The four new air-conditioned buses for Sunbeam Transport Limited. Photo: ARISHMA DEVI
By SHEIK DEAN
Sunbeam Transport Limited has added four more air-conditioned buses to its fleet as roads improve.
The two new Scania and two new Hino buses will service the now sealed Kings Road, the company said.
Sunbeam general manager Zahid Ali Wahab said the additions will give travellers a better environment to travel in.
“Our company had initially started operations servicing the Kings Highway route before embarking for the Queens Highway route,” Mr Wahab said.
“There is no major competition in bus fares as this is regulated by the Government. The only difference is the service we provide.”
Investment
The total investment was FJD$1.2million for the four new coach buses and so far the company has invested close to FJD$5million to boost its fleet.
“Sunbeam Transport Ltd has always kept up with the growing demand of commuters and this addition is also boosting our fleet.”
The company has a total of 55 buses with the inclusion of the four new buses and two more to arrive by July end.
“Our old buses are also in top conditions and we will sell out our old buses so we can have more new buses,” he said.
“Since the road condition of Kings Highway has improved the company had decided to provide our loyal customers with a clean and safe environment to travel in.
Maintenance and safety
The four new buses have added safety feature with more space between the seats and walking passage.
“Keeping in mind the safety of passengers, our new coach buses have a cut out system.
“The cut out system comes into effect if there is an electrical shorting, the throttle will cut off reducing speed letting the driver to stop the bus before engine turns off.
“These two buses are very high in safety features.
The Scania has a bigger TV screen to make viewing easier for passengers.
“Our mechanics are fully trained to keep our new and existing fl eets up to date. Mechanics are sent to New Zealand to attend trainings conducted by specialized technicians.
“Scania is the most expensive coach bus with its added safety features and durability. We also get technicians from Scania to inspect our buses on a regular basis.
“Hino is also assembled in Asia so we do not have to worry about coach works when our buses arrive in Fiji. The reason to get new buses is for a long running life on road.”
E-ticketing
And as bus companies prepare themselves to meet the e-ticketing deadline, Sunbeam is installing using e-ticketing provider Bula My Fiji’s consoles.
“The new e-ticketing from Bula My Fiji is suitable for our company especially in the long haul routes.”
But despite its benefits in countering pilferage, Mr Wahab said they will still need the services of bus checkers.
“From the implementation of e-ticketing system we will not have any job losses as we do need checkers.
“Bula My Fiji’s solution is being tested on our buses as well as other bus companies.
“We had approached Bula My Fiji to find a solution after seeing the current e-ticketing solution from Foneology Fiji.”