December 2020
driving towards a greener future
Yutong EV fleet in action for Go North East
Issue 421
Wishing you and your families our warmest season’s greetings and looking forward to a fresh and bright New Year.
comment Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd
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. © Plum Publishing Limited 2020
December 2020
A year to forget, or a year to learn from? THE year 2020 will be indelibly etched in the minds of those who lived through it, and for those running businesses which depend on social interaction as ours does, it has been the challenge of a lifetime. I’ve heard people saying that they can’t wait for this year to end and hoping for better times in 2021. It’s an understandable reaction, but both as individuals and as business owners, we have all had a short, sharp lesson in 2020 about what is really important. On a personal level, we’ve all recognised that it is family, friends and community that makes life worth living; and for a business, the sudden imposition of an economic shutdown on a scale that none of us has ever imagined, meant we’ve had to learn fast about what is the purpose and priority of business. An online session with coach operators and supplier members of the Coach Tourism Association this week saw accounts from two leading businesses in our sector, Edwards Coaches and Maynes Coaches, who have responded to the Covid-19 crisis by re-imagining their entire business outlook and re-focusing on new priorities. Of course, a significant part of this was about controlling costs - cash is king, after all - but there were also examples of learning from the past including demonstrating the value of employee and key worker transport by coach and bringing services such as tour operation back into the fold as a home-grown product. Clearly, we still have a tough winter and spring to navigate, but if you’re able to survive through this, and can put time, energy and imagination into re-energising your whole team, there may be opportunities to come out of it as a stronger business. See you on the other side.
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in this issue comment 5-13 news • Transdev promotes blueprint to ‘Build Buses Back Better • First Bus app wins national award • Stagecoach responds to latest franchise consultation • West Yorkshire considers enhanced bus partnership
5-13 news • ArrivaClick launches new on-demand service in Kent • New accessible Leopard for Pulham’s Coaches • Shiel Buses takes new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo • New Scania coach trio for Carvers Coaches
16-17 technology • New 100-page product guide from TDS • Grayson develops cab air solution for London drivers
18-28 green • VDL Bus & Coach launches new generation of Citea • Ricardo works on new hydrogen solution for fuel cell buses • Largest ever EV order won by Yutong • Optare to become Switch Mobillity • Greater Paris receives first electric coach from BYD • Series production kicks off for MAN Lion’s City E in Poland • ADL delivers BYD ADL Enviro200EVs to Waiheke Island
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Decembber 2020
news
Transdev promotes blueprint document to promote ‘Build Buses Back Better’ TO kick-start a debate on the future direction of transport in the north of England, Transdev has produced a 28-page prospectus, ‘Build Buses Back Better’ which sets out a blueprint to create innovative, integrated bus networks at the heart of a post-pandemic economic and social revival in the North’s urban and rural communities. The brochure is being mailed to more than 200 decision makers and business leaders across the region served by Transdev, from central Lancashire to the Yorkshire coast. Transdev CEO Alex Hornby says: “2020 has of course been the year of COVID-19, which has produced unprecedented challenges for us as a leading bus operator – which I’m proud to say we continue to battle through, thanks to our amazing customers and colleagues. But as we approach 2021 with a real prospect of an end to the current restrictions, it’s time to turn our eyes to the future and the opportunities ahead. “The prime minister’s New Deal sets out to tackle unresolved challenges, and in his own words, to ‘Build Back Better’. We want to
build buses back better too, using our track record of success in growing bus networks and Transdev’s worldwide multi-modal expertise – but across Britain there’s an inconsistent picture, with isolated pockets of growth and limited policy support and investment in infrastructure to help buses provide an answer to issues such as pollution and congestion. “As a pioneer in our industry
using new technology to provide low- and zero- emission buses, we have a positive track record of success in growing bus usage through investment, a high-quality product and marketing. We believe 2021 can be a year of unique opportunities for the bus – and now is the time to start a conversation about this comeback and how we make the most of it.” www.transdevplc.co.uk
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ArrivaClick launches new on-demand service for Ebbsfleet Garden City in Kent
ARRIVA is launching a new flexible bus service in Kent funded by residential homebuilders Redrow and landowner Henley Camland. The ArrivaClick service will provide a new route that can be booked on demand, aiming to offer f lexible and cost effective public transport with the convenience of a private taxi. As part of the development of 15,000 homes in Ebbsfleet Garden City residents and visitors will benefit from a new and more sustainable way of getting around, reducing the need for private car ownership. The service is simple to use through the ArrivaClick App powered by technology from ViaVan. Rides are booked directly from a smartphone by selecting a pick-up
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and drop-off location. The app will enable multiple riders to share the same vehicle, directing passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off. This allows for efficient shared trips without lengthy detours. The app will also display the price and time of each journey and allow tracking of the ride. The service will run seven days a week starting at 06:00 and operating through to 01:00, except on Sunday when services will stop at midnight. Fares start from £1 and are based on trip distance. Weekly passes and credit bundles are also available. Adam Toone, business development director, Arriva UK Bus, says: “ArrivaClick will enable on
demand commuter connectivity like never before, whilst providing the satisfaction of a greener way to travel.” Ebbsfleet is the fourth region to receive the demand-responsive transport solution, which was first introduced by Arriva in 2017. The service includes up to three minibuses, seating up to 15 people (currently a reduced capacity of six to ensure social distancing), operating within a defined operating zone. All the mini-buses are fully accessible, with space for pushchairs and front kerbside double door access and a low-level foldout wheelchair ramp. Passengers can pre-register as a wheelchair user. www.arriva.co.uk
December 2020
news
First Bus app wins national award
FIRST Bus has been awarded Travel App of the Year at the UK App Awards with its partner Future Platforms. Judges announcing the win praised the implementation of ‘customer-first’ features that were fast-tracked during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since March, First Bus has worked with partners to develop and deliver initiatives which support safe and convenient travel for customers throughout the pandemic and beyond. Working closely with partners Ticketer and Transport API, live vehicle tracking and capacity updates were introduced to the December 2020
First Bus App in version 4.7 earlier this year. Future Platforms, a joint recipient of the award, designed the interface ensuring that the live data is shown in a clear and accessible way for customers. The ease of use, and speed of implementation of the live tracking, had already received praise from customers and stakeholders after First Bus became the first major bus operator in the UK to roll out the live tracking App updates. Janette Bell, First Bus incoming managing director: “Our award win is a celebration for every-
one who has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to fasttrack new App capabilities for our customers, and we’re thrilled that they’ve been recognised by the UK App Awards. “Following the introduction of national lockdowns across the UK, we understood that live tracking and visibility of bus capacity would be of significant benefit to our customers following the introduction of social distancing onboard our vehicles. “Our partners worked with us at pace to make this a reality and the feedback has been phenomenal.” www.firstgroup.com
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Stagecoach responds to latest Manchester franchise consultation GREATER Manchester Combined Authority is planning to proceed with its long-running plans for a proposed bus franchising scheme by undertaking a public consultation which runs to 29 January 2021. The move has motivated Stagecoach to rekindle its Recovery Partnerships concept. Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach chief executive, says: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on all public transport networks across the country, regardless of how these systems are structured. The key lesson has been the posi-
tive impact from government, local authorities and public transport operators working in partnership to deliver the vital services that customers and communities need in very challenging circumstances. “We believe there is a major opportunity to build on this strong collaboration to put in place new Recovery Partnerships to rebuild bus networks and attract passengers back. “We will continue to work constructively with stakeholders in Greater Manchester and elsewhere to deliver the best and most sus-
tainable bus networks for communities for the long-term.” Recovery Partnerships would involve an agreement between bus operators and local transport authorities to work together to deliver a new post Covid-19 bus network, including short and long-term measures to deliver a sustainable system to meet passenger priorities. The operators acknowledge that the partnerships would just act as a bridge from the current interim arrangements to a longer-term commercially sustainable system. www.stagecoach.com
West Yorkshire considers enhanced bus partnership with operators
W EST Yorkshire Combined Authority is working with operators to consider building on the success of its West Yorkshire Bus Alliance with a more formal partnership which could help deliver deals on fares to help encourage more bus travel; guarantees of consistent standards across different operators; better integration of customer travel information; and devolution of bus funding to the Combined Authority to support services more efficiently. The Combined Authority is also setting out the results of a review
of the region’s core bus network which identifies opportunities to improve services and grow the number of people travelling by bus. The review shows that improving frequencies, linking to areas of economic growth and investing in vehicles and bus priority measures, could lead to an additional 24 million bus journeys by 2033. “The bus service is relied upon by people across West Yorkshire to connect them with work, education and leisure and we have worked with operators to ensure
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buses have been available through the pandemic,” says Kim Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee. “We will continue to consider the case for franchising and will press the government to give local areas the freedom and funding to pursue the options we believe are appropriate to meet local needs, including public ownership. An enhanced bus partnership represents an opportunity to deliver for passengers as that wider work continues.” www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
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December 2020
ADL and Plaxton
...are not just for Christmas!
Readily available stock
PSVAR coaches
High capacity double deckers
Used vehicles
2020 has been a tough year for the bus and coach industry as it rose to challenges it had never faced before. At ADL and Plaxton, we would like to thank you for your continued custom and partnership as we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We will still be at your side in 2021, and we have exciting things to come!
www.alexander-dennis.com
New wheelchair-accessible Plaxton Leopard for Pulham’s Coaches
ALEXANDER Dennis has delivered a wheelchair-accessible Plaxton Leopard coach to Pulham’s Coaches of Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. Pulham & Sons Coaches has provided transport services in the Cotswolds since 1880, making it one of the longest-established bus and coach operators in the United Kingdom. The fourth-generation family-owned and operated business offers coach hire and school services along with a network of
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bus routes in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Home-to-school transport has contributed strongly to the company’s growth in recent years, taking its fleet size to 55 coaches amid consistent investment in modern vehicles. The latest investment is a 57-seat Plaxton Leopard built on Volvo B8R chassis to PSV Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR), making it accessible to wheelchair users and future-proofing Pulham’s Coaches’ fleet. The new
Plaxton Leopard has replaced an earlier, non-accessible vehicle of the same type. “We have been getting on the front foot with PSVAR,” says director Andrew Pulham. “The Plaxton Leopard has already been a strong performer in our fleet, giving us excellent value for money, so the decision to invest in the latest accessible version was an easy one as this ticks all the boxes for a versatile vehicle.” www.alexander-dennis.com
December 2020
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New Scania coach trio delivered to Carvers Coaches
W I R R A L -B A S E D C a r v e r s Coaches has taken delivery of its latest three Scania vehicles. A key aspect of this important purchase for the company has been Scania’s ability to supply vehicles with PSVAR conversions to be carried out at a later date built into the purchase price. “Despite the ongoing effects of coronavirus, we believe it is essential to continue investing in quality vehicles to protect our brand image and the future of the business,” says Carvers Coaches proprietor Mark Carver. “The two-
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year repair and maintenance will be carried out by Scania Ellesmere Port, where Mark Urmston and his team have always given us excellent levels of service. This, together with the fact that Scania were able to include future PSVAR conversions in the upfront purchase price was a deal clincher. One of the three Scania coaches supplied to Carvers Coaches is a 13.9m 6x2 Scania Touring based on Scania’s K 410 EB chassis with 59-seats with leather headpad, piping, three-point seatbelts and seat back tables. The vehicle has a cen-
tre sunken toilet, a Frenzel drinks unit, DVD player with two monitors, climate control air conditioning, and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels. The second coach is a 12.1m 4x2 Scania Touring based on the Scania K 360 IB chassis with 51 seats, and the third is a 12.8m 4x2 Scania Interlink based on the Scania K 410 EB chassis with 53 half leathertrimmed seats. Based in Ellesmere Port, Carvers Coaches began trading in 2003 and now has a 15-strong fleet. www.scania.co.uk
December 2020
news
Shiel Buses takes new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo for Citylink contract
BASED in Fort William, familyowned Shiel Buses has taken a new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. The company has more than 40 years of experience and operates school and service contracts as well tours in the West Lochaber area and beyond. Most of its fleet of 48 vehicles is PSVAR-compliant. David MacGillivray, director, Sheil Buses, says: “The driver and December 2020
passenger feedback on the Tourismo has been really positive since we bought two in 2018. Both Tourismos were purchased initially for our Citylink contract, which runs from Skye and Fort William in the Scottish Highlands to Glasgow. “This high mileage and arduous route has highlighted a fantastic return on fuel economy, vehicle
handling and reliability. The vehicle build quality coupled with the new safety features on the new Tourismo Coach, such as the front collision guard, enhances the vehicle perfectly.” The new Tourismo ordered by Shiel Buses has been supplied by Mercedes-Benz Coach Sales at EvoBus (UK). www.daimler.com
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FLEET RESOURCING LTD - COACHES FOR SALE
New 2020 Mercedes Centro 22 seats
2019 Volvo B11R Sunsundegui SC 7 53 seats WC
2019 Iveco Daily Compa 29 seats
2019 MAN Neoplan Tourliner 57 seats WC
2019 Volvo B8R Sunsundegui SC5 38 seats WC
2019 Scania Higer 57 seats WC
2018 Scania Higer 57 seats WC
2018 Iveco Turas 700 29 seats
2018 Volvo B8R Sunsundegui SC5 37 seats WC
Choice of 2017 Mercedes Tourismo 48 seats WC
Choice of 2017 Scania Caetano Levante 55 seats WC PSVAR
Choice 2016 & 2017 Mercedes Tourismos 57 seats WC
2 x 2016 MAN Neoplan Tourliner 53 seats WC
2 x 2016 Scania Higer 57 seats WC
2016 MAN Neoplan Tourliner 61 seats WC
2018 Mercedes Tourismo 57 seats WC
2017 Yutong TC9 35 seats
2016 Volvo B11R Jonckheere 53 seats WC
2017 Mercdes Tourismo 57 seats WC
2016 Scania Vanhool TX15 49 seats WC
For further details and a full stock list Tel Mark 0791 961 2374 / William 07889 469157 Email: fleetresourcing@gmail.com Web: www.busandcoachcentre.co.uk
FLEET RESOURCING LTD - COACHES FOR SALE
Choice of 2016 Mercedes Tourismo 48 seats WC
Choice of 2016 Mercedes Tourismo bespoke to your request PSVAR
2016 Mercedes Tourismo 49 seats WC
2 x 2015 Volvo 9700 53 seats WC
3 x 2015 Scania Higer 57 seats WC
2015 Volvo B9R Sunsundegui 49 seats WC
2014 Scania Irizar i6 49 seats WC
2014 Vanhool TX 16 Alicron 53 seats WC
2016 Scania Higer 49 seats WC
2014 Setra 416 GT HD 49 seats WC
2013 Mercedes UNVI Riada 28 seats
2011 Volvo Caetano Levante Tri-axle 55 seats WC
2010 Scania Irizar PB 53 seats WC
2009 Scania Irizar PB 57 seats WC
2008 Scania Irizar PB 49 seats WC
2008 VDL Berkhof 78 seats PSVAR compliant
2008 Mercedes Tourino 33 seats WC
2008 & 2014 Mercedes Plaxton Cheetah choice of three
2007 Iveco Plaxton Panther 53 seats
2005 Scania Irizar Century 49 seats WC
For further details and a full stock list Tel Mark 0791 961 2374 / William 07889 469157 Email: fleetresourcing@gmail.com Web: www.busandcoachcentre.co.uk
technology
The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector
New 100-page product guide available from TDS
Y O U N G
Serving the Bus & Coach Industry since 2006
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LEADING UK BUS DOOR PARTS SUPPLIER & DOOR SYSTEM MANUFACTURER EXTENSIVE PART CROSS REFERENCING CAPABILITY OFFICIAL UK & IRISH AGENT/SERVICE PARTNER
www.transportdoorsolutions.co.uk © 2020 - All rights reserved – Transport Door Solutions Ltd
identification of the parts.
are not shown, TDS can supply many more, just call 01787 473000. Ideally when making enquiries, customers are asked to provide the door’s serial number or the vehicle’s model name and age to help
For more information and to request a copy of the catalogue, please email sales@transportdoorsolutions.co.uk Request your copy of the NEW Product Guide!
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TR ANSPORT Door Solutions (TDS) has released a new product AGENTguide, FOR showcasing its range of bus of Holland and provides a full part and service support on the now commonly door system components and ser& RS (Rapid Sliding) door systems in all major UK fleets. Over 700 commonly R response andvice full access to technical & drawing data is available on request parts. Since its inception in 2006, TDS has supplied more than a million components, primarily to UK cusMcGregor Young Ltd, the market leading supplier of bus glazing systems to hem for your glazing needs including Side Windows and Driversthe Signalling, tomers as well as across world. Hopper Units. The new printed product guide has 3 davidwatt@mcgregor-young.co.uk been produced during lockdown URCING NEERING at the request of many customor older & difficult to obtain parts. Equivalents can ers,specification and is designed to make part ngineered to a high including mechanical types. We just require samples, identification easier in workshop t us in this process. environments and where internet RVICE SUPPORT access difficult. ned Service Agent Network inis the UK & all TDS and Ventura door systems in The 100-page high quality cataelectrical & mechanical troubleshooting all other common door systems including BCE, Bode, cy Lane/Overtonlogue systems. includes the most regularly used service parts on the most PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE programmes topopular improve workshop confidence when typical vehicles inmaintaining UK fleets. In cific training available on TDS & Ventura door systems. addition, the company supply tive maintenance & healthcheck inspections for older UK fittedcan door systems and offers attractive parts inclusive packages. Prolong the life of your system larger parts such as complete door e. leaves, mechanisms and shafts, FACTURER of Pneumatic Glider door systems to thebe Optare Group and has should any needed insupplied the over event tly operate in the UK & Worldwide locations. We also supply Electric Glider & of accident damage. welfare vehicle producers including Trekabus. Familiar vehicle models include mpus, Tempo & Versa. Trekabus 16 & Mellor Maxima/Strata HF. TDS can supply parts for Ventura doors as well as its own designs, in addition to the majority of older Peters and Deans door systems. Coach doors manufacDoor Solutions Ltd, 43 Broton Drive, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HB, UK. tured by the likeswww.transportdoorsolutions.co.uk of BCE, Masats x: +44 (0) 1787 477040 sales@transportdoorsolutions.co.uk transportdoorsolutions TransportDoors and Revar, among others, are also supported to an extent. The guide’s colour-coded categories make it easy to find the parts required to complete a job and it uniquely references door manufacturer OE part numbers not just its own. If parts required
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December 2020
The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector
technology
Grayson develops cab air solution to protect London bus drivers
GRAYSON Thermal Systems has developed a new solution to protect bus drivers against Covid-19 with a new way of pushing air around their cabs. Commissioned by Transport for London and using expert advice from University College London, Grayson Thermal Systems came up with a way of changing air-conditioning recirculating systems into units that circulate fresh air into the driver’s cab from outside the vehicle. The company’s engineers took just three weeks to come up with the prototype solution and was then invited by eight London operators to convert more than 1,200 buses over a two-month period, meaning all 9,300 buses in London’s fleet meet TfL’s driver safety guidance and new specifications. The work complements other measures initiated by TfL to protect bus drivers against Covid-19, including improving the screen December 2020
around the drivers’ cabs to prevent the virus entering the cab area and a rigorous cleaning regime. Ian Hateley, group aftermarket director, Grayson Thermal Systems, says: “The loss of London bus drivers to the pandemic is tragic and we were pleased to be part of a solution to build on TfL’s existing safety measures to reduce the potential spread of the virus. “We looked at our existing airconditioning systems and developed a way of converting them so that they created positive pressure in the enclosed driver cabin, forcing existing air out and replacing it with air from outside the bus. “Now complete, the modification gives in excess of 100 air changes per hour within the driver cabin and ensures that a wider initiative to seal the driver cabin away from passengers is enhanced, as air is no longer moving from the entrance into the cab area.”
Grayson created a new positive air retrofit unit for each vehicle type among the 1,200 vehicles. Six centres were set-up across London and a 15-strong team of engineers from Grayson Thermal Systems and Alexander Dennis were trained up for the project. All 1,200 air-conditioning systems were additionally healthchecked upon modification and a triage system was set up to rectify any vehicles where faults were identified within the standard five-year warranty. “This was a massive logistical task and one that we overcame as every partner in the project was fully on board, so that we could make the changes as quickly as possible and further protect London bus drivers who are doing a great job,” adds Hateley. “In the end, the final project delivery came in ahead of plan for every site.”
www.graysonts.com
17
green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Optare to become Switch Mobillity as Ashok Leyland focuses on EVs
ASHOK Leyland is to drop the Optare name and is re-badging its UK subsidiary as Switch Mobility to ref lect its drive towards electrification and new mobility services. “Optare is adopting a new identity and logo as Switch, which signals our strategic ambitions in electric and green mobility,” says Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman, Ashok Leyland. “Towards this, Ashok Leyland is examining various options to bring the entire EV initiatives of Ashok Leyland under Switch Mobility. “This strategy ref lects the clear growth opportunities in the global LCV and bus EV market, which is projected to grow at more than 25 per cent annually and to be worth in the region of $50billion by 2030. To capture
18
part of that market, we are considering EV initiatives through Switch that could include financial participation and strategic tie-ups.” Switch will build on the success of Optare in the UK, where it is a leading player in electric buses with more than 150 of them currently operating successfully in its home market. Optare, the forerunner of Switch, was recently named OEM of the Year (Bus/Commercial Vehicle) at the prestigious 2020 EVIEs Awards. Optare had completed delivery of 30 electric double-decks to Metroline in London, and is currently fulfilling orders for operators including Tower Transit, London and First York. Ashok Leyland says this will create a foundation for the expansion of
Switch’s operations in Europe and growth in India and other parts of the world. Vipin Sondhi, managing director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, adds: “Ashok Leyland is a pioneer in delivering innovative commercial vehicles and mobility solutions. “With our proposed new structure, Switch will be positioned to become the potential global arm of Ashok Leyland focused on electric vehicles and green mobility solutions. “This proposed step will enable Ashok Leyland to focus on the development of new electric vehicle platforms through Switch including next-generation Buses, PODs and E-LCVs and swiftly scale up the EV business.” www.ashokleyland.com
December 2020
Extra Fuel Savings. Proven. The pressure on bus fleets to save fuel and reduce whole life costs is relentless, so why delay the benefits of the new Allison T 2100 xFE transmission, with Fuel Sense® 2.0 software, until your vehicles are replaced? Our xFE upgrade programme is now live, offering fleets across the UK a mid-lifecycle switch with proven fuel consumption improvements of 7.13%-16%. To learn more, please contact one of our Allison Authorized channel partners Mitchell Powersystems or Powertrain Products.
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19
green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Largest ever EV order won by Yutong
YUTONG has received an order for 1,002 buses from Mowasalat, the Qatar public transport company that will provide services for the FIFA World Cup 2022. A total of 741 of the buses will be electric, including 68 TCe12 Coaches, making it the largest order to date of EV buses. As part of a framework agreement with Qatar Free Zones Authority and Mowasalat,
Yutong is to establish a factory in Qatar. “Yutong Bus will continue to work closely with local partners to accelerate the public transportation system build-up with green energy solution,” says Shen Hui, GM, Yutong Bus in Middle East. “The KD factory for EV buses with Qatar Free Zones Authority and Mowasalat will realise localised design and manufacturing of
EV buses in Qatar, offering more experience and technologies to aid the sustainable development of local public transportation.” To date, Yutong Bus has sold more than 130,000 units of new energy buses to more than 350 cities in 24 countries and regions worldwide, including France, Great Britain, Australia, Chile and Denmark. www.yutong.com
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December 2020
green VDL Bus & Coach to launch new generation of Citea in 2021 VDL Bus & Coach is planning to launch a new generation of electric Citeas next year with the buses due to be on display for the first time during Busworld next October in Brussels. “From the innovative vision for which VDL is known, a total concept has been developed,” says Henk Coppens CEO, VDL Bus & Coach. “In recent years, we have been working hard behind the scenes to create a futureready public transport platform that integrates the latest technologies. Modularity enables our customers to respond optimally to the challenges of public transport and the changing nature of mobility systems.” Alex de Jong, business manager public transport, VDL Bus &
Coach, adds: “Although the name Citea remains the same, the concept of the bus has been completely revamped and is based entirely on an electric driveline. The new generation of Citea, which will consist of four length variants.” Among other improvements, VDL Bus & Coach is introducing a composite sidewall construction that is 15 per cent lighter than a conventional sidewall. The battery pack is integrated into the floor as standard, which VDL says ensures better weight distribution, greater stability and increases passenger capacity. It claims that the choice of efficient components, lightweight construction, good insulation, aerodynamic design and optimum energy management reduce the vehicle’s energy
consumption by up to as much as 30 per cent. The new generation of Citea is being built in the Netherlands and Belgium. Coppens says: “We are uncompromising in this too. The pursuit of sustainable mobility solutions is an important pillar of the climate strategy in many European countries. On the basis of our social commitment, we are sticking to our strategy of maintaining and strengthening the high-quality manufacturing industry in terms of knowledge, innovation and production in Western Europe. In the spirit of VDL Groep’s vision: the manufacturing industry has a future in Europe. Europe has a future in manufacturing.” www.vdlbuscoach.com
Ricardo works on new hydrogen storage solution for fuel cell buses RICARDO is supporting London South Bank University in a research project to study the feasibility of developing an innovative method of storing hydrogen for use in future fuel cell-powered buses. While many fuel cell powered buses have been demonstrated in various cities around the world, Ricardo points out that a significant obstacle to commercial implementation is in the cost, safety and practicality of onboard storage of hydrogen. Hydrogen provides zero emissions at point of use, and is a
December 2020
more environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. On board a vehicle such as a fuel cellpowered bus, hydrogen is typically stored as a compressed gas at high pressure. Under the project – which has received funding through Innovate UK under the Sustainable Innovation Fund (SBRI Phase 1) – the use of hydrogen storage will be investigated for possible use in buses. This storage method works by using metal hydride which absorbs and then releases hydrogen from its surface, thus removing the need for and cost of high-pressure cyl-
inders. A further benefit of using metal hydride storage is that the processes of releasing the hydrogen can be controlled and storage pressures significantly reduced making storing hydrogen much safer and with lower operational and maintenance costs. Ricardo engineers have been asked to support the project due to their expertise in vehicle thermal management and re-using waste heat. www.ricardo.com/news-and-media/ news-and-press/innovative-hydrogenstorage-project-aims-to-improvecommercial-case-for-fuel-cell-buses
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December 2020
green Irizar incorporates natural gas into its range with Scania CNG/LNGmodels IRIZAR is to introduce coaches on Scania chassis powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) into its range. It claims that the environmental benefits offered by coaches with this technology reduce CO2 emissions by between 20 and 25 per cent, NOx by up to 60 per cent and emissions of particulate matter by over 98 per cent. The vehicles will have a range of up to 500km in the CNG version and twice as far with LNG technology. The range of gas vehicles will include the Irizar i4 and Irizar
December 2020
i3le models from 12 to 15 metres in CNG version and Irizar i4, Irizar i6 and Irizar i6S from12 to 15 metres in the LNG version, all on Scania chassis.
The first vehicle equipped with this technology is a 12.9m Irizar i4 version H on a Scania K320 EB 4X2 E6D CNG chassis. www.irizar.com
 
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Series production kicks off for MAN Lion’s City E in Poland
MAN Truck & Bus has started series production of its all-electric Lion’s City E at its plant in Starachowice, Poland. The first customer vehicle to come off the assembly line is a 12m singledeck for Hamburg-Holstein operator VHH. The all-electric Lion’s City E in articulated bus version will follow approximately six months later, and should go into series production in the first half of 2021.
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“I am delighted that we are now able to supply the innovative and multi-award-winning Lion’s City E as a series-produced vehicle,” says Michael Kobriger, executive board member for production & logistics, MAN Truck & Bus. “The start of series production is an important milestone on the e-mobility roadmap for MAN Truck & Bus and for the site in Starachowice. In doing so, we are expanding our production portfo-
lio and taking another strategic step towards sustainable mobility.” In total, 17 new electric buses will be handed over to VHH by the end of the year. For MAN, this is the first major delivery to a customer from a tender process. Other cities to order the Lion’s City E include Malmö in Sweden where Nobina Sverige will take 22 Lion’s City E buses. www.mantruckandbus.com
December 2020
green Go North East launches nine-strong Yutong electric bus fleet
GO-AHEAD has launched the first full electric bus fleet in the north east of England with a new fleet of Yutong electric buses that will provide 55,000 journeys a year to nearly two million passengers in the region. The nine electric buses will cover 300,000 miles across Newcastle and Gateshead each year. Go-Ahead says the move reflects its commitment to a ‘net zero’ bus fleet by 2035. Last year Go-Ahead introduced air filtering buses into Southampton. These pioneering buses suck particulate matter from the air and recently won a sustainability Fleet Champions award. The company has also introduced more than 50 geofenced, extended range, doubleDecember 2020
decks into Brighton, which switch to zero-emission only in the city’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone. In addition, Go-Ahead is in talks regarding what it says has the potential to be Europe’s biggest ever order of hydrogen buses for operation in Crawley and Gatwick. Transport secretar y Grant Shapps backed the move, saying: “As we look to decarbonise transport while levelling up local economies across the North-East, I’m delighted to see key industry partners actively supporting our ambitions to end the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2050.” David Brown, Go-Ahead chief executive, adds: “The Covid-19 pandemic has put an incredible strain on the country, the economy and public transport but tack-
ling climate change remains as important as ever. “The bus will be vital to getting Britain back on its feet, to bringing down emissions and tackling air pollution, which many experts believe has contributed to the severity of the virus we face.” “Our investment in electric buses in the north east of England and our wider work in decarbonising our fleet signals our commitment to working with the Government to deliver their pledge to decarbonise transport.” Go North East’s £2million new fleet was supported with top-up funding from the government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Fund. www.go-ahead.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Scania to develop on-site battery laboratory and assembly plant in Södertälje, Sweden SCANIA is planning to invest more than one billion SEK in a battery assembly plant in Södertälje, Sweden. The first step is a 18,000-square metre facility and construction will start early in 2021 with the aim to be fully operational by 2023. The company is also investing €15.5million in a new battery laboratory at its research and development facilities in Södertälje, Sweden. Construction of the 1,000-square metre laboratory has commenced and building works will be completed by spring 2021 and will be fully
operational by autumn 2021. “This is a tangible manifestation of our determination to take a leading role in heavy vehicle electrification, which is needed to fulfil our commitment to sciencebased climate targets,” says Ruthger de Vries, head of production and logistics at Scania. “Operating an on-site battery assembly plant is a prerequisite for large-scale production of electric vehicles and it also establishes Scania clearly as a part of the battery production value chain.” The plant which will be built adjacent to the chassis assembly plant in Södertälje will assemble
battery modules and packs from cells which will be delivered from Northvolt’s battery factory in Skellefteå, Sweden. The assembled packs form battery systems tailored for Scania’s modular production at the Södertälje plant. In 2015, Scania started series production of hybrid buses and in 2019 of its first full electric bus range. This was recently followed by the introduction of Scania’s plugin hybrid truck and the fully electric truck. Series production of the electric truck starts in 2021. www.scania.com
Eminox in joint project to develop CO2 emissions-saving technology EMINOX is running a joint project with magnetic drive components manufacturer Magnomatics which enables airconditioning systems to operate without the engine on. The mild hybridisation project aims to reduce CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption. “This UK project has the power to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of passenger transport operators,” says Carlos Vicente, retrofit & aftermarket sales director, Eminox. “It also demonstrates Eminox’s
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ability to diversify, building on our strengths in exhaust after-treatment technologies to contribute to emissions reduction across other drivetrain components.” The six-month project, which began on 1 October 2020, is funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and delivered through Innovate UK. This covers manufacturing, design, scanning, specif ying equipment, creation of test rigs and bench testing, with the aim of performing real-world testing on vehicles following the successful
completion of the project. “This project represents an opportunity to expand the application of our revolutionary Magsplit technology to an entirely new product that will help OEMs and end users meet future CO2 reduction targets for public service vehicles,” adds David Latimer, CEO, Magnomatics. “The project is especially exciting for Magnomatics, as the manufacturing opportunity will be at our Sheffield site.” www.eminox.com www.magnomatics.com
December 2020
green Abellio’s Walworth Road garage electrification complete UK Power Networks has completed work at Walworth Road bus garage for Abellio London to enable electric buses to charge overnight, with the project representing a major contribution towards reducing pollution. The installation included a new 1000kVA transformer to provide additional power at the garage. This will deliver supplies for 34 electric buses – 24 on the C10 route and 10 for the P5 route. This is the latest installation by UK Power Networks, to ensure buses help to meet the UK’s low net zero target and improve London’s air quality. The first was
Waterloo bus garage in London, in August 2016, which was the first in the UK and saved 900 tonnes of CO2 in its first year. It has since been followed by bus garages at Shepherd’s Bush, Willesden, West Ham and Northumberland Park.
Stephen Bradley, head of major connections for UK Power Networks, says: “By enabling more buses to run on electricity instead of diesel, we bring another breath of fresh air for Londoners.” www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Zenobe secures £150million from Infracapital to support expansion
ZENOBE Energy has secured a £150million investment from Infracapital, infrastructure equity investment arm of M&G Plc, to support its growth plans. Zenobe says the funding will allow it to accelerate the UK’s transition to a green energy system. Infracapital’s funding will support the growth of Zenobe’s gridscale battery services and electric vehicle and charging infrastructure services. Combined with debt facilities, the company estimates that this will enable it to deploy around £450million in these sectors, further accelerating the utilisation of batteries to support renewable power generation and the electrification of vehicle fleets in the December 2020
UK and overseas. The funding would enable Zenobe to support customers with at least 500MWh of additional grid connected batteries, and up to a further 1,000 electric buses or vehicles and associated infrastructure software systems over the next 18 to 24 months. Zenobe has 170MW of grid scale batteries in operation or construction, which provide a range of services including balancing, power and reactive power services in the UK. The company is supporting more than 100 electric buses and is finalising contracts with operators to support a further 250 electric vehicles by summer 2021. Nicholas Beatty, founder direc-
tor, Zenobe Energy, says: “This investment by Infracapital demonstrates Zenobe’s continuing leadership in the battery sector. With our focus on innovation and provision of solutions to customers that combine our technology, operational and financing capabilities, this investment will be crucial in allowing us to achieve our growth ambitions in the UK and abroad. “By driving the adoption of batteries across the transport, infrastructure and utilities sectors, we will help accelerate the uptake of renewable energy, ultimately enabling the transition to a green energy system, both in the UK and internationally.” www.zenobe.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
ADL signals big New Zealand push as it delivers Enviro200EVs to Waiheke
A L E X A N DER Dennis has delivered six electric BYD ADL Enviro200EVs to Fullers360 for Auckland Transport services on Waiheke Island and is renewing its partnership with New Zealand manufacturer Kiwi Bus Builders. ADL will supply an additional two electric buses to Fullers360 subsidiary Waiheke Bus Company before Christmas, allowing half of all buses on the island to be converted to zero emission operation. The Auck land Transport Waiheke Island bus network connects communities with Fullers360’s ferries to the mainland. At the launch event, attended by the mayor of Auckland and the British consul general in Auckland, ADL announced its renewed partnership with local manufacturer Kiwi Bus Builders. This will now include the assem-
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bly of electric buses, which for the New Zealand market had until now taken place overseas. In addition to two-axle models like those for Waiheke Island, the partners will produce 12.6m long, three-axle electric buses, which ADL has designed for the specific requirements of bus operation in New Zealand by carrying 78 passengers without the requirement of an overweight permit, a first for New Zealand. As the country prepares to fully transition its bus f leet to zero emission vehicles by 2035, their local assembly will support up to 100 jobs at Kiwi Bus Builders, according to ADL ADL general manager for New Zealand, Tony Moore, says: “We have been a major supplier to New Zealand for almost ten years and during this time have already supplied 500 vehicles with the help of
our friends at Kiwi Bus Builders. “As Auckland Transport and other transport authorities prepare to move to a zero emission fleet, we are renewing this partnership in a clear sign of our support for New Zealand jobs and our commitment to this market.” Richard Drummond, Managing Director of Kiwi Bus Builders, adds: “The Enviro200 range of electric buses are not only designed for our local requirements here in New Zealand, but are also built in this country. “With investment in updated build techniques, we will be able to scale up our production to meet demand from Auckland and elsewhere in New Zealand as the fleet transformation gets under way ahead of the 2035 zero emissions target.” www.alexander-dennis.com
December 2020
Wishing you and your families our warmest season’s greetings and looking forward to a fresh and bright New Year.