OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS
Volume 14. No. 1. Spring 2018
Bus & Coach
WINNER Irish Mini-Coach of theYear 2018
UNVI Mercedes-Benz Vega EX Irish Mini-Coach of the Year 2018 Mercedes-Benz Tourismo
Swords Express
PROFILE
APPRAISALS
Van Hool EX 16
WINNER Fleet Midi-Coach of the Year
DR IV E T H E F U T U R E NOW
Brian Noone Ltd
Tel: +353 (0)1 628 6311
Straffan Road
Maynooth
Co. Kildare
Fax: +353 (0)1 628 5404 www.noone.ie
IRELAND
Email: sales@noone.ie
www.fleet.ie | 3
WELCOME 2018
Contents Spring 2018 4 News
12 Appraisal II
• Biggest Euro Bus Expo 2018
Mercedes-Benz Tourismo
• Bus drivers are safest • CTTC Coach & Bus Show 2018 launched
14 Profile Swords Express, Dublin
• Ford Chariots go ride sharing in London Dónal / Chairman/M.D.
Sandra / Exec Director
2018 looks like a great year for tourism transport. Connecting with us and sharing our Member Sticker on your vehicle, you will have an extra Sales Distribution line for your Private Hire Tourism vehicles in 2018. Results to date for 32CC Network CO-OP €7m+ in new, additional business to Investor and Sub Hire companies over the years from all markets, North America, Britain, Europe Middle, the Far East and Local Irish Marketing wholly owned 2 International brands (Irish Coaches & Hello Ireland Tours) Local domestic ads. promoting Members (e.g. Active Retirement Ireland/Members Annual 2018 )
FINALIST Passenger Transport Company of the Year Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2017 Entrant for 2018/2019
16 Pin Pics
• Wrightbus to rationalise
Featuring Hannons, Ford Transit Taxi
• Plus Bus Lane
& William Wright
6 New Fleet
18 Global
More new Volvo Coaches for Irish
Volvo & NTU and Irizar ie tram
operators 20 Product 8 Cover
Offerings from Iveco and VDL
UNVI – making headway in Ireland 22 Conductors Stand 10 Appraisal I
Congested Dublin
New Van Hool EX16
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Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433 Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney
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Editor: Sean Murtagh Contributors: Rob Van Dieten, Paul White
“Filling Gaps for Members Benefits” 11+ Years Success On-the-Road Thirty Two Counties Coaches Designated Activity Company Ulster Bank Chambers, 2/4 Lr. O’Connell St., Dublin 1 01 - 8788894/98 E-mail: dch@32ccgroup.ie www.32ccgroup.ie www.irishcoaches.ie www.helloireland.com
Talk with Dónal or Sandra on Membership
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh Administration: Denise Vahey, Paula Mullarkey Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney Design: Eamon Wynne
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Printed in Ireland Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime & Caravan Cruise Ireland are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh. Disclaimer: Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Bus & Coach management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.
Fleet Bus & Coach - the official Irish journal of the International Bus/Coach of the Year Awards. www.fleet.ie
4 | NEWS 1
BUS LANE 2017 EU bus market down slightly According to ACEA, the European body for vehicle manufacturers, the new medium and heavy bus and coach market across the European Union contracted slightly (-0.5%) during 2017, totalling 40,515 units. The Brussels based organisation recorded that the UK and France saw demand fall by -18.8% and -4.0% respectively, with registrations of new buses and coaches increasing substantially in Italy (+20.3%) and Spain (+6.9%). The UK’s new bus and coach market fell in every quarter of 2017 - following a period of strong growth in 2015 and 2016, last year saw registrations decline by -12.7% to 7,666. Double-deck demand saw the biggest fall across the year, declining -17.1% with 1,598 units registered. Single-decks and minibuses also experienced declines, down -8.2% and -13.2% respectively. The Irish market was down too, with a 6.35% drop in new registrations from 362 units in 2016 to 339 last year.
Public Transport gets 91% rating 9 out of 10 passengers are satisfied with public transport services, according to research undertaken on behalf of the National Transport Authority by Kantar Millward Brown. All services posted very good satisfaction ratings, with Luas and Dublin Bus performing particularly well. 19 per cent of passengers give ‘general service’ as the reason for satisfaction, with another 19 per cent attributing their satisfaction to ‘ease and convenience’. One in four believes the service provided by public transport has improved over the 12-month period, while just less than two-thirds believe it has stayed the same. There was 91 per cent satisfaction with cleanliness of vehicles and 95 per cent satisfaction with personal safety. Safety of driving got a satisfaction rating of 95 per cent. Public transport apps and websites have an overall satisfaction rating of 85 per cent. This includes TFI’s Real Time Ireland app, the Leap top-up app and the online services and apps provided by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann. The Dublin Bus app, Leap top up app and Irish Rail website are the most used sources of online public transport information, according to the research.
Over 9,000 visitors expected at Euro Bus Expo 2018
V
isitor registration for the free-to-attend Euro Bus Expo on 30 October – 1 November 2018, at the National Ex hibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham is now open at www. eurobusxpo.com Orga n ised by Diversi f ied Communications UK, the three-day biennial bus, coach and minibus trade show is Europe’s biggest in 2018, with an estimated 9,000 industry buyers and decision makers attending from across Europe.
Many of the 300 exhibitors booked to date are planning to use the show to publicly launch their new products. Alongside the exhibition, a full seminar programme featuring top speakers in the Master Class Theatre will be a major draw. Major vehicle manufacturers and dealers already booked include: Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), Arriva, BASE, EVM, EvoBus, Irizar, MAN, Minis to Midis, Moseley, Optare, Scania, Unvi, Van Hool, VDL, Volvo, Wrights Group
Exhibitors in the Technology Zone will showcase the latest software solutions, the latest IT equipment, mobile technology, onboard wiFi, ticketing systems, and revenue collection services, while the Master Class Theatre will return again with seminars and keynotes from leading industry figures providing in-depth knowledge on the latest hot topics. The miniplus Area is dedicated solely to operators of small and mediumsized passenger carrying vehicles. It will bring together exhibitors in the small vehicle sector to demonstrate the latest equipment and supplies available in this growing sector of the market. Suppliers will display purposebuilt vehicles fitted with modern accessible aids including step-free design, wheelchair lifts, seats and other safety items, along with showcasing conversion services for those buyers with bespoke requirements.
Road users puts bus drivers top of safest drivers list
B
us drivers are among the most loved professional drivers, according to a new study by Continental Tyres. Motorists were asked what they thought of the behaviour of other road users, and according to the survey, of all professional drivers, bus drivers came out on top. The study was set up to better understand how road users feel about the other groups with which they share the road. It asked cyclists, pedestrians, passenger car drivers and professional drivers, including van, taxi, bus and HGV to list their motoring peeves and genuine safety concerns, based on their experience within their road network. Both cyclists and car drivers voted
FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
and Yutong.
bus drivers as more considerate and safer than their truck and van driving colleagues, with 25% of car drivers and almost 20% of cyclists voting bus drivers the safest road users. HGV drivers also fared well in the findings, with 21% of car drivers stating they felt most safe around truck drivers. From the truck drivers’ perspective, cyclists were their main cause for concern, with 41% feeling that cyclists were the least safe road user group. However, van and taxi drivers proved to be at the bottom of the popularity league overall. Cyclists and car drivers both ranked van drivers the least safe, while 33% of professional truck drivers stated taxi drivers were the least considerate on the road.
NEWS 11 | 5
CTTC Coach & Bus Show 2018
14 Ford Chariots for London
C
hariot London is the latest of Ford’s European initiatives accelerating the development of its smart mobility technologies. Following successful introduction in selected cities in the United States, Chariot has launched its daily commuter shutt le service in London, enabling movement around the city easier.
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar taking to the wheel alongside Joe Donoghue, Chairman of CTTC and Jim Campion, Campion Insurance.
A
n Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar officially launched the 10th biennial Coach & Bus Show 2018, sponsored by Campion Insurance and organised by the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC), at Government Buildings. The two-day showcase for the passenger transport industry will once again be held in the RDS, Simmonscourt Pavilion over the weekend of 17th & 18th November. The Floor Plan and On-line Booking System are now live on the CTTC website - www.cttc.ie
Designed for city dwellers who live in harder-to-serve areas where public transport is not easily accessible, Chariot enables passengers to complete the fi rst and last mile of their journey faster and more comfortably by connecting them with nearby transit hubs and underground stations. Service in London commenced last month with four Chariot routes designed to complement the city’s existing public transport system. Chariot is accessed via a smartphone app that enables users to search for a nearby route and the closest available transport hub address. The app – offering dedicated customer support – will then locate the nearest convenient pickup point. Passengers can book a seat and track in real time the progress of shutt les that run Monday to Friday, during the rush hour. Th roughout 2018, Ford will be trialling a 20-strong fleet of plug-in hybrid Transit Custom vans in the U.K. capital as part of the “Cleaner Air for London” initiative supported by Transport for London.
“The Show is the only one of its kind in Ireland and provides operators with the opportunity to view the latest products and innovations in the market place and also to socialise with their peers,” explained Kevin Traynor, National Director of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council.
Job losses at Wrightbus due to order downturn
B
allymena-based broad range bus builder Wrightbus is about to shed up to 100 jobs (from 1,400) following a statutory consultation process at its manufacturing and Customcare facilities. The long-established company, which supplies a range of buses throughout the UK, Ireland, Asia and North America, is currently experiencing challenging market conditions, with privately and publicly operated bus companies alike facing pressures in terms of capital funding and meeting ever stricter
environmental requirements. Chairman of Wrights Group, Mark Nodder OBE, commented: “Wrightbus, along with the rest of the industry, is facing some very difficult conditions in its domestic market at present, with current order intake for new vehicles at relatively low levels. In order that the business remains competitive in the long term, it is vital that we promptly take appropriate steps to align our production capacity to projected demand in the foreseeable future. We have continued to invest in our product range so that it remains best in class in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental performance. The
company will therefore be well positioned when market conditions improve.” “As a privately-owned business and one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland, we have not come to this decision lightly and it is done with a heavy heart. However, we operate in a dynamic marketplace with competition from around the globe and we must respond and react accordingly. We will naturally work with the union and employee representatives to ensure that we manage the process in the most sympathetic way possible for all affected.”
www.fleet.ie
6 | NEW FLEET
Strong 2018 Irish order book for Volvo coaches
O
rders are up for new Volvo Buses and Coaches from Irish operators at the beginning of 2018, with most deliveries taking place during March and April, just in time for the new tourist season. GoBus.ie, the Galway based cross-country coach company, has ordered six new Volvo 9700 B11R integral coaches. Th is follows reaching a milestone of acquiring 50 Volvo coaches between 2009 and last year.
that is expected by today’s seasoned coach traveller. This 49/51 seater vehicle includes a TV, USB sockets and WiFi. Aiden Furey, Director of Furey’s Coaches, explained: “The 9700 B11R is an impressive vehicle that fits the bill perfectly for our luxury coach travel service. Our customers set the bar high in terms of their expectations, and not only does the vehicle have the best interior comfort and convenience benefits, it really looks the part too.” One of Volvo’s longest established customers and a great ambassador for the Swedish brand, Pierce Kavanagh Coaches has ordered another new Volvo 9700 B11R Euro 6 coach.
The latest acquisition is comprised of three 13.8m coaches with 57/59 seats, two 13m examples with 53/55 seats, and one 12.3m unit with 49/51 seats. The coaches are due to arrive in April and all come with alloy wheels and CCTV as standard. GoBus.ie Managing Director, Jim Burke, said about the order: “We have found that the Volvo 9700 B11R not only meets but exceeds our expectations, due to the driving experience, passenger appeal and build quality that gives us excellent operational performance year after year. Of particular importance for us is the style and aesthetic appearance of the 9700, which is extremely eye catching and att racts huge passenger reaction. Our customers are always impressed when they see the 9700 coach they’ll be travelling in which offers a standard they have become accustomed to over the past few years.” Furey’s Coaches of Sligo has ordered a new integral Volvo 9700 B11R as the latest addition to its fleet, following good experience of a Volvo purchased in 2016. The Yeats County operator required the new vehicle for its touring business which operates in Ireland, the UK and Europe. The company was keen to purchase a coach that would provide the best fuel efficiency and low emissions levels, while including the highest quality specification FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
Pierce Kavanagh, Joint-Managing Director, commented: “When we started our search for a new coach, we went straight to Volvo. We trust the vehicles and believe Volvo are market leaders when it comes to style, comfort and fuel consumption. We have previously ordered the Volvo 9700 B11R, and as a result have been able to offer our passengers exceptional comfort and safety. One of our core focuses is tourism transport and it is a priority for us to uphold our reputation with these passengers, which makes them come back to us time and time again.” Family owned and operated business Bernard Kavanagh & Sons has taken
delivery of ten new Volvo B11R coaches. The Killkenny based tour operator has specified seven 13m Volvo integral 9700 B11Rs and three B11Rs with Jonckheere bodywork to complement its expanding fleet. All ten coaches are 53/55 seaters and due for delivery in February. Bernard Kavanagh, co-owner of Bernard Kavanagh & Sons, explained: “These Volvo coaches are an addition to our existing fleet of more than 60 which is currently around 50% Volvo. We have been dealing with Volvo for many years and in doing so have built a strong relationship with the company which was key in influencing the decision to select Volvo coaches again.” Irish operator Aircoach has returned to Volvo for the fi ft h time in three years, taking its majority Volvo fleet up to 39 with the latest delivery of B11R vehicles with Plaxton Panther bodywork.
The First Group-owned Aircoach has added seven 53-seat, full executive vehicles to its fleet. The new coaches are earmarked for scheduled routes from Belfast to Dublin airport and city centre, operating 22 times per day. Allen Parker, Managing Director of Aircoach, said: “We purchased our fi rst B11R in 2014 and have since added a further 32 Volvo vehicles to our fleet, with this new order taking the total up to 39. The vehicles are popular with our drivers, and the reliability we know we can expect from Volvo helps us provide a quality service to our customers.”
Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie
8 | COVER
Success built on sound Business Relationships
W
hen Fleet Bus & Coach last visited the UNVI headquarters in Spain almost six years ago, the European economy was just starting to lift out of recession. Nobody realised this at the time, but in hindsight the tide had turned elsewhere, especially at UNVI. At that time around 500 units per year were being manufactured between manufacturing plant in Ourense, Spain where the head office is located, and its plant in Porto Portugal. Fast-forwarding to the present, the combined production between both plants was in excess of 700 vehicles last year. Some renovations at the Porto manufacturing facility have provided extra capacity in production terms, if and when needed. Substantial renovation is planned in the near future, which will modernise the plant and create even some more capacity. UNVI employs over 350 people and has established sales and aftermarket back-up in eighteen European countries, including Ireland. Interestingly, when visited last time its export numbers were about 65% of total production, now that figure is 80%. A key aspect of the UNVI business model is successful partnerships with chassis manufacturers, such as Volvo, Mercedes-
FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
Benz, DAF, Scania MAN, and more recently for Ireland, IVECO. To have a quality product it is important that the chassis and drivetrain are well matched and work in harmony. UNVI has fostered long and solid relationships with chassis manufacturers over many years, as both parties are careful about who they supply their product to. UNVI is one of thirty-five companies owned by the Perez Rumbao Group, which is primarily involved in the automotive sector, including many Motor Dealerships. Recent Deliveries As a niche manufacturer, one of UNVI’s specialities is open top double-deck coaches, using the Volvo B9TL chassis as a preference. Most European cities have an open-top UNVI. An exciting development in production in the Porto factory at the moment is a requisition for French company RA PT. An initial order of Electric Double Deck tour buses is being built for Paris with subsequent orders being delivered to London, the first complete integral bus built in the plant. It may give UNVI an appetite to develop diesel integral vehicles, who knows? An order of 94 Double Decker’s (Coach design, 92-seats) based on MAN A22 chassis has almost been fully delivered to Asia, with another order anticipated.
UNVI in Ireland UNVI has been present in the Irish market for over a decade and is represented by two dealers: • Central Bus & Coach, Kenagh, County Longford • Lir Bus & Coach, Mullingar, County Westmeath UNVI has a range of products that compete well in the mini and midi-coach market places. The Iberian coachbuilder is big enough to design, produce and deliver top quality products, yet small enough to meet each customer’s individual requirement. Every coach is built to order. During the visit to the factory, a piece of fabric arrived by post from Ireland, it was then checked for a match to the factory colour, every detail checked to meet the desired specification! Irish Product Line-up Vega EX/GT – The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversion which features an extended rear end is based on the 5.5 tonne chassis and is powered by a Euro 6, 2.1 litre diesel with manual or auto transmission. Seating options range from 16 to 22, with a luggage capacity of up to 3.9 cubic metres. Compa is based on the 7.2 tonne chassis with a Euro 6, 3.0 litre power unit
COVER | 9 developing 180hp and linked to an 8speed Hi-Matic (ZF) automated gearbox. It comes with seat layouts of 16, 25 or 29, and 3.85 cubic metres of luggage space. Voyager is built on the Mercedes-Benz Atego 10.5 tonne truck chassis. Power is via a Euro 6 diesel with 211hp or 231hp, and matched to a 6 speed manual or auto gearbox. It’s available in 17 seat VIP, or 28 / 31 /34 seat configurations. Touring, constructed on the Atego 15 tonne chassis has a Euro 6 diesel engine with 240hp or 270hp, and a 6-speed manual or auto box, fitted with 41 seats and providing 7.7 cubic metres of luggage space. New improved Voyager Part of the continuous improvement of the UNVI range comes from operator feedback and these viewpoints have led to significant improvements in the Voyager range especially. For example, the 2018 range has the following modifications and changes included: • New wide-angle mirror on driver’s door • Improved engine cover with a reduction in noise • Driver’s window is bigger, improving visibility • B-pillar has been moved reducing blind spots • New front bumper and grille • Air-vent over couriers and driver’s seat • New design on headlamp cluster • More options on USB positioning
Pictured at the handover of a new UNVI Voyager GT (34-seater) to O’Grady Coaches, Santry, Dublin are Micheal O’Grady and Ian Dennehy, Sales Manager, Central Bus & Coach, Kenagh, County Longford.
•
Lighter boot door
One of the big advantage for operators is that when they choose to buy an UNVI coach, the option to personalise the vehicle to their own specification is dealt with by the sales agent.
Central Bus & Coach Central Bus & Coach, trading since 2010, was founded by Liam Farrelly in the village of Keenagh, in the heart of County Longford. The family-run company was founded on the basis that a top notch aftersales service would be the foundation of its success. The Managing Director puts the company’s success down to the fact that he has 25 years of experience as a passenger transport operator, providing
Lir Bus & Coach
a great insight into what his customers want. Ian Dennehy, the recently appointed Sales Manager added that experience is not enough on its own, and, as sub-agents for Mercedes-Benz, Hispa Cold and Arcol and being able to provide diagnostics for leading manufacturers, Central Bus & Coach can now offer customers a onestop-shop – sales, service and associated auxiliary equipment. Essential also is the need to provide substantial parts ‘from the shelf ’ including glass. Ian concluded by saying that customer backup is another key area. “With our service vans, we are within two and a half hours of most of the country,” he explained. UNVI IVECO DAILY COMPA VIP
Lir Bus & Coach Sales Ltd., Mullingar, County Westmeath, an established name in bus and coach sales in Ireland, was formed in 2010 and is an importer of UNVI products, selling to a nationwide customer base. Owned and managed by Martin Daly, a well-known name in the sector for over 25 years, Lir has been dealing with UNVI since 2003. Operating a family run business, Martin is assisted by his son Paul in the day-to-day sales and operations, and together they offer personal service and are always striving to improve the quality and range of the UNVI products, based on customer feedback. With customers from all over the country, Lir has enjoyed buoyant sales over the decades, and is looking forward to further growth in the market in the coming years. Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie
www.fleet.ie
10 | APPRAISAL I
New Van Hool EX 16 arrives in Ireland
D
ermot Cronin Motors, Cork has represented coach builder Van Hool in Ireland for over 35 years. The Belgian company has a long and special relationship with Ireland, going back to the early 1970s, when a joint venture was established with CIE culminating in a manufacturing plant in Dublin, near the Inchicore Railway Works, on the Spa Road. Many of the buses produced there were exported to the UK and a quantity of Double Deckers were operated by CIE, now known as Dublin Bus. Readers of a certain age will remember Ford dealer and coach operator, Jacksons of Cavan which ran a fleet of new Van Hools during the 1970s, most of these originated from the Dublin plant. Since 1980 Cronin’s of Cork has had a direct business relationship with Van Hool, from retailing the brand's vehicles and aftermarket products to operating a fleet of tour coaches. Cronins bought its first Van Hool in 1978, and in fact one of the first of these coaches was built on a Leyland chassis (Reg number 4500 ZF). Today, all of its own fleet uses DAF (PACCAR) drivetrains. Having recently celebrated sixty years as a coach operator, the company’s retail division
FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
Dermot Cronin Motors, has sold over 350 coaches, predominantly Van Hool. In the early part of this year twelve new Van Hool EX models were delivered from a busy order book, a combination of 15m & 16m versions, with varying seat configurations. Some of these coaches will enter service in Cronin’s own tour fleet. Dermot Cronin Motors Operating from Blackpool in Cork city, Dermot Cronin Motors, a family owned and managed business, has built up a wealth of knowledge and expertise over three generations. So, when members of its sales team sit down to order and specify a new coach, they know what their customers want. Often it's the case that some items will be standard on all vehicles sold or operated by the sister firm Cronin’s of Cork, such as reversing camera, two 19’’ LCD monitors, fridge, toilet, auto drive mode, alloy wheels, to name a few. 6.8 m3 of luggage space is provided. In the true fashion of an Irish deal, any new coach leaving Cronin’s will be full of fuel. Van Hool EX 16 on the Road On taking the newly redeveloped 13.2m/57-
seater coach on a test drive from the Old Mallow Road to the outskirts of the town and returning on the New Road, it's clear that one will have no difficulty recognising it as a Van Hool, although there are some design changes to the side and rear. A key development on the new EX 16 is its overall weight savings. Driving towards Mallow, the road is bumpy, but two significant design changes have made a world of difference. By mounting the engine on a sub frame with its own shock absorbers, vibration is eliminated fully as the suspension setting is a lot smoother. At the same time the radiator has been moved to the opposite side of the engine and the pulley configuration for the belts has been changed, this has improved balance and reduced noise. All of these changes have made the coach more comfortable for both driver and passengers. Travelling the same road by car, I was amazed at how the coach handled the terrain much better earlier. Almost 750kg has been shaved off the overall weight on the redesign of the EX, which leads to a significant reduction in fuel consumption (up to 7%). Much of this weight loss is down to a restyling of the roof. New also is the driver’s area, fully re-engineered providing extra space to both the driver and guide. Later in the year, a new engine from DAF’s parent company PACCAR will be introduced. In the meantime, the 320hp unit for the PACCAR MX11 is specified, mated to a 6-speed ZT automated transmission. Van Hool is confident that the EX 16 is going to be a success in terms of sales and a sign of this confidence is the doubling of capacity at its plant in Macedonia. In Europe and Ireland, the requirement for passenger transport is growing. Van Hool wants a bigger share and more of that market, it looks like the EX 16 is the means to this end.
Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie
Visiting Euro Bus Expo is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations and solutions to help us deliver the very best for customers, employees and shareholders.�
12 | APPRAISAL II
Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RD
PowerShift 3 automated transmission, fuel efficiency has been improved. Safety is always at the forefront of the minds of a manufacturer’s engineers, and along with all the aids and features one would expect, MY2018 Tourismo boasts brake assist and lane departure warning systems as standard. Test Drive We met up with Neil Gladstone, Sales Manager at UK & Ireland sales agents EvoBus at the Horse & Jockey, and took the coach for a short drive on the M8 to Cashel, returning through the historic town on the old N8.
I
t is almost twelve months since the Daimler Group presented the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo to the trade press and potential customers. Recently, the Tourismo made its second visit to Ireland, this time on a tour of the southern half of the country, providing operators and drivers with an opportunity to take it for on-road test drives.
Starting in Galway, the new coach travelled east then south via Dublin over a four-day period, stopping off in Killarney and Horse & Jockey (Thurles, County Tipperary). As January is a quieter time for most coach operators, this period proved suitable in providing operators with a chance to look at the new equipment coming to the marketplace. Overall, the new Tourismo HD has been well received by coach companies and drivers alike. Irish operators are no different than others and the arrival of the new coach was met with much anticipation. One driver who took the coach for a test drive in Kerry was so impressed that he could not contain his excitement and took to Facebook, making complimentary comments about it.
FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
While drivers may not be the ones to place an order, their opinions are always listened to and often regarded when the final decision is made. The new Tourismo has already made a lasting impression on the Fleet Bus & Coach judging panel, as late last year it was selected as the Irish Coach of the Year 2018. New Tourismo - Facts & Figures Over the last 26 years, 26,000 Tourismos have been sold, achieving 20% of the European market, a figure it is hoped that the latest version will improve on. Over €400 million has been spent on developing the new coach. One of the most important features most operators identified as being essential was that the new model bears a strong resemblance to the previous variant. Without doubt the design team achieved this, as the styling differences are subtle and low key in terms of visual impact. However, when one looks under the bonnet, the modifications are substantial. A new 456hp engine based on the successful OM470 platform delivers 465hp. Combined with a smooth
One of the most noticeable features of the new Tourismo is the wide entrance for passengers. There are numerous options for customers to choose from to customise and individualise this new coach, from the driver’s area to the seat design and fabric. Depending on styling choices, the interior can be bright or dark. For the driver the windscreen curvature will be appreciated as it reduces the blind spot area. From start, take off is smooth and quiet and while the steering is sensitive, there is a good feeling and connection to the road. Finally analysis New Tourismo is carrying a lot in terms of investment and development by the Daimler Group, but judging by the reaction from the market so far, it has been well worth while. In Ireland it has already been awarded a major prize, which is a good start for sure. Operators and drivers have turned up in big numbers to see it, and so far the comments have all been favourable. Now it is time for people to put their hands in their pockets. And that’s a given!
Text & Photo: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie
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14 | PROFILE
Swords Express: Fleet Bus & Coach Irish Coach Operator of the Year 2018 - Commuter
T
hirty years ago Swords was a small quiet rural town in north County Dublin, its narrow streets the dread of all motorists heading north. During the late eighties and early nineties Swords expanded rapidly, to the extent that it was the fastest growing town in Ireland, but transport services did not keep pace with the town’s expansion. Some traces of its rural heritage remain to this day, though it is now the largest town in Fingal. Swords Express began operations just over ten years ago. The company has since evolved into a passenger service operator of pivotal importance to the social and economic life of the north Dublin region, having become the preferred mode of transport for commuters to and from Dublin City centre. The Swords Express
service operates from the town and outlying areas of Swords through the Port Tunnel to the Silicon Docks, IFSC, and Grand Canal Dock areas of the City, transporting many of the people employed to work for some of Ireland’s and the world’s most high-profi le companies and corporations. The benefit of using a route through Dublin’s Port Tunnel is that transit times can be more accurate, with this reliability encouraging additional new customers. Especially when said customers can travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach service with high-speed Wi-Fi. Passenger figures for 2016 were an impressive 1.1 million journeys, with 2017 reflecting an increase of 26% year-on-year. The success of the multi-award-winning
Swords Express - Coach Operator of the Year 2018 – Commuter Pictured (l-r) Colm Devitt , JF Dunne Insurances; Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach; Henry Healy, The Plaza Group (Sponsor); Sinead Kavanagh, Swords Express and Phillip Kenny, JF Dunne Insurances. FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
family run fi rm, founded by the late Paddy Kavanagh, which is now operated under its parent company Eirebus, clearly demonstrates that a well-run public transport service can work. Its success has led to further expansion with the launch of its Fingal Express service which provides routes from the towns of Lusk, Rush, and Skerries to Dublin City Centre and then on to UCD. Between Swords and Fingal Express there are over 130 departures per day. That gives some indication of the demand, but there is also an arguable point that the levels of reliability and punctuality from Swords Express have forced other providers on the routes to raise their own service levels in an effort to win back customers. Paddy’s daughter Sinead is the Managing Director at Swords Express and oversees the day-to-day activities in a very handson fashion, constantly monitoring and reviewing the service levels Swords Express provides. There are certain pinch points along some routes that have to be managed carefully. Because of the popularity of the service, some peak time coaches can be nearing capacity meaning strategic decision making is required. “We will amend runs to ensure passengers are catered for,” explained Sinead. “To keep on top of this, we always try to respond quickly to any points raised by customers particularly on social media. Unfortunately, these comments often arise from traffic congestion which is out of our control.” She noted that Swords Express also has a dedicated supervisor who travels out to mix with customers to measure
PROFILE | 15 customer sentiment. An exercise which Sinead believes to be very important. The company operates 35 buses on the Swords and Fingal Express routes with a mixture of 49 seat 4x2, and 63 seat 6x2 units. The 35 coaches make up around 50% of the Eirebus fleet, with the preferred brands being Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Two significant new orders are for new the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo recently voted Fleet Bus & Coach Irish Coach of the Year 2018. “These new coaches will begin life with the touring fleet and then move into the commuter service,” advised Sinead, who added that the company is acutely aware of the need to increase the number of accessible buses in the Swords Express fleet, which currently is running at about 50%. “We intend to move towards full accessibility as and when vehicles are replaced.” Sinead is also aware of the important role image plays in the passenger transport industry, in particular the role of the driver in the customer’s perception of the company. She believes the drivers are quite proud of the service they provide and there is litt le doubt that the Swords Express brand is very much viewed in the community and by its regular customers as ‘our bus’. It should be remembered that a large number of the passengers will use the service ten times per week, and that’s just for work, and does not count social journeys. Swords Express invests heavily in driver training which is all carried out in-house and has delivered a significant return on the investment. Mark Dalton explained how driver selection and the training process works, which is rolled out over a number of weeks. The driver training is closely linked to and overseen by a Blue Tree Telematics System, which is used by Mark to monitor both driver and vehicle performance, closely analysing the figures for anomalies between drivers and vehicles. Th is has led them to change operating parameters of a number of vehicles to improve performance and to dramatically cut down vehicle idle time. Based on the figures a ‘driver of the month’ table was developed and is proving a success both with the drivers and for the company itself. Text: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
Mark pointed out that this is not just related to fuel consumption and reducing wear and tear, but that it has greatly decreased incidental damage. In addition, there is a noticeable decline in recorded heavy braking events especially when the coaches are operating in the City Centre, where the drivers are in close proximity to many vulnerable road users. “The drivers are now interacting with the system, and a driver’s good anticipation scoring is helping to develop a good driving style,” explained Mark. He noted that a high level of anticipation when driving has resulted in a reduction by 80% of minor ‘silly’ incidents -meaning mirror knocks and kerb sweeps. He hopes to bring these reports to the attention of their underwriters to support their case when negotiation premiums. Swords Express uses the Blue Tree System to its full capabilities. While it did take some time to get the bespoke programme set up exactly as required, it has been time well spent. The real-time data is accessed instantly, which is beneficial in that if a coach is not performing on a daily basis, it can be taken off the road to investigate the problem.
The fleet is maintained by five full time mechanics at the Blanchardstown depot where buses are scheduled on a fourweek roadworthiness check. Although the garage will tackle more than just preventative work, on occasions the technicians will re-build engines and transmissions and the facility is authorised to carry out warranty repairs. Sinead was asked about the experience of entering the recent Fleet Bus & Coach Awards competition. She found it to be an interesting exercise noting that: “Winning the Commuter Award was good exposure for the brand and boosts morale. It’s also good recognition for the drivers as they are proud to be part of an award-winning service” She is delighted for them as it clearly recognises their effort and the good work from all the staff. While visiting the company it was clear to see where the success has come from. There is a dynamism about Swords Express, primarily thanks to the energy of the people involved and a shared enthusiasm that will ensure that this success will continue. It’s easy to see how Swords Express was selected among the Fleet Bus & Coach Award 2018 winners.
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16 | PIN PICS
Hannon chooses Volvo for entry into coach market
F
rom goods transport to people carriage - Hannon Transport has recently made the transition into the bus sector with the establishment of Hannon Coach Hire Limited. The Craigavon headquartered company, with depots in Dublin and Poeldijk (Netherlands), purchased six Volvo coaches to join its growing fleet. The vehicles will initially be used to cover corporate and touring work, as well as other services. Four new Volvo coaches and two preowned vehicles were acquired, with a mix of Sunsundegui and Jonckheere bodywork options. The new vehicles were two B8R SC5s, a B11R SC7, a B11R JHV and two
pre-owned B11R JHVs. For many years Hannon has been a successful road transport operator with a fleet of more than 140 trucks. The company’s core business until now has been the transportation of flowers, combined with general haulage and refrigerated transport. Hannon’s entry into the coach market gained traction with the acquisition of two long-standing Irish operators. This has enabled Hannon to obtain quality staff with specific, skills and provide instant access to a wide customer base from which to build market share. Part of the Hannon Group, Hannon Coach
Hire Limited provides services across the UK and Ireland from its bases in Aghalee and Dublin, primarily focusing on concerts, gigs, festivals and sporting events. The company has evolved from a small business back in the early 1990s to being the large international operator that it is today.
Still going strong after 1,000,000km 0,000km
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axi-spotters around Leighlinbridge, County Carlow take note! James Foley’s 2007-reg 7-seater Ford Tourneo Connect taxi has chalked up an impressive one million kilometres and is still going strong. James has been astounded by the reliability of his Tourneo Connect which he bought second hand in 2008. The Tourneo Connect has a standard 1.8 litre TDCi diesel engine which James said has not given an ounce of trouble. “In my business, regular servicing of your vehicle is an absolute must and I religiously stick to the service schedule – never more than 12,000km between service actions. I also always insist on using only top-quality oil in the engine,” stated James. “And you can see the result of this dedication to regular maintenance in the high mileage I have put on the car and the ongoing trouble-free motoring that I get from it. No reason why she won’t be good for another million!”
James faced a unique problem when the car’s odometer reached 999,999km – the older format dials did not reset themselves to zero automatically. Main Ford Dealer, Boland’s of Wexford, stepped in and helped reset the dials free of charge for James.
William Wright honoured noured
T
he founder of Wrights Group, William Wright, received a knighthood in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his services to the bus industry. Dr. William Wright CBE, who last year celebrated his 90th birthday, is a well-known and respected figure in the bus sector and in the Northern Ireland business arena. His appointment as Knight Bachelor is further recognition of a business career that has spanned seven decades. As he continues to take an active role in FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
th family business, Dr Wright has been the a long-term pioneer in the design and d development of alternative fuel sources for v vehicles, including hybrid technologies, e electric and hydrogen. His aim continues t be to reduce fossil fuel usage and to h harmful emissions in buses, which in turn w lead to improved air quality in cities will a around the world. Dr. Wright founded the original company - a coachbuilding business located in Dublin - with his father in 1946, and transformed what was a small family fi rm into one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers in Ballymena. Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie
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18 | GLOBAL
Volvo & NTU to trial autonomous electric buses
I
n Singapore, Volvo Buses and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have signed a cooperation agreement on a research and development programme for autonomous electric buses. The project is part of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore’s drive to create new solutions for tomorrow’s sustainable public transport.
already demonstrated the autonomous technology in mining, quarry and refuse collection operations.
Singapore and its Land Transport Authority (LTA) are recognised for their focus on public transport and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the effort to create a sustainable city environment. Self-driving buses will be deployed in several areas of the country by 2022.
The second bus will be used for tests in the bus depot in partnership with the public transport operator SMRT. The aim is that tomorrow’s autonomous buses should be able to charge their batteries, drive through the depots to the vehicle wash and park – entirely autonomously.
For Volvo, this will be the first autonomous application to be used in public transportation. The Swedish brand has
Commenting on the joint venture, NTU President, Professor Subra Suresh, said: “Industry-academic connections are
The basis of the initiative consists of two all-electric 12-metre Volvo 7900 Electric buses, of the same type that Volvo Buses already delivers today.
key in nurturing an environment which promotes innovation, research excellence, and technological change for a better tomorrow. NTU takes pride in its strong industry connections, and this partnership with Volvo will pave the way for future mobility solutions by developing and testing autonomous buses right here on campus. These solutions will further strengthen Singapore’s vision of embracing autonomous vehicle technologies and enhance public transportation.” The cooperative programme between Volvo Buses and NTU is now underway and will initially last for two years. The jointly developed autonomous electric buses will arrive into Singapore in the beginning of 2019.
The Irizar ie tram - Spanish Coach of the Year 2018
2
018 dawned with two significant awards for the Irizar Group. The Irizar ie tram, its recently launched electric, zero emissions articulated bus, has been named 2018 Spanish Coach of the Year and Environmentally Friendly Industrial Vehicle of the Year. These awards, established by the road transport sector magazines, Transporte 3 and Viajeros, reward the excellence of new bus and coach models and are recognised as Spain’s most important awards in the bus and coach category. The awards ceremony, which took place on the 17 January at the Novotel Madrid Center, was attended by José Manuel Orcasitas, Irizar Group CEO, and Hector Olabe, Director of the group’s new FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
company, Irizar e-mobility. Th is is the fi rst time that a single Irizar vehicle has received two awards during the same year and the second time that an Irizar electric bus has received both awards.
With the appearance of a tram, the award winning Irizar ie tram, an articulated 18-metre bus was developed on the basis that its design helps to make the service and the city more att ractive and ensures the comfort of passengers. Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Now Available as a 17 Seater
20 | PRODUCT
7.2-tonne IVECO Daily Hi-Matic ‘Fits the bill perfectly’
S
teve Peach, the Managing Director of Connaught PSV, the importer of Spanish coach builder Ferqui, is of the belief that the 7.2 tonne IVECO Daily Hi-Matic provides the perfect platform for Ferqui’s 29 and 33-seat midicoaches. “This area of the market has been turned on its head since a competitor chassis ceased production,” explained Steve, with reference to the demise of the Mercedes-Benz Vario. “The Daily is winning a lot of interest, particularly thanks to the class-exclusive eight-speed Hi-Matic transmission which is seriously impressive. It makes the Daily a prett y unique vehicle at 7.2 tonnes, with its light commercial vehicle platform offering impressive manoeuvrability, driving performance and ride comfort. The only alternative is a competitor’s 9-12 tonne truck chassis which are more expensive, heavier and less manoeuvrable in urban centres.” Connaught PSV’s Ferqui-bodied Daily can be specified with either 29 or 33 seats,
upon request. Ferqui is an accredited IVECO BUSMASTER bodybuilding partner and has been mounting its bodies to the IVECO Daily chassis for more than a decade, making it a firmly established combination within the European marketplace.
depending on required luggage space. Both models feature high-back reclining seats (with a fixed back row), making them perfect for everything from school contracts to intercity journeys and touring. The specification also includes climate control air-conditioning, a powered front passenger door, full length luggage racks incorporating individual reading lights, full draw curtains, convection heating to both sides of the cabin and an on-board PA system. The Doncaster-based firm can also supply a 25-seat ‘luxury specification’ Daily for VIP contracts. Additionally wheelchairaccessible models with access from either the rear or side of the vehicle are available to order
“The 7.2-tonne Daily fits the bill perfectly as a base for our new range of midi-coaches. Any teething issues between the bodybuilder and chassis manufacturer have long been engineered out of the product in Europe, and the feedback we’re getting from customers has been fantastic.” IVECO BUS delivers the Daily 70C18HP chassis directly from its factory to Ferqui’s facility in Spain, speeding up order lead times. Power is provided by IVECO’s 3.0 litre diesel engine delivering up to 170 hp. Each Daily Hi-Matic is built on a 4,750mm wheelbase and features disc brakes, 100 litre fuel tank and rear air-suspension with auto self-levelling and a raise/lower facility when stationary.
VDL Electric buses for Luxembourg & The Hague
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utch bus and coach builder VDL has secured significant orders for its all-electric commuter public transport vehicles. Last month, the first 7 Citeas Electric for Luxembourg were put into service by Voyages Emile Weber. This is VDL’s first order for e-buses including charging infrastructure in Luxembourg. These Citeas LLE99 Electric are to be deployed in the municipality of Bettembourg, making this the largest electric fleet currently operating in Luxembourg. These e-buses will cover a distance of some 1,400 km a day. 9.9 metres in length, the buses’ capacity is well suited to the specific demands that this area imposes. Daytime opportunity charging (fast charging) is used to enable the buses to be deployed optimally during the day. The buses are slow-charged at night and supplied with energy again via a pantograph on the roof or a plug. As the system supplier, VDL is responsible for delivering both the electric buses and the charging stations, including installation, and for implementing the project. FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
VDL Citea LLE-99 Electric
VDL Citea SLF-120 Electric
Usually electric buses are much heavier than conventional diesel buses. A higher weight means fewer passengers and higher consumption. However, the VDL Citea LLE is known as the lightweight champion and VDL Bus & Coach has succeeded in keeping the weight very low for the electric variant too, achieving a reduction of up to more than 1,000 kg compared to a conventional 12-metre diesel bus.
Meanwhile, The Hague public transport company HTM signed a contract for an order for 5 Citeas SLF-120 Electric from VDL Bus & Coach, with a possible option for a further 3 buses. This is the first step in The Hague carrier’s transition to completely zero emission bus transport. In addition to these electric buses, VDL will also provide the charging infrastructure, including the complete installation and project management. This makes VDL not only a bus supplier but also a system supplier. The buses, which have a pantograph on the roof, are charged quickly during the day by means of opportunity charging and are also charged at night so as to balance the batteries. This allows the buses to be used for an entire day. This is now the 9th VDL project in the Netherlands in the transition to completely zero emission bus transport. In Eindhoven, Venlo, Groningen, Maastricht and other cities the public is already benefiting from these quiet, clean buses. Together, all the VDL electric buses that are in operation cover an average of 21,000 kilometres a day. Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
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22 | CONDUCTORS' STAND
Dublin’s commuter system capacity is Back Seat Driver by Sean Murtagh getting squeezed
J
ust before Christmas the new cross-city Luas line carried its fi rst passengers. As with any new infrastructural development of its magnitude one could reasonably expect some difficulties and challenges, and yes, there were indeed issues with some signal sequencing problems. That gave the tabloid media in the UK a litt le laugh at our expense, suggesting tongue in cheek that “walking in Ireland was quicker than public transport.” Following the Festive Season and with things settled back a little, there has been some debate as to the effectiveness of the new system. Some suggested that more investment in buses would be better and provide faster access for Dublin city commuters. Possibly, but one thing is certain - there is an urgent requirement for extra capacity in the capital. What is certain also is that the same requirement is becoming evident in other cities around the country. In February, RTÉ TV’s Prime Time staged a commuter race between three modes of transport, car, bus and the Luas. Surprisingly the car was the winner - by a convincing margin. When the question was put to Conor Faughnan of the Automobile Association that cars need to be removed from the city, he said that while he accepted the car may need to be encouraged out of the city, this current congestion is about traffic efficiency, not cars. So, it seems that as buses continue to get tangled up with modern day trams, we have reduced efficiency in Dublin city centre. I am sure the city planners and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are well aware of these problems, but it does need a more urgent response. Capacity on the original Luas routes has peaked at certain rush hour times so solutions need to be found. I hope it is not a coincidence that the route of the new Luas line goes along the perimeter of Broadstone Bus garage. It would surely be a big opportunity to open this existing facility as a bus terminus for Inter-City coach traffic. Around the world, commuter traffic capacity and managing the pinch points that are created at peak times are problems for all city authorities. Surely there are lessons that can be learned from elsewhere? Planners face two problems. First off, trying to encourage people out of their cars, and secondly to accommodate the now wheel-less commuter on public transport when they have made the switch. While the Park & Ride facility at the Red Cow appears to work, the journey by tram after a concert at the 3 Arena, or after a day’s work or shopping in the city centre is less than appealing. Legislating people out of their cars is one thing, but it does create resentment. Surely the better option is to lure people away? While there is no doubt about the success of the Luas, building FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2018
more lines is expensive and the planning and construction phases are lengthy. There is a need for faster solutions such as Bus Rapid Transits (BRT), similar to what happening in Belfast, which is about to launch its new BRT, ‘GLIDER’ commuter system. A number of the new vehicles have already been delivered by supplier Van Hool and service will commence later in the year. A few years ago, there were tentative plans to put a BRT in the Dundrum area which would link UCD, the Dundrum Shopping Centre and St. Vincent’s Hospital, among other places. Of course, the fastest and most obvious solution is extra buses. It is the quickest way to add capacity to the system. While politicians talk in terms of Metro North to the Airport and an underground Luas, commuters freeze and suffer delays. I recently heard two politicians talking about extending the Luas to Drogheda but what such politicians should be saying is; “We need extra capacity on our commuter service to Drogheda” and let the experts decide what type of transport to put in place. So is the solution for politicians to keep their noses away and hope that officials will not stand on ceremony? Possibly, but if it is not, then we need to take a harder look.
SAINT NOT SINNER The Volvo B5TL Euro 6 Diesel – improving air quality in a city near you
The diesel engine has been getting a bad press recently – undeservedly so. In the bus and coach sector, the latest generation Euro 6 engines are clearly part of the solution, not part of the problem. Whilst certain cities will want to look at hybrid or full electric solutions to meet LEZ requirements, there are still many towns and cities across the UK where Euro 6 makes perfect sense. It’s not just environmental properties where the B5TL wears a halo. When it comes to capacity, performance, durability, reliability and fuel economy, it has a proven pedigree too. With the ability to specify a variety of body styles (including sightseeing specifications) and matched with advanced inservice support, you will always find yourself on the right path with the Volvo B5TL.
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