Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 347 i Australasian Bus & Coach

It’s official. We’re halfway through the year of 2016. There are always a few constants to the middle of each year. The change in season (particularly if you’re here in Melbourne like me), the end of the financial year (which is especially important for all of our business owners) and a company-wide email advising of the close down dates for the Christmas period (it is July, after all). But this year’s midway point has also seen another important event. The Australian Federal Election was held on July 2, 2016 after a lengthy campaign by the major parties. While the effect of the election on industry is still to be explored – keep your eyes open in an upcoming edition of ABC – experts’ initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive (p8).…

International tax advisory company Deloitte is challenging the Australian Tax Office in court over the fuel tax being charged on trucks and buses when they drive on toll roads. The bombshell announcement was made to delegates at the Australian Trucking Association’s annual conference at the Gold Coast recently. Deloitte says that if successful, the case could set a huge precedent for far more than just the heavy vehicle industry. The argument is likely to turn on whether a toll road is deemed to be a ‘public road’ or not. All vehicles currently pay 39 cents per litre in fuel excise, but because they are businesses, truck and bus operators can in theory claim all of that back in the form of a fuel tax credit. However, because of the 26…

University students and staff will benefit from a major South Australia Government investment into public transport infrastructure. More than 40,000 students and staff who study or work at University of Adelaide and UniSA will benefit from a $50 million commitment to extend the tram line to the East End. The extension will provide a vital transport link between the universities’ east end campuses to UniSA’s City West campus and $230 million Health Innovation Building, and the University of Adelaide’s $246 million Health and Medical Sciences Building. The 10-minute free shuttle service could transport more than 2000 people an hour between the city’s east and west ends. The East End tram extension will operate as a shuttle service between the old Royal Adelaide Hospital and the Entertainment Centre every 10 minutes.…

ZF Services Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Sookias as the managing director of the supplier. Sookias is an experienced business leader with over 17 years in senior management positions at multinational organisations across a variety of industries. His most recent role was executive general manager at automotive parts distributor Motospecs, a division of Genuine Parts Company Asia Pacific, which he held for over eight years. Sookias brings to ZF Services Australia a wealth of knowledge and industry experience, and an aim to take the business to the next level. Sookias replaces Christopher Adcock, who has relocated to the United Kingdom to take up the role of managing director of ZF Services UK Ltd. Sookias is responsible for the management of ZF Services in Oceania as of…

Delegates of the conference also attended the conference dinner, which saw the annual auction and awards presentations. TasBus general manager Geoff Lewis presented the annual awards to some deserving recipients. The Achiever Award was presented to Royce Crawn, the second generation director of Crawn Motors. “He sets a high standard in the presentation of his vehicles and expects his staff to adhere to the standard he sets in cleaning, maintaining and, as professional drivers, representing his company,” Lewis said. “He donates to five schools each year for students and will supply a bus free of charge to many local charities.” The Outstanding Contribution award was presented to Spencer Targett, of S J & D A Targett. Targett has resided all of his life in the regional area of Scottsdale, and…

Fares will be slashed across South East Queensland (SEQ) for all zones of travel in a major overhaul of public transport costs. The Queensland Government unveiled its Fairer Fares package, and more than 93 per cent of SEQ public transport users will save money via cheaper fares and a reduced number of travel zones. The new fares are to take effect next year. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the package was released in response to recommendations from the independent Fare Review taskforce. “Using public transport all over South East Queensland will be cheaper,” she says. “Under the package, the cost of a single zone of travel in peak time will drop to $3.20, and each of the new larger zones cost will also be slashed.” All fares will remain frozen to…

Itinerary subject to change To register for this tour, please tick the Tech Tour box when filling out your registration. As there is limited space for this tour (80 max), preference will be given to representatives from: government, transport agencies, bus operations and academia. 13:30 & 14:00 Delegates registered and confirmed for the Technical Tour depart the Rendezvous Hotel. This multi-modal tour of Perth's transport network will include a tour of the bus/train interchange at Murdoch Station where delegates will hear about planned bus priority projects. The tour will include a visit to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, Perth Busport and the Northern Busway Bridge. 16:30 & 17:00 Delegates arrive back at the Rendezvous Hotel.…

50% DISCOUNT applies to: a) Bus and Coach Operators as a member of: BIC or any Australian State or International or non-Australian Passenger Transport Association b) A Manufacturer or Supplier Member of BIC c) A representative from Australia or other country: Government, Tourism, Educational or not-for-profit organisation. IMPORTANT READING! 1. The number of delegates is not restricted to the space on this form. Please include an addendum as required. 2. Provide an accurate email address for each delegate. 3. Indicate social attendance for each individual delegate, partner or child. Boxes left blank will be confirmed as non-attendance. 4. Indicate the Age for each Child. This information is provided to venues and transport facilitators to ensure health and safety compliance and to assist with catering requirements. 5. The prices as they…

New South Wales Police Force Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Roads and Maritime Services has located major defects on nine buses during a safety audit operation at a Sydney bus company. A further 18 buses at the Turrella depot, which has a number of buses on school runs, were found to have minor defects, including loose bumpers, cabin lights not working or damaged windscreens. These buses were not taken off the road. The heavy-vehicle safety audit operation was conducted on July 6, with a total of 27 buses inspected. One of the buses was found to have a non-compliant speed limiter capable of reaching speeds of more than 140km/h. It was grounded and issued with a red label defect, while the company was issued with a penalty notice. Other…

The development of light rail on the old railway line in Hobart should be ruled out in the foreseeable future following the completion of a report that states it fares poorly in economic terms. Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) executive director Michael Apps says a report prepared by the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the University of Sydney found a lack of customers and the circuitous nature of the route provides a strong case to shelve the project. “The report also found that a bus rapid transit system along the same old railway line would face similar problems,” he says. “The report concluded that the most cost-effective way to upgrade public transport in Hobart, a very low-density car dependent city, would be to improve bus operations along existing routes,…

“We are seeing unprecedented investment into public transport” Michael Apps BIC National Secretariat PO Box 6171, Kingston ACT 2604 P: 02 6247 5990 F: 02 6273 1035 E: admin@bic.asn.au If you were ever thinking of attending a Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) conference, I reckon this is the year – Perth, November 6 to 9. We are seeing unprecedented investment into public transport infrastructure in most states and territories. This is unprecedented in the history of the nation. Just think about Sydney Metro, Badgerys Creek rail link and public transport integration in Western Sydney, the Northern Beaches BRT, Brisbane Cross City Tunnel, Perth Bus Ports and modal integration projects with rail and ferry, Melbourne metro tunnel, Australia Capital Territory light rail and bus network expansion. And there is more. The Federal…

After a highly successful conference in Singapore last year, our return to Australian shores will see us at beautiful Scarborough Beach in Perth. The National Conference is a working conference for a working Industry, but we do try to make the work as comfortable as possible for delegates and their families. The Rendezvous Hotel, located at Scarborough Beach just 15 kilometres from Perth CBD, is a great location to combine work and comfort. The theme for this year’s conference is “Moving People – Shaping Our Cities and Regions”. The plenary program will include a strong focus on public transport futures and the roles of federal, state and local governments. Industry specific issues, the challenges, the opportunities now and ahead will be discussed. Delegates will also have the opportunity to go…

Perth’s transport network The Public Transport Authority and Transperth are kindly providing all conference attendees with free bus, train and ferry travel on Perth’s network, available Sunday 6 November through to 23:59pm on Wednesday 9 November. Delegates can collect their cards from 12.30pm on Sunday 6 November at the INIT Registration/Service Desk in the lobby of the Rendezvous Hotel. The SmartRider card can be retained for future use by using a number of payment “top-up” methods - autoload (direct debit), BPay, cash to the bus driver or at authorised retail outlets. Go to www.smartrider.com.au for more info on the great places you can go with your BIC SmartRider card.…

Volvo Cocktail Party at Matisse Beach Club Sunday November 6 6.00 to 8.00pm Smart Casual Stylish, bold and completely chic, Volvo will welcome delegates to the Matisse Beach Club for their customary welcome cocktails. What a great way to slide into the conference. Matisse is on The Esplanade, 1 minute walk from the Rendezvous Hotel. Mercedes-Benz Gala Dinner at Joondalup Resort Monday November 7 7.00 to 10.30pm Buses depart Rendezvous 6.20pm Smart Mercedes-Benz look forward to welcoming guests to their Gala dinner at the beautiful Joondalup Resort. Guests can expect a 5 star gala experience amidst natural bushland with sweeping views of the lake and golf course. Scania Dinner Party at Fraser’s Kings Park Tuesday November 8 7.00 to 10.30pm Buses depart Rendezvous 6.20pm Smart The venue for the Scania…

Nikki Brouwers “Embracing technology that can assist everyone is a win for everyone” The Interact Group founder and managing director P: 02 9460 2444 F: 02 9957 1000 E: nikki@interactgroup.com.au ‘Wearables’ has become quite the buzzword over the past few years, with the launch of Fitbits, Jawbones and Apple Watches targeting consumers hungry for the latest technology that promises to improve health and fitness. Perhaps many of you already have one of these wearable devices to track your activity levels, monitor your heart rate or even map your sleep quality. For many, the buzz of this technology can rapidly wear off (pardon the pun), with the need for constant recharging and pairing with your mobile sometimes putting them in the ‘too hard’ basket. But the constantly improving technology driving…

Malcolm Turnbull has informed Sir Peter Cosgrove, Australia’s governor-general, that he and the Coalition can form a government. What this means for public transport budgets promised during the eight-week election is still unknown, but bus industry leaders are optimistic. As is usually the case, the Greens and the Labor party had announced fairly generous funding for various large projects, if they were given the opportunity. Instead, the Coalition is to be tasked with Australia’s public transport projects and, under Turnbull’s leadership, the mood within the party has shifted. As ABC went to print, Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) executive director Michael Apps said Turnbull’s enthusiasm for public transport has changed the Liberal party’s stripes. “The reality is that Labor led the way into public transport,” Apps says. “But the Liberals, under…

The Western Australia Government has submitted its proposed Perth Transport Plan 2031 to parliament, with hopes to release it for consultation soon. The plan proposes many public transport infrastructure projects to deal with Perth’s estimated 2.7 million population growth by 2031, including the East-West City Link expansion, rail and bus transit system upgrades, and inner city road improvements. But apart from increasing connectivity and reducing congestion in the public transport network, the proposed changes will also have some implications on other road users, including commercial vehicles. The report suggests that the heavy vehicle freight network will remain largely unaffected by the changes proposed by the public transport network plan, as it revolves mainly around local roads that “do not overlap or impact on the strategic metropolitan freight network”. However, it…

The 2016 Transport Heritage Grants Program, managed by the Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS) and Transport Heritage New South Wales (THNSW), is now open to applications. Individuals and non-profit organisations are now able to submit applications for grants to help restore or protect important pieces of New South Wales’ transport history. Eligible projects related to bus, rail and tram history are encouraged to apply for grants to assist with restorations, maintenance and even publishing, as long as it relates to NSW transport history. The grant is separated into three categories with different eligibility rules: Restoration and Conservation, Education, and Research and Publication. Past projects that have received funding from the grant include $49,885 for the Black Diamond Heritage Centre to combat asbestos in a locomotive, and $14,000 to the Sydney…

The Ellenbrook course awaits your arrival. With lush bent grass greens, among the largest in the country, unique bunkering and a beautiful natural layout, you will be tested on every hole whilst also taking time to soak up the surrounds. The Vines has hosted world's golfing greats including Norman, Player, Els, Langer, Daly, Sorenstam & Campbell. Gemilang would like to give you the chance to follow in the footsteps of the greats. A challenging course, great food, prizes and giveaways will be the play of day. So pack your winning swing and sign-up for the BIC National Golf Open. To play the Vine’s, the cost is AUD$100 (inc GST) Tee-off is 8.30am with a 4.00pm drop-off at the Rendezvous.…

Monday November 7 City and Fremantle Tastes and Sights 11.00am to 3.45pm Casual This orientation tour of Perth City takes guests past a number of iconic buildings and structures with the first stop being in the Fraser Avenue precinct of Kings Park, home of the State War Memorial and guardian of sweeping views of the Swan and Canning Rivers, the city skyline and the Darling Ranges. The tour continues onto Fremantle for lunch with some time to take a stroll around Fishing Boat Harbour and an orientation tour of “Freo” to see why it was rated 7th in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016 Top 10 Cities. Guests will return to the Rendezvous via Cottesloe Beach. Tuesday November 8 Wines and Providores Tastes and Sights 11.00am to 3.00pm Casual…

How does a country at the top of the world, with less than half the population of Australia, manage to produce one of the biggest manufacturers of buses and trucks on the planet? Sweden’s achievement with Volvo is all the more remarkable when you add that other great global brand of heavy vehicle – Scania, now majority owned by Volkswagen. ABC asked one of the Volvo Group’s most senior executives, Claes Nilsson, to put brand rivalry aside in explaining the big Swedes’ secrets to success, achieved without government subsidies or protection. He reckons there are many factors, but three main ones. “First of all, we are a small country of just 10 million people,” Nilsson says. “We have to be export-oriented from the start, because the domestic market is so…