Whilst well maintained and serviced buses have always provided a practical alternative to the motor car in terms of relative emission levels, Invicta has accepted the challenge to improve and help maintain a healthy environment. To this end, we have joined the Government Greenhouse Challenge and are committed to reducing or eliminating waste and pollution within our operation. At the June 2000 Bus and Coach Maintenance Conference we were proud to be presented with the Industries inaugural award for our contribution to the Environment. To continue to lead the way in this important area, Invicta launched the first Euro 3 emission standards equipped diesel bus in Australia in July 1999, nearly three years ahead of its mandatory introduction into Australia. This is the first of 5 to be introduced in the next 6 months or so. These vehicles are amongst the cleanest diesel powered vehicles in the world and meet the most stringent European standards for low emission and pollution levels.
The new Directors of Invicta were approached by the Shire of Yarra Ranges in 2001 to join the new Sustainability Group and act as a case study for an international "Sustainability - New Name , New Game" Conference the Shire was hosting. The case study presentation received wide acclaim and as a direct result Invicta now actively participates in the sustainability network within the Shire with the aim of including elements of Triple Bottom Line Reporting into its systems.
As part of Invicta's total commitment to sustainability and better air quality, a trial involving seven buses running on CANOLA OIL commenced in December 2001 and is continuing for twelve months The vehicles run on this totally renewable non fossil, low-pollution fuel made from Canola Oil. Canola oil emits less pollutants through the exhaust pipe, is renewable, provides employment and both economic and alternative crop opportunities to the rural community as well as acting as a natural carbon sink through the process of growing the crop.
The Lilydale based Invicta group now operates 82 vehicles in suburban route service in the outer east and a further five buses on school contract and charter operations.
Bringing in the New Century
To "usher" in the New Century, all the driving team at Croydon Bus Service are wearing a bright new uniform, with a casual look Polo shirt and trousers for Summer and embroidered shirt and tie, along with new jumpers, trousers and jackets for the cooler weather.
In respect to service improvements, the sealing of Blacksprings Road has given us an opportunity to reschedule our Route 671 and Route 672 to provide a more direct and regular service between Croydon and Chirnside Park shopping via North Croydon and Wonga Park. We have also introduced a new, direct service between Chirnside Park and Mooroolbark Railway Station, via Manchester Rd. 2001 also sees the introduction of our timetables in a different format. They are now provided in booklet format so that all our services are together. This will give our customers the ability to plan their travel within our network of in one publication.
On the new bus front, we have taken delivery of a further two, fully accessible, air conditioned Ultra Low Floor, Euro 3 buses and anticipate placing an order for 4 new Ultra Low Floor Telebuses early this year. We hope that these custom built Midi buses will offer our valued Telebus passengers the same ease of entry, accessibility and bright airy interior that is now becoming a standard feature of all of our full size buses.
2001, 65 years community service and still going strong
On the 24th May 2001 Croydon Bus Service Pty Ltd celebrated another milestone year in its ongoing successful being. The Company has provided innovative, reliable and efficient bus services to the local community for 65 years. You can see some of the developments in how the delivery of this service has changed since 1936 depicted on the side of our "Since 1936" painted bus, depicting the old and not so old. With the exception of the old Chevy, all the buses depicted are still in service or restored, owned by Invicta and are regularly used for promotions and vintage vehicle displays and rallies.
© Croydon Bus Services P/L 2001