2
NEWS
Hino Poncho makes history in Brisbane
World-first for Hino, as compact Poncho bus takes to the streets of Queensland capitalHolmview, a suburb of Logan City in Brisbane's south, is the first region outside of Japan to benefit from the service of Hino's new ultra-compact and innovative Poncho bus.
Operated by Clark's Buses and the Queensland government's public transport division, TransLink, the delivery of the Hino marks an important milestone for the new model.
"Australia is the first overseas market for the Hino Poncho bus, meaning Holmview locals will be the first in the world outside Japan to realise its benefits including the remarkably quick wheelchair boarding, which takes less than a minute," said Bill Gillespie, General Manager, Brand and Franchise Development for Hino Australia.
"Hino is pleased to work with TransLink and Clark's Buses on this community transport solution for Holmview, and we congratulate them on their foresight in selecting a bus that is already compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which will come into full effect in 2022," he continued.
"Measuring under seven metres in length and featuring a tight turning radius, the Hino Poncho bus is the perfect solution for community transport, like the narrow streets of the Holmview estate."
Matt Longland, TransLink's Deputy Director General, said the organisation was thrilled to be taking a stride forward with the new bus.
"TransLink is proud to be leading the way by introducing smart solutions onto the public transport network," he said.
"The Poncho's innovative design, with its wheelchair friendly access and smaller size, is perfect for the Holmview route and we are really excited to see it in action.
"The new Holmview route served by the Poncho opens up more opportunities for locals to access jobs or health and education services as well as making it easier to take a trip to the shops."
The Poncho to be used in Holmview features an 18-seat saloon layout with wheelchair provision plus standing passengers. Safety is well addressed with three emergency exits, comprehensive field of vision and ABS, air-over-hydraulic brakes.
The large 850mm sliding door has touch technology and extra sensors to prevent it from closing in the event of an obstruction.
The Poncho is powered by a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine said to produce 180hp (132kW) and 530Nm and mated to an Aisin A500 automatic transmission with torque converter, while the bus rides on airbag suspension with shocks and stabilisers.
The model is covered by a three-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty, and comes backed with the brand's Hino Advantage suite of businesses benefits.
Share this article
Written byTrucksales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a trucksales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayRelated articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent