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It’s no secret that the bus and coach sector is taking the lead when it comes to transitioning to zero-emissions fleets. Recent developments continue to show manufacturers introducing a plethora of exciting new sustainable options to the local market. At the moment, the bus industry seems so modern and innovative. At the same time, it’s great to see the sector reflect on its recent achievements. I was lucky enough to attend the Bus and Industry Confederation (BIC) Summit in late June and discuss the minefield of striving for a zero-emissions industry without the necessary regulatory framework in place, as covered on page 46. Despite the best efforts of OEMs and bodybuilders, it can sometimes be like stumbling through a maze with a blindfold on. That’s why it’s so valuable to…
TASMANIA HAS welcomed two brand new fully electric Kinetic buses into its state network, introducing them into Hobart as part of the SkyBus route. Kinetic, the owner of SkyBus Hobart, is now Australia’s biggest electric bus operator with this introduction of electric buses to the popular Tasmanian service. Tasmania’s past premier Peter Gutwein launched the battery electric buses in a Hobart event that allowed the public a first look at the future of public transport in the state. Kinetic says passengers can now enjoy the electric bus as part of SkyBus’s popular express between Hobart Airport and the city, giving tourists a green welcome to Tasmania. One bus was unveiled at Brooke Street Pier, with Kinetic saying buses will play an important role in the state’s public transport network. The…
THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT has released updates on its bus hub for the North East Link in Melbourne. The Victorian government has announced that while work intensifies on the project, the initial stage of Melbourne’s first dedicated busway is being constructed. The state government says major works will continue this winter near Bulleen to clear a path for the busway, including a pick-up and drop-off bay area designed for fast and frequent bus services to and from the city. The new bus station on the link will form the start of Melbourne’s first dedicated busway that will allow buses to travel uninterrupted along an overhauled eastern freeway. The government says this new link can cut commute times for up to 17,000 passengers each weekday. The state’s department of transport expects more…
An investor group backed by Australian operator Kinetic have launched a takeover bid of London operator Go-Ahead Group. Go-Ahead Group is London’s biggest commuter train and double-decker bus operator and accepted a $787 million takeover offer from the investor group. Australian rival Kinetic helped back the bid, with Go-Ahead shareholders to receive cash rewards per share. The Kinetic consortium is offering 1,450 pence per share in cash for each Go-Ahead share, as Kinetic is backed by Canadian pension fund OPTrust while also teaming with Spanish transport company Globalvia Inversiones SAU in the Go-Ahead acquisition. A statement from Go-Ahead says its directors will unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in favour of the acquisition, with the takeover planned to be done in October. Sydney transport operator Kelsian Group also lodged its interest…
THE AUSTRALIAN fleet software will manage transport in and around Birmingham this year Australian transport software specialist Bridj has been appointed as the official fleet operations and asset management technology provider for the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The upcoming Games will be the biggest sport event ever held in the West Midlands and will see around 4,500 athletes compete from July 28 until August 8. During the time of the Games, a fleet of more than 500 vehicles will be transporting members of the Games Family, including accredited officials, sponsors and operations staff, between accommodation, training and competition. Bridj will be providing a booking and fleet management platform that enables the Birmingham 2022 fleet operations team to plan and manage fleet services, along with apps for both drivers and…
The senator says his new portfolio in tourism and trade means he wants to build confidence in the security of jobs when it comes to the bus and coach industry. To encourage people back into the bus and coach industry while bolstering the tourism sector, Farrell told the room full of bus manufacturers and operators that accessibility is critical. “Bus transport operators and manufacturers must accommodate disability needs in the way they design and use their vehicles,” Farrell says. Farrell also spoke about the need to include a climate change focus in the industry that partners a proposal for fee-free TAFE courses to help bolster the skilled worker stocks in the bus and tourism industries. When looking at the current skilled worker shortages seen in Australia, Farrell points to a…
