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Reality check! That’s what you get when you come to many of the state-based bus industry conferences and even more so, arguably, when attending the national one, garnering useful expert information the world over. Time … and age … it seems will get the better of us all – and that’s just the lucky ones who get to spend as much of it as they can on this humble blue-green planet before our numbers come up. And, no, not the lottery numbers, unfortunately. If there was ever any doubt things have, were, are changing at a phenomenal rate, whether it be bus business or modern life in general, attending a bus event where some amazing keynote speakers bring you bang up to date is a big mental smack in the…
THE NSW GOVERNMENT has announced a three-year programme to procure metropolitan bus services for Sydney, which will involve the franchising of three State Transit-operated regions (7, 8 and 9). BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld said the announcement would result in some challenges for private operators that hold metropolitan bus contracts, though it provides a chance to reset some of the contract settings with a focus on customer outcomes and a trusting partnership. “In the lead-up to the March 2019 State Election, BusNSW advocated for a transparent program to renew metropolitan bus contracts, based on performance and value for money,” Threlkeld said. “Whilst there is international evidence that high levels of customer satisfaction and efficient costs can be achieved by negotiating performance-based contracts with operators, the NSW Government has elected to…
IN REPLY to the NSW Government’s announcement that three State Transit-operated regions will be franchised, the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has vowed to take the fight up to the NSW Government over job security and protection of working conditions, the organisation has announced. State secretary Richard Olsen said: “With the prospect of the NSW Government privatising State Transit, thousands of bus drivers are facing confusion and insecurity about what the future will hold for them. “We met with the Minister’s office… to convey our concerns of the effects of competitive tendering and the need for added protections of job security, and industry standards of pay, conditions and entitlements in all future contracts. “As the bus drivers’ union, the TWU will continue to take that argument and fight, if necessary, up…
AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST bus body builder Volgren has celebrated producing its 5,000th bus out of its Dandenong, Victoria, headquarters, it was announced recently. The milestone vehicle – an Optimus low-floor route bus – was handed over to operator and long-time Volgren partner Ventura Bus Lines (Ventura) during a ceremony attended by staff from both companies. Also part of the event was the first bus ever manufactured by Volgren, the VG001, which is owned by Ventura. Volgren chief executive Thiago Deiro says this was a great achievement for the company and that seeing the two buses together demonstrated just what an emphasis the company has placed on quality over four decades. “This is a proud moment in our company’s long history. You don’t produce this many vehicles over this many years without…
YARRABILBA, Queensland, played host to the launch of the state’s first fully electric urban bus route, via a South Brisbane Logan Coaches-run service, recently. Yarrabilba – a Lendlease “new generation master-planned community, which will be home to over 45,000 residents on completion”, as it explains – and bus operator Logan Coaches launched the service, marking a new era in public transport for Queensland, the organisations say. The Yutong-manufactured E12 bus was unveiled at the Yarrabilba Sales and Information Centre, providing guests with their first ride in the fully air-conditioned 40-seater, which began official duties on Saturday, November 16. Assistant general manager of Logan Coaches Robbie Harrop said: “The introduction of a state-of-the-art fully electric bus to our fleet represents an important milestone for our company and we are delighted to…
THIRD TIME’S A CHARM for Queensland’s Kangaroo Bus Lines, which for three years running has claimed the top prize under the Tourism: Tours and Transfers category at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards gala dinner. Darren Webster, CEO of Kangaroo Bus Lines was thrilled with the result. “Our company culture of ‘people, pride and passion’ shapes our commitment to provide exceptional customer service and assists the development of long-lasting relationships within the community,” he said. Kangaroo Bus Lines is well known for its innovation, continuously exploring new methodologies, investing in its people and technology to improve the delivery of first-class services, it states. MORE TO COME As ABC went to press, Kangaroo Bus Lines was also preparing to attend the Moreton Bay Business Awards, as a finalist in the Customer Service…
