As the bus and coach industry accelerates into 2023, ABC Magazine is proud to launch a new section for the nation’s operators in its January magazine
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In many ways, the thousands of bus and coach operators around Australia who push out countless bus services a day fly, or should I say drive, under the radar.
For more than a century, families throughout the country have purchased and maintained the buses they adore so dearly, before remaining vigilant and organised to ensure these cherished vehicles can then be used to transport people daily.
Whether it be to and from schools in the country or the inner city, or via coach charter services that allow tourists and Australians alike to see the many awe-inspiring destinations this country has to offer, bus and coach operators are an integral part of Australia’s fabric.
The hard-working nature of Australian operators deserves to be celebrated and ABC Magazine has chosen to do so in unique fashion, with the launch of the inaugural Operator Showcase for 2023.
The Operator Showcase project started in the latter months of last year when ABC launched an online survey for operators far and wide in Australia to complete.
Over roughly eight weeks, 43 operators responded to a survey establishing key details on their businesses and also their thoughts on the direction of the industry.
The results of the key stats on each operator are to be found in table format from page 26 onwards, alongside a story summarising these operator’s thoughts on key issues including staff shortages, training plans, fuel price rises and the move to zero-emission buses. The results may surprise you!
The operators range from tiny country businesses to the larger multi-national companies that many know, such as Kinetic and Transit Systems. The results capture the past, present and future of generations who have committed their lives and careers to maintaining buses and ensuring services run as smoothly as ever.
The Operator Showcase table is the most comprehensive listing of Australian bus and coach operators produced in a long time. We’re very grateful for the 43 operators who took the time to fill out our inaugural survey and look forward to building on the 2023 results later this year when we will launch and promote the 2024 Operator Showcase survey.
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Alongside the inaugural Operator Showcase is the usual assortment of enticing news stories from manufacturers and operators alike. Gracing our cover to start 2023 is Challenger Bus & Coach, who are continuing to excel in the market. As seen on page 20, the group’s commitment to quality vehicles is allowing it to launch its advanced diesel technology.
Also joining Challenger in the advanced diesel technology feature is Scania, who from page 22 is also pursuing biodiesel breakthroughs in its search for efficiency. Check out from page 42 as BLK Auto also celebrated a major milestone in late 2022 when it hosted a test drive day for its exciting new HDrive hydrogen bus.
Yutong spoke to us about its latest ADR compliance win on its new model on page 44, while Yurika’s charging solutions is making it an emerging member of the Australian market.
Up in Queensland, the Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS) has had a difficult few years trying to find a site to store its growing collection of vintage buses and coaches. From page 34 onwards, check out the exciting new Brisbane Bus Museum that is set to make Queensland bus and coach history.
Down south we chatted with the Dyson Group on page 38, who once again provided three of its finest vehicles to the Pat Cronin Foundation for its fundraising walk in late 2022. Borne from tragedy, the foundation remains as grateful as ever for what Dysons provides for the profound event.
All of this makes for a jam-packed start to the year that highlights just how quickly the industry is moving into 2023. Happy New Year and happy reading!