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KEOLIS DOWNER LANDS SYDNEY CONTRACT
KEOLIS DOWNER has announced that it will be operating and maintaining Sydney Region 8 bus services in a $900 million contract from Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW)
The French-Australian bus- operating joint venture will be running bus services in the Northern Beaches and the lower North Shore areas for eight years from October 31, 2021, TfNSW has announced.
The ‘partnership’ with TfNSW aims to “deliver innovative transport solutions in Sydney’s Northern beaches as the future bus operator”, states Keolis Downer.
Global law firm Ashurst has advised Keolis Downer on the tender.
According to the company, Keolis Keoride will also become a permanent part of the network, it adds.
Downer will work closely with TfNSW to deliver a range of initiatives to further enhance the journey experience of customers, across all aspects of the service.
The contract will see the introduction of 125 electric buses over the next eight years, delivering more sustainable transport options for the local community from two newly electrified depots in Brookvale and Mona Vale, it confirms.
Keolis Downer will also introduce innovative headway technology to further increase the reliability and quality of service of the successful B-Line, it explains.
The popular on-demand transport service known as
Above:
Keolis Downer will introduce technology to further increase the reliability and quality of service of the successful B-Line, it states.
Above:
The contract will mean the introduction of 125 electric buses during the next eight years. SMOOTH TRANSITION
Keolis Downer is delighted to partner with TfNSW to deliver positive public transport outcomes to the local communities in the Northern beaches and the lower North Shore, it states.
Keolis Downer’s priority is to ensure a smooth transition of all the employees and maintain high standards of customer experience and operations, it says.
Additionally, it is focused on introducing global innovations like headway services, new electric buses, and ‘wayfinding’ improvements that will deliver more connected and sustainable
journeys, it says.
“We are very proud to partner with TfNSW to support the future growth and transformation of the Northern Beaches,” said Keolis Downer CEO David Franks.
“Drawing on our experience locally and globally, we will launch a range of new initiatives to enhance the customer experience building from the already excellent bus services in the area.
“We will introduce new service technology to enable staff to actively manage routes and monitor bus running times, improving the frequency of bus services.
“We are also very excited to continue to deliver the highly successful on-demand transport service, which we have been operating in the area since 2017.
“We look forward to further engaging with the community to deliver a safe, efficient and reliable transport system that supports the liveability and future prosperity of this vibrant, growing region,” Franks said.
ABOUT KEOILS DOWNER
Keolis Downer is a leading operator of public transport services in Australia, it states.
With 4,900 employees and a presence in five states, Keolis Downer enables 250 million passenger journeys per year, it confirms.
The company operates and maintains the integrated network in Newcastle; the largest tram network in the world in Melbourne (Yarra Trams); the light-rail network on the Gold Coast (G:link); and 1,000 buses in NSW, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland, it states.
It also operates and maintains the Adelaide Metro train services, it adds.
Established in 2009, Keolis Downer is a joint venture between Keolis, a leading public transport operator established in 15 countries, and Downer, the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand, it says.
STRONG INTEREST FOR 2021 SYDNEY BUS AND COACH EXPO
EXCITIMENT IS BUILDING and strong interest is being shown for the forthcoming 2021 Australasia Bus and Coach Expo, being held Wednesday 29 to Thursday 30 September at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, organisers have announced.
BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld confirms there has been strong exhibitor and visitor interest for the 2021 Expo, which is returning to Sydney after five years.
“On the back of the successful 2019 Melbourne Expo, the Sydney event this year promises to be another world-class exhibition for the Australasian bus and coach industry,” Threlkeld said.
The Expo will include more than $50 million-worth of vehicles and in excess of 100 exhibition booths displaying products and services, covering 14,000 square metres and all under the one roof, according to BusNSW.
Approximately 90 per cent of vehicle display areas and 70 per cent of booths have been sold, so there are limited opportunities remaining for industry suppliers to exhibit their products and services, it adds.
“The Expo will have free entry to optimise attendance by key decision makers representing bus and coach operators, large and small,” Threlkeld explained.
HIGH PRIORITY
The Covid-safe event is being held at a time when public transport and the transition to zero-emission technology is a high priority for all levels of government, says BusNSW.
“The NSW minister for transport and roads has challenged Transport for NSW to transition the state’s fleet of 8,000 contracted buses to zero-emission technology by 2030, and we are pleased that Transport for NSW is proudly supporting the 2021 Australasia Bus & Coach Expo,” Threlkeld said.
“This year’s Expo will have a significant number of electric buses on display,” he added.
Operators, suppliers and industry stakeholders can keep well informed in the lead-up to the event via the official Expo website: www.busandcoachexpo.com.au
DIARY DATES
Online registration for social events, including a welcome function on Tuesday, September 28, and industry gala dinner on Wednesday, September 29, will open soon via the Expo website, BusNSW states.
“If buses or coaches are your business, mark Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 September 2021 in your calendar and start planning your visit to the Sydney Expo today,” Threlkeld advised.
Suppliers interested in exhibiting can register online at: www. busandcoachexpo.com.au, or contact BusNSW directly via telephone on (02) 8839 9500.
Above:
The 2021 Australasia Bus and Coach Expo will be returning to Sydney after five years.
“Today we will set in motion a plan that will put pressure on the NSW government to take responsibility for safety and fairness throughout the bus industry,” TWU NSW Branch secretary Richard Olsen said.
NSW UNION PUTS BUS DRIVER CONDITIONS IN SPOTLIGHT
THE NSW STATE GOVERNMENT must “take responsibility for wages and conditions throughout the contracts it awards to private bus companies” and these should be “awarded on decent, secure jobs and safe conditions, not low cost”, according to the Transport Workers Union’s (TWU) NSW Branch, recently.
The union’s branch delegates from several bus companies today voted in May to endorse a plan that includes a readiness to take industrial action to improve pay, superannuation and safety, it announced.
Included in the bus drivers’ claim are provisions such as: realistic timetables so drivers aren’t forced to rush; working hours to manage fatigue; and strong safety committees.
TWU NSW Branch secretary Richard Olsen led the vote from the bus delegates at the union’s Minchinbury office, stating the plan is about “lifting standards to ensure fairness and keep bus drivers, passengers and other road users safe”.
“Bus drivers provide an essential service to our communities. Over the last year, while most of us isolated, bus drivers risked their own health to get passengers to supermarkets, Covid testing clinics and now vaccination centres,” Olsen said.
“As our economy recovers, it does so off the backs of bus drivers getting people to work and kids to school.
“The NSW government relies on these jobs and bus drivers take pride in doing them.
“Of course, any industrial action can cause major disruption, but when bus drivers are under pressure to run to tight schedules and companies say they can’t afford to pay drivers fair wages or provide safe conditions, there is only one solution.
“Today, we will set in motion a plan that will put pressure on the NSW government to take responsibility for safety and fairness throughout the bus industry,” Olsen said.
ALARMING STATS
According to TWU, citing the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport, 113 people have been killed in bus crashes in Australia in the past five years.
Bus drivers are frequently subjected to attacks by passengers and members of the public, it explains.
Last year, a TWU member was deliberately coughed on by a passenger who said he had coronavirus after he couldn’t pay the fare, it outlined.
The TWU NSW branch successfully campaigned for spit screens to be installed in buses following this and other reports of passengers spitting on drivers during the pandemic, it says.
SURVEY DATA
According to a 2019 TWU NSW bus survey: • 84 per cent of drivers face verbal abuse from passengers • 81 per cent [are] experiencing verbal abuse daily • 74 per cent of drivers have faced regular abuse when enforcing Opal card rules.
ABC magazine (www.busnews.com) contacted NSW transport minister Andrew Constance’s office and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for a response at the time of the announcement.
A TfNSW spokesperson responded: “Transport for NSW acknowledges the important role of front line transport workers in delivering services to customers and communities across NSW.
“Negotiations on Enterprise Agreements are a matter between the union and the operator.
“There are established safety requirements for the operation and delivery of bus services, and we expect these to be complied with.
“We encourage all parties to work together constructively and we will be monitoring any negotiations closely.”
BUS COLLISION-REPAIR INDUSTRY STALWART RETIRES
Retirement has called on Wales Truck and Bus Repairs stalwart and collision-repair key figure Sam Travato, who, after more than 50 years, leaves the company and greater bus industry, Wales announced recently.
Travato has been instrumental in his guidance, work ethic and industry knowledge for the growth of Wales Bus Repairs for the past seven years, confirms Wales CEO Darren Wales, adding that his departure will be keenly felt amongst the Wales team.
“His dedication and service levels to our client base has been beyond reproach,” Wales stated.
“We wish Sam all the very best with his future endeavours of retirement and beyond and add that he will be sorely missed – both here at Wales Bus Repairs and the bus industry in general.
“We are holding a casual farewell for Sam at Wales Bus Repairs on the 2nd July for anyone wishing to come say ‘happy retirement’,” Wales said.
Wales Bus repairs – a seminal institution within the Australian bus and truck and collision-repair industries – has been a part of the massive AMA Group since mid-2019.
ABOUT AMA
The AMA Group – with its Gemini Accident Repair Centres head office located in Bundall, Queensland – is a leader in the automotive aftercare and accessories market, it states.
Each of its specialised automotive aftercare and accessory companies have a commitment to excellence in customer service, cost-effective operations, and sector-leading brands, it explains.
AMA is Australia’s largest accident repairer business and owns and operates in excess of 180 accident repair facilities and 10 heavy motor facilities Australia-wide.
Above:
Sam Travato will be leaving Wales Truck and Bus Repairs after 50 years.
BUS SAFETY WARNING AMID ROAD-RULES ‘FORGETFULNESS’
TRANSDEV AUSTRALIASIA reminded motorists to give way and share the road with buses, light rail and other public transport services as part of National Road Safety Week (May 17–23).
With the company citing 2021 research from vehicle manufacturer Ford Australia that suggests many drivers aren’t as familiar with road rules as they were before the pandemic – with many parts of the country staying off the roads and at home during part of 2020 – Transdev Australasia chief Safety and Assurance officer Huw Bridges says everyone had a role to play in helping to keep roads safe.
“Safety on the road is the responsibility of every road user,” Bridges stated.
“Our responsibility is to train and help our drivers to be the safest they can be on the road. It’s a collective responsibility we share with private road users, and we encourage everyone to know the rules and to their bit to keep people safe.”
Nationally, it is a requirement for passenger vehicles to give way to buses, and all passenger transport vehicles display a distinctive driver-side sticker advising of the rule.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should take extra caution around train and light rail crossings and motorists should never turn in front of a light rail vehicle.
Right:
Safety on the road is the responsibility of every road user, says Transdev Australasia chief safety and assurance officer Huw Bridges. ADDITIONAL DISTANCE
Bridges explains that by being much smaller and lighter than bus, train or light rail vehicles, passenger vehicles often sustained greater chances of damage or injury in the event of a collision.
“Light-rail vehicles weigh the equivalent of 30 rhinos and the average bus weighs the same as three African elephants, and they do need additional distance to stop or manoeuvre,” he said.
“Our teams across the country work with schools, road users and government to deliver education and training to ensure that safety remains top of mind.”
NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK – May 17–23, 2021 – was acknowledged at Transit Systems’ Morphettville, South Australia, bus depot where both Transit Systems and Torrens Connect team members hosted a morning tea with special guest speaker Peter Frazer, president of Safer Australian Roads and Highways.
On February 15, 2012, Frazer’s daughter, Sarah, was killed in a completely avoidable road crash on the Hume Highway south of Sydney.
As a consequence of this tragedy, he and his family decided they would contribute to improving road safety outcomes through their policy development, community education as well as their advocacy work, Sealink Travel Group-owned Transit Systems explains.
With in excess of 5,120 drivers and support staff at the company, National Road Safety Week is a time to put all driver behaviour “on the radar”, according to Seal ink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt.
“We can all help reduce the chances of an avoidable accident occurring,” he said.
“As public transport providers, road safety is crucial given most of our team spend the majority of their time out on the road each and every day.
“National Road Safety week serves as an important reminder to us all to eliminate distractions, be alert at all times and keep safety front of mind while we are behind the wheel or near roads and vehicles.
“It’s not just about our drivers, it’s road safety; it’s being an aware driver, an alert cyclist and a mindful pedestrian,” Feuerherdt stated.
Above:
Sealink CEO Clint Feuerherdt (left) and Peter Frazer, president of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (right). SIGNING UP
Feuerherdt signed the pledge and says Transit Systems encourages its drivers and other road users to be safe, and to give other drivers the room they need to be safe.
“We’re saying – drive as though your loved ones are on the road ahead. We all share the road, so we are all responsible for driving safely,” he said.
“Being a safe driver means driving to the conditions of the road environment and being ready to take action at any time.”
100 MB CITARO HYBRID BUS ORDER FOR ROME
ITALIAN public transport operator Atac is to take delivery of 100 Mercedes-Benz hybrid Citaro buses in three instalments later this year, MB has announced.
The order – including a 10-year service contract that sees Daimler Buses take care of maintenance in the customer’s workshop – will be rolled out between June and the European autumn, 2021.
Atac is one of Europe’s largest municipal transport companies based in Rome, Italy.
Its hybrid bus delivery is part of an ambitious investment program to modernise Atac’s bus fleet in Italy’s capital. As one of the company’s goals is to significantly reduce pollutant emissions, the Citaro hybrid reduces fuel consumption and emissions considerably, MB explains.
Daimler’s EvoBus Italia CEO and president Heinz Friedrich said: “We are delighted with this large-scale order from Rome, the Italian capital. We are supplying Atac with a city bus equipped with the most efficient and sustainable technology in the segment.”
The new vehicles are painted Amaranth Red and have a band that runs around the upper section of the bus that reads: “+ Bus x Rom + Bus x Rom” – which stands for “more buses for Rome”.
The single-deck city buses for Atac are equipped with two passenger doors and are fully air-conditioned, MB says. A protective glass driver’s cab door prevents close contact between the passengers and driver, which protects the driver from infections, it adds.
Both the air conditioning system and the air conditioner housing are fitted with anti-viral active filters.
Above:
The singledeck city buses for Atac are equipped with two passenger doors and are fully airconditioned.
NZ ADL-BYD E-BUSES AMASS ONE MILLION ZERO-EMISSION KMS
NEW FLYER subsidiary Alexander Dennis’ New Zealand-running electric buses – using BYD e-chassis – have completed more than one million kilometres of zero-emission operation, saving 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in doing so, ADL confi rms recently.
The manufacturer has supplied 18 ADL-BYD based Enviro200EV electric buses to transport authorities and operators in New Zealand to date, with more on order as the country prepares to fully decarbonise its public transport bus fl eet by 2035, it states.
The biggest carbon reduction has been achieved by the fl eet of initially six, later eight, electric buses operated by Fullers360 on Auckland Transport services in Waiheke Island, which have prevented the emission of 300 tonnes of CO2 in just eight months, ADL confi rms.
NZ Bus saved 290 tonnes with fi ve buses in Tauranga and Ritchies 270 tonnes with three buses in Christchurch, while the two trial buses that Auckland Transport has been using in the central business district have cut out 140 tonnes of CO2 emissions since their launch in 2018, the company explains.
ADL recently announced it will assemble zero-emission buses locally in NZ, renewing a partnership with local manufacturer Kiwi Bus Builders, it confi rms.
The company’s electric buses for New Zealand are part of the BYD-chassis Enviro200EV-bodied range using latest BYD iron phosphate battery and driveline technology, ADL states.
ADL general manager for New Zealand, Tony Moore, said: “Although our fl eet of electric buses is small by international standards, as we approach World Environment Day it is heartening to see their contribution to tackling the global challenge of climate change.
“Their continued impact will be further amplifi ed as we deliver more and more electric buses.”
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ADL’s NZ-running e-buses have saved 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over one million kilometres, it says.
WE’RE SELLING TWO COACHES
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VOLGREN’S PARTNER HESS IN MAJOR SWISS E-BUS CONTRACT
FOLLOWING its Brisbane Metro contract win in 2019, Swiss vehicle manufacturer Hess has been awarded a share of a major e-bus tender from public transport operator BVB (Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe) in Basel, Switzerland, the company confirmed recently.
As part of the city’s conversion to an all-electric bus fleet, BVB is purchasing 62 e-buses from manufacturers Hess and EvoBus (Schweiz) AG for around 65 million Swiss francs (A$93.5 million). The e-buses are scheduled to go into operation from between autumn 2022 and spring 2023, BVB explains.
Hess will design and deliver eight of its 24.7-metre bi-articulated electric buses, the lighTram 25, which are similar to those that will be used in the Brisbane Metro project.
The buses will be charged via state-of-the-art charging infrastructure on route and overnight depot charging.
The Hess pilot vehicle for the Brisbane Metro project, a lighTram 25, is scheduled to begin its trial in Brisbane in 2022.
Above:
Artist’s Impression of the lighTram 25, courtesy of Brisbane City Council. GREATER CAPACITY
Naef says the lighTram 25 will be used to ease congestion on Basel’s popular airport service, which has reached peak capacity in recent years.
“The response to the increase in demand has been to increase the frequency of services. However, further increases in service frequency are no longer possible because there is a risk that the buses will start to hinder each other.”
The solution to the problem of overcrowding, Naef says, is larger vehicles with greater capacity.
“With a length of 25 metres, about six metres longer than the previous diesel buses, the lighTram 25 provides more space for passengers and luggage, as well as generous areas for pushchairs or passengers with reduced mobility,” he explained.
BUSWAYS RECEIVES FIRST CUSTOM-DENNING ELEMENT E-BUS
SYDNEY-BASED operator Busways recently received the first of an order of six Custom-Denning Element electric buses, the company officialy announced recently.
In keeping with the NSW government’s plan to electrify the state’s bus fleet by 2030, minister for transport and roads Andrew Constance says the Element electric bus, built by Custom Denning, will be the first electric bus “entirely manufactured” in NSW.
“We are another step closer to creating a greener, cleaner and healthier future for the people of NSW, thanks to Custom Denning manufacturing electric buses at its factory in St Marys,” minister Constance said.
“Custom’s Element electric bus has undergone a thorough assessment and I am excited to see it now included on a list of electric buses available to Transport for NSW’s bus operators.
“Busways has already placed an order for six new electric buses from Custom, and I look forward to many more local bus companies taking up the opportunity to support local manufacturing and local jobs.”
CAPACITY, JOBS
Custom Bus Group (Custom Denning) managing director Scott Dunn says Custom has been building buses in Sydney for more than 65 years, and has built more than 700 diesel buses for the NSW government during the past 10 years.
“There are currently 12 people working on the electric bus project; however, we have the capacity to build around 400 buses each year in our current factory and this could create more than 300 jobs,” said Dunn.
“The Element electric bus will be able to operate for around 22 hours on a single four-hour charge, and are cheaper to maintain and operate than their diesel counterparts.
Busways managing director Byron Rowe added: “Busways was Custom Denning’s first non-government customer and we have been buying high-quality, reliable buses from them since 1958.
“We’ve been trialling the Element bus in the Penrith area for the last month and we are excited to be receiving our first order in the coming months.”
Above:
The Element electric bus will be able to operate for around 22 hours on a single four-hour charge.
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ABC AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH ISSUE 388 December 2019 $5.95 inc GST December 2019 December $5.95 inc GST TELFORDS SOLD SKYBUS-KINETIC NEW OWNER
BRISBANE METRO HESS-VOLGRENABB WIN DEAL
DYSON GROUP NEW MACEDON BUS DEPOT
BUSNSW BEST BUS DRIVER 2019 AWARDS BUSNSW BEST BUS DRIVER 2019 AWARDS AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH
ABC
ISSUE 397 September 2020 $5.95 inc GST BUSTECH AND PROTERRA SIGN LANDMARK E-BUS DEAL WEST OZ GOVT FUEL-CELL MINING BUS ANNOUNCEMENT RALLY FOR HELP FAMILY, PRIVATE BUS BUSINESSES UNITE!
ABC AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH ISSUE 401 Jan 2021 $5.95 inc GST BCI-MERCEDES V/LINE SAFETY COACHES COACHWORKS SOLD TO REPAIR SPECIALIST ROYANS
BUSTECH GROUP AUST BUS CORP REBRANDED
ACCLAIMED LIGHTWEIGHT DUTCH E-BUS WITH JET FIGHTER TECH driven: bedford vam70 operator: platinum journeys, nsw interview: darren wales CARBON CYBER
SCANIA OFFERS OPERATORS PRAGMATIC E-BUS TRANSITION HYBRID THEORY
SIMPLEENERGY
FOTON HYDROGEN BUS IN 2021 EV PUSH HERE SOON
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ABC_401_001_Cover FC.indd 1
ABC_397_001_Cover FC.indd 1 14/09/2020 12:53:44 PM
ABC CONFIRMED AS MOST-READ BUS MAGAZINE
18/01/2021 1:13:02 PM
AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH(ABC) has reinforced its long-held position as the region’s largest-circulating bus and coach industry magazine, achieving an audited circulation of 3,312 copies per issue in the six months to March 31, 2021, new Circulation Audit Bureau (CAB) fi gures show.
Since 1957, the CAB has been providing advertisers, marketers and media buyers with verifi ed distribution data on free and controlled circulation magazines, delivering credibility to the media industry. ABC is the only Australian bus and coach magazine to subject itself to the offi cial audit.
Bolstering its overall audience reach, ABC’s digital platform www.BusNews.com. au attracted an all-time record 38,866 visitors in May, up 23.7 per cent on the previous month and 24.5 per cent on the same month of 2020. Year-to-date (YTD) visitors are up 26.6 per cent on the comparable period of last year.
Graham Gardiner, group publisher – industry at Are Media, ABC’s publisher, says the results are in line with the company’s strategy to grow its audience across print and digital platforms to enable advertisers to reach as many in-market buyers as possible and thereby maximise response.
“Our publishing model is platform-agnostic: we publish all content – whether it’s classifi eds or our market-leading editorial – across all platforms and let the audience decide where and when they consume it,” he said.
SOLID SUPPORT
Fabian Cotter, ABC magazine editor, says the YoY online growth, particularly during recent tumultuous times for the Australasian bus and coach industry, shows solid brand loyalty from readers, of which the title is truly humbled by.
“In terms of pure readership, the solid interest in all things bus as we push on through out of the pandemic has been remarkable.
“ABC merely endeavours to cover a discerning spectrum of local and global bus news and product development that mirrors the state of play, for an accurate snapshot that bus lovers and industry afi cionados can relate to at the time, all the time.
“We thank them for their ongoing support,” he said.
FORTHCOMING VOLVO E-BUS TARGETS OZ LONGEVITY
A CAUTIOUS AND CONSIDERED approach towards electro-mobility for Australian conditions bodes well for Volvo’s 2022-due BZL electric bus’s long-term success here, following company statements in the lead-up to its 2021 Sydney Bus Show launch this September.
Highlighting its decade-long journey into electro-mobility locally following its hybrid bus product introduction, the company is proud to have taken the time to ‘set things up properly’ as a solid foundation for the BZL e-bus in Australia.
“The BZL is made for a long life on the road, in line with Australian standards and our customer’s expectations of what Volvo product durability will be: it’s a chassis designed for the long-haul,” said Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden.
“We take great pride in that our electric bus offering will be introduced to the Australian market at the right time; we’re taking time to set up long-term partnerships in the e-mobility space, we’re implementing specialised training – ultimately we’re busy ensuring this product is the highest quality, has the highest safety standards, and will last in the Australian environment,” Peden explained.
Preparing to see both its hybrid chassis and fully electric chassis enter the market within less than 10 years of each other is largely due to the “astute guidance and leadership” of VBA’s primary electro-mobility expert and engineer Dean Moule, the company says.
“We embarked on the next phase of the electro-mobility project with the electric chassis in 2016 by scoping out what we wanted to do and how we would achieve it, in order to meet the expectations of our marketplace,” stated Moule.
For both the B5L S-Charge hybrid and BZL electric chassis projects, the similarity of goals were extensive time and resources invested in creating a quality, safe and reliable product, Moule outlines.
Above:
(L-R) Volvo Bus Australia e-mobility team: Mark Fryer, Dean Moule and Sam Compasso.
THE WOT!?!
BATTERY WOES
With electric buses becoming increasingly popular, questions are going to be asked about what caused this fi re that wiped out a line of them in China, recently. Located on a university campus in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, smoke was seen pouring from one bus early in the morning, believed to be a battery malfunction, before bursting into fl ames. The fi re then quickly spread along the parked line of buses, destroying four before fi refi ghters could put it out.
CHARGING AHEAD
In happier electric bus news, First Bus has announced that work has begun at its Caledonia depot in Glasgow – the largest bus depot in the UK – on turning it into a huge electric charging hub. With plans to have a completely emission-free fl eet by 2035, the Glasgow depot will eventually have capacity to charge 300 buses on site. The fi rst phase of the project will see 11 dual DC rapid charging units installed and a further 69 planned for later in the year.
SOCIAL SCENE
Showing perfectly how buses can bring people together, the Social Enterprise Council of NSW and ACT (SECNA) decided to try something different recently with a bus tour around Sydney to explore the work of social enterprises in the city. SECNA’s inaugural Social Enterprise Bus Tour took philanthropists, corporate employees, government offi cials and social enterprise leaders to over 20 Sydney businesses to discuss how to achieve greater diversity, sustainability and inclusiveness in society. Sydney deputy lord mayor Jess Scully says the tour was a way to showcase the work going on behind the scenes and that the bus tour is a way, “...to take people right to [the heart of] those places”. More info can be found at: www.secna.org.au
City mascot Wilhelm with a new Quantron bus for Weilheim public utility company.
ELECTRIC ‘MIDIBUSES’ WIN GERMAN MUNICIPALITY TENDER
PUBLIC TRANSPORT has become “more environmentally friendly and attractive” in German municipality Stadtwerke Weilheim after five new ‘e-midibuses’ were chosen for its City Bus 2022 tender, it announced recently.
The five Atak EVs that municipal enterprise Stadtwerke Weilheim i.OB KU chose are from supplier Quantron AG Augsburg/Gersthofen.
Stadtwerke Weilheim had presented its City Bus 2022 concept several times, and the city council then passed the basic resolution on November 19, 2020 that: from January 1, 2022, Stadtwerke Weilheim will be “in charge of operating the city bus”.
Head of Stadtwerke Weilheim Peter Müller said: “Our preparations for this are in full swing.
“An important point of our ‘City bus 2022’ concept is that we want to operate public transport in Weilheim in a more environmentally-friendly way, not just a theoretical example, but a practical example of more climate protection.”
According to the concept, the current diesel buses will be replaced by battery-electric midibuses. For the procurement of the five new battery-electric midibuses, the municipality had issued a Europe- wide invitation to tender at the end of February, 2021, it confirms.
“After the end of the bidding and clarification of several detailed questions, the best bidder – the company Quantron AG in Augsburg/ Gersthofen – was awarded the contract for the delivery of five Atak electric buses at the end of April,” he explained.
Müller signed the corresponding contract together with Andreas Haller,
CEO of Quantron AG, on May 11, 2021, at the new headquarters of the supplier of the modern electric midibuses in Augsburg/Gersthofen.
ABOUT QUANTRON
Quantron AG is a system provider of clean battery and hydrogen-powered e-mobility for commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and vans, it states.
In addition to new electric vehicles, the range of services offered includes the electrification of used and existing vehicles; the creation of individual overall concepts, including the appropriate charging infrastructure; as well as rental, financing and leasing offers and driver training, it explains.
Quantron AG also sells batteries and integrated customised electrification concepts to manufacturers of commercial vehicles, machinery and intra-logistics vehicles, it adds.
According to the company Augsburg, in Bavaria, it is a, “…pioneer and
innovation driver for e-mobility in passenger, transport and freight traffic.”
It has a network of 700 service partners and the comprehensive knowledge of qualified experts in the fields of power electronics and battery technology, through its cooperation with CATL, the world’s largest battery producer, it confirms.
Quantron AG, as a high-tech spin-off of the renowned Haller GmbH, combines 138 years of commercial vehicle experience with state-of- the-art e-mobility know-how, the company states.
