greenbusandcoach October 2021 by greenbusandcoach

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October 2021

Issue 431

busandcoach driving towards a greener future

New BZL electric chassis from Volvo

News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector

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Editorial

Analysis: Decarbonisation in Ireland and Scotland

is published by Plum Publishing Ltd

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8 Major shift to EV buses for Mumbai

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October 2021

Issue 431

busandcoach driving towards a greener future

New BZL electric chassis from Volvo

News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector

October 2021

27 ADL/BYD EVs and green innovation for Leeds P&R greenbusandcoach 3

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andcoach

Decarbonisation in Scotland and Ireland A report for the Scottish Government backs its commitment to reduce car use, while Ireland unveils its biggest ever transport investment package as part of its decarbonisation agenda.

n the ongoing debates about decarbonising transport, the bus sector has been emphasising the need for modal shift away from car travel to be a priority as well as the electrification of the bus fleet. A recent report commissioned by the Scottish Government echoes that sentiment with a backing for the policy to reduce car kilometres by 20 per cent by 2030 in Scotland. The new report from low carbon consultancy Element Energy on decarbonising the transport sector, offers an independent assessment of the policy outcomes that are required in order for the transport sector to make the transition to net zero. The report is clear that alongside the need for technological innovation, there is a requirement for change in individual and business behaviour and

travel choices. Commenting on the report, transport minister Graeme Dey told the Scottish Parliament: “The Programme for Government sets out how we will take Scotland on a green transport revolution and in a way delivers a fairer and healthier Scotland. The report we have commissioned from Element Energy sets out what that future could look like, and what policy outcomes are required to support that vision. “Technology offers us many solutions, and we’re making good progress, but the report is clear that transformational change in travel behaviour is required. The role of government, therefore, is to make sustainable travel choices easier, and our Programme for Government commitments support just that.” The limits of the powers of the Scottish Government were also highlighted by Dey who pointed to the need for the UK Government to deliver in key areas: “We are aware that we need to disincentivise car use to encourage people to make more sustainable choices. But the most direct levers here – fuel duty and vehicle excise duty – are reserved. So the UK Government must play its part and use all the levers and powers it has to support us in this endeavour. “Scotland has made a worldleading commitment to reduce car kilometres travelled nationally by 20 per cent by 2030. We’re supporting this through free bus travel for under 22’s, over half a billion pounds in bus priority infrastructure and a near tripling of the October 2021

analysis

active travel budget to 10 per cent of what we spend on transport by the end of this parliament. “With COP26 just over a month away, this report makes clear the scale of the challenge ahead of us. We are committed to cutting emissions in transport at an unprecedented pace, and transforming how we all get around in the future.” MEANWHILE, the Irish government has put some meat behind its transport decarbonisation policy ambitions with a €35billion investment package to support its updated National Development Plan, including €11.6 billion for new public transport infrastructure. The plan is being hailed as the largest investment in transport since the formation of the Irish state and aims to transform how people travel and halve the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. There are significant bus projects in the plan including expansion of the BusConnects network concept in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, while €350million will go towards renewing and expanding rural and regional bus fleets. Support for urban buses to switch to electric will be part of a €3.8billion fund allocated over ten years to public transport protection and renewal. October 2021

Transport minister Eamon Ryan says: “This is a National Development Plan for a cleaner, greener, connected Ireland, a plan that supports communities and our climate goal – to cut emissions in half by 2030. We’re making the biggest investment in transport in the history of the state – 35 billion over the decade - which will transform how we travel. “This revised Plan re-orientates our investment toward greener, cleaner and more accessible transport. It means that for every euro we invest in new road infrastructure we’re investing twice as much in new public transport. “This record investment will deliver a transport system which improves our quality of life and provides us with greater choices to travel more efficiently and sustainably - be it by footpath, cycleway, road or rail, keeping us connected to our families, our workplaces and our communities. This will be a decade of change.” www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-transport/ w w w.g o v.i e /e n /p u bl i c at i o n /7 74 e 2- n at i o n a l development-plan-2021-2030/# www.transport.gov.scot/publication/decarbonisingthe-scottish-transport-sector/

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ev launch

Volvo Buses launches new global BZL Electric chassis

VOLVO Buses has launched its new Volvo BZL Electric chassis for both single- and doubledeck applications with multiple options for bodybuilders. The Volvo BZL Electric features a driveline developed by Volvo with a 200 kW electric motor coupled to a two-stage automated gearbox designed to increase wheel torque at low speed and even out peaks, thus reducing energy consumption and sustaining motor and battery health. The driveline can be configured as a single- or dualmotor unit with a power output of no less than 540hp. The Volvo BZL Electric provides charging flexibility using hardware interfaces for both OppCharge high-power charging on route, as well as CCS charging at a depot. “We are committed to leading the transformation of our

industry towards a more sustainable future,” says Anna Westerberg, president, Volvo Buses. “Our ambition is to offer the world’s most responsible electric bus systems. With the new Volvo BZL Electric we offer a global platform for clean, silent, and energy-efficient public transport to meet the rising demand on important markets that are ready for the shift to electromobility.” Volvo says it has also embraced the concept of the circular economy for its new electric chassis which has been developed to be more than 90 per cent recyclable. “We have a lifecycle perspective and take responsibility for the environmental impact of our products, from the cradle to the grave,” adds Westerberg. “This means we ensure that materials, manufacturing, operation and recycling meet the highest environmental standards.”

Dan Pettersson, head of international at Volvo Buses, says: “The new Volvo BZL Electric is based on proven and successful technologies already implemented in Europe. “All the chassis and driveline components have been developed and manufactured by Volvo. To safeguard the premium qualities of our buses we partner up with selected bodybuilders around the world. “Through experience, we know that we need to work closely together with our customers and partners to be able to tailor electromobility solutions to each individual city. And through our worldwide service network and dedicated service teams, we can ensure the reliability and efficiency of our products and services even in the long-term perspective.” www.volvobuses.com

October 2021

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international

Major shift to EVs for Mumbai buses

A major switch to EV buses is planned for buses in Mumbai following a commitment from Maharashtra environment minister Aaditya Thackeray who said half of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses will be electric by mid-2023. “We will have 1,900 electric buses in Mumbai by mid-2023,”

says Thackeray. “Also, 200 double-deck buses will be procured. The entire bus fleet will be turned to electric vehicles. We are also working on a renewable source of electricity.” Currently, BEST operates 386 electric buses and it has a plan to convert the entire fleet of more than 3,000 buses into EVs by 2028. The state government has also

said it is also exploring hydrogen fuel cell buses. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with T U M I, a G er ma ny-ba s e d organisation, to transform all BEST buses to EVs. BEST says it will also get help from World Resource Institute (WRI) Ross Centre for the transformation. www.bestundertaking.com

Ballard FCEVs top 100 million km BA L L A R D Power Systems reports that its fuel cell technology and products have now powered fuel cell electric vehicles in commercial heavy- and medium-duty applications for a cumulative total of more than 100 million km, double the figure a year ago. Randy MacEwen, president and chief executive officer, says: “Ballard’s proven in-service

experience continues to be a compelling value proposition for our customers as it provides confidence in our technology, product durability, and total cost of ownership. “Ballard fuel cells currently power approximately 3,500 buses and trucks, providing zero-emission mobility solutions in nearly a dozen countries around the world. FCEV technology offers long range

capabilities and quick refueling, without compromising payload.” www.ballard.com

October 2021

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Keolis electric bus fleet for Queensland

KEOLIS Downer is set to operate the largest fleet of electric buses in Queensland following an agreement with Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads (TransLink Division). Keolis’ Australian subsidiary will operate a 100 per cent electric bus depot, powered by renewable energy, with 16 vehicles on nine routes by 2023. The initiative is part of Queensland’s commitment to renew its fleet of vehicles by replacing them with buses powered by alternative energies from 2025. The new deal extends Keolis’

reach in Australia where the group was recently awarded a contract in the Sydney region to operate more than 400 buses, a quarter of which will be converted to e-buses by 2030. The new EV network will serve around 60,000 residents in Brisbane including Upper Bayside and North Lakes suburbs, and the buses will be purchased from Australian manufacturer BusTech. The purchase of the 16 vehicles and the work needed to adapt the depot, will cost a total of €9.7million (Aus$15.6million) and will be

jointly funded by the Queensland State Government and Keolis Downer. www.keolis.com

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fuel cell

California’s GET bus adds five more New Flyer fuel cell buses

NFI Group subsidiary New Flyer of America has received an order from the Golden Empire Transit District (GET bus) for five 40ft fuel cell-electric Xcelsior Charge H2 buses. The order adds to an earlier five similar buses ordered last year and follows New Flyer being selected by CDGS as an approved supplier of electric vehicles in 2019. Both orders were supported by federal transit administration and state funds. GET has a Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan, designed to transi-

tion its fleet to 100 per cent zeroemission by 2040, in accordance with the California Air Resources Board’s innovative clean transit regulation. GET bus operates in Bakersfield, California, transporting more than six million passengers per year. “Leveraging NFI’s experience in electric technology – with more than 40 million EV service miles completed – New Flyer is delivering innovative, efficient, sustainable mobility into California and directly enabling the transition to zero-emission propulsion by

2040,” says Chris Stoddart, president, North American bus and coach. “Since 2005, we have delivered over 110 buses to GET bus, and now, our fuel cell-electric technology will improve community livability with proven range, improved air quality, and quieter transportation.” Built on New Flyer’s Xcelsior platform, the Xcelsior Charge H2 can save 85 to 135 tons of greenhouse gas per year, compared to a diesel bus. www.newflyer.com

October 2021

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infrastructure

andcoach

New green bus shelters in Halesowen

NEW bus shelters which can improve air quality, generate their own power and attract pollinators are being trialled in Halesowen. Transport for West Midlands is working with the Halesowen Business Improvement District and Halesowen in Bloom to provide plant-topped bus shelters to improve the town centre environment. Made from recycled materials the roofs of the shelters include plants designed to maximise carbon capture in the environment as well as filters to catch fine particles and improve air quality. Wild f lowers, which attract

bees and other pollinators, will grow from the eaves and roof edges and appear during the spring, turning the bus stops to buzz stops, according to the scheme’s backers. In addition, there are solar panels which generate power for the display screens and lights and also allow people to charge their mobile

phones for free while waiting for the bus. If the trial proves successful, Tf WM says that more of the environmentally friendly stops could be installed as it renews around 5,000 bus shelters across the region. www.wmca.org.uk

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zero emission

MGill’s owners urge operators to speed up zero emission transition

MCGILL’S Group owners Sandy and James Easdale have urged operators to go further and faster to play their part in halting climate change. The brothers made the call as McGill’s unveiled a new fleet of 68 electric buses in Renfrewshire. The total investment made by McGill’s in the fleet is £32.5million, which has been supported by funding from the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme. McGill’s is now the largest operator of electric buses in Scotland and the fleet will be serving the COP26 climate conference when it gets underway in Glasgow in a month’s time. Ja mes Easda le, cha ir of McGill’s Group, says: “It is crucial that everyone – individuals, businesses and government – play their part in trying to drive

down carbon emissions. This year has seen a shift in attitudes towards climate change and there is a recognition that we need to act fast, not simply set new targets for a decade down the road. “We’re delighted to launch the new fleet of 68 all-electric buses which will deliver zero emission journeys but this should only be the start for businesses such as ours. “All transport operators need to act urgently to reduce their own carbon footprint and also work harder to entice people away from their cars. “There are now almost 7.3 million more cars in Britain than there were in 2000 – this rate of growth can’t continue. We believe the new fleet will be an attractive option for the public but we’re also looking at technology such as

hydrogen buses and how we can get them into service. “If Scotland and the UK is to lead the way on climate change then we collectively need to transform what we are doing and we’re ready to invest to make that happen.” Sandy Easdale adds: “The introduction of these additional vehicles into our Renfrewshire and Glasgow networks will bring a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, at over 2 billion grams every year. “Yet purchasing new vehicles is not simply a tool to reduce our own emissions - it is about making bus travel an option for those who wouldn’t consider it currently which will in turn reduce congestion and fumes from cars on the road.” www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk

October 2021

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express

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FlixBus adds to UK domestic routes and restarts international operations FLIXBUS has added new direct routes to and from London Heathrow airport and resumed international journeys to France, Belgium and The Netherlands. And following a significant domestic expansion during the summer of 2021, the network has been extended with the addition of Cambridge. Since re-launching in the UK in April 2021, FlixBus says it has tripled its local network to meet increased demand for domestic travel. The coach travel provider offered almost 60 direct routes between almost 30 UK cities, including Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Sheffield by the summer high season. The latest addition to the network is Cambridge. In parallel with the start of the school year, FlixBus added the university hub to its UK destinations, providing up to three departures in both directions between Cambridge and London. Andreas Schorling, managing director, FlixBus UK, says: “Since spring we’ve been continuously

improving our new domestic offer and now we are covering numerous destinations in England, Wales and Scotland. Besides building our network within the UK, we also find it important to keep Britain and continental Europe well connected and provide affordable and sustainable mobility opportunities for international passengers. Thus, we are thrilled that in September, we could resume our cross-border operations as well.” FlixBus has been offering cross-

border journeys between the UK and continental Europe since 2016. After a pause caused by the pandemic international routes are being operated again between London and France, Belgium and The Netherlands. Earlier this summer the company announced funding of $650million to expand FlixBus’ offering across multiple new and existing markets including UK expansion. www.flixbus.co.uk

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hybrids

New Flyer to offer Allison Transmission’s eGen Flex electric hybrid system

NEW Flyer Industries Canada and New Flyer of America will be offering Allison Transmission’s next generation electric hybrid propulsion solution eGen Flex from early 2022. New Flyer is North America’s largest transit bus manufacturer and a subsidiary of NFI Group, one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers. Allison’s eGen Flex system is capable of full electric drive for up to 10 miles and can eliminate engine emissions and noise while loading and unloading passengers, in dense pedestrian areas, and in zero emission zones and bus depots. “Since 1977 we have proudly partnered with Allison Transmission on the development of innovative solutions to help advance North American mobility,” said Jennifer McNeill, vice president of sales and marketing, New Flyer.

“With the eGen Flex electric hybrid system, we continue to build on a foundation of safe, sustainable and efficient buses.” The eGen Flex system claims to improve fuel economy by up to 25 per cent compared to a conventional clean diesel bus, and has the ability to operate accessories such as air-conditioning and electric heat at optimal efficiency with clean electric power. Moving these accessories to electric power reduces the strain on the engine, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. This further reduces dependence on fossil fuels, while delivering increased uptime. “Allison’s eGen Flex system provides fleets with a revolutionary solution that reduces their carbon footprint through an improved emissions profile and reduced fuel consumption,” adds Branden Harbin, executive direc-

tor of global marketing, Allison Transmission. “The eGen Flex enables transit fleets to evaluate electric capability and their electric range needs, while still having the peace of mind of a diesel range extender, whether needed for longer routes, unplanned congestion on routes, or an inability to recharge due to power grid challenges.” eGen Flex will be offered in multiple configurations based on fleet torque requirements, as well as CertPlus configurations for sale in California Air Resources Board (CARB)-adopting states. Since 2003, Allison has delivered more than 9,000 electric hybrid propulsion systems globally which have accumulated nearly 2.6 billion miles, saving more than 305 million gallons of fuel, and preventing 3.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. www.allisontransmission.com

October 2021

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gas

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Irizar manufactures its first LNG coach IRIZAR has produced its first LNG i4 coach with a range of more than 1,000km as an addition to the range of technologies it currently offers. The first LNG vehicle is a class II i4 designed for cities, commuter lines, school or company transport. It has two cylindrical cryogenic (-162º C) tanks placed longitudinally on both sides of the coach’s central baggage area. They have a gas capacity of 704 litres and they weigh 830kg when full. In addition to a range of up to 1,000 km, Irizar claims that the environmental benefits provided by this technology reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent, NOx

emissions by 85 per cent and particle pollution by 96 per cent. The LNG range of vehicles from Irizar includes the i4, i6S and i6 coaches. And the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 9I Euro6E 340hp chassis. In 2022 that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium and long

distance suburban routes with a new generation 410hp 131 NBG chassis in lengths from 12 to 15 metres. In comparison with CNG, LNG takes up less space and has an energy density 1.4 greater while the complete system weighs less. www.irizar.com

Bring forward CO2 savings. Upgrade your fleet today. The pressure on bus fleets to save fuel and reduce whole life costs is relentless. A mid-lifecycle upgrade to a new Allison T 2100 xFE transmission will deliver a proven fuel saving of 7.13% in urban driving and 16% in rural environments throughout the remaining life of the bus. That’s reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved local air quality and increased total cost of ownership - easy impact to make now. To learn more, please contact one of our Allison Authorized channel partners, Mitchell Powersystems or Powertrain Products.

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carbon

Stagecoach commits to aligning carbon targets to Paris commitments

STAGECOACH has ramped up its sustainability commitments by joining the United Nationsbacked Race to Zero initiative and submitting its carbon reduction plans for independent ratification by the Science Based Targets initiative as part of its roadmap to become a carbon neutral business by 2050. The operator has joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, which includes many of the world’s largest and fastestgrowing companies that are aiming to halve global emissions by 2030. The initiative is designed to provide a clearly defined pathway for companies to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in line with what is necessary to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris

Agreement on climate change. Stagecoach has committed to aligning its ambition with keeping global warming to 1.5°C and reaching science-based net-zero emissions by 2050. The move follows the publication of its sustainability strategy, Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work, which was accompanied by a call from the groups chief executive Martin Griffiths for assistance from government to help deliver a net-zero emissions economy. “We are delighted to have committed to the Race to Zero initiative and to set stretching carbon reduction targets that are in line with climate science,” says Griffiths. “We have a very clear ambition to help meet the biggest challenge of

our times, and around transport there is an opportunity for us all to make a huge difference. “Most importantly, we have identified detailed plans to future-proof our business and deliver our net zero ambition. But it will take the collective efforts of governments across the globe, consistent pro-public transport policies and changes by everyone in how we live and travel if we are to make this a reality.” The group estimates that its pre-Covid GHG footprint in 2018-19 was 512,241 tCO2e. It is aiming to decarbonise its business by around 70 per cent by 2035 as well as targeting a zero emissions bus fleet across the UK by that date. www.stagecoachgroup.com

October 2021

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finance

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Record year for Pelican with revenue up 9.3 per cent

YORKSHIRE-BASED Pelican Engineering which handles Yutong buses and coaches in the UK has reported a year-on-year rise in turnover for the year ending 31 March 2021 with growth of 9.3 percent, rising to £43.4million from £39.7million the previous year. The 102 year-old firm also reported a profit increase across the whole business amid the disruption caused by the pandemic. While sales of coaches suffered from the impact of the pandemic on the travel sector in 2020 as coach tour operators froze fleet investments, this was offset by the continued demand for DAF and MAN trucks as well as a

rapid rise in sales of zero-emission electric buses across the UK. Richard Crump, managing director, Pelican Engineering, says: “Despite some major challenges to the UK and global economy over the last 18 months, as a third-generation family business we are in a strong position to deal with change. “Fortunately, the momentum from local authorities and bus operators in the UK to move to zero-emission vehicles has continued to gather pace and our partnership to supply the worldleading Yutong vehicles has not been disrupted by the pandemic. We now have 50 electric buses in service nationally with this num-

ber rising to 201 by the end of 2021, making us the largest single-deck electric bus supplier in the UK this year.” Head of Pelican Yutong Bus, Ian Downie adds: “It has been another exciting year for Pelican as the UK’s local authorities and bus operators have turned to our Yutong buses, not only because they have less impact on the environment, but also because they provide a more comfortable passenger experience with no noise or vibration, as well as a long track record of reliability. With COP26 approaching fast, we are expecting this trajectory to continue into 2022 and beyond.” www.pelicanyutong.co.uk

October 2021

zero emission

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London mayor commits to zero emission buses for new orders THE Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has confirmed that all new buses ordered by Transport for London will now be zero-emission. TfL says that making buses zero-emission will save four million tonnes of carbon by 2037, and moving the date forward to 2030 will save an additional one million tonnes. London already has 950 zeroemission buses on the road or on order, and TfL now believes that a fully zero-emission bus network can be delivered three years earlier in 2034, and with further government support, it can achieve a fully zero-emission fleet by 2030. TfL points out that making London’s large bus f leet zeroemission will give British bus manufacturers confidence in large orders enabling them to ramp up production, enabling other local authorities to progress towards zero-emission targets that would not be possible otherwise. It points out that as London

accounts for a third to half of all new bus orders in the UK in any given year, increasing the number of ZE buses in the capital is supporting 3,000 jobs across the UK, such as at the Alexander Dennis factories in Scarborough and Falkirk, Switch Mobility near Leeds and Wrightbus in Ballymena. Sadiq Khan says: “In the year of COP26 and after setting out my ambition for London to be net zero by 2030, I’m committed to do all I can to help clean up the transport network and reduce its emissions. “London’s toxic air is a shameful health crisis which is causing premature deaths and stunting the growth of children’s lungs. As part of our work to tackle both the harmful emissions we breathe and the climate emergency, I am proud to announce that London will no longer procure new diesel or hybrid buses and will only procure zero-emission buses. “I’ve worked hard to ensure TfL’s entire bus fleet now meets the ULEZ standards, which includes 550 zero-emission buses.

We need to act now and accelerate the transition to a greener future, with cleaner air for all.” Paul Davies, president & managing director, Alexander Dennis, adds: “Transport for London’s accelerated investment in zero-emission buses is great news for the environment and the people of London as much as for the communities and businesses across the UK where these buses will be designed and manufactured.” www.london.gov.uk

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net zero

Stagecoach marks Scottish Climate Week with net zero plan for bus fleet

STAGECOACH marked Scottish Climate Week with a plan to cut tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions a year from its business as it targets a zero emissions bus f leet in the country by 2035. The company says that investment in clean technologies, including new electric buses, is expected to deliver an estimated annual reduction of around 67,000 tonnes of CO2e from its fleet of more than 1,200 buses in Scotland in less than 15 years. According to Zero Waste Scotland, the average annual carbon footprint per person in Scotland is 13 tonnes of CO2e. This means Stagecoach’s plans are the equivalent of reducing the environmental impact of more than 5,000 Scots to zero. The latest Stagecoach targets and commitments are part of the company’s new sustainability strategy Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work, published in advance of the COP26 climate change summit in Glas-

gow in November. Stagecoach is aiming to decarbonise its business by around 70 per cent by 2035 as well as targeting a zero emissions bus f leet across the UK by that date. A £21.4million fleet of 46 new fully electric buses is being introduced by Stagecoach in Aberdeen, Perth and Kilmarnock this year as part of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus scheme. It follows the UK’s first f leet of six fully electric buses serving rural communities which went into service earlier this summer under a partnership between Stagecoach and SP Energy Networks, connecting villages along the Irvine Valley with Kilmarnock town centre. Separately, five Scottish Citylink coaches in east Scotland have been fitted with new solar panels which provide clean solar energy to power all on-board electrical equipment. This reduces the requirement to create electric energy via the burning of diesel, a

move that is estimated to save up to 7,500 litres of fuel and over 20 tonnes of CO2. Sam Greer, regional director for Stagecoach in Scotland, says: “There has never been a more important time to take action to address the climate emergency and play a part in helping Scotland deliver on its net zero ambitions. “Making net zero a reality – and quickly – is about more than just switching technologies. We also need to change how we travel, moving people away from cars to walking, cycling and public transport. “This needs strong and brave leadership from national and regional governments to create incentives to reward the right choices. We also need to make sure the country’s transport infrastructure is prioritised for people, such as bus passengers, who are contributing to a cleaner and healthier country.” www.stagecoachgroup.com

October 2021

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international

Zhongtong CNG buses and Allison Transmissions deliver upgrade for buses in Armenia ALLISON Transmission and Chinese bus manufacturer Zhongtong Bus have delivered 211 CNG city buses equipped with Allison T 270TM transmissions with retarder to the Armenian capital of Yerevan. The Zhongtong buses, which have 25 seats and carry up to 60 passengers, are powered by a 200hp Weichai CNG Euro V engine and an Allison T 270 fully automatic transmission with gross input torque of 900 Nm. The transmission has six forward speeds, one reverse and an integral retarder, which extends the life of the brakes and lowers maintenance costs. “Allison’s fully automatic transmission has Allison’s pat-

ented Continuous Power Technology, which delivers smoother, seamless shifts providing superior passenger comfort, “ says Zhang Zhengwei, director, Zhongtong Bus North China. “It’s torque converter technology multiplies engine torque to significantly improve startability and launch, resulting in higher operational productivity which maximises the benefits of a natural gas engine.” Like all Allison fully automatic transmissions, the Allison T 270 transmission features Allison’s 5th Generation Electronic Controls, which offer an enhanced array of smart controls designed for the specific needs of any application. Allison fully automatics require only periodic oil and filter

changes meaning less downtime and lower life-cycle costs, thus achieving greater vehicle reliability with more uptime.

www.allisontransmission.com

Romanian electric bus deal for Karsan IN a deal worth €35million, Karsan will deliver a total of 56 electric buses as part of a tender for the ministry of regional development and public management in Romania. The order will see 44 buses go to Timişoara,

and 12 to Braşov. Karsan will also install a total of 75 charging stations (including 19 quick-chargers) in the region, and will undertake all maintenance and garage operations of all vehicles for six years for a comprehensive fully electric pub-

lic transportation system service. The 56 units will be 18m buses and deliveries will commence in 2022. Karsan CEO Okan Baş says: “The future of transportation lies in electric and driverless public transport vehicles. We have been continuously investing. “Since 2018, we have been launching our fully electric models one after another. Atak Electric and Jest Electric continue to prevail in Europe as zero emission vehicles, and now with more than one million km of total coverage they’ve gained us an important experience.” www.karsan.tr

October 2021

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ev launch

New electric bus range from Karsan

KARSAN has launched a new fully electric bus range e-ATA, available in three lengths - 10, 12 and 18m. The e-ATA comes with seven different battery packs ranging from 150kWh to 600kWh, offering a range of up to 450 km. Serial production is already underway and the first orders for the 10m e-ATA have been received from Romania. A fleet

of 10 buses is due to be delivered to Slatina in December. Karsan has also won a contract for 56 18m-long e-ATA buses for two different cities of Romania in 2022. Okan Baş, CEO of Karsan, says, “The e-ATA series is a product of our experience with electric vehicles that have so far covered two million km, transferred into the domain of large buses. This makes our electric range a complete solu-

tion making us the only brand in Europe to offer fully electric vehicles in all sizes from 6m to 18m. With fast charging technology, the e-ATA can be charged in one to four hours, depending on the size of the battery. Following the launch of the new e-ATA, Karsan’s Jest Electric and Atak Electric will become e-Jest and e-Atak. www.karsan.tr

Sustainable Bus Awards 2022 to be presented digitally

THE award ceremony for the Sustainable Bus Award 2022 will be held in a digital presentation on 19 November, with the support of Busworld managing director Mieke Glorieux. It will be the fourth edition of the prize which focuses on the most innovative and sustainable buses and coaches launched in the European market. “The bus and coach industry can play a more active role in climate change measures,” says Glorieux. “Not enough people, especially outside our industry,

are aware of this. Busworld fully supports the initiative of SBY that wants to make this more obvious. Therefore it wants to assist SBY in spreading the message via its global Busworld platforms. The award is split in to the following categories: Urban, Intercity, Coach. Among city buses, the challenge this year will be between three battery-electric vehicles: Irizar ie bus, MAN Lion’s City E and Solaris Urbino 15 LE Electric. In the ‘Intercity’ segment: the finalists are the new version of the Mercedes Intouro, the Scania

Interlink LNG and the Isuzu Kendo CNG. Among coaches, Volvo 9700 DD, MAN Lion’s Coach and Indcar L9 DAF will compete for the top slot. The jury represents eight European magazines: Mobilités Magazine (France), Busfahrt (Germany), AUTOBUS (Italy), PV-Magazine (Netherlands), Infotrucker (Romania), Revija Tranzit (Slovenia), Carril Bus (Spain) and greenbusandcoach (UK). www.sustainablebusoftheyear.com

October 2021

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policy

andcoach

Liverpool furthers its London-style ambitions for network with BSIP bid LIVERPOOL City Region Combined Authority says its Bus Services Improvement Plan will be a blueprint for delivering improvements designed to encourage more people to travel by bus. The plan is being produced with input from bus operators and local authorities in response to the government’s National Bus Strategy, with the region bidding for a share of £3billion of national funding. Building on its existing LCR Vision for Bus, the new bid includes plans to provide services that are more frequent, reliable, and affordable while making it easier for passengers to understand and use. Key areas identified for investment include frequency improvements, fare reductions, zero emission vehicles and bus lanes. Improving bus services is seen as a part of Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram’s ambition to emulate a London-style transport system. “Good public transport is vital for connecting people with each other and with opportunity, with people in our region overwhelmingly relying on the bus to get about,” says Rotheram. “Thanks

to the failed deregulation of the 1980s, too many bus services don’t work for the people who use them. “I’m determined to fix that. Getting around our region should be quick, cheap and reliable – like it is in London. If it’s good enough for the capital, then it’s more than good enough for people in our region.” The BSIP will include the four key areas of improvement that were agreed as part of the LCR Vision for Bus in July 2019:

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October 2021

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policy

Stagecoach calls for UK bus stimulus STAGECOACH has called on the UK Government to use the forthcoming spending review to put in place a stimulus package to incentivise a return to Britain’s buses to help drive regional economies and deliver on the country’s net zero ambitions. Stagecoach has submitted a six-point plan including tax incentives, discounted fares and a national bus marketing campaign to match the recently-launched advertising push to attract consumers back to trains. The company has also called for reform of motoring tax and a government roadmap for investment to support decarbonisation of the bus sector and deliver 4,000 new promised electric buses in England. The bus group has pointed to the latest Department for Transport data which shows that while car use has surged to as high as 111 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, bringing growing road congestion and pollution, bus use in both London and regions across the country has lagged behind. Bus journeys have plateaued at around 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, despite current government support packages and services operating at least 90 per cent of pre-pandemic networks. Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach chief executive, says: “Bus networks are the arteries behind the social and economic heartbeat of Britain’s towns and cities. They are also central to delivering on the country’s net zero ambitions and creating healthier, more connected communities. “Government messaging during 18-months of the pandemic has negatively impacted public

perceptions of public transport and is holding back Britain’s buses. We need urgent government action and innovative policies to support the efforts of operators to re-boot bus use and unlock their power to kick-start the country’s recovery from the pandemic.” Among the proposals is a ‘Back to Bus’ marketing campaign, run as a joint bus sector and government campaign to reaffirm the safety of the country’s bus network and counteract the negative impact of health messaging during the pandemic. Stagecoach proposes that it is fronted by senior government ministers and to utilise the significant communications resources in mayoral and other local authorities. “Governments of all colours have for too long shied away from tackling the critical issue of grow-

ing and unsustainable car use,” adds Griffiths. “Current taxation policy is out of step with the strategy to deliver net zero. It has effectively made motoring cheaper, while the road congestion it causes has increased air pollution, accelerated the climate emergency and damaged public transport networks by making services more costly and less reliable. “With the shift to electric vehicles, the country is also facing a significant black hole in public finances from declining fuel tax revenues. A new pay-per-mile regime for private cars, with measures to protect less well-connected rural areas and combined with other incentives, would help drive a return to public transport and more sustainable communities.” www.stagecoachbus.com

October 2021

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New Leeds Park & Ride launched with five BYD ADL Enviro400EVs

ALEXANDER Dennis and BYD have supplied five Enviro400EV double-deck buses to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and First Bus for the new Stourton park-and-ride service in Leeds. The electric buses are owned and operated by First West Yorkshire under contract with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority who secured funding from the Department for Transport’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme. Built at ADL’s factory in Scarborough, each 10.8m long BYD ADL Enviro400EV offers up to 69 seats and has a range of up to 160 miles on a single charge. The site at Stourton is the first October 2021

solar-powered park-and-ride in the UK, and is also the third parkand-ride site in Leeds. Departing up to every 10 minutes, the new zero emission double-decks take under 15 minutes from the site at the M621 motorway to the heart of Leeds city centre. Stourton park-and-ride has 45 solar panels that cover the size of 18 tennis courts and generate the capacity to power the entire site’s electrical needs via a battery storage system. Other features of the new parkand-ride site include 26 fast electric vehicle charging ports and 4 rapid chargers totalling 30 EV charging spaces, secure bicycle storage and 1,200 vehicle spaces. As well as using solar panels to

generate electricity for lighting, electric vehicle charging, CCTV security and heat for the terminus building and waiting room, the site has more than 11,000 trees and shrubs and the terminus building features a ‘green roof ’, helping to reduce urban air temperatures and creating a habitat for wildlife. Kim Groves, West Yorkshire Transport Committee lead member for public transport, says: “As the UK’s first solarpowered park-and-ride, Stourton is enhancing transport links in Leeds and West Yorkshire and making a positive impact on the local economy and businesses.” www.alexander-dennis.com www.byd.com

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autonomous

Iveco Bus and EasyMile move ahead with autonomous city bus

BUS manufacturer Iveco Bus has worked with driverless technology provider EasyMile and other partners to test a fully driverless standard bus prototype, capable of operating under real conditions. The bus has proven feasible for autonomous operations in bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes as well as on private sites. The scheme’s backers say that this marks a crucial milestone for the progress of autonomous transport in Europe. The 12m Iveco bus can carry up to 100 passengers, and EasyMile contributes an advanced f leet management solution which it claims is one of the first to be fully dedicated to autonomous vehicles. The EasyMile and Iveco Bus vehicle has undergone extensive testing and development at the Transpolis proving grounds as

well as Iveco and EasyMile’s own test sites. The autonomous driving system in the vehicle enables it to consistently ‘dock’ within 10cm of the kerb at stations. This is regarded as important in improving accessibility, especially for wheelchairs users. Maximum speeds reached by the bus in autonomous mode demonstrated that the technology also performs well at 40km/h. Vehicle to infrastructure (V2X) capabilities allow the bus to anticipate traffic light phases, meaning smooth stopping and starting as well as lower energy consumption. Manoeuvre and stopping precision also enable automatic parking in the depot. “We are very proud of this new collaboration with Iveco Bus which comes after our successful joint STAR project started in 2017 and shows the maturity of our

technology,” says EasyMile general manager Benoit Perrin. EasyMile and Iveco Bus, together with Sector, Transpolis, ISAE-SUPAERO, Université Gustave Eiffel, Inria, and Michelin joined forces to develop the technology to automate the bus in 2017 as part of the STAR, Rapid Autonomous Transport System, project. The collaboration’s aim was to develop the first driverless, autonomous standard bus, capable of operating under conditions similar to real operation, with a prototype ready in 2021. The project partners are now preparing to operate the bus in a city under real conditions. The development is subsidized by the French government through its FUI (Fonds Unique Interministériel) program. www.ivecobus.com

October 2021

hydrogen

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Funding boost for Cummins hydrogen

CUMMINS is planning to move ahead with its hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) programme with the development of a mediumduty 6.7-litre and a heavy-duty 15-litre engine. The new hydrogen engines will aim to achieve zero carbon emissions, enhanced power density and improved thermal efficiency. The engine development work received a £7.2million award from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre. Planned development of the 6.7-litre hydrogen engine will focus on medium-duty truck, bus, and construction appliOctober 2021

cations, such as excavators and wheel loaders. A new 15-litre platform offers the potential to bring hydrogen gas-fuelled engine capability to long-haul trucks with up to 44-ton gross vehicle weight and other heavy-duty applications. The APC estimates that successful execution of the Cummins H2-ICE project could reduce more than 11 million tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions of 2.4 million cars in the UK. UK minister for investment Lord Grimstone says: “The BRUNEL Project is carrying on Darlington’s long tradition of skilled engineering, which will continue to grow

for many years to come. We are working to build back better and greener after the pandemic and government investment in this scheme will help secure a better future for the next generation.” Cummins European Technical Centre at the Darlington facility will oversee a consortium of leading sub-system manufacturers in the UK to achieve commercial viability for H2-ICE. The estimated £14.6million cost of the H2-ICE technical readiness project will be funded by the APC award of £7.2million and additional investment by Cummins and industry partners. www.cummins.com

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ev buses

EMT Madrid increases its fleet with 30 more Irizar electric buses THE Municipal Transport Company of Madrid (EMT Madrid) has awarded Irizar e-mobility its fourth order with another 30 electric buses, which will take the total of zero-emission Irizar buses in its fleet to 85. Once again, the model chosen is the 12m long Irizar ie bus, which has been operating in Madrid since 2019. The vehicles will be powered by Irizar batteries and have two doors, 28 passenger seats and two wheelchair areas. Irizar e-mobility will also supply 30 interoperable ECI-100 chargers from Jema Energy (an Irizar Group company) with a 100kW smart charging system, capable of charging the vehicles in three

hours using a Combo 2 charging socket. An inverted pantograph charging option is also available. The vehicles will also include a remote monitoring system developed by Datik, which also belongs to the Irizar Group. “EMT Madrid has become a

global benchmark in electromobility and we are very proud to be able to contribute to the city’s sustainability policy by adding thirty new vehicles to its fleet,” says Imanol Rego, general manager, Irizar e-mobility. www.irizar-emobility.com

RATP Dev UK and Tower Transit in new joint venture in West London

IN response to what the partners claim is an increasingly competitive London bus market requiring greater investment and market adaptation, RATP Dev UK and Tower Transit have established a new joint venture which will see two established players in the London bus market come together in West London as RATP Dev Transit London. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, RATP Dev will operate as the majority partner. Under the London United, London Sovereign and the new London Transit brands, the joint venture will operate 115 routes from ten garages, in West Lon-

don. Lea Interchange, in East London, will remain a separate Tower Transit entity. Mehdi Sinaceur, RATP Dev senior VP - United Kingdom, South Africa, and Americas business unit, says: “We are delighted to have reached a joint venture agreement with Tower Transit. Both RATP Dev London and Tower Transit are well established operators in West London and this partnership will increase our competitiveness, improve our cost base, further our commitment to electrification, enhance our offer to passengers and expand opportunities for employees. “We look forward to work-

ing closely with our colleagues at Tower Transit to ensure the opportunities afforded by the partnership are fully realised.” Paul Cox, chairman, Tower Transit Group and CFO of parent SeaLink Travel Group’s international operations, adds: “This is a very exciting development for Tower Transit and its parent, the SeaLink Travel Group. The negotiation of this agreement has already proved a close working relationship can be achieved which will be mutually beneficial, with common vision and values existing from the outset.” www.ratpdev.com www.transitsystems.com.au

October 2021

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BYD makes first delivery of eBuses in Ancona, Italy

BYD has made its first delivery of two electric Midi eBuses in Ancona, the capital of the Marche Region in Italy. The two eBuses will be operated by Conerobus, which will directly own one of the vehicles. The first eBus order for BYD from Ancona, this will also be the first fully electric bus to operate in the Marche Region. Mayor of Ancona, Valeria Mancinelli, says: “The administration places sustainability policies very high on our agenda. Progress is built over time and today we have achieved a positive step forward. “Over the years we have developed a system that has provided us with increasingly green public transport. We have a series of October 2021

projects that will allow us to further strengthen the sustainability of city mobility, while supporting modernisation and functional intermodality. These factors will lead to a healthier environment and provide an even better way of experiencing the city.” One of the eBuses will be used in the busy seaport which serves the Adriatic Sea, primarily for tourist routes, while the other will be used in the city centre of Ancona. President and CEO of Conerobus, Muzio Papaveri adds: “We have long been committed to building ever more sustainable public transport. The new electric vehicles are just the latest in a series of initiatives enabling us to deliver a service devoted to innovation with low environmental

impact. The new trolleybus and electric buses represent the final phase of a larger project focusing on energy transition.” BYD Europe managing director, Isbrand Ho adds: “We are delighted that Ancona has taken delivery of its first electric buses. Our eBuses have an ever-increasing presence in cities across Europe and this latest delivery to Ancona is a result of our close and long-established partnership with local public transport operators and authorities.” Over 100 BYD eBuses are currently on order or in operation throughout Italy, including the cities of Turin, Novara, Alessandria, Milan, Padua and Messina, as well as other smaller towns. www.byd.com

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ev buses

Iveco Bus reaches production milestone with delivery of 500th E-Way IVECO Bus’ factory in Rorthais, France has just completed its 500th electric bus. The 500th unit from the Rorthais site is a 12m E-Way bus operated by Keolis Pays d’Aix on the Aix-MarseilleProvence metropolitan area network. It is part of an order for 46 vehicles to be delivered from now until the end of 2024. The 12m version has been the best-seller in France and has been adopted by many transport and public authorities in France, Norway, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria and Germany. The 500th E-Way, branded GX Elec in France, is equipped with lithium-ion NMC batteries that

are recharged overnight. The Rorthais plant has been producing hybrid-electric vehicles and trolleybuses for more than 20 years. “The production of the 500th

E-Way is a milestone for us”, says Stéphane Espinasse, president, Iveco France. “Our plant is a true centre of excellence in electromobility.” www.iveco.com

Jing-Jin Electric and Allison Transmission to accelerate development of electrified powertrain solutions

ALLISON Transmission and Jing-Jin Electric have agreed a global strategic partnership agreement to accelerate the development of electrified powertrains for commercial vehicles. The companies say that the partnership will exploit JJE’s electric motor and inverter development and its strong presence in the Chinese market, and Allison’s experience in electric and hybrid systems, and its global OEM relationships and worlwide distributor base. The partnership aims to allow both parties to benefit from a global manufacturing presence

and service networks to support customers in local markets. In addition, Allison has committed to provide debt financing to support JJE North America’s commercial vehicle electric drive product. “The growing needs of our OEM customers and end-user vehicle owners for highly efficient electrified propulsion solutions is what drives our pursuit of innovation,” says David S Graziosi, chairman and chief executive officer, Allison Transmission. “Both Allison and JJE share a common goal of developing and supporting industry-leading fully integrated electrified propulsion

systems and this collaboration will uniquely position us to meet the growing demands and needs of the marketplace.” Ping Yu, chairman and chief executive officer, Jing-Jin Electric, adds: “Commercial vehicle electrification will be one of the greatest contributors to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. JJE and Allison will combine our best competencies to create the most powerful, most efficient and most reliable electrified powertrains for our global commercial vehicle customers.” www.allisontransmission.com www.jjecn.com

October 2021

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New EV double-deck from Equipmake and Beulas

ELECTRIC powertrain specialists Equipmake and Spanish bus builder Beulas are launching a new electric double-deck bus to compete with Chinese products in the UK market. The Jewel E bus will have battery options of up to 543kWh, which the developers claim will be the largest battery of any single-axle double-deck electric bus with a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge. The bus features a British-built electric powertrain designed and developed at Equipmake’s facility in Norfolk, with the body October 2021

produced by Beulas in Girona. Production is due to begin in 2022 at a new factory in Norfolk. Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain is modular and scale and is already in use in singledeck in Buenos Aires as part of an Equipmake partnership with Agrale. Integrated into the Jewel E chassis ZED is an HTM 3500 motor, which combines high torque with low motor speeds, and is fitted directly onto the propshaft negating the need for a separate gearbox. It produces maximum torque of 3,500Nm at 1,000rpm and offers

maximum power of 400kW. Testing of the Jewel E begins in Q4 2021 with in-service trials expected to take place in Q1 2022. “Improving urban air quality is a global problem,” says Ian Foley, managing director, Equipmake. “At the same time, operators want vehicles that are cost-effective and highly efficient, while governments and local bodies need bus manufacturers to bring advanced technology to market quickly.” www.equipmake.co.uk www.beulas.net

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ev buses

UK’s largest bus depot able to charge electric buses in four hours FIRST Bus reports that it is able to fully charge buses in its growing electric f leet in just four hours as the first phase of a major works programme is completed at what will be the UK’s largest EV charging hub. Glasgow’s Caledonia bus depot has reached a key milestone in its green transformation plans with the installation of 11 rapid 150kW dual cable charging units. This first phase of work has been completed ahead of a new batch of 22 electric buses arriving at the depot before COP26 next month. With phased completion for the remainder of the work scheduled to take place across the next 12 months, the depot has been designed to accommodate and charge up to 300 EV buses on site - and will see the introduction of 150 electric buses over the next

18 months. The dual cable DC rapid charging units have been supplied and installed by Heliox. Each rapid charging station will be controlled via smart charging software to ensure power is used in the most efficient way. With an additional 69 rapid chargers in Phase Two, Caledonia

depot will soon be able to charge 162 vehicles at one time. The depot transformation is costing more than £63million, with First Bus investing £35.6million into the project and the Scottish Government’s Scottish Ultra Low Bus Scheme (SULEB) funding a further £28.2million. www.firstbus.com

Coalition urges government to speed up zero emission bus rollout A coalition representing bus operators, local authorities, manufacturers and workers has called on the UK government to speed up its zero emission bus rollout or risk missing key targets. In a letter to the transport secretary and the chief secretary to the treasury the signatories call for the government to set out a clear roadmap to deliver significantly more buses on an accelerated timetable and ensure funding reflects the full costs of zero emission vehicle purchase

and installation of infrastructure. To date, the government has only provided funding to support the delivery of 900 buses, according to the organisations behind the call who point out that this is well short of the prime minister’s target of 4,000 by February 2025. The letter warns that without a long-term roadmap meeting the prime minister’s pledge will be extremely challenging and the wider transition to zero emission buses more problematic. Urban Transport Group direc-

tor Jonathan Bray says: “Continuing to fund zero emission buses via sporadic funding pots which local authorities have to waste time and resources competing for is yesterday’s solution to an urgent problem of today. “Instead we need a coordinated and funded plan (which encompasses both the vehicles and the supporting green energy infrastructure) to give the decarbonisation of the bus fleet the same priority that the Government is giving to decarbonising cars.” October 2021

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25 new generation VDL Citeas for Finnish city Kotka

FINNISH bus company Oy Pohjolan Liikenne has ordered 25 new generation VDL Citeas with electric drivetrains for its fleet in the port city of Kotka. They will also serve the neighbouring town of Hamina. This is the first large order for new generation Citeas that VDL Bus & Coach has sold outside its home country. The order will follow that of Dutch public transport company Hermes, which will deploy 32 new generation LF-122 type VDL Citeas in the first quarter of next year in Eindhoven. Production of Kotka’s new buses will begin in late 2022 and will be delivered in 2023. With the addition of these 25 October 2021

Citeas, Oy Pohjolan Liikenne will expand its VDL fleet to almost 200 vehicles. Heik k i Alanko, managing director, Oy Pohjolan Liikenne, says: “We strive to be the leading operator in the transition to zero emission public transport in Finland. These new state-of-the-art, long-range VDL buses will make it possible for us to operate more efficiently than ever before. “We are delighted with the new generation VDL Citeas; their core innovative characteristics will allow us to enhance passengers’ travel experience and provide the best possible working environment to our drivers.” Sami Ojamo, managing direc-

tor, VDL Bus & Coach Finland, adds: “The transition to electric and sustainable public transport in Finland continues at an exponential pace. Our longstanding, valued customer is a great example of this trend. Early in 2019, they ordered their first five electric Citeas from VDL Bus & Coach. Now, they have purchased from our latest generation of city buses. The addition to their fleet substantiates their position as a frontrunner in e-mobility in Finland.” The 12.2m new generation Citeas will have a 490kWh battery pack and a range of 500 to 600km. www.vdlbuscoach.com

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infrastructure

New blueprint for transport interchanges from Go-Ahead and Arup

GO-AHEAD and Arup have presented blueprints for the design of transport hubs to improve connectivity between services across the UK. The ‘Future Mobility Hubs’ report presents a framework for a network of interchanges that can be adapted to suit different cities, suburbs and rural areas across the UK. The designs envisage passengers waiting for a bus while benefiting from solar powered lighting and heating, cycle storage and hire, charging points, community gardens and even co-working spaces. Go-Ahead and Arup say that mobility hubs could unlock opportunities for low-carbon journeys by integrating different forms of transport and creating

an attractive alternative to cars. Services tailored to each location would enhance existing infrastructure such as bus stops, railways stations and park and ride facilities with options ranging from cycle storage, e-bikes and EV charging to improved lighting, amenities and public realm. Mark Anderson, Go-Ahead interim customer and commercial director, says: “The on-board environment on buses has improved markedly with modern vehicles and better accessibility. But customers want a more comfortable environment to wait for a bus, or to change between modes. “We’re setting out a vision of what bus stops and interchanges could look like in the future. For the UK to meet its goal of becom-

ing carbon neutral by 2050, we need millions of people to switch from cars to public transport. We’ll only achieve that, as a country, if we think big, work closely with local authorities and come up with ideas to make travelling as attractive as possible.” Richard de Cani, Arup global planning lead, adds: “Currently transport options in our towns and cities can be fragmented. Mobility hubs could combine services to provide more integrated and convenient journey choices while reducing the carbon impact and helping us achieve our net zero ambitions.” gog-11615-s3.s3.eu-west-2. amazonaws.com/live/3416/3229/8667/ Future_Mobility_Hubs_-_Go-AheadArup_Report.pdf

October 2021

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New EV city bus from Quantron E-MOBI L I T Y spec ia l i st Quantron AG is launching a 12m low-floor city bus which will be offered as a BEV variant from the end of 2021, and as an FCEV from spring 2022. And Quantron claims that the BEV bus will be a similar price range to conventional diesel buses. The vehicle is being backed by Quantron investor and strategic partner Ev Dynamics, a European-Asian consortium of companies specialising in electric and hydrogen-based mobility. The batteries and fuel cells for the new vehicle will be supplied by CATL and Ballard Power respectively. The full electric bus has a maximum output of 250kW and

3,400Nm maximum torque with a range of up to 280km. The charging power is up to 80kW with a battery capacity of up to 422 kWh. The battery is charged via a

European standard plug CCS 2 within three to six hours depending on the battery size. The bus has a capacity for up to 95 passengers. www.quantron.net

West Midlands plans for £2billion investment in tram, rail, bus and cycling THE West Midlands Metro network will be extended in Walsall, Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton under a plan to improve transport across the region. Further investment would see rail stations opened, new rapid bus services, lower fares, more zero-emission vehicles, a very light rail line in Coventry and miles of safe cycling routes created to support the region’s economic growth and its #wm2041 net-zero carbon targets. The West Midlands Combined Authority board has submitted bids to the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund and Bus Service October 2021

Improvement Plan fund which, topped up with local funds, could secure investment of up to £2billion over the next five years. The plans include more Metro tram routes, new rapid bus services and lower fares. Also included in the bid is the Very Light Rail scheme in Coventry city centre which is designed to offer the benefits of trams with lower development costs. The Bus Service Improvement Plan bid includes the development of 110km of new bus priority routes with bus lanes and junction upgrades to improve reliability of services, a simplified lower cost fare system across operators, and the expansion of the new ‘West

Midlands On Demand’ bus service. The combined authority also backed a bid for a £55million investment into a f leet of 200 zero-emission hydrogen buses in collaboration with National Express West Midlands. The bid also includes a plan for lower and simpler fares with Transport for West Midlands offering uniform pricing and seamless ticketing across operators and types of transport, and enhanced real-time information for passengers showing where a bus is on the network and provision of accurate fastest route information. www.wmca.org.uk

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finance

National Express in talks to acquire Stagecoach in all-share deal

NATIONAL Express is preparing an all-share bid for Stagecoach said to value the latter at £445million. The proposed deal would create a business with a fleet of 36,000 buses and coaches which National Express says would deliver “significant growth and cost synergies”. Stagecoach shareholders would receive 0.36 new National Express shares for each Stagecoach share they own, giving them 25 per cent of the combined group. Stagecoach has 8,400 buses and coaches in the UK. National Express has a smaller UK bus fleet, but has an overall fleet of 28,000 vehicles, operating across the UK and in Spain, and school buses in the USA. It also has a German rail contract.

It is proposed that Ray O’Toole would become chair of the combined group, while Jorge Cosmen would be deputy chair, and Ignacio Garat and Chris Davies would be CEO and CFO respectively. National Express is well known for its extensive coach network in the UK, operated both with its own fleet plus those run by contracted operators. It employs 48,000 people, of whom 6,800 are in the UK, while Stagecoach has a UK workforce of 24,000. National Express acknowledged that a deal would lead to job losses in head office and back office functions, although it said this would only affect a “small percentage” of staff, and drivers would not be affected. National Express has identi-

fied pre-tax cost savings of at least £35million, as it could use Stagecoach’s depot network for its coach operations, which presumably could lead to a switch to more directly-operated services and fewer contractors. Any deal would be subject to approval by UK competition authorities. While the bus networks of both groups have little overlap in the UK, there are competing coach routes. Of course, the impending changes to bus regulation including proposed franchising systems for Manchester and other cities mean that the reach of any network may depend on contract wins in the future. www.stagecoachbus.com www.nationalexpressgroup.com

October 2021

compliance

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andcoach

OR Jones & Sons goes paperless with TruTac’s CPT software

COACH operator OR Jones & Sons Ltd has improved its vehicle inspections and moved to a paperless system with the help of TruTac’s CPT-approved dedicated PSV software. Based near Holyhead, Anglesey, OR Jones was established in 1936 and is one of North Wales’s oldest coach specialists. It has a fleet of 30 vehicles on tours, local bus, school services and private hire. It has been a TruTac customer since 2017 and uses the CPT Tacho Analysis, CPT Fleet Management and CPT Daily Checks systems across its three depots. The CPT Daily Checks software is its most recent addition and was, in part, a way for the company to remove physical documents when the pandemic October 2021

set in. “During lockdown, I looked into doing the checks digitally,” explains PSV technician Martyn Owens. “It seemed like a good idea, both operationally and because it meant we could go paperless. “From there, we decided to do the vehicles’ preventative maintenance inspections digitally. Before that, we had to fill in a form, scan it and send it on, but TruTac and CPT introduced a new system that allowed us to do the full PMI check on a smartphone.” In addition to the biosecurity benefits, going paperless has speeded up the operator’s vehicle checks. “If there were a defect on, say, a coach parked in our depot in Holyhead, previously there would have

been a book and the driver would have logged the checks in there – but I might not see that for two days,” adds Owens. “Now, the drivers do their checks on their smartphone and I can see the results straightaway.” OR Jones is applying for DVSA Earned Recognition status and TruTac’s software has helped it achieve its current completely green Operators Compliance Risk Score -DVSA’s method to assess operators’ levels of risk in regard to roadworthiness. TruTac’s software includes a free-of-charge dashboard so operators can benchmark themselves against the KPI’s prior to joining the scheme and going for Earned Recognition status. www.trutac.co.uk

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policy

Campaign for Better Transport calls for more Government support for buses

THE Campaign for Better Transport has called for more support from the UK government to accelerate the switch to cleaner vehicles. The group organised a Zero Emission Bus Summit last month with Transport for London and the mayor of London which brought together key stakeholders involved in delivering a greener, better bus network to help transform towns, cities and rural areas. Silviya Barrett, Campaign for Better Transport, says: “Buses are already one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel and a zero-emission f leet will make them even greener, further reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. But our recent

research with local authorities revealed that delivering the government’s target for zero emission buses was one area where many authorities felt they lacked the necessary support and expertise. “That’s why London’s commitment to a full zero emission fleet and the summit are so important. Only by sharing knowledge and skills and working together, including targeted funding from government, can we achieve the clean, affordable and regular bus network the country needs to ensure more people use buses and leave their cars at home.” The group points out that the government’s National Bus Strategy, which aims to both increase bus use and accelerate the adop-

tion of zero emission vehicles, relies on local authorities and operators working together to deliver it. However, the campaigners say that after more than a decade of funding and service cuts, many local authorities no longer have the capacity or capability to deliver these objectives on their own. Campaign for Better Transport is calling for more support from central government in the form of additional funding, help building local authorities’ capabilities, speeding up the roll-out of charging infrastructure and encouraging people to choose the bus to ensure the aims of the National Bus Strategy become a reality. www.bettertransport.org.uk

October 2021