The Australasian bus and coach industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by shifting consumer demands, advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on accessibility and sustainability.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, businesses that are willing to embrace innovation and think ahead of the curve are poised for success.
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A recent collaboration between vehicle supplier Bus and Coach International (BCI) and Queensland operator Kangaroo Bus Lines is a prime example of this forward-thinking approach, with the duo working together to bring to life a new innovative low-floor coach model.
Spearheaded by Kangaroo Bus Lines CEO Darren Webster, the BCI Cruiser Combo body was designed to combine the comfort and amenities of a traditional coach with the accessibility of a low-floor design.
“We were looking to upgrade some of our low floor buses to meet accessibility requirements, creating
a more seamless travel experience for those with disabilities,” Webster told ABC.
“We wanted something special and unique, something that would look and feel as luxury as a coach while still being low floor.
“From my understanding, it’s the first of its kind in Australia.”
Kangaroo Bus Lines, which was founded in 1978, offers a wide range of services for passengers, including school, urban and long-distance touring, outback Queensland tourist trips and cruise boat experiences.
Taking home the coveted 2024 National Operator of the Year title at last year’s Bus Industry Confederation’s National Awards, Webster holds himself and the business to a high standard, ensuring that every passenger is awarded an accessible and positive experience.
“We pride ourselves on our long history of moving people and connecting communities through our complete and personalised transport solutions tailored to individual needs,” Webster says.
This mindset was the driving force behind contacting BCI – not just because of the operator’s partnership with Volvo, but because of BCI’s determination to embrace a more accessible coach model.
BCI Queensland state manager Andrew Dosa says the company prides itself on innovation and creativity, with this project serving as the perfect outlet to highlight its core values.
“Darren had a clear idea of what he wanted to achieve, and our team at BCI was excited to take on the challenge,” Dosa told ABC.
“We knew that this would be a unique build, but we were confident that we could deliver a solution that would meet the needs of Kangaroo Bus Lines and its passengers.”
During the design phase, the engineers at BCI worked closely with Kangaroo Bus Lines and chassis builder Volvo to optimise the design and ensure that the final product was perfectly suited to the customer’s operational needs, even visiting the factory in China to oversee the production.
BCI technical director Boyd Denning says that while he knew the project would be a challenge, he was confident in BCI’s ability to pull it off.
“The hardest part of this build was working on a foreign chassis like Volvo as there are more limitations on what you can do,” Denning told ABC.
“As we were starting on a low-floor chassis, we had to raise the driver’s area, which created challenges on the front end.
“We also had to make sure that the headlights didn’t interfere with the pedals and other parts on the chassis.”
Dennings says the rest of the build was “pretty straightforward” once they overcame the front-end integration issues.
“When they approached us on this particular project, it was something new and exciting and different, and immediately I could see the potential for this type of vehicle,” Denning says.
“You sort of kick yourself in a way that you didn’t think of it yourself before.”
The Cruiser Combo body removes the common hydraulic wheelchair lift, opting instead for a low-floor design that allows for a fold-out ramp. Not only does this modification allow for passengers with mobility challenges to more easily board the bus, but it also saves time when moving between destinations.
Additionally, the coach retains the luxurious feel of a traditional coach by featuring plush seating, ample luggage capacity and the latest safety features, including automatic emergency braking, seatbelts and lane departure warning systems.
“The BCI team were excellent to deal with,” Webster says.
“They were very open and transparent throughout the whole process, allowing us to make changes and tweak things wherever necessary.
“They even took my son, Dale and I over to the factory to inspect the vehicle as it was coming down the production line where we were able to make last-minute changes to suit our operation.”
Dosa says the project wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and collaboration of Kangaroo Bus Lines.
“They were a pleasure to work with, and their input was invaluable in shaping the final product,” Dosa says.
“It was a unique build, but now that we’ve done it, you can look at it and see how it completely fills a hole in the market.”
Unveiled at the National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane last year, Dosa says the model has received a lot of attention, with several other operators expressing interest in the innovative design.
“The feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re confident that this coach will become a game-changer in the passenger transportation industry,” Dosa says.
The Cruiser Combo prototype has already been clocking up the kilometres over the past couple of months at Kangaroo Bus Lines, with Webster and passengers alike boasting about the advantages.
“So far, we have had incredible reviews from passengers and drivers,” Webster says.
“We have already placed another order for three more, with feedback on improvements that we think will make the coach even better.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this unique solution to our customers.”
As the transportation landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between BCI and Kangaroo Bus Lines serves as a shining example of how innovation and forward-thinking, as well as suppliers and operators, can come together to create a truly remarkable product.
Both sides of this low-floor coach will now see whether the new model is poised to set a new standard for accessibility, comfort and passenger experience in the years to come.
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