For regional operators, a bus is more than just a mode of transportation, it is a lifeline for connectivity within small regional communities. Connecting people to education, growth, health, and community, buses play a vital role in helping these communities prosper and VDI Australia are committed to providing transport solutions that can help drive this forward.
Located in the New South Wales southern tablelands region between Goulburn and Yass lies the small town of Gunning. With a mere population of approximately 700 residents, communities like Gunning are largely driven by family-owned businesses and operators like VDI customer, Bailey’s Garage. This third-generation family-owned mechanical repair business and school bus operator has been supporting the community for over 50 years and is now the proud owner of a brand new Yutong C12 school bus.
Sam and Craig, the owners of Bailey’s Garage, received their first Yutong school bus * years ago and since then, it has been serving the area transporting students to and from school every day. With steady growth within the community, last year they began searching for a new bus that can meet the unique requirements of regional school transport whilst complying with safety and emission standards. They immediately contacted VDI to begin the process of procuring a class-leading, category 4 approved Yutong bus that could provide them with reliability and lasting efficiency.
Support that goes the long haul
For VDI, trust is about more than just delivering high performing buses, it is about being able to provide lasting support that is backed by our commitment to understanding the challenges Australian operators face. Through this, VDI strives to create a tailored experience that is seamless and reaps long-term rewards for our customers. Whether this is simply by promptly answering our customer’s questions or ensuring that parts are ready on time, VDI are always ready to create lasting customer relations that are rooted in trust and reliability.
Over multiple months, VDI continued to work closely with Sam and Craig to ensure that their new bus would be best suited to their demands and requirements. This would include finding a flexible solution that could go long distances without any issues as well as comfortably and safely hold passengers and luggage. VDI’s National Sales Manager Sara Clark said that the team really put their all into finding the perfect solution for Sam and Craig and that it was a long and heartfelt journey.
“To hear the “wow” factor from Sam and Craig as they walked up the stairwell of the bus was so incredibly rewarding,” Clark said.
Although the road to finding Sam and Craig’s new school bus was long, it ultimately resulted in them finding a bus that meets all their preferred requirements and industry demands and one that will be used by many in the community for years to come.
Meeting demands and breaking standards
This bus, the Yutong C12 has garnered significant appraisal from school bus operators across the country. Packed with advanced features that prioritise safety, comfort and efficiency, it is no surprise that this bus was the winning choice for Sam and Craig. At 12 metres, this versatile bus is designed to meet the demands of school transport. With flexible seating options to suit different passenger requirements and eight cubic metres of luggage capacity, both students and driver alike can experience a comfortable ride that doesn’t sacrifice performance or safety.
As regulations evolve, the need for transport that is fully compliant with Australia’s latest emissions standards is critical for lasting operations. With a Cummins Euro VI engine, this bus is a future-proof investment for long-term compliance that not only delivers substantial power and torque but also remains smooth and quiet for the longer journeys.
A safer solution for school bus operators
When it comes to school transport, safety and reliability are not optional, they are essential. Whether students are on board, at the bus stop, or just crossing the road, ensuring that your bus is able to provide the highest standard of safety is paramount. Yutong’s buses are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features including a 350° camera warning system and a range of other advanced safety technology. This means no more blind spots or guessing, these safety features will immediately warn the driver if someone is too close to the bus to prevent any accidents and keep passengers safe at all times.
At VDI, we understand that regional school bus operators face unique challenges from navigating remote routes to ensuring the highest safety standards for every student on board. That’s why we’re proud to offer more than just buses; we provide tailored solutions, personalised support, and vehicles engineered for reliability and long-term performance. Our commitment goes beyond the delivery, it’s about building trust, offering expert guidance, and being a partner that regional operators like Bailey’s Garage can rely on for years to come. Because when we support those who connect communities, we help regional Australia move forward.
