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December 2021
Issue 433
busandcoach driving towards a greener future
Volvo unveils BZL electric range News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector
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Editorial
Analysis: New BZL range unveiled to operators
Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com
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6 Analysis: CPT explores options for zero emission coaches
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8 Anadolu Isuzu celebrates Sustainable Bus Award 2022
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December 2021
Issue 433
busandcoach driving towards a greener future
11 Volvo unveils BZL electric range News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector
December 2021
Switch Mobility to supply 300 e-buses to Bengalaru greenbusandcoach 3
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andcoach
Metroline to be first to trial Volvo BZL electric double-deck Volvo launches single- and double-deck versions of its new BZL chassis featuring a new MCV body.
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olvo launched its new BZL electric chassis to customers and media in a series of presentations at its UK base in Coventry. The new BZL will be available as a single-deck at lengths of 9-13m, and in double-deck format at 10.3 and 10.9m. The electric double-deck launch is the most significant since Volvo has had its 7900e single-deck available for some time and already has 21 in service in the UK. The first double-deck to operate in the UK will be a TfL-specification model which will be a fleet seed vehicle with Metroline for 12 months after completing its final testing, preparation and homologation. A
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second demonstrator is being prepared in a provincial specification. The first single-deck BZL will operate on the Kent Fastrack as a seed vehicle. Both models have a new body developed by MCV in close cooperation with Volvo and which features an industry first - a CO2 heat pump with a coefficient of performance ratio of 1:4, meaning it produces 4kW of energy from1kW input. The London double-deck demonstrator has an 84-passenger capacity, although Volvo Bus UK & Ireland sales director Phil Owen believes that once the
December 2021
analysis
Infographic,Zemo Partnership.
production vehicles arrive, this should reach 87 passengers. The core driveline of the BZL has been derived from the 9700e model. It features a 200kW electric motor and 94kW batteries - the double-deck is likely to have five batteries giving it 470kWh energy storage. The batteries can be recharged in the depot by CCS connection, or configured for opportunity charging if required. “The long established and ever more relevant Volvo core values of quality, safety and environmental care are at the heart of shaping a safer, cleaner and more efficient transport in the future,” says Owen. “They are woven into every aspect of the new Volvo BZL Electric and we are extremely excited to be able to introduce this new chassis platform to the UK and Ireland.” It is 12 years since the first Volvo hybrid doubledecks went into service and three years since its electric single-deck 7900e, and it could be argued that Volvo is later than expected in the race to electrification of the double-deck - a keystone vehicle for the UK market - especially since Volvo has been promoting December 2021
‘Electromobility’ for some years. But Owen appears relaxed about not being first to market. He suggests there can be advantages in following, and points out that there have been challenges for all manufacturers in meeting London operators’ requirement for a double-deck with at least a 150-mile range. No orders have yet been announced, but production of the BZL is due to start in week 21 next year with deliveries likely to start in quarter four. The BZL launch was the final official engagement for outgoing Volvo Bus UK & Ireland managing director, Nick Page. “I am delighted to be able to celebrate this important milestone in Volvo’s electromobility journey with colleagues and friends in the industry,” says Page. “Although my personal journey with Volvo is drawing to a close, the new Volvo BZL Electric – together with the requisite technology, services and support from the global Volvo organisation to deliver successful operation of electric vehicles – will prove to be the route forward for many operators on their on-going journey towards net zero.” www.volvobuses.com
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The path to zero emission for the coach sector CPT launches new taskforce and hosts online conference to highlight issues on road to zero emission for coach operators.
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PT put the focus firmly on zero emission coaches this month with a members’ zoom conference looking at the challenges for future ZE coaches coinciding with the announcement of a new industry coach decarbonisation taskforce, chaired by former CPT president Ian Luckett. Some of the key messages emerging from the online conference included: hydrogen needs to be considered alongside battery electric vehicles, although the sourcing of ‘green hydrogen’ is critical; infrastructure has to be considered from the outset and ZE vehicles need to be developed holistically and not just derived from existing diesel models; and the UK government needs to overcome its blind spot towards coaches which are the only sector which has so far had no grant funding to support ZE vehicle development. The conference featured presentations from manufacturers and suppliers as well as operators who have experience of integrating electric vehicles in the bus and private hire sectors. Richard Ball, new vehicles director for National Express, set out the case for hydrogen fuel cell coaches. He reported that the group had trialled battery electric vehicles and concluded that while these may be a good fit on some routes, the majority of its network would benefit from the additional range and fast refuelling time that hydrogen can provide. Luggage capacity is also a key concern for National Express, with a standard requirement for around 10.5 cu m, whereas one of the BEV demos had around a third of this. But hydrogen is not without its challenges of
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course. Ball pointed out that the likely storage space for hydrogen tanks is on the roof which raises issues for stability on tilt tests. But the biggest challenge may be infrastructure and the lack of hydrogen refuelling capacity has to be addressed. “There are not currently even enough [hydrogen] fuel stations to do a corridor, never mind a network,” said Ball. One of the key reasons why coaches have lagged behind buses when it comes to decarbonisation is because it is a much smaller market and therefore more difficult for manufacturers to get a return on the investment needed. Ball acknowledged this and called for an industry-wide effort to pool information on the specifications they would like to see for zero emission coaches and for the sector to consider more standardised vehicles to reduce the eventual cost. Dan Hayes, Zemo Partnership presented a quick summary of the evolution of zero emission vehicles in the sector, and noted that the handful of electric coaches was related to the fact that coaches have never been fully understood by government and have been left out of all the funding schemes. “Most [coach] operators are still trying to get to Euro 6,” said Hayes. There has been some specific support from Scotland’s funding for zero emission vehicles with Ember operating new Yutong electric coaches, although this was only available for vehicles running on registered routes, so not relevant to the tourism and leisure market. Hayes suggested that coach operators could benefit by considering the purchase of even a single EV at an early stage, so they could start learning how they December 2021
analysis
Infographic,Zemo Partnership.
would integrate them into their operations. Yutong is currently the only manufacturer offering a full electric coach in the UK and has its TCe12 in operation with Westway, Watts Way Travel and Ember. Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus at UK distributor Pelican, reported that the TCe12 is available with a 281 or 350kWh battery providing a range of 240-280 miles. The current model can fit 50 seats but he pointed out that an increase in the permitted axle weight to 122.5t would allow up to 59 seats. Ember’s operation in Scotland is doing up to 1,000km a day with two to three charging periods during the day. Yutong has established a Team Zero, bringing together operators with Yutong electric buses and coaches, plus other partners and he suggested that one of the outcomes could be the availability of coach charging facilities through this network of operators. During the question session, there was a discussion about how clean hydrogen is in terms of carbon, and the difference between ‘green’ hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, and what is known as ‘blue’ hydrogen which uses fossil fuel energy to provide the power for the electrolysis process. In response, Downie said firmly that while Yutong does have a hydrogen fuel cell coach in its line-up, it would December 2021
not be sold in the UK without a commitment for it to be operated on ‘green’ hydrogen’. CPT aims to continue its work on zero emission coaches through the new taskforce which will be working on a report to be published in the summer of 2022. CPT chief executive Graham Vidler says: “CPT is launching this taskforce to help our members get ahead of what will be a transformational issue for the industry over the coming decades. “The taskforce will start with a forensic examination of the issues ahead. This is a crucial first step in helping us develop sustainable and deliverable solutions which will help the industry on its journey to net zero.” Chair of the taskforce Ian Luckett adds: “Decarbonising our world is essential and it’s vital our industry understands the part it needs to play on the journey to ‘net zero’. It must be clear not only about the challenges it faces, and what needs to happen to help it overcome them, but that it has evidence to back this up. I will be asking members of the taskforce to have this in mind from day one as we begin this exciting and important work.” www.cpt-uk.org
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awards
Isuzu Kendo CNG named Sustainable Bus of the Year in Intercity category ANADOLU Isuzu’s Kendo CNG has been named the Sustainable Bus of the Year in the Intercity category at the Sustainable Bus Awards 2022. The awards are judged by seven leading commercial vehicle magazines published in Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Romania, and Slovenia. Comprised of trade press editors, the Sustainable Bus Award jury evaluates the short-listed vehicles based on various factors such as design, fuel efficiency, emissions, safety, comfort, noise, recyclability of components and the general environmental commitment of the manufacturer. The13m-long Isuzu Kendo CNG reduces emissions due to its 100 per cent biogas compatible CNG engine which has been designed for transportation on both shorter and longer inter-city routes. Manufactured specifically for personnel and student transportation, the Kendo series offers good fuel efficiency and a large luggage capacity of 7.5 cubic metres. The coach is also suitable for tourism transportation due to its high comfort standards and functionality. Developed at Anadolu Isuzu’s R&D centre and equipped with smart security systems, Isuzu Kendo offers a multi-function instrument panel and self-diagnosis features. The model provides class leading ergonomy with comfortable driver and passenger areas and Isuzu Kendo also offers a driving scoring system to operators. The coach has an aerodynamic
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body, dynamic LED indicators and daytime running lamps, and digital instrument panel. The Kendo has received two major awards from international authorities for its unique design: a ‘Gold Design Award’ at the Italy-based A’ Design Award & Competition in 2020, and a ‘Product Design Award’ at the BigSEE Awards in 2021. Commenting on success at the Sustainable Bus Awards, Anadolu Isuzu general manager Tuğrul Arıkan says: “We have placed sustainable production at the core of our business processes in service of our goal to create sustainable value for society and the environment. With years of experience conducting R&D activities for environmentally friendly practices and new technologies, we are proud to
introduce more environmentally friendly vehicles to our industry. “Leading its segment and standing out as an environmentally friendly, safe and modern transport solutions for today’s cities with its CNG engine, our Kendo model has been named the Sustainable Bus of the Year, filling us with great pride and happiness. This award means that our sustainable and innovative identity and production quality have been recognized by a jury of international experts. “We will continue our efforts to build on our national and international achievements and further strengthen our position in international markets with our innovative models.” www.isuzu.com.tr
December 2021
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autonomous
New livery revealed for UK’s first fullsized autonomous bus service
DEVELOPED in partnership with Stagecoach, Fusion Processing and Transport Scotland, Alexander Dennis has revealed the first images of a new special livery for the autonomous buses which will be launched in Scotland next year. The CAVForth trial will see full-size autonomous buses running on UK roads for the first time next year. The new service will be made up of four ADL Enviro200 single-deck buses running a 14-mile route crossing the Forth Road Bridge. The route will carry up to 10,000 passengers a week, connecting Ferrytoll park & ride in Fife with the Edinburgh Park transport hub. The four Enviro200s, which will feature the new livery, are currently being fitted out with sensor and control technology
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developed and supplied by project lead, Fusion Processing, that allows them to become computerdriven. The vehicles are also going through a number of virtual and track tests to ensure all systems are functioning as expected before onroad testing begins later this year. The livery acknowledges the project partners: Stagecoach, Fusion Processing, ADL, Transport Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, Bristol Robotics Lab, University of the West of England, as well as the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles as funding partner. Scottish minister for transport Graeme Dey says: “This is another welcome step forward for the incredibly exciting Project CAVForth, as we move closer to seeing it go live next year.” Sam Greer, regional director,
Stagecoach in Scotland, says: “We are all very excited to be marking the next major milestone in our autonomous bus project. The new service will provide a bus link between Fife and Edinburgh Park which currently does not exist and we hope will encourage more people to ditch the car, skip traffic jams and enjoy a relaxed journey in a dedicated bus lane and with new innovative state of the art technology.” Paul Davies, ADL president & managing director, adds: “As the UK bus industry’s innovation leader, we are constantly exploring new ways to further increase efficiency and safety. The trial of the UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus service gives us an outstanding opportunity to gain real-world experience.” www.alexander-dennis.com
December 2021
ev buses
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andcoach
Switch Mobility to supply 300 e-buses to Bengaluru
SWITCH Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, is to supply 300 electric buses for Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation. The fleet and charging infrastructure will be supplied, operated and maintained by Switch for a period of 12 years. The buses are expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 5.5 million litres annually, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions by more than 14,500 tonnes per year alongside cost savings for BMTC. Andy Palmer, executive vice chairman and CEO of Switch
December 2021
Mobility, says: “Switch is proud to serve the city of Bengaluru with a new f leet of technologicallyadvanced electric buses. All Switch vehicles are zero emission, but we set the bar much higher, aiming for net zero carbon across all of our operations. “Passengers on our vehicles can travel in the comfort of knowing that their journey will emit no CO2 to impact the planet.” Mahesh Babu, COO, Switch Mobility and CEO of Switch Mobility, India, adds: “Switch is delighted to partner with BMTC
as we work towards a common goal of sustainability. Through the deployment of 300 of our zero tail-pipe emission electric buses, Switch will play a central role in reducing carbon in the city of Bengaluru. “The cost of ownership and the product experience that we can deliver is amongst the best in the sector and our ability to bring value to customers like BMTC, combined with our superior technology and innovation, will help us to serve many more such customers in the future.” www.switchmobility.tech
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ev buses
BYD delivers five electric buses to Deutsche Bahn
BYD has delivered five 12m eBuses to Deutsche Bahn in Germany as part of a framework agreement. The official handover took place in Ettlingen in the district of Karlsruhe. The new generation 422kWh battery delivers a driving range in excess of 400km on a single
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charge, according to BYD. “These are the first BYD vehicles in our fleet and hopefully there will be more,” says DB Regio Bus head of operative fleet management Michael Lechelt. “Recently, we have seen an increase in demand from the PTAs for vehicles with alternative drive and especially for buses with elec-
tric drive. Therefore, we assume we will see more vehicles in our fleet during the next weeks and months. The vehicles have an impressive long range. Even with extreme temperatures during the winter and fully loaded, the vehicles will manage their routes.” www.bydeurope.com
December 2021
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policy
CPT appoints Ralph Roberts as its president for 2022 CPT has announced that Ralph Roberts, CEO, McGill’s Buses, will become its new president at the end of January 2022, taking over from Jane Cole. CPT chief executive Graham Vidler says: “I’d like to thank Jane for her dedication and hard work, which I know will continue through to the end of her presidency. Her leadership as president has been invaluable as CPT members have worked to agree the strategic priorities of the organisation for the years ahead. “I’m delighted to once again welcome Ralph to the CPT team having twice previously been chair of CPT Scotland. His experience in the transport industry will be a huge asset to CPT.” www.cpt-uk.org
CPT analysis claims billions of pounds shortfall in National Bus Strategy plans CPT claims that there is a funding gap of more than £5billion between plans by local authorities and bus operators to improve services and available government funding. To deliver the National Bus Strategy local authorities and bus operators were asked to draw up Bus Service Improvement Plans to set out how, with government funding, they would transform bus services. An analysis of the plans by CPT, which include measures to introduce new ticketing and fare initiatives as well as plans to make
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bus journeys quicker and more reliable, has shown that well over £7billion will be needed to deliver the plans, significantly more than the funding announced at the government spending review. CPT chief executive Graham Vidler says: “The National Bus Strategy challenged local authorities and bus operators to set out jointly how they would transform bus services. “They have risen to this challenge and produced ambitious plans right across the country focusing on new fare and ticketing initiatives, investment in measures
to make the bus more reliable, improved facilities for passengers and new zero emission buses. “The scale of this ambition will not be met though with the funds that were announced at the Spending Review. Current funding is likely to be able to transform bus services in only a small number of places. There are tough choices ahead, but we believe that, wherever they live, all passengers should benefit from at least some improvements next year.” www.cpt-uk.org
December 2021
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ev bus
andcoach
BYD wins 70-vehicle electric bus order from Nobina Finland
NOBINA, the largest public transport operator in the Nordic region, has ordered a further 70 BYD eBuses. This latest order from Nobina Finland includes 42 units of the 13m eBus and 28 of the 15m model. They are scheduled for delivery next summer and will primarily operate on city routes in Helsinki. The 13m eBus delivers a single charge range of 400km, while its
larger 15-metre counterpart promises more than 450km range under SORT test conditions. This is Nobina Finland’s second major order for BYD buses, having taken delivery of 119 units in the summer of 2021, which also represented Finland’s largest electric bus order. Petri Auno, CEO, Nobina Finland, says: “Nobina is totally committed to sustainable trans-
portation and this latest order for additional BYD eBuses is a testament to our strategy to replenish our fleet with clean, zero-emissions solutions that are kind to the environment. “BYD eBuses now account for 25 per cent of our Nobina Finland fleet and we look forward to enhancing this in the future.” www.nobina.com www.byd.com
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andcoach
BYD wins electric buses order for TMB in Barcelona
BYD has been awarded its first order from Transportes Metropolitanos de Barcelona for 25 12m-long eBuses. TMB had previously conducted a test of an eBus in 2020. The new buses are due to go into service in Catalonia between 2022 and 2024.
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All the zero-emission BYD electric buses will be equipped with roof-mounted pantograph to enable opportunity charging. The eBuses on order will be built at BYD’s European production facility in Hungary. Isbrand Ho, managing director, BYD Europe, says: “BYD is proud
to be supplying TMB with our very latest zero-emission eBuses, and commend them for their proactive strategy for decarbonisation to protect the beautiful city of Barcelona, and the people who live within it.” www.byd.com
December 2021
ev bus
ggreenbus
andcoach
Irizar e-mobility strengthens its position in Bulgaria with new contract for Stara Zagora
IRIZAR e-mobility has been awarded an order for 33 electric buses for the city of Stara Zagora, in the centre of Bulgaria, strengthening its position in the country. They are the first 12m-long Irizar ie electric buses for the city’s municipal operator. The operator has chosen to include some visual features from the Irizar ie tram in the f leet to make the buses stand out with December 2021
a modern and innovative design that maximises comfort, accessibility and safety for drivers and passengers. The Irizar ie buses have a capacity to transport 77 passengers and are equipped with 26 seats plus a wheelchair area and three passenger doors. The design of the buses includes a range of features to enhance the feeling of openness and includes glazed side panels and transparent
seats to increase light reflection. The buses will also feature a video surveillance system and an eCo3 air purifier that creates an environment free of viruses, micro-organisms, bacteria, germs, allergens and dust particles. The order for Stara Zagora follows one earlier this year for the city of Burgas, strengthening Irizar’s position in Bulgaria. www.irizar.com
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ev bus
BYD Secures Landmark eBus order for largest Israel operator
BYD has won the majority share of Israel’s largest electric bus tender. The order for 100 eBuses has been placed by Egged, Israel’s largest city and intercity public transport operator. The order comes as part of Egged’s initiative to expand its f leet of zero-emissions buses with the support of Israel’s Public Transport Authority and the Ministry for Environmental Protection. This is the largest order for BYD eBuses in Israel to date. Egged has been a customer of
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BYD since 2017, and already has 24 BYD eBuses in its fleet currently operating in Haifa and Jerusalem. The new eBuses are due for delivery before the end of 2022. Across Israel, there are currently 37 BYD electric buses in operation in the cities of Haifa, Jersualem, Tel Aviv, Modin and the Sharon area which combined, have covered five million electric kilometres. Nir Landau, director, Egged procurement division, says: “This is a clear signal of our commitment to transitioning to zero-emission transportation for a better envi-
ronment for Israeli residents.” Isbrand Ho, managing director, BYD Europe, adds: “BYD is very honoured to be awarded the majority share of this historic eBus order for Israel which will support the country in its mission to roll out reliable, safe and practical electric-mobility solutions for zero-emissions public transport. Egged is a longstanding and valued customer of BYD with first-hand experience of operating our pure-electric eBuses.” www.byd.com
December 2021
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net zero
andcoach
Cummins receives Prince of Wales’ Terra Carta Seal for sustainability
CUMMINS was named as one of 45 inaugural recipients of the Terra Carta Seal, an initiative led by Prince Charles to recognise businesses for their commitment to environmental sustainability and decarbonisation. “The Terra Carta Seal recognises those organisations which have made a serious commitment to a future that is much more sustainable, and puts Nature, People and the Planet at the heart of the
economy,” says Prince Charles. “We all need to make changes if we are to preserve the planet for our children and grandchildren and these businesses have pledged to make it easier for us all to do so.” The Terra Carta Seal is awarded to companies who have “credible transition roadmaps to reduce their impact on the environment, including the carbon they produce, underpinned by globally recognised, scientific metrics for
Why smart people buy Compak Parts
achieving net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier”. Earlier this year, Cummins announced its hydrogen engine programme won funding from the UK Government provided through the Advanced Propulsion Centre. Other inaugural recipients of the Terra Carta Seal include BT Group, Iberdrola, PepsiCo, Salesforce and Tesco PLC. www.cummins.com
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policy
andcoach
Stagecoach involved in 60 Bus Service Improvement Plans
STAGECOACH says it has supported the development of 60 of the 84 Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) submitted by local authorities to the government as part of its National Bus Strategy for England. The plans, which had to be submitted to the Department for Transport by 31 October, include initiatives to lower fares, speed up bus journeys, boost accessibility and connections in urban areas, city centres and rural locations, and improve customer information. Stagecoach is urging the government to focus funding on
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plans that will make a practical difference to the costs and reliability of bus travel and attract people back to public transport after the damaging impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Stagecoach has also called on the UK Government to ensure that smaller local authorities outside of England’s big city regions do not fall victim to a ‘postcode lottery’ of funding for their ambitious bus improvement plans. Carla Stockton-Jones, UK managing director, Stagecoach, says: “We’re pleased to have worked very closely with our local authorities on the development of 60 Bus
Service Improvement Plans, the most of any bus operator in the country. “It’s impor ta nt t hat t he increased funding for buses promised by the government is now delivered so these bold plans can be brought to life. “Bus networks are key to Britain’s towns and cities and supporting the country’s net zero ambitions. The quickest way to help leverage the power of buses to support this is by getting motorists out of cars and onto buses which would drive huge reductions in carbon emissions.” www.stagecoachbus.com
December 2021
transmission
ggreenbus
andcoach
First Bus upgrades 220 buses with Allison’s xFE transmission ALLISON Transmission will supply 220 T2100 xFE transmissions to First Bus to retrofit all its ADL Enviro 200, Optare Solo and Optare Versa buses that are currently equipped with Allison’s T2100 transmission. The contract follows trials, which showed improved fuel consumption by 8.5 per cent when upgraded with xFE technology. Allison says that fuel savings are expected to pay back the investment in the new transmissions in less than 13 months. First Bus conducted its xFE study across the UK throughout 2020 on nine ADL Enviro 200 buses and one Optare Solo. Most of these vehicles were 12 years old and were fitted with xFE at the point of their final routine transmission replacement. “As part of our focus on becoming a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future for public transportation, First Bus has committed to ceasing the purchase of any new diesel buses after 2022,” says Peter Mambara,
technical manager, FirstGroup. “However, we recognised xFE as a stepping-stone technology on the path to full electrification. We had seen stories of other fleets achieving 7-8 per cent fuel savings from xFE in urban driving conditions, but wanted to independently assess the savings on buses that also serve on rural routes. The 8.5 per cent improvement was convincing evi-
dence that the upgrade will help reduce our fleet’s CO2 emissions and also makes good financial sense.” First Bus will install the xFE upgrades over the next 18 months when last-life transmission replacements are due on 142 Enviro 200s, 60 Optare Solos, and 18 Optare Versas. allisontransmission.com
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compliance
Coach operator cuts infringements and saves time using TruTac software
NOT TI NGH A M-BASED coach operator Skills Group has reduced driver infringements and improved control over staff working time since switching to TruTac’s CPT-accredited tachograph analysis and HR management software. Widely used across the PSV sector, CPT Tacho Analysis and TruTime are web-based software products which manage tachograph analysis and working time for drivers and employees. According to Skills, CPT Tacho Analysis has made tachograph management, driver debriefing and compliance reporting faster, more accurate and easier to control. And with fully automated email reporting, the operator can more efficiently manage drivers’ hours and driver debriefing. “Since our drivers started
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using the TruTac app, they have been able to head-off infringements because they can clearly see their own driving records, plus we have no back-log at the end of the month,” says group compliance manager Paul Harper. “Also, being able to do driver debriefings electronically and with remote downloading of data, we have gone paperless which, during the pandemic, has been a big help. “Meanwhile, in the back-office, TruTac’s time and attendance system, TruTime, has helped to save time and reduce labour costs by accurately recording staff movements - using digital tachograph driver cards or employee smart cards – while also providing ‘clocked’ versus tachograph start and end times.” TruTac says the system is designed for fleet operators and HR departments who need to
manage and monitor all their driver and personnel activities in one place. Functions include detailed lead-in and lead-out reports, driver CPC hours management, holiday requests and clocking facilities for remote workers. Clocking can also be done via the app which is also geo-located for accurate location control. Harper adds: “In addition to ensuring all driver hours keep within the WTD regulations, TruTime reduces administration at Skills while capturing manual duties, managing holidays, conducting roll calls, amending clockings and providing full audit information if a clocking is amended. It’s a huge benefit to the daily business operation.” TruTac is a part of the Microlise Group. www.microlise.com
December 2021
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Northern Ireland unveils first electric double-deck bus NORTHERN Ireland infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon has unveiled the first of 80 Wrightbus Electroliner double-deck buses due to be in passenger service in spring 2022. The vehicles are part of a £74million investment for 100 zero emission buses, including 20 hydrogen buses and associated infrastructure. Mallon says: “The time for talking is over, it is now time for climate action. Cleaner, greener, sustainable transport is key to protecting our environment and fighting the climate crisis. I have been clear since coming to office that we must act now to deliver
the change that our communities and our citizens deserve. “That is why I provided £74million of investment in zero/low emission buses and I am delighted to see this investment now translate into delivery on the ground with the arrival of the first electric double decker buses for public transport on the island of Ireland. “When all the buses arrive and are in service Translink will have the fourth largest f leet across these islands of zero emission buses – demonstrating my commitment to ensuring Northern Ireland is building a cleaner, greener society.”
Chris Conway, group chief executive, Translink, adds: “This is another significant milestone in our journey to reduce our carbon emissions and attract more people to cleaner public transport choices for the benefit of everyone. “These new zero emission buses will make up around one third of the Translink Metro fleet helping improve air quality in Belfast. They will also offer the latest standards in comfort, quality and accessibility with inseat USB chargers, wi-fi and new accessibility features.” www.translink.co.uk
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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December 2021
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