Sydney Metropolitan Double Decker Bus Assessments
Project Introduction
TK Business Group is proud to have provided a maintenance analysis and vehicle inspections on Double Decker Buses that operate across Sydney. The Double Decker buses are the heavy lifters in the bus network and crucial to carry large passenger numbers. TK Business Group in collaboration with Quarterbac Advisory is proud to have provided crucial information to address reliability concerns of the aging fleet and provide recommended adjustments to prolong the major componentry of the bus. Additionally, vehicle inspections were undertaken to understand the current fleet condition and recommend appropriate interventions to maximise the life prior and nominating an expected age when replacement should be considered.
Project Background
The Double Decker buses are the most expensive TfNSW bus assets operating on Sydney roads and crucial to get high numbers of passengers to their destination in the peak. In early 2025 it was determined that the BLine double decker route was facing reliability issues with their buses and required major maintenance earlier than expected. The reliability issues were impacting the delivery of services and resulting in extensive passenger queues at major bus stops
Project Scope
TK Business Group partnered with Quarterbac Advisory to provide a Bus Service Assessment and Maintenance Record Analysis of TfNSW’s Sydney based double deck bus fleet.
The scope included:
- Identifying whether the kilometre-based servicing schedule for all bus models is adequate for the kilometres travelled and the work conducted
- Reviewing all work completed to analyse failure trends and any appropriate remedies to improve the vehicle reliability
- Reviewing and confirming service schedules are per the manufacturer’s maintenance frequency or better
The scope included:
- Developing a Construction Management Plan to address on site matters such as protection of trees, fencing to prevent site access by the public, materials storage, equipment to be used, traffic management plan and more.
- Providing a Traffic Management Plan to ensure a structured approach to manage traffic and access during construction to provide a safe road environment, minimise impact on the surrounding road network and maintain safe access for all road users and the local community.
- Providing a complying Crane Plan to ensure safety and mitigate risks for all onsite workers by providing a comprehensive guide for crane use, including specific details about lifting capacity, boom length, and potential hazards.
- Liaising with Sydney Trains to satisfy their conditions such as ensuring the crane does not extend beyond the cadastral boundary as the back property borders the railway corridor where passenger trains frequently pass through with overhead wiring.
Project Challenges & Highlights
The difference in provided and assortment of data between the range of bus operators in Sydney meant that the analysis approach had to be adjusted frequently. An extensive range of collected data was processed and carefully reviewed to ensure the high accuracy of an analysis on the buses as they are significance assets that would determine in the millions in savings as well as customer satisfaction with a well-maintained in-service fleet.
