Fully Automatic Transmissions for Airport Vehicles

Leading Australian coach charter operator, Murrays, has chosen primarily Allison-equipped models to ensure safety, passenger comfort and lower operational costs.

SYDNEY, Australia – One of Australia’s largest coach operators has committed to Allison fully automatic transmissions for 124 coaches within its 180-vehicle fleet, to deliver a safe, comfortable and efficient passenger experience. Murrays operates from its Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne depots.

Allison’s 1000 Series™ transmissions are fitted to Murrays’ 7.6-meter, Cummins ISF powered, Higer small deluxe coaches, while its larger BCI 12- and 14.5-meter deluxe coaches come fitted with Cummins’ ISL and ISM motors, mated with either an Allison T390R or T450R transmission.

According to Murrays’ national fleet manager, Justin Cannon, Allison-equipped models are a safer, more passenger-friendly option. “Allison automatics reduce driver fatigue, because drivers don’t have to constantly change gears, making it safer and smoother, which enhances the passenger experience.”

As well as a smoother ride, Load Based Shift Scheduling (LBSS) and hydraulic retarders deliver significant reductions in both fuel and maintenance costs for Murrays. LBSS automatically selects between economy and performance modes based on a vehicle's payload and the grade on which it is operating, allowing for optimal shift strategies. The hydraulic retarder reduces wear and tear, prolonging brake life.

“Allison’s LBSS feature has reduced our fuel consumption, and the integrated retarder in the Allison transmissions we use in larger BCI coaches significantly reduces the rate of wear on the brakes, while enhancing passenger safety – and that’s one of our key priorities,” said Cannon.

“Lower fuel consumption is one important aspect, but it is also shift quality and other benefits, such as lower brake wear and the efficiencies delivered by LBSS, that make Allison the complete package. While you cannot put a dollar value on passenger comfort and safety, it is a key factor in the appeal Allison transmissions hold for Murrays,” he explained.