All Procedures · Vehicle: Maintenance

Bus Wash - Vehicle Presentation Procedure

Last updated 2026-05-21

Owner: Aaron Fitzell

Last Updated: 2026-02-27

Version: 1.0

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Procedure Info
Tags

bus wash, exterior, washing, vehicle presentation, wash bay, rinse, cleaning, exterior cleaning, pre-service, presentation standards

Purpose

Part of the Post-Trip Inspection, this procedure outlines the correct process for determining when and how to wash a bus using the wash bay, ensuring safety and equipment protection.

Keeping our buses clean is important to uphold our standards of professionalism; a fleet of dirty buses doesn’t project a professional image, whereas a fleet of gleaming buses tells people that we take pride in our work.

When to Use This SOP
  • Whenever a driver returns to the depot and their bus is finished for the day, this procedure should be considered.
    • Who Should Use This SOP

    This procedure applies to all drivers returning vehicles to the depot.

    Tools and Resources Needed
  • Bus Wash

    • Assessment

    Before using the bus wash run through this needs assessment

    1. Does the Bus Look Shabby?

    Walk around the bus. Is it visibly dirty?

    If you’ve been driving all day, it likely needs to be washed.

    2. Are Weather Conditions Okay For the Bus Wash?

    • Is it cold out? How cold?
      • Temperature must be 5°C or above to use the bus wash
        • ⚠️ if the temp is lower than 5°C you will damage or destroy the bus wash! ⚠️
    • Is it raining? If so, then do not wash the bus.
    • Are there high winds? If so, do not used the bus wash.
    • Is it mild or sunny? If so, go ahead and wash your bus.

    3. Is the Bus Wash Operational?

    An inoperative bus wash will have red stop light displayed, the entrance blocked by bollards or other system alerts.

    If unsure check with Operations.

     

    Procedure

    If there’s a need, the conditions look good and the bus wash is operational then please wash your bus.

    1. Drive the Bus Through the Yard to the Wash Bay

    2. Proceed SLOWLY Into the Bus Wash

    Pull forward slowly until the Green Arrow Light turns to STOP.

    ⚠️
    NOTE: Never reverse inside the wash bay under any circumstances. If you’ve gone too far, pull around again.

    3. Put Bus into Park or Neutral and Apply Handbrake

    4. Wait For the Bus Wash Cycle to Finish

    The cycle runs for about 8 minutes

    • Do not exit the vehicle when the wash cycle is active.
    • If the wash cycle is interrupted, contact the operations via Two Way or telephone (03 9438 3666) and wait for further instructions.

    5. When the STOP Light Turns Back Into a flashing Green Arrow, Drive Slowly Out of the Bus Wash

    6. Stop In Designated Area and Manually Wash the Front of the Bus

    The Bus Wash does not clean the front of the bus, so you’ll need to do that manually.

    Brushes and a hose are provided.

     

    Review Schedule and Change Log

    VersionDateAuthorChange Summary
    1.02026-02-27Joel SmithInitial draft