g reen g
April 2022
Issue 437
busandcoach
driving towards a greener future
Consultation on end of new diesel bus sales News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector
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contents
andcoach
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greenbusandcoach
is published by Plum Publishing Ltd
Editorial
UK government funds just 40% of BSIP bids
Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com
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8 New funding for up to 1,000 EV buses
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22 ADL to deliver integral Enviro500EVs to Hong Kong
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g reen g
April 2022
Issue 437
busandcoach
driving towards a greener future
31 Consultation on end of new diesel bus sales News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector
April 2022
Cummins to open ‘fuel agnostic’ test facility greenbusandcoach 3
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UK Government funds some Bus Improvement Plans New funding to support bus improvements in mayoral authorities and 31 local authorities has been welcomed by operators and transport campaign groups, but the fate of “left behind” areas with unsuccessful bids has been highlighted in many responses.
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hirty-one counties, city regions and unitary authorities have been awarded a share of £150million funding to “level up” local bus services in the latest awards from the Government's bus transformation programme. Areas among those set to receive funding to help deliver Bus Service Improvement Plans include Portsmouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Liverpool City Region, North East and North of Tyne Combined Authorities, Reading, Norfolk, Luton, York and Warrington. Mayoral combined authorities will also receive money for buses from the £5.7billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements. Improvements in a pilot area - Cornwall - will start this month funded by £23.5million from the Government with most bus fares in the county cut. Short hop fares are down by 20 per cent, longer journeys costing up to 40 per cent less and some bus passes cut by almost half. Passes for unlimited bus travel across Cornwall will cost £5 per day (down from £9) or £20 per week. Transport secretary Grant Shapps says: “Buses are the most popular way of getting around in this country – but for too long people outside of London have had a raw deal.
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“The investment we’re making today to ramp up the bus revolution will drive down fares at a time when people’s finances are tight and help connect communities across England.” The Government has also confirmed that tram and light rail operators across the Midlands and the North will benefit from more than £37million of support, with Manchester (£20.5m), the North East Nexus (£7.3m), the West Midlands (£2.7m), Sheffield (£4m) and Nottingham (£3.3m) all receiving support from the pandemic recovery package. This money will be used to ensure light rail services continue to run and millions of passengers can continue to get around as the country emerges from the pandemic. The funding announcement was welcomed by operators and transport organisations but there was an acknowledgment that the details have yet to be made clear, and there are also a number of areas which were unsuccessful with bids that cannot now take forward improvement plans. Responding to the DfT's funding announcement, chair of the Urban Transport Group, Laura Shoaf, says: “Although we have yet to see the full details, today’s confirmation of substantial investment in Bus Service Improvement Plans, and in City Region SusApril 2022
BSIP funding
Paul Tuohy, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport: "only 40 per cent of the authorities which submitted BSIPs will benefit".
tainable Transport Settlements, is welcome and will result in significant improvements in public transport and active travel provision for some of the people and places we serve. We now need to see this package of largely capital spending complemented by a long term plan for revenue support for bus networks which can meet the national bus strategy’s aspirations for better services everywhere.” Paul Tuohy, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport, pointed out that only 40 per cent of the authorities which submitted Bus Service Improvement Plans will benefit from a slice of the funding. "Improving buses in a minority of places does not live up to the promise of a national bus strategy, though locally it will be very welcome. “Rather than this fragmented, competitive way of funding local buses we want to see more of a focus on revenue funding to ensure every community gets the bus service it needs and deserves.” Operator trade body CPT comments: “Operators are ready to engage with successful local authorities to deliver their joint plans for improvement in bus services as quickly as possible to help deliver important goals such as the drive to net zero and economic growth across the country. “It is important that we remember though that there will be millions of passengers left disappointed by today’s announcement as their local area missed out on funding. It’s vital that the Government now clearly sets out future funding plans and policy initiaApril 2022
tives for delivering its National Bus Strategy, including measures to reduce car use.” Bus Users also welcomed the announcement of funding to 31 counties but raised concerns for those areas that were unsuccessful in their bids, believing the impact on local communities could prove disastrous. Dawn Badminton-Capps, Bus Users director for England, says: “This is great news for the 31 local authorities whose bids were successful and we hope those regions see improvements in their bus services as a matter of urgency. “Many local authorities were unsuccessful, however, despite facing rising costs and falling passenger numbers across their networks. We are at risk of widening the transport gap and leaving communities cut off entirely from employment, education and vital services.” “For the National Bus Strategy to achieve the levelling-up promised by Government we need more funding being made available to even more local authorities so no community is left behind.” www.dft.gov.uk www.bususers.co.uk www.bettertransport.org.uk www.cpt-uk.org www.urbantransportgroup.org See over for list of allocations to local authorities >>
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Allocations to Mayoral Combined Authorities and key schemes:
Local Authority
analysis BSIP funding
Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire:
£34.2m
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole:
£8.9m
Brighton and Hove:
£27.9m
Central Bedfordshire:
£3.7m
City of York:
£17.4m
Cornwall (including Isles of Scilly):
£13.3m
Derby City:
£7m
West Yorkshire Combined Authority - £830m to fund schemes such as the development and delivery of a mass transit network across the region.
Derbyshire:
£47m
Devon:
£14.1m
East Sussex:
£41.4m
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority - £570m to fund a range of schemes including renewal of the Sheffield Supertram network connecting Sheffield and Rotherham.
Greater Manchester:
£94.8m
Hertfordshire:
£29.7m
Kent:
£35.1m
Liverpool City Region:
£12.3m
Luton:
£19.1m
Norfolk:
£49.6m
North East and North of Tyne:
£163.5m
North East Lincolnshire:
£4.7m
Nottingham City:
£11.4m
Nottinghamshire:
£18.7m
Oxfordshire:
£12.7m
Portsmouth:
£48.3m
Reading:
£26.3m
Somerset:
£11.9m
Stoke-on-Trent:
£31.7m
Warrington:
£16.2m
West Berkshire:
£2.6m
West Midlands:
£87.9m
West of England and North Somerset:
£105.5m
West Sussex:
£17.4m
West Yorkshire:
£70m
Tees Valley Combined Authority - £310m to fund initiatives such as transforming Darlington Station to enable more local rail journeys and providing active travel infrastructure on priority corridors to make cycling and walking the natural choice for short journeys.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority - £1.07bn to fund a range of schemes such as new vehicles to extend the Metrolink network and the creation of walking and cycling corridors across the city region as part of the Streets for All programme. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - £710m to fund a range of schemes including a new rail station in Liverpool's Baltic quarter providing direct access to the city's growing creative and digital cluster. West Mid lands Combined Authority - £1.05bn to fund a range of schemes including 50km of new bus priority lanes across the city region doubling the current amount and Ultra Rapid Charging Transit stations to ensure that local journeys are safer, greener, and cleaner. West of England Combined Authority - £540m to support the creation of sustainable transport corridors across Bristol and Bath to make bus, cycling, and walking easier and more accessible for all.
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Light Rail Allocations
Funding
Manchester:
£20.5m
North East:
£7.3m
Nottingham:
£3.3m
Sheffield:
£4m
West Midlands:
£2.7m April 2022
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New funding for almost 1,000 new ZE buses UK still on track for 4,000 new electric buses says government as it announces £200million ZEBRA funding package.
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he UK government says it is on track to reach its target of 4,000 zero emission buses with its latest package worth £200million which should fund almost 1,000 new buses. Twelve areas in England will receive grants to deliver electric- or hydrogen-powered buses, as well as charging or fuelling infrastructure. The funding comes from the Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme, which was launched last year to allow local transport authorities to bid for funding to purchase zero emission buses. The government says that the new £198.3million of funding will provide 943 buses and means it remains on track to deliver its commitment to fund a total of 4,000 zero-emission buses across the country, as promised by the prime minister in 2020. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says: “I will level up and clean up our transport network. That’s why I’ve announced hundreds of millions of pounds to roll out zero emission buses nationwide. “Not only will this improve the experience of passengers, but it will help support our mission to fund 4,000 of these cleaner buses, reach net zero emissions by 2050 and build back greener. “Today’s announcement is part of our National Bus Strategy, which will introduce lower fares, helping drive down the cost of public transport even further for passengers.” Transport minister Baroness Vere adds: “We recognise the scale of the challenge the world faces in
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reaching net zero. That’s why reducing emissions and creating green jobs lies at the heart of our transport agenda. “Today’s multimillion-pound investment is an enormous step towards a cleaner future, helping ensure transport is fit for generations to come and allowing millions of people to get around in a way that is kinder to our environment.” The government is also launching a public consultation seeking views on setting a specific date between 2025 and 2032 for ending the sale of new non-zero emission (at the tailpipe) buses. These proposals would mean that, from 2032 at the latest, the sale of all new buses, powered either in part, or totally, by an internal combustion engine would cease to be allowed. Any new buses sold from that date would need to be fully zero-emission at the tail pipe and the end of sales would apply across the whole of the UK. And on coaches, a call for evidence has been launched on ending the sale of new non-zero emission coaches and minibuses, and what an appropriate end of sales date might be. The areas whose business cases were approved and will be receiving funding are: Norfolk; North Yorkshire; Portsmouth; Blackpool; Nottingham; Greater Manchester; Hertfordshire; South Yorkshire; Oxfordshire; West Midlands; York; and West Yorkshire. www.gov.uk April 2022
analysis
Roads minister Baroness Vere.
First electric buses for Portsmouth The funding will see the first electric buses on Portsmouth and Hampshire roads. Portsmouth city council has been awarded £6.5million for the funding of zero emissions buses as part of its partnership with First Solent and Hampshire county council. 34 new electric buses will replace the current diesel fleet to operate across Gosport, Fareham and Portsmouth. Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for traffic and transportation, says: "I was so excited to hear our bid had been successful and we can start providing zero emissions buses in Portsmouth. This marks a significant milestone for our city in creating cleaner travel for all.” Marc Reddy, managing director, First Solent, adds: “This is great news and we are delighted for Portsmouth City Council. We look forward to continuing to work with them and Hampshire County Council to bring zero emissions buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport and to help achieve the city council’s net zero target.”
www.portsmouthcc.gov.uk April 2022
West Midlands to launch UK’s largest hydrogen bus fleet A fleet of 124 new environmentally friendly hydrogen fuelled buses will be operating in the West Midlands following the approval of a £30million DfT grant. The successful ZEBRA bid will cover the cost of a refuelling facility as well as the new vehicles. Twenty four of the new vehicles will be articulated tram-style buses for the new Sprint bus priority route along the A34 and A45 between Walsall, Birmingham and Solihull. The West Midlands already has 20 hydrogen double-deck buses, bought by Birmingham City Council and operated by National Express West Midlands. With the new funding, it will have 144. Pete Bond, director of integrated transport services, TfWM, says: “Buses are the most used form of public transport in the region and this is welcome Government investment in our network. These hydrogen buses, the All Electric Bus City scheme in Coventry and the roll out of electric vehicle charging facilities we are planning shows how the West Midlands is leading the way on decarbonising.” www.wmca.org.uk
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£8.4millon for more electric buses in York City of York Council has been awarded more than £8.4million to support the purchase of 44 fully electric buses. The successful ZEBRA bid also brings significant investment in York from FirstGroup, with First pledging £10million towards the new buses, alongside the DfT’s £8million. The new buses will be used on First’s routes 1, 4, 5, 6, the Hospital Shuttle Bus and Park and Ride route 2. After the fleet is delivered, York will have 77 electric buses in service, operating more than half the mileage in the city. This will reduce carbon emissions in York by 2,300 tonnes per year as well as reducing NOx and particulate emissions across the city, but especially within the city centre Clean Air Zone. Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader and executive member for transport, City of York Council, says: “We are delighted to be successful in receiving over £8.4million in funding towards providing clean, zero emission public transport across the city. The city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan is also a key supporting policy underpinning the council’s new Local Transport Plan and I hope Government will announce funding for this shortly.” www.york.gov.uk
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Greater Manchester secures £36.9million to enhance green fleet
Greater Manchester is to receive £36.9million in funding to introduce 170 green buses to the region for its Bee Network in Stockport. The funding follows a joint bid to the DfT submitted by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester, Stockport Council and Stagecoach Group and will be topped up with £12.5million from GMCA to see new zero emission buses running in Stockport by 2024. Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, says: “This is a significant boost to our ambitions for a fairer, greener bus system. Zero emission buses play a critical part in our drive to help more people travel sustainably.” Lee Wasnidge, managing director, Stagecoach Manchester, adds: “We welcome the Government’s announcement which will complement the significant investment and initiatives by operators as we work together to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet and help the country achieve its net zero ambitions”. www.tfgm.com April 2022
analysis CPT calls for diesel coach end date to acknowledge sector challenges CPT has welcomed the new funding and called for the new target end dates for the sale of fossil fuel-powered coaches to acknowledge the specific challenges in the sector. “Today’s announcement is a welcome drive towards zero emission bus and coach fleets,” says CPT. “It is important that any eventual targets for both bus and coach are realistic and recognise the unique and different challenges operators face regarding infrastructure, funding and technological development. Our zero emission coach taskforce has been looking at the challenges coach operators will face and its work will be crucial in informing today’s call for evidence. “With bus and coach representing only 3% of transport emissions it is vital that we move journeys from cars to sustainable transport to stay on track for the country’s net zero goals.” www.cpt-uk.org
April 2022
Multi-million pound investment in 78 new electric buses for Nottingham City Transport
Following a successful £15million ZEBRA bid by Nottingham City Transport and Nottingham City Council, 78 new electric single-deck buses will be introduced. The new buses will see the full electrification of NCT’s single-deck bus fleet at its Trent Bridge Garage, replacing all of the existing single-deck fleet which serve 18 bus routes across the Greater Nottingham area. David Astill, Nottingham City Transport managing director, says: “The electrification of our bus fleet is not a commercial proposition without this significant ZEBRA funding. This will now help us to progress our ambitious plans to become one of the UK’s first carbon neutral bus operators. Our thanks to Nottingham City Council, who played an important part in developing our successful bid.” www.nctx.co.uk
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ggreenbus
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policy
Wales bus services set for complete overhaul as government prioritises climate change action THE Welsh Government has published a white paper on the future of bus services with a single franchising model being one of the options under consideration. Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change, says: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport service. They carry three times as many passengers as trains, getting people across Wales to work and school, allowing us to meet family and friends, and offering a key lifeline for the quarter of people in Wales who do not have access to a car. “The legacy of privatisation still prevents us from planning buses as a public service and designing networks to ensure that investment gets people where they need to go. That isn’t good enough.” Waters points to the critical importance of addressing transport emissions to meet climate change objectives and says that the inability to plan bus networks is “a key barrier to delivering a just transition to net zero”. The Welsh Government has previously proposed franchising alongside bus partnerships, but, driven by the climate emergency, it now appears to be seeking a more comprehensive change under a new slogan: ‘One Network, One Timetable, One Ticket’. Representing Welsh operators, CPT Cymru has given a cautious initial response, claiming that franchising could cost around
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£61million a year and seeking further information including a detailed timetable and “solid financial commitment to fund the changes Welsh Government proposes”. “Bus operators have worked closely with Welsh Government during the pandemic, and look forward to continuing this approach to deliver the shared ambition of more frequent and reliable bus services,” says CPT Cymru. “Regardless of the regulatory model, close working between all partners is crucial to improving Wales’ bus services. Ensuring that operators’ expertise in running services, their strong track record for innovation and existing strong relationships with passengers are fully utilised will be vital.” Adam Keen, managing director of Comfort DelGro-owned Adventure Travel, believes the proposals can work in principle, but questions the significant funding stream required and the ability that bus operators will have to react to customer needs. “Bus franchising has been on the cards for a number of years so today’s announcement is not unexpected,”
says Keen. “Franchising is being discussed in various regions across the UK and indeed, some cities in England such as Manchester and Liverpool, are already quite advanced in their plans. “Whilst there are certainly mixed feelings among various operators, Adventure Travel is supportive of the plans and we consider our company to be in a very strong position to adapt as required and therefore also in a good position to comment on the plans. “I can’t imagine that any franchising system would be implemented until at least 2026 given the enormity and complexity of the task ahead. Investment is also a significant concern, with new zero-emission buses each costing upwards of £100,000 more than a diesel variant and no firm funding or subsidy plans are in place for those vehicles yet, unlike England and Scotland.” The consultation runs until 24 June 2022 gov.wales/one-network-one-timetableone-ticket-planning-buses-publicservice-wales-html April 2022
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ggreenbus
people
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Martin West joins ADL as group commercial director
A L E X A N DER Dennis has appointed former Scania group commercial director to lead its sales, commercial, business development and marketing functions. Reporting directly to president & managing director Paul Davies, Martin West joins ADL with 27 years of bus and coach sector experience. Davies says: “Martin’s deep knowledge of all aspects of the bus and coach sector, gained with another world class com-
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pany, will give ADL the additional bench strength needed to drive our business growth agenda domestically and across all of our international markets.” West adds: “Having enjoyed working in partnership with ADL for many years, I am very happy to now be a part of the global NFI team. The coming years are going to be the most intense and dynamic we have ever seen as our industry accelerates towards a net-zero carbon future for public
transport, and we are determined and well prepared to be leaders on that transformational journey.” Martin West’s appointment means that group operations director John Clougherty, who has been covering additional responsibilities for the sales and commercial functions during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now focus on operations, quality and business improvement. www.alexander-dennis.com. April 2022
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ggreenbus
policy
andcoach
Research for CPT shows public support for bus priorities
CPT has said that new research shows that most people support measures which give buses greater priority on roads. The research found that three times as many people support bus priority as oppose it, rising to a four-to-one ratio for businesses with all regions enjoying more support than opposition. Of those who expressed an opinion, 79 per cent of the public support the introduction of measures such as bus lanes and bus only roads, with the same level of support amongst businesses. To help councils, CPT has produced a set of toolkits that include recommendations based on research with both the general public and business owners on how to best communicate the benefits of bus priority.
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Key findings include: • It is important to highlight the role bus travel can play in delivering local environmental goals and improving the liveability of an area. • Put accessibility and improved life chances at the heart of messaging. • Being transparent about potential disruption during construction and ensuring early and meaningful local engagement with local communities is vital. Commenting on the findings of the research and toolkit launch CPT chief executive Graham Vidler says: “This research shows that councils can enjoy public and business support when it comes to giving buses priority on our roads, helping them meet their own net zero targets and the UK’s overall climate change goals.
“Priority for buses means quicker and more reliable journeys and, therefore, more people on buses. This will improve access to jobs and services and drive down carbon emissions. “Understandably people can have concerns about schemes where the impact of construction is unclear or the benefits to them and their local community are not clearly set out. Our toolkit will help local authorities ensure widespread community support for measures they want to introduce.” Transport Minister Baroness Vere backed the launch of the toolkit: “I hope local authorities will take advantage of CPT’s insight and toolkit as they encourage their communities to use public transport services”. www.cpt-uk.org
April 2022
ev buses
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andcoach
BYD delivers total of 406 electric buses to Bogotá in Colombia
BYD has delivered 406 electric buses to Bogotá where the electric bus fleet now includes 1,048 BYD electric buses. Claudia López, mayor of Bogotá, says, “A clean, green, sustainable, inclusive Bogotá, a Bogotá that improves every day for everyone. Today, the city has a new playground and 1,048 new electric buses from BYD on the road.” The latest electric buses include 271 units of 9m buses with capacity for 50 passengers, April 2022
and 135 12m buses with capacity for 80 passengers, serving on 14 routes. At the end of 2022, once the entire fleet of 1,472 BYD electric buses is operating, there should be a reduction of 94,300 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to taking 42,000 private cars out of circulation in Bogotá. Lara Zhang, regional director, BYD Latin America, adds: “BYD, as the world’s leading manufacturer of 100 per cent electric vehicles, continues to jointly implement
technological solutions with its clients to improve the quality of life for Colombians. “This new batch of electric buses will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the town of Fontibón and the southwestern areas of Bogotá, which are among the areas worst affected by pollution from fixed and mobile sources.” www.byd.com
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ev buses
BYD wins significant order for 48 eBuses in Hungary
BYD has won a substantial electric bus order from Volánbusz, Hungary’s largest public transport operator for 48 12m BYD low-entry eBuses which are scheduled for delivery later this year, and represent the Hungarian PTO’s largest BYD eBus order to date. The zero-emission buses will operate in five Hungarian cities: Győr, Zalaegerszeg, Szolnok, Szeged and Eger. Volánbusz has previously taken delivery of two 12m eBuses, one of which was delivered to Sal-
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gótarján in 2018, and the other to Komárom in 2021, where it introduced cross-border electric bus services across the Danube River to neighbouring Komárno in Slovakia, for the first time. Volánbusz launched its vehicle renewal programme in 2018, and has already replaced more than 860 vehicles, and has a strategy to replace 40 per cent of its total bus fleet by the end of 2022, including further plans to invest in electric buses and charging infrastructure. All 48 eBuses on order will
be built locally in BYD’s European manufacturing facility in Komárom, Hungary. In 2021, BYD’s Hungarian factory increased its production capacity, accelerating annual output of a single shift to 400 electric buses. The eBuses on order feature a new generation BYD iron-phosphate battery with 343kWh capacity to deliver a 300km driving range on a single charge. www.byd.com April 2022
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Go-Ahead expands into southern Sweden with acquisition of Flexbuss THE Go-Ahead Group is expanding into southern Sweden with a deal to acquire a family run bus company, Flexbuss Sverige which provides scheduled bus services, school transport, medical transfer and private hire vehicles. The company will be integrated into Go-Ahead’s London and International bus division, which operates franchised buses in London, Singapore and Dublin. The operations in Sweden will be entirely generated through contracts, with no direct commercial operations. Under GoAhead’s ownership, services will continue to be overseen by Flex-
buss’ management team. The company operates approximately 380 vehicles and employs 600 people. It is expected that the transaction will be completed this month. Christian Schreyer, group chief executive, The Go-Ahead Group, says: “This is an expansion of our successful London and international franchised bus business into a new territory. It will play to Go-Ahead’s strengths in operating bus contracts on behalf of local authorities, partners and third parties.” www.go-ahead.com
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ev buses
ADL to deliver 10 integral electric Enviro500EVs for Hong Kong
ALEXANDER Dennis is building an initial 10 electric double-deck buses for Hong Kong operator The Kowloon Motor Bus Company. The zero-emission Enviro500EV will be ADL’s first electric double-deck buses in the Asia-Pacific region. Ten battery-electric Enviro500EV three-axle, fully airconditioned double deckers will be delivered to KMB in 2023 which ADL promises will come with new and innovative features to raise the bar for efficiency, safety and comfort. It says they will be fully integrated in-house
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by ADL’s engineering team with no mention of the long standing driveline partnership with BYD. The buses will also introduce a new design reflecting their zero emission credentials. Each of the integral Enviro500EV will be able to carry up to 130 passengers, ensuring capacity is maintained for Hong Kong’s busy bus services. KMB operates on more than 400 routes with a fleet of around 4,000 buses, most of them double deckers including more than 2,500 diesel-powered Enviro500 buses bought from ADL. ADL president & managing
director, Paul Davies, says: “We are delighted that KMB is continuing its commitment to innovation by choosing ADL for the development of an electric double decker that will meet Hong Kong’s demanding operational requirements, which are among the toughest in the world. “With the next generation of electric bus technology, fully integrated by our own engineers, we are now in a position to deliver a zero emission solution for Hong Kong’s world class transport system.” www.alexander-dennis.com
April 2022
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Second BYD eBus delivery to SMTC for Coimbra in Portugal
BYD has made a second delivery of electric buses to the Coimbra Municipal Urban Transport Service (SMTUC) in Portugal. A further five 12m BYD eBuses were handed over to the Portuguese PTO last month. SMTUC first added eight electric BYD eBuses to its fleet in 2019, which at the time, were the first full-sized electric buses to be introduced to its fleet. The eight BYD eBuses have driven in excess of 700,000km, saving more than 760,000kg CO2 emissions. Coimbra is one of Portugal’s oldest cities dating back to Roman times, with many buildings and monuments of historical importance. The bus routes are April 2022
notoriously challenging for vehicles in a city that relies on an efficient network of public transport services. BYD eBuses are proving an ideal zero-emission solution on a practical level, while also protecting the historic environment and improving the air quality for the people who live, work and visit the city. BYD has delivered more than 70,000 eBuses to customers worldwide, efficiently operating in both hot and cold climates. Over 2,500 BYD eBuses are delivered or on order in Europe, and in service in 100 European cities across 20 countries, including a growing number in the Iberian peninsula. Collectively they have driven over
150 million kilometres, which represents a saving of 160,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Joaquin Bellido, eBus director Iberia, BYD Europe, says: “We are delighted to make a second delivery to SMTUC. It is gratifying to know that BYD eBuses are being so well-received by the Municipality of Coimbra, demonstrating that electric mobility is a practical and reliable solution for clean, emission-free public transport. “SMTUC is setting an excellent example to other PTOs in Portugal and Iberia as a whole at such a critical time for tackling climate change.” www.byd.com
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events
Turkey is first Busworld show since pandemic THE 9th Busworld Turkey, organised by Busworld and Turkish partner, HKF Trade Fairs, will be held from 26 to 28 May 2022 in the Istanbul Expo Center. The organisers say the event is very symbolic, since Busworld Turkey was the last trade show before the world’s borders closed due to the pandemic in March 2020. At the last show in 2020, the
exhibition had 129 exhibitors and boasted 7,935 visitors. This year’s show has 130 exhibitors to date including manufacturers Anadolu Isuzu, Karsan, Otokar, BMC, Güleryüz, Mapar MAN, Bur-Can, Buskar, Erener, Erduman, Eşref Karoser, Gürsözler and Harputlu. A series of webinars is being organised by Busworld Turkey with the first event held in Feb-
ruary and two more scheduled in April and May. Busworld Turkey is supported by several Turkish industry organisations: TÖHOB (All Private Public Bus Association), İSTAB (Istanbul Union of Transporters Association), TOF (Bus Drivers Federation) and TTDER (Tourism Transporters Association). www.busworld.org
CaetanoBus to supply 18 hydrogenpowered buses in Germany
IN the past few weeks, CaetanoBus has won two tenders in Germany to supply 10 hydrogen buses to Rheinbahn in Düsseldorf, and 8 units to SSB Stuttgart. Rheinbahn is the fifth largest public transport company in Germany, and SSB Stuttgart is
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the major public transport operator in the city of Stuttgart. The Caetano H2.City Gold buses - co-branded with Toyota since last July - will be equipped with a Toyota Fuel Cell, a small battery pack with 44kWh capacity, and a Siemens power train with
180kW peak power. The type IV hydrogen tanks will have a total capacity of 37.5kg to offer a driving range of over 400km. To date, there are more than 40 Caetano H2.City Gold vehicles operating in German cities. www.caetanobus.pt
April 2022
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BYD eBus delivery to Anchersen in Copenhagen
BYD has delivered 21 new generation 13m low-entry eBuses to Danish bus operator Anchersen in Copenhagen. It is the second delivery of BYD eBuses to Anchersen, following a previous order for 28 12m electric buses. The new eBuses are operating on multiple routes for Movia, the public transport authority for the Greater Copenhagen area. April 2022
Anchersen provides daily services for more than 15 Movia routes in Copenhagen. More than 600 BYD eBuses are now in service or on order in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Isbrand Ho, general manager, commercial vehicle business centre at BYD Europe, says: “It is a pleasure to see more and more
BYD eBuses operating in European cities, and we are proud to bring our world-leading expertise in batteries and integrated powertrain technology to Anchersen, helping them to achieve their goals for sustainable transport and a green economy in Copenhagen”. www.byd.com
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New 24m Exqui.City buses chosen by ÎIe-de-France Mobilités
THE Île-de-France region will see a world première of new Exqui.City 24m-long, bi-articulated Van Hool electric buses. The buses will have a Kiepe Electric drive system and be charged by Alstom’s conductive groundbased static charging system. The framework contract with ÎIe-de-France Mobilités includes a minimum of 56 vehicles. The new vehicles will operate on the T Zen 4 and T Zen 5 bus lines in the south of Paris, with an option of a third line. Filip Van Hool, CEO, Van Hool, says: “We are happy and proud that Van Hool, in close collaboration with partners
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Kiepe Electric and Alstom, has been selected by Île-de-France Mobilités for the realisation of this unique mobility project in Îlede-France. This solution, a world first, fully meets the high expectations of the transport authority, the drivers and maintenance staff, and passengers, for quality public transport that is sustainable and economically responsible.” The 24m buses will be able to carry approximately 140 passengers and have wide sliding doors and a low floor to make it easier for passengers to get on and off the bus and to move around inside the bus. Kiepe Electric is supplying the
traction system for two driven axles in each vehicle, including traction batteries, auxiliary power converters and cooling systems, as well as high-voltage power distribution units. In addition, the company is providing the onboard software for energy management and traction drive control. Alstom is providing the SRS charging system which is already in use on 15km of tramway tracks in Nice, where it allows automatic and fast in-station recharging. www.vanhool.be/en www.kiepe.knorr-bremse.com www.alstom.com
April 2022
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BYD secures third ebus order from Nobina in Finland
NOBINA in Finland has ordered 30 BYD electric buses, the third significant zero-emission bus order from Finland for the manufacturer. Nobina’s latest order is divided equally between two size variants within the range of BYD eBuses. It comprises 15 units of 13m BYD low-entry eBuses and 15 of the 15m low-entry option. The order follows from the previous 70-unit order placed last year by Nobina Finland, and this recent order is scheduled for delivery to Helsinki at the end of 2022. April 2022
Today, Nobina has around 300 BYD eBuses either in service, or on order in towns and cities across Sweden, Norway and Finland. In August 2021, BYD completed its delivery of 119 eBuses to Nobina for operation in Helsinki and Turku, which represented Finland’s largest ever eBus order. Petri Auno, CEO, Nobina in Finland, says: “We will commence operation of the BYD eBuses from our biggest depot in Espoo at the beginning of next year and continue to replenish our fleet with clean, zero-emissions solutions that are kind to the environment.
Together with BYD, we keep the society moving every day, in a sustainable way.” Isbrand Ho, general manager, commercial vehicle business centre at BYD Europe, adds: “BYD has a long and solid association with Nobina, and we are delighted to receive this third substantial order for our pure-electric eBuses for Finland. BYD’s environmental beliefs and core values for sustainability are perfectly aligned with Nobina’s vision.” www.byd.com
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Bilbobus adds first Irizar ie tram electric bus to its fleet
A new Irizar ie tram has been delivered to Bilbao, adding to six electric buses already in the Bilbobus fleet. The new 12m-long Irizar ie tram has 43 seats and two wheelchair areas with capacity for up to 75 passengers. The bus is powered by 430kWh batteries supplied from within the Irizar Group, and charging
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will be carried out overnight at the depot. “We’re extremely satisfied with having the vehicle in the city,” says Txema Otero, Irizar commercial manager for Spain. “We think it’s a value-added proposition that brings a new concept of electromobility that unites the environmental benefits of
more sustainable, efficient, intelligent, safe and connected urban public transport with the appeal of travelling in a vehicle that gives something to the city and produces an emotional impact that makes you want to take the bus.” www.irizar-emobility.com
April 2022
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Traffic reduction crucial for climate action, Greener Transport Solutions GREENER Transport Solutions is calling for an urgent re-think on the UK’s transport decarbonisation strategy as it publishes a new report: Pathways to Net Zero: Building a framework for systemic change. The report highlights the critical role of traffic reduction and concludes that technological solutions will be insufficient to hit net zero in the UK. The report says that it is estimated that traffic must be reduced by around a quarter by 2030 to stay on track for net zero. It points out that the mayor of London has pledged a 27 per cent reduction in car km by 2030 and the Scottish Government has pledged a 20 per cent reduction, and says that research for the
Green Alliance shows that a reduction in car km of 20-27 per cent by 2030 will be needed. Claire Haigh, founder & CEO of Greener Transport Solutions says: “At a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty, insecurity of supplies, and escalating fuel and gas prices, it becomes more critical than ever to design policies in a way that avoids unintended consequences and ensures a fair and just transition to net zero. “We need a massive shift to clean technologies, but we must also reduce energ y demand. Energy demand reduction supports the three key goals of energy policy: security, affordability and sustainability. “Our climate is heating up at great speed. We have less than a
decade to get on track. We cannot rely on technological solutions alone. Traffic reduction will also play a critical role.”
www.greenertransportsolutions.com
Quantron focuses on commercial vehicle conversion to ZE drives LAST year, Quantron reports sales of €10million, an increase of around 500 per cent compared to 2020, and it says its retrofit business unit will reach break-even in 2022 with orders of more than 400 zero-emission vehicles. The Augsburg-based company delivered 30 zero-emission vehicles to IKEA, among other customers, and is also now offering its own Quantron branded vehicles with a 12m Cizaris BEV bus. The bus is available as a BEV version with a range of up to 370km, and an FCEV version is April 2022
in development and scheduled for market launch in the fourth quarter of 2022. M ic hael Per s c h ke , CEO, Quantron, says: “Quantron has demonstrated in 2021 that despite the ongoing COVID-19 measures, we were able to significantly grow our business, forge strategic partnerships and establish ourselves as a trusted supplier for leading zero emission trailblazers. 2022 will mark the year in which the Quantron will cement its way to becoming a leading developer of hydrogen powered products – in
partnership with our strategic partner Ballard Power – and a provider of zero emission mobility solutions.” www.quantron.net
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New Austrian contract for Solaris electric buses
SOLARIS Bus & Coach has signed a further framework agreement with Austrian bus company Österreichische Postbus for up to 106 battery-electric and hydrogen buses. The models offered include Urbino 9 LE electric and Urbino 12 hydrogen buses. The agreement envisages deliveries in 2022-2025. The framework agreement follows a previous contract signed in February 2021 for the delivery of up to 40 Solaris Urbino 12
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hydrogen buses. The hydrogen buses have 70kW fuel cells with electricity produced by reverse electrolysis and transferred to the electric driveline. The hydrogen is stored in five roofmounted tanks with a total volume of 1,560 litres. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with a Solaris high power battery. The contract also provides for the possibility to purchase Urbino 9 LE electric buses, the
newest member of the electric Solaris family, which was launched in September 2021. These are equipped with batteries with a total capacity of about 280kWh, and have capacity for 65 passengers. Solaris has been present in Austria since 2003 and it has delivered more than 400 buses to 40 towns and cities. Nearly 70 of these buses are zero-emission vehicles. www.solaris.com
April 2022
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Cummins to open new ‘fuel agnostic’ Powertrain Test Facility at Darlington
CUMMINS is to open a new Powertrain Test Facility at its Darlington site to help accelerate the move towards cleaner, next generation power technologies focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Ground preparation work for the new facility is now underway with the first phase of the £14million investment expected to open for operations by May 2023. Cummins says that the new facility will be ‘fuel-agnostic’ and will enable it to develop and test a wider range of power technologies, including the latest universal engine platforms with variants able to operate on green hydrogen, renewable natural gas, or what it terms “sustainable diesel”. Installation and April 2022
testing capability will also extend to hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric powertrains. Advanced dynamometers will be able to test not only powertrains, but also chassis-installed powertrains and vehicles, extending in size from a compact SUV to heavy-trucks over 44tonnes and double-deck buses. Off-road equipment, including construction machines and agricultural tractors, will also be able to be dyno-tested. “We a re ver y excited to announce this significant investment in the new Powertrain Test Facility at Darlington, which will be an important element in Cummins Destination Zero strategy to deliver a broad portfolio of power solutions to meet the world’s sustainability challenges,” says
Jonathan Atkinson, executive director, Cummins On-highway Business in Europe. “The new facility will further enhance the ability of Cummins European Technical Operations to introduce low-to-zero carbon power solutions and meet the forthcoming Euro VII very low emission regulations, likely to take effect around 2025.” Tees Va l ley Mayor, Ben Houchen, adds: “It’s brilliant news that Cummins is set to invest £14million into their Darlington plant to build a new Powertrain Test Facility. Teesside’s leading position as ground zero for net zero means there is no better place to develop the cleaner, healthier, and safer technologies of the future.” www.cummins.com
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Two million miles for Abellio London’s zero-emission Caetano buses
ABELLIO London’s Walworth depot has clocked up more than two million electric bus miles since introducing 34 Caetano e.City Gold electric buses in 2020 on two London routes. The Abellio London-operated buses have been running on routes P5 (Nine Elms-Elephant and Castle) and C10 (Canada Water-Victoria), out of Abellio’s Walworth depot in south-east London. The Caetano e.City Gold buses are the first of their type built specifically for the UK market and include fully f lat f looring throughout, rear-view cameras, Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) and Acoustic Vehicle Alert-
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ing System (AVAS), which generates artificial vehicle sounds for vulnerable road users. Abellio London Bus managing director Jon Eardley says: “Walworth is the first of our depots to operate electric buses with five out of our six depots being upgraded to run zero-emissions buses by autumn 2022. This will take Abellio London’s operation of electric buses to over 15 per cent of the fleet. “We are committed to introducing further, best-in-class electric buses and look forward to making a significant contribution towards the Mayor of London’s vision of having a complete zero-emissions
bus system in the capital by 2030.” Abellio London Bus driver Kingsford Koi-Otto has driven the Caetano electric buses from day one, clocking up over 24,000 electric miles - the equivalent of driving to New Zealand and back. “With the advanced safety features and a modern specification, these buses are even more comfortable and safe to drive,” says Koi-Otto. “They are a stepup in terms of overall experience, and help us to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for customers.” www.abellio.co.uk April 2022
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Carmarthenshire opts for Yutong electrics for TrawsCymru route CA R M A RTHENSHIR E has agreed a contract with Pelican Yutong to supply eight electric buses for the TrawsCymru route. The vehicles are planned to be delivered later this year. The vehicles will be fitted with enhanced seating, as well as full air-conditioning, wi-fi, USB charging, and passenger information systems. Charging infrastructure is already in progress, and Yutong says that the vehicles will be the first electric buses in the UK capable of charging at 240kW per hour, allowing rapid recharging. Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus UK, says “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have been successfully awarded this prestigious contract by Carmarthenshire county council. The specification that they have stipulated will be unique
within the UK, and takes passenger comfort levels to the next level. These quiet, zero emission buses will be making a significant impact to air quality in south west Wales.” Stephen Pilliner, head of transportation and highways, Carmarthenshire county council,
adds: “The ultra low emission buses will be used on the Traws Cymru Carmarthen to Aberystwyth services and will provide passengers with a modern service that will decarbonise transport and provide an attractive public transport option for customers”.
www.pelican-yutong.co.uk
... and Pelican claims best in class for electric buses after Millbrook tests PELICAN has claimed that its zero emission single-deck buses are best in class in terms of energy efficiency, potential vehicle operating range and charging efficiency, following re-testing at Millbrook. Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus UK, says: “Our latest vehicles are now fitted with 422kWh water-cooled batteries rather than the previously tested vehi-
April 2022
cle which had air-cooled 295kWh batteries. Coupled with this, the vehicles now feature our Yutong Electric Safety System which has several safety features, including constantly circulating nitrogen over the batteries. This means that not only are they the most efficient, we have established new market-leading safety standards too. We retested an E12, destined for Newport Bus, at the ATAC
testing facility at Millbrook using the ZEMO-accredited Ultra Low Emission Bus test. The certificate we have received shows we are best in class in terms of energy efficiency, potential vehicle operating range and charging efficiency. Our vehicles are a massive 77 per cent better in terms of ‘Well to wheel’ greenhouse gas emissions than a Euro 6 equivalent.” www.pelican-yutong.co.uk
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Swedish ski fleet opts for Allison transmissions with HVO-fuelled Isuzus
SÄLEN Buss, a family-owned transport company working for Swedish tour operator, SkiStar, has replaced two minibuses with two 50-seater Isuzu NovoCiti Life buses, equipped with Allison Transmission’s T 327 xFE transmission with retarder. With Euro VI engines, the buses run on HVO100, a diesel substitute made from hydro-treated vegetable oil. The buses have been operational in the ski resort of Sälen since December and by the end of the season, will have transported an estimated 100,000 passengers. The resort comprises over 150km of ski slopes across four ski areas. The buses’ daily duties involve picking up customers at their cabins and taking them to the
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ski areas and connecting express lines. Because they are required to handle both busy major roads and narrow streets in densely populated small villages, it was decided to equip the buses with Allison’s fully automatic transmissions. “It is a challenge to drive in Sälen,” says Robin Andersson, founding son and co-owner of Sälen Buss. “The buses run on both busy roads and smaller village streets that meander between the cabins. Therefore, we needed full-size buses with a strong engine and a good gearbox. A big advantage of Allison Transmission’s gearbox is that we have the opportunity to adapt the transmission to fit our needs and our driving. We could not do that before, so now it is much smoother to drive in all
weathers. “So far, the buses are running exactly as they should. Buses can often be a hassle with gearboxes, doors and more, but we are very happy with how everything has worked so far. In addition, we are happy that Allison has been up to visit and has been interested in seeing how we are doing. It feels good to have someone in our corner who can help if we encounter any problems.” Founded in 1987, Sälen Buss began with a single taxi. Today, the Sälen-based family business has 12 taxis and 35 buses that run both county traffic and SkiStar’s recreation buses in all of the local ski areas. www.allisontransmission.com April 2022
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New report claims strong passenger backing for zero emission buses MORE than one million new passengers could be attracted to use the UK’s bus networks through the switch to zero emission buses, according to a new report published by Stagecoach. The operator says that the study supports its target of achieving a 100 per cent zero emission UK bus fleet by 2035 and that the independent research is designed to support all bus operators in achieving this ambition as well as supporting the country’s net zero targets. The report aims to identify the scale of the opportunity that electric buses present, showing how they can attract a new generation of bus users. Over a million current non-bus users say they would start to use services if electric buses were introduced in their local area, as long as fares and frequency remain the same. And more than nine million current passengers would expect to use the bus more often. The report also highlights the significant operational and commercial challenges that all UK bus operators need to overcome to achieve this, including upgrading infrastructure across the country, electrifying all vehicles and depots, upskilling the workforce and developing a long-term sustainable funding approach which reflects the increased costs of a ZEB compared to a diesel bus. Martin Griffiths, chief executive, Stagecoach, says: “This report demonstrates the prize that is in front of the country in terms of moving people out of cars and onto lower carbon forms April 2022
of transport, if we get the transition to zero emissions buses right. Not only can we reduce emissions by transforming the environmental footprint of the bus fleet, but we can build a new generation of bus passengers. “This is exciting news for bus operators, the wider industry, government, local authorities and crucially for passengers. However, it’s clear that this is conditional on us all getting the transition right and ensuring that the priorities of passengers are put first.” The recommendations in the report have been supported by the Department for Transport, Zemo Partnership, Campaign for Better Transport and Transport Focus. Baroness Vere, roads minister said: “It’s clear public transport will be vital in our journey towards greener transport and zero emission buses are a key part of this Government’s ambitions, as demonstrated by our commitment to support 4,000 zero emission buses.” Norman Baker, campaigns and policy advisor for Campaign for Better Transport, adds: “It is great
to see the enthusiasm within the bus industry for a determined move towards a zero emission bus f leet. This reinforces the point that the bus is key to any strategy to tackle climate change and rightly positions the bus as part of the solution and a vehicle firmly grounded in the future.” Anthony Smith, chief executive, Transport Focus, says: “Zero emission vehicles will be increasingly key to helping public transport play its part in achieving Government decarbonisation targets.” Andy Eastlake, chief executive, Zemo Partnership, says: “The shift to zero tailpipe emissions buses is a great opportunity to transform the image of the bus and capture a whole new set of users who want to do their bit for the UK’s net zero ambitions. The smooth, quiet, efficient zero emission bus using renewable energy can be a compelling proposition and should be in the vanguard of the UK’s journey away from fossil fuels.” www.stagecoachbus.com
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Coach operator slashes driver infringements on route to ER with TruTac/CPT software
ALFA Travel has reduced driver infringements by more than 50 per cent and achieved Earned Recognition status since introducing TruTac software. With a modern fleet of Mercedes coaches serving many popular coastal resorts of the UK, Alfa Travel is one of the country’s largest coach holiday operators. “We have always strived to be the best at what we do,” says operations director Paul Bull, “and key to our success is an ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving a high standard of safety and service for our customers.” Alfa Travel turned to TruTac just over five years ago in a bid
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to improve f leet efficiency and tighten the compliance-related procedures required to achieve ER status. As the company is a member of CPT, TruTac’s CPT Tacho Analysis and CPT Daily Checks products were the perfect fit. “The cloud-based, all-in-one, system provides us with clear visibility and tight control across the f leet, which has improved driver debriefing processes (and driver education) and successfully reduced infringements,” adds Bull. “In 2018, infringements ‘per duty’ were running at 2.5%. Now, we are seeing an average of 1.1 per cent and we have instant access to clear and concise compliance data, including manager and driver
dashboards with KPI reporting – all of which have ticked the requisite boxes on our way to achieving ER status in Nov 2021.” Developed by TruTac in partnership with the CPT, the Tacho Analysis software package includes complete web-based digital and analogue tachograph analysis, supporting EU and GB domestic drivers’ hours rules - specifically for PSV drivers (including Working Time Directive regulations). To further improve day-to-day f leet and O’ Licence management, Alfa Travel recently added CPT Fleet Management system for vehicle and workshop control. www.trutac.co.uk
April 2022
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Principality of Monaco selects Iveco Bus E-WAY 9.5m TEN Iveco E-WAY 9.5m buses are now operating in Monaco The E-WAY 9.5m has been designed and produced in the Iveco Bus electromobility centre in Rorthais, France, and is equipped with a 160kW electric motor and NMC Lithium-ion batteries located on the roof and in the rear compartment. It recharges at night at the depot in a few hours. The vehicles have 16 seats with total passenger capacity of 60 people. The compact dimensions of the bus - 9.5m long and 2.33m wide make it very agile for routes difficult to access, especially narrow streets in city centres. To further improve driver comfort, the Public Transport Company of Monaco has decided to fit its
vehicles with a rear-view vision system that replaces the traditional exterior mirror. An inauguration ceremony took place last month and was attended by Prince Albert II, sovereign Prince of Monaco. Roland de Rechniewski, director, Compagnie des Autobus de
Monaco, says: “We are entering a new era by putting into service this series of buses that comply with our environmental commitments. Their elegance and comfort, we hope, will convince our users and visitors.” www.ivecobus.com
De Lijn agrees new framework for up to 1,250 electric buses DE Lijn has agreed to procure up to 1,250 electric buses for operations in Flanders over the next six years. The new tenders include zero-emission vehicles, from midi-buses over city buses to extra-long double articulated buses and run parallel to another tender issued last year. In December 2021, De Lijn ordered 60 electric buses from Van Hool and VDL. Delivery is expected later this year, and the Flemish company approved a tender for 350 e-buses from these suppliers in June 2021. The conApril 2022
tracts were worth between 190 and 230 million euros. In the new procurement process, De Lijn has agreed two additional framework agreements. De Lijn is owned by the regional government in Flanders and its network has around 1,000 lines with 3.5 million people using its services one or more times a year. However, Lydia Peeters, Flemish minister for mobility and public works points out that 65 per cent of all trips are still made by car. “We need to go green in all sectors,” says Peeters. “Cars, vans, trucks,
but also the electrification of the De Lijn fleet is an important link.” Since the new Flemish government took office in 2019, Peeters has been working towards a zero-emission fleet and pushing De Lijn to introduce it sooner. However, a goal envisaged in the Flemish coalition agreement of using only zero-emission buses in the cities as early as 2025 is understood as having been abandoned. www.delijn.be
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