50 minute read
OPINION
Addressing the ongoing Truck Driver Shortage
Recent research by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) is suggesting that driver shortage continues to be a problem for the logistics sector. It is also clear that higher wages offered seem not to have made any significant impact in terms of attracting people back to the industry since the pandemic, or been successful in enticing new people to choose truck driving as a career. Whatever the reluctance people have about staying in the industry or considering joining up in the first place, nobody, including policy makers, regulators, industry representatives, or enforcement agencies, has been able to identify a potential solution.
A comment like this from the IRU is significant as it is present in over 100 countries, including the Americas, Asia and Europe. From 2020 to 2021, the problem worsened by 41%. In Europe the average age of a truck driver is 47, while only 5% of drivers are under the age of 25, worldwide. One area of hope is in the USA, where the percentage of woman drivers is 8% in comparison to a factor of 3% in Europe. On the passenger side the difference is more dramatic, up to 28% of drivers in the US are female in comparison to 12% in Europe.
In the States, the ATRI (American Transport Research Institute) has been looking at this problem for some time. Its latest research is suggesting that rates of pay is not the determining factor for younger drivers, especially under 25. Company culture, and clearly defined pathways to progression were mentioned by over 85% of those interviewed in the most recent survey.
So where to next? Well, in Ireland both the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) and the Irish Road Haulage Associations (IRHA) have embarked on training and apprenticeship schemes. Aidan Flynn of the FTAI, speaking at the launch of the new Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship at ATUU in Sligo, said: “Road transport is critical to the continued success of Ireland’s supply chain, since it accounts for 99% of inland freights movements across the country”.
Similarly the IRHA is reporting that its members are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit drivers and have been involved in similar schemes to try and attract individuals to choose logistics and the road transport as a career choice. Paul Jackman of the IRHA commented on the matter: “There are now 250 drivers on the road that have come through the Professional Driver Traineeship, with a further 100 more in training [via] the 6 month training course [which] is available through the local ETBs.”
There is however a more important question. Once trained and ready to work, how do we keep these new drivers in the industry and how do we stop the mass exodus happening in the sector? Why not try the simplest way - ask them? Ask drivers why they are not staying put.
Ironically, the President of ATU, Sligo said recently “Over the past few years the road transport industry has become one of the most regulated sectors, which should lead to better working conditions for employees.” Now could that be a hint as to where the problem may lie? Most drivers will have no problem with the first part of that statement, but maybe they are not so sure about the second part. Every place a driver goes in their daily work, they face regulation. On occasions they could be subject to three or four sets of regulations in a day. Their work is regulated by two sets of law, working time directive and tachograph law. Reports from the UK this week tell us that a driver will now have to be able to account for every day of the previous month at the side of the road. Surely a little bit of unnecessary power.
The FTA and the IRHA are right to be preparing for the future, but they need help from the establishment, otherwise the industry could be making futile efforts. There is another group that still have not stepped up to the mark, and that is the insurance companies. Solving driver shortages will continue to be a problem, but the solutions may not be as complex as some are making them out to be.
Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie All-Star Transport Training Company of the Year 2021
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Volume 18. No. 2. Summer 2022
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60 NEwS
Tribute to Sir William Wright
Scania take to the road(show)
CTTC-Campion Insurance Coach &
Bus Show
62 NEw DELIvErIES
Handover of new Volvo, Scania and
EVM coaches
64 cOvEr
New Volvo Bus platform pays dividends
66 rEvIEw
Busworld Turkey – Istanbul
69 SuPPLy DEaL
Karsan delivers to Luxembourg
70 grOuP tESt
Bus Euro Test - Limerick
76 rEPOrt
Bus Rapid Transport works in Turkey
77 cONDuctOrS’ StaND
Are Bus Passengers Discriminated?
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Wrightbus boss Jo Bamford has heralded the legacy of Sir William Wright, who has died at the age of 94, saying that ‘he created the platform for a business which was now leading the world in zero-emission technologies’.
Mr Bamford purchased the Wrightbus business in 2019 and paid tribute to the vision of Sir William, who founded the firm in Ballymena, County Antrim with his father Robert Wright after World War II. Prior to then, the family firm operated a commercial vehicle body repair business in Dublin.
“Sir William and his father were pioneers, of that there is no doubt,” said Jo Bamford. “The Wrightbus name is synonymous with everything they stood for and those values - problem-solving, hard work and never giving up - course through the business I run today. Sir William was fiercely loyal to this community and the fact his name is still held in such regard is testament to his relentless dedication.” Sir William pioneered aluminium bus framing in 1976, the first low floor bus in 1992, first British designed and built Electric powered bus in 1999 and finally ensured the future of the business by leading the design of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell double deck bus in 2015.
Wrightbus employs more than 1,000 people at its factory in Ballymena, County Antrim, and produced the world’s first hydrogen double-deck bus there. Its zero-emission battery electric bus was recently named as the most efficient in the world, with orders coming in from around the globe.
“Everyone here at Wrightbus should never forget how this business started and the sacrifices which were made to ensure it goes from strength to strength in the future. Sir William is an indelible part of this fantastic story,” he added.
Hundreds of Wrightbus employees formed a guard of honour outside the Ballymena factory in tribute to Sir William Wright, on the day of his funeral on Wednesday 27th July 2022. Management and factory staff joined forces in huge numbers to pay their respects as Sir William’s funeral cortege passed by.
Tributes have poured in from across the world following the death of Mr. Wright, with politicians, civic leaders, business people and community figureheads all recognising his significant impact in the industry and local community.
Jo Bamford’s comments were echoed by Wrightbus Chief Executive, Buta Atwal, who said the guard of honour was a “fitting tribute” to a man who had put Wrightbus on the map. “Everyone here at Wrightbus has been saddened by the death of Sir William but they were determined to pay their respects,” he explained.
“The guard of honour was our way of thanking him for what he’s done for this business and this whole area, and we hope the family recognise that we will never forget the legacy he has left behind.”
Tributes to Wrightbus founder Sir William Wright
New Scania Irizar i6S
Pictured is Willie Martin of Martins Coaches Limerick with Patrick Carton, Westward Scania during the nationwide visit with the new Scania Irizar i6S.
The 11th biennial CTTC-Campion Insurance Coach & Bus Show 2022 is taking place once again at the RDS Simmonscourt Pavilion on the weekend of 19-20 November and promises to be a showcase of some of the leading brands and innovators in the passenger transport industry. In recent years, the event which was due to be held in November 2020 and again in November 2021, but was cancelled due to the pandemic.
The theme of this year’s Show will be “Sustainable Transport for a Sustainable Ireland” and exhibitors will focus on bringing their best-in-class solutions to the business representatives present around a number of key areas including transport evolution, sustainability, recruitment and retention, succession planning, accessibility and much more.
NEWS II | 61 CTTC-Campion Insurance Coach & Bus Show returns to RDS this November
Chair of the CTTC, John Halpenny, Vice-Chair and Show Chairperson, Willie Martin and CEO of Campion Insurance, Jim Campion pictured at the launch of the 2022 Coach and Bus Show in April 2022. Photo: Conor McCabe
The event will be complemented by the prestigious Coach & Bus Show Dinner which will take place on the Saturday night at Croke Park. It presents a great opportunity for operators, their families and colleagues to meet and socialise in an informal setting, while hearing from senior industry stakeholders.
The two-day exhibition is the only one of its kind in Ireland and it will give operators a chance to meet with their peers, and industry leaders and gain invaluable insights on the latest products and innovations coming on stream in the mass transport marketplace.
In welcoming the return of the show, John Halpenny, Chairperson of the CTTC, said: “It is a great pleasure to see the return of the Coach and Bus Show following the postponement of the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The CTTC is very much looking forward to welcoming operators and exhibitors, old and new, from across Ireland, and beyond, to network, connect and succeed over the course of the weekend.”
CEO of Campion Insurance, Jim Campion added: “We are delighted to support the Coach and Bus Show as the headline sponsor once again. Our sponsorship of this event stretches back over a decade and while the event was disrupted in recent years due to the pandemic, our commitment to the industry is unwavering. Our specialist team has over 30 years of experience delivering the best Bus and Coach insurance plans for operators right across the country and we look forward to meeting them all at the Show in November”.
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Kearney’s of Cork continues its long-running partnership with Scania by purchasing a new 12.9m Touring coach. The new vehicle is fitted with Scania’s 9-litre diesel engine and mated to an Opticruise 2 gearbox. It also come with 51 seats, USB charging points for each passenger, a 50-litre fridge, DVD player with front and centre LCD
Kearney’s continues relationship with Scania by purchasing new Touring coach
screens and a built-in coffee machine. Roy Kearney, Owner of Kearney Group, said: “For me the Scania Touring made sense. It was good value for money and comes with Scania’s famed reliability. I’ve purchased a number of vehicles over the years through Scania UK’s Bus & Coach division, and the team did another fantastic job in handing over the vehicle, it was a great experience.” Lee Wale, UK Retail Sales Manager for Scania UK, said: “We are delighted to supply another vehicle to Kearney’s of Cork and to continue our long-standing partnership together. The Touring suits their operations perfectly. It’s comfortable, easy to load, well-equipped, and ultimately, cost effective to run – ideal for any of their operational routes.”
Kearney’s of Cork is a family-owned business with more than 55 years of experience. Its fleet of coaches operate in Ireland and England providing services for school services, day trips and corporate excursions.
Another first for Wexford Bus - New Volvo 9700
Carrying over 20,000 passengers weekly on ten routes, Wexford Bus continues to expand its business along the East coastline, between Dublin, Wexford and Waterford. Established in 1996 by Brendan Crowley and his wife Lorene, Wexford Bus recognised for innovation and endeavour, are past winners in the Fleet Bus & Coach ‘Fleet Operator of the Year Awards’ in the Commuter section. The company recently took delivery of a new Volvo 9700 on the B11R chassis and driveline, the first of the new model to enter service in Ireland.
New Volvo’s on the double at Furey’s of Sligo
Sligo based operator, Furey’s has been in operation since 1972, founded by Martin & Mary Furey. The company is now run by their family, Aidan, Paul and Orlaith, providing a wide range of services, including, private hire, airport transfers and extended tours, Furey’s also operate some Local Link services in the Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal areas. A recent delivery to Furey’s of Sligo, is a pair of new Volvo coaches - a 9900 and 9700, both featuring B11R 13.1 metres chassis that can accommodate 53 passengers and fitted with W/C.
Dublin based Golf Tour specialists Travelling the Fairways has taken delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VS30 EVM X-Clusive 8 Seater plus guide and driver, finished off in Iridium Silver. The Sprinter is based on the Euro 6 517 CDI extra-long wheelbase with Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine. Transmission is a 9 Speed G Tronic Automatic gear box. Access is via a New Masats plug Type entry door with a manual emergency release and a key lock facility. The entrance features an EVM integrated three stage entry step with LED strip lights and stainless steel inserts. There are various grab rail and modesty panels behind the driver and entry door and complete with table top high gloss piano black recessed cup holders. This model features EVM Panoramic double-glazed saloon windows in privacy grey and a with a glass Panoramic roof with manual sliding blinds. The X-Clusive has Eberspacher EV814 14kw saloon air conditioning ducted through brushed aluminium racks, exiting through passenger service units. Saloon speakers are integrated in to the passenger service units. There are 8 EVM VIP class seats which are fitted with 3-point seat belts and aisle folding arm rests finished in real leather with diamond stitching, incorporated company logo on the head rests and fold down tables.
There are 10 USB charging ports fitted to each side of the bus at every seat row. We have also fitted a 2300-watt Pure Sine Wave Waeco invertor for the passenger’s electrical items and 2 double 3 pin sockets. The interior boasts one single saloon table and double saloon table, both finished in black wood outer rim, leather inserts fitted on each leg free pedestal with recessed cup holders. And also including a domestic slide out fridge CD 30 and pleated full draw curtains on rails with moulded tie backs. Travelling the Fairways established since 1989 delivers bespoke golf vacations to Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
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New Volvo Buses platform for premium coaches saves up to 9% in fuel costs
Last month, Volvo Bus launched a new platform for the 9700, 9900, B13R/RLE and the 9700 double decker models. With a focus on improved safety, driver efficiency and enhanced comfort for both passengers and driver, Volvo Bus sees this development as the future in sustainable coach travel. For operators the stand out improvement is the estimated fuel savings of up to 9%. With power output ratings up to 500
hp, and the choice of an integral coach or a chassis, there is a bus for every type of operation on offer.
“With this introduction of a new coach platform we are taking yet another Important step to providing sustainable people transport solutions,” said Anna Westerberg, President of Volvo Buses. “It’s a global offer to operators of premium Coach services with comprehensive scope for adapting to market needs.”
The most appealing feature of Volvo Bus’ new coach platform is the new drivetrain, with its improved fuel efficiency. The new chassis will reduce fuel consumption and therefore also total emissions. Volvo has a clear vision and a firm commitment on sustainability. Recognising that diesel will be around for some time into the future, Volvo’s plan for zero emissions includes not only today’s electric vehicles, the new coach chassis also offers the benefits of alternative fuels and substantial efficiency improvements for long-distance operations.
The new chassis is the basis for Volvo’s 9000 range of coaches, and it is also available as the B13R chassis in all Volvo Bus’ main markets, including Ireland. Two or three-axle configurations are available depending on the market. The power ratings span from 380 to 500 hp, with all engines certified for HVO, while the 460 and 500 hp versions are also certified for biodiesel. To complete the range, there is also a low-entry configuration, ideal for building premium double decker coaches. The core of the new coach chassis is a new Euro 6 version of Volvo’s trusted and well-proven 13-litre engine. “We see the entire driveline as a winning concept,” added Mattias Forssén, Global Product Director at Volvo Buses. “One of the cornerstones is the unique new cooling system, while the new version of Volvo I-Shift together with the new engine enables us to further reduce engine speed. The cooling system is a new design. It is split into two autonomous sections, both operated by highly energy-efficient electric fans. The beauty of it is that we don’t just save fuel with this setup – we can also maintain an extremely even temperature in the engine compartment. This makes it possible for us to extend service intervals, which in turn further enhances operational uptime.”
On the inside the driver will find an all-new dynamic instrument cluster with different views, adapted to different driving situations.
“We have also updated the steering wheel,” continued said Mattias. “The neck tilt makes entry and exit easier for the driver, and the wheel now includes functions for media operation and cruise control.”
For the benefit of driver and passenger comfort, the suspension has been updated, as have the engine mountings. The result is twofold: reduced vibrations and interior noise, in combination with a smoother ride.
Fleet Bus & Coach was given the opportunity to drive the coaches on the test track near Boras in Sweden. For sure the improvements made are noticeable. The new mirror camera, which is fast becoming a feature on most new buses, brings noticeable improvements in the quality of all round vision delivery. Furthermore, Volvo has added a new feature to assist the driver. Clever software captures images from all the cameras on the coach to give a 360 degree view from above, a great help
when turning right to watch the tail swing.
Another notable enhancement is the extra knee protection that gives more protection in the event of a frontal impact, just one of the safety features that will add to the feeling of security while driving.
Overall Volvo Bus has, with these enhancements and developments, made a great coach range even better.
The 9th staging of Busworld Turkey, organised by Busworld and its Turkish partner, HKF Trade Fairs, was held over three days, from 26 to 28 May 2022 at the Istanbul Expo Centre. It was the first Busworld event since the global pandemic occurred. The ‘new normal’ turned out to be a successful new start for Busworld Turkey. In comparison to the last event in March 2020, the 2022 show was both bigger in size as well as boasting increased exhibitor and visitor numbers. Over 11,000 people attended the event.
In total the exhibition had 183 exhibitors, a growth of 43% over 2020. Although some diesel buses were exhibited, the shift towards electric buses was obvious. Turkey might not be ready yet for the electric vehicles era due to a lack of infrastructure, but that does not stop Turkish manufacturers producing and exporting electric buses to the rest of the world.
The Turkish automotive market is significant in terms of units produced, both for the home market and the export market. In 2019 478,000 commercial vehicles were manufactured for both home and export markets. Although 386,000 of these units sold were pick-ups, a total of 73,000 buses were manufactured in all sectors, making this market the sixth largest in the world.
IvEcO BuS
Iveco Bus showcased three vehicles on its stand. The Streetway CNG was launched for the Turkish market and was accompanied by the Crossway and the E-Way. Iveco electric buses are on a par with Diesel buses in terms of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), according to Koray Kursunoglu, Business Director, Iveco Bus for Asian Region, who stated that sales of bus chassis remains strong. He said that the company sees an increasing appetite from operators and city councils for electric options.
OtOKar
The national brand had five new passenger vehicles on show. The articulated e-Kent of 18.75m with Voith motor and Webasto batteries had its world première here. An indication of its popularity domestically is that one in every two buses in Turkey wears an Otokar badge. Its aim is to stay in that position while improving market share in Europe. Up to 8% of turnover, equating to €296 million, is invested in R&D in an effort to retain and improve its products.
aNaDOLu ISuzu
Another local brand displayed a CNG fuelled, 100% biogas-compatible Kendo model, joined by the full electric NovoCITI Volt, the Grand Toro coach (winner of the BigSEE product design award 2021) and the Novolux and Citiport 12 models. At its press conference, Isuzu stated that as the world emerges from the pandemic, the industry has transformed significantly, with stronger demands and expectations from customers and regulators. Ironically and in spite of the pandemic, 2021 was one of Isuzu’s best years ever for export and the company has invested significantly in assembly plants, introduced roof solar panels and moving to a paperless model processes.
KarSaN
A complete e-vehicle range with 5 models was demonstrated by another home based producer, showing its e-JEST (6m), e-ATAK (8m) and e-ATA (10m, 12m and 18m) variants. Karsan’s e-Vision strategy aims to elevate the firm into the top five electric bus players in Europe. With a claim to having no ‘diesel baggage’, Karsan has made significant progress in its own market while also expanding its wider European sales. Currently Karsan has over 300 electric buses on the road and is developing autonomous driving systems for the future.
MaPar
Something to watch out for is the refurbishment of older coaches. Mapar, which sells, resells and refurbishes buses and
coaches, especially MAN and Temsa, put the spotlights on its Temsa range this time. With the need for longer life and recycling of buses, there may be a demand for operators to get another life out of a bus. Its website is well worth a visit - www.mapar. com
ILESBuS
Based in Bridgend, South Wales, Ilesbus is represented in Ireland by J.J. Kavanagh & Sons. It was refreshing to see some right hand drive built buses so far from home. Ilesbus is confident about the future, as the last two years, in spite of the pandemic, were the best for business to date. All Ilesbus units are built at a factory near Bursa in Turkey on Iveco Daily chassis, adapted to build according to PSVAR standards. So far, demand is brisk.
cONvErt frOM DIESEL tO ELEctrIc
Another development to be aware of is the possibility of converting diesel powered buses to electric energy. Belka, a co-operation between the city of Ankara and its University, has carried out some conversions using older diesel buses. While the project is in its infancy, representatives on the stand said that the full conversion will cost about 35% of that of a new bus. This amount includes significant refurbishment of the bus. More information on www.bus3e.com
BuSwOrLD SPEaKErS’ cOrNEr
The first Busworld Speakers’ Corner at Busworld Turkey provided a platform both for global companies such as Iveco Bus, ZF and Optibus, as well as for smaller local firms like HydroBorPEM looking to spread a message. The diversity in the eleven short sessions that were held was great. Topics such as safety, smart buses and commercial vehicle intelligence, the shift towards electric and hydrogen buses and even winter tyre legislation were being discussed during the first days of the exhibition.
IVECO Bus kicked off with its strategy on new sustainable electric buses, which immediately filled up the booth. The overall market analysis from Frost & Sullivan on Turkey and its greater region proved popular and provided an insight into what’s happening today and where the industry is going tomorrow.
The open concept of the Speakers’ Corner ensured all visitors were free to stop by and take a seat at any time during the talks. This format will be implemented in future Busworld exhibitions in order to bring a no-nonsense knowledge medium as close as possible to the show’s attendees, in the 24-seat open arena.
Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
Karsan delivers 89 Electric Buses to Luxembourg
A delivery of 89 new buses to Luxembourg City marked a significant milestone in the history of Turkish bus manufacturer Karsan. Fleet Bus & Coach was present to witness the delivery of the new buses.
Speaking at the handover of the new fleet, Okan Bas, the CEO of Karsan said: “Although Karsan has 55 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, we still have the enthusiasm of a start-up”.
Through its vision of being ‘One Step Ahead in the Future of Passenger transport’, Karsan continues to be one of the most important players in electric bus manufacturing in Europe. The Luxembourg deal saw a total of 89 e-ATAK buses delivered to 6 different companies where they will operate on city and intercity public transport routes. It means Karsan will have the largest electric midibus fleet in Europe.
The Luxembourg deal was done through local dealer, HCI, in which Karsan has a 50% share. HCI manages the sales and service network of the Karsan brand in France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Switzerland.
As one of the leading companies in Turkey’s automotive industry, Karsan sees itself as an integrator of technology rather than a creator. Continuing its overseas expansion is part of its plans. Okan added: “Karsan’s perspectives coincide with a country like Luxembourg, which has an environmentalist approach, works to reduce its carbon footprint and seeks solutions to the global warming problem of the world. I am very happy on behalf of Karsan to be part of electric transformation and to deliver such a large electric bus fleet to Luxembourg, which has accelerated its environmental activities to zero its carbon emissions.»
Interestingly Luxembourg, in a move to get commuters to switch from their cars to public transport, has made all public transport free in the country.
According to market data (Chatrou, 2021), the e-ATAK is the European segment leader, with a 30% share in the electric midibus class between 8-15 tonnes in 2021. A total of 161 electric buses over 8 tonnes were registered in Luxembourg between 2012 and 2021, and the addition of the Karsan e-ATAK fleet of 89 new buses will make it Europe’s largest electric midibus fleet.
Karsan, has succeeded in breaking new ground in electric vehicle deliveries throughout Europe. Its products are available in 19 different countries all over the world including France, Romania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Bulgaria. As it continues to enter new export markets the company is on track to achieve triple growth in electric vehicles compared to 2021. While Karsan has a strong focus on expanding its own brand in the electric bus market, it also is a contract manufacturer, assembling for BMW and Renault. Another facet of its business is the development of autonomous vehicles, and while the driverless market does not exist yet, it is presently running two projects in Michigan and Stavanger, Norway.
Earlier this year the Karsan E-ATAK came to Ireland for the IBOY (International Bus of the Year) held in Limerick. It certainly impressed everybody with its styling and in particular the range of the vehicle, requiring less charging than some of its competitors. Karsan has, as yet, no immediate plans to enter the RHD market, but a company with such ambition and foresight, will likely seek the opportunity in the not too distant future.
Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
Fleet Bus & Coach hosts successful IBOY Bus Euro Test in Limerick
In early May, Fleet Bus & Coach hosted the International Bus of the Year (IBOY) Bus Euro Test event in Limerick. It marked the first time in the history of the pan-European Awards that the group test assessment had been held in Ireland to select the overall winner of the coveted title. A warm welcome was extended to the jury members and representatives from five bus manufacturers – Higer, MAN, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Karsan.
While the focus of the event was to learn about and test the buses, before a vote is cast to select the winner, a social dimension was also part of the event. Having received a civic reception from Daniel Butler, Limerick City & County Mayor, delegates also enjoyed some fine Irish traditional hospitality during their visit. On to the test itself, and the fact that all of the buses being assessed were electric powered did present some challenges.
Open to manufacturers participating in the European market, this year’s competition attracted quite different entries. The criteria for the test stipulated two axle vehicles with electric drivelines to give a reasonable degree of comparability. Unusually, right hand drive vehicles outnumbered left hand drive ones, reflecting the fact that this was the first time that the Bus Euro Test has ever been staged in Ireland.
Daimler Bus through its MercedesBenz brand brought over the e-Citaro RHD which is currently serving as a demonstration bus in the UK. Volvo entered the BZL electric chassis with a completely new body by MCV that will Pictured (l-r) Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Tom Terjesen, IBOY Jury Chairman; Mayor of Limerick Daniel Butler; Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine and Senator Maria Byrne.
be offered direct by Volvo, while the Harris Group supplied the 12m Higer Azure. MAN’s offering was the Lion’s City E and Turkish manufacturer Karsan provided the e-ATA.
EURO TEST
hIgEr azurE 12M Ev BuS
Harris Bus & Coach are the exclusive distributors for the Higer bus range for Ireland and the UK. As part of the commitment made by the Harris Group to bring electric mass transportation to the wider bus market it hasrecently launched the Azure 12 meter EV City-Bus, the second EV offering from the Harris Bus Division. This new model has been developed for the European market, has full European type approval, and is a close collaboration between Higer Bus and Harris Bus & Coach.
This completely new right-hand drive Higer Bus model, one of the first new production models to arrive in Ireland, was submitted for the recent EV bus competition held in Limerick. It proved to be an elegant bus, coming to the market with a very high level of standard equipment and a competitive price tag.
Components from eminent, blue-chip manufacturers are installed in the Azure, with ZF maintenance free axles, Bosch steering and Wabco brakes along with CATL Lithium-ion batteries. The use of these quality components will ensure the vehicle will have the maximum running time for the life of the bus cutting down on repairs, and making it easy to get parts etc.
Of all the entrants to the EV Bus of the year event, the range of the Azure proved to be one of the best. The Azure can achieve up to 500km on a single charge by using the regeneration system combined with specific EV driver training.
Throughout the Azure there is a feeling of great space, the bright interior is finished to a very high standard. Among the standard features are double glazed windows with black UV protection, alloy wheels and air conditioning with covid air filtration.
In the driver’s station there is plenty of storage space, room for a ticketing machine, and ancillary equipment. The area is well segregated to give the driver an independent and safe
working environment. Entry and exit are easy from a passenger point of view, with a super low floor and easy wheelchair & push-chair access.
Although not featured on the Higer Azure bus entered, Harris Group’s General Manager, Chris Haughton explained that by customer request, all Higer electric buses will in future be fitted with on-board defibrillators. He also suggested the possibility of power points for charging electric wheelchairs, which portrays a high degree of range confidence. Another proposed benefit for wheelchair passengers is a display that relays the driver’s view so that, as they are facing the rear of the vehicle, they can see where they need to alight.
Although the test Azure had standard exterior mirrors, Higer can supply digital mirrors. Also fitted is a system that allows the vehicle to be cleaned without the need to switch it on fully. A button on the dash, marked
WITh SpEcIal ThankS TO SpOnSORS:
EURO TEST
‘wash’, once pressed, turns the interior lights on for 15 minutes to enable cleaning to take place. Overall, the Higer Azure was impressive, the bus worked well, looked attractive and is well supported by Harris Bus & Coach. Some of the international jury members were amazed at the hands-on approach taken by the Harris team in terms of customer care, parts availability, and its general can-do attitude when it comes to giving individual customization for customers when ordering new vehicles.
What really works in the Higer Azure’s favor is the price and high overall standard specification. This includes a 75 kwh CCS2 DC charger, a 12-camera DVR system, double glazing, Michelin tyres, a driver training package and a mobile defibrillator. Considerably more standard features than any of the other candidates.
The Azure is a real contender for the Zero Emissions requirements that society urgently needs and it’s no surprise that Harris Bus & Coach have already seen orders come in for this impressive vehicle.
KarSaN E-ata 12
Karsan builds its products at Bursa in Turkey and bases its sales operations in Istanbul. Today Karsan is already achieving double-digit growth in market share over a three year period and has developed a full electric range covering 6m to 18m, which it sees as a stepping stone to the supply of autonomous buses. This approach was reflected in the bus tested, with the most modern equipment specified throughout.
The e-ATA 12 was designed from the outset as an electric bus and Karsan has maximised the advantages this brings in being able to make it fully low floor and stepless, helped by the use of hub motors and batteries mounted on the roof. It has taken full advantage of the opportunity to create an exceptionally light, passenger friendly environment. It also features three sets of doors that are the norm in many European cities.
Romania has figured strongly among early customers for the e-ATA, with 56 articulated e-ATA 18s in the process of delivery to Brasov and Timisoara. Karsan claims this is the biggest deal for electric buses yet signed with a Turkish company. The e-ATA is 95% recyclable, with a battery recycling service available through Karsan dealers.
This bus impressed and was in many ways the surprise package of the group test. The passenger area is bright and spacious – it certainly had the most space for passengers of all competitors under review. This Karsan model was the most imaginatively styled, both inside and out, with exaggerated curves at the front and rear, deep windows and a rear screen taking full advantage of a sharp upward kink in the ceiling line to fill the interior with light.
Passengers will love the airiness and the uncluttered feel of the bus, though clearly it would be less so with 111 people on board, the design of the rear part of the bus with its large windows allows plenty of light in. Instead of mirrors, the bus was equipped with cameras and LCD screens. The drivetrain is from ZF and in terms of performance is identical to the MercedesBenz, but when it comes to the range, Karsan quotes a range of 450 kilometres.
MaN LION’S cIty 12E
MAN’s arrival in Limerick marked the culmination of the eight-country, 2,448.8km ‘Electrifying Europe’ road trip from Munich which had seen the bus participating in promotional
events along the way. The 12m Lion’s City 12E is part of a family of buses from MAN that includes diesel and CNG alternatives.
This bus is designed to attract passengers, equipped with three doors and comes with high quality traits. It looks bright and fresh inside, with appropriate materials used intelligently.
Unusually, wheelchair bays were provided at the front of the centre door on both sides of the bus. At the back there is a full rear window and all seats are mounted at the same height in this area.
Suspension was quite solid, giving passengers a comfortable trip. The Lions’ City 12E normally operates within the central 80% of the battery capacity but further into its life this can be opened up to 90% to maintain range as the battery degrades. Battery life is now far more predictable than it once was and on shorter routes the units are capable of lasting up to 14 years. MAN provides individual guarantees of battery life based on usage and this can be up to 14 years.
Very smooth to drive and with no bad elements, this MAN’s drivetrain recuperated energy as soon as the foot left the accelerator. The handling was good and the driver’s environment and the video mirrors were easy to get used to. Drivers can monitor performances on the dash display, while a large screen keeps passengers entertained.
MAN has already announced many details about forthcoming enhancements to the Lion’s City electric which will retain NMC batteries. In two years’ time, the capacity of each battery pack will increase from 80kWh to 89kWh and this means that with other optimisations it is estimated that range will increase by 30%. The brand is confident that the next generation will have the range to cover over 95% of all routes and current thinking is that the unit will probably not need a mid-life battery change.
MErcEDES-BENz E-cItarO
Part of a Citaro family that has seen more than 60,000 built since it first appeared in the mid-1990s, the e-Citaro RHD is one of 29 models currently available from Daimler Bus, with the other two electric options being the e-Citaro and the articulated e-Citaro G. There is significant commonality between the different models of Citaro and the driving controls are mainly shared between them with only a few changes in the dash area for the electrics. Anything that can be fitted in a diesel Citaro can also be provided in an e-Citaro.
Built for the UK and Irish markets, it has a single front door. With this it has a manual ramp at the front door and an emergency door at the rear of the low floor section. There are 39 seats (including three tip-ups), 27 standees and one wheelchair space.
Trimmed in green and bearing the three-pointed star, the Mercedes-Benz Inter Star Eco seats are comfortable. Those in the forward section are cantilevered while the back row units are hinged to make cleaning easier. The 720 volt NMC traction batteries are arranged in 12 blocks, each weighing 250kg. Eight
are roof mounted with the remaining four at the rear. Despite the electric driveline, the consensus seemed to be that the e-Citaro drives much like any other Citaro, very comfortably, and would only take a driver accustomed to a diesel a few minutes to adjust. On the dash is the power meter showing current demand and recovery, plus indication of the state of charge of the batteries. The range, power available and charging indicator are accessed via the central display.
The steering proved easy to control. A difference in set up
with some of the other buses is that the e-Citaro does not recuperate any energy when taking the foot off the accelerator, preferring to maximise the benefits of kinetic energy. Equipped with regular rather than camera mirrors, the specification level of the test vehicle was high, with TPM (tyre pressure monitoring), SGA (sideguard assist), PBA (preventive brake assist, video surveillance monitors, a telematics system, rear view camera and additional LED lights among the special equipment fitted. While there was some debate, the suspension set up was deemed to be best of the lot, especially on poor surfaces.
vOLvO BzL
Another of the right hand drive candidates, the BZL (Bus Zero emission Low floor) is a new chassis from Volvo Bus, which is to be offered in both single and double deck forms in markets including the UK and Ireland. Its body featured single front door welded stainless steel bodywork built in Egypt by MCV. Volvo Bus will also be offering the BZL in the UK & Ireland with a second door in the centre, and optionally (for airports) with a third door. Airport customers can opt for an extended wheelbase within the same overall length to provide a longer low floor area.
Designed to suit both low floor and, as in this case, low entry, the BZL tested had a light interior and was trimmed in red and blue. With Vogel seats, the low entry layout results in two steps up ahead of the rear axle beyond which the seats are mounted on podiums. With seats at the level of each step, this gave a theatre seating effect in the centre of the bus. From the passenger perspective, although the interior was generally quiet, the air conditioning was a little noisy.
The drivelines of the 7900e and the BZL are similar. The bus tested had four 600 volt, 94kWh batteries giving a total capacity of 376kWh. Each battery pack weighs around 600kg and has nine modules with 600 cells per module. Volvo stated that the batteries and the whole of the energy storage system was protected by a fully integrated heating and cooling system that was completely separate from the driveline. Access to the enclosed cab was via a door up two shallow steps from the platform. Cameras rather than regular mirrors were installed, and a light steering feel kept the bus stable on the road. It pulled well, braking was efficient and it comfortable to drive.
cONcLuSION
The winner of the International Bus of the Year 2023 will be announced later this year at a special ceremony. Fleet Bus & Coach would like to acknowledge the sponsorship from Busworld, ZF, Tranzaura, FTA Ireland, The Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), National Transport Authority and Citylink. The excellent facilities of the Limerick Racecourse were used, national coach operator Eireagle provided transfers between Dublin Airport and Limerick, while local operator, Martin’s Coaches ran local shuttles. Former IBOY Chairman and UK jury member Stuart Jones, summed up his time in Limerick:
“The warmth of an Irish welcome is no myth, as we experienced several instances of people coming out of their houses, not to complain, but to ask about the vehicles and the event, which also featured on national television locally and in the local press. Fleet Bus & Coach, between them they not only provided everyone involved with a very professionally run Euro Test, but also with an appreciation of how Irish people cherish their culture and like to enjoy themselves. I’m sure many of us will be going back.”
Istanbul BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) - MOVING PEOPLE
Istanbul is a big city with a major traffic problem. It is ranked as being in the top ten cities in the world in terms of traffic congestion. Those who experience it would argue that it is near the top of that scale.
IETT (Istanbul Electricity, Tramway & Tunnel Company) is the main provider of Public Transport in the city. In spite of huge challenges, it is making a big impact on keeping the city and its citizens moving. Fleet Bus & Coach got the opportunity to visit the IETT HQ to get a feel on how this transport operator keeps its network moving, and to travel on one of the routes.
Operating 600 buses across its routes, over 1 million people travel on IETT’s system every day. It is a simple concept. The buses, normal urban commuter vehicles, run on a dedicated central section of roadway, similar to the Luas and can achieve significantly reduced journey times compared to using ordinary bus lanes. Only where the route crosses the Bosporus River is there any mix between it and ordinary traffic.
Built in four stages, starting in 2007, the final stage was completed in 2012. There are 45 stops on the journey. It operates 24/7 and 1,400 drivers are employed to keep it moving. Average speeds of 38 km/hour are achieved, one of the highest of its type in the world and significantly higher than what normal traffic can achieve, which is sometimes as low as 5 km/hour.
One of the key challenges for the operator is to keep the system moving efficiently. To assist with this, a staff of 17 people monitor 352 cameras in a control room in the head office. From there announcements can be made at stations, where delays are likely and incidents can be monitored. If there are emergencies, actions can be initiated from the control centre. At the control room all drivers can be contacted directly if necessary. In order to deal with a potential breakdown, tow trucks are strategically located along the route, so any bus can be removed with as short a delay as possible. Breakdowns and delays are monitored and the target is that an incident will be attended to within four minutes. Bus selection is important, bearing in mind the combined routes of all buses on a daily basis amounts to 260,000 kms. Currently four manufacturers supply vehicles, Mercedes-Benz, VDL, Akia and Otocar. Capacity varies from 166 to 280 passengers. Each bus should expect to cover 2 million kms in its lifetime. The more recent deliveries are Akia and Otokar which meet Euro 6 diesel emission regulations. It has been calculated that the system eliminates 99,000 car journeys, reducing carbon emissions by 760 tonne per day and in the process saving commuters an average of 38 minutes per day.
Running the BRT in Istanbul is a challenge and one that all the staff, from drivers, operators and controllers to management relish. At the depot
and in the control room, we witnessed a calmness that does not reflect the complexity of the system being operated. Staff were very proud to show us how efficient things were, but equally honest about where the potential problems can arise. Their confidence is not arrogant, it is gained from years of attention to detailed planning that keeps buses and commuters moving quickly and efficiently, knowing what to do when the unforeseen incidents that plagues every transport system occurs. As the commuters of Istanbul travel to work listening to their music catching up with social media, they are blissfully unaware of the silent army of people who keep everything moving.
Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
Are Bus Passengers Discriminated Against?
In terms of public transport there is a big focus on moving people away from their cars and onto buses, trains, trams, bicycles and in some cases walking. But just how practical is that? Best to look back at a few events in July of this year before we get too far ahead of ourselves.
Each weekend in July featured a GAA All-Ireland Semi-final or Final in football or hurling in Dublin. Actually on some weekends there were two big games. Then there were also some major out-door concerts held around the city in places like Marley Park and Malahide. These events put a huge strain on public and private transport. From two weeks out it was impossible to get a seat on the train to Dublin from any region that the competing GAA team was coming from. Hotel rooms were scarce and those that were available were extortionately expensive. Arriving and leaving Dublin on the motorway system was congested, with the motorway service areas along these routes very busy with service slow. I have personal experience of the M7 and the waiting times for refreshments were a little excessive. In addition, the Dublin Airport crisis was also impacting.
Around the same time an announcement was made to continue with the so-called ‘Metro’ transport system in Dublin, which could possibly help solve some of the delays and lack of provision problems. Will it? Who knows, but there are some things to consider. Metro was first proposed in 2005 before being shelved for various reasons. While the recent announcement of investment and the expected passenger journey numbers it could facilitate are impressive, there is a significant fly in the ointment. It will at best, not be operational until the early 2030’s – brilliant!
So looking at this backdrop, where does this leave the passenger transport industry, in particular the passengers traveling on buses? Do politicians and the establishment in general value their concerns, even their rights? Certainly passengers on buses are not as well regarded or provided for as cyclists or pedestrians, which is a touch discriminatory maybe.
Transport Minister Ryan attracts the bulk of the criticism from transport operators when it comes to Government policy for the sector. He has to take it on the chin, possibly being impeded in making progress because of his green credentials. If he does not give transport operators what they want, or what they perceive as necessary, he is obliged to facilitate efficient transport for the public, be they commuters, tourists, pilgrims or concert/sports fans. There are some signs of improved access for buses to events, but it is far from the norm. A phone call to a sporting organisation recently by a friend enquiring about bus access and where passengers could be dropped off received a curious response - “That’s not really our area, but the drivers will likely find someplace”. Not very helpful or strategic. If this problem was addressed by making bus transportation part of the planning process, then it might improve the parking problem. More importantly it might increase the numbers of people making the choice to switch from the car to the bus.
Transferring passengers from the car to the bus is something that can be achieved in a shorter timescale than transferring them to Metros and trains. The long-term plan to improve rail, tram and Metro services should continue, they are needed. We owe the coming generation good transport infrastructure as much as we owe them a clean environment. A twin-track approach to transport planning, short and long term is important. Walking and cycling is not the total solution.
Building roads, planning for extra road transport is an essential part of our future. The passenger transport sector is investing heavily in cleaner equipment with Euro 6E diesels, hybrid engines and to a lesser extent, electric buses. Eamon Ryan and the Green Party do not own the environment, but the other parties should make their policies known and all parties should be prepared to make brave, not populist decisions. If the bus industry is not seen by those in power as important, they surely cannot be as dismissive of their supports and voters that travel by bus.
