehicle’s contours

by the DesignStudio at Mannheim’s

bus and coach plant, whilst the livery

and light system was created by the

bus and coach refiner Heymann.

Sporting this livery and adorned

with LED fairy lights, the impressively

equipped Travego M was originally

pure white, and its light system

controls now feature multi-stage

programming. The system can

be switched on and off from the

driver’s workstation. In the luggage

compartment the operator has several

programs from which to choose: a

steady light or blinking light with

‘steplessly’ variable speeds.

The colours red, green or blue can be

activated in each case. These colours

can be used in pairs or combined as

a whole.

From 28 December 2015 the Travego

was to return to normal active tour

duty, but it gives an idea of what other

coach and companies could do next

year.

MB Festive Sleigh

SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ONAsia Motors knows buses like no other. This means we know which parts to keep in stock and how to get them to you fast. With 24/7 parts and technical support from factory-qualified technicians only a phone call away you know you have support when you need it.

Our investment in a state of the art parts warehouse including fully computerised parts and inventory management systems means our commitment is guaranteed.


www.daewoobuses.com.au

B E N C H M A R K Q U A L I T Y – P R O V E N R E L I A B I L I T Y – S E N S A T I O N A L V A L U E

DW3722/1014www.daewoobuses.com.au | (02) 9603 2900

Korea is recognised as the world leader in producing high quality, great value products, and Daewoo takes it a step further with cutting edge design and the very latest in drive line and diesel technology, making it the benchmark for reliability.

With the choice of ordering fully imported ‘complete built units’ or bus chassis built by a body builder of your choice. Either way, our extensive options list means every Daewoo is customised to meet your specific requirements.

Daewoo is backed by Australian bus specialists Asia Motors, who with over 40 years of local industry experience understand what it takes to build the best school buses in the market.

With a state of the art parts warehouse including fully computerised parts inventory management systems and factory qualified technicians on hand 24/7, Daewoo’s commitment is guaranteed.


SIMPLY SMARTER BUSINESS

BENCHMARK QUALITY

PROVEN RELIABILITY

SENSATIONAL VALUE

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 12 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

www.daewoobuses.com.au | (02) 9603 2900

Korea is recognised as the world leader in producing high quality, great value products, and Daewoo takes it a step further with cutting edge design and the very latest in drive line and diesel technology, making it the benchmark for reliability.

With the choice of ordering fully imported ‘complete built units’ or bus chassis built by a body builder of your choice. Either way, our extensive options list means every Daewoo is customised to meet your specific requirements.

Daewoo is backed by Australian bus specialists Asia Motors, who with over 40 years of local industry experience understand what it takes to build the best school buses in the market.

With a state of the art parts warehouse including fully computerised parts inventory management systems and factory qualified technicians on hand 24/7, Daewoo’s commitment is guaranteed.


SIMPLY SMARTER BUSINESS

BENCHMARK QUALITY

PROVEN RELIABILITY

SENSATIONAL VALUE

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 13 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

SWEDISH ROUTE WINS EURO AWARD

UpFront


THE EUROPEAN Solar Prize 2015 was

awarded to the 55 electric bus route

(ElectriCity) in Gothenburg, Sweden,

as it was voted the best example of

sustainable public transport operated

using renewable energy. This prize is

awarded to European sustainability

projects in a number of different areas.

“We need to make the transition

in the transport sector if we are

going to succeed in creating an

environmentally sustainable society.

Having a sustainable public transport

system is a key component in this. The

ElectriCity project and the 55 electric

bus route are an excellent example of

cooperation among the commercial,

academic and political worlds. It is

extremely gratifying that this is being

highlighted on a European stage,” said

Lotta Brändström, managing director

of Göteborg Energi.

“It is important for the city

of Gothenburg to contribute to

sustainable development and to be

involved in and produce services

which improve and simplify the lives

of our citizens. The quiet, exhaust-free

electric buses offer new opportunities

and improved services for the city and

our passengers, such as stops indoors

and an on-board Wi-Fi facility.

The ElectriCity project gives Volvo the

opportunity to try out new technology

in practice and Gothenburg the chance

to be involved in and devise future

solutions for the benefit of society,”

said Elif Koman André, sustainability

manager at Göteborgs Stadshus AB.

The European Solar Prize 2015 is

awarded by the European Association

for Renewable Energy, EUROSOLAR, to

projects which aim, in an exemplary

way, to raise public awareness about

one of the most important challenges

of our time: energy transition to a

sustainable society.

This year’s prize in the Transport and

Mobility category went to ElectriCity for

“Exemplary supply of public transport

with renewable energy as part of a

cooperation between city and science”.

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 14 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

VICTORIA’S LATROBE VALLEY Bus Lines

purchased one of the first Euro6 buses

in Australia recently, highlighting a

growing trend of operators looking to

adapt to the new emission standard

and latest technology.

The new Volvo B8RLE, a Euro6

low-entry city bus designed with a

minimal environmental footprint in

mind, according to Volvo Bus, is just

another indication of the Victorian

operator’s 50-year commitment to its

community’s environment, says Anna

Tyben, general manager, Latrobe Valley

Bus Lines.

“The Latrobe Valley is home not

only to a thriving community, but also

a number of coal mines that release

a lot of emissions into the air. One of

our top priorities is running the most

environmentally efficient buses possible

to try and offset what gets released

from the local coal mines.

“The purchase of this bus will go a

long way in keeping our community

moving while keeping emissions as low

as possible,” Tyben said.

The company hosted a launch

event to show to the community,

local business people and dignitaries

the steps they’re taking to minimise

pollution. Attending were Harriett Shing,

the Upper House Victorian member

for Eastern Victoria; Russell Northe,

the Victorian member for Morwell;

and Sean Copeland general manager

at Volvo Bus Australia, plus local

businesspeople.

“This launch was about more than

just sharing the latest and greatest

addition to our fleet. The event was

also about announcing that we would

be partnering with Volvo on an ongoing

basis to deliver key emissions metrics

back to them that would assist their

understanding of the Volvo B8RLE’s

performance in Australian conditions,”

Tyben said.

The Volvo B8RLE is one of the 15

Volvos in Latrobe Valley Bus Lines’ fleet

of 92 buses and coaches. It combines

an 8-litre Volvo D8K engine with Volvo’s

proprietary I-Shift 12-speed gearbox

to maximise fuel efficiency and ensure

its adherence to the Euro6 rating, the

company states.

The results of the tests so far (in

comparison to a Euro5 rated Volvo):

Emissions of nitrogen oxide are

reduced by 70 per cent; particulates

filter exhaust fumes are reduced by

half; hydro carbonates are reduced

by 95 per cent; and carbon monoxide

reduced by 89 per cent, it’s claimed.

follow us online at: www.truckandbus.net.au

AT THE RECENT 2015 Busworld

Kortrijk, held in Belgium, a number of

electric-powered buses and coaches

on show were fitted with the Zawheel

from Germany company Ziehl-Abegg,

with the company quick to point out the

innitiative’s success.

“Electro-mobility protects the

environment, is quiet and works” said

Ralf Arnold. The managing director

of Ziehl-Abegg Automotive, which

makes reference to a number of city

bus manufacturers in Europe who are

successfully incorporating the ZAwheel

gearless in wheel hub drive.

Ziehl-Abegg belives the show was

evidence that electromobility in the area

of public passenger transport is proven

in operation in several European cities.

After years of waiting and testing of

electric city buses, Arnold believes: “The

time is ripe, the political pressure is there

- and we have the right drive solution

to meet the need.” In every comparison

test the ZAwheel gearless in-wheel hub

drive is clearly the front runner in terms

of noise characteristics, efficiency and

operating costs. By not having any gears

the ZAwheel also scores over diesel-

powered vehicles and hybrid buses in

terms of life-cycle costs.

The gearless in wheel hub drive from

Ziehl-Abegg is now fitted as standard by

several European bus manufacturers.

Yet Arnold believes the interesting

trend emerging is in retrofitting diesel

buses. He believes there is increasing

interest amongst European fleet

operators in the electric retrofitting

of conventionally powered city buses

(diesel, gas) with Zawheel.

“In this context the companies are

looking for a single project planner

and conversion partner”, said Arnold.

“Ziehl-Abegg meets this requirement

from two aspects: any standard bus

10.5m and 12-18m in length can be

easily converted into an electric bus

with ZAwheel by being retrofitted with

the new ZAaxle drivetrain module.

In addition, in Benteler Engineering

Services, Munich, there is another

company that offers an all-round, worry-

free retrofitting package, from system

analysis and/or design, to conversion;

even the homologation is offered at

Benteler Engineering Services on a ‘one-

stop shopping basis,” he said.

Electromobility for Diesel Buses Coming?

1. Rhonda Renwick, director, Latrobe Valley Bus Lines. 2: Russell Northe MLA – Member for Morwell (Local state member of Parliament), Rhonda Renwick and Sean Copeland – general manager Volvo Bus Australia

LATROBE VALLEY GOES EURO6

1 2

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 15 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

FOR SALES & CUSTOMER ENQUIRIES:

+61 3 9791 4255www.marcopoloaustralia.com.au

BUILT TO LASTANY CONDITION, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE

FOR SERVICE AND SPARE PARTS:

Melbourne:

221-243 Hammond RdDandenong VIC 3175Phone: 03 9791 4255Fax: 03 9794 0336

Queensland:

20 Amy Johnson PlEagle Farm QLD 4009Phone: 07 3243 5300Fax: 07 3243 5399

New South Wales:

3-13 Kilcoy DriveTomago NSW 2322Mob: 0409 767 910

8 Enterprise CirPrestons NSW 2170Phone: 02 9426 6500 Fax: 02 9826 9403

Western Australia:

47 Beringarra AveMalaga WA 6090Phone: 08 9248 8055 Fax: 08 9248 8066

follow us online at: www.truckandbus.net.auUpFront

Volvo Buses secured first prize in the

‘Safety’ category at the prestigious

European Coach & Bus Week (ECW)

competition during the recent Busworld

Kortrijk trade fair. Volvo Buses received

the coveted award for its unique Volvo

Dynamic Steering stabilisation system,

which is said to boost driving safety

and comfort. Now the system is being

introduced on Volvo’s long-distance

coaches in Europe.

Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS)

compensates automatically for

irregularities in the road surface,

eliminates vibration and unnecessary

steering wheel movement, and

makes driving far simpler and more

comfortable, it’s claimed.

“Volvo Dynamic Steering is an

important innovation that makes the

driver’s job both safer and far less

physically demanding. That’s why it

is particularly gratifying to accept this

award,” said Peter Danielsson, manager

Vehicle Features and Safety at Volvo

Buses, Europe.

At low speeds, Volvo Dynamic

Steering lightens steering wheel input

by about 75 per cent, which helps

a lot particularly when reversing.

Steering is also easier since the system

automatically returns to the straight-

ahead position when the driver releases

the wheel. At higher speeds, the coach

maintains directional stability even if

the road surface is bumpy, it’s stated.

Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) is now

being introduced in Europe on the Volvo

9500, 9700 and 9900 and on chassis

with 8-litre and 11-litre Euro6 engines.

Stabilisation System Wins Award


BUS AND TRUCK operators now have a

comprehensive guide to heavy vehicle

safety with the launch of the National

Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) revised

National Heavy Vehicle Inspection

Manual.

The manual provides a simple guide

to what makes a vehicle roadworthy.

Although designed as a compliance tool

for assessing roadworthiness, heavy

vehicle operators can use the manual in

routine maintenance programs to ensure

compliance with vehicle standards and

improve their vehicle’s safety.

The NHVR director of Safety, Daniel

Elkins, says by maintaining vehicles

above the standards in the manual,

operators can ensure their vehicles

will pass an inspection and avoid the

downtime associated with unscheduled

repairs and maintenance associated with

component failure.

The manual details practical

information about wear, damage or

changes to important components and

systems that will assist in performing in-

service inspections by owners, operators

and administrators.

“The manual sets out specific criteria

where manufacturer specifications are

not available and provides clarity where

there is no detailed guidance from a

manufacturer.

In the busy transport industry, vehicle

maintenance can sometimes be just

about keeping the vehicle running. The

NHVR wants to see the industry develop

preventative vehicle maintenance

systems that have a greater focus on

safety.

“The manual provides an inspection

approach to guide industry to not just

look at repairing, but to see potential

defects during maintenance inspections.

Importantly, it’s not just about fixing

what’s broken, it’s about inspecting

sub-systems that may be at risk with

continued wear and undertaking

proactive maintenance,” Elkins said.

Adopting a proactive maintenance

approach may take time for some

operators within the industry to develop.

The NHVR will work with industry to

develop resources and provide tools to

assist them to incorporate the NHVIM into

their maintenance program, it’s stated.

The manual will apply nationally as of

1 July, 2016. The National Heavy Vehicle

Inspection Manual can be downloaded

from www.nhvr.gov.au/nhvim

HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY: 2016 MANUAL REVISED

� Volvo’s VDS system, which lightens wheel

input by about 75 per cent, scoops major ECW award.

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 16 23/12/2015 1:06 PM

FOR SALES & CUSTOMER ENQUIRIES:

+61 3 9791 4255www.marcopoloaustralia.com.au

BUILT TO LASTANY CONDITION, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE

FOR SERVICE AND SPARE PARTS:

Melbourne:

221-243 Hammond RdDandenong VIC 3175Phone: 03 9791 4255Fax: 03 9794 0336

Queensland:

20 Amy Johnson PlEagle Farm QLD 4009Phone: 07 3243 5300Fax: 07 3243 5399

New South Wales:

3-13 Kilcoy DriveTomago NSW 2322Mob: 0409 767 910

8 Enterprise CirPrestons NSW 2170Phone: 02 9426 6500 Fax: 02 9826 9403

Western Australia:

47 Beringarra AveMalaga WA 6090Phone: 08 9248 8055 Fax: 08 9248 8066

CBT22_p004-017_NEWS.indd 17 23/12/2015 1:06 PM


Extended

Adams’ Awards, 2015

CBT22_p018-019_Extended News.indd 18 22/12/2015 7:54 PM


On the west coast of Australia, local company Adams has been doing great things and is finally getting more of the recognition it deserves. Coach & Bus editor Fabian Cotter reports.Adams’ Awards, 2015I T’S BEEN AN amazing year for the

Western Australia-based Adams transport company, which picked up a slew of awards in a few key industry

competitions recently.Adams twice won gold medals in the

highly prestigious 2015 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, held at the Crown Casino in Perth.

The company backed up its performance from last year to again take out the gold award for the Major Tour and/or Transport Operator category. Plus it also won gold in the newest inaugural Excellence in Chinese Tourism category.

The company says it is extremely proud of the continual hard work from all the Adams staff that has gone into securing the top spot again, and also in winning a brand new award - justified recognition for all of Adams’ efforts and advocacy in promoting inbound Chinese tourism to the State, the company states.

Both awards had fierce competition and the company complimented all those who spent the time and effort to be involved in the awards.

“Whilst it is always satisfying to win awards, it is only possible due to the support and efforts from our local WA suppliers and worldwide agents and supporters - that means we have something worthy of promoting,” said Adams managing director Adam Barnard.

“From all at Adams a sincere and heartfelt thank you for all your loyal and unquestionable support that has resulted in these historic wins,” he added.

“This is also a huge win for all the businesses located near our main retail office at the newly opened Barrack Street Jetty - Perth’s Tourism Hub.

“Adams - it’s the experience you come back for. To everyone once again - we thank you!” Barnard said.

The wins also come on the back of a major contract win for Adams, which was awarded a 10-year lease to operate bus

and train services on Rottnest Island in October.

It includes four air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible buses being added to the fleet, part of a new arrangement between the West Australian State Government and private operator Adams.

“Adams has a proven track record in providing quality tours and transport with a focus on environmental responsibility, safety, fun and passenger comfort,” said Tourism Minister Kim Hames, who is said to be pleased the Government - through the Rottnest Island Authority – granted the 10-year lease to an award-winning company with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and a clear commitment to service.

“For a holiday island such as Rottnest, that approach to any service provision is essential. Businesses also have to be cost-effective, sustainable and understand visitor needs.”

“Four air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible buses will be added to the fleet ready for the high-demand tourism period over the summer holidays,” the Minister said.

“I’m delighted the experience and passion of current staff has been recognised. Adams has undertaken to provide opportunities for all, so they can continue to share their knowledge and love of the island, its heritage and its ecosystem,” he said.

All buses in the Adams fleet on the island were equipped with air-conditioning ready for the start of services from November 1, 2015, with any existing buses without air-conditioning being decommissioned.

The company says it is expecting to increase capacity and transition to a newer fleet of eco-friendly vehicles for Rottnest Island over the next three years. It will also operate the train tour and the complimentary shuttle bus that services accommodation around the settlement.

CBT22_p018-019_Extended News.indd 19 22/12/2015 7:54 PM

Coverstory


Electro-mobility has never been a bigger buzzword for buses and coaches until recently, with the landmark climate-change agreement signed in Paris late 2015 by 195 countries. Regardless of how and what energy will be produced for mass consumption in future, Bustech’s ‘All-Australian’ ZDi electric bus puts us firmly on the battery-operated transport map. Coach & Bus editor Fabian Cotter reports.

Photography: Luke Melbourne

SHOCK AND AWE

CBT22_p020-027_CoverStory.indd 20 23/12/2015 3:11 PM


I t takes a little bit of getting used. Not so much a lack of sound, but it’s just that the sounds sound a little different. Softer. Quieter. Since 2014, Formula 1 cars have

been a bit on the nose, from an ‘ear candy’ point of view, but such is the way things in the world are going. It was hard for many fans to adjust from the primal, visceral scream of the 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8s prior to these much quieter 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines, which debuted at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Okay. So they still weren’t church mouse quiet, but out on an open air track cutting through essess and ripping along track straights they sounded, well … impotent. But we’ve arguably adjusted our senses since.

Five years earlier and F1 saw the introduction of another landmark technology, which would revolutionise our mindsets on how vehicles can best use energy: KERS. The Kinetic Energy Recovery System was genius in its theory and appreciably much more complicated in its installation and application – yet regaining energy derived from the car’s braking and sticking it back into the system for a power boost was gold.

Now, Formula 1 cars might seem like the furthest things away buses, in a spiritually automotive sense of sorts, but arguably it’s a lot closer than one might think at first. Just as the latest technology and trends in F1 have affected road-car design and manufacturer in future, much of the development and mindset change from it has also affected the humble bus.

We too are now faced - due to a range of environmental, fuel-cost saving, noise pollution, safety requirements and concerns – with the changing performance and role-application of buses and coaches.

A range of leading bus manufacturers have been pushing the cause of alternative-powered buses for quite a while now, and though certain groups have championed the benefits of the different types, it would seem electro-mobility is leading the way. At first via hybrid systems to bolster conventional – read: mostly diesel, in our case – engines and more recently with fully electric vehicles. The latter’s Achilles heel, though, has been: how often do bus batteries need to be charged; how to do it cost-effectively; how the electricity is produced in the first place; and what on Earth do we do with expired batteries – as in, really

(i.e. Forget just replacing the cells, where do the dead ones go?).

These are all issues the answers and solutions to which are evolving right now worldwide, but what’s actually happening in our own backyard?

At the 2015 BusVic Maintenance Conference and Expo in July, home-grown electric bus technology got a massive boost with Queensland-based Bustech, part of Transit Australia Group, unveiling its stunning 11.8m ZDi concept low-floor bus.

Tucked away in a futuristic tent enclosure, the ZDi represented not just another show-stopping debut by Bustech, but also highlighted the much larger international cooperation underlying the eBus development platform and the intended use for it.

Touted as the first electric bus to be “designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia”, the Bustech ZDi ‘eBus’ represented a $170 Million joint project developed with the Australian Government’s Automotive Cooperative Research Centre (AutoCRC), the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and researchers from Swinburne University of Technology and the CSIRO. Seen as an important step forward for Australian manufacturing and illustrating that Australia can be a ‘go-to’ nation for R&D smarts and manufacturing capability for other countries, the electric buses are intended for Malaysian Government public transport use. Yet, there’s no reason they can’t run here en masse soon, either, and that certainly seems to be the plan.

AutoCRC research director, Dr Gary White, said: “AutoCRC is very focused on finding and developing international opportunities for Australian manufacturers and researchers. We have a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Malaysia through the Malaysia Automotive Institute, which had led to many fruitful collaborations, including the development of this exciting vehicle.

“This project is proof of viability not just of the new technology we have developed, but also demonstrates the capability of Australia generally and it illustrates just one way in which we can play a role in the global marketplace.”

Earlier this year, AutoCRC CEO Ian Christensen stated: “The AutoCRC research program continues to deliver on its commitments with some exciting successes.

“...the ZDi represented not just another show-stopping debut by Bustech, but also highlighted the much larger international cooperation behind it.”


� No traditional diesel lump in the back for the ZDi Concept, just

the motor and modular batteries of the electric

‘driveline’.


“...the ZDi represented not just another show-stopping debut by Bustech, but also highlighted the much larger international cooperation behind it.”



� In concept form, the ZDi would make for one heck of a mobile disco.

The seating layout, though, is what may make it through to future versions. The next version of the eBus development

platform is said to be 60 per cent complete by end 2015.

“These vehicles will have the capability to significantly reduce emissions and energy consumption on a per capita basis and represent

an attractive option for government action to address the problems.”



The achievements include: A new formulation of cathode material for Lithium-iron Phosphate developed, which promises to deliver longer battery life for EVs (and beyond!).

“Production of prototype electric buses for Australia and Malaysia is now under way to be completed late 2015, with large scale production the following year.

“A market intelligence and technology survey of Australia and ASEAN countries has commenced on the supply and demand side. Once complete the data will be used to produce a model to support Australia and Malaysia in their drive to become energy efficient vehicle technology leaders.”

Swinburne University of Technology pro vice-chancellor, International Research Engagement, professor Ajay Kapoor, said Swinburne was well placed to work and conduct research on electric vehicles, bringing together experts from the automotive industry, working alongside academics with expertise in electric vehicle technologies.

“Our research and development involved solving the challenges of integrating electric vehicle technologies using computer-aided engineering to design and configure sub-systems into the bus platform,” Kapoor said.

“We developed high and low-voltage electrical systems for the bus, including the design architecture for electrical circuit motor controls, supervisory control and other control

systems to ensure the most efficient operation for the electric bus.”

Kapoor added that one of objectives of the electric bus development was to come up with a future-proof concept, which will enable upgrades as the technology evolves.

“This was a key aspect to achieving product life-cycle cost savings,” the professor said. “On average, the electric bus will be 80 per cent cheaper to maintain than the diesel buses currently being driven in Australia.

“I’d really like to see the Australian government invest in this technology. For the sake of the environment, as well as the future of manufacturing in Australia,” he explained.

This project arguably has as much to do with electric buses as it does for forging even greater industry and economic ties between Australia and Malaysia. Building on from relationships of the ZDi eBus venture, Malaysia’s Go Automobile Manufacturing – which assembles Great Wall vehicles at its Gurun, Kedah plant – and Bustech signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with the two companies conducting feasibility studies with a view to establish a manufacturing joint-venture in Malaysia.

This is intended to lead to “highly fuel-efficient” diesel and electric buses, plus special-purpose vehicles designed specifically for ASEAN and global markets, according to Go Auto director Farok Maasom. “Following

the feasibility study, we aim to move very quickly into production,” he said.

Transit Australia Group CEO Michael McGee added: “This represents a major opportunity for Bustech and for Transit Australia Group. Partnering with Go Auto provides access to significant skill and expertise, and opens up new and exciting opportunities in the Malaysian and international markets. This deal will also significantly increase Bustech’s product offerings and access to new markets.”

The MoU was facilitated under the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) and is supported by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry(MITI).

The modular electric-bus driveline systems project is said to address the growing need for low emissions solutions and non-fossil fuel powertrains due to the increasing number of vehicles on the roads. A specific focus will be on public transport vehicles. These vehicles will have the capability to significantly reduce emissions and energy consumption on a per capita basis and represent an attractive option for government action to address the problems, it’s claimed. For this reason, the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) worked with AutoCRC and Swinburne University to develop technologies for electrified buses to service the public transport system in Kuala Lumpur.

As far as prototypes go, the Bustech ZDI

� Touchscreen controlled? It sounds good in theory, but we’ll wait to see the ‘practice’ of it. Funky steering wheel for show purposes only, no doubt. Very Summernats cool, though.



eBus on display at the BusVic show was a futuristic and stylish vehicle that pushed the boundaries of cosmetic design yet matched it with believable practicality. How much of that will translate to future interpretations is yet to be seen, but so far so good we say.

The zero-emission bus, claimed to be set to “revolutionise the Australian transport industry”, is controlled by touch-screens and uses advanced battery technology and regenerative braking systems to extend its range. Its design allows batteries to be retrofitted as advances in

technology occur, it’s stated.Transit Group Australia’s CEO Michael

McGee said: “The electric bus has five major moving parts compared with around 1000 with a traditional combustion engine, so requires far less maintenance,”.

“One of the biggest cost components with an electric bus is the battery. As with solar, the price of batteries is dropping dramatically as advances rapidly occur, so we will see even further savings in manufacturing costs,” he explained.

Said to carry more than 50 passengers, the 11.8m bus can be charged at the depot and while in service.

“Governments across the globe have already invested in electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support private and public transport,” McGee added.

“Our electric bus places Bustech at the forefront of a fast-growing and emerging industry. Australia has an opportunity to be a world leader and cut environmental pollution at the same time.”

“On average, the electric bus will be 80 per cent cheaper to maintain than the diesel buses currently being driven in Australia.”

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It blends in well like a conventional diesel bus and future eBus development platform will be almost indistinguishable in how it feels to drive.CAD showing modular battery systems, so the eBus can use upgraded batteries as that technology evolves. Something to keep the Fast and The Furious fans happy. Concept bus-spec only, though.

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Showtime


CBT22_p028-037_Busworld.indd 28 22/12/2015 7:57 PM


BUSWORLDKORTRIJK, 2015

There are big bus shows and then there are big bus shows. And the bi-annual 23rd Busworld Kortrijk 2015 event held in Belgium in October is the Jabba The Hut of them all – even after six months intense gym training and low-carb diet. Coach & Bus magazine was happy to be an official media sponsor of this massive global industry event. Editor Fabian Cotter reports.



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The latest Neoplan Skyliner is just stunning.New irizar i8 was a real show-stopper.VDL produces some quality kit for Europe.And then the band played. No Jimmy Barnes requests, though.Kicking things off. ZF ladies celebrating 100 years in style.

“...almost 35,000 industry

professionals and general punters attending, from no less than 118 countries. The biggest edition

ever in its 44-year history.”

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Any show in any industry anywhere on the planet will pride itself on showing the latest and greatest stuff you can get, as a way of

attracting the most people to scrounge up the money for a ticket and come check it out. Yet where many shows will show you what you can get now as dictated by trends that are happening currently, surely the best type of events will show you key products, services and technologies for trends that don’t even exist just yet. In fact, the Jedi Knight Mind Trick of it all is that by even mentioning such possible future directives maybe the new idea is being impregnated into the minds of people out there who can actually make it happen. And that’s regardless of whether they’d even thought of it before.

Case in point? State-of-the-art vending machines at bus stops! Where many bus organisations are either - best-case scenario - ensuring that any electronic or digital information on bus stops is actually working all the time, or - worst-case scenario – merely just trying to keep them graffiti free, clean and undamaged, German company Frenzel is introducing several fully automated vending machines, working with coins, tokens or even be cash-less. The most sophisticated one, the FOAS 160, combines hot drinks, soft drinks and a range of snacks. With these machines, Frenzel is focussing on the growing market of intercity bus services, it’s claimed.

To offer customers the option to buy a cheeky packet of chips or a tasty drink while

they wait for the bus gives a greater insight to how certain organisations see the future of the bus or coach experience. And all these aspects and trends help encourage – in theory - more people globally to see ‘choosing the bus’ as the number one form of public transport for urban and inter-state travel. And that’s the way it should be, really.

It is such forward bus-industry thinking that saw Busworld Kortrijk in 2015 visitor growth increase by a claimed 9 per cent, with almost 35,000 industry professionals and general punters attending the exhibition, from no less than 118 countries. The biggest edition ever in its 44-year history, according to show organisers? It would certainly seem so, and the quality and ingenuity of bus product on display from most of the leading manufacturers around the world certainly adds weight to the claim. A massive 411 companies from 36 countries exhibited – with most bus manufacturers presenting at least one alternative powertrain vehicle.

In terms of other trends or ideas, the ability to retrofit diesel buses for electro-mobility could be a massive game-changer for an electric-bus market still in its relative infancy. Germany’s Benteler Engineering Services (BES) presented its Electric-Retrofit programme, an attractive alternative to buying new zero-emission vehicles offering cost advantages to the operator, the company states. Perhaps companies making electric buses might have to be proactive and tap into the retrofit game – if, Uber like, it comes out of

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nowhere and the trend gets legs. Something to monitor for sure.

As was explained at the show, when retrofitting existing buses the original drivetrain is replaced by a special axle-drive module in order to electrify the vehicle. For the modification BES chose Ziehl-Abegg - an international company in the field of drivetrain technology – to deliver the axle drive module. This module converts braking energy directly back into electricity through recuperation. Due to the replacement of the original drivetrain with the axle drive module most of the moving parts in the drivetrain are eliminated, resulting in lower maintenance activities and service requirements it’s claimed.

Energy consumption post modification is said to be about 0.9 kilowatt hour per kilometre, reducing operating costs and leading to an acquisition cost recovery within a reasonable timeframe, it’s stated. That’s in addition to it being more environmentally friendly public transport for both urban areas and airports etc. Electric-Retrofit has been developed for city buses with 10.5m, 12m and 18m length and buses for short-distance transport with 12m and 18m lengths.

On the flip-side, making the latest diesel engines even more fuel efficient is Cummins announcing Stop-Start technology for its product line use in Europe. With promises to reduce fuel consumption by 4-7 per cent, depending on duty cycle, and cut NOx emissions by 30-40 per cent, Cummins is trying to reduce total cost of ownership for operators. The system involved changes to the engine hardware and extensive software development, it’s claimed, plus a new flywheel, ring gear and an improved starter motor. It was launched onto the American market last year.

A hot topic also was the need for agreed protocols for electric-vehicle charging

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“In the future, bus manufacturers should

no longer promote themselves as providers of buses and coaches,

but as suppliers of mobility solutions.”


systems, given the increasing use of such in the bus market. During a session of the Busworld Academy, the development of a standard protocol for charging systems was pleaded for, so electric vehicles can be optimally ordered and deployed by different transport companies.

“In the future, bus manufacturers should no longer promote themselves as providers of buses and coaches, but as suppliers of mobility solutions,” Eduard Jobson (Volvo Bus) stated. “Our sector is confronted with rapid changes regarding city mobility, high-quality service provision and quality of life in the cities. It is our job to offer a solution to all of these issues. Furthermore, we have to dare ask ourselves a number of justified questions about the usability of self-driving vehicles and high-capacity vehicles, for example. And why not consider silent buses, too? For these buses, we have to decide whether they will indirectly be causing more accidents or

not. Regarding alternative drives we are now increasingly focussing on a future-oriented e-mobility. In this respect, we are already cooperating with Siemens and ABB,” he added.

“Each of the different alternative fuels has its own place in the transport network,” Peter Wouters (VDL) explained. “In city centres we strive for 100 per cent zero emissions and, to that end, we are constructing full electric buses. In a suburban environment we want to deploy hybrid, low-emission vehicles. A specific example of that is the diesel hybrid Citea SLF120 for De Lijn (Flanders), which accelerates electrically for the first 200 metres after leaving a bus stop and which can drive up to 10km electrically in city centres before having to switch to diesel. With this concept, we were able to reduce the diesel use by 30 per cent and the noise level at the bus stops has dropped below 70dBa. For regional buses, we should be opting for efficient and


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Electric Citaro made its world premiere.Busworld means massive bus displays inside and out.When Cummins talks new stop-start tech stuff, people listen.ECW’s Grand Award Coach went to the Setra Topclass S 516 HDH.The latest wheelchair lift kits were popular viewing.Solaris backed up last event’s showing with three new Urbinos.


economical low-weight buses; in the long term we can even use hydrogen buses for this.”

Wouters ended his speech clearly calling for standardisation of the charging systems for electric buses: “We should compose an e-team and work on a standard protocol for bus companies and carriers, so vehicles can be deployed everywhere in the most optimised way.”

Battery reliability was also discussed. Isbrand Ho, of Chinese bus manufacturer BYD, stressed that the success of electric buses is determined by the reliability and the right choice of batteries. “Batteries are our core business and we need to make sure that the lithium composition makes sense from a chemical point of view. The past years, the battery capacity increased by 10 per cent on an annual basis thanks to extensive research. Now, our batteries are still generating 75 per cent of their energy after 10 years. An optimal yield in all climatological circumstances is of the utmost importance.”

Daimler Buses’ Thomas Tonger also mentioned that Mercedes-Benz, in the framework of its Citaro e-mobility-platform, will be launching an electric e-cell and fuel cell bus before the end of this decade. Regarding alternative drives, he thinks that the action radius of the vehicles should also be taken into account. With a full diesel tank, a city bus can cover around 740km; with the available e-cell systems this would only be 60km. CNG and fuel cell buses could cover 350km and

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“International Coach of the Year Awards, won for 2016 by Iveco Bus for its Magelys Pro.”

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Synonymous with Busworld Kortrijk is the much anticipated bus and coach awards, with the prestigious accolades offering winners and place-getters well-deserved industry bragging rights on a massive scale. There are two competitions decided at the event with arguably the most recognised being the International Coach of the Year Awards, won for 2016 by Iveco Bus for its Magelys Pro, with the winner determined by a panel of industry journalists after the vehicles had completed the demanding Coach Euro Test Event.

The Magelys Pro as tested was equipped with: wheelchair lift with dedicated access door and space for a passenger with reduced mobility; removable table; 46 Kiel leather seats; central toilet; three retractable LCD screens; Wi-Fi connection; 220V and USB sockets; GPS and front camera - providing passengers with a view of the road ahead.

Sylvain Blaise, head of Iveco Bus, commented: “We are proud that the Magelys was victorious following a series of intensive tests, earning the coveted title of International Coach of the Year 2016, and seeing off some serious competition. This is a strong signal to the entire industry and to operators alike, clearly indicating that our vehicle has all the qualities required for a great European career”.

The other competition is the European Coach and Bus Week (ECW) awards. Right before Busworld Kortrijk starts, this is organised between the participating vehicles of the show which do a

field test day and are evaluated on “Ecology”, “Safety”, “Comfort & Ergonomics” and “Styling & Design”. The ultimate accolades here are the Grand Award Coach and Grand Award Bus.

This year’s coach entrants were: Anadolu Isuzu, Kutsenits, MAN Truck & Bus, Setra (Daimler), Temsa, Van Hool and Volvo Buses. The bus contestants were: BYD, Ebusco, Anadolu Isuzu, King Long and Yutong.

ECW is also open for exhibitors that do not manufacture vehicles,which compete for an ‘Innovation Label’; judges look for genuine new product innovation, as distinct from improvements and refinements to existing designs. Entrants this year were: Actia, Eberspächer, Frenzel, Hella, Konvekta, Magna, Mayser, Robert Bosch, Saba Dinxperlo and Voith Turbo

Taking out the Grand Award Coach was the Setra Topclass S 516 HDH, which also distinguished itself in the categories Styling & Design and Ecology as laureate, according to the judges. No Grand Award Bus

was given this year because the jury felt no vehicle offered an added value on top of what the market has to offer today.

Next to the Setra, Belgian bus company Van Hool picked up an Ecology label for its three-axle EX17 H, with the judges praising the many efforts Van Hool did on an ecological level in this segment, as well as the enormous progress that the Belgian company made.

The Safety label was awarded to the Volvo 9900 for the innovative Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) system, among many other features. The judging panel felt this system is not only a safety feature but also an improvement of the driver’s comfort. VDS is said to automatically compensate for every bump in the road, absorbs vibrations and removes kicks in the steering wheel. The system also facilitates steering at low and high speed. Furthermore, the steering wheel automatically returns to the centre when the driver loosens their grip. Altogether the driver is significantly less tired after a ride, which in itself has a positive

influence on safety on the road, it’s claimed.

The Comfort label went to the MAN Lion’s Coach, specially designed for the hundredth birthday of the German manufacturer. They performed very well in both driver’s, passengers and guide comfort.

In the Bus category, labels for Design and Safety were not awarded. Granted, all the participating buses were fitted with advanced technology, but apart from that there was nothing that distinguished them enough from their competitors, judges believed.

With regard to the Comfort and Ergonomics label, the Isuzu Citiport impressed, but as there was no set winner for the Ecology label both electric buses of BYD and Ebusco were awarded the title.

Aside from the vehicle tests, ECW’s Innovation Labels went to: Volvo Dynamic Steering of Volvo Buses; the Ario Drowsiness Detection of DTS; the Babylon system of Integrabus; Konvekta’s UL700 CO2 heat pump; and Magna’s electric steering pump.

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A cool new bus AND the Rugby World Cup. Sheesh! New Scania Citywide Biogas on displayBus shows are tiring - grab a seat!MAN Lion’s Intercity had more than a few chins wagging.MAN entered a stunner.“Competition buses, on your marks, get set...”There was something for everyone to gawk at.EvoBus accepts the Setra’s Grand Coach Award.

TITLE FIGHTS

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public transport network in cities, plus off-peak runs.

Only 6m long and fitted with a Euro6 engine, it is the only low-floor bus with a normal height and accessible to wheelchair users, the company claims. It was complemented at the show by its 8m Atak and Star stablemates.

And how would Solaris top its show-stopping Urbino 12 of the 2013 event? The Polish bus manufacturer displayed three new versions: its Urbino 12 LF, based on a DAF chassis; an electric Urbino 12 featuring a 240kW/h strong battery; and the Urbino 12 LE, supplied with a DAF MX 11 engine or the lighter Cummins ISB6.7.

Yet what was also interesting was the increasingly fiercely contested field of bus and coach telematics seeing GPS-navigation giant TomTom engaging more in the fight. At Busworld it presented its OptiDrive360, an application that does not only tell drivers in real-time where the traffic jams are, but that also immediately confronts them with their own driving behaviour. It can also be linked to the tacho in order to verify driving and resting times, or calculate the remaining driving time.

New for TomTom Telematics is the bigger 7-inch screen that acts like an open platform on Android basis, meaning various apps can be added – and that means awesome functionality flexibility. Also it can be connected to, for example, rear-view cameras or a camera on the upper floor of a double-decker bus. The tablet can be further extended with worksheets, all sorts of documents, or a safety checklist that needs to be filled out before departure. OptiDrive360 evaluates drivers during their rides on such aspects as speeding offences, idling, fuel consumption and changing gears.

“Taking out the ECW Grand Award Coach was the Setra Topclass S 516 HDH.”

530km, respectively.For Scania’s Urban Löfvenberg the solution

for a commercially viable bus system is more in bio-fuels, such as bio-ethanol, bio-diesel and bio-gas. “Electricity is a good solution, but we also have to ask ourselves where and how sustainable it is produced.”

Other news bandied about the show was, of course, Euro-centric in nature but nonetheless could give interesting insights trends worldwide. In terms of buses being safe, the Belgian Institute for Safety on the Road reported that in 2013 buses and coaches only caused 1.7 per cent of all the accidents on Belgian roads. It noted that 24 accidents ended in one or more deaths. Since 2009 this has meant a marked decrease in accidents, the organisation stated. Buses or coaches are only involved in 0.7 per cent of all the accidents on the European roads, it continued, whereas cars are responsible for almost half of the accidents in Europe.

And that ties in with bus sales in Europe also on the increase, with Acea - the organisation of vehicle manufacturers - recently publishing figures that show bus sales in the European Union have increased by 16.5 per cent compared with the same period last year.

In terms of key product trends, minibuses – or more accurately microbuses - continue to gain favour as a key component of fleets needing to operate in tight spaces and for short shuttle-type runs, with the likes of Turkish bus maker Karsan debuting the cool and funky Jest electric prototype. Slated for production from 2017, this wheelchair-accessible minibus is perfect for historic city centres and districts with narrow streets. Yet it can also be used on supply routes to junctions and connection points to the bigger

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New Volvo 7900 Electric bus display showed how it all works.Germany’s Benteler EngineeringServices (BES) presented its Electric-Retrofit idea, with Ziehl-Abegg a key player in it.Turkish mob Karsan’s Atak got quite a bit of attention.Like Cliff Richard said, it’s about being ‘Wired For Sound’.Volvo’s latest Dynamic Steering tech got plenty of praise.Irizar’s i8 was hugely anticipated......it’s funky new headlight treatment went down well with the crowd, it seems.Karsan 6m electric Jest highlighted an emerging vehicle trend?The latest styles on display; new Neoplan Skyliner front end looked hot.

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Future Proof


CBT22_p038-041_Mega Bus.indd 38 22/12/2015 8:54 PM


LONG T R A I N R U N N I N G

Choosing the right new train carriages and building new tracks is usually a common – read: expensive – way modern cities tackle major public transport projects. So what if buses were more like trains as a

way to compete? Coach & Bus editor Fabian Cotter investigates.


“What if buses could be used very much like trains and attempt to ‘cut out the middle person’, so to speak?”



� Now that’s a bus stop! Actually, it’s more mini bus port. Imagine these in Australia: sliding doors, air-condi-tioned, digital route and timetable data on displays, news and advertising on TV screens, the latest vending ma-chines, security CCTV with emergency help radio, free timed Wi-Fi etc. Oh to dream...


Sydney is going through it right now. Gridlocked city streets at peak times for the next few years as the new light-rail project gets under

way and track laying continues in earnest. The Gold Coast took four years from 2010 to complete its 13km of lines at a cost of an estimated $1.6 Billion. And there’s more to come.

That’s just light rail, though. Proper train networks ramp up in cost, and time and scope commensurately. This is traditionally looked at as a good thing in bus terms, arguably, because of an innate notion of subjugation where bus routes and networks complement the day to day running of track line systems, delivering commuters even closer to their homes or final destinations.

Yet what if buses could be used very much like trains and attempt to ‘cut out the middle person’, so to speak? In certain South American markets they are giving it a go and a very special articulated Scania bus is

helping facilitate that objective on a major Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Tailored specifically for the Latin American Bus Rapid Transit market, the Scania ‘Megabus’ is said to be sustainable and cost-effective transport.

Megabus – why, oh why wasn’t one of these in any of the Transformers movies or even the ‘80s TV cartoon show; imagine the amount of kiddie bus drivers it would have inspired - is powered by Scania’s 360hp front engine.

Scania recently unveiled the bi-articulated bus with a passenger capacity of up to 270 people. That’s massive, in terms if people cargo!

“That’s the same as removing 135 cars each carrying two passengers from the road,” said Silvio Munhoz, head of Bus and Coach Sales for Scania in Brazil.

The bodywork job is shared by Brazilian companies Caio or Neobus, and the bus comes equipped with five doors for an

efficient and smooth passenger flow, it’s claimed.

It does cost a bit more, but despite its higher price tag Scania calculates that the passenger-per-kilometre cost is 40 per cent lower compared with a conventional articulated bus.

“This is very much in line with Scania’s aim to provide sustainable transport,” Munhoz added.

“As cities continue to grow, ensuring mobility is an increasing concern and efficient BRT systems are the most cost-effective means of providing public transport.”

It is an interesting model trend that could have cost-saving implications for other cites worldwide which may not have the time nor finances to go for new rail or light-rail networks first off.

Perhaps something like this for Sydney’s Northern Beaches and beyond up to the Central Coast could be an option that finds fertile ground.


Bus Advice


CBT22_p042-p047_Seat guide.indd 42 22/12/2015 8:04 PM

GAME OF THRONES


It is arguably the most tangible link between passenger and vehicle when it comes to travelling on a bus or coach, so seating is key to making the overall experience a success. Depending on use and materials used, wear and tear will always be a factor to longevity. Coach & Bus magazine checks out some key players in the seat-renewing and making game.


“...operators can now replace the original OEM cloth with an array of durable and cosmetically-pleasing new textiles and leathers.”


W hile it might be too much to ask for passengers to alight from their coach or bus journey and comment

to drivers and sundry others that the seats looked and felt comfortable and clean, give them anything other than that and chances are someone in the bus operation will be told about it, quick smart. The seat plays an instrumental part on wooing people for future journeys – if not on an immediately obvious level but most probably subliminally. It’s all about people arriving at destinations as safely and feeling as refreshed as possible, not as if they’d gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson or had sat on a milk crate the whole journey through. And that’s where ergonomic seat design and its invitingly tactile-pleasing materials used to cover them – or form the bulk of their construction – is crucial.

The working life of a heavily used bus or

coach depends on the amount of mileage it may do in the eyes of Government authorities; this is usually a lifespan of 25 years by tough Australian standards. Various parts on the vehicle will wear out long before that – that’s just science and reality at play. Yet while most can appreciate that tyres, engine consumables and the like are obvious things due for repair, upkeep or replacement, it is the bus or coach’s seating that may not come to mind so quickly.

The working life of a bus or coach seat will relate to how many times it is used and how it is best cleaned and maintained; however, with new long-wearing materials being introduced into the market operators can now replace the original OEM cloth with an array of durable and cosmetically pleasing new textiles and leathers. We have a quick guide to such new materials and a few companies that specialise in replacement seating. Enjoy...

� Modern bus and coach seat design is even more complex, all for comfort and longevity.


LAST YEAR HOLDSWORTH Fabrics changed its name to that of its parent company - the Camira Group. The company designs and manufactures fabrics for a range of passenger transport interiors where heavy-duty contact and technical performance is an important requirement. Camira has offices in America, the UK, as well as other major transport centres.

Camira provides fabric solutions for buses, coaches and mini-buses, as well as trains, cruise ships and ferries. The company can meet all seat-refurbishment needs offering a large range of textiles for passenger-vehicle interiors, including upholstery, piping, headrests, wall side and ceiling finishes, and curtaining, it’s stated. All fabrics come with a five-year guarantee.

The recent 2015 BusVic Maintenance Conference and Bus Expo in Melbourne saw

the debut of new high performance vinyls; Vita and Folio. They have been designed for optimum performance, safety and cleanability. Vita is a leather-look vinyl, with a subtle surface grain effect and full matt appearance available in a broad palette of 23 colours. Folio is a textured and metallic-effect vinyl, exuding a hint of glamour and industrial modernity. It comes in six modern, versatile, neutrally toned colour-ways.

CAMIRA GROUPWHERE: Malvern East, VictoriaWEB: www.camiragroup.com.auPHONE: (03) 9832 0624

CONTACT

NB PASSENGER SEATINGWHERE: Somerton, VictoriaWEB: www.nbpassengerseating.com.auPHONE: (03) 9303 9996

CONTACT

CAMIRA GROUP

NB PASSENGER SEATINGNB PASSENGER SEATING is a wholly owned Australian Company based in Melbourne, Victoria. It is the proud supplier of high-quality ‘low-floor route bus seats’ that are backed up by 26 years of transport seating experience.

The company provides product to all Australian and New Zealand bus, tram and train operators with a real alternative for their seating needs.

After initially starting as NB Trimming, NB director Nick Barrese looked towards importing a product line that he could provide to the route bus sector. He approached Polish manufacturer Ster, who appointed him as the Asia/Pacific agent.

The STER designed seats for city transport are innovative with low weight designs available in many different versions – either upholstered with foam, without foam, and options like wooden, plastic, or translucent inserts. They are available different colours with easy insert replacement;

they are an all-round, hard-wearing and comfortable seat, it’s stated. The seat frames are made from stainless steel, aluminium or plastic.

STER products are being supplied across Europe and America, where they are specified and installed by Scania, Volvo, MAN, Irisbus and Evobus, and many more.

There are 10 different modern designs of STER seats. These are high-quality, low-floor bus seats that are durable and comfortable with safety being most important, the company states.

STER has an extensive research and development department that is dedicated to new seating projects with the use of latest processing technology. The seats are completely tested in-house at STER’s test facility. One of the main focuses is the energy absorption of the seats, making the STER range of seats cost effective with low maintenance for bus operators, it’s claimed.

NB has seating solutions for many applications, such as low weight, anti-vandalism, safety and advertising at the back of the seats. NB says this makes the STER seat products well advanced and leading the way in passenger seating. NB Passenger Seating’s aim is to tailor-make world-class passenger seats to suit customers’ specific needs.

NB Passenger Seating also provides a full spare parts and installation service and is supported by professional and friendly staff.


Custom Bus AustraliaWe make buses that help our customers succeed

Luke JollyNSW

0409 600 947

David Anderson

NSW & VIC0499 992 150

Russell BayfieldQLD, NT & WA0409 600 941

Phil GilhamSA, TAS & ACT0427 068 413

Head office 02 9914 3800

custombus.com.au


STYLE RIDE SEATING Systems commenced operations in 1996 with owners Matthew Lukan and Noel Dabelstein beginning product deliveries in May of that year. The start-up was preceded by a period of exhaustive research, development and testing to introduce new products to the industry in line with the opportunities identified in a comprehensive market research project. This tenet continues today with the recent launch of the new Solutions 2-3 line of seating.

On average, the company has increased growth by 20 per cent per annum and continues to pride itself by providing what the industry is seeking for both the comfort of its passengers and an economic product for owners and operators. The only way to sustain such growth has been because the company consistently listens to its customers and these

relationships have driven innovation and product development since that time - and the results speak for themselves, the company states.

Style Ride produces seven different ranges of seats depending on what market the bus or coach is intended for, ie. school runs, general passenger traffic, or long-haul coach requirements. This sees the Acacia, Aquarius, Orion, Protean, Silhouette, Traveller and the new Solutions 2-3 range of seating. The Aquarius, for instance, comes in four different combinations: Standard, Deluxe, Ice and Deluxe Mark 2.

The new Solutions 2-3 range is suitable for school buses that allow two passengers over 12 years old, or three children under 12 years of age. It has easily replaced seat belt retractors, individual squab covers with pitch centres of 690mm, and meets all new Government Notices Gazette C2015G00099 – 19/1/2015.

STYLE RIDE SEATS

MCCONNELL SEATSJAMES MCCONNELL FOUNDED McConnell Seats in 1952 and a solid reputation has been built over 60 plus years for quality products, honesty and integrity in the public transport industry, it’s stated.

In August last year Malaysian-based automotive parts manufacturer, APM, acquired the renowned seating supplier and its large modern factory, which is located at North Coburg, Victoria. With APM liking what it saw, the company continued in providing the best in design and manufactured products and services.

McConnell seats are completely manufactured in-house from the metal fabrication right through to the final trim. A high level of quality is assured through adherence to its quality management

system modelled on AS/NZS ISO9001:2008.Facilities also include professional engineering

and design personnel, with seat strengths and load applications for new designs analysed and tested in-house. Products and components are certified to Australian Design Regulations (ADR) and recognised standards.

In a market becoming increasing safety conscious, APM believes that McConnell’s marketing and design team plus the latest in production and construction techniques allow it to offer far superior services and products.

The purchase of the company has assisted McConnell to be a globally competitive supplier to all aspects of the commercial-transport seating industry by providing total satisfaction that

surpasses customer expectations, the company states.

This is achieved by the continuous improvement of products, quality and an unrelenting commitment to customer service through the development of McConnell’s highly skilled and innovative staff.

STYLE RIDEWHERE: Acacia Ridge, QLDWEB: www.styleride.com.auPHONE: (07) 3272 7550

CONTACT

MCCONNELL SEATSWHERE: North Coburg, VictoriaWEB: www.mcconnellseats.com.auPHONE: (03) 9350 7277

CONTACT


BEST KNOWN FOR supplying quality fabrics to the soft furnishing industry for almost 50 years, Warwick is one of the world’s leading fabric and textile wholesalers providing premium quality materials to industry specialists since 1966. Warwick is continuing to meet the evolving needs of today’s competitive global markets by constantly updating collections and pushing boundaries, the company states.

Today, Warwick’s extensive collections include two new exciting transport ranges: the Overlander and Montage Collections.

After extensive research Warwick discovered that the transport industry has very similar needs to their core domestic customers. Cleanability, durability, colour-fastness and continuity. All of the Warwick transport velvets are woven to precise specifications and tested to exacting standards for colour-fastness, abrasion, inherent stain resistance, flammability properties and safety* (Tested for the presence of Free

Formaldehyde).Warwick stocks its fabrics in Melbourne and

is ready to deliver, free of charge, Australia wide within a few days of ordering.

Although Warwick is an upholstery and drapery fabric wholesaler, who only sells to trade customers, it welcomes anyone to browse its range, order cutting samples, and find inspiration from any of their showrooms around Australia.

Alternately you can view its range online at www.warwick.com.au and order free cutting samples, which are then delivered to your door.

Custom Bus AustraliaWe make buses that help our customers succeed

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WARWICK

WARWICKWHERE: Collingwood, VictoriaWEB: www.warwick.com.auPHONE: 1300 787 888

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iveco.indd 1 10/05/2015 6:54 pmCBT22_p048-055_60mins.indd 48 22/12/2015 8:20 PM

60mins with...Sean CopelandVolvo Bus, Australia – general manager

Interview


Last issue we heard about a raft of changes at Volvo Bus Australia and how it maintains its top position in the local market. Here, general manager Sean Copeland continues about Volvo’s push for full electro-mobility and what operators face today and will in future. Coach & Bus editor Fabian Cotter reports in Part 2 of this exclusive interview.

Photos: Fabian Cotter

PART 2

You can rely on these buses, because they’re all built on the Aussie IVECO Delta chassis and they’re all available now! 53-61 seats, with or without seatbelts.

IVEC

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iveco.indd 1 10/05/2015 6:54 pm CBT22_p048-055_60mins.indd 49 22/12/2015 8:20 PM

QWhat about Volvo’s push to have all hybrid buses by 2017 – are you part of that push? Is Australia on track to mirror this?

SC: “I’m passionate about our environment and I think Volvo, when you talk about safety and environmental care, has a big push on that. And us within Australia, our governments don’t support that as strong as they should. When you have a look at other governments around the world where operators are subsidised to go with environmentally friendly products – while I understand there are financial constraints on governments - sometimes that holds us back a little bit, especially when you talk about hybrid technology.

We’ve introduced within the country now three hybrids. We’ve got one operating in Perth, one in South Australia and another in Queensland. And the emissions and fuel results all speak for themselves.

One of the things people really forget about hybrid technology is it’s not just about emissions, they forget about the noise. So Volvo’s all about quieter cities, so it’s also about bringing down the noise levels of buses – and that’s one of the things that the hybrid does extremely well. And it’s part of the success story specifically with the hybrid in Adelaide. They weren’t looking for a fuel-efficient green alternative, they were looking for something that was going to be really really quiet that could drive around the CBD where there are a lot of outdoor cafes and alfresco dining. The hybrid was perfect. When in hybrid mode you just don’t hear it.”

QDo you think a lot of people are not aware of that aspect?

SC: “I think that they forget about it because everyone gets caught up about emissions and fuel. If you look at where Volvo is going to – full blown electro-mobility – it’s zero emissions and it’s zero noise. So for us hybrid is a direction that we want to head to for in Australia, but the problem is gaining the support and the funding. And we understand there is an increase in capital cost, but with the fuel savings it’s starting to get to a level where it’s justified.

The big advantage overseas with hybrid is the governments support it by closing the [financial] gap.”


CBT22_p048-055_60mins.indd 50 22/12/2015 8:20 PM


“...in Australia electro-mobility

doesn’t currently come in line with the Volvo way of

environmental care.”

Q Is that a direct result of the public not being educated enough about such

aspects of the hybrid technology, and in that they are not demanding it from their governments?SC: “I think that when you are talking about government and new technologies they have to tread carefully. As you know there have been trials of different buses put in place in states around the country, whether it’s been hybrid fuel cells or CNG, and some of those have worked and some haven’t. And I think the government has taken the approach of should we just wait and see how things evolve before they dove in because it can be a costly exercise if they don’t do it right.

But for my I think hybrid technology is the beginning for the Australian market; if you have a look at the take-up even in cars it’s been nowhere near as big as it has been in Europe. And that’s just a cultural thing that we need to adapt here in Australia. If you look at the European and Scandinavian countries where they are pushing for electro-mobility, they don’t produce ‘dirty’ electricity any more. Whereas in Australia electro-mobility doesn’t currently come in line with the Volvo way of environmental care where you are generating dirty power through coal. In Europe they are generating through nuclear power stations which is clean and they are also generating through wind, so there’s a big difference there in how they are generating their power to go for electro-mobility.

Without fail the next leap is going to be Euro6 ans we’ve got ahead of the curve with a lot of others because we’ve strategically put buses into place where we can actually monitor fuel consumption, monitor how the buses are going and then we can go to market and say ‘in these applications here is the fuel consumption savings’.”

QDo you guys have more of a heads-up about when the government will

enforce Euro6 as a compulsory stand here in Australia?SC: “They are already looking at it and at the moment the Paper they’ve produced is saying it’s a bit too early. My personal opinion is it’s going to be around 2018-2019. When we look at our Volvo counterparts in Trucks, they aren’t even talking about Euro6 yet – but that’s where we [Bus] are ahead.

CBT22_p048-055_60mins.indd 51 22/12/2015 8:20 PM


Strategically we are well placed for the future. The most important thing for an operator is the fuel savings. It’s all about cents per kilometre.

But the Volvo way is very conservative. We don’t go out of our way to promote something unless we know it’s true, so we haven’t released Euro6 into and Australia and said ‘ok, it’s going to save 15 per cent, or 10 per cent fuel consumption’. We want to put it into a working environment and then monitor and measure and then say ‘yes, here’s the true facts!’.

This shows we have a lot of integrity when we do it this way and that’s another reason why I love working for Volvo.

We have a city bus operating in La Trobe valley, we’ve got our B8RLEAs Euro6 operating in Perth, we’ve for a Euro6 coach operating for Bayside in Victoria – and I’m just about to put four Euro6 buses into Brisbane City Council.

So from a technology perspective we are doing a lot of good things in relation to gaining good data, so when Euro6 is legislated we can go to the market and say ‘okay, here’s what the results are.’ And I think we’ve done the same with the hybrid technology as well.

We have three hybrids running around the country and no-one else in the industry in Australia can offer that right now and I think having the [Volvo] world’s first Euro6 articulated bus operating in Perth is a fantastic achievement. And I think after a lot of hard work and development, getting the Volgren-Volvo double-decker on the road in Victoria was a great achievement, too.”

QWhat other feedback do you get from operators about their concerns for the

industry? There’s product, technology, cost per kilometre, how many people you can get onto a bus – is there anything else or any other trends you have picked up on?SC: “From listening to operators, it’s ‘contestablility’. Going from having a business and it was a negotiated contract and they were long term – some of the operators out there are in their second and third generations with government contracts – but now there’s ‘contestability’ and the ballgame has changed.

For the amount of reporting requirements and the amount of risk that the operator has to take on now, many are finding times a little bit tougher.

I think there still will be family operators out there, but they are going to have to run their business differently, a bit leaner. And there will be more consolidation within this industry. I think over time there will be operators who will get bought out or won’t be competitive when it comes to contestability. With the buyout of operators the national and multinationals will get bigger, but I think the local government restrictions on how much of a percentage they have have in each state makes a lot of sense as well, so it still keeps that competitive environment.

As it stands now the industry is being challenged in different ways. NSW, for instance, went to contestability three years ago for the operators and at the time they introduced the NSW Procurement Panel , where the operators have to buy from, so from our perspective we still have to build relationships and have the face-to-face with the customers, but now they are actually purchasing buses off a computer screen.

Queensland will be interesting to watch over the next few years. The previous government made it quite clear that it was going to contestability and the operators were left in large uncertainty up there. The new government got in saying they wouldn’t do contestability, so now they are going with negotiated contracts – but we’ll see how much of that actually is a negotiation. Thus there’s not been much purchasing activity in Queensland for the past 18 months to two years, and that will continue until September next year when the government will say ‘okay, here are new contracts’ after the negotiations. So no-one is going to buy until business is secured, and I think that is the right move – why take on that risk?

Victoria PTV has a pretty good relationship with operators down there I feel, but that could change with Transdev picking up part of the old Ventura business, but there’s still a number of family operators down there doing really well.

Also, one of the interesting things I’ve seen over the past few years is the interest

CBT22_p048-055_60mins.indd 52 22/12/2015 8:20 PM

from financial equity groups looking to buy into bus business. I think that will continue to happen because it’s quite a stable business when you think about it. If you’ve got a contract and it’s for seven years, you’ve got guaranteed revenue coming in – it’s a pretty good move for an equity fund. And there may be some of that in future with some acquisitions where equity funds say ‘okay, let’s go and buy’.

I think the industry will continue to consolidate. Since I’ve been in this role I’ve seen a number of bus businesses be acquired or lose contracts due to contestability and I think that will continue.”

QDoes Volvo have any real push toward driverless vehicle technology,

specifically in terms commercial vehicles? Any impact to its buses if so?SC: “Not as yet and the reason is Volvo’s main focus now is definitely the electro-mobility side, that’s where the investment is occurring. In other parts of the Group, yes. In CE [capital equipment] we already have that driverless technology and that’s because of the mining industry; they are trying to reduce accidents wherever they can. But it is like anything, in the industry the two biggest drivers are driver wages and fuel costs, day to day. So if you can reduce either of those that’s where electro-mobility comes in to play – we are attacking it from a different perspective.

So I wouldn’t say it’s not on our radar, but our drive is definitely for full electro-mobility.”

QWhat’s the battery life for the ones Volvo buses use, and what happens to

it at the end of life?SC: “I can only speak from a hybrid point of view; tests are showing we can get anywhere from five to seven years out of a battery. But with our hybrid package we actually take on the risk for the battery replacement. So what happens after? We give full Volvo environmental care; once the life expectancy of the battery has expired we take it back and go through the environmental process of either rebuilding the battery or melting it down and starting again with a new battery – and that all goes back to Sweden. All Volvo bus batteries from around the world go to Volvo in Sweden for that process. So

“I’ve seen a number of bus businesses be acquired or lose contracts due to

‘contestability’ and I think that will continue.”


CBT22_p048-055_60mins.indd 53 22/12/2015 8:20 PM


essentially the battery risk is taken on by us and the customer is just leasing it from us – which I think is a good thing, taking away another headache for them in their operating costs.”

QAnd finally, what is the most important message that you think any bus

companies or employees, or anyone in any industry should try to adhere to each day? What can others learn from a company like Volvo?SC: “Never promise what you can’t deliver! Here [at Volvo] we have a really good philosophy in that you can’t take anything for granted and you can’t be complacent. And one of the things we do here is to continually challenge ourselves to do things differently. And I think that is part of the key to success for Volvo Bus, in that we look at ways to continually improve and constantly communicate with the customers – to learn what they want from innovative ideas and how they want to be managed, but also what product they want in turn.

“In this industry I’ve learned that it’s not about today and tomorrow, it’s about the longer future – and contracts here are usually around seven years, so it’s all about the next contract and what can you offer. I think that’s very important to have for this industry.

Working for Volvo the culture is exceptional. Everyone here that I’ve met I’ve said I love working with them and I think that’s because many have been here for a long time. No idea is a bad idea, you just need to refine it to see how it can work. And here at Volvo you get that opportunity.”




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Operator


CBT22_p056-060_Metro Tas Scania.indd 56 22/12/2015 8:36 PM


SECOND CHANCE

DRAWSome bus fleets get updated quickly just to keep

up with rapid technology changes while others have simply reached their use-by date. In the

middle remains some quality kit with plenty of life yet. Metro Tasmania’s experience meant it knew

a bargain when it saw one. Coach & Bus Editor Fabian Cotter reports from Hobart, Tasmania.



“Metro Tasmania celebrated its 60th anniversary in May 2015 and is the largest urban services bus operator in Tasmania.”

It was an offer too good refuse. Merely eight-year old Volgren-bodied Scania low-floor buses used only for shuttling passengers around Melbourne’s

Tullamarine Airport over short distances, plus their extensive service record, meant the 11 buses on offer were spot-on.

With the airport owner, Australian Pacific Airports, recently picking up new Scania N-Series buses for the role of bringing passengers to and from terminals, the current 11 low-floors needed a new home. With only 600,000km clocked up on each they were well off their end of life deadline. And with the bus game being expensive for many operators in terms of new product, these Scanias were ripe for making the trek south across the pond.

Metro Tasmania celebrated its 60th anniversary in May 2015 and is the largest urban services bus operator in Tasmania, with 155 buses based in Hobart, 48 in Launceston and 15 in Burnie. It has more than 450 employees across the state. Each year it employs more than 60 new people and 80 per cent of those are bus drivers, it states. The other 20 per cent include professionals,

Ward isn’t the longest servicing member of the 60-year-old Metro business, that’s Warren Pinner, based in Burnie, who is getting one of the refurbished buses with which to celebrate his 50 unbroken years of service.Still, Ward has clocked up more than 36 years with the bus company, having started as an electrician in the workshop, before working his way up to the executive team. “It’s a good place to work, obviously,” he said. “Most of the executive team have been here less than 10 years, and we have some drivers, workshop and administration employees who have been with the company longer than I have. Michael (Sims) has been with us for 20 years as well.”

IAN WARD

�...and in with the new for the Tassie roads.

� Straight out of Melbourne, it’s out with the old...



administration, operations, trades and customer service staff.

MetroTas doesn’t require bus-driver applicants to hold a heavy rigid license; you just need a current driver’s license and MetroTas provides full training. In fact, MetroTas is highly regarded in Tasmania for its excellent training program, it’s stated. Age or gender are not factors. Metro bus drivers range in age from 20 up to 70, and a large portion of its drivers are women, the company states.

Of its current fleet, 204 are Scania buses, so now the extra 11 low-floor city route buses add perfectly to its mix, with nine of them destined for use in Burnie, replacing older vehicles.

MetroTas general manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Ian Ward, explained to Coach & Bus magazine while down in Hobart recently why they were only too happy to snap up the ex-airport vehicles.

“It’s not often the opportunity to purchase pre-owned buses in this condition and specification comes along,” he said. “These buses are ideal for our fleet, being low-floor and offering wheelchair access. We needed additional wheelchair access buses and these

will bring our fleet to more than 50 per cent compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act,” he explained.

“We also needed buses with aluminium bodies for the Burnie routes because corrosion is a problem on that coast, so these Volgren-bodied buses were ideal.

“The Burnie-based buses will do about 43,000km a year and, as we consider these buses to be half-way through their working lives (as per typical Tasmanian city bus use profiles), we believe they represent good value for us.

“Overall across Tasmania we have had stable passenger patronage for some time in Tasmania, but despite the task being unchanged, budgets, as ever, are tight. So by purchasing these 11 buses at an acceptable price, we get good bang for our buck,” Ward explained.

Of the 11 imports nine are Scania L 94 UB low-floor models, running a 230hp six-cylinder engine that drives through a five-speed ZF automatic transmission, using a hydraulic retarder. Buses 10 and 11 are based on the later K 230 UB chassis. This specification is very similar to that of many in the existing

MetroTas fleet, though some of its older buses are still going strong.

“We have N113s from 1991 and 1992 still in service,” Ward said. “They don’t miss a beat. Our relationship with Scania goes back to 1988, and some of the buses on the fleet have more than 1.4 million kilometres on the clock. Those haven’t even had the engines replaced,” he said.

So where did the idea of pre-owned buses come from and has MetroTas done this before? No, but there’s a first time for everything. And it all seems so good thus far that Ward says he would be keen to consider further purchases of this nature if the right vehicles come up, but that happens very rarely he says. The company expects to get another 10 years out of them. When Coach & Bus magazine asked how good a deal it all was from a cost per unit point of view, Ward was reticent.

“These ex-airport car park buses are almost like new. They have been reliable in service and we know Scania to be reliable as well.”

Straight off the boat – quite literally, the company got a good price on getting them across via the Spirit of Tasmania – the ex-

Sims is one of the company’s driver trainers and assists in putting 370 or so drivers through refresher courses each year. When new drivers join they are assessed regularly through the first year and then have an annual inspection. Sims puts the skills and tips he picked up from Tony Finneran and Alana Mountfield, Scania’s Driver Development trainers,

into the mix of suggestions he passes on to his drivers, to limit harsh acceleration and braking and to help them preserve the working lives of the vehicles.“It has an impact on eco-driving as well. We talk to them about fuel efficiency, defensive driving, on the job safety as well as our code of conduct,” Sims said.“We remind them all that their

cargo is people, and could be their own family members.”Sims says he came to Metro from the retail world, and was based near the depot in Moonah just north of the CBD that Metro has operated for 30 years.“There’s a good atmosphere and, as a driver, you can have flexibility in working hours if you want them, so the job suited me,” he said.

MICHAEL SIMS


airport duty vehicles aren’t ready for action; MetroTas’s preferred body repairers, Havnadip Bus Repairs, got cracking on the refurbish work.

“The refurbishment programme will take four months in total with each of the vehicles undergoing upgrades over five weeks. Havnadip put on four staff to complete the programme and it has gone well,” Ward said.

So what’s involved in getting them Apple Isle ready? Not much mechanically, aside from changing the tyre size to one offering greater sidewall – and also ground clearance – from the low profile rubber that were on them.

Ward explained: “We gave them a 20,000km service and they were ready to get to work. They have been maintained to manufacturer’s specification and they appear to be in good order.

“Inside, we removed the luggage carriers and extruded aluminium sheeting from the floor and added in 10 new McConnell’s seats, and we have re-covered all of the 39 seats in our corporate colours of dark blue base with multi-coloured pattern.

“The seats for priority passengers such as infirm, elderly or pregnant are identified by a red seat fabric, and we added a second wheelchair parking area, that also has spring-loaded flip-up seats to be used when there are no wheelchair users on board.

“We have also fitted a closed-circuit TV monitoring system from DTI, which includes a forward-facing camera and one over the entry door. The camera data is downloaded automatically when the buses return to the depot and it is very handy to resolve claims regarding driving behaviour or events that take

place on the road,” he said.“We have also added a protective Plexiglass

shield around the driver. There’s also the Greencard ticket reader as well, which now accounts for 70 per cent of fares payments, with cash making up the rest.

“On the outside we have re-painted the entire body in our corporate white body with yellow nose cone, and there will be advertising added in service, either along the side, or as a full body wrap as the advertisers require,” Ward said.

“We have also had Scania’s Bus Driver Development team in to train our driver trainer Department, and we found that very useful,” he added. “Overall we’re really looking forward to integrating these ex-airport buses into our fleet and giving them a valuable second life.”

Metro Tasmania celebrated its 60th birthday on March 2, 2015. Celebrations were scheduled for staff at each depot with the Hobart Depot showcasing an old Bedford bus and new member of the fleet side by side along with a collection of photos, memorabilia and retro uniforms.During its 60-year history MetroTas has operated its fleet under the guise

of MTT, Hobart Coaches and Metro. Its fleet has included petrol and diesel buses, electric trolley buses and electric trams.Speaking about the birthday, Metro Tasmania CEO, Stuart Wiggins said: “Metro is proud to have been offering essential transport services for Tasmanians for the past 60 years. Metro has a proud heritage

and a fascinating history and we are privileged to act as a key service provider around Tasmania.“Over the past 60 years we have seen dramatic changes in the requirements for public transport and our buses and other infrastructure have been continually improved to keep in step with community expectations.

“I would like to thank the tireless work of the many hundreds of staff and friends that have contributed greatly to the ongoing vibrancy and effectiveness of Metro Tasmania’s services.“We are proud to play our part in the community and look forward to another 60 years of service,” Wiggins said.


60 YEARS AND COUNTING

“These ex-airport car park buses are almost like new. They have been reliable in service...”

� Follow the leader. Melbourne airport bus trails its newly refurbished sibling.


Hot Stuff By Fabian Cotter

Gadgets on the go

Watch lovers must be loving the latest smart watches’ ability to change faces instantly, or is that destroying the very hobby of buying multiple watches for collectors? Either way, smart watches like the Huawei Stainless Steel Android-based Smart Watch target that exact market: purist watch collectors as well the the techie geeky types who may not

have bothered to wear a watch otherwise.

It definitely look classy and elegant and the various colours and wristbands cover a broad range of prices to match.

Featuring a 42mm casing made out of scratch-resistant 316L stainless steel, it’s rated to IP67 for water and dust resistance. Available in three styles - silver,

rose gold and black (the latter has a nano-composite DLC coating for protecting the ‘blackness’ being scratched off) – the bands are interchangeable and come in both 21mm and 18mm sizes.

On the back of the 11mm case is a heart-rate sensor, while on the front a two-layer sapphire crystal protects the 400x400, 1.4-inch screen. This itself is 286ppi and is a very sharp display; 40 watch faces are digitally on offer. The 300mAh battery lasts about two days on standby, it’s claimed. 4GB storage, Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi, 512MB RAM – you know the deal.

There’s is no way the whole ‘fly your own drone and take amazing pictures and video’ trend if going to be slowing down in a hurry, and the type of ‘convenient’ high-end technology within reasonable budgets is amazing. A key player in this game now is Parrot with its Bebop drone.

Though the name may well conjure up memories of the endearingly bumbling Bebop and Rocksteady characters in the Teenage Mutant Ninja

Turtles cartoon series, the Parrot Bebop is conversely nimble and accurate in its flight controllability, and offers the ability to take amazing footage.

Merely 400g of feather-weight reinforced structure, it is robust and safe to use, the company states. Propellers stop

automatically in the event of a collision and an emergency mode lets it land instantly.

Featuring GPS, P7 dual-core CPU, quad-core GPU and 8GB of Flash memory, it runs on Linux and can generate its own Wi-Fi hotspot. And that’s hours of fun and creativity to be had.

We’ve scoured the globe for all the latest gadgets and gizmos for when you are on the go.

Parrot Bebop Drone

Huawei Smart Watch

While there’s always the cheeky option to use the USB port on the back of TVs in hotel rooms to charge your phone, an increasing number of people need USB charging capability for multiple devices when on the go these days. And until more USB ports are on more plane and bus seats,

on trains and in multiple places in cars, something like the 40W mBeat five-port USB charger makes a lot of sense.

Featuring smart and lightweight design, it’s capable of fast charging up to five devices simultaneously with 8A output and smart auto-detect

and share technology. It’s made of aluminium and ABS plastic and fire-resistant material and weighs only 322g. Measuring 9.5cm x 5.8cm x 2.7cm it’s ideal to have with you when away for work or camping, or holidaying in a big group. It’s available in white or black.

mBeat USB Charger

WHAT? mBeat USB chargerWHO? mBeatHOW MUCH? Approx. $39.95CONTACT? www.mbeat.com.au

WHAT? Huawei Smart WatchWHO? Huawei HOW MUCH? Approx. $349 - $799CONTACT? www.huawei.com/au

WHAT? Parrot BeBop droneWHO? ParrotHOW MUCH? Approx. $699CONTACT? www.parrot.com.au

CBT22_p061_Gadgets.indd 61 23/12/2015 10:16 AM

Working Wheels

Volkswagen Australia launched its 2016 Caddy and T6 Transporter range in Sydney, recently. Yet as broad a range as it is, it was the ‘people-movers’ that caught our eye. Fabian Cotter reports.

Moving People, VW StyleEVEN IF YOU WERE not ‘young’

enough to remember the first

Volkswagen T1 ‘Kombis’, which

would eventually seep themselves into

the ensuing hippie-surfie folklore, you’d have

by now fathomed the magnitude of their iconic

influence on automotive and popular culture.

Some 65 years and a global sales success

more than 12 millions units later, it was

a pleasure to head to the Sydney launch

last December to check out the latest T6

Transporter interpretations – inclusive of the

retro and funky, two-tone Generation Six

modern ‘Kombi’ – plus the latest Caddy vans,

covering a range of light-commercial vehicle

variants and high-end, primo people-movers.

Whether you are after a new set of working

wheels or a company car, busies should find

something ideal for what they need from the

new VW Caddy and Transporter range.

Both Caddy and Transporter come in two

varieties, basically: commercial and people-

mover - in SWB, LWB and either single cab,

dual cab and crewman variants. It’s a very

similar basis from T5 to T6, though the new

sleek and distinctly sharp front-end design

certainly looks the part and VW is quick to

point out the range is overall cheaper, more fuel

efficient thanks to BlueMotion and Start-Stop

technology, comes with better safety advances

and most have the latest infotainment capability.

Up against rivals like the Renault Trafic, Toyota

HiAce, Ford Transit and Hyundai iLoad, the

T6 has three 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines to

choose from: a 103kW, 132kW and a new-to-

range 150kW lump, with the latter boasting

a very usable 450Nm. That will come in

handy moving a full load of people as a hotel

shuttle, cab replacement or executive mini-

bus substitute, so there’ll be many putting the

10-seat Caravelle and seven-seat (non-retro)

Multivan on their shopping lists.

Transmission is via a seven-speed dual-clutch

Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), and 4-Motion

AWD is available for the TDI400 and TDI450-

powered people-movers. Three styles of driving

are available via the Adaptive Chassis Control

(Comfort, Normal and Sports) – standard on the

above-mentioned retro-look Generation Six and

optional on the Multivan Highline.

Safety? Yeah, it’s got a bit: Driver Fatigue

Alert, Multi-Collision Brakes, Front Assist,

City Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise

Control. Inside infotainment is App-Connect with

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

Plus there’s a range of options on offer.

Though prices start at $36,990 ex. on-roads

for a manual TDI340 SWB Transporter, the halo-

car Generation Six is more than double that at

$74,990 ex. on-roads.

Something more car-like? Another people-

moving option is the five- and seven-seat

Caddys, available in SWB and LWD (Maxi)

wheel bases, for $32,490 to $37,990 ex. on-

roads. Powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged

petrol engine as found in the venerable Golf,

VAN SPECS

MAKE: VOLKSWAGENMODEL: 2016 Transporter Multivan Generation SixENGINE: 2.0L 4cyl twin-turbo diesel; POWER – 50kW@4000rpm, TORQUE: 450Nm@1400-2400rpmTRANSMISSION: 7-spd dual-clutch automaticMISC.: Fuel - 6.5L/100km combinedPRICE: $74,990 ex. on-road costs

MODEL*: Caravelle Trendline TDI340 LWBTRANSMISSION: 7-spd DSGPRICE: $49,990

MODEL: 2016 VW Caddy People-moverENGINE: 1.4L turbo petrol; POWER - 92kW@4800rpm and 220Nm@1500rpm-2500rpmTRANSMISSION: 7-spd DSGMISC.: From $32,490 ex. on-roads

New Caddy Maxi is a great seven-seat car-like option for getting people around. Styling is very swish for a van.Maximum people-moving capability from the new VW Transporter range comes via the Caravelle. Sits 10 people comfortably and ......doesn’t look too foul from the outside, either. Great access from the side sliding doors. Winning!

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CBT22_p062-063_WW&CC.indd 62 22/12/2015 8:27 PM

Moving People, VW Styleit makes 92kW@4800rpm and 220Nm on tap

between 1500rpm and 2500rpm. Combined

fuel consumption starts at 6.0L/100km. The

front-wheel driver works through a seven-

speed DSG. No diesels just yet given all things

‘Dieselgate’, but enviro-friendly software-

corrected 2.0-litre TDI versions are due early

2016.

Suspension is MacPherson strut with double

wishbone and anti-roll bar front and a rigid rear

axle with leaf springs – same as the Caddy Van

version. The base five-seat Caddy has 750L

storage space at the back, but optioning up a

third row of seats will compromise that to 190L.

Be judicious with what you need the vehicle for.

Squarer tail-lights and a sharper-look tailgate

look trick from behind on the regular new

Caddy, matched up front with a larger grille,

stylised bumper and lower fascia. The people-

mover gets slightly different rear-view mirrors

and bumpers – just because.

Inside it’s a pretty good mix of stylish car

meets practical work vehicle, with lots of

storage pockets and holes plus pleasingly

designed and seemingly easy-to-clean

surfaces. The Maxi Caddy seats seven and has

formidable storage to give prospective SUV

owners something to think about; 1350L past

the second row and 530L behind the third.

Nice.

On the road, the range of Caddy and

Transporters drove well for what they were,

with suspension firm yet compliant enough

in absorbing city-road bumps. There’s slight

hesitation from the DSG up a steepish hill upon

take-off, but not much. The true commercials

really need laden weight in them to see how

they feel and sound, and for that matter

boisterous adults and screaming kids in the

people-movers would be a good idea, too.

Overall, the range is well-put-together kit that

should pick up a few new VW fans, especially

via the retro Generation Six. In all that’s

happened they’ll be much welcomed.

“...the range is well-put-together kit that should pick up a few new VW fans, especially via the retro Generation Six.”� How cool does this bad boy look? Moon-dish rims and two-tone paint is so retro cool you’ll have erect nipples even before you get behind the wheel.


CBT22_p062-063_WW&CC.indd 63 22/12/2015 8:27 PM


064Money Matters

LIVE LONGER, SAVE ON INSURANCE

Ireckon there’s a lot to celebrate about getting older – the joy of watching our kids grow up, having plenty of life experience to draw on and, surprisingly,

valuable savings on insurance premiums.Let me explain that last point. A colleague

of mine recently turned the big 5-0. It wasn’t a milestone she particularly relished, that is until her comprehensive car insurance renewal arrived. The annual premium was considerably lower than in previous years thanks to the driver turning 50.

Interestingly, age-based discounts are also becoming available on life insurance.

MLC Insurance for instance, recently announced discounts on life cover with savings of up to 15 per cent from age 45. It’s a great idea – live longer, save on insurance.

In fact, from our 40s onwards, life insurance plays an especially valuable role in a sensible financial plan.

Between the ages of around 40 and 50 we

often face significant financial responsibilities – paying off a home, funding a quality education for our children, and aiming to grow investments for retirement.

In many cases the combined income of two people is the thing that keeps household finances ticking over. This is why it’s so important to review your life cover annually – if anything happened to either income earner your family could be left financially skewered.

Many people assume they have sufficient life insurance through their super fund. But that’s not always the case. The amount of life insurance provided by super funds is often less than $200,000. For many families that wouldn’t be enough to pay out a home loan let alone provide long-term financial security.

Buying life insurance outside of super lets you tailor the policy to the needs of yourself and your family, so you can be quite sure you have adequate and appropriate protection. Directly held life policies can also have extras

Paul Clitheroe

like a funeral benefit.Ratings group Canstar recently reviewed

directly held life insurance and found ANZ and Insure Me Now offer good overall value. However, it’s a question of comparing insurers and policies to see what works best for you and your family.

You can download Canstar’s life cover report from www.canstar.com.au, or speak to your financial adviser for a review of your life insurance needs. Having complete protection can cost less than you expect.

For more information on sharemarket investing, take a look at my book Making Money.

“...from our 40s onwards, life insurance plays an especially valuable role in a sensible financial plan.”

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money maga-zine. Visit www.paulsmoney.com.au for more information.

CBT22_p064_MONEY.indd 64 22/12/2015 8:55 PM

Global TechnologyVisit us online www.volgren.com.au or contact Sales +61 3 9791 4255

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TOP OF THE CLASS

EXPERIENCE HAS NO SUBSTITUTE

OVER 35 YEARS IN BUS MANUFACTURING FOR AUSTRALIA

VOLGREN

Global TechnologyVisit us online www.volgren.com.au or contact Sales +61 3 9791 4255

VICTORIA221-243 Hammond RdDandenong VIC 3175 +61 3 9791 4255

NEW SOUTH WALES8 Enterprise CircuitPrestons NSW 2170 +61 2 9426 6500

3-13 Kilcoy DveTomago NSW 2322 +61 2 4913 7100

WESTERN AUSTRALIA47 Beringarra AveMalaga WA 6090 +61 8 9248 8055

QUEENSLAND20 Amy Johnson PlaceEagle Farm QLD 4009 +61 7 3243 5300

Volgren. Built smart. Built safe.

TOP OF THE CLASS

EXPERIENCE HAS NO SUBSTITUTE

OVER 35 YEARS IN BUS MANUFACTURING FOR AUSTRALIA

VOLGREN

It’s your choice If you’re thinking about buying a new bus, think about buying a Fuso with

the Fuso Agility Finance Programme. At no extra cost, you get a guaranteed future value for your vehicle based around your specific business, so you have the confidence and peace of mind knowing the minimum, Guaranteed Future Value# of your Fuso bus when the finance loan runs the full term.

When your contract term comes to an end, you’ll have the option to retain, return or trade your vehicle. Plus with flexible terms, competitive rates and the assurance and backing of the Fuso brand, it’s one of the simplest financing decisions you’ll ever make.

Call 1300 429 134 or visit fuso.com.au to find out more.*Agility Finance restricted to approved business customers of Fuso Financial, a registered business of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd (MBFS) ABN 73 074 134 517 and is subject to standard credit assessment and lending criteria. Please contact an authorised Fuso dealer for further details and full terms and conditions (including vehicle eligibility).#Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) is subject to Excess Kilometre charges. Fair Wear and Use return conditions apply. Fuso is distributed by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd ACN 004 411 410.

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