ABC is the leading bus and coach publication in Australia, providing operators with vital information and market intelligence to help them keep their BUSiness moving. ABC is the major source of vehicle and equipment classifieds for the industry.
YOU KNOW WHAT IS one of the weirdest yet most amazing sounds a bunch of humans can make? And, no, this is not some collective baked beans appreciation society joke. It’s the sound of heartfelt and unusually long applause. I say unusually long because, well, if you are at such an event where rapturous clapping breaks out, celebrating and commemorating some outstanding spectacle probably – tripping over a garden hose and landing over a fence into a neighbour’s flower bed, or accidentally slamming into glass doors repeatedly three times in a packed pub convinced they were open (I’m still sure they were) being excluded – there’s a point we instinctively know when the applause has to end. And it does end, eventually. It has to. Fatigue and general apathy will…
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING Wales Bus Repairs – a seminal institution within the Australian bus and truck and collision-repair industries – has been purchased by the massive AMA Group as part of its publically announced expansion plans, with the transition official as of June 28, 2019, sources confirm. Publically listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) and with solid asset-acquisition growth over the past few years of key automotive smash repair and accessory companies, the AMA Group now has an enterprise value of around AUD$824.78M, sources cite. When ABC magazine contacted Wales Bus Repairs to confirm industry rumours about the change, CEO Darren Wales said: “Nothing changes from our perspective. It’s just an opportunity to join with the AMA Group – a publically listed company,” he said, allaying any concerns about contracts in…
The Australian bus industry now has another fully locally owned and operated body builder, after Gemilang Australia shareholders bought out the 50 per cent shareholding held by Gemilang Asia Pacific Ltd, it’s reported recently. As of June 27, 2019, with Gemilang Australia Pty Ltd now 100 per cent Australian owned and operated, it has also entered into a, “…long-term distribution agreement with Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) for the supply of the Eco Range aluminium bus bodies to Australia and New Zealand”. According to the company, for the most part these changes will not affect its customers and suppliers, and there will be no significant changes to the way it does business with them, it states. The change in shareholding is, however, an important step forward for Gemilang Australia in…
STATE Government has announced a $19.6 million funding agreement – over 10 years – to connect the Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area (PDA) with the wider South-East Queensland (SEQ) bus network, it confirms recently. Greater Flagstone residents will soon have access to their first bus service – operated by Translink – set to begin late November, which will support future growth within the PDA, the Government says. Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning The Hon. Cameron Dick said: “The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing reliable and convenient public transport in Queensland’s fastest population-growth corridor. “The services will run between the Greater Flagstone PDA and Grand Plaza Shopping Centre, Browns Plains, giving locals more transport options when it comes to work and community services. “Greater Flagstone residents will…
TRANSIT SYSTEMS’ will power ahead with transport innovation, delivering four brand new BYD electric buses as part of a trial within Transport for NSW’s Region 6 network, the company confirms. Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt commended Transport for NSW on its vision to explore, create and deliver a more sustainable transport network. “We are proud to work alongside Transport for NSW to achieve the vision to deliver a more sustainable public transport solution and look forward to welcoming our first customers on-board for a quieter and greener commute.” Feuerherdt added that as a leading global transport company, Transit Systems is committed to exploring a range of new technologies. “Public transport works best as a dynamic network – connecting people from A to B via the most convenient method for them.…
ALMOST THREE months after CDC Victoria announced it would be implementing 50 new Volvo-chassis, Volgren-bodied hybrid buses into its fleet, the company held an official function to commemorate the move, recently. Located at its Wyndham depot in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, the first 30 of the 50 – the single largest order of hybrid buses in Australia to date – were on show in front of industry and political dignitaries, before people were welcomed on board four and taken for a quick spin to experience the new, ‘cleaner and quieter’ technology. In attendance were guest of honour the Victorian Minister for Public Transport and State member for Williamstown, The Hon. Melissa Horne; local member for Tarneit, Ms Sarah Connolly; and Councillor Walter Villagonzalo from the Wyndham City Council.…
