Equipment News

Seven New MCI J4500 Coaches for Coach Atlantic

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., (NFI), one of the world's largest independent global bus manufacturers, has delivered seven new J4500 coaches to Coach Atlantic.

The coaches provided team transport for the Canadian Premier League (CPL), a professional soccer league in Canada, during a recent bubble tournament in Prince Edward Island (PEI).

“The J4500 has been North America’s best-selling motorcoach for more than 14 consecutive years, featuring a lighter, more efficient X12 Cummins engine and a more spacious interior for best-in-class legroom, ” said Brent Maitland, vice president, Private Sector Sales and Marketing, MCI. “We’ve supported Coach Atlantic since 2008 and continue to provide safe, spacious transport for the leading provider of private transportation in Atlantic Canada. ”

Coach Atlantic typically serves more than 80 percent of the cruise ship, multiday tour and group charter markets. Due to health advisories related to COVID-19, Coach Atlantic developed a new approach to maintain fleet operation through “bubble” transportation to each of the CPL’s eight teams, allowing them to complete the CPL season while keeping teams safe during transport.

“2020 has been challenging for everyone in the transportation business, so we jumped at the opportunity to provide transportation for the CPL, ” said Matthew Cassidy, president, Coach Atlantic. “We were able to provide the CPL a first-class experience by providing a dedicated 2020 MCI J4500 for each team throughout the duration of season in the PEI bubble. It was a tremendous source of pride for everyone involved to see our equipment on the road again. ”

Based in PEI, Coach Atlantic is a familyowned coach operator and is the largest ground passenger transportation provider in the Maritimes, travelling in PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and onward to the rest of North America. After 15 years of market growth through the acquisition of several regional bus companies, Coach Atlantic expanded from 30 employees and 33 vehicles to 515 employees and 350 vehicles.

In July 2020, NFI announced the combination of New Flyer and MCI. New Flyer and MCI have been leading innovation in mobility for 90 years, today supporting North American cities with sustainable buses and coaches, technology and infrastructure. They also operate the Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development through electric bus training. New Flyer is currently developing automated technology to improve safety in public transit.

Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world. With zeroemission buses and coaches, infrastructure and technology, NFI meets today’s urban

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) recently delivered seven new J4500 coaches to Coach Atlantic. The coaches provided team transport for the Canadian Premier League, a professional Canadian soccer league, during a tournament. Headquartered on Prince Edward Island, Coach Atlantic is family-owned andoperates350vehicleswithastaffof515.

The new Specialty VehiclesandTechnologies (SVT) Division of ABC Companies will distributeawiderange of new products and servicesthatwillleverageemergingtechnologyforthemotorcoach andrelatedindustries. SVT’s portfolio will include the Van Hool CX45Ebattery-electric coach,dieseltoelectric repowerkitsandABC’s Green Power options in select markets. Shown is the new Van Hoolall-electricCX45E coach.

demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.

With 8,000 team members in 10 countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motorcoaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single- and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motorcoaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™ . NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base of more than 105,000 buses and coaches around the world.

MCI is North America's leading public and private market motorcoach brand, building the J4500 (an industry best-seller for more than a decade), the all-new 35-foot J3500 model and the workhorse D-Series including the ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach, including the batteryelectric, zero-emission D45 CRTe LE. MCI also provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance, parts and technician training through the industry's only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI Academy.

New ABC SVT Division to Support Industry Recovery

ABC Companies, a leading provider of motorcoach and transit equipment in the U.S. and Canada, has officially launched a new business division, SVT (Specialty Vehicles and Technologies). Under the SVT banner, the company will distribute a wide range of new products and services that will leverage emerging technology, applications and advances that impact the motorcoach and related industries. “Our SVT division functions as a launchpad for next level innovation” , said Roman Cornell, ABC president and chief commercial officer. “It’s much more than a new commercial sales division, and is essentially the incubator and innovation think-tank where we actively search for new technologies and applications that can help advance our customer base and the industry overall. ” With so many changes impacting the travel and tourism industry today, Cornell asserts that now is the time to think differently about how to move forward using technology to solve issues and bring new capabilities to market.

SVT’sExpandingEVPortfolio

ABC Companies entered the electric vehicle market under the SVT Banner this year and continues to expand its portfolio of EV offerings as well as other future-facing capabilities. The company’s EV zero-emissions lineup is built on strategic partnerships that source, distribute and support a range of sustainable OEM and repowered EV options which include: • The flagship Van Hool CX45E zeroemissions OEM model integrating Proterra’s industry leading, energy-dense E2 battery system • Affordable, turnkey diesel to EV repower kits – a joint venture between ABC and industry-leader Lightning eMotors –enabling owners to quickly and efficiently update existing vehicles to 100 percent battery-electric power that can significantly lower operational costs. • ABC’s distribution agreement with Green Power Motor Company can assist owners in adding a range of available EV vehicles to fleets. With a focus on microtransit solutions, ABC’s Green Power options are available in select markets.

“Each of these EV specialty vehicle offerings is built on a proven platform and designed to optimize electric powertrain and battery configurations, all while moving the industry closer to a carbon-free future, ” said Cornell. “Commercial demand for sustainable transport of goods and services, as well as passenger travel is an important driver in our decision to invest in EV and integrated onboard technology. Right now, we can deliver a robust range of options that can help business owners gain a competitive edge, realize major ROI improvements or extend the serviceability of existing assets and answer the call for carbon neutrality, ” continued Cornell.

SpecialtyTechnologiesDesigned toAdvanceFleetPerformance

ABC continues to build on its proprietary RECON and TEC options introduced in 2019. Available packages and options integrate a host of driver assistance and alert systems and technology-enabled components such as telematics, coach interior and exterior surveillance systems and more to aid drivers, passengers and business owners. These technologies are designed to optimize driver and vehicle performance, enhance the passenger experience and automate and manage fleet maintenance.

CLEANS™Technology–ProtectingDrivers andPassengersFirst

Conducting thorough fleet cleaning is no longer an option today, and ABC has available a full suite of sanitization solutions designed to boost passenger confidence for group transportation. From electrostatic fogging and active HVAC purification via bipolar ionization, to UV lighting, advanced filtration and more ABC’s CLEANS suite of products is designed to bring the latest solutions to the motorcoach and transit industries. CLEANS™ uses a layered approach for passengers and drivers built around thorough surface cleaning, passenger protocols and active air filtration and decontamination. To download the full CLEANS product offering visit abc-companies.com/CLEANS.

FocusedandForwardLooking

At the heart of the SVT division is a dedicated team tasked with troubleshooting and locating solutions for a growing ABC customer base. Led by ABC’s Brian Nelson, director, ABC Technical Solutions, the team partners with customers and suppliers to bring solutions with a focus on utilizing emerging technologies to provide customers a competitive advantage. Nelson commented, “We are problem solvers for the industry and solution providers for specific customer needs. With the depth of experience ABC brings to the market and working closely with various suppliers, we have embraced the mantra that leadership is a result of quality partnerships. ”

“In this ever-changing landscape, the only thing we can predict is change, ” said Cornell. “However, as we diversify our SVT offerings, we are focused on supporting our core market – serving traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered fleets, and meeting the operational needs of customers who are ready to adopt EV into their fleets now. By providing all business owners and all types of fleets with cutting edge technologies, we are ready to address challenges and leverage opportunities as the industry bounces back, while eyeing the future. ”

For complete information and details about ABC’s SVT Division and advanced technology partners and solutions, visit abccompanies.com/SVT.

UMA Shifts Dates for Motorcoach EXPO to April 21-25

The United Motorcoach Association announced that UMA Motorcoach EXPO in the city of Orlando, Florida will be held April 21-25, 2021. These new dates, seven weeks later than the original dates, are expected to benefit attendance. Motorcoach EXPO is the largest and most comprehensive tradeshow exclusively serving North America’s bus and motorcoach industry. The date shift, based on strong feedback from members, will enable more participants to have access to vaccines and hopefully many companies will have access to federal relief funding.

Already, registrants from more than 30 U.S. states and Canada and UMA’s trade show floor has more than 70 companies signed up to exhibit. The Orange County Convention Center, which is the host facility, is well-positioned to accommodate the show and is designated a Global Biorisk Advisory Council Star Facility.

“These new dates allow seven more weeks for more people to have a chance to become vaccinated and for companies to, hopefully, receive some federal economic relief, ” UMA president and CEO Larry Killingsworth said in announcing the change. “I am also happy to report that UMA's affordable hotel room block prices will remain the same, with family-friendly rates starting at $99 per night. ”

Winnipeg Transit Adds 32 More New Flyer Buses

New Flyer Industries Canada ULC (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, recently announced that the City of Winnipeg, the owner and operator of Winnipeg Transit, has awarded New Flyer a new contract for 32 clean diesel, 40-foot Xcelsior® heavy-duty transit buses, with an option to extend the contract for five years.

Named one of the most efficient transit systems in Canada, Winnipeg Transit is the public transit agency serving Winnipeg, Manitoba and delivering more than 48 million passenger trips per year.

The buses replace end-of-life vehicles and advance the City of Winnipeg’s 2050 Transportation Master Plan, aimed at safe and efficient movement of people while meeting a growing demand for environmentally sustainable and inclusive transit.

“We’ve delivered nearly 1,000 buses to Winnipeg Transit over 30 years, continually improving propulsion technology to lend enhanced operational and environmental benefits, ” said Chris Stoddard, president, New Flyer. “As Winnipeg Transit evolves its fleet to more sustainable options in the future, we will continue advancing our technology, buses and infrastructure to pave the way for scalable transition to cleaner, safer and more efficient mobility. ”

New Flyer’s clean-diesel technology combines ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, advanced engines and effective emissions controls, resulting in a highly efficient and virtually smoke-free engine that can achieve lower emissions, reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the cost of bus operation. Over the past 20 years, New Flyer has innovated clean diesel technology to reduce particulate emissions by 90 percent.

The2021UnitedMotorcoachAssociation(UMA)MotorcoachExpohasshifteddatesandwillnowbe heldinOrlandofromApril21-25,2021.Morethan70companiesareexpectedtoexhibitatthisshow servingNorthAmerica’sbusandmotorcoachindustry.ShownhereisRickPalmerintheStertil-Koni boothattherecentUMA MotorcoachExpoinNashville.

For 90 years, New Flyer has led the innovation of mass mobility and today supports growing North American cities with scalable clean mobility solutions with sustainable buses, technology and infrastructure. It also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development on electric bus training, now available online. New Flyer has also developed automated bus technology to improve safety in public transit, with testing currently underway.

Rogue Valley Transportation Installs Navineo

Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD), the public transportation provider in the Rogue Valley, in Medford, Oregon, has awarded ENGIE Solutions to deploy its Navineo Intelligent Transport Systems and

Rogue Valley Transportation District in Medford, Oregon will adopt Navineo Intelligent Transport Systems and Services. The entire fleet of 45 buseswillbeequipped with the Navineo CAD/AVLsolution.This will provide real time passengerinformation, automatic vehicle announcements,automaticpassengercounting and bus engine diagnostics.

Services offer. Under this contract, RVTD will equip its fleet of 45 buses with the Navineo CAD/AVL solution. This solution will be operational at the end of 2021.

The Navineo CAD/AVL on the 45 RVTD fixed route buses will provide real-time passenger information via the GTFS-RT feed, on-board automatic vehicle announcements in English and Spanish, ADA-compliant on-board next stop sign, automatic passenger counting and bus engine diagnostics.

These services are intended to assist RVTD in the supervision of its entire fleet. The Navineo CAD/AVL allows for real-time assignment of drivers and vehicles, thus increasing the flexibility of operation. As a result, RVTD can supervise and manage its vehicles with greater precision and efficiency by anticipating traffic disruption and dynamically managing schedule. In addition, the solution collects and analyses data from automatic passenger counting, allowing RVTD to continuously improve its services. A true digital performance and optimisation tool, the Navineo CAD/AVL solution includes regular upgrades with new features.

The solution is also designed to improve the user experience. Open API and GTFSRT feeds will provide passengers with realtime update and service alerts, while onboard audio and visual announcements will be broadcasted, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which, since 1990, guarantees equal opportunities for people with disabilities in public spaces, including on public transport.

The Navineo CAD/AVL system is available as cloud-based and is fully configurable by transport operators, regardless of fleet size.

“We are proud to be able to support Rogue Valley Transit District with Navineo. ENGIE Solutions innovates in favour of cleaner, more effective mobility for operators and users, to guarantee more efficient transportation system. By reinventing these living spaces, ENGIE Solutions is working to increase the attractiveness of public transport, the most environmentallyfriendly mode of transport, ” said Baudouin Huon, CEO Ineo Systrans USA Inc. part of ENGIE Solutions.

“RVTD is excited about this opportunity to partner with ENGIE Solutions. The Navineo CAD/AVL system will enhance the customer experience through streamlined passenger information during service disruptions and enhanced bus arrival information. The highly accurate passenger counters and integration with fare collection systems will provide RVTD with greater business analytics. Operators and supporting transportation staff are eager to begin using the enhanced dispatching and onboard control units. At this time of pandemic, easing the pressure on public transit operations is of great importance. ENGIE Solutions’ solution is a welcome undertaking for all of us at RVTD, ” said Paige West, RVTD planning and strategic programs manager.

OnGuard System Available on Thomas Buses

Thomas Built Buses has announced that the WABCO OnGuardACTIVE collision mitigation system from ZF is now available as a factory-installed option for Saf-T-Liner C2 diesel school buses equipped with air disc brakes. OnGuardACTIVE is a radar-based collision mitigation system that enables collision warning, active braking and adaptive cruise control.

Using forward-looking, long-range radar to detect objects up to 650 feet ahead of a school bus, the collision mitigation system provides audible, haptic and visual warnings intended to alert drivers to possible obstructions. The system is designed to detect a potential rearend collision without the driver taking action to decelerate, and to engage active braking to automatically throttle down the engine, and if necessary, to apply the foundation brakes to help avoid an impending collision.

Similarly, the adaptive cruise control feature of the system utilizes the same radar to assist drivers in maintaining a safe following distance. The system maintains the set cruising speed when the lane ahead is clear, and is designed to automatically adjust the speed to maintain a set time interval between the bus and other vehicles ahead. “We are pleased to now offer the OnGuardACTIVE collision mitigation system on our Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses, ” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “This advanced technology further enhances the safety of our buses and provides drivers added peace of mind. ”

In addition to state-of-the-art safety features, the OnGuardACTIVE system can also be seamlessly integrated into telematics and monitoring systems so fleet managers can gain additional perspective on driving performance. Upon delivery, fleet managers and drivers will receive tailored driver training to better understand the system’s capabilities.

While OnGuardACTIVE is designed to help drivers mitigate collisions, this technology does not replace the need for safe drivers practicing safe driving habits. In order to reduce potential danger of injuries caused during OnGuard activated vehicle decelerations, the driver and front passengers should always be correctly seated with seat belts correctly fastened.

For more information on the OnGuardACTIVE collision mitigation system, customers

The WABCO OnGuard/ACTIVE collision mitigation system from ZF is now available as a factoryinstalled option on Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 diesel school buses. It offers several features including long-range radar, adaptive cruise control and integration into telematics and monitoring systems. Foundedin1916,ThomasBuiltBusesisasubsidiaryofDaimlerTrucksNorthAmerica.

The new 2021 401H version of the Tiffin Phaeton RV is available on the new XCR Super Raised Rail Chassis from Freightliner. This new Freightliner chassis helps the Phaeton provide maximum storage and a flat coach floor. Freightliner’s new XCR Super Raised Chassis comes equipped with a Cummins L9 engine providing 450 horsepower and includes several Freightliner innovative features including Drive Tech, RoadWatch and V-Ride.

Soon after his inauguration, President Joe Biden issued a series of executive orders to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. One required the wearing of a mask on federal lands and in federal buildings. His executive order on January 21 mandates the use of masks on public transportation.

can contact their local Thomas Built Buses dealer.

Freightliner XCR Chassis Used on Tiffin Phaeton

Two of the RV industry’s most revered and renowned names are coming together to create an innovative new version of one of the industry’s most luxurious models.

The 2021 40IH version of Tiffin’s Phaeton is available on a new XCR Super Raised Rail Chassis from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC). Offering the tallest rail configuration in the industry, FCCC’s XCR Super Raised Rail chassis helps the 2021 Phaeton IH deliver maximum storage and a flat coach floor from end to end. Tiffin and FCCC debuted the 2021 Phaeton 40IH at the recent Tampa RV SuperShow.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tiffin on the 2021 Phaeton 40IH – it’s a world-class model we believe represents and embodies the very best of what both these iconic and legendary brands have to offer,” said Jeremy Buckmeier, RV product manager for FCCC. “This combination is built to deliver popular amenities and best-in-class storage, along with a pleasant automotive driving experience, to RVers who deserve and expect the best.” The XCR Super Raised Rail powering the 2021 Phaeton 40IH comes equipped with a Cummins L9 engine generating up to 450 horsepower and 1,250 lb-ft of torque, giving the coach greater towing capacity and the power to handle challenging grades – without sacrificing fuel economy.

In addition, the XCR Super Raised Rail comes equipped with all of FCCC’s most innovative features, including: •DriveTech, which combines ergonomic steering, easy-to-reach column-mounted controls and Optiview’s all-digital gauge display to deliver an industry-leading automotive driving experience. • RoadWatch and its full suite of safety technologies, including Electronic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Traction Control. •V-Ride rear suspension system and its rating of up to 24,000 pounds, which enables the Phaeton to carry more luxury amenities with superior roll stability, smoother ride and more predictable handling. •Independent front suspension with 60degree wheel cut, which offers easier maneuverability, less backing up and a more confident driving experience.

A driving experience Tiffin and FCCC customers have come to expect will be backed by a support network they deserve, of course, in the form of FCCC’s 24/7 Direct customer support and Oasis Service Network. Oasis offers Phaeton owners access to 450-plus Freightliner-branded service locations, as well as 24/7 Direct access to factory service advisors with an average of 20 years’ experience. In addition, the 24/7 Direct mobile app provides factory-direct concierge service and a customized ownership experience.

The Tiffin 2021 Phaeton 40IH is available now. For more information, visit tiffinmotorhomes.com.

Presidential Mask Mandate

One of the first activities of President Joe Biden was a series of executive orders to combat the COVID-10 pandemic. On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that required wearing a mask on federal lands and in federal buildings. The following day, January 21, he signed an executive order that mandates the use of masks on public transportation.

Prior to his inauguration, Biden indicated that he would sign executive orders that would require the use of masks while traveling including airports as well as interstate travel on planes, trains and buses.

The new law was looked upon favorably by many transportation carriers that had already suggested that passengers wear masks for safety. This executive order will allow them to enforce their past policy with masks.

Airports had been in a difficult position because they had to comply with city and state regulations. Major U.S. airlines had asked passengers to wear masks and some had put those who failed to comply on their “do not fly” lists. Amtrak has required facial coverings since May and looked upon this executive order as a reinforcement to their current policy. Most bus companies have required passengers to wear masks.

Twenty-two New Flyer Buses for New Orleans

New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, recently announced the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has awarded New Flyer a contract for 22 cleandiesel, 35-foot Xcelsior® heavy-duty transit buses.

The order adds to RTA’s 2019 purchase of 23 Xcelsior buses and will revitalize its fleet by replacing end-of-life vehicles as part of the agency’s strategic mobility plan. Since 1994, New Flyer has delivered more than 110 buses to RTA.

“With more than 14,000 Xcelsior buses on the road in North America, New Flyer is a proven mass mobility leader that will continue providing solutions to deliver on the promise of reliable transit, while best matching unique local operating conditions and resources, ” said Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer. “With leading edge emissions technology on board, these buses will reduce particulate emissions in New Orleans, while providing safe, fully accessible and reliable transit in partnership with RTA. ”

New Flyer’s clean-diesel technology combines ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, advanced engines and effective emissions controls, resulting in a highly efficient and, virtually smoke-free engine, that can achieve lower emissions, reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the cost of bus operation.

RTA is the public transportation agency serving the greater New Orleans region, delivering nearly 19 million passenger trips per year. Its mission is to provide a safe, dependable, efficient world-class transit system through building a more resilient community and protecting its cultural, social and economic well-being through mobility.

For 90 years, New Flyer has led the innovation of mass mobility and today supports growing North American cities with scalable clean mobility solutions with sustainable buses, technology and infrastructure. It also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development on electric bus training, now available online. New Flyer has also developed automated bus technology to improve safety in public transit, with testing currently underway.

Stertil-Koni Urges Congress to Save Public Transit

Heavy-duty vehicle lift leader Stertil-Koni has joined fellow APTA members and industry partners on December 15, 2020 to collectively fight to #SavePublicTransit with a day of mobilization and engagement.

Organized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), #SavePublicTransit Day is structured to shine a bright light on the dire financial crisis facing the public transportation industry and urge elected officials to take immediate action.

The stakes are indeed high. As APTA explained, “It is critical that Congress move forward and provide emergency

Stertil-Konijoinedother members of the bus industry on December 15, 2020 to fight to #SavePublicTransit with a day of mobilization and engagement. Organized by the AmericanPublicTransitAssociation(APTA), this day was designed to shine a light on the direfinancialcrisisfacing the public transportationindustry.This photo shows a StertilKoni Diamond Lift in use at Lee Tran in Florida.

Irizar won the Bus of the Year 2021 Award from Grupo Editec for its ie new generation 12-meter electric bus. Previous models had wonthisawardin2015 and2018.Thisall-electric bus is available in lengthof10,12,15and 18meters.

funding for public transit in the lame duck session before Congress recesses for the holiday. The industry is calling on Congress and the Administration to provide at least $32 billion in emergency funding to ensure that public transit agencies can survive and help our communities and nation recover from the economic fallout of the pandemic. ”

Noted Stertil-Koni President Dr. Jean DellAmore, “Without at least $32 billion in emergency funding for the industry, many transit agencies and vendors supporting them could be forced to scale back production, reduce employment and cut investment – all of which could hold back job growth and economic expansion. ”

“Immediate action needs to be taken to address the public transportation industry’s dire financial situation so that we can continue to serve essential employees every day and can help Stertil-Koni inground telescopic piston DIAMONDLIFT at work at a major Florida-based transit system with the nation’s economic recovery, ” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “The industry’s very survival is at stake. ”

MARTA Orders New Flyer Electric Buses

New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, recently announced that the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has awarded New Flyer with a new order for six Xcelsior CHARGE™ zeroemission, battery-electric, 40-foot, heavyduty transit buses.

MARTA is among the largest transit systems in the U.S., providing public transit to the Atlanta metropolitan region and delivering 116 million passenger trips per year.

The purchase is supported by federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program, and continues MARTA’s pursuit of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through sustainable transportation. MARTA has been transitioning to loweremission propulsion since 1996, when the agency first introduced compressed natural gas (CNG) buses from New Flyer.

“Since 1990, New Flyer has supported MARTA with progressive innovation over the 1,200 buses we delivered, and today, we achieve a new milestone supporting MARTA’s transition to zero-emission, ” said Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer of America. “As more cities demand reduced GHG emissions and greater sustainability, New Flyer is meeting that need with zeroemission buses, technology and infrastructure – as a manufacturer offering comprehensive mobility, solutions and workforce development at scale. With our batteryelectric Xcelsior CHARGE buses, MARTA joins leading agencies across the continent who have begun the transition to sustainable mobility. ”

Designed on the proven Xcelsior® platform, New Flyer offers zero-emission mobility through its battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE (in 35, 40- and 60-foot lengths) and fuel cell electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ (in 40- and 60-foot lengths), and supports zero-emission deployments through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ , providing safe and reliable services for smart, sustainable mobility projects. Its full-suite infrastructure service includes support, planning, optimization and transition to ensure a successful transition to zero-emission mobility, working closely with leading firms including Siemens, ABB, ChargePoint, Burns & McDonnell and Black & Veatch. Since its launch in January 2019, New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions has installed more than 150 smart charters across North America.

For more information on New Flyer’s zero-emission buses, visit newflyer.com/CHARGE. For information on New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions visit newflyer.com/infrastructuresolutions.

Irizar ie Bus Wins the Bus of the Year 2021 Award

The new generation 12-meter Irizar ie bus has earned the Bus of the Year 2021 award in Spain.

This is the third time that the Grupo Editec (the publisher of the magazines Biajeros and Transporte 3) and the jury, representing urban transport operators, have awarded this prize to Irizar 3-mobility vehicles. In 2015, i2e, as it was known at the time, obtained this recognition and three years later, in 2018, the Irizar ie tram won the award.

“To start the year by winning this award fills us with pride and satisfaction, ” says Imanol Rego, general manager of Irizaremobility. “This recognition is the result of the commitment we have made in recent years to technology, innovation and sustainability in all kinds of applications. ”

This bus model has been operating since 2014 in different Euoprean cities

such as Madrid, London, Marseille, Genoa and Luxembourg, among others. The experience and data obtained in recent years demonstrate the reliability and safety of this vehicle.

The new generation of the 12-meter Irizar ie bus was presented for the first time at the Busworld 2019 trade fair. It is a 100 percent electric, zero-emisisons bus that offers a sustainable and eco-efficient urban mobility solution to respond to the current and future needs of city transport.

In addition to its attractive aesthetic design, this new generation, available in 10-, 12-, 15- and 18-meter versions, incorporates innovations and new batteries. The space had been optimized thus offering greater passenger capacity and greater modularity.

A new generation of more efficient batteries is combined with a regenerative braking system, which reduce consumption and offer greater vehicle range.

The new Irizar ie bus can have up to five interoperable slow charging point positions using a combo 2 connector. Slow charging the vehicle takes three hours. There is also the option of fast charging via pantograph. The charging capacity can vary from 50kW to 600kW.

Continental Tests Tires for Electric Transit Buses

Automakers and commercial vehicle manufacturers are not alone in having to change their processes in response to electric mobility. Tire manufacturers, too, need to come up with new development concepts to accommodate this new form of propulsion. One particularly demanding field in technological terms is the development of tires for electric urban buses. In response, Continental and VDL Bus & Coach, a leading manufacturer of electric buses, have pooled their expertise and jointly developed initial prototype tires. These are currently being tested at Continental’s Contidrom proving grounds.

VDL Bus & Coach launched its first electric Citea urban bus back in 2013. Since then, electric buses from VDL have covered more than 75 million kilometers in a variety of European cities, saving emissions of 11 million metric tons of CO2 .

“As with all electric vehicles, these bus tires are exposed to higher torque when moving off and accelerating,” explains Ben Hudson, automotive engineer at Continental Truck Tires. As he goes on to say, with tires for electric urban buses there are other considerations involved, above and beyond those experienced in previous EV projects: “In downtown traffic in particular, vehicles need to run very quietly, so that the comfort offered by quiet electric drive isn’t diminished by loud road-tire noise.”

In addition, the deceleration of electric buses in urban traffic is a key factor in the energy recovery or “recuperation” process. Here, the electric motor acts as a generator and, driven by the deceleration of the bus, produces energy to charge the battery. This leads to a marked increase in the vehicle’s range. Compared to conventional brake management systems, this process of recuperation puts added strain on the drive axle tires.

Consequently, tires for electric buses have to cope with tougher requirements than their counterparts for buses with combustion engines. “At the same time, they need to deliver the same mileage and meet the same safety standards as bus tires for conventional drive systems,” explains

Continental has been developing and testing tires for use on electric city buses. This VDL electric bus was being used to test tires at Continental’s Contidrom proving grounds near Hannover in Germany. Since many electric buses use regeneration for braking, this puts an added stress on the drive tires.

Hudson. The trade-offs between mileage, braking and handling performance, are technically demanding. “We are up against new requirements here, ” he adds, “but obviously we’re not going to accept any compromises in terms of robustness or braking performance. Safety takes top priority for us. ”

Right now, the tires on the VDL vehicles at the Contidrom are still running on tires built by the Prototyping department in Hanover-Stöcken with hand-carved tread patterns. As a rule, the tire development cycle from initial prototype to volume production takes three to five years. For the e-bus tires the aim is to shorten that cycle.

“When developing this concept tire, we’re not restricted by what has gone before in previous generations of tires, ” says Hudson. “That gives us the freedom to try out entirely new concepts and ideas. If these prove successful, we’ll put them into practice very quickly and feed them into the development of the next line of tires. ” This, he says, can lead to significantly shorter development cycles, meaning that Continental can react faster to market requirements. In the search for the best possible solution, time is a key factor. Given the rapid pace of progress in the electric mobility segment, demand for suitable tires is growing fast.

ABL/BYD Assemble Electric Bus Chassis in the UK

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD UK jointly announced in January that ADL and BYD will commence the design and assembly of chassis for the BYD ADL partnership’s electric single- and doubledeck buses for the British market, ensuring completed vehicles are built in ADL’s facilities in the UK. ADL is a subsidiary of leading independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc. (NFI), while BYD is a global leader in batteries, energy management and electric mobility.

Electric bus chassis assembly will take place in ADL’s facilities with on-the-ground support from the BYD team, and is planned to commence in the second half of 2021.

This significant step has been taken in response to the increasing demand for zero emission vehicles. It further strengthens the partnership’s market-leading position while underpinning jobs in Britain and developing skills in the growing market for clean vehicle technology.

Since it began in 2015, the partnership has gone from strength to strength, with more than 500 electric buses delivered or on order. They have clocked up a combined more than 16 million emission-free miles of reliable service in London as well as numerous towns and cities across the UK. More than 70 percent of electric buses introduced in Britain in this period were supplied by the BYD ADL partnership.

Until now, chassis for the BYD ADL Enviro200EV single-deck and BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deck buses were fully built by BYD before being delivered to ADL’s facilities to have their bodywork fitted in the UK.

Frank Thorpe, managing director of BYD UK, said: “This news underpins the fantastic relationship we have with ADL in the UK. We have always worked closely to deliver the highest quality products and services, and we are confident that production of complete vehicles here in the UK will bring even greater efficiencies for our customers. More importantly, ” he said, “this commitment from both BYD and ADL is also a reflection of the acceptance of eMobility from local authorities, bus operators and their passengers. Electrification in our towns and cities is gathering pace, and the BYD ADL partnership is spearheading the drive towards a more sustainable future. ”

Paul Davies, president and managing director of ADL, commented, “I am delighted that we’re moving our electric bus partnership to this next level and building complete zero emission buses for the UK market in the UK. This ensures that investment in sustainable transport for our towns and cities delivers full economic benefits to communities right across the country. ” q

AlexanderDennisLimited (ADL) and BYD have more than 500 electric buses built or onorderusingtheBYD technology. ADL and BYD will now start the design and building of chassis for the British market at ADL’s facilities in the UK. These electric chassis are used on both singleanddouble-deckbuses includingtheBYD ADL Enviro 400EV shown here.