June 2021
driving towards a greener future
UK’s largest EV charging station
Issue 427
inside this issue 4
Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd
Editorial
FlixMobility raises more than $650m and eyes UK expansion
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.
12 Beverley Bell launches new training company
Views and opinions of contributors to Bus and Coach Professional are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions.
16 More than 150 exhibitors for ITT Hub at Farnborough
© Plum Publishing Limited 2021
June 2021
Issue 427
driving towards a greener future
26 UK’s largest EV charging station
June 2021
November launch for VDL’s new generation Citea
3
news
FlixMobility raises more than $650million as it eyes big UK expansion
FLIXMOBILITY has raised more than $650million in new funding based on a mix of equity and debt, valuing the business at $3billion. The company says that the additional funding will enable acceleration of its mission to provide affordable and sustainable transport solutions and support network expansion strategy and new technology to optimise the platform. Flixbus has singled out the UK as one of its key growth targets. André Schwämmlein, founder
and co-CEO, says: “62 million passengers travelled with us in 2019, and this new funding will help us build on our success. We are confident in our ability to offer green mobility to even more people in the future through both an expanded network offering on rail and road in our existing markets, as well as in new countries and continents. “We want to make green, affordable mobility accessible to as many people as possible. We are confident the UK will become one of
our most important markets in Europe, starting with a massive expansion on domestic routes this year.” Andreas Schorling, managing director FlixBus UK, adds: “We believe it will be a great year for domestic travel. In 2021, FlixBus will be offering the second biggest network across the country and is on a clear path to become the largest UK player by 2025. The restart of our operation has been very successful.” www.flixbus.co.uk
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news
Cummins opens new cross-business logistics hub in Daventry
CUMMINS HAS opened a new UK logistics centre, its first cross-business operations hub, to better serve its customers through centralising processes and increased efficiency. The 435,000 sq ft centre in Apex Park, Daventry consolidates the storage capacity previously shared across both Cummins and thirdparty warehouses to support its UK manufacturing sites and its aftermarket products, under one roof. The new facility allows for greater speed and flexibility across the supply chain to best meet customer needs whilst minimising the centre’s environmental impact. “It is a fantastic achievement to see the Cummins UK Logis-
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tics Centre come to fruition,” says Andy Fenn, site leader. “This project truly demonstrates Cummins’ continued investment within the UK and a new way for Cummins to manage its logistics and supply chain network within Europe. “In the current climate where jobs have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, I’m proud we’ve created nearly 100 new roles in the area, in addition to the Cummins workforce currently employed in Daventry and Rugby.” As part of Cummins’ Planet 2050 sustainability strategy to address climate change and conserve natural resources, the UKLC project focused on reducing the centre’s environmental impacts.
The facility has been given a BREEAM Outstanding rating, a sustainability assessment ranking the facility in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings. The warehouse is designed to be selfpowered for six months of the year, utilising PV solar panels and a Cummins QSK60G gas generator set in a standby application. Other environmentally-focused features include the site’s ability to harvest rainwater and electric vehicle charging points for employees. The UKLC project supported local businesses, using suppliers from within a 15-mile radius throughout the build. www.cummins.com
June 2021
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news
New safer heat inductors aims to save time and cut costs AES UK, the family-run garage equipment supplier has introduced a new range of portable heat inductors designed to speed up workshop procedures, cut costs and improve safety for the HGV, PSV and automotive sectors. According to AES UK, the lightweight electrical heating inductors improve working conditions for workshop technicians since they will not be exposed to open flame, hot gases and the risk of fire or explosion when using a flame. Costs of staff training and running costs are also claimed to be lower.
Go-Ahead London repair centre manager David Frost is seeing advantages with the new heat inductors: “It’s so much safer than using a flame to heat up anything on the vehicle. For example, we recently straightened a frontbearer by applying heat right next to the electric wiring and air pipes, without affecting them in anyway. The bearer was pulled straight and the job completed in minutes rather than hours.” The process involves heating an electrically conductive component (usually metal) by electromagnetic induction, where a high-frequency
alternating current is passed through an induction coil to create a magnetic field into which the item to be heated is placed. Compared to flame heating, says AES, heat inductors are safer, easier to handle, more cost-effective and kinder to the environment. AES UK will be exhibiting at the ITT Hub show in Farnborough, from 30 June to 1 July on stand E34. AES has a dedicated website which includes an induction heater online store. www.inductionheaters.co.uk www.a-e-s-uk.co.uk
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June 2021
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news
TruTac launches new feature to manage driver compliance risk
TRUTAC has launched a new software feature, ‘DCRS – Driver Compliance Risk Score’, to simplify how f leet operators monitor and manage the potential risk drivers can pose to compliance levels. Developed after feedback from HGV and PSV operators, it forms part of TruTac’s commitment to the DVSA’s Earned Recognition (ER) scheme, the new Risk Score Calculation is based upon calculating a percentage of infringements per driver duty. The system automatically calculates driver risk scores so that trends
and fleet ranking can be viewed via the widgets, dashboards and reports produced by TruTac’s TruControl system. The new feature highlights each driver’s Risk Score as a Risk Level (very low, low, medium, high, or very high). It also calculates risk trends which, for easy data assimilation are graphically displayed, along with the driver’s overall company ranking. The system auto-adjusts each driver’s score to include the Earned Recognition infringement severity weighting. “TruTac supports operators
Why smart people buy Compak Parts
in managing driver compliance effectively and easily and we are proud to support the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme,” says commercial and marketing director Jemma James. “This latest product is designed to work in tandem with our existing software so operators can manage drivers and their compliance risk potential easier than ever before.” “TruTac is one of the few providers who include the DVSA ER dashboards within its products at no extra charge,” adds James. www.trutac.co.uk
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June 2021
BUILT IN BRITAIN Alexander Dennis buses and Plaxton coaches are fully designed and built in Britain, supporting apprenticeships, driving green innovation, underpinning skilled jobs and ensuring that investment in cleaner transport benefits our communities, as well as the environment. www.alexander-dennis.com
news
Beverley Bell launches new training company to provide bespoke courses
FORMER senior transport commissioner Beverley Bell, has announced the launch of a new company to complement her existing consultancy business. Beverley Bell Training will provide a range of professional training courses, as well as bespoke training for individual companies, and other professional development services. Its first courses run in June 2021. The new training company offers Transport Manager CPC courses, Transport Manager CPC refresher training, Operator
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Licence Awareness Training and Driver CPC courses. The courses are CILT- or JAUPT-accredited. Courses will be run nationwide, but will start in the north west, while Covid restrictions remain in place. Beverley Bell says she is driven by a desire to deliver the very best training to the industry, and she is delighted to work with a specialist team of industry experts, designing inspiring, innovative and knowledge-led training. “I am confident that, through
the training company, we will deliver the highest standards of training that will support companies and their staff to promote and deliver best practice and safe operation throughout the commercial vehicle industry,” says Bell. Beverley Bell Consulting offers bespoke strategic, compliance, governance and corporate reviews within the commercial vehicle industry. Public inquiry and preliminary hearing representation is also offered by the growing team. www.beverleybell.co.uk
June 2021
news
Daimler retrofit programme kits out 5,000 vehicles with active filters MORE than 5,000 Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses and coaches now have a multi-layer, high-performance active filter in response to the Covid pandemic. The units include an anti-viral layer that filters out up to 99 per cent of the aerosols in the interior. A clearly visible sticker in the boarding area identifies vehicles with this equipment in which the air can be completely renewed in one to four minutes. Daimler has also retrofitted 5,000 urban buses, long distance scheduled buses and touring coaches of both brands with driver-protection doors of its own design. The fully-glazed partition walls made of safety glass or polycarbonate are available for new vehicles and as retrofit solutions. www.daimler.com
Alpine Travel installs ActivFilter to fleet ALPINE Travel says it is the first operator in North Wales to install new ActivFilter systems into its f leet of tour coaches. The new systems, which it claims are more than 99 per cent effective against eliminating airborne viruses, involve the installation of new filters which include added protection from a new Anti-Viral layer and the upgrading of onboard software that controls the air-conditioning systems. The upgrade ensures that the volume of fresh air being drawn in from outside the vehicle is increased by 33 per cent and, when combined with the new filters, ensures that the air inside the vehicle is now completely changed every two minutes. June 2021
Chris Owens, managing director, Alpine Travel, says: “We have been working to ensure that, as we move forward out of this pandemic, our vehicles provide a safe and welcoming environment for our passengers as they rediscover the delights of travelling by coach once again. “Installing this filtration system in our vehicles will ensure that we
are able to alleviate any anxiety that our passengers might have about travelling on our coaches. It’s a great step forward, after all we believe it’s our responsibility to our passengers and customers to give the best travel experience possible and the investment we are making now, will benefit all our passengers for years to come.” www.alpine-travel.co.uk
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FLEET RESOURCING LTD - COACHES FOR SALE
2018 Iveco Turas 29 seats
2017 Mercedes EVM 16 seats
2017 Mercedes Tourismo 48 seats WC Choice of several
2017 Scania Caetano Levante 56 seats WC PSVAR
2016 Mercedes Tourismo 53 seat WC PSVAR
2016 Scania Irizar 49 seats WC
2016 Mercedes Tourismo 48 seats WC Choice of several
2016 Neoplan Tourliner 49 seats WC
2016 Volvo Caetano Levante 56 seats WC PSVAR
2016 Mercedes Tourismo 48 seats WC Choice of several
2016 Neoplan Tourliner 61 seats WC
2016 Mercedes Tourismo 55 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
2015 & 2016 Scania Higer 57 seats WC
2015 Volvo B11R 9700 Prestige 57 seats WC
2015 Volvo Sunsundegui 49 seats WC
2015 Mercedes Sprinter 16 seats
2014 Scania Caetano Levante 56 seats WC PSVAR
2014 Mercedes Plaxton Cheetah 29 seats
2014 MAN Unvi Touring 39 seats WC
2012 ADL E400H Hybrid Choice of several
2012 MAN Vanhool Alicron 49 seats WC
2011 Mercedes UNVI 29 seats
2011 Bova Synergy Sleeper coach LHD
2005 Volvo Vanhool 59 seats WC Choice of several
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
green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
More than 150 exhibitors confirmed for ITT Hub at Farnborough
MORE than 150 exhibitors will be showcasing services, products, strategies and ideas at the inaugural Innovation & Technology in Transport - ITT Hub event, to be held at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 30 June and 1 July 2021. Bus and coach manufacturers on show include Alexander Dennis, Arrival, Caetano Bus, EVM Direct, Mercedes Benz Bus & Coach, Pelican Yutong, Switch Mobility, Wright Group and Xiamen Fengtai Bus & Coach. The ex hibition will also include a Government Hub, where key departments – including the Department for International Trade, Department for Transport, APC, Zemo Partnership, Innovate UK, Zenzic and Highways England – will share insight into government assis-
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tance available for transport companies. Mark Griffin, ITT Hub CEO , says: “Along with key central, local and regional government agencies, visitors to the event will have access to innovative manufacturers and service providers from across the road transport sector, including the latest bus, coach, truck and van technology. “We really encourage visitors to register now for this free event and reconnect.” Visitors to ITT Hub will be given the unique opportunity to try out the UK’s most cuttingedge trucks, vans, buses, coaches, bikes and autonomous vehicles for themselves on a two-mile Ride & Drive roadway at the exhibition and conference. Visitors wanting to demo a vehicle will need to pre-arrange a test drive with the exhibitor at
the event and have their driving licence checked and approved at the Licence Bureau stand on site. Attendees will then be supplied with a ‘stamp of approval’ to present to the exhibitor permitting them to drive. Drug and a lcohol safet y experts AlcoDigital will be providing testing services for the Ride & Drive test facility, using its range of testing products to deliver quick and reliable results. ITT Hub will also feature a Regional Transport Bodies Hub, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from England’s Economic Heartland, Midlands Connect, Peninsula Transport, Transport East, Transport for the South East, and Western Gateway. For more information, and to book your free place to the exhibition and conference, visit www.itthub.co.uk
June 2021
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Bid to double the number of hydrogen buses for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL City Region is considering an additional funding bid to double its planned hydrogen bus fleet from 20 to 40 double-decks. Funding is already in place to acquire 20 double-deck hydrogen buses to initially serve the city region’s busiest route - the 10A between St Helens and Liverpool city centre. A proposed bid for extra funding was agreed by the Combined Authority on 4 June that could see the hydrogen bus fleet increased to 40 vehicles - enough to fully service the route. Funding towards the addi-
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tional hydrogen buses would come via a bid to the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme (ZEBRA). If successful, the ZEBRA funding would cover up to 75 per cent of the cost difference between the hydrogen vehicles and a standard bus. Procurement has started for the city region’s hydrogen buses that are due to go into service next year. Metro mayor Steve Rotheram has set a target for the Liverpool City Region to become net zero carbon by 2040. “My plans to deliver a Londonstyle transport system that is quick,
cheap and reliable, and a Green Industrial Revolution that tackles the climate crisis while doubling the number of green jobs in the region, were overwhelmingly endorsed by people in every part of our area,” says Rotheram. “82% of all public transport journeys in our region are taken by bus and this new f leet will give people a clean, green and comfortable way to get about. I’m already working to double the size of the fleet so more people can enjoy these buses and the improved air quality we’ll get as a result.” www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk
June 2021
green First Bus to transform Caledonia depot into UK’s largest EV charging station
WORK has begun by First Bus to transform its Glasgow Caledonia bus depot into the UK’s largest EV charging hub. The plans are another major step forward in the operator’s sustainable travel agenda and follows its pledge to only invest in low and zero-emission vehicles from December 2022, with a 100 per cent zeroemission fleet by 2035. Wit h phased completion scheduled across the next 18 months, the redeveloped Caledonia depot, already the UK’s largest bus depot, will have space to charge up to 300 EV buses on site. The first phase of the project, now underway, will see 11 dual DC rapid charging units installed. Phase One of the depot transformation is expected to be complete by September this year, June 2021
allowing for the introduction of a further 22 electric buses to Glasgow’s streets ahead of COP26, the UN Climate Change conference. Phase Two of the project is scheduled to start later this summer and will see a further 69 dual DC charging units installed over a six-month period, increasing the number of chargers on the site to 162. The work has been made possible in part due to First Bus being awarded a further £24.3million in a successful bid in the second round of the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEB). “First Bus is at the forefront of the green transport revolution, and we continue to fast-track our efforts to surpass passenger expectations,” says Janette Bell, managing director, First Bus UK. “We are proud to be announcing the UK’s largest EV charging infrastructure
as part of our transition to a zeroemission fleet.” First Bus’ power solutions partner for the project, Dutch company Heliox, has previously worked on EV projects at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Wiesbaden’s Gartenfeldstraβe depot in Germany, and the biggest electric bus charging network in Oslo, Norway. The Caledonia project will be its first project in the UK, and it is the largest project they have undertaken in terms of the amount of charging points installed. First Bus is adopting Heliox’s market leading 150kW modular rapid charging solution. The charger is ultra-flexible and can charge any type of electric vehicle, extending usage beyond the immediate bus fleet. www.firstbus.com
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Keolis wins bus contract in Greater Sydney targeting zero emissions KEOLIS Downer, Keolis’ Australian subsidiary, won an eightyear contract to operate and maintain 406 buses in Greater Sydney. The contract was awarded by Transport for New South Wales and is set to start on 31 October 2021. It is the first time this network will be managed by a private operator. To improve passenger experience and boost ridership, Keolis Downer has committed to introduce 125 electric buses by 2030. The Greater Sydney Bus Contract features 47 lines covering 17.7 million kilometres annually.
It serves 400,000 residents in the city’s Northern Beaches and lower North Shore suburbs. The deal includes operating a Bus Rapid Transit network, B-Line, with 38 diesel-powered double-deck buses manufactured
by MAN. Launched by the New South Wales government in 2017, the B-Line provides high frequency services from Mona Vale to the centre of Sydney, as well as night services. www.keolis.com
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Electric bus charger to power Very Light Rail offers multi-modal charging
THE world’s first Very Light Rail (VLR) ultra-rapid battery charge station has been delivered and installed at its dedicated testing centre in Dudley, England, by Furrer+Frey. Built to OppCharge standards, the 450kW charge station will top-up VLR vehicles autonomously at scheduled three-minute stops as a low-cost alternative to overhead electrified cables or heavier long-range plug-in batteries. The charge station is part of
a multi-million-pound project to develop Coventry’s Very Light Rail system, bringing the benefits of a tram at a fraction of the cost, with the potential to use chargers for trams and buses within an integrated network. The Furrer+Frey All-In-One OpBrid charger is already in use for electric buses in Sweden, Spain, Canada, and the Netherlands. New software developed by the Swiss firm’s British arm means the charger can support new light trams as well as buses.
The first VLR services could be running in Coventry by 2025. Simon Phipps, Dudley Council cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, says: “The VLR project is one of many regeneration projects that place Dudley borough at the forefront of technological innovation. “Dudley will be the first area in the UK to trial this ultra-rapid charge station and it’s one example of our ambition to develop cutting edge innovations.” www.coventry.gov.uk/verylightrail
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Keolis to operate alternative energy buses in Uppsala KEOLIS Sverige, Keolis’ subsidiary in Sweden, has been awarded a new alternative energy bus contract, worth approximately €540million, in the Swedish county of Uppsala. The contract, which takes effect in June 2022 and is valid for a period of nine years, gives Keolis responsibility for operating and maintaining a fleet that runs entirely on biogas and biodiesel. The bus network in Uppsala county, located 70 km north of Stockholm, features 71 lines and 2,800 stops connecting the county’s three main cities, Uppsala, Enköping and Bålsta. A special bus service to and from the academic hospital in Uppsala will also be introduced, featuring six buses equipped with toilets, wheelchair spaces, defibrillators and lock-boxes for the safe trans-
portation of laboratory samples. Keolis will purchase the entire bus fleet, and operate from ten different depots. With this new con-
tract, Keolis is forecast to carry over 28 million passengers every year in the Uppsala region. www.keolis.com
Viriciti report says EV fast chargers under-utilised AROUND a quarter of all opportunity charging sessions start when the battery is already more than 80 per cent charged, according to a report by ViriCiti. Since charging power decreases as battery state-of-charge (SoC) goes up, this means that 24 per cent of opportunity charging sessions don’t use the fast chargers at their full capacity. The well-known phenomenon happens because the battery management system reduces the charging power to avoid overheating the battery cells.
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Furthermore, the report shows that the average duration of an opportunity charging session is close to 26 minutes, with an average energy charged of 69.8 kWh. Viriciti says that operators also seem to start charging their buses on-route at an already high SoC level averaging at approximately 64 per cent. The results also indicate that there is room for more efficient driving of electric buses, which would mean lower starting SoC and faster charging rates, leading to shorter charging sessions and
better on-route recovery. ViriCiti connects to more than 1,200 charger connectors (plugin and pantograph) across the world and has registered almost three million charging transactions from over 1,000 vehicles since 2018. The resulting report is the product of research over several months. Over 40,000 charging sessions from 190 charging stations were analysed. The full report is available on the ViriCiti website. www.viriciti.com
June 2021
green One million km for New Zealand EVs
ALEXANDER Dennis reports that its electric buses in New Zealand have clocked up more than one million km of zero-emission operation, avoiding more than 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the process. The manufacturer has supplied 18 BYD ADL Enviro200EV electric buses to transport authorities and operators in New Zealand to date, with more on order as the country prepares to fully decarJune 2021
bonise its public transport bus fleet by 2035. The biggest carbon reduction has been achieved by the fleet of initially six, later eight, electric buses operated by Fullers360 on Auckland Transport services in Waiheke Island, which have prevented the emission of 300 tonnes of CO2 in just eight months. NZ Bus saved 290 tonnes with five buses in Tauranga and Ritchies saved 270 tonnes with three
buses in Christchurch, while the two trial buses that Auckland Transport has been using in the central business district have cut out 140 tonnes of CO2 emissions since their launch in 2018. ADL recently announced that it will assemble zero emission buses locally in New Zealand, renewing a partnership with local manufacturer Kiwi Bus Builders. www.alexander-dennis.com
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
November launch for VDL’s new generation Citea
VDL is preparing to launch its new generation Citeas at an event in November, having originally intended to coincide the launch at Busworld 2021. As the show is now cancelled, VDL says it will proceed with its own event which will feature two types of vehicles: the LF-122 and LF-181 (both Low Floor). The new Citea product also includes the LE-122, LE-135 and LE-149 (all Low Entry). VDL says the introduction of the new generation of Citeas is its response to the challenges of tomorrow’s public transport. “Whereas in recent years ‘Aiming for Zero’ was the ambition, zero emissions is now the norm for the liveable city. This requires new technologies and a different way of thinking. VDL’s
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new Citea bus concept offers solutions without compromise. “It is now widely accepted that electric public transport is the new standard, with huge benefits for cities, people and environment.” VDL Bus & Coach is shifting its claim from ‘Aiming for Zero’ to ‘Zero Compromise’, Jacobs adds: “It is a reference both to zero emissions and to the fact that, with the new generation of Citeas, we don’t have to make any compromises or concessions in achieving the zero emissions targets, together with all stakeholders involved in this process.” The new generation of Citeas has an all-electric drive train. The battery packs are integrated into the floor, creating more passenger space and lowering the bus’ centre
of gravity, resulting in more stable road handling. And for this new generation of electric city buses, VDL Bus & Coach has developed a composite sidewall that consists of a single piece. This causes less vibration, reduces noise pollution and has a good insulation value, which ultimately contributes to passenger comfort. Alex de Jong, business manager public transport, adds: “In the past decade, we have become the frontrunner in Europe in the field of e-mobility, with more than 100 million electric kilometres of experience. While others were still talking about it, we started working on the first electric Citea in 2013.” www.vdlbuscoach.com
June 2021
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
CaetanoBus’ first two hydrogen buses for Portugal
CASCAIS Municipality is purchasing two Caetano hydrogen buses, the first municipality in Portugal to invest in this technology. Both zero emission buses will be equipped with Toyota’s fuel cell and will offer a range of 400km.
The components such as hydrogen tanks, batteries and fuel cells, placed on the roof, allow a lowfloor and an optimisation of the vehicle’s interior making it more spacious and providing a more comfortable experience for all passengers, according to Caetano.
The new hydrogen buses will join more than 30 units already ordered by operators in Germany, Spain, France and Denmark, reinforcing Caetano’s international presence. www.caetanobus.com
Volvo to supply 79 electric artics to Denmark’s second city VOLVO is to supply 29 new 7900 Electric Articulated buses to Aarhus, the second biggest city in Denmark. The city’s electromobility journey started in 2019, with four Volvo 7900 Electric buses. The investment has proven successful, and now the city has expanded its fleet in partnership with Volvo Buses. The new electric buses are an important step in Aarhus municipality’s goal of having all city buses CO2-neutral by 2027, and the new fleet will mean an expected annual CO2 saving of approximately 2,200 tons.
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“As a transport company, it is a pleasure to offer customers a means of transport that is climatefriendly, has high availability and high comfort,” says Claus Wistoft, chairman, Midttrafik, which is responsible for public transport in the Aarhus region. “We see an increased interest in electromobility in cities all over Europe, as well as other parts of the world,” says Ulf Magnusson, SVP Europe, Volvo Buses. “Every city is unique and to create an optimal electromobility system, it is vital that everything is properly designed to suit local conditions and needs.
“For that reason, our initial analysis, including route simulation, plays a crucial role in our business model.” The new Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated in Aarhus are operated by the bus operator AarBus. The vehicles will not operate a fixed route but will be deployed on departures with most passengers. The buses are charged by CCS cable at night at one of AarBus’ facilities. During the day, the overnight charge is supplemented by additional charging during stops at the facility. www.volvobuses.com
June 2021
green BYD wins eBus order with Bergkvarabuss in Sweden
BYD has won a major fleet order with Bergkvarabuss in Sweden with a total of 79 eBuses to include 12m models and BYD’s latest 13 and 15m buses. A number of the vehicles will be built at BYD’s production facility in Komárom, Hungary. BYD has been awarded the order following Bergkvarabuss’ successful contract to supply public transport services in the areas of Söderslätt, Österlen and Nordväst in southern Sweden on behalf of the regional June 2021
public transport authority, Skånetrafiken. Vehicle deliveries are scheduled to commence at the end of this year. More than 250 BYD eBuses are now in service in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, collectively clocking-up 25 million km and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 27,000 tonnes. A further 250 BYD eBuses are on order in the Nordic region. BYD’s new 90-passenger lowentry 15m eBus model – 32 in total for Bergkvarabuss – offers a
single-charge range of 400km. Bergkvarabuss has also ordered 43 of BYD’s latest low-entry 13m model. Staffan Karlsson, COO, Bergkvarabuss, says: “We have been impressed by the latest bus models from BYD and the benefits they offer. We are looking forward to operating the buses in order to contribute to fossil-free public transport in the Skåne region.” www.bergkvarabuss.se www.byd.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Leicester park-and-ride gets EV buses YUTONG electric buses powered by 100 per cent renewable energy have replaced diesel vehicles on Leicester’s three park-and-ride routes. Eleven new buses operate on the routes linking Meynell’s Gorse, Birstall and Enderby with the city centre, in the first phase of a £50million project that could see electric buses rolled out to a third of the city’s network by 2024. Leicester mayor Peter Soulsby says: “Thanks to our successful bid for government funding through the Transforming Cities Fund, we’ve been able to make this significant investment into sustainable public transport. “We know that if we are to persuade people to leave their cars outside the city centre, we need to offer them attractive and affordable travel alternatives. “These Greenline buses are clean, green and comfortable – and the more people use them, the more we can reduce congestion and improve air quality in the city.” Leicester’s Park & Ride services are run jointly with Leicestershire County Council and are operated by Roberts Travel Group. Roberts Travel Group has installed a new charging station at its depot in Coalville in partnership with Zenobe Energy. The buses are charged overnight and operate all day on a single charge. Managing director Jonathan Hunt says: “I am really pleased that Roberts Travel Group will be the first operator in Leicester to operate fully electric buses. “I am extremely proud that our loyal team of drivers will
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continue to drive the very best vehicles available, as we continue to invest in the latest technology for the people of Leicester.” Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus, adds: “ The project has delivered these 11 vehicles with the associated charging infrastructure upgrades during these very difficult times we have all experienced. It is the absolute credit to Roberts Travel, Leicester City Council, Zenobe and ourselves that this has been delivered on time and on budget. “The vehicles were fully completed in the UK at the Pelican premises in Castleford, with driver and engineering training completed with the excellent team at Roberts. We are delighted to see these vehicles entering service in
Leicester, improving the air quality and the passenger experience, whilst encouraging people to get out of their cars and onto public transport.” Leicester’s successful bid to the Transforming Cities Fund has funded most of the £7.1million required for 18 new electric buses. As well as the 11 new park-andride buses, four electric buses will be introduced on the Hospital Hopper routes in the autumn, while three electric buses will operate on a new city centre shuttle service from autumn 2022. The green shuttle will ferry people between transport hubs and key destinations in Leicester, free of charge. www.pelicanyutong.co.uk
June 2021
green BYD wins largest electric order in Turin
BYD has secured one of the largest orders for eBuses in Italy and the largest eBus order in Turin with a further 50 of its 12m model for Gruppo Torinese Trasporti. A framework agreement is in place for the supply of an additional 50 BYD 12m models after the initial deliveries are completed and in operation. The first BYD eBuses were supplied to the city in 2017 and the delivery of 50 eBuses will be GTT’s third intake from BYD June 2021
taking its total to 78 BYD vehicles. The latest fleet will feature threedoor bodywork with delivery of the remainder by September. Over 60 BYD eBuses are presently in operation throughout Italy, performing on intensive routes in Turin, Novara, Alessandria, Milan, Padua and Messina, and other smaller towns. The majority of the vehicles will be built in the EU at BYD’s dedicated production facility in Komárom in Hungary.
“Since the beginning of our electoral mandate, we have considered it essential to renew the GTT fleet,” says mayor of Turin Chiara Appendino, “and we have managed to lower the average age of three years.” BYD Europe managing director, Isbrand Ho, adds: “eMobility is delivering a progressively clean environment for the people of Turin.” www.byd.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
500th BYD ADL electric bus delivered to Go-Ahead London
BYD UK and Alexander Dennis Limited report that their electric vehicle partnership has handed over its 500th electric bus. The zero emission double-deck has joined the fleet of the partnership’s launch customer, GoAhead London, as orders for the next 500 BYD ADL electric buses have already been confirmed for public transport operators across the UK. Having entered a partnership agreement in October 2015, the partnership delivered its first buses the following summer. The 500th bus is an Enviro400EV and is one of 20 that have joined the Go-Ahead London fleet for route 69 between
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Walthamstow and Canning Town. Go-Ahead London has worked closely with the BYD ADL partnership since its inception, becoming its launch customer in 2016 and continuing to support product development with its operational experience. Fra n k T hor pe, ma nag i ng director, BYD UK, says: “We were delighted in 2015 when GoAhead London embarked upon their journey towards electrification with us, and we’re even more thrilled today as we celebrate the handover of the 500th BYD ADL electric bus. “It’s a very significant milestone, and not only for the BYD ADL partnership. It demonstrates
clearly the commitment of the nation’s capital to decarbonisation, with eMobility playing an increasingly fundamental role in delivering a cleaner transport system for millions of people.” John Trayner, Go-Ahead London managing director, adds: “It is fitting that this significant milestone took place at Waterloo, our global award-winning all-electric bus garage. “Waterloo pioneered electric bus technology in 2013 and it quickly proved reliable in the capital’s high frequency and demanding stop/start operating environment.” www.byd.com www.alexander-dennis.com
June 2021
green Volvo tests electric buses in hot and cold climate conditions
THIS summer, Volvo’s electric buses begin operating in the Norwegian town of Bodø. They will be the first to provide scheduled services north of the Arctic circle. At the same time, Volvo is also testing its electric buses in warm climates as part of challenging test programmes in Spain and Mexico, among other places. “As one of the leading global suppliers of solutions for electric mobility, we must be able to meet our customers’ requirements and expectations regardless of where June 2021
they operate,” says Marie Carlsson, director citymobility business development at Volvo Buses. “That applies not only to environmental considerations but also availability, passenger comfort and safety. We test our products together with our customers in Arctic conditions and in warm climates to ensure that we have the best solutions for a range of different requirements.” During 2020 the full-electric Volvo 7900 Electric bus was tested in Spanish cities, including Zaragoza, Santander and Madrid,
where the ambient temperature during the test period sometimes exceeded 40°C. This made it possible to investigate in practice how the energy usage of the buses was affected by using the air-conditioning to full capacity. A Volvo 7900 Electric is currently also being tested in the busy Metrobus system in Mexico City. It will be in operation for six months and then the experiences from this trial period will be evaluated. www.volvobuses.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Keolis launches second electric Bus Rapid Transit in France
KEOLIS is operating the second electric Bus Rapid Transit line on the Basque coast’s Chronoplus transport network, linking Tarnos to Bayonne, in the south-west of France. Operating on behalf of the Basque Country Public Transport Authority SMPBA, the first e-BRT line, linking Bayonne to Biarritz, entered service in September 2019. The new line is 10km long and features 24 stations and seven electric vehicles which will
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carry approximately 90,000 passengers per month. This new line will increase the transport offer by 25 per cent due to additional frequency with the objective of increasing ridership by 50 per cent. With the latest investment, more than 40 per cent of the journeys on the Chronoplus network will be made on electric vehicles. Launched in April 2021, the second e-BRT line follows the same itinerary as former bus line 2, connecting the centre of Bay-
onne to the centre of Tarnos in 20 minutes. The seven vehicles, built by Irizar, are 18m long with a 150-passenger capacity, including 38 seats equipped with USB sockets. The vehicles benefit from a dual charging system, fast if carried out at the terminus (five minutes on average) or slower if carried out at the depot at night (three to four hours). www.keolis.com
June 2021
green New EV contract for Keolis in Gothenburg
KEOLIS has been awarded a tenyear contract, worth €150million, by Västraffik, Gothenburg’s public transport authority (PTA), to operate and maintain articulated fully electric buses. The contract is scheduled to come into force in June 2022 and will be the first all-electric bus contract in Sweden. The contract includes replacing the city’s biodiesel and biogas-powered buses with electric ones and adapting three June 2021
depots so they can maintain and charge the electric vehicles. This is part of Västraffik’s goal of converting its city bus fleet into electric buses by 2030. Bernard Tabary, CEO International, Keolis Group, says: “We are honoured that Västraffik, with whom we have been partners since 2010, has entrusted us with operating and maintaining the 100 per cent e-bus network in Gothenburg. Keolis’ expertise in electromobility will doubtless be a key factor in
the success of this project.” On behalf of Västraffik, Keolis operates three other bus networks, all running on alternative energies and, by the end of the year, will operate a fourth network linking Gothenburg to Borås. Since January 2021, Keolis has also been testing a Navya-built autonomous electric shuttle service in Gothenburg’s Lindholmen Industrial and Science park. www.keolis.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
BYD deliveries ahead of schedule for EMT in Madrid
EMT Madrid has taken delivery of 30 eBuses from BYD, ahead of the schedule for Spain’s largest single order for electric buses. The handover follows an initial 15 BYD 12m eBuses delivered to EMT Madrid in May 2020, the first time BYD had supplied vehicles into the Spanish capital. Since entering service, EMT
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Madrid’s 15-strong BYD eBus fleet has operated more than 300,000 km, reducing CO2 emissions approximately by 300,000 kg. With this year’s new intake of 30 vehicles, 45 BYD eBuses will be in operation for EMT Madrid. “The commissioning of these BYD electric buses sees significant progress towards our key objective
in Madrid: the elimination of the diesel-powered f leet by 2023, with 100 per cent of our vehicles running cleanly and within the framework of the current Environmental Sustainability Strategy Madrid 360,” says Carlos Sierra, director of transportation services, EMT Madrid. www.byd.com
June 2021
green BYD starts most-northern European eBus deliveries
NOBINA has taken delivery of the first of 13 BYD eBuses for operation in Piteå in the northeast of Sweden, marking the start of services in northern Scandinavia’s challenging, often sub-zero degree climate. The new f leet will see BYD eBuses in operation close to the arctic circle at latitude 65.31º north – BYD’s most northerly customer delivery in Europe. The June 2021
BYD fleet will be the first electric buses for Piteå. Manufactured at BYD’s production facility in Komárom, Hungary, the first new 12m eBus has been handed over to Nobina, and will be joined by the remaining 12 vehicles in time for full operations to commence over the summer. Following this latest delivery, Nobina will have ordered in excess of 300 eBuses from BYD with
more than 160 vehicles currently on services throughout the Nordic region. “Even if the Nordic region can be challenging, we are confident in the BYD technology that is proven end extensively tested,” says Jens Råsten”, fleet manager, Nobina Group. www.nobina.com www.byd.com
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