The November edition of ABC magazine shows other technological advances made in various bus and coach sectors outside of vehicle manufacturing
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Much like many industries in the 21st century, the rise of technology in the bus and coach sector has been rapid. Having grown up in this era and seen the way mobile phones have changed from flip-phone models to the latest iPhone that harness so much power from a pocket, it comes as little surprise that the industry has followed the trend of rapid technological development. Yet there’s an extra layer of excitement that comes with seeing just how far the Australian market has excelled.
While the ascension to the latest fuel technologies occurred, parts and technology companies have been working behind the scenes to produce new models for many parts of a vehicle that are as equally mind-blowing as the newest electric or hydrogen fuel-cell bus.
This month’s feature on passenger information systems shows the depth of technological advancements that have occurred in recent times. From the most remarkable of camera mirror system updates that effectively removes the steadfast glass wing mirrors to the way technology can help those with visual and hearing impairments, this change is all for the better. For passengers, it is providing a depth of information that is unheralded and allows those riding buses and coaches to obtain the timetables and alerts they need before they finish their bowl of cereal in the morning. When it comes to operators, being able to record and analyse the finest of data points on vehicle performance or the efficiency of fleets is now extending to investigating the patterns and trends of passengers on services. It’s not a long reach to say that this technology is revolutionary for all involved in the sector.
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It starts with Consat Telematics, who grace our cover. Consat is set to bring to Australia unique features for its passenger information systems that expand beyond the actual bus. Check it out on page 18. Similarly, Luminator and its next-stop solutions show the growth the Australian arm of the global company is revelling in on page 28. Finishing the passenger information system feature is Hanover and its commitment to allowing all passengers to access public transport. From new sound alerts for the hearing impaired to specifying the right font size to help visually impaired passengers read signs, Hanover’s care for its passengers on page 26 typifies the goodwill of the industry.
While passenger information systems technology is accelerating, the entire industry is in a constant state of forward motion. StyleRide is following the market trend of converting old buses to motorhomes and has tips for the industry on page 31. From page 34 onwards, Volvo’s David Mead has had a wonderful career, but is now set to pivot and leave the industry after giving great service. Manufacturers like HESS (page 41) are showing off the latest in high capacity electric vehicles, while BLK Auto, through HDrive, is excelling in the creation of hydrogen fuel-cell buses, as seen on page 44.
In other technological news, Webasto (page 36) and Geotab on page 38, alongside MAN Truck & Bus on page 47, are all continuing to expand and satisfy Australian customers. There’s an overwhelming tide of exciting news that makes this edition of ABC a special one. I hope you enjoy the variety of stories on offer this month.