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Watching the New Year’s freworks off the Church Street Bridge – I’m offcially a Melburnian now, they reckon – I’m proud to say I resisted telling my closest 478 Facebook friends of my resolutions for the year ahead. Now, I’m not going to call this a resolution either, but I did make a lifestyle choice that coincided with New Year – well, Christmas would probably be more accurate. It came about because this year Mr Claus brought me a bicycle. Cyclists tend to get a bit of a hard time from basically anybody who isn’t a cyclist, but after about six months of umming and ahhing over whether to get one, the decision was ultimately decided for me. So say hello to the newest cycling advocate. I’m lucky – I…
Higer Bus and Coach in Australia has recently become part of automotive and logistics company Automotive Holdings Group Ltd (AHG). The Higer distribution business will be housed under the AHG International umbrella, which will also handle the Australian distribution of the JAC range of light trucks. “We are looking forward to the opportunities that this brings,” Higer Bus and Coach Australia chief executive officer Neil Bamford says. “AHG is the largest automotive retail company in Australia. After an involvement with Higer for a number of years, the decision by AHG to take over the business is a vote of confidence for the brand in Australia.” AHG managing director Bronte Howson says it is a great opportunity to work directly with one of the largest bus manufacturers in the world. “AHG…
Transport for NSW has been recognised as a leading passenger transport provider at the annual Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) awards. The 2015 Annual Awards for Excellence was held on November 7 in Brisbane at Doomben Race Course. Transport for NSW was named winner of the Excellence in Moving People category for its development of the South West Rail Link. The basis of the award involved responding to issues of reliability and passenger growth on the metropolitan rail network and increased population in southwest Sydney, helping provide people with access to employment and amenities in the area. The extension includes a major upgrade of Glenfield Station and bus/ rail interchange and a new twin track passenger rail line from Glenfield to Leppington via Edmondson Park, and was…
The Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) had reason to celebrate at this year’s annual Christmas function after reaching an agreement with the state government regarding contract negotiations. The annual QBIC Raceday Christmas Party was held at Doomben Racecourse on December 5, acknowledging operators and suppliers for their work in Queensland throughout the year. QBIC executive director David Tape says there was extra cause for celebration with confirmation from government that operators will be returning to a negotiated contract model rather than open market tender. Minister for transport Jackie Trad addressed concerns at the Annual QBIC Conference in April 2015, when the Labor Party first came into power. According to Tape, the decision is a positive step forward and provides operators with contract certainty for the foreseeable future.…
One of the largest public transport research centres in the world has been established in Victoria at Monash University, which comes complete with $5 million in seed funding. Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, Professor Graeme Currie, and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) CEO Gary Liddle launched the Public Transport Victoria – Monash University Public Transport Research Group. The funding will support up to 18 PhD scholarships for students from around the world to undertake independent, applied research into public transport planning and delivery. Currently, 16 topics have been allocated to students covering a broad range of subjects, including public transport safety, better coordination of transport modes and train design and engineering. The research group is jointly funded by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and Monash University, with contributions from Metro, Yarra…
A Queensland operation targeting drink driving at schools has come to an end with a total of 51 people arrested – including a bus driver. As a result of the blitz, a 53-year-old man was found to be over the limit while dropping children off at school, alarming police. Operation Collude focused on drivers during the morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up period since June 2015. Out of the total number of arrests, 10 people were found to be driving under the influence, accounting for one fifth of all offences. Officers conducted a total of 5486 breath tests and issued 259 infringement notices, of which 145 were for speeding, throughout this period. A range of other offences recorded during the operation included unlicensed driving, drug possession, public nuisance, and warrant…
