Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 338 i Australasian Bus & Coach

How coincidental that just last month I was writing about the Bus Industry Confederation’s (BIC) efforts to lobby all levels of Australian government on the importance of public transport in our cities. I refer to Tony Abbott’s loss of Liberal Party leadership during the recent spill to our new, pro-public transport prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. BIC executive director Michael Apps says it was obvious a change of political leadership was needed and is confident Turnbull will be more receptive than Abbott to investing Federal Government funds into key public transport infrastructure (p14). “It was clear that the coalition needed to move forward,” he says. “We hope the new prime minister, who is accustomed to riding the bus and train, and wife Lucy — who is ex-lord mayor of Sydney —…

A new bus rapid transit (BRT) system with bus priority lanes will be integral to the transformation of the Sydney to Parramatta route over the next 30 years. Regional buses experience slow travel times, often less than 10km/h in the peak and unreliability, due to unpredictable traffic conditions and congestion between the two centres. New South Wales planning minister Rob Stokes released the draft Parramatta Road Urban Transformation Strategy recently, which aims to reduce congestion by improving bus and rail services. The corridor presents a challenge for planners, with more jobs and public transport services situated in the east, closer to the Sydney CBD, and higher than expected population growth in the west. New kerbside bus lanes along Parramatta Road from Burwood to the CBD will be created, with more…

Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) announced the appointment of Bruce Were as general manager of the company’s Melbourne operations recently, as it prepares to tender for the myki contract. Were will be responsible for handling the myki smartcard ticketing project to give CTS the best chance possible of securing the lucrative myki contract re-tender next year. Cubic’s Australian managing director Tom Walker says Were brings more than 20 years of international experience in the delivery of automated fare collection systems for transport, as well as extensive experience and expertise in the Melbourne market to the job. “The immediate challenge our team faces in Melbourne is to ensure that, if we are awarded the contract, the current myki system continues to operate efficiently,” he says. “At the same time we investigate ways…

Michael Apps BIC National Secretariat PO Box 6171, Kingston ACT 2604 P: 02 6247 5990 F: 02 6273 1035 E: admin@bic.asn.au I recently attended an exciting new start for the tourism sector in Australia. October 2 saw a fundamental change in the way the tourism industry in Australia will represent itself to governments with the formation of the National Tourism Council, of which the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) is a founding member. Australian tourism generates more than $90 billion a year, employs nearly a million people and is a major source of exports. Delivering a tourism experience to visitors involves businesses in a range of industries including the bus and coach industry. Buses and coaches play a key role and are a big contributor to Australia’s tourism economy. Long distance,…

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) CEO Mark Wild formally resigned after almost two years in the job. The news follows the resignation of PTV chairman Ian Dobbs earlier this year. Wild is proud of what he has achieved and is looking forward to his next challenge, as special advisor for transport with the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR). “Since PTV came into existence three years ago, a number of authorities have been created, with Melbourne Metro Rail Authority, Level Crossing Removal Authority and Infrastructure Victoria working together to create an integrated transport network,” he says. “I’m passionate about public transport and, having previously been director of projects at PTV, my new role will allow me to contribute to the delivery of major government commitments, while using my…

Graeme McDonald A member of the Money Resources Group P: 03 8699 5000 F: 03 9690 9484 M: 0401 189 160 E: graeme@moneyresources.com.au Well it seems like a lifetime ago since I wrote my last article, and in reality it is as I wrote two together in late July as I was away when the September deadline was due. That said, in that time we have seen one major change in Australia and that is the continuation of the revolving door prime minister, welcome to the latest incumbent Malcolm Turnbull. One can only hope he lasts a bit longer than the past few, then again it’s only about 12 months till the next election, so who knows. You would have to have been living under a rock the last few…

Sunday 8 November 12:30 INIT Registration/Service Desk Opens | Closes 17:00 18:00 Volvo “Riverside City Lights” Cocktail Party – Riverside 20:00 Thoreb Bussies Bar – Piano Bar, Ground Floor Monday 9 November: Day 1 08:00 INIT Registration/Service Desk & BCI Internet Café Opens 08:30 BIC Chairman welcomes delegates 09:00 Official Conference Opening – Philip Green, Australian High Commission 10:10 Volgren Morning Tea 10:40 Custom Bus Partners Program Departs - Singapore Guided City Tour 14.30 Depart Little India for return to Grand Copthorne Waterfront 12:20 Transdev Australasia Conference Lunch 16:30 Hanover Happy Hour Grand Copthorne Waterfront – Piano Bar, Ground Floor 17:45 Shuttles depart Grand Copthorne Waterfront to Gardens by the Bay 18:30 Mercedes-Benz Flower Dome Pre-dinner Drinks and Gardens Tour Gardens by the Bay 19:30 Mercedes-Benz “Garden Rhapsody” Gala Dinner…

DAY THREE: WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2015 Technical Tour and Learning Program: Electronic Road Pricing in Singapore Singapore Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is an electronic system of road user charging. It uses a dedicated short-range radio communication system to deduct ERP charges from smart-cards inserted in the in-vehicle units of vehicles each time they pass a pricing point when the system is in operation. The pay-when-you-use principle helps make motorists more aware of the true cost of driving. This technical tour will provide a briefing on how it all works. Sponsored By Asian Buses 09:00 Delegates registered and confirmed for Technical Tour depart Grand Copthorne Waterfront 09:45 Brief on Electronic Road Pricing test site and control centre at the Sin Ming site 10:15 View Electronic Road Pricing test site and control…

Complete CLS Fire system, supplied and fully installed, anywhere in Australia – Value $10,000 The Bulbeck Fire CLS Fire suppression system is the industries new and improved water mist technology. The system is specifically designed for buses. The system is approved to the International “P” mark approval, and will be installed to meet the “P” mark approval. WA Adventure Holiday for 2 people – Value $4,500 Return flights for 2 to Broome from closest Capital city to a total value of $1,000 – Donated by the BIC Holiday must be taken in season May to August 2016. Day 1 Cape Leveque and Aboriginal Communities | Day 2 Half Day Broome Sights with Camel Sunset Tour Day 3 Leisure day | Day 4 is a 2 Day Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek…

If you haven’t already heard of lane departure warning, you soon will. Lane departure warning is a camera based safety system which alerts the driver if a vehicle crosses painted lines without one of the indicators on. It’s becoming common in the long-distance trucking industry, where there is a fair chance of drivers dozing off and drifting over the fog line in the early hours of the morning. I’ve trialled it in a DAF prime mover and have no doubt it’s a lifesaver. As you can read in our monthly drive review, on page 60, Denning offers a Wabco lane departure warning system as an option on its Phoenix coach. And it appears that within a few years lane departure warning won’t just be an option on coaches, it will…

Nikki Brouwers The Interact Group founder and managing director P: 02 9460 2444 F: 02 9957 1000 E: nikki@interactgroup.com.au When you think about the changing face of the modern workforce, it comes as no surprise that employers across all industries are being encouraged to change their practices to better accommodate mature-aged workers. The bus industry is no stranger to employing mature-aged workers, with current statistics showing it has a higher rate of older workers than any other industry. It is simply ‘good for business’ for bus operators to accommodate the needs of older workers. Diversified and flexible work practices can provide a huge boost to the industry. Earlier this year, I had a fantastic conversation with a mature bus driver who sought my help with a problem he was having…

PERCENTAGE BY REGION PERCENTAGE BY APPLICATION SALES BY CHASSIS Deliveries increased in September, with a total of 115 buses delivered in July, compared to 104 the previous month. Leading the way was Volvo with 40 buses delivered, Scania was hot on its heels with 30 deliveries. Notable deliveries included 12 Volvo route service buses to the Public Transport Authority in Western Australia. SALES BY BODY Volgren delivered 27 buses this month, while Bustech was involved in 13 deliveries. The majority of the other builders delivered less than five. SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER Thermo King was included in 38 deliveries, a long way off the 49 it achieved last month, but still leading the way by a large margin. Tracs was included in the delivery of six buses to Brisbane Bus Lines…

Commuters are being advised to ensure they know which bus they are catching as the biggest change in a generation to bus routes in Sydney’s CBD was rolled out on October 8. The changes were undertaken as the city prepared for construction of a light rail network. “We couldn’t have beat the drum any more to ensure bus customers knew that an immense change was coming,” CBD transport coordinator general Marg Prendergast says. “Our street teams — patrolling busy bus stops, dressed in bright pink — have handed out more than 300,000 pamphlets and bus route brochures, and we hope everyone has gone to www.transportnsw.info to plan a new journey or looked at www.mysydney.nsw.gov.au, where there’s an interactive tool to show you how your route is changing. “The catalogue of…

A New Zealand operator who bought two financially unviable buses from a local council is currently running the iconic vehicles as part of a charter tour business. Double Decker Transport owner Mark Scofield now runs the two buses under the banner of Deco City Discoverer in Napier. Scofield bought the two 1996 yellow American school buses from Napier City Council for $20,000 each. The two art deco style buses were imported from America to council as part of a new hop-on hop-off service from the centre of the city to the seaside suburb of Ahuriri, according to Scofield. He says the buses were in operation with council for just over a year, but the service did not make money and was not patronised very well. Napier City Council CEO Wayne…

The bus and coach industry has an important role to play in providing sustainable travel choices and making neighbourhoods connected and liveable. The theme for the 2015 Bus Industry Confederation National Conference is Moving People - Connecting Neighbourhoods. The Conference this year is being convened November 8 to 11 in Singapore, a city internationally regarded for its urban and land use planning of which public transport policy is a critical success factor. The recent change of Australian Prime Minister and introduction of a Federal Minister for Cities and the Built Environment, for the first time sees tri-partisan agreement between the Government, Labor Party and Greens, that the Federal Government has a direct role to play in the growth, planning and development of our Cities. This makes this the Singapore Conference…

Coaches will be provided for all social events, partner programs, technical tour and golf. The Singapore bus service can take you to almost any part of the city. There are 3 bus stops located close to the Grand Copthorne. The bus network takes cash, ez-link card or Singapore Tourist Pass. The ez-link card can be purchased from most 7-eleven stores and any TransitLink ticket office at MRT stations. The Singapore Tourist Pass can be purchased from major MRT stations, giving you unlimited rides* on bus, MRT or LRT. Get a 3 day tourist pass for $30. Grand Copthorne also offer free limited shuttle bus services to nearby shopping precincts, MRT stations and Chinatown. Taxis hotline number: +65 6555 8888 *excludes fast forward, Night rider and Night owl bus services…

Monday 9 November Singapore City Sights Depart Grand Copthorne 10.40am | Depart Little India 14.30pm Smart Casual Expert and knowledgable guides will answer your questions on history, culture and the economy of Singapore as you take in the sights of this magnificent city. This orientation tour of Singapore begins with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Guests will have great views of Marina Bay when you stop for photos at Merlion Park. The tour continues with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on Singapore island, then takes you into Chinatown. Before leaving Chinatown, enjoy a traditional and delicious Nyonya (Grandma) food at one of Singapore’s oldest established Peranakan restaurants. After…

BODY & CHASSISMANUFACTURERS GROUPS Bus & Coach InternationalBus & Coach Sales AustralasiaBUS 4x4BustechCoach DesignCustom Bus AustraliaDaewoo Bus (Australia)EVMExpress Coach BuildersGemilang CoachworkHeavy Vehicles AustraliaHiger Bus and CoachHino Bus AustraliaIrizar Asia PacificIVECO BusMAN Automotive ImportsMercedes-Benz Australia/PacificPatico AutomotiveScania AustraliaVolgren AustraliaVolvo Bus AustraliaYutong Australia SEAT MANUFACTURERS GROUP McConnell Seats AustraliaNB TrimmingStyleRide Seating SystemsTransport Seating Technology AIRCON MANUFACTURERS GROUP Coachair AustraliaCooltek Asia PacificDenso Automotive Systems AustraliaLOU AIR AustraliaMobile Climate ControlSpheros AustraliaThermo King Bus Australia (QTK) ASSOCIATED SERVICESPROVIDERS GROUP Accreditation ManagerAdvantech AustraliaAirbags AustraliaAirdraulicsAlcoa Wheel ProductsAlpha Glass QueenslandAPN OutdoorArmbro Insurance BrokersAustralian Bus & Coach UnderwritingAutoequipAutomotion ShadeBandag/BridgestoneBP AustraliaBulbeck FireBus Finance AustraliaBusInsureCamira GroupChild Check-Mate SystemCoachworksCommonwealth Bank of AustraliaContinental TyresCummins Engine CompanyDistinctive Systems (Australia)Downer EDI Engineering PowerFirestorm Fire ProtectionFiretrace AustraliaFleetwash Industrial SystemsFry’s SparesFuture FleetGIROGo Transit Media GroupHartex EngineeringHeavy AutomaticsHeritage FinanceICS (UK)Ideas EnterprisesIkon Lifting EquipmentINITInto Training AustraliaISIR SeatsIVU Traffic Technologies AGJost…

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is set to engage with bus operators ahead of electronic work diary (EWD) adoption in 2017. The introduction of EWD will include long-distance bus and charter coach operators and is presented as a voluntary alternative to written work diaries, (NHVR) announced recently. The Transport Certification Australia (TCA) will head the certification process for industry introduction in early 2017 and NHVR will soon begin wider industry engagement with bus operators and telematics service providers to discuss this initiative and the opportunities it brings. NHVR executive director of productivity and safety Geoff Casey says the organisation is committed to ensuring heavy vehicles operate safely on Australian roads. The recent passing of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2015 is the first important milestone for a…

New Zealand fare evaders will face penalties under changes to fare evasion to be made to the Land Transport Act in 2016. NZ transport minister Simon Bridges says while previously there has been a fare evasion offence it’s been very difficult to enforce. Under changes to the Act, councils may appoint warranted enforcement officers who will have powers to ask passengers to provide evidence they have paid a fare, ask passengers to advise their name, address and date of birth if they cannot produce evidence of a valid ticket, advise the passenger to get off the public transport service. As before, fare evaders face an infringement fee of $150 or a maximum fine of $500 on conviction if evidence of a fare can’t be provided. But there will now also…

Most Australian residents want all levels of government to spend more on public transport and less on roads, but only by a slim margin. People in Queensland and South Australia also have more faith in the effectiveness of bus travel over rail, compared to people in other states, a recent study conducted by the University of Sydney Business School shows. The latest Transport Opinion Survey (TOPS), conducted by the school’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), asked participants how they would like to see their government spend a hypothetical budget of a $100 billion on transport improvements. A slim majority of 51 per cent answered public transport, while 49 per cent prefer to see the money spent on roads. ITLS director David Hensher says it’s clear there remains a…

Major public transport projects topped the Queensland Government’s priority list, as part of its submission on the 2015 Australian Infrastructure Audit report released recently. The report, released earlier this year, showed significant investment is required to boost the capacity of public transport networks in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to meet future demand. Brisbane’s Cross River Rail project and Bruce Highway upgrades came in at the top of the Queensland Government’s list, while the Gold Coast Light Rail project is also marked as a matter of urgency. Queensland minister for transport Jackie Trad says Queensland’s list of projects for Federal Government funding met Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) key goal to prioritise and progress nationally significant infrastructure to boost national productivity and transform cities. “South-east Queensland is home to one in seven…

More than 100 West Coast Eagles fans travelled almost 3,500km to see their home side take on Hawthorn in Victoria this month. They were only a fraction of the West Coast fans that poured into Melbourne, but this determined bunch were so eager to cheer on their boys they rejected the extortionate cost of flights and caught the bus instead. Although Hawthorn’s resounding win was far from the result these 104 fans wanted, they showed their die-hard dedication and support. Two 52-seat Integrity Coach Lines coaches left Perth on Wednesday, September 30 and arrived in Melbourne three days later on AFL grand final eve. The fans wasted no time embracing the finals’ footy fever. Integrity Coach Lines marketing manager Liz Collins could barely contain her excitement about the special footy-themed…

> Singapore’s Land Transport Master Plan > Moving People Solutions – Achieving the 20 minute city > The Big 5 Public Transport trends, issues and challenges in the next 5 years > Bus Priority and BRT in Asia, Australia and New Zealand > Communicating with Commuters – The Singapore Approach > Road Pricing > Innovation and Telematics > Bus Operations in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand > Perceptions, Realities and Challenges of public transport > The Next Bus > Public Transport - labour laws, workplace practices and chain of responsibility > Developing a productivity healthy workplace in your business > ASEAN economic directions and challenges – What it means for Australia and lessons for Australian companies…

Wayne Patch, Chairman - Bus Industry Confederation, Australia Wayne had considerable exposure to the bus industry during his 20 year career with the Queensland Government including leading the Government’s team on the negotiation of the major passenger transport reforms of 1994. Wayne later moved from public service to take over the reins of a Queensland bus company. Wayne is now Director of Transit Australia Group (TAG). Wayne has served as President of the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) for 4 years and has been BIC Chairman since October 2011.. Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore Mr Green was appointed as Australia’s High Commissionerin2012andpreviouslyservedoverseas as High Commissioner in South Africa and Kenya. Mr Green has also held a number of senior positions in Australia. He was Chief of Staff to…

Volvo “Riverside City Lights” Riverside at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Sunday 8 November 6 – 8pm Smart Casual Volvo will welcome delegates with their customary cocktail party on Sunday night. Cool down with a beverage and take in the lights and breezy surrounds on the river. Mercedes-Benz “Garden Rhapsody” Gala Dinner Gardens by the Bay Monday 9 November 6.30 - 10.30pm (buses depart Grand Copthorne at 5.45pm) Smart Casual Mercedes-Benz look forward to welcoming guests into their world of spectacular and innovative design at the Flower Dome. Step into another dimension where nature meets science. Scania “Chinese Dragon” Dinner Party Grand Waterfront Copthorne Tuesday 10 November 7 – 10:30pm Smart Casual Scania invite guests to join them for a ceremonial 8-course banquet in the imperial court of the Chinese Dragon.…