October 2020
Issue 419
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comment Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd
Tough winter ahead
Editorial Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com
Contact address: Bus and Coach Professional Plum Publishing Ltd, Unit 4 Marshbrook Business Park Church Stretton SY6 6QE Telephone: 01694 731510 www.busandcoach.com Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Bus and Coach Professional but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and opinions of contributors to Bus and Coach Professional are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions. Š Plum Publishing Limited 2020
THIS month should have seen us delivering lots of coverage of the forthcoming Euro Bus Expo event and launching our annual yearbook. But of course that has all had to be parked for a later date and instead we are all continuing to try and navigate a route through the pandemic and beyond. Our commitment to delivering future-focused content on the vital transition to a low- and zero-carbon future for buses and coaches remains unabated, but of course we are also covering the here and now, and focusing on the challenges for bus, and perhaps especially coach operators in these challenging times. While on the surface the bus sector has at least had some recognition and funding from government through the crisis, it is still immensely frustrating to hear the constant messaging from government ministers in all parts of the UK urging people to avoid public transport if they can. The danger is that this message may stick and it could be a considerable time till the sector can shake off this stigma, despite the fact that there is very little scientific evidence produced to back it up and the few studies that have been done seem to show that Covid protection measures instigated by operators have been very successful. And of course for the coach sector, the position is much, much worse. CPT continues to argue that there are very significant job losses and company failures in the offing unless government steps in with some sector-specific help. So far that has fallen on deaf ears at the Treasury, but the reality of a second wave of Covid now in progress could still change minds and pressure needs to be maintained. We are hearing of some very successful coach companies being in serious trouble. For some it is already too late, but the rest urgently need support alongside all the other sectors hit by continuing lockdowns and depressed demand including hospitality, events and the arts. It’s a tough winter ahead. All we can do is keep battling, continue to make the strong arguments for sector support and stick together.
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October 2020
 
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in this issue comment 5-11 news • CPT warns Lords committee 27,000 jobs at risk • High-specification ADL Enviro400s for Westbus • First Bus awarded £3million by Transport Scotland • New Falcon connections for Wellington Transport Benevolent Fund creates two Covid-related memorial funds
12 technology New air purification system from Coach Multimedia. New range of Enviro200 shock absorber bushes Timespace Bridge Alert aids bridge strike prevention
13-26 green • Newport sees Yutong electric go into service • First hydrogen-powered double-deck arrives in Aberdeen • VDL delivers 31 electric buses in Finland • Wrightbus hydrogen buses for Birmingham • Irizar ie buses for Strasbourg • Yutong electric coaches on Dundee-Edinburgh route • BYD electrics launched in Toronto
27-28 people • NCT’s Mark Fowles to retire in April after 27 years • New CEO at Campaign for Better Transport • Stagecoach appoints new UK managing director • Fearnley retires as Janette Bell appointed First MD • Obituary: Doug Jack
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October 2020
news
CPT warns Lords committee 27,000 jobs in the coach sector are at risk CPT has repeated its warnings about potential mass redundancies and business failures in the coach sector in evidence to the House of Lords’ Economic Affairs Committee. CPT chief executive Graham Vidler contrasted the government’s support for the bus sector through the provision of the Coronavirus Bus Services Support Grant with the situation for the coach industry which is very different with the furlough scheme and many finance holidays coming to an end. Vidler said that 27,000 jobs in the sector are at risk. Vidler pointed out that the new job support scheme will be of limited use to coach operators who will be unable to meet the hours threshold required to be eligible for support with only those undertaking home to school contracts most likely to benefit. He also stressed that government messaging encouraging people to work from home has damaged the public perceptions of the safety of public transport. “The bus and coach industries have both been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, and whilst CBSSG has been a lifeline for the bus network, there has been no
such support for the coach industry that is facing a loss of 27,000 jobs,” said Vidler. “Appearing before the committee presented the opportunity to raise this issue, and the committee must now take our message to government that they need to take into account the unique circumstances facing the coach industry and provide urgent
support. “It is also vital that the Committee tells government to ensure messaging encouraging people to work from home doesn’t slip into an avoid public transport message, and to take action now to shape how people travel in the future, with a strong pro-bus message.” www.cpt-uk.org
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news
Two high-specification ADL Enviro400 double deckers for Westbus
ALEXANDER Dennis has delivered two high-specification Enviro400s to Westbus, based in Hayes. Westbus’s new Euro 6 double-deck buses have 85 belted seats trimmed in E- Leather, an air chill system for the upper saloon, and radio and individual USB chargers at every seat. The pair of Enviro400 are the first vehicles to be adorned with a new logo and livery for
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the most challenging that we have ever experienced. “Nevertheless, we have had to try and focus on the future and we worked with ADL for months putting together vehicles that will not only impress our customers but also allow for more passengers to be socially-distanced whilst travelling if required.” www.alexander-dennis.com
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Westbus following a recent refresh of the company’s brand. “I am delighted with the new acquisitions that have been purchased for what the company sees as an area where demand is increasing for high-spec, highcapacity PSVAR vehicles,” says Tim Miles, Westbus general manager. “The last few months have been
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October 2020
Here when you need us... TBF continues to offer help and support to its members during these unprecedented times. Helping to make a difference. Just ÂŁ1 a week covers you, your partner and dependent children. Email help@tbf.org.uk to find out how we can help you, or visit www.tbf.org.uk Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016.
news
First Bus Scotland awarded over £3million by Transport Scotland to upgrade mid-life fleet
FIRST Bus has been awarded more than £3million as part of Transport Scotland’s Scottish Bus Emission Abatement Retrofit (BEAR) scheme following the announcement of the latest round of scheme funding. Stagecoach East Scotland has also been awarded £1.15million by Scottish Government to upgrade 63 buses. The Scottish Government grant towards the overall cost means that 165 further buses will have exhaust systems changed to meet the current Euro VI standard to significantly improve emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOX) and fine particulate matter (PM2). First Glasgow recently achieved
40 per cent of vehicles being Euro VI standard or better and its LEZ compliance plan envisages more than 60 per cent of vehicles reaching Euro VI standard once the 165-vehicle project is completed. First Bus recently announced its commitment to operating a zeroemission bus fleet by 2035 as well as pledging not to purchase any new diesel buses after December 2022. Andrew Jarvis, managing director for First Bus in Scotland, says: “Cleaner air is vitally important to all of us in society and we are determined to play our part in the communities that we serve. “This is another step on our
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journey to operating a fully zeroemission fleet by 2035 and we are already leading the way with the first commercially-operated electric buses in Glasgow as well as the soon-to-launch world’s first double-decker hydrogen buses in Aberdeen.” Stagecoach claims to be leading the deployment of cleaner vehicle technologies in the UK, including the purchase of electric, hybrid electric and hydrogen-fuelled buses, saying it has invested a total of more than £1billion in 7,000 new ‘greener’ vehicles in the past decade. www.firstgroup.com www.stagecoachbus.com
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news
New Falcon connections for Wellington
STAGECOACH South West’s coach service - the South West Falcon - is now serving two new stops in Wellington, Somerset. The Falcon is an interurban coach service connecting Plymouth, Exeter, Cullompton and Taunton with Bristol Airport and Bristol city centre. Launched in 2016, it is the only public transport link from the south west to Bristol Airport and operates 20 journeys a day,
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seven days a week. All nine coaches feature free wi-fi, power charging, air-conditioning and leather seats. And passengers can even enjoy a night out in Bristol now as Falcon coaches run 24/7. “We are delighted to be able to offer the residents of Wellington a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to travel,” says Mike Watson managing director,
Stagecoach South West. “By offering the commuters of Wellington a direct link to the key cities across the South West we hope to play an integral part in easing congestion on the M5 and boosting the region.” The new Wellington Megarider is priced at £30 for a week of travel to Exeter and £45 for a week of travel to Bristol. www.stagecoachbus.com
October 2020
news
Transport Benevolent Fund creates Covid-related memorial funds
L-R: Run For A Bus fund raisers Mike Higgins, James Cooper and Darryn Lapham presenting funds raised to TBF office manager Shaun Hearn and TBF CEO John Sheehy.
MANY of those working on the front line of the public transport industry have suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic. This has been the driving force for TBF to set up two new charitable funds, one each for the bus and rail sectors, in order to help those affected. Run For A Bus charity run, in aid of London bus workers, took place in June with participants running through the streets of London along the route of several designated bus services. The event raised more than ÂŁ10,000, which has been presented to the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO and will be ring-fenced to October 2020
support London bus workers and their dependants, who are not TBF members, and find themselves in need, hardship and distress due to the coronavirus. [Google #RunForABus to see the efforts of all those who took part.] London bus workers who have been affected by Covid-19 or are a dependant of a deceased London bus worker and would like to apply for assistance, are invited to get in touch with TBF by emailing help@ tbf.org.uk quoting RunForABus. Meanwhile, a rail sector memorial has been set up in the name of Belly Mujinga, the station staff employee who sadly lost her life
to the virus. Belly, a TBF member, was a frontline worker who faced threats and abuse whilst doing her job. Monies donated to TBF from the Rail Staff Awards annual charity raffle will be available to help rail staff workers who are not TBF members, affected by Covid-19. There is also a Virgin Money giving page, where donations can be made exclusively for this cause. TBF members who find themselves in need, hardship or distress, no matter what the reason, can access the full range of benefits by emailing help@tbf.org.uk.
 
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technology
The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector
Bridge Alert aids bridge strike prevention TIMESPACE Technology reports increasing demand for its Bridge Alert device, as operators are reminded of their obligation to prevent bridge strikes. Several recent incidents have again highlighted the need for operators to prioritise bridge strike prevention. The Timespace Bridge Alert is a driver aid which gives audible and visual warnings of low bridges. Bridge Alert works in conjunction with Timespace digital video recorders, the embedded Bridge Clear database and the vehicle’s
GPS system to alert drivers to the proximity of a low bridge. “Traffic commissioners have recently again stressed the need for operators to employ measures to mitigate the risk of bridge strikes,” says Henry Heylen, Timespace commercial director. “While route planning and driver training are undoubtedly essential, Bridge Alert provides additional reassurance. The dashboard-mounted device is easy to install and is a valuable tool to help all operators.” www.tspace.co.uk
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New air purification system from Coach Multimedia COACH Multimedia Systems has been supplying innovative products to the bus and coach industry for a number of years, including the introduction of USB chargers back in 2013 for which it is still a leading UK supplier and installer. It has now launched a new product, an air purification system, which is designed to give bus and coach operators peace of mind. The system ensures that passengers and staff are travelling in safety as the air within the vehicle is regularly filtered and disinfected by the patented filters and UVC-LED lights to keep bacteria and viruses at bay throughout the journey . 07933 47 48 48 andy.baxter@ coachmultimediasystems.co.uk
New HVAC for electric buses
New Enviro200 shock absorber bushes POLYBUSH has designed and manufactured Enviro200 shock absorber bushes for Alexander Dennis buses. The 9BR (DP084191) and 9BS (DP084190) minimise workshop maintenance time, according to Polybush, keeping vehicles on the road and reducing downtime. Polybush is an OE and after-
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market supplier to Alexander Dennis, producing a range of suspension bushes. Polybush says that the mechanical properties of of the product make it ideal for suspension bushes providing high tensile strength under high and constant loading. 01978 664316 sales@polybush.co.uk
GRAYSON has launched its passenger HVAC product for electric bus applications. The new eComfort 300 provides passenger heating and cooling for electric buses and utilises high-efficiency reversible heat pump technology. With integrated battery thermal management, the product allows for simultaneous battery cooling and passenger heating on the e-bus which will be common in most operating environments, says Grayson. There is also a 100 per cent fresh air option to help reduce the risk of Covid-19. https://www.graysonts.com/ wp-content/uploads/2020/09/6S_ BTMS-Trifold-Brochure-A4_ Vertical-View.pdf
October 2020
green Irizar ie buses for Strasbourg CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois) has placed an order for 49 electric 12m Irizar ie buses for the Strasbourg bus network. THE three-door vehicles will have 23 seats and two areas for wheelchairs. The buses are charged overnight by trickle charging and the batteries installed in the vehicles are developed and manufactured at Irizar e-mobility. The electronics and communications and their main components and systems are also developed by the Irizar Group. The first vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Aftersales support will be
October 2020
managed by locally contracted technical experts and personnel, to support local employment. Irizar´s zero emission electric vehicles are already in use in
European cities including Amiens, Bayonne, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Le Havre and will soon be operating in Orleans. www.irizar-emobility.com
 
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Newport sees Yutong electric in service
FIFTEEN Yutong electric buses are now operating in Newport with seven buses dedicated to three routes between Newport, Caerleon and Cwmbran, including picking up the staff and patients at The Grange University Hospital. The arrival of the Yutong electric fleet at Newport Transport has been supported by Zenobe Energy, owner and operator of battery storage facilities. Zenobe, which claims to power 25 per cent of the EV bus market in the UK, is providing Newport Transport with an end-to-end solution, including financing for batteries, the charging system at the depot with nine dedicated
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rapid chargers, and a software platform that helps monitor and optimise energy use. “We are delighted to see our partnership with Newport Transport drive the improvement of air quality in Newport, leading the way for Wales,” says Steven Meersman, co-founder, Zenobe Energy. “Our solutions are helping the UK meet its net-zero commitments, reducing pollution and ultimately helping to save lives. “We’re passionate about ensuring that people in Wales’s towns, cities and villages can travel in a safe, sustainable way, on a mode of transport which is a lifeline to so many.”
Scott Pearson, managing director, Newport Transport, adds: “Newport Transport is pleased to provide our customers with an important cleaner choice of public transport now and for the future. “This is a massive step forward for the company. Delivering such an innovative scheme, during a pandemic, with a strategic vision beyond these trying times is absolutely key to reducing our environmental impact, thus doing what we can to slow climate change.” www.zenobe.com www.newportbus.co.uk www.pelicanyutong.co.uk
October 2020
Rethinking energy
Zenobe is motivated by the right of every individual to breathe cleaner air. We empower businesses to transition to lower carbon emission power and transport systems. With over 100 electric buses in service, we serve around 20% of the UK’s bus market. To learn more about Zenobe’s proven track record, please visit our website:
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
New electric vehicles for Glasgow backed by Transport Scotland SULEB
FIRST Bus has been awarded more than £4million as part of Transport Scotland’s new funding programme, the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus scheme (SULEB), which will help support the purchase of 22 new electric buses for its Glasgow bus network. The new buses will be made by Alexander Dennis at Falkirk providing a boost for the sector and helping to secure jobs in the local area. First Glasgow is investing more than £5million alongside the government funding. Scottish Power Energy Net-
works will also be providing more than £300,000 in contribution to the project from its Green Economy Fund which will go toward the electrical infrastructure needed to charge the vehicles at First Glasgow’s Caledonia Depot. The project is aimed to be completed by autumn 2021 in time for the city hosting COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference. Andrew Jarvis, managing director, First Glasgow, says: “In January this year, we launched the city’s first electric buses on a commercial bus route since the trams and trolleybuses of the past and we are proud that we can now build upon
this with another 22 fully electric vehicles, which will replace the oldest buses in our fleet to further improve air quality in the city of Glasgow.” Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity Michael Matheson adds: “The Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme is providing economic stimulus to help drive a green recovery, responding to the climate emergency whilst improving air quality. I’m pleased these buses will be manufactured in Scotland, helping to support jobs and our bus manufacturing sector.” www.firstgroup.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL
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First hydrogen-powered double-deck Join the Join the arrives in Aberdeen conversation... conversation... LOW COST LOW COST REFURBISHMENT
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HE first hydrogen-powered double-deck bus has been revealed in Aberdeen, underlining the city’s commitment to the transition of green energy from oil and gas as part of a net zero vision. The Wrightbus hydrogen dou‘routeONE magazine’ ble-decks will be magazine’ doing a period ‘routeONE of final testing along with training for drivers before going into service next month. The buses 6 Coaches from £900 Coaches from £900 tel: 01522 p are claimed to be as efficient as parts: graham@bhiuk. Service buses from £750 Service buses from £750 electric equivalents, with refuelling taking less than 10 minutes Minibuses from £600 Minibuses from £600 while@routeoneteam offering a greater range.@routeoneteam Deckers from £950 Deckers from £950 Water is the only emission from Aberdeen city council co-leaders Douglas Lumsden and Jenny Laing with on any other Quotes other Quotes Bamford,on andany First Aberdeen’s David Phillips. the vehicles which reduces car- Wrightbus’ Jo vehicles on request vehicles on request bon emissions and the new buses contribute to the city’s commit- leader Jenny Laing says: “We are gen boundaries and greatly ment to tackling air pollution. very proud to bring the world’s assists us in tackling air pollution The UK’s first hydrogen pro- first hydrogen-powered double- in the city.” duction and bus refuelling station deck buses to Aberdeen as it Jo Bamford, Wrightbus owner /routeONEtv /routeONEtv was opened in Aberdeen in 2015, shows the city continues to be at and executive chairman, adds: as part of a £19million green the forefront of developing green “We’re immensely proud to be transport demonstration project. technologies.Day 07774 485310 putting the world’s first fleet of Day 07774 485310 The Aberdeen City Council-led “The rollNight out of 01789 the new 296884 double- hydrogen double-decks onto the Night 01789 296884 project tested the economic and deck buses will help to cementEmailstreets of Aberdeen. j.chandler1946@btinternet.com Email j.chandler1946@btinternet.com environmental benefits of hydro- Aberdeen’s position as an entre“These buses represent Daniel Lunnmuch Steven FINISHED more ALL than VEHICLES FINISHED Sales Manager gen transport technologies and preneurial ALL andVEHICLES technological Aberdeen striving to Senior Sales IN CERAMIC 2K PAINT IN CERAMIC 2K PAINT ‘Route One Magazine’ ‘Route OneasMagazine’ aims to drive the development of leader the EXTRA new buses come with reach a clean air, zero-carbon HARD WEARING EXTRA HARD WEARING hydrogen technologies. even more advanced technology future.” www.firstaberdeen.com Aberdeen city council co- which pushes established hydro-
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
VDL delivers 31 electrics in Finland
VDL Bus & Coach, has delivered 31 VDL electric buses to the Finnish cities Lahti and Kuopio. Thirteen Citeas LLE Electric will be delivered to Kuopion Liikenne Oy which provides public transport in Kuopio, a city in the interior of Finland, while in Lahti, approximately 100km north of the capital Helsinki, 18 Citeas LLE Electric will be put into operation with Koiviston Auto Oy. “We are seeing a rapid transition to electric and sustainable public transport in Finland,” says VDL Bus & Coach Finland managing director Sami Ojamo. “It
is a privilege to support our longstanding customer in this transition. This step means that we are able to strengthen our position as one of the leading suppliers in Finland even further.” Kuopion Liikenne Oy and Koiviston Auto Oy are part of the family-owned Koiviston Auto Group. The 31 new buses see the total number of Citeas LLE delivered by VDL Bus & Coach to Koiviston Auto Group exceed 200. “This has further deepened the strong cooperation we have had for years with VDL Bus & Coach,” says Antti Unkuri, CEO, Koiviston Auto Group. “We are both family
businesses, relying on the same standards and values. Especially in these early stages of e-mobility in public transport the support of VDL is valuable to us.” The Citeas in Lahti and Kuopio are equipped with a 35+4 seating arrangement, with space for one wheelchair or two prams. The buses are equipped with a 282kWh battery pack, for charging with CCS2 socket in Kuopio and a roof-mounted pantograph in Lahti. The low temperatures in winter which can drop below 30 degrees or even colder places high demands on the vehicles. www.vdlbuscoach.com
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October 2020
green Wrightbus H2 buses for Birmingham BIRMINGHAM City Council has purchased 20 new hydrogen double-deck buses as part of a Clean Air Hydrogen Bus Pilot which aims to kick-start the hydrogen market as a viable zero-emission fuel with the procurement and deployment of hydrogen buses. The Wrighhtbus vehicles will be delivered to National Express West Midlands from April 2021. The pilot project is designed to be the catalyst for the next generation of hydrogen buses, hydrogen production and re-fuelling infrastructure development. The council is also working with ITM, which will be producing and dispensing the hydrogen fuel
from a new re-fuelling hub at Tyseley Energy Park. Birmingham City Council cabinet member for transport and environment, Waseem Zaffar says: “I’m delighted that we will be introducing hydrogen buses to Birmingham next year. Fuel cell buses offer a practical solution for cities to decarbonise public transport and immediately improve air quality. It has taken us two years to get to a point where we can ensure commercial viability for this type of fuel cell technology and is great news for our city and the rest of the region.” Jo Bamford, chairman, Wrightbus adds: “We have an opportunity
with hydrogen-powered transport to make a huge difference to air quality. “But this fleet of buses represents much more than Birmingham striving to reach a clean air, zero-carbon future. It represents the start of what could be a world-leading UK hydrogen economy which will bring with it multi-million-pound investments and tens of thousands of jobs.” The development will see the start of fuel cell technology supply chains within the region and will help to support a new service and maintenance apprenticeship programme. www.wrightbus.com
BESPOKE TRANSPORT CONSULTANCY SERVICES • Governance & Corporate Arrangements • Operator Licence Changes • Strategic Development • HR Support & Advice • Bespoke Training
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Karsan wins new tender for 13 CNG buses in Bulgaria
KARSAN has won a city bus tender in Bulgaria to deliver 13 12m-long CNG-powered Citymood buses for the city of Pernik. Karsan’s Citymoods will replace ageing CNG-powered buses in the city. “We are happy to have won the tender with our 13 units of 12-metre CNG-powered City-
mood buses in the Bulgarian market, where we had already put our foot in the door with our Jest and Atak vehicles,” says Muzaffer Arpacıoğlu, deputy general director, Karsan. “Thanks to the strong relationships we have established with our dealers despite the pandemic and our strict monitoring of the target markets, we steadily
continue to receive orders from various cities in Europe and win public transportation tenders.” The CNG-powered Citymood has a 7.8l FPT CURSOR 8 Turbo CAS Intercooler CNG-powered engine which produces up to 243kW and a maximum torque of 1,300 Nm. www.karsan.tr
BYD electric buses for Finnish market BYD has entered the Finnish bus and coach market for the first time after securing orders WITH Nobina. A total of 106 various BYD models will comprise 64 units for Nobina services in Helsinki and 42 units for Nobina’s operation in Turku, together representing the largest ever order for eBuses in Finland. Nobina also becomes the first European operator to order BYD’s latest 15m three-axle lowfloor eBus model. A total of 42
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of the new vehicles will go into service on Nobina’s operation in Turku, on Finland’s south-west coast, in summer 2021. The 15m model offers a 47+3 seating capacity and delivers a single-charge range of 400km under SORT 2 test conditions, according to BYD.. Nobina’s fleet order for its Helsinki operation – with deliveries to begin in 2021 – includes 20 BYD 12m models and 44 BYD 18m articulated models.
BYD’s existing relationship with Nobina includes buses operating in Sweden, Norway and now Finland.
www.nobina.com www.byd.com
October 2020
green Yutong electric coaches for Scotland on Dundee-Edinburgh route
TRANSPORT start-up Ember is launching two all-electric Yutong coaches for its first route between Dundee and Edinburgh. The plan has worked with Triodos Bank UK to secure a £490,000 loan as part of the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. The route will be the UK’s first 100 per cent electric intercity coach service. The new coaches will make the 125-mile roundtrip between Dundee and Edinburgh on a single charge, according to October 2020
Ember. The 90-minute journey will allow residents and tourists to enjoy eco- and user-friendly intercity travel and bookings can be made online and travellers will be able to track the bus in real-time using an app. Ember, which was incorporated in June 2019, aims to use this initial two-coach pilot to prove that the technology, operational capacity and demand for electric coach travel is viable. Pierce Glennie, co-founder,
Ember, says: “Being able to partner with Triodos Bank has given us the confidence to accelerate our plans to provide modern, fully-electric coach services. Building our technology from the ground up means we are optimising everything around a fully electric fleet, allowing us to offer lower prices and a better service, all with zero emissions.” www.ember.to www.triodos.co.uk
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
EMT Madrid places third order with Irizar e-mobility IRIZAR e-mobility has signed a new contract with EMT Madrid to supply 20 electric 12m Irizar ie buses. This is the third contract with EMT Madrid and it also includes the supply of 20 interoperable chargers, developed and manufactured by the Irizar Group. The vehicles have a range of 220km and have two doors, 28 seats and two wheelchair spaces. For charging, Irizar will supply 20 100kW chargers that will charge the vehicles overnight using a Combo 2 plug-in charging socket. With this latest 20-unit order, Madrid will have 55 zero emission Irizar brand buses. The first order that EMT Madrid placed with Irizar e-mobility was in 2017, for 15 Irizar i2e buses.
These were put into operation were commissioned at the start of in the capital at the beginning of this year. www.irizar-emobility.com 2018. In 2019, EMT purchased a further 20 units of the ie bus which
BYD electrics launched in Toronto TEN 40-foot BYD K9M batteryelectric buses are being put into service by the Toronto Transit Commission, Canada’s largest and North America’s third largest transit operator. The ten buses are the first to be delivered from BYD’s 45,000 sq ft assembly facility in Newmarket, Ontario. “This is an important milestone for the city, for the province and BYD, and we can’t wait for Torontonians to see what BYD’s combination of best-inclass technology, and Canadian know-how can deliver for their city,” says BYD Canada vice pres-
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ident Ted Dowling. “Beyond the jobs they create, these ten buses delivered to Toronto will help remove nearly
8,400 metric tonnes of GHG from the atmosphere over their lifetime.”
www.byd.com
October 2020
green Enviro400ER achieves Ultra Low Emission Bus certification
ALEXANDER Dennis’ Enviro400ER double-deck has now been fully certified as an Ultra Low Emission Bus by the UK’s Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. The ADL Enviro400ER is an electric range hybrid capable of running in zero-emission mode for up to three miles. Developed in partnership with BAE Systems, it uses an electric driveline, powered by a 32kWh battery and charged by an on- board generator. The Enviro400ER delivers zero emissions without requiring external charging infrastructure, although it can be charged October 2020
through a plug-in connection. The Enviro400ER has now been fully accredited as an Ultra Low Emission Bus, meeting the requirement of saving 31 per cent of well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions over the UK Bus Cycle compared to a Euro VI diesel bus of equivalent passenger capacity. Ken Scott, ADL engineering director, says: “The Enviro400ER’s certification as Ultra Low Emission Bus confirms our position as the UK’s leading supplier of green buses. “Capable of zero-emission operation, the Enviro400ER delivers immediate carbon savings and air
quality benefits that can be further enhanced by the stepwise introduction of charging infrastructure.” ADL launched the Enviro400ER in 2019 when GoAhead Group’s Brighton & Hove introduced 30 buses to cut emissions in Brighton’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. The plug-in version has also been chosen by the Republic of Ireland’s National Transport Authority in a framework deal for up to 600 Enviro400ER, the first 100 of which will be delivered later this year. www.alexander-dennis.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Volvo delivers the world’s northernmost electric buses VOLVO is set to deliver the northernmost electric buses with an order for the city of Bodö in the north of Norway for 31 electric buses, charging infrastructure and servicing. When the buses become operational in July 2021 they will be the first to enter operation north of the Arctic Circle. “This is the largest sustainability project for road transport in northern Norway, and it is of immense significance for both the region and for us,” says Anders Mjaaland, administrative director, Saltens Group, owner of Nordlandsbuss. Of the 31 electric buses that make up the order, 17 are 12m Volvo 7900 Electrics and the remaining 14 are Volvo 7900 Electric articulated buses which can carry up to 120 passengers. The charging infrastructure will be delivered by ABB. www.volvobuses.com
Stena Recycling partnership gives Volvo bus batteries second life
A new cooperation between Volvo Buses and Stena Recycling subsidiary Batteryloop should mean that the service life of bus batteries is significantly extended and natural resources are conserved. After the batteries are removed from Volvo’s buses, they will be re-used as energy storage units for a number of years, for instance in buildings and charging stations. “Volvo Buses is one of the pio-
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neers in electromobility which provides clean, quiet and efficient public transport,” says Håkan Agnevall, president, Volvo Buses. “We have a clear-cut sustainability strategy at every single stage of our value chain, and we are now taking yet another step forward through planned, consistent re-use of bus batteries. “In our electromobility operation we are thus creating a new circular business cycle and this
cooperation is truly a major step in the right direction”. The recently-signed agreement has a global reach and covers all the batteries for which Volvo Buses is responsible in its electric buses the world over. To date most of these buses are to be found in Europe, but the number of electrified buses is expected to increase in other parts of the world too. www.volvobuses.com
October 2020
For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com
people
New CEO at Campaign for Better Transport CAMPAIGN for Better Transport has appointed Paul Tuohy as its new Chief Executive. Tuohy has worked for six years with Cycling UK, formerly the Cyclists’ Touring Club, and previously with YMCA and RNIB and was CEO of Missing People. “The work of Campaign for Better Transport has never been more important than it is today,” says Tuohy. “The pressing need to bring transport’s greenhouse gas emissions in line with net zero targets has been joined by the need to recover and renew transport
networks after Covid-19 and reverse the trend of people returning to cars. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Campaign for Better Transport at this crucial time as it works for a transport system that is sustainable and fair, that connects people with opportunities and improves community life. I want Campaign for Better Transport to work alongside the Government to ensure effective, reliable, sustainable transport systems are in place as soon as possible.” www.bettertransport.org.uk
NCT’s Mark Fowles to retire in April after 27 years NOTTINGHAM City Transport managing director Mark Fowles is to retire in April 2021, after 27 years of service. Fowles joined the bus industry in 1984 on the National Bus Company’s senior management training scheme where he held various management roles. In June 1994 he became deputy MD at NCT, representing it in the consortium to win the contract to operate Line One of the Tram. Fowles took over as MD in 2001 and following the successful bid, also assumed the role of the chairman of the Arrow Consortium which re-introduced trams to Nottingham in 2004. “I have really enjoyed my time at NCT, joining initially to see the tram through to breaking ground and staying on to change both the culture and performance of NCT,” says Fowles. “It should be the ambition of any leader that during their stewardship, they move the organisation forward, I would like to think that I have done so with NCT. “I believe that for the future, NCT will need to adapt its style of management to accommodate the changing exterior environment and this is a long-
term process that should be managed from start to finish by a new cohesive team. I have every confidence that those members of the senior management team who remain, after my departure, are more than capable of managing, adapting and taking NCT forward to even greater success.” www.nctx.co.uk
Obituary: Doug Jack DOUG Jack, the widely respected bus and coach industry consultant, has died aged 78. His passion for the bus and coach industry began at an early age and remained with him throughout his life. He was a familiar face at bus and coach exhibitions all around the world and his knowledge was considered unrivalled by many. Having graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in Scottish law, he joined Leyland Motors in 1966. After practical training on the shop floor in various departments, he became legal advisor of British Leyland Truck & Bus Division on its formation in October 2020
1968 and company secretary in 1971. An enthusiastic traveller, he became export sales manager in 1975. Doug subsequently became sales marketing director for Duple coach builders where he introduced a more modern range of products. And as managing director for Salvador Caetano (UK), he later established a UK subsidiary for the Portuguese bodybuilder. Doug is survived by his two sons, Robert (a transport journalist and publisher of Passenger Transport magazine) and James.
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people
For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com
Stagecoach appoints new UK managing director STAGECOACH has appointed Carla StocktonJones as its new UK managing director. Stockton-jones joined Stagecoach in February 2020 as regional director, south of England after holding senior positions with Sky since 2012 as director of home service and previously director of retail. Since July 2020, she has been interim UK managing director and has been leading Stagecoach’s business transformation programme and Covid19 recovery plans, including engagement with the Department for Transport around the sector’s transition out of the pandemic. “I’m proud to be heading the UK business as Stagecoach marks 40 years of keeping Britain connected. Stagecoach, its people and its services have made and continue to make a hugely positive impact on our economy, in our communities and in protecting our environment,” says Stockton-Jones.
In addition to her company roles, Carla has worked as a member of the Maggie’s cancer care board since 2016, helping raise awareness and funding for the charity to achieve its vision of having a care centre attached to every NHS hospital in the UK.
www.stagecoachgroup.com
Fearnley retires from First Bus as Janette Bell appointed managing director GILES Fearnley is retiring as First Bus managing director later this year and will be succeeded by Janette Bell who joins the group this month. Fearnley has been managing director since February 2011. In 1991, Fearnley led a management buy-out of Blazefield Holdings and remained as chief executive for two years following the group’s sale to Transdev in 2006. In the mid-1990s he moved to the rail sector and was one of the founders of Prism Rail, which operated four UK passenger rail franchises, and led that group prior to the sale in 2000 to National Express. He then served as chairman of Grand Central, the open access rail operator, prior to its sale to DB in 2011. Bell was previously chief executive officer of P&O Ferries. Having joined them in 2012 as commercial director, she became CEO in 2018. She started out at Tesco, where she was a graduate trainee, before becoming a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and has also worked with Hammerson plc and Centrica. Fearnley says: “It has been a great privilege to lead First Bus for approaching ten years. With the recent advances we have made in our innovative customer offering; strong partnership working with local authorities and now with our roadmap to a zeroemission fleet in place, it is the right time for me to retire and hand over to Janette.”
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Janette Bell adds: “I’m delighted to be joining First Bus and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I know there is a bright future for the high-quality, lowcarbon services that we bring to communities across the UK.”
www.firstrgoup.com
October 2020
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