Fleet Bus and Coach Spring 2022

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

www.fleetbusandcoach.ie Volume 18. No. 1. Spring 2022

New Renault Master City Bus H2-TECH from HYVIA

NEWS: FTAI introduces PassengerSafe TEST: On board the Higer STEED Electric REPORT: Coach Toursim & Transport Council AGM PREVIEWS: Bus Euro Test, Limerick; Busworld, Turkey; EuroBus Expo, England

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Contents Spring 2022

72 Profile Corduff Travel - Almost nationwide!

64 News ETSS, Limerick learns about electric poetry in motion!

Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433

www.fleet.ie | 63

76 Report CTTC AGM, Ennis

FTAI launches PassengerSafe Martin’s Coaches refreshes fleet

78 Preview I IBOY Bus Euro Test 2022, Limerick

Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney

68 Cover HYVIA produces first Hydrogen Fuel Cell stacks

Editor: Sean Murtagh Contributors: Cathal Doyle Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh, Conor McCabe, Michael Cowhey

80 Advertorial Tranzaura; helping to increase efficiencies

70 On Test Silent & Emission-free: Higer STEED

Administration: Orla Sweeney

82 Conductors’ Stand Yet to be there!

Advertising: Mary Morrissey Design: Crackerjack Design House Printed in Ireland

Fleet Bus & Coach

- the official Irish journal of the International Bus/Coach of the Year Awards.

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.

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64 | NEWS I

Zero-Emission Higer STEED experience for Limerick ETSS Students

Transition Year students from the Limerick ETSS (Educate Together Secondary School) took a trip on the Higer STEED around the streets of the Treaty city. On the trip, their teacher, Maria Somers, mentioned that that the basis of the school’s climate awareness education was on becoming more aware of and practicing ‘sustainability’ technology. “This participation aspect plays a significant role in learning, teaching and assessment at Limerick ETSS where Project-Based Learning is used as a key methodology for providing students with rigorous and engaging learning experiences that are authentic, relevant, meaningful and real world,” she said.

On the drive through the city streets, the students were very impressed with how silent the bus was, one of their first questions was about the safety of

pedestrians on the street. They were also aware of the proximity of the Hydro Powered Electricity power generation plant at Ardnacrusha, located nearby, which is a green source of electricity. School Principal, Eoin Shinners added that Limerick ETSS strives to integrate their curriculum at every opportunity so that its students can make real world links with their learning and experience, a self-directed, authentic and meaningful learning experience. So the bus trip gave them an opportunity to put this learning curiosity into practice.

At a stop for refreshments the students had an opportunity to see the workings of the vehicle from the electric motor to the battery pack. Driver Gabriel Finn, on behalf of importers and distributors Harris Bus & Coach was pleased to answer all questions and said he was impressed with the level of knowledge and the depth of questions

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

asked. The students travelled back to school with a better understanding of how urban transport will be in the, not so distant future. The uniqueness and originality of the STEED electric bus is mirrored by the refreshing system of education at ETSS. About Limerick ETSS: The second level school opened in September 2018 with 12 staff with 56 students. Since its inception, the ETSS has progressed steadily and is now one of Ireland’s fastest growing second-level schools where enrolment will reach 440 students

in September 2022. The school is currently based in temporary accommodation at the former Salesian’s Secondary School, Fernbank, North Circular Road, Limerick. In 2023-24, the ETSS will move to a new and permanent location in Towlerton, Castletroy where works have already commenced on the new stateof-the-art campus which will cater for in excess of 1,000 students.

PassengerSafe Membership Be Compliant, Be Confident, Be Connected

FTA Ireland is a not-for-profit trade association representing the transport sector. Our work enhances the influence and image of the transport industry in Ireland by promoting the highest standards of safety and compliance.

What is the PassengerSafe standard?

The standard is an initiative developed by FTA Ireland members designed to raise operational standards and recognise excellence.

It aims to recognise, encourage, and promote good practice in the area of passenger operations.

FTAI members wanted to develop a standard system in order to encourage improvement in the sector and recognise those organisations operating at the highest levels.

The standard seeks to confirm that the company has systems in place to meet the minimum legal standards in fatigue, roadworthiness, driver competence, road traffic rules, customer care, road passenger operator licensing, professional competence, sustainable operations, health and safety, contractor, and agency management.

Who is the PassengerSafe standard for?

What are the benefits to the operation of attaining the standard?

PassengerSafe is open to all coach and bus operations with vehicles in excess of 9 passenger seats in their operation regardless of type or size of operation. For the purposes of PassengerSafe, a multi-passenger vehicle is defined as a commercial vehicle used for the carriage of passengers with a minimum of 9 passenger seats.

✓ Achievement of the PassengerSafe standard will demonstrate to enforcement authorities, customers, and the general public that you are compliant with minimum legal and operational standards.

What do vehicle operators have to do to become a PassengerSafe member?

✓ The company has achieved an industry standard

When joining FTAI, the operator signs a declaration to say that it is committed to be a member of the Association, will achieve the standards needed to join and will maintain these standards to ensure continued membership.

What does the audit cover?

The operator must provide the auditor with evidence that the FTAI PassengerSafe standards are being met and the auditor also looks for evidence of non-compliance. The standards are detailed below.

• • • • • • • • • •

Vehicle and equipment maintenance Safe working environment Vehicle standards Driver licensing and competence Road Passenger Transport Operator Licensing Professional competence Customer Care Environmental considerations Contractor and agency management Health and safety

✓ The company will also benefit from improved compliance levels and industry image, both within Ireland and abroad. ✓ The company is demonstrating that it has active management systems in place to manage drivers’ hours, roadworthiness, and driver qualifications

This is a risk management programme ✓ Improved safety standards – less risk of accident. ✓ Recognises the good work drivers are doing on the company’s behalf. ✓ Improves reputation of the company. ✓ Ensures the company has a good Commercial Vehicle Operator Risk rating (CVORI) with the Road Safety Authority. ✓ The FTAI window sticker indicates that PassengerSafe has been achieved. ✓ Demonstrates a commitment to provide a good working environment and to protect all road users. ✓ The PassengerSafe Standard demonstrates the dedication and participation of drivers to the highest professional standards. ✓ The PassengerSafe standard can be used to show that the company has achieved a compliance standard when tendering for business.

www.fleet.ie Contact us today for further information. T: 01 8447516 E: info@ftai.ie W: www.ftai.ie

66 | NEWS II

PassengerSafe – New Bus & Coach Operations Compliance Standard from the FTAI

Pictured (l-r) Allen Parker, Bus Éireann Chief Customer Officer and Aidan Flynn, CEO, FTAI.

New from the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI), is PassengerSafe, a new compliance standard to provide passenger transport operators with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable bus and coach fleets by passing a series of quality controls and tests.

Bus Éireann – the semi-State bus and coach company that facilitated more than 89 million journeys per year in Ireland prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, is the first passenger transport fleet operator to attain the PassengerSafe standard.

“The FTAI is committed to raising professionalism and compliance across Ireland’s road transport sector; following the success of our standards for commercial fleet operators, we are thrilled to launch a new scheme aimed specifically at passenger operators. Developed in partnership with FTAI’s members, PassengerSafe will raise operational standards and recognise excellence in passenger fleets.

With its exceptional commitment to safe, efficient and sustainable operations, Bus Éireann is perfectly placed to become the first certified member of PassengerSafe,” explained Aidan Flynn, CEO of FTAI. Allen Parker, Bus Éireann Chief Customer Officer added: “Safety is our number one priority, and I am delighted that Bus Éireann is the first bus and

coach operator in Ireland to attain the PassengerSafe accreditation for best practise in transport operations and engineering, delivering a safe and reliable service for our customers.

Bus Éireann is Ireland’s national bus company, with over 2,700 employees, and operates in excess of 1,000 vehicles.

We operate to every corner of the country with city and town services, inter-city and inter-regional routes, rural stage carriage services and our extensive school transport network. This accreditation is a great achievement for the company and our employees, showing our commitment to making the company a safer, more efficient and sustainable bus and coach operator.”

A PassengerSafe auditor assesses applicants against several categories, including vehicle and equipment maintenance systems; safe working environment; vehicle standards; driver licensing and competence; road passenger transport operator licensing, as well as other key areas of health and safety.

PassengerSafe is open to all coach and bus operations with vehicles in excess of nine passenger seats, regardless of type or size of operation.

For more information, please visit https:// www.ftai.ie/passengersafe

Martins Coaches (Cavan) takes delivery of new Iveco Crusader Martins Coaches (Cavan), based in Corlough, West Cavan in the foothills of the Cuilcagh Mountains, is confident the worst of the Covid-19 crisis is over and what better way to express that, than to invest in new equipment.

The long established passenger transport family owned company, has purchased a new the Iveco Crusader 33 seater midi-bus from Harris Bus & Coach, Dublin through Sales Manager Chris Haughton. Based on the renowned Iveco Daily chassis FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

and driveline with the coachwork undertaken in Turkey, the new Crusader will be used primarily on private hire and airport transfers from the Shannon-Erne Waterway to and from Dublin Airport.

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68 | COVER

HYVIA hydrogen project moves forward with Renault Master H2 City bus

A new 15-seater hydrogen powered City bus based on the Renault Master E-TECH minibus shared the limelight at the inauguration of the new HYVIA plant at Flins, Ile-de-France.

It’s been a busy 9 months for HYVIA, the Renault Group and Plug Power joint-venture dedicated to hydrogen mobility. Within that timeframe, HYVIA has inaugurated its plant at Refactory, produced a series of prototype commercial vehicles and is ready to enter manufacturing.

As demonstrated at the new 3,000 sq.m facility, HYVIA is ready to start assembly and testing of 1,000 fuel cell modules per year, based on Plug Power’s advanced technology. By the end of 2022, the plant will also begin assembly of H2 refuelling stations and the production of low carbon hydrogen with the installation of a 1MW electrolyzer that will supply H2 to the plant (450 kg H2 / day), for testing fuel cells and H2 refuelling stations.

On display at the facility were examples from the new Renault Master H2-TECH range (Panel Van, Chassis Cab and City Bus), all availing of 30kW fuel FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

cell power and 33 kWh battery pack.

Using a dual hydrogen fuel cell/ electric motor and battery pack system, the Master H2-TECH van, for example has a range of 450km (a combined 350km on hydrogen + 100km via electric motor) using a 700 pressure bar refuelling system, while the City bus covers 300km between 5 minute fills (containing 4.5kg of hydrogen at 350 bar).

On the bus, the fuel cell stack, two H2 tanks and batteries are stored on the vehicle’s roof, in an aerodynamically shaped pod. The bus can carry up to 15 passengers, nine seated and six standing, and is also suitable for wheelchair users.

A highly skilled team of operators, managers and technicians have been selected and trained for the project, some coming from Renault’s Flins manufacturing plant, others from Plug Power personnel from the States. As explained

by Andy Marsh, CEO, Plug Power, this complex technology, consisting of 450 parts and components is now well proven, having installed 50,000 fuel cells units in industrial and commercial systems to date. “The 30kW fuel cell is a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) integ rated system, designed based on the proven and durable Plug Power technology. It brings together air and hydrogen, allowing increased power and range for mobility. Both air and hydrogen flows enter in the fuel cell stack, the “heart” of the fuel cell. The fuel cell stack consists of a negative electrode (anode) and positive electrode (cathode), separated by a polymer membrane. Hydrogen molecules are separated into electrons and cations.

The electrons go to an external circuit, generating a flow of electricity that powers both the 33KWh battery and the 57kW electric motor engine. The cations

go through the polymer membrane and are associated with anions of the air to create water,” explained Andy.

“HY” for hydrogen, “VIA” for road: HYVIA paves a new way forward for carbon-free mobility, with hydrogen mobility solutions. Created in June 2021, HYVIA is a joint venture equally owned by Renault Group, a dominant player in the automotive industry, and Plug Power, a world leader in turnkey hydrogen and fuel cell solutions. Based in France, for European markets, HYVIA offers a complete and unique ecosystem that includes light commercial vehicles with fuel cells, hydrogen refuelling stations, supply of carbon-free hydrogen, services for financing and maintenance of fleets.

New York headquartered Plug Power is a global leading provider of comprehensive hydrogen fuel cell solutions. To date it has deployed over 50,000 fuel cell systems, designed, and built 160 refuelling stations that dispense more than 70 tons of hydrogen daily, and is a technology leader in green hydrogen solutions via electrolysis. For more than 10 years, Plug Power has strong European presence, such as manufacturing industries, logistics customers and vehicle manufacturers. It has installed several PEM technology electrolyzers in Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Portugal. The company has installed more fuel cell systems for electromobility than anyone else in the world.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

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70 | ON TEST

All-Electric HIGER STEED travels the 304 Route in Limerick maximising on-road time and reducing operating costs’ Intelligent HIGER power-saving technology maximises the useable operational range between the required charging times by mapping the terrain being driven to optimise battery performance and minimise charging requirements.

Route 304 Zero emission STEED Low Floor EV The HIGER STEED low-floor electric bus is an 8.5m commuter bus manufactured by China’s leading bus and coach producer.

The specification of STEED (which stands for Sustainable Transport Electric Energy Delivered) has been optimised for the Irish market by importers Harris Bus & Coach. A number of these units are already operating successfully around the country, including two examples which have been deployed at Glenveagh National Park, in County Donegal.

Offering an impressive range distance of up to 300km, the STEED can be DC recharged within 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Seating 26 passengers comfortably, the flexibility of the specification layouts, including the fact that they are no wider than a standard ambulance, means the coaches can be configured to suit a variety of destination terrains and routes, both urban and rural.

Collectively, these new vehicles represent the next generation of sustainable, accessible and affordable zero-emissions public transport. They set the standards in terms of passenger accessibility, featuring an 80% flat floor, a front wheelchair ramp, comfortable seating, wide aisles and ample storage. Additional features include saloon air conditioning and low power, high output destination boards.

‘STEED is delivered with its own CCS2 DC fast-charging infrastructure providing a full charge in less than two hours,

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

The Route 304 bus schedule operates from the Stables bar on the UL (University of Limerick) Campus to Raheen Church.

The route travels through the city centre, covering 73 stops in all when taking both directions into account. For the bus and driver, there is great variety on the route, with some challenging sections along the way. Consisting of some urban sections, together with streetscapes and a portion that goes through residential areas, the run provides an opportunity to see a bus in different working environments.

The beat on the Street!

Our test drive in the STEED started from the UL Campus, before heading off towards some of the residential areas of Castletroy. Although this route is operated comfortably by Bus Eireann using full size double-deckers, the HIGER, because of its versatility and nimbleness, is very manoeuvrable and suitable from a driving point of view. Although the passenger door is not quite at the front of the bus, it is far enough forward to allow the driver make eye contact and have some pleasant conversations with passengers as they enter and exit.

As the route makes way towards the city centre, demands on the bus and driver increase. The addition of extra bicycle lanes in the past 12 months have meant that space entering and exiting bus stops is sometimes compromised, creating more challenges for drivers. However views out of the STEED are exceptional, thanks to the low windscreen, extra glass panels and well positioned mirrors, all of which help to reduce the driver’s workload. One of the advantages of low-floor buses is that passengers waiting to enter the bus can see those exiting, avoiding crowding around the door. Of course, the second advantage is that people can get in and out faster. STEED may be

ON TEST | 71 aimed at a more rural market, but it can play a big part in the city also.

Continuing our journey, as the 304 route goes from the Regional Hospital towards Raheen, it diverts through five or six housing development. An extra route, 304A, avoids these developments.

In the future it is something that route planners may consider, putting smaller buses where road space is a little tighter.

In the bus and behind the wheel Driving an electric bus is a little different to a conventional diesel powered bus. As mentioned, the view from the driver’s seat is substantial, and there are no obvious blind spots. The information cluster is bright and clear, with all controls close at hand. There are a few options for the driver’s area in terms of security depending on the type of work the bus is put too. A wheelchair ramp is positioned at the front door. It is simple to operate and because of the low floor it is very efficient.

The bus tested had 26 seats, but various interior lay-outs are possible. Inside and throughout the vehicle, it is bright and there is plenty of aisle space.

SPEC CHECK The 8.5m Higer STEED can be specified with various seating layouts depending on the route requirements.

In a standard layout the maximum seating capacity is 26.

Some of the features listed are optional: n n n n n n n n n n n

26 seat belted seats DC fast charging under 2 hours Saloon air conditioning Wheelchair accessible Low entry flat floor Extra wide passenger entrance & aisle 22 standing positions (Reduced Seating) Internal and external camera recording system Hanover FSR destination boards On-board audio visual monitors Removable overhead storage racks

n n n n n n n n n n n n

Measurements & Dimensions Overall Length: 8522mm Overall Width: 2370mm Height with A/C: 3215mm Wheel base: 5800mm Front overhang: 1181mm Doors size, clear opening: 1200mm Approach Angle: front; 180 Departure Angle; rear; 130 Kerb weight: 8.500kg Gross vehicle weight: 12.400kg Max. Weight on the front axle: 4.200kg Max. Weight on the rear axle: 8.200kg Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie

Verdict Harris Bus & Coach, through its partnership with HIGER, has presented a fine-tuned, functional bus with zero emissions. With 50 years’ experience in the motor industry and one of the largest showroom in Ireland and the UK, plus a strong reputation that is backed up by an extensive parts inventory, bus operators can feel confident that they will never be on their own in terms of maintenance and service. While, Ireland may be a little late to the game when it comes to getting electric buses on the road, numbers are increasing across our towns and cities every year.

As more and more operators recognise the benefits of going electric, Harris Bus & Coach is ready to supply this demand.

www.fleet.ie

72 | PROFILE

Corduff Travel Meeting Local Transport needs and more for over 80 years

If success is measured by presence in the community you work in, then Corduff Travel is certainly doing something right. Travel the roads of Mayo and indeed well beyond, and it won’t be long before you come across a coach or minibus proudly adorned with the words ‘Corduff Travel’.

Now boasting a fleet of over 130 vehicles, it’s a far cry from the company’s origins dating back over eighty years.

Back then Micheal Corduff decided to start a transport business in his local village of Rossport in the parish of Kilcommon in North West Mayo. The

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

year was 1940 and two Volkswagen vans constituted the initial fleet which served the local residents of the remote Erris neighbourhood, taking them to do their shopping, to funerals and generally meeting their transport needs at a time when many people did not have their own vehicles.

Steady business kept Michael’s transport company ticking over nicely over the following decades when Michael’s son, Michael, (if confusingly these days known as Michael Senior) took over the business in the 1990s. He expanded the business sig-

nificantly, opening a depot in Westport where he acquired another coach company, bringing the fleet size up to 35-40 vehicles. Concurrently Michael’s brother Padraig set up a base in Dublin, which today accounts for 50% of the company’s business.

Fast forward to 2011 and the third generation of the Corduff clan entered the business. Perhaps it was inevitable if your name is also Michael Corduff.

Michael Senior’s son established a new base in Castlebar while focussing on the commercial side of the business in relation to fleet and drivers.

Today the 130 vehicle strong fleet is spread between the Rossport, Dublin and Castlebar bases, with three Managing Directors - Michael Senior looking after Rossport, Michael Junior running the Castlebar side and Padraig in charge of the Dublin operation. Two

PROFILE | 73

garages, in Rossport and Castlebar keep the buses on the road with three full time mechanics in each.

Meeting with Michael Junior in Castlebar, he highlights that Corduff Travel is first and foremost a family affair.

“It’s a really family oriented business. My mother, Bernie, would have been a huge part of the business. She was in customer relations for the last 25 years growing the business customer wise.” Micheal’s sister is also involved, in charge of the admin side of the Dublin business.

With Castlebar now the HQ for Corduff Travel, Michael also highlights the role of Siobhan O’Hara, the company’s senior accountant. “She’s a huge asset to the business, helping it to expand and grow.” Other key members of the team are Martin Hyland as head of Maintenance, and Daragh O’Grady who is head of compliance looking after everything from RSA inspections to FTAI inspections. Aside from drivers, Corduff

Travel employs around 15 people full time.

With a range of coaches, mini buses and taxis seating from four to fifty four, Corduff Travel can meet the needs of virtually any customer. “Our main customers would be Marathon Travel in Dublin, school runs through Bus Éireann and Local Link Mayo,” explains Michael. “We also have a huge range of private hire customers in Mayo which would really be the core of the business.

We also operate a lot of student services to Limerick, Galway and Sligo. Additionally we’re partners with St. Gerald’s College secondary school in Castlebar.

A keen footballer who plays with the Kilcommon GAA team, there’s no doubt however that Michael is especially proud of one piece of business that Corduff Travel recently won. “We’re travel partners with Mayo GAA, which was a partnership launched in 2021 for five years. We operate services for everything from the under nines up to the senior team, bringing them to Croke Park and around the country.”

Inevitably

we have to ask Michael about the last two years and the turmoil caused

by Covid. “It was a huge shock at the start,” he admits. “On 12th March 2020 everything was parked up. The yards were full but nothing was happening.”

What the situation did do, says Michael, was give them time to reflect on the business and identify what was working and what wasn’t. “We looked at where we wanted to grow. I took a chance and kept the garages open for HSE and Local Link work. We had to adapt to the situation and we did.

We bought in extra coaches knowing that they would be needed for social distancing runs. There were a lot of drivers unemployed at the time, we spoke with then and assured them that their job would be there when things would come around.”

“So when the country re-opened, we were ready at a time when many other coach operators weren’t. This gave us a huge advantage. Because there was a 50% capacity on buses it took double the amount of buses to operate school runs,

so getting the extra business from Bus Éireann was a huge help in starting back again. There were huge changes in terms of sanitisation, extra cleaning, social distancing in the coaches.”

Michael highlights the commitment from his drivers when operations resumed. “We were very conscious that drivers were very vulnerable going out driving 25 or more passengers so we have to thank them, and without them we definitely wouldn’t be here today.

They are an absolutely fantastic bunch of drivers, really willing and do us proud on the road every day. We just cannot thank them enough, they really stepped up”.

On that issue of getting and retaining good drivers, Michael acknowledges that finding ones that are passionate about

www.fleet.ie

74 | PROFILE

the job is difficult. “I think it’s down to the core values of salaries and pensions and a good package. In 2021, I introduced a pension package which I offered to all drivers across the board, and is also offered to any new drivers coming on board. They do a really good professional job and they need to be rewarded for that.”

Of course, Covid hasn’t been the only crisis to hit the transport sector with fuel prices the words on everyone’s lips these days. Meeting with Michael the day after the Government announced

the €0.15 rebate on diesel, he believes it represents a worse situation than Covid.

“At least during Covid coaches were parked and not costing any money. Fuel has more than doubled. We have a lot of contracts that are set up for four or five years that hopefully will be looked at, a lot of customers that we need to hold, but we’re looking at a 30 or 35% increase on each run we do. It’s a crisis. The price of fuel for the haulage and passenger transport sectors needs to be capped, there are countries out there that are doing that, and we need to do it for the guys who are paying €200,000 a month.

It needs to be capped at €1.30 or €1.40 a litre. Hungary have done it, why can’t Ireland?“ Another challenge at present is

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

supply of coaches. “If we order a new coach now we’re looking at twelve or thirteen months for it to be delivered.”

Rising inflation is another concern with the price of parts rising. “Pricing contracts today for five years is very difficult when you don’t know what the situation will be and there are no guidelines as to what we should plan towards.”

With a diverse fleet of vehicles, Corduff Travel has established strong relationships with Shaw Commercials ,Castlebar. “Shaw Commercials are supplying new Renaults Master minibuses to us at the moment. Great service - if you want a good supplier I could not recommend them enough. We also do a lot of work the Harris Group in Dublin. Again they work with us and are very good at meeting our requirements and getting the job done. Harris Bus & Coach General Sales Manager Chris Haughton is a great guy to work with.

We’ve bought four new Higer Coaches from Chris this year.”

As a general policy Corduff Travel tends to buy in nearly new coaches.

“In the last twelve months we have bought in 17 under two year old

coaches,” explains Micheal. 40% of the fleet consists of coaches with over 50 seats, mainly DAF powered, Volvo and Scania, around 20% are 33 seaters and the remainder made up of minibuses.

“Having branched into Higers in the last two or three years we are very happy with them,” he adds.

Looking ahead he sees a definite future for electric buses. “100%. I have no doubt about it. By 2030 I can see 20% to 40% of our fleet being electric.” Asked about range issues, he harks back to

the days of his grandfather. “Back then a tank of fuel would probably only get you halfway across the country. So electric buses will work, there’s a lot of research and development gone into them and they definitely will be the future.”

If the current times are as challenging as any faced by Corduff Travel in its eighty plus year history, you feel this is a company that’s more than well placed to tackle all those challenges and come out on top at the other end.

Text: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fleet.ie

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76 | REPORT

State of passenger transport nation highlighted at CTTC AGM

The Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), held its annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Grand Hotel Malahide in North Dublin last month. This was the first physical meeting the association held since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The AGM also saw the election of two new members to the Executive Council of the organisation.

John Halpenny, Chairperson, CTTC

Hosted by John Halpenny, Chairman of the CTTC, the well-attended meeting heard from a number of members from around the country, who highlighted the importance of Government supports over the past two years which have helped to keep operators in business.

However, many expressed reservations around the two-tier transport system evolving in Ireland with particular concerns around the failure of Government to extend the 20% fare reduction and the Youth Travel Card to the commercial bus sector. Delegates also advocated for supports to help combat the impact of surging fuel prices which are adversely affecting all members but particularly school transport operators which are locked FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

into contracts of up to five years at a time. Other issues raised include the unsuitability of the current PSV regime, and the need for funding support for the purchase of Electric Vehicles (EV) fleets.

The AGM also facilitated the election of Damien Long, Proprietor of Dave Long Coach Travel (Cork) and Garrett O’Toole, General Manager of Nolan Transport (Dublin) to the Executive Council of the organisation.

Stepping down from the Executive Council to make way for the new Newly elected Executive Council officers, members was well-regarded operator, Garett O’Toole and Damien Long.

Derry Cronin of Cronin Coaches (Cork).

The Executive Council would like to future direction of the association and acknowledge the endless dedication while we are sorry to see Derry Cronin and support provided by Derry over the of Cronin Coaches step down, on behalf recent past. The Council of the CTTC of the association we would like to wishes them good luck with their future thank him and his father, Dermot for the endeavours. enormous contribution they have made John Halpenny who continues in over the years.” his position as Chairman until February “I am very proud to continue in 2023 said: “It was great to meet old my role as Chairperson for another friends and new at our AGM and to get year.

My vision for the sector is for a to share the experiences of the past 24 sustainable, progressive, and collaboramonths with each-other as we prepare tive association that is a trusted advisor for a new chapter in passenger transporof relevant stakeholders while continuing tation. It has been a difficult period for to provide good quality services to local all operators but we remain committed communities across the country.

We look to progressing the emerging issues impacting our sector so we can make a real impact on policy proposals the association is putting forward to Government.”

“We were also delighted to mark the election of two able candidates to the Executive Council.

Garrett O’Toole and Damien Long are two Pictured (l-r) Willie Martin, Vice Chairman, CTTC; Jim Campion, important additions whose Campion Insurance and John Halpenny, Chairperson, CTTC experience in the sector will perfectly complement forward to continuing to work closely the existing expertise on the Executive with all stakeholders across government Council. As an Association we are to drive the recovery in coach tourism, immensely privileged to have some scheduled services, private hire and of the foremost operators guiding the school transport.”

REPORT | 77 The CTTC Executive for 2022/23 is as follows: John Halpenny (Chair) William Martin (Vice-Chair) David Conway Philip O’Callaghan Caoimhe Moloney Joe Donoghue Mike Buckley James McGinley Jeff Clarke Feargal Barton Brendan Crowley Damien Long Garrett O’Toole JJ Kavanagh

Volvo Bus & Coach Volvo Bus & Coach UK & Ireland, as one of the associate sponsors of the event made a wide ranging and extensive presentation to the delegates attending the AGM, covering topics including the introduction of electric city buses and the launch of two new additions to the

electric range of the new coach model, 9900. Outside the hotel venue there was a new 9900 on show for delegates to review.

a matter of urgency: n The introduction of a set price for fuel that represents a defined amount per litre n Setting the discounted price of diesel lower than petrol to acknowledge the key role the fuel plays in supporting the operations of businesses

Update given to CTTC Members on the Fuel Crisis in March Recently the Government reduced the cost of petrol by 20 cent per litre, in addition to a 15 cent cut in excise duty for diesel. A cut of 2 cent per litre on green diesel has also been agreed. The reductions will remain in place until 31st August and they are expected to cost the State a total of €320 million.

Despite this, it is the CTTC contention that the measures “address the symptom, not the cause.” Its position is that these latest measures will do little to mitigate the long-term impacts of the rising cost of fuel. The CTTC sent Government details on measures that will help the industry against spiralling costs, and pressed that they must be introduced as

n The immediate introduction of variation clauses in all state contracts for school transport, to allow for flexibility when the industry incurs a drastic change in operational costs. With the cost of fuel becoming largely dictated by geopolitical events and global energy markets, the need for flexibility in these contracts has never been clearer.

The inclusion of such clauses would ultimately act as a buffer and would safeguard the transport sector against crippling increases in the cost of fuel while ensuring continuity and consistency of routes and service provision.

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie Photos: Conor McCabe

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78 | PREVIEW

Limerick City to host Bus Euro Test for the International Bus of the Year Award 2023

The International Bus & Coach of the Year Jury has selected its Irish representative, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine, to host the Bus Euro Test in May of this year to appraise the contenders for the International Bus of the Year for 2023. Although the full line up of buses has not yet been confirmed, up to five finalists from the main global manufacturers are expected to compete for the most prestigious award in the worldwide bus industry.

The Castletroy Park Hotel, one of Limerick’s finest 4-star hotels, will be the base for the pan-European jury, consisting of an expert panel of editors and experienced journalists from bus and coach tourism magazines.

While the Bus Euro Test will once again attract and feature all the leading and emerging manufacturers in the urban commuter vehicle segment, what’s unique about the 2022 event is that all

coming on line in a number of areas of the passenger transport models on of the country, thanks to the National trial in the competition will be electric Transport Authority working with bus powered. Even though Ireland has been operators to become emission-free. The relatively slow in introducing electric selection of electric vehicles on trial are buses to the commuter fleet in general, particularly suitable for city routes, and it is increasingly recognised that electric as the amount of renewable energy on power is the solution for urban public the grid increases, CO2 per km decreases transport. Residents and visitors to further, through their operation. When Limerick in early May will be able to these electric buses are charging at see these electric, emission-free public transport vehicles being trialled and tested in a real-life environment for almost a week. Each shortlisted vehicle will be fully scrutinised from a number of factors such as economy, range distance, safety, comfort and ease of driving.

Launching the Bus Euro Test 2022 earlier this year, the Mayor of Limerick City and County Daniel Butler said: “On Pictured (l-r) Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Mayor behalf of Limerick City & Daniel Butler and Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine.

County, I am delighted to officially launch the Bus night, this is when other electric demand Euro Test event which will be held is low, so there is a levelling effect, which here next May. Electric Buses are now

2023 Hosted by

www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

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FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

EURO

TEST

PREVIEW | 79

Power Station at Ardnacrusha, along the environment, using river Shannon took place in the early electric buses and 1920s. It took over four years to complete delivery trucks in the and opened in 1929. Although situated cities has come to the just north of Limerick city, the facility is forefront of the passenger in County Clare. At the time it cost €5 and goods transport million to construct, which was one fifth agenda. While it will take of the country’s national budget. During some time until there are the construction phase the project was significant numbers of referred to as “The Shannon Scheme”. Up electric buses in Mayor of Limerick City and County Daniel Butler to the time of World War II it provided the national fleet, the most of the electric power required for number of electric is good for allowing more renewable the country, but now provides less than buses operating in the energy onto the grid. In fact when you cities and airports around look at the Hydro Generation Station Europe is increasing. As not far away, it is a good example of the the technology improves, potential for generating clean energy.” particularly in the area of Mayor Butler extended his best battery size and capacity, wishes to the organisers, Fleet Bus & the cost is coming down.

Coach magazine and said he looked Some manufacturers claim forward to extending a Céad Míle that the TCO (total cost Fáilte to the 22 members of the of ownership) of electric International Bus Award jury, many of buses is now almost on a whose publications cover coach tours par with diesel equivalents. and tourism in general.

However, there is a considerable amount of work Going Electric Mayor of Limerick City and County Daniel Butler is pictured to be done to create and With all the debate about the with students from Limerick Educate Together Secondary install the infrastructure need to protect and decarbonise the School together with Sean Murtagh and Jarlath Sweeney, needed to Fleet Bus & Coach magazine. operate electric five percent. Fifty five people continued buses. to be employed at a facility that was recently described as a “powerful symbol Ardnacrusha Hydro of bold thinking”, where water from the Electric Station Shannon river, a natural resource, was One of the selling “borrowed” and diverted through a series points of why Limerick of canals to create clean electricity and was chosen as the location returned to the city of Limerick. Clean for the Euro Bus Test is and unharmed, the water then makes its close proximity to its way to the Atlantic Ocean. When the Ardnacrusha Hydro Pictured (l-r) Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; you think about it, Ireland now needs Electric Station. One of Kieran O’Donnell, T.D. Chairman of Joint Committee on a similar bold step to decarbonise its the biggest projects ever Transport and Communications; Mayor Daniel Butler; Jarlath national transport fleet. undertaken by any Irish Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine and Elena Secas, Labour Government, the construcCllr with Limerick City and County Council.

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie tion of a Hydro-Electric

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80 | ADVERTORIAL

Tranzaura unlocks the potential of technology within Irish & UK bus operations in way that is accepted by both engineers and drivers Since 2015, Tranzaura has been working with the Bus sector in both Ireland and the UK to unlock the potential of digital technology in way that is accepted by both engineers and drivers.

The Bus industry is full of old paper based processes that make compliance tasks not just take longer but more open to human error and a long list of inefficiencies. However, when these processes are so engrained with an operation, the adoption and change to technology can seem like too much of a challenge.

But with the Tranzaura platform, any complexities and barriers with technology acceptance, in particular by key user groups such as drivers are addressed. The user-friendly technology is developed with the user in mind and how they could accept it, into their daily working day. Tranzaura believes that by introducing technology, users cannot be over burdened by added administration tasks like remembering passwords, usernames etc. and digital transformation should make their day better not harder!

The most obvious place to start was with the pre-use inspection of a vehicle by a driver to get in control of unplanned maintenance. Traditionally, the information generated by drivers comes from a driver defect card using pen and paper. It can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours to get defect details on to a system, to enable the engineering department to deal with it, not to mention issues with hand writing or water damage. In some cases, paperwork could be mislaid and drivers could end up with no demonstrable paperwork

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

that a check had been carried out in the first place.

The Tranzaura platform digitizes the pre-use inspection process to improve efficiency, safety and compliance; while providing a real-time defect reporting system either through their platform or via a third-party application. This has now enabled bus operations throughout

demonstrate to the authorities that a good, demonstrable check is being done on every vehicle, every day, before it goes out on the road. These operational improvements are then impacting their bottom lines, by reducing their spare bus fleets. It’s a win, win for operators in terms of increasing productivity, safety and profitability.

UK & Ireland to deal with defects in real time and make more informed decisions on defect management. To ensure that the bus driver population also engages with digital pre-use inspections, Tranzaura has developed the user-friendly platform using the same tap technology used for bank cards.

The biggest benefits that these operations have found is the access to real time information about the state of their fleet. They need to know that it is being maintained in a safe way and performing at its optimum. They now have a digital audit train that can

To further explain, Shane Mann, CEO of Tranzaura, said: ‘We are really proud of how the use of our technology is now quickly becoming widely desired and accepted by bus operations across the UK & Ireland. By mid 2022, 50 percent of the London Bus market will be using our platform and that is a huge milestone for our business. Our technology will continue to develop and help leading bus companies reduce their spare bus fleets creating significant improvement to their bottom lines, whilst ensuring they operate more efficiently and safely. “

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82 | coNDUCTORS STAND

Buses contributing to an improved environment

A bus using electric power is what most environmentalists favour. But there are other environmental factors to take into consideration, such as taking cars off the road and reducing traffic congestion. But for this to happen bus travel must be attractive and easy to obtain, to encourage people out of their cars.

Last month, the plan to launch ‘Bus Connect’ was given the green light by Government. Regular commuters and the traveling public are about to get more options, with an increase in bus routes and schedules in particular. By 2030, it is envisaged that there will be 230km of bus corridors in Dublin and the replacement of all Diesel buses by 2035 with zero emission vehicles .

There is no doubt that this is a big project and the scale cannot be under estimated. Before a bus is purchased or a sod is turned on a new hub or depot there is a planning process to be completed, nonetheless, the National Transport Authority (NTA) expects that all corridors will be in place by 2030. It is estimated that the total project will cost in excess of €3 billion. After the announcement of the project, Anne Graham, CEO, NTA stated that Bus Connect will be a game changer offering improved reliability and more frequency.

A large part of the plan is improved ticketing, allowing commuters to use various platforms for payment and the eventual removal of cash.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022

A key aspect of Bus Connect is to increase services by 23% and extend some routes to 24 hour service. With the introduction of new routes, an extra 16% of commuters will live within 400m of a bus stop. So the question is, will we be able to attract people out of their cars and into buses?

Eamon Ryan, the Transport Minister and Green Party Leader is focused on the environment and the need to stop climate change, therefore his, and his party’s support on this is to be expected.

While all politicians are signed up to green policies, some may not be as committed to it. Maybe they should narrow their focus and try and get more people to use the bus in every aspect of their lives. A bus fulfils two main criteria for reducing the impact on the environment. As the bus itself reduces emissions, there is a contribution to the improvement of air quality. This is happening already, it is estimated by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Transport (SMMT) in the UK that it would take 50 engines of Euro 6 standard to produce similar emissions to that of a single commercial vehicle from the 1970s. So, while it may not be politically acceptable to go with that line, it still remains a fact.

A more important and possibly more difficult challenge is to try and move more people out of their cars and onto buses. Better to entice them than legislate them. While buses have

improved, there is always room for improvement. Commuters may have little choice because of traffic congestion, but we need more of them on the bus to continue reducing emissions and congestion. If we look a little further to encourage people to use bus as a means for long distance travel, passengers have to have some certainty as to how far they will need to walk once the venue is reached. Will the bus be parked in a field at an open air concert, for example, where they will have to walk in mud up to their ankles? Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium are two big venues that need a coach park nearby. At the moment the Luas, serving Connolly station for the big matches and concerts, cannot cope with the big numbers arriving from Hueston station. It should really be a condition of hosting an event of any major significance that nearby coach parking is available.

Dublin Airport is another issue that needs solving with public transport as we all know. Last month it was announced by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) that would be a charge to drop a passenger at Dublin Airport by car and this move is being dressed up as “helping climate change”. These type of pronunciations and actions are what give the climate change argument a bad name and devalue the campaign. People are suspicious of these actions and gouging the travelling public is counterproductive.

Bus Connect offers Dubliners and those who visit a great future. At a later stage it will be rolled out to other cities, but we must encourage more people on to the bus, for the benefit of us all.

Text: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

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