Bus & Coach Winter 2019

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

Volume 15. No. 3. Winter 2019

Volvo 9900

MAN Lions' Coach

pow ere

EUR d by DAF O6

Extremely efficient.

The entirely new, modern and streamlined interior and exterior design of the EX reflects the characteristics of the vehicle: functional and efficient. Created with the values of the Van Hool range in mind: great reliability, combined with a high level of finishing.

welcome to the world of Van Hool elegance and efficiency in transport Van Hool NV • Bernard Van Hoolstraat 58, 2500 Lier (Koningshooikt), Belgium • +32 3 420 20 20 • sales.bc@vanhool.com • www.vanhool.com

www.fleet.ie | 3 Thirty Two Counties Coaches Designated Activity Company T/A Irish Coaches

Contents Winter 2019 4 News • Harris Group performs with Cork Youth Orchestra • New Ops Manager at Go-Ahead Ireland • MAN wins International Coach Award • Fleet Bus & Coach Awards winners plus Bus Lanes

28 Launch Pad First drive in new Higer Pegasus 12m

8 Winners Fleet Bus & Coach Awards Category winners

36 Review II Coach & Bus Show 2019, Birmingham

WINNER

16 Hall of Fame inductees

38 Group Test Coach Euro Test, Romania

FINALIST

18 Awards Irish Coach of the Year Awards 2020

Dónal / Chairman/M.D. Sandra / Exec Director

Excellence in Transport Services Public Sector Awards 2018 Passenger Transport Company of the Year Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2018/2019

A positive year for tourism transport.

Connecting with us, you will have an extra Sales Distribution line with our Cloud Computing for your Private Hire Tourism vehicles in 2020.

20 Networking Meeting and greeting at the FBC Awards

32 Review I Busworld Europe, Brussels

42 Conductors’ Stand Bums on PSV seats Tribute to Miko

22 Contenders Irish Coach of the Year 2020 nominees

Results to date for 32CC Network CO-OP €7m+ in new, additional revenue business to Investor and Sub Hire companies over the years from all markets, North America, Britain, Europe, the Far East and Local Irish Marketing wholly owned 2 International brands (Irish Coaches & Hello Ireland Tours) Ads promoting Members/Associates (e.g.

IHF “Be Our Guest” 2019 manual/Active Retirement Ireland/Members Annual 2020)

30 News Extra Higer Steed premiered CTTC hosts Open Day

P4

Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433 Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney

P4

Editor: Sean Murtagh Contributors: Rob Van Dieten, Paul White

IRPTOL No.210047249

Holly / Assistant Operations Manager

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh, Brian Loughheed, Paul Sherwood Administration: Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney

“Filling Gaps for Network Members” 12+ Years Success On-the-Road Ulster Bank Chambers, Dublin 1 01 - 8788894/98 E-mail: operations@irishcoaches.ie or sandra@irishcoaches.ie www.32ccgroup.ie www.irishcoaches.ie www.helloireland.com

Talk with Sandra or Holly

P36

Design: Eamon Wynne Printed in Ireland Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime & Caravan Cruise Ireland are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Bus & Coach management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.

The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

Fleet Bus & Coach - the official Irish journal of the International Bus/Coach of the Year Awards. www.fleet.ie

4 | NEWS 1

BUS LANE Translink celebrates PR Campaigns Translink claimed four Gold Awards and one Silver Award at the recent CIPR PRide Awards 2019 in recognition of its Glider Launch PR campaign. Gold honours were scooped in the following categories: Corporate & Business Communications Campaign, Consumer Relations Campaign, Public Sector Campaign and Regional Campaign of the Year, plus a Silver for Integrated Campaign. Judges praised Translink for delivering an “innovative and truly creative campaign” which “delivered impressive outcomes including passenger growth and increased revenue” and “punched above its weight to exceed its objectives for public benefit.”

Caetano H2.City Gold: Hydrogen & Water H2.City Gold is the new hydrogen-powered Caetano electric bus. Presenting a high environmental performance with no CO2 emissions, this vehicle takes advantage of the best of Toyota technology and engineering capacity. Thanks to the fast charging time and the high autonomy of the vehicle, bus operation is not limited, a major advantage for the operator.

H2.City Gold has an autonomy of 400kms on a single refi ll, a differentiating feature in the fuel cell buses market. (See photo page 3)

Irizar scores with AFC Bournemouth A new Irizar i8 Integral is now serving as team coach for Premier League club AFC Bournemouth.

The stand-out 14.07-metre, tri-axle has been supplied by the factory with a host of luxury features including 36 full-leather seats with leather armrests, and lateral displacement, a centre toilet with electric hand-dryer, Bosch Professional Line audio and video systems, and a fully-carpeted saloon. There’s a vacuum cleaner system too.

Harris Group plays vital support act for the Cork Youth Orchestra

T

he Har r is Group, I r e l a nd ’s le a d i n g commercial vehicle distributor, is about to undertake a three-year sponsorship of the Cork Youth Orchestra, starting this season.

In addition to providing fi nancial support, as part of the fi rst official sponsorship of this magnitude for Cork Youth Orchestra, The Harris Group will provide ground transport services for the youth orchestra during the season using Higer buses, a leading global bus brand and a part of Harris Group.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Harris Group CEO, Denise Harris said: “We have a long history of working with businesses in and around Cork City, so we see this as a wonderful opportunity to give back and to invest in the Cork community. All of us at the Harris Group look forward to supporting these young people and helping them share their creative talents throughout Ireland and beyond.”

Founded in 1958, the Cork Youth Orchestra is Ireland’s oldest and largest youth orchestra and is composed of 145+ members, ages 12-18 years.

“We are delighted to be supported by the Harris Group in the fi rst sponsorship of this kind. Our organisation runs on the patronage of the community, and sponsorships like this help ensure that we can focus on the youth and continue to develop innovative and high calibre music projects,” said Tomás McCarthy, conductor for the Cork Youth Orchestra.

The upcoming season will commence on 14 December with the much-anticipated performance of The Snowman with a special concert by True Tides. There will be two matinees followed by an evening concert at City Hall. The 2019-2020 season includes regional and international travel. On 3 July the Orchestra will give a pre-tour concert at Cork City Hall before travelling via Dublin to Florence, Italy for the Florence Youth Festival (FOG), where they will perform multiple times.

“We are very grateful to Harris Group and to the Higer bus company for their support of the Cork Youth Orchestra and providing safe and reliable transportation for this generation of musicians,” added Tomás.

Black-tint windows and stylish aluminium profi les to the luggage compartment add a further touch of class, while wheel-spray suppression aids safety and external cleanliness. The powertrain is a top-of-the range PACCAR DAF MX-13 390 530 hp engine driving through the advanced ZF TraXon automated manual gearbox. (See photo page 3) Tomás McCarthy (left) and members of the Cork Youth Orchestra (CYO) get ready for their upcoming season which includes a tour to Italy for the Florence Youth Festival.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

NEWS II | 5

New Operations Manager for Go-Ahead Ireland

G

o-Ahead Ireland, part of the Go-Ahead Group Plc, has appointed Aled Williams as its new Operations Manager. In his new role Aled will look after the day to day management of drivers and control teams and inspectors who manage the 24 Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area (ODMA) routes across Dublin.

Aled joins Go-Ahead Ireland from FirstGroup where he was Operations Manager for Buses of Somerset based in Taunton. He was previously part of the FirstGroup graduate scheme where he worked in a variety of operational placements around the UK. “Aled is an experienced operations manager who brings a variety of skills to the position, including a deep understanding

of the transport sector. We know he will be a huge asset to our ODMA team and look forward to working with him”, commented Ed Wills, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland (GAI).

Go-Ahead Ireland began operating in Ireland in 2018 when it introduced its first

route, the 175 from Citywest to UCD, in September 2018. The remaining 23 routes, which had previously been operated by Dublin Bus, were mobilised between October 2018 and March of this year and to date, they have carried approximately 8 million passengers. Currently the company employs close to 500 colleagues and has invested over €12.5 million in two depots in Ballymount (Dublin) and Naas (Co. Kildare). The ODMA contract is operated out of the Ballymount depot, and a second contract to operate several commuter routes in County Kildare will be operated from Naas.

“I was att racted to the role at GAI due to its unique nature in Ireland and the scope it offers me to add value and be part of this newly formed and progressive company,” said Aled.

MAN Lion’s Coach elected Coach of the Year 2020

T

he MAN Lion’s Coach has won the prestigious Coach of the Year 2020 award. The announcement was made at Busworld Europe in Brussels. Representing the trade journalists from 22 countries that make up the International Bus & Coach of the Year jury, Chairman Tom Terjesen handed over the coveted trophy to Jan Aichinger, Head of Product Marketing Bus and Rudi Kuchta, Head of Product & Sales Bus and Speaker Business Unit Bus at MAN Truck & Bus (from left to right).

The jury were impressed by Lion’s Coach overall concept and the practical nature of the vehicle - combining cost-efficiency, comfort and reliability – as well as its distinctive MAN design.

It was the tenth occasion that MAN Truck & Bus has won this prestigious award. The Bus/Coach of the Year awards, established over thirty years ago, are regarded as the most important international prizes in the bus and coach market.

Joachim Drees, Chief Executive Officer of MAN Truck & Bus SE, said: “We are extremely proud that our new MAN Lion’s Coach impressed the expert jury and won this coveted award.

The Coach of the Year accolade is a perfect testament to the many years of commitment and hard work shown by the whole team. They have worked tirelessly in the bus division and across departments to develop an outstanding vehicle and successfully bring it to market. Th is jury vote emphatically shows that we have achieved something special with the Lion’s Coach.”

At the beginning of September, the 22-strong expert jury invited five bus manufacturers from across Europe to take part in the Coach Euro Test in Sibiu, Romania. After a week of comprehensive testing, numerous test drives and intensive technical discussions, the jury decided that the MAN Lion’s

Coach was the clear winner. Special mention was made of the new high-performance and efficient driveline in the engine compartment. The jury also paid tribute to the smart integration of the wheelchair lift over the front axle, creating more flexibility in terms of how the bus is used without limiting the size of the luggage compartment.

Rudi Kuchta, Head of Product & Sales Bus and Speaker Business Unit Bus, added: “Th is award marks out the MAN Lion’s Coach as a reliable and cost-efficient vehicle that makes bus operators’ lives easier. Th is is appreciated by customers and experts alike.

As a result, the new Lion’s Coach has been able to significantly increase its market share in Europe since its launch, as well as being awarded numerous prizes. It is with good reason that the Lion’s Coach is MAN’s most decorated bus model and the tour bus of choice for top teams such as FC Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and the German national football team. Even so, it is a real honour to win the international Coach of the Year 2020 award and we are absolutely thrilled.” www.fleet.ie

6 | NEWS III

8th Fleet Bus & Coach Awards honours ‘the Best of the Best’

B

us and coach operators from all over Ireland gathered at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath to honour and be honoured at the eighth running of the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2020 Gala Dinner.

Twelve operating companies within the nationwide passenger transport fraternity were recognised on the night for best practice in the twelve-category awards programme, supported by JF Dunne Insurances, as title sponsor.

Event Master of Ceremonies Paddy Cullivan (eloquently backed by the Camembert Quartet) announced the award winners, which also included the other element of the awards, that is the Irish Coach of the Year 2020 nominees. On this occasion there were three categories of coaches – Full sized/Mini and Midi-Coach with two sub categories in the latter – Integral and Coachbuilt. In all, there were 17 vehicles in contention for the four main prizes. To decide on the trophy winners, a two-day assessment involving all the vehicles took place prior to the Awards night.

Welcoming the attendees on behalf of the organisers, Jarlath Sweeney, Managing Editor, Fleet Bus & Coach, spoke about the process leading up to the Gala Dinner: “Innovation and consolidation were the abiding themes of the interview sessions conducted among the companies shortlisted for the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards. Rather than continue with the traditional routes and top tourist locations, some tour operators are looking outside the box, seeking opportunities and creating their own bespoke tours such as visiting the growing number of start-up

Jarlath Sweeney, Managing Editor, Fleet Bus & Coach FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

micro-breweries or taking in the five long established pilgrim paths.”

“One of the problematic issues within the tourism industry is that due to the growing popularity of the main attractions, they are now becoming over subscribed, proving difficult for coach parking and causing serious congestion for all involved. The powers that be need to take a serious look at what’s going on and reboot,” he added.

Jarlath paid tribute to all the finalists and congratulated the successful candidates, which he described as the “best of the best”.

In addition to the awards presentations, a number of long established companies associated with the Irish Bus & Coach industry celebrating significant milestones were acknowledged.

magazine pictured below) commented, “The Bus & Coach industry in Ireland is in good shape. From the interviews we conducted there is no doubt that there is no lack of innovation or ability on the part of Irish operators when it comes to planning for the future in terms of new routes and sustainable transport.”

But he warned that the bus and coach industry should make it very clear to customers and regulators, that any extra cost of providing cleaner transport and improving air quality is cost on transport, not the transport industry. Concluding, Sean said he was delighted to make a presentation to Pelican Bus on its induction to the Hall of Fame to mark its 100th anniversary (pictured below). Liam Farrelly of Central Bus & Coach, the agent for Pelican in Ireland and distributors for the Yutong range of buses accepted it on their behalf.

Due to the expansive nature of the coach tourism sector, it was necessary to divide the Coach Operator of the Year 2020 ‘Tours’ category into two – Day Tours and Extended Tours. A significant number of operations now specialise in each of these areas, with remarkable due care and attention.

Sean Murtagh, Editor, Fleet Bus & Coach

Guest Speaker, Maria Walsh, MEP

Guest Speaker Maria Walsh, MEP, who entertained the audience, with some stories on her experiences as a commuter, acknowledged the importance of the bus and coach industry in the tourism sector.

She praised the coach tourism drivers as the hero ambassadors for the sector and the tourism industry in general and also mentioned the challenges that face the industry.

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8 | WINNERS I

COACH OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020 – COMMUTER

Sponsored by Van Hool Winner: Wexford Bus

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Lorene and Brendan Crowley, Wexford Bus; Freddy Dierckx, Customer Service Ireland UK & Nordic Countries, Van Hool (category sponsor) and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

COACH OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020 – INTER CITY

S Sponsored db

by Volvo l Bus Winner: GoBus.ie

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Dara Burke, GoBus.ie; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances and Diarmuid Thompson, Regional Sales Manager, Volvo Bus (category sponsor).

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

WINNERS II | 9

COACH OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020 – DAY TOURS

Sponsored by The Plaza Group Winner: Wild Rover Tours

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Sidney Stronge; Wild Rover Tours, Maria Walsh, MEP; Danny Campbell, Wild Rover Tours; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances and Paudie Byrne, Retail Area Manager for Plaza Group (category sponsor).

COACH OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020 – EXTENDED TOURS

S Sponsored d by b The h Plaza l G Group Winner: Donoghues of Galway

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Joe Donoghue, Donoghues of Galway; Paudie Byrne, Retail Area Manager for Plaza Group (category sponsor) and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances. www.fleet.ie

10 | WINNERS III

BUS OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020 – AIRPORT SERVICES

Sponsored by Adtec Aerauto/ZF Winner: Aircoach

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; David Wakeling, Head of Commercial Vehicle of ZF UK; Dervla McKay, Aircoach; Kieran Mulvaney, Managing Director of Adtec Aerauto (category sponsor) and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

BUS OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020 – LESS

S Sponsored db

by EVM Ltd d Winner: Glasheen's Coaches

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Shaun McBride, Sales Manager Ireland, EVM Ltd (category sponsor); Elaine Glasheen, Glasheen’s Coaches; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

THAN

10

VEHICLES

WINNERS IV | 11

BUS OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020 – MORE

THAN

10

VEHICLES

Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Buses & Coaches Winner: Glynn's Coach Hire (Ennis) Ltd

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Neil Gladstone, Area Sales Manager, Republic of Ireland, Mercedes-Benz Buses & Coaches (category sponsor); Niamh and Jackie Cronin, Glynn’s Coach Hire (Ennis) Ltd and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

SCHOOL BUS OPERATOR

OF THE

YEAR 2020

S Sponsored d by b AIB Finance i & Leasing i Winner: Bartons Transport

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Feargal Barton, Bartons Transport; Shane McLoughlin, AIB Finance & Leasing – Galway (category sponsor) and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances. www.fleet.ie

12 | WINNERS V

BEST SAFETY PRACTICE AWARD 2020 Sponsored by Health & Safety Authority Winner: Callinan Coaches

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Deirdre Sinnott, Senior Inspector Transport Safety Unit, Health & Safety Authority (category sponsor); Tommy Callinan, Callinan Coaches and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

BEST LIVERY & CORPORATE IDENTITY AWARD 2020 S Sponsored db

by Brian i Noone Winner: Eirebus

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Sinead Kavanagh, Eirebus; Mark Noone, Brian Noone Ltd (category sponsor) and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

14 | WINNERS VI

CARE

FOR THE

ENVIRONMENT AWARD 2020

S Sponsored d by b Donegall Commercial C i l Vehicles Winner: Burkesbus

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Darragh Kelly, General Manager, Donegal Commercial Vehicles (category sponsor); Damien and Alan Burke, Burkesbus and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

INVESTMENT

IN INNOVATION

AWARD 2020

S Sponsored db

by C Coach h Tourism i & Transport Council Winner: Express Bus

Pictured (l-r) are Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Maria Walsh, MEP; Alan Martin, Express Bus; John Halpenny, Chairman, Coach Tourism & Transport Council (category sponsor) and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurances.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

SERVICE EXCELLENCE SINCE 1977

Specialists in Bus & Coach Insurance Proud Sponsors of the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards Congratulations to the Category Award Winners for 2020 as well as all those who entered and made the shortlist.

Embassy OfÂżce Park, Kill Village, County Kildare.

045 878500 045 876151 insure@jfd.ie

www.jfd.ie

J.F.Dunne Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. J.F.Dunne Insurances Ltd is part of the J.F.Dunne Group.

The J.F.Dunne Insurances Bus & Coach Programme is offered on a tied agency basis with AIG Europe Ltd

16 | AWARDS

Fleet Bus & Coach 2020 Suirway Bus & Coach Services - 120 years

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Ltd – 100 Years

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Brian Lynch, Suirway Bus & Coach Services; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Marie Hutchinson, Suirway Bus & Coach Services and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Laura Kavanagh, JJ Kavanagh & Sons Ltd and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Nolan Coaches - 80 years

Kennedy Coaches - 70 years

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Garrett O’Toole, Nolan Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Paddy Kennedy, Kennedy Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Burkes Bus Ltd - 55 years

Furey’s of Sligo - 50 years

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Pat Burke, Burkes Bus Ltd and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Aidan Furey, Furey’s of Sligo; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Mary Furey, Furey’s of Sligo and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

AWARDS | 17

Hall of Fame Inductees O’Callaghan Coaches - 50 years

Glasheen’s Coaches - 50 years

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Philip O’Callaghan, O’Callaghan Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Elaine Glasheen, Glasheen’s Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

McElligott Coaches - 45 years

Barrys Coaches - 40 years

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Maura Moore, McElligott Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Thomas Kavanagh, Barrys Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Fitzpatrick Coaches - 30 years

Callinan Coaches - 25 years

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Mary Fitzpatrick Coaches; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Pascal Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group.

Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Group (sponsors); Tommy Callinan, Callinan Coaches and Pat Curran, Harris Group. www.fleet.ie

18 | AWARDS

Fleet Bus & Coach Irish Coach in association with Close Brothers Commercial Finance Irish Coach of the Year 2020 Sponsored by: Close Brothers Commercial Finance

Winner: Volvo 9900 B11R Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Adrian Madden, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (sponsors) and David Porter, Volvo Bus.

Irish Midi-Coach of the Year 2020 - Integral Sponsored by: Close Brothers Commercial Finance

Winner: Isuzu AOS 37 seater Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Chris Haughton, Harris Auto; Adrian Madden, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (sponsors) and Pat Curran, Harris Auto.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

of the Year Awards 2020 Irish Mini-Coach of the Year 2020 Sponsored by: Close Brothers Commercial Finance

Winner: UNVI Vega EX Mini-Coach Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Adrian Madden, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (sponsors) and Paul Daly, LIR Bus & Coach.

Irish Midi-Coach of the Year 2020 – Coachbuilt Sponsored by: Close Brothers Commercial Finance

Winner: Noone Turas 700 Midi-Coach Pictured (l-r) are Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Adrian Madden, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (sponsors) and Mark Noone, Brian Noone Ltd. www.fleet.ie

20 | NETWORKING

Michael Meehan and Vincent Kavanagh – Harris Group Commercial & Auto Spares

Shane Mann, Tranzaura and Howard Knott

Amy Pettitt and Claire O’Rourke Wexford Bus

Lally Coaches, Galway

Dave Clarke, Peter Doyle, Sean Cody – Capital Flow

Butler Tours FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

Christy Carry, Sinead Bennett and Kieran Mulvany - Adtec Aerauto

Wayne Morrison, Joyce Murphy, Micheal Long, Joanne Upsdell and Thomas Kavanagh - Cobh Connect

Danny & Denise Campbell - Wild Rover Tours

Paschal Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Coaches; Conleth Quinn and Phelim Quinn, Quinn Coaches

Edward & Mary McGonagle Foyle Coaches

Mary Spain and Claire Spain Executive Travel Solutions

NETWORKING | 21

Claire Moore - Tallent, and Sinead Kavanagh - Eirebus

Maura Moore and Emma Moore McElligotts Coaches

The Plaza Group

Feargal Barton, Bartons Transport and Jackie Cronin, Glynn’s Coach Hire (Ennis) Ltd

Anne Marie Grant, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Francis Glasheen and Elaine Glasheen, Glasheen Coaches and Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine.

AIB Finance & Leasing

The Camembert Quartet

Orla Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine; Adrian Madden, Close Brothers Commercial Finance; Maria Walsh, MEP and Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine.

www.fleet.ie

22 | CONTENDERS

Irish Coach of the Year Awards 2020 nominees in association with Close Brothers Commercial Finance

T

he positive business momentum within the Irish Coach Tourism sector is reflected with an increasing choice of new coach models being offered in all segments by importers and distributors. Many of these new ranges were nominated for the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2020 and assessed over a two day programme, held at The Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath.

There were three main categories in this year’s contest, sponsored

by Close Brothers Commercial Finance - mini-coach, midi-coach and full-sized coach. Seventeen passenger transport vehicles were tested by an expert adjudication panel. As the contenders in the midi-coach category included a selection of factory-built and coachworks-built vehicles, the judges decided to create two subclassifications - Integral and Coach-built midi-coaches.

“Due to the ongoing vibrancy of the Irish tourism industry, the demand for new coaches is increasing year-on-year and the marketplace is reacting positively with many new high quality vehicles becoming available. This year’s list of nominations is stronger than ever and the judging panel had a tough task in electing the winners in each category. Special thanks to Close Brothers Commercial Finance for their support.” said Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Publications, organisers of the event.

The list of candidates in each category are as follows: Irish Coach of the Year 2020 Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Van Hool EX16 M Volvo 9900 B11R Irish Midi-Coach of the Year 2020 - Integral Higer Super 9 XL Isuzu AOS Visigo Hyper Yutong TC9 Coachbuilt Indcar Iveco Daily Wing 70C18 Harris Iveco Crusader XL Turas 700 (Iveco Daily) Turas 900 S (DAF) Irish Mini-Coach of the Year 2020 DCV 8-9 Mini-Coach EVM Grand Tourer 516 CDI EVM X-Clusive 519 CDI Harris Crusader 14s LDV V80 Crusader VIP 10s LDV V80 Crusader 17s UNVI VEGA EX

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FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

CONTENDERS | 23

I

Category: Irish Coach of the Year 2020

n the full sized coach category, the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo (16 RHD RL) (the reigning champion since the awards were last held in 2018), was up against the new Volvo 9900 (13.1m) 3-axle coach and the revised Van Hool EX16M.

Category: Irish Midi-Coach of the Year 2020 - Integral

T

hree Asian brands competed for the Irish Midi-Coach of the Year 2020 title. From China, both Higer and Yutong are represented with their respective Super 9 XL (39/41 seat) and TC9 (37 seat) models, while the Isuzu AOS Visigo has both Japanese and Turkish heritage.

The 3-axle Tourismo model presented for the assessment was the Safety Coach version, featuring all the driver and passenger safety items that can be specified on this 12.1m coach. It is powered by the Euro 6 Daimler Group’s OM470 290kW/325hp with 8-speed PowerShift transmission.

Higer Super 9 XL

Mercedes-Benz Tourismo

Constructed on the Volvo B11R chassis, the Volvo 9900 flagship model from the Swedish manufacturer is powered by the Volvo D11K 460hp 6-cylinder 10.8 litre Euro 6 diesel that has 2,200Nm of torque on tap. Mated to this engine is Volvo’s renowned 12speed I-Shift automated gearbox.

Distributed by the Harris Group, the Higer 9-metre XL model has received some modifications and upgrades since the initial versions were imported. Again blue-chip drivetrain and component suppliers are used including Cummins Euro 6C ISB 6.7 litre (300hp) engine, ZF (Ecolife) 6-speed gearbox, Firestone airbags, WABCO braking system and ISRI driver’s seat.

Yutong TC9

Volvo 9900

On the 13.2m Van Hool EX16M, the Belgian producer specifies the PACCAR (DAF) MX-11 320 Euro 6 diesel that has 425hp/2,100Nm available with ZF 6-speed automatic. Van Hool’s own independent suspension features on the front axle and on the rear tag axle.

Van Hool EX16M

Measuring just over 9-metres long, the Yutong TC9 features a fully integrated monocoque body with additional off-side rear door. Cummins also supplies the power to this 34+ seater with its ISB 6.7 litre, producing 320hp/239 kW and 1,200Nm of torque, mated to ZFs 6-speed automatic. The Harris Group also imports and distributes the Isuzu AOS Visigo Hyper model and is already a winner, having been recognised with a Design Platinum Award in 2018. At 9.6 metres in length, it also features Cummins Power from its ISB 6.7 Euro 6C 320hp diesel and the ZF 6-speed full automatic box. Made in Turkey, the AOS factory is a certified manufacturing facility.

Isuzu AOS Visigo Hyper www.fleet.ie

24 | CONTENDERS

F

Category: Irish Midi-Coach of the Year 2020 Coachbuilt our coachbuilt midi-coaches from three European Conversion specialist producers contested this popular and growing segment, which meets smaller tourist group needs.

The Indcar Wing is based on the Iveco Daily 70C18 chassis with rear air suspension.

Iveco’s 3.0 litre 180hp Euro 6 diesel provides the power through an 8-speed Hi-Matic/ZF automatic transmission on this 30 seater, distributed by EVM in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath.

The Harris Group has created the Crusader as a badged range of midi and minicoaches. First up is this XL series, also based on the Iveco Daily 7C18 chassis and cab components. The ZF Hi-Matic with eight fully automatic gears provide the propulsion to the 180hp FPT Euro 6, 4-cylinder 3.0 litre diesel. Its 29/33 seating arrangements can be modified to accommodate wheelchairs if necessary.

Brian Noone Ltd (Maynooth) had two distinctive models in this category, both sold under the TURAS branding. While the TURAS 700 is based on the Iveco Daily 70C18, its larger counterpart, the TURAS 900S is built on a DAF LF Series 10 & 12 tonne chassis.

A previous incarnation of the TURAS range, namely the 500/500C was a Fleet Bus & Coach award winner in 2014. Having used a Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis originally, the DAF chassis is now the preferred option, powered by the PACCAR PX-5 213hp/760Nm diesel that can be mated to a ZF 6-speed manual or 6-speed ZF AS-Tronic automatic. A choice of 4.8m or 5.1m wheelbase option is available.

Category:

E

VM (Custom Vehicle Builders) had two candidates in the Irish Mini-Coach of the Year 2020 class, the Grand Tourer and X-Clusive, both based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Converted on the 516 CDI extra longbase, this 19-seater also features a 7-speed G-Tronic transmission and a Masats plug type passenger electric entry door. The X-Clusive, also constructed on the same length chassis, is more VIP orientated with 15 luxury seats and benefiting from a litt le more power from the Daimler 519 CDI Euro 6 with 7-speed G-Tronic.

Two versions of the new Crusader range were nominated in the mini-coach section, the X-series and XE-series both converted on the LDV V80 light commercial line-up. The 9-seat X-series in VIP spec boasts enhanced fitt ings and fi nish, while the Crusader XE can accommodate up to 18 seats. As with all LDV V80s, Italian company VM Motori supplies the 2.5 litre Eco-D 2.5 litre turbo diesel that produces 136hp and 330Nm, driven through a six-speed manual gearbox. More executive passengers can be carried on the Crusader VIP. Converted from the 3.0 litre MercedesBenz Sprinter, up to 19+1+1 passengers can be accommodated on the 7.8m chassis length.

Engine options include the 163hp 516 CDI and 195hp 519 CDI with 7-speed G-Tronic transmission.

UNVI, a renowned name in the mini and midicoach trade on these shores had the 19-seat Vega EX model among the nominees. Built on the extra long Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 CDI (Euro 6) (4.3m), its dimensions include 7.5m long, 2.95m high and 1.99m wide. Martin Daly at Lir Bus & Coach is the distributor for UNVI in Ireland.

Indcar Wing

TURA S 700 FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

Harris Iveco Crusader XL

TURA S 900S

A newcomer from Donegal Commercial Vehicles also entered the fray. The DCV 8-19 mini-coach is yet another conversion on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516-519 model. Built in Poland, it offers yet another option of minicoach to operators.

Spoilt for choice, judging by the variety of top quality vehicles now on sale here in Ireland.

The announcement and presentation of these awards were made at the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2020 Gala Dinner at the Johnstown Estate Hotel on 14 November last.

CONTENDERS | 25

Irish Mini-Coach of the Year 2020

DCV 8-19 Mini Coach

EVM Grand Tourer 516 CDI

EVM X-Clusive 519 CDI

LDV V80 Crusader VIP 9s

LDV V80 Crusader 17s

Harris Crusader 14s

UNVI VEGA EX Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

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28 | LAUNCH PAD

First Drive - Exclusive! Higer Pegasus an all-round Bosch sound system. Other standard equipment includes alloy wheels and Michelin tyres.

H

arris i A Auto, t which hi h is i making ki a big impact in the passenger transport industr y, has introduced another new coach. This time, it’s a full size coach – 55 (1+1) seater.

A further expansion to the line-up from Chinese manufacturer Higer. Introducing the new 12m Pegasus.

Fleet Bus & Coach had a look and took the new touring coach on a trip around Dublin’s M50, putting it through its paces, to see how it handled. With firm sales orders in place, Harris Auto is set to deliver eight of these Pegasus coaches in the first quarter of 2020. By the Summer, stock coaches will also be available to customers.

A Practical Coach Harris Auto is no stranger to pushing the boundaries for its customers. Remember when company founder, the late Pino Harris brought the Hino truck range into Ireland and to the UK? Hino eight-wheelers, tractor-units and rigids became a familiar sight in the road transport business and

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

H i iis now ddoing i th Harris the same iin th the bbus and coach sector. Already the Higer Super 9 midi-coach has been well received and appreciated for its blue-chip component supply chain. The Pegasus benefits from same. It has a Cummins ISL9E6D400 engine with a ZF6AP1700B 6-speed auto box and in the engine compartment a full fire suppression system is installed.

Underneath, there is 10 cu.m of luggage space.

The air suspension, with 6 airbags (2:front; 4:rear) is modified to lift the coach a further 60cm (6”) above the normal ferry lift. Th is makes loading for the driver a lot easier and safer. This adjustment can be made from the locker area, allowing passenger and luggage to be loaded simultaneously. Th is Easy Lift System (ELS) will help to reduce back strain! Also standard is an 8 lens camera system and rear parking sensors.

In the future all seats will be fitted in Ireland, with a range of options. USB charge points are located at each seat and there’s

On the Road Dublin’s M50 is one great piece of road or motorway to test a coach, in particular around the Red Cow junction. Some horsepower is needed to get out of the slow corners, combined with solid and smooth braking. Additionally good all over vision, courtesy of well positioned mirrors, is essential to make sure an unsuspecting motorist does not fi nd themselves in a precarious place, like under the front wheel!

In all of these situations the Higer Pegasus performed particularly well. Assisting the foot braking is the effective retarder.

Noticeable is the positive effect of the software matching the engine and driveline in general. No clunk going up or down the ZF autobox. A feature that is often understated is the glazed panel in the lower section of the front door. As with Higer, the lower section is transparent. Around the driver’s area the dash is lower than many other coaches, providing additional visibility. Overall, the Pegasus is well worth taking for a test drive.

Defibrillator A noteworthy initiative from Harris Auto is that all new coaches leaving its sales compound on the Naas Road, Dublin will have a heart defibrillator fitted. An invaluable piece of equipment and a life saver. Th ink of the passengers on board, people in its vicinity at events and matches etc. We hear of remarkable stories of people whose lives have been saved because a defibulator was available nearby. Hopefully, we will hear more of these stories, with happy endings.

Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

series

WINNER Fleet Midi-Coach of the Year - Coachbuilt

TURAS TRIUMPHS AGAIN

Brian Noone Ltd

Email: sales@noone.ie

Straffan Road

Maynooth

Call: +353 (0)1 6286311

Co. Kildare

IRELAND

Visit: sales@noone.ie

30 | NEWS EXTRA

Premiered – All-new Higer Steed electric bus

T

he Higer Steed Electric Bus received its European premiere at the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2020 event at The Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield on 14 November. Interest in this zero-emission 26 + 22 seater/ standees low-entry bus is high with a number of potential customers already undertaking demonstration drives.

Imported and distributed by the Harris Group, the Steed follows the successful introduction of the Higer Super 9 midicoach a few years ago.

“Metro ready” is a term Harris Auto uses to define the opportunities the electric Steed can deliver, as it is the fi rst real cross-over EV Bus capable of urban and rural travel over a defi ned operational route, using intelligent Higer power saving technology to extend the usable operational range between required charging. “Steed is versatile and competent in all environments,” explained Chris Haughton, head of the PSV Division at Harris Auto.

“With an innovative all-electric drivetrain and passenger space for up to 46 people, Steed offers significant reductions in operating costs, helping operators to improve their green footprint and add to their bottom line. Harris Auto is excited to establish a plan to achieve success for green on-demand mobility transportation and also to create a sustainable model of how the public and private sectors can work together,” added Chris.

Main features of the Higer Steed Electric: • 26 seat-belted seats • DC fast charging under 2 hours • Saloon air conditioning • Wheelchair accessible • Low entry flat floor • Front integrated passenger storage area • Extra wide passenger entrance and aisle • 22 standing positions • Internal and external camera recording system • FSR destination boards • Onboard audio visual monitors • Removable overhead storage racks • Rake and height adjustable dashboard and steering wheel • Isringhausen seat with 15+ adjustable comfortable sett ings • Easy reach driver controls • Wide panaoramic windscreen • Digital driver friendly, Digital remaining charge and distance display • Wooden floor

The Steed uses CATL Lithium-ion batteries producing 174 Kw of power. CATL is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers with supply partnerships to global vehicle manufacturers including Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Groupe PSA and Higer Bus & Coach.

CTTC hosts Open Day Seminar

L

ast month the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) held an Open Day for the Private Coach & Bus Passenger Sector at Clayton Hotel, Malahide Road, Dublin. The event was sponsored by Volvo Bus, which premiered the latest Volvo B11R Jonckheere JHV. Attendees heard presentations from Volvo Bus, Campion Insurance, Department of Transport, Hannigan Advisory, Alliance for Insurance Reform and Fleet Connect.

The national organisation is currently conducting an extensive review of the Private Coach & Bus Sector in Ireland to provide quantifiable information in relation to the sector and its value to the economy in terms of employment and revenue. It is looking at the areas of coach tourism, scheduled service, conferencing, private hire and school transport and to lobby for effective change in the delivery of transport in Ireland, to enhance and benefit the commercial private sector.

Contributions from the gathering highlighted the significant challenges that face the industry, particularly in the areas of accessibility, environmental controls and significant insurance costs, which threaten the sustainability and future growth of

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

Kyle Jones, Campion Insurance; Kevin Traynor, National Director CTTC; Danielle Campion, Campion Insurance and John Halpenny, CTTC Chairman.

the industry.

Commenting on the event, Diarmaid Thompson, Retail Bus & Coach Sales Manager - Ireland & Northern Ireland, said: “Volvo Bus is extremely pleased to be part of this event hosted by the CTTC, as main sponsor. The Irish coach and bus industry in Ireland is a rapidly evolving environment and the CTTC together with Volvo Bus continues to be at the fore, embracing and driving change.”

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In addition, to maintain your CPC you must complete at least one day’s periodic refresher training each year.

Important If you have not already completed your CPC training in full, please contact an RSA approved Driver CPC Training provider to ensure that you can complete all of the required training and obtain your Drivers CPC Qualification Card before you drive professionally.

DRIVERS, HAVE YOU COMPLETED THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL CPC TRAINING DAY? Remember it is not enough to just hold a CPC card - to keep your CPC up to date, you must complete at least one training day every single year.

If in doubt about your own compliance visit www.rsa.ie and check your status via the ‘MYCPC’ portal, if you are not ‘up-to-date’ act now before it’s too late.

Failure to keep up to date may lead to a loss of work for you, targeted enforcement and loss of credibility for your employer/employers – can you afford the risk?

To find an RSA approved driver CPC trainer visit rsa.ie or email cpc@rsa.ie For more information visit www.rsa.ie

32 | REVIEW I

busworld 2019 From Kortrijk to Brussels

T

he planned move of Busworld, Busworld the largest bus show in Europe, from the Belgian coastal city of Kortrijk to Brussels has been going on for the past two years. First held in Kortrijk in 1971, the exhibition has gone from strength to strength, hosting 24 events. Moving to Brussels has given the organisers more scope to expand.

At the fi nal Kortrijk hosted event in 2017 there were 376 exhibitors and 37,000 visitors, in contrast to the new “Busworld Europe Brussels” event which had 510 exhibitors and welcomed in excess of 50,000 visitors from over 120 countries.

That said as Busworld Director, Mieke Glorieux, commenting on the venue location move at the opening ceremony noted, it was business as usual; “The only thing that has changed about this show is the venue, everything else stays the same.”

It is a sign of how the bus industry has become a global village that 94 of the exhibitors came from Turkey and 54 from China. Spread over nine halls of the Brussels Expo event centre, there were over 300 coaches and buses on display, with 42 more outside, available to test drive.

Green Electric & Sustainable Buses While there is nothing new about electric or alternatively powered buses, having been a feature of the last two Busworld shows, they are now very much mainstream, with many manufacturers busy announcing substantial orders from city commuter operators throughout Europe. All of the presentations were promising a litt le more range distance as battery technology is continuing to be developed. More mention was made of Natural Gas and some promising comments about Hydrogen, both seen as real alternatives.

Coincidently, there was a lack of comment about the future of diesel. Clearly diesel will be around for a long time to come, but here there was litt le mention of it.

Interestingly, many manufacturers suggested that long distance coach travel

Harris Group Higer / Crusader The Harris Group announced the launch of its Steed range of Higer Electr ic buses, specially designed for the Irish market.

A demonstrator bus will be in Dublin before Christmas and these zero emission vehicles can be delivered in early Spring. It is aimed at both the urban and rural markets, with seating capacity for 27 and 1 wheelchair. Also on display were two new midi-coaches under the newly established Crusader range.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

was something they were also working on alternatives for. Let’s see how far developments will have come by the next show in 2021.

Busworld signs up to Action towards Climate Friendly Transport (ACT) At the opening dinner, representatives from Busworld signed a declaration with the United Nations aimed at reducing the impact of public transport on the environment. Signing the document on behalf of the Busworld organisation, Redgy Deschact, (President) encouraged all exhibitors to sign the agreement, commenting: “Every little action will make a difference, we must all act responsibly.”

One feature of the show that offered a practical way for delegates to reduce their carbon foot print was an agreement between Busworld and the Brussels’ Transport Authorities to provide free public transport for attendees. A copy of the declaration is on the Busworld website - www.busworldeurope.org.

Along with a broad list of familiar names among the exhibitors, there were a number of Irish companies present that Fleet Bus & Coach met and talked with.

Volvo Bus The new Volvo 9 9 0 0 received the ‘Grand Coach Award’ at the event, somet h i ng t he brand’s executives were very proud of. On show were newer versions of the 9900 & 9700 models, which will be launched in right hand drive (RHD) late next year. There are also options to move the toilet and centre door to the rear. On the city bus side, the Swedish firm showcased a hybrid that will operate in electric mode 40% of the time.

REVIEW I | 33 Solaris Polish manufacturer Solaris, which was recently bought out

by Spanish train and tram manufacturer CAF, takes a long term view of the industr y. It is expected that the world population will increase from less than 8 billion now to 10 billion by 2055.

Solaris management is very clear about the problems ahead such as traffic congestion and pollution and also says the need for electrification and to put more people in each bus or tram is essential. 50% of its current production is electric, with 800 examples in service in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the delivery of 55,000 Citaros and 50,000 Tourismos over the past thirty years or so.

Van Hool Busworld is the home show for Van Hool. Based only 100km from Brussels the company is now 72 years in business.

Starting with an initial production of 40 buses, over 1,000 units are produced annually. Launching the EX11(10.5m) in stainless steel, a city bus powered by hydrogen and a 24m version of the Exqui City, Van Hool had lots to talk about. Also of future interest was the display of an Electric Coach (CX45) for the American market, which has a range of 400km.

Scania An all-female team presentated the Scania Citywide all-electric bus. As a commitment to the environment all of the company’s products w i l l be powered by renewable power only, with its long distance buses in the future being powered by bio-Diesel. Scania success in the South American city, Bogota in Colombia was noted, where there is a population of 80 million - almost 2 million people use the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system which is serviced by 1,000 Scania buses.

Iveco Up to 400km range distance can be achieved on a Iveco Citybus electric as highlighted by a German operator, something that ple a s e s t he people at Iveco. A new Iveco e-Way bus (and developed by sister company Heuliez) is now available. Iveco is also a leader in natural gas, with over 7,000 on the road worldwide now. An upgraded Daily was also premiered.

MAN MAN Truck & Bus enjoys 15% of the European market presently. Like all manufacturers MAN Executives see electric power as the future. In l au nc h i ng t he electric eTGE and MAN Lions’ City bus, the company see a bright future. Built as a low floor, the eTGE will be aimed at the Airport/Hotel transfer market. Announcing an order for 17 buses to Hamburg, the MAN Lions’ City bus has a range of 270km.

One year on from the delivery of the award-winning e-Citaro, 200 units have been delivered so far.

Working with customers is now its top priority, helping with planning and design of infrastructure for electric vehicles operation.

www.fleet.ie

34 | REVIEW I Ayats This Spanish Bus & Coach Builder specialises in building DoubleDecks. Strong in the French and Scandinavian markets, all of its buses are built on Scania chassis. Its biggest market is in Mexico, where there are about 500 in operation. Currently Ayats is developing an electric model for the Open-top business. The company has put a toe in the Irish market, one is already operating here with ten more to be delivered in the New Year.

ADL (Alexander Dennis) A move to the Double-Decker market in Europe has opened up opportunities for the British manufacturer, and ADL is about to start the delivery of these large 400 buses to Berlin. Launched at Busworld was the 13m Enviro 500.

With seating for 74 & 40 standees, while still allowing space for 2 wheelchairs, it is 4m high. ADL has a successful partnership with Chinese manufacturer, BYD, and together they achieve 65% of the UK electric PSV market.

VDL Local manufacturer VDL announced plans to build a new factory in Belgium to prov ide for increased demand.

Having produced 500 electric buses already, it now manufactures more electric models than diesel. VDL is aiming for “Zero� all round, with the new production facility achieving zero emissions. A new Futura coach has been launched with some new cost saving features, including cameras to replace mirrors, giving up to 4% fuel savings.

Higer Th is now familiar Chinese Bus manufacturer in Europe has delivered 400,000 buses worldwide over the past few years. From fuel cell to hybrid to full electric, it still produces diesel for some markets. At Busworld, it launched two new models with some variants - the E8 as an 8m and available in 6.9, 7.7, & 8.5m, while the E12in (12m) has an option of three doors.

UNVI Portuguese manufacturer UNVI supplies a range of different models in this industry. In Ireland, its Mini/Midi-Bus/ Coach ranges are distributed by Lir Bus & Coach in Mullingar. Currently, these PSVs are built on Iveco and MercedesBenz chassis. A large market for UNVI is with Double-Decks for Open-top touring and long distance routes, built on Scania and Volvo chassis. UNVI sales representatives indicated that some interest in these models from Irish operators, more information to follow, no doubt.

Yutong Another successful Chinese manufacturer in Europe, hav ing s up pl ie d ove r 1,800 electric buses to this continent.

Launched here was the new electric U12, which can carry up to 94 passengers and has a range of 500km. In Ireland, the Yutong coach range is distributed by Central Bus & Coach, Kenagh, Longford. Manufactured in four factories in China, the company can produce up to 450 buses per day.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

REVIEW I | 35 Irizar Celebrating 130 years in business, Irizar is going from strength to strength. With its electric facility now in full production, its customer base cont i nues to expand. Recently, the company appointed Rafael Sterling as its new CEO. He has been with the company for many years, of late in Mexico. An upgrade of the i4 coach has been completed which includes a new and more robust front door. Another upgraded version of the electric bus and Tram has also been introduced. In the UK Irizar continues to expand with the construction of a new headquarters there.

BYD

BY D is yet another Chinese manufacturer that has made steady i n roads into the European marketplace, with over 1,000 units in operation over here.

Providing buses in all sectors, promised to come soon is a long distance coach.

Today, BYD has sold 25,000 electric buses outside China and recently opened a manufacturing plant in Beauvais, France, from where 200 buses will be produced annually.

Pailton Engineering An English company which specialises in steering components, drag link ends, drop arms, columns and wheels, Pailton Engineering has come up with a novel idea - a personalised steering wheel for the driver. Although in the early stages of design, it would reduce the chance of infection and skin rash which drivers can be exposed to while sharing vehicles with others.

Dermot Cronin Motors Ltd Shannon Buildings, Mallow Rd, Cork City.

Sole distributor for VAN HOOL TX & EX Integral coaches for Ireland VAN HOOL Sales, Service & Parts CVRT Test Centre

Tel: + 353 21 4309090 / 4393937 Email: info@dcroninmotors.com www.dcroninmotors.com Text & Photo: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

36 | REVIEW II

Coach & Bus Show 2019, NEC, Birmingham, UK - 2 & 3 October 2019

W

hile the Brexit solution has been moved further down the road, it still is a reality that will have to be faced sooner rather than later. During the Coach & Bus UK Show, Brexit was one of the main topics on peoples’ minds. The uncertainty of what is coming is the main reason causing stagnation in many sectors, including the passenger transport industry. A presentation by the CPT (Confederation of Passenger Transport) offered very little consolation to operators running out of the UK to Europe. Many of the simple things taken for granted now will become problems

in a post-Brexit era.

Irizar

As more cities move to lower emissions, Cummins is offering new and reconditioned engines to help operators achieve the new standards. In meeting with customer demand, Cummins has moved focus from workshop repair to providing mobile service units calling on customer’s premises. 200 vans are in operation providing this service. Up to 90% of repairs and maintenance is now carried out at the customer’s premises.

Like all manufacturers, Irizar is trying to plan for Brexit. Before the recent extension of the leave date, all prices on new vehicles were to be guaranteed to the end of January 2020. A range of coaches were on stand including the most popular seller, the i6 in 12m length form. Irizar is about to develop new UK headquarters on a 4-acre site off the A1. It will include a workshop and a customer handover area.

In spite of that, there was some positivity around from the 192 exhibitors, with over 80 vehicles filling two halls at the National Exhibition Centre. ‘Climate Change’ and ‘Sustainability’ are two big challenges that face the industry and in fairness, they are matters being embraced as regulators and environmentalist try to move people from their cars to public transport. In an ambitious plan it is hoped that by 2030 the number of public transport journeys will be increased by a billion. There are positive signs. Recently, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system operating in Belfast

Meanwhile, back to the event. Irish manufacturers are having a significant impact on the UK market, holding their own when up against global brand leaders.

Once again Fleet Bus & Coach was present to soak in the atmosphere. Here’s a brief description from the prominent stand holders.

(Daily) chassis up to 33 seats and with wheelchair access. Two of the new vehicles exhibited were destined to Foxhound Travel (Monaghan).

Yutong

Noone Bus

Cummins Maynooth based conversion specialist, Brian Noone & Sons has enjoyed a steady year in the Irish & UK markets, and representatives of the family run business were confident about next year in sales terms. On stand were six vehicles from across its range, including two with wheelchair access. With a strong golfi ng tourist market, the Noone ‘Turas’ line has proven popular in that segment and is now available with DAF (LF) and Iveco FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

celebrated its fi rst anniversary. In its fi rst year of operation, 2 million passengers were carried, that is 30% more than the total carried the previous year on all the routes it replaced. Clear proof that a high profi le and efficient service will att ract people out of their cars.

Representatives from Yutong’s Irish dealer Central Bus & Coach were on the Pelican Bus & Coach stand, (UK distributor for Yutong) to meet Irish operators and customers. On display was the TC9. It can be ordered with a toilet which will reduce the number of seats (by 3). A second door at the rear can also be installed. At 12.2m, the GT12 has 53 seats and a toilet. Also, an electric version of this coach was launched called the TCe12.

Harris/Higer In a very short space of time the Harris Group has become a strong player in the supply of buses and coaches, mostly sourced from Asia or eastern Europe.

REVIEW II | 37

Long established as a truck dealer, Harris, through its nationwide dealer network is well placed to provide aftermarket backup. With three brands, Higer, Crusader and LDV, it can supply vehicles in sizes from 8 to 30+ seats. Launched here was the Crusader Midi-Coach, based on an Iveco Daily chassis.

Distributed in Ireland by Lir Bus & Coach in Mullingar, there were three examples from the Iberian manufacturer to choose from. The VEGA EX, which featured a well fi nished interior is available to be further personalised by the operator/customer.

Also on view was the Compa, which was based on an Iveco Daily chassis with a higher powered 210hp diesel engine, and the Voyager, built on the Mercedes-Benz Atego platform and powertrain.

ADL

Volvo Bus

EVM

Kilbeggan fi rm, EVM, is positive about the future, having sold 420 units this year. 2020 is looking just as promising, according to Danny McGee, company MD. “While Brexit is a concern, we are confident that we are as well prepared as we can be,” he said. On display was the latest X-Clusive, Avantgarde, low-floor Cityline and the Grand Tourer models.

EVM is now exporting to France, Belgium, Finland and Sweden. “Overall, the show was a successful event, with many deals concluded from both sides of the Irish Sea,” concluded Danny.

with lots more to come.

Last year, having launched the newly designed 9900 coach, Volvo Bus announced plans to produce the 9700 coach in Right Hand Drive (RHD), news that was well received. Although not available until late next year it is expected to perform well in the marketplace.

Pictured is the LHD version. It is expected that a RHD demo coach will be available in the New Year. Also on the stand was the entry level MCV bodied coach which has seen some modifications since its launch last year.

On exhibit from Alexander Dennis (ADL), was the impressive Plaxton Panorama Double Deck coach. Seating up to 87 passengers, it has a flat floor on the upper platform. A practical by-product of this vehicle is that it does not need a wheelchair lift as it can be accessed through the front or back door. ADL also had an Enviro 200 on display. Outside an autonomous ADL Enviro 200 and a BYD ADL Enviro 400EV were demonstrated, a sign of things to come.

Eminox

Tranzaura

UNVI

Another Irish company making progress in terms of product development and gaining market share in both Ireland and the UK, is Tranzaura. Starting out as a company that provided analysis for digital tachographs, Tranzaura offers a host of digital services to monitor operational safety. Its innovative solutions has given it a strong foothold in the UK market, Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

As more and more pressure comes on the transport sector to reduce emissions, new technical products emerge. Eminox has developed a system of exhaust control that reduces the emissions from older engines to Euro 6 levels. Over 5,000 units have been fitted in the UK, all meeting with manufacturer approval. One Londonbased operator, Hearn’s Coaches from Harrow, has to have 45 coaches up to Euro 6 emission standard before the 2020 deadline kicks in. Eminox will upgrade the mainly Mercedes-Benz Tourismo fleet to remain compliant, proving less expensive than replacing a fleet.

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38 | GROUP TEST

Euro Test in Romania decides International Coach of the Year 2020

E

ach year a group of international jour na l ists elect the International Bus & Coach of the Year (IB&COY). During the summer they gathered together to put new coaches (launched during the year) through their paces and select a winner.

Sibiu in central Romania was the chosen venue for the selection of the International Coach of the Year 2020 (ICOY). Part of the test route brought the jury members into Transylvania, which included a visit to Dracula’s Castle. Fleet Bus & Coach represents Ireland on the jury with Sean Murtagh, who commented that all of the coaches differed in terms of the type of applications they might be used for.

“Prices varied and so too did seating capacity,” he said.

Contenders for International Coach of the Year 2020 • VDL Futura FHD2-135 • Iveco Crossway • Volvo 9900 • Setra Top Class S53IDT • MAN Lions’ Coach FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

GROUP TEST | 39

VDL Futura FHD2-135

The way products and vehicles are named can be interesting. In the case of VDL, these initials represent the family name that founded the company in the Benelux region of Europe. Because of recent legislative changes, the Futura model presented was configurated on two axles, in the past it would have been on three. Of course, there are many advantages to this, the coach weighs in at 14,000kg and there is extra luggage room, 12cu.m, in total. Some drivers prefer the tri-axle from a handling point of view but due to the reduced wheelbase at 13.4m, the seating arrangement is dependent on the operator’s application. It can be equipped with 63 seats without a toilet and kitchen, or as it was tested, 48 seats.

Iveco Crossway

Built in the Czech Republic, the Iveco Crossway is new to the Intercity coach segment. One of the big innovations is that it is powered by CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). To look at, the Crossway is similar to a diesel bus. The gas tanks are positioned towards the front in the roof, not clearly visible and with no height penalty (like a diesel powered bus). On this coach there are two fi lling points, fast and slow. Powered by a 360hp FPT Cursor, the gearbox is the EcoLife from ZF. Luggage space is 5.8 cu.m. While CNG is not zero-emission it does have a low carbon footprint (80% less CO2 , 33% less NOx) and it does not need AdBlue as SCR is not required to meet the lower emission targets. There is no range issue either as it can cover 950km in one run, similar to a diesel equivalent.

Powered by the PACCAR (DAF) MX-11 engine, much of the componentry is from ZF, including the TraXon 12-speed auto box. It is comfortable to drive, well laid out, and the long wheelbase did not make for clumsy driving. In the passenger area the overall impression is good.

Walking around the vehicle it can be fuelled both sides, and a nice touch is the litt le storage area for gloves to be kept while fuelling the bus. Clever use has been made of the space over the rear axle, with over 1 cu.m available here.

One of the good points of the 450hp engine is that there are only three belts on it, so less to go wrong. A fi re suppression system also installed in the engine bay area is worth noting. Overall the drivetrain achieves a 5.5% fuel reduction. Th is is helped by the PPC (Predictive Power Control) and improved aerodynamics.

A body lowering system when the coach exceeds 90kph also reduces wind drag. The price of the version tested is €285k.

The most noticeable feature when behind the wheel is its acceleration, while the driver’s area is sensibly practical with plenty of storage space.

There is a well-designed curve on the windscreen and a glass panel on the passenger door, which reduces blind-spot areas. In the passenger area there is a split level roof, and even though the gas tanks are positioned above, it is barely noticeable. However one interior feature, the overhead lockers, is most impressive. They are similar in size to those in an aircraft . While no toilet was fitted on this model, it can be specified. The test coach was fitted with 55 seats.

Crossway is not available in Ireland as yet, but there is a market for it. It has a broad range of uses, and seating arrangements.

As it is priced at about €60,000 more than the diesel bus, it is a good alternative to electric, and offers much better range distance. CNG is not a new technology (there are now almost 4,000 filling points across Europe) and Iveco has been perfecting the technology for 25 years. With 40,000 Crossways in service throughout Europe, it has a proven track record.

www.fleet.ie

40 | EU TEST

Volvo 9900

drivers will miss when they change to a different vehicle. Some of the judges on the group test drives felt storage space was scarce, but it is sufficient.

With the amount of adjustment available in the driver’s seat along with the narrower A-pillars, forward and side vision, especially while in traffic is better. Also adding to the reduction of blind spot areas is the glass panel in the passenger door.

Unveiled last Spring the all-new Volvo 9900 represents a significant investment by Volvo Bus to bring a new concept in the touring coach sector to the road. The Volvo ‘Iron-Marque’ look is the giveaway that identifies the coach instantly. When the 9900 entered service there was a lot of debate about its timeless appearance, with its exterior look and majestic design style lines.

As part of its Scandinavian heritage Volvo respects people and nature. In designing the 9900, the Volvo engineers consulted with 1,000 drivers, and over 5,000 passengers.

Of course, there is more to the coach than att ractive design.

For instance, the 9900 features a revised I-Shift automated transmission for coach applications, improved front impact protection and a significant change in steering safety. Referred to as dynamic steering, it involves 30% less effort on the part of the driver. While it takes a litt le gett ing used to, it is a feature

MAN Lions' Coach

MAN Truck & Bus is a commercial vehicle brand that is well known in Ireland, although we have not seen an integral bus or coach here from the Munich headquartered manufacturer for a number of years. The Lions’ Coach is a product that would have a place in the Irish market, but there are no plans to bring the award winning vehicle here.

Although the MAN Lions’ Coach has been around for a while, the new model entered for the competition has many new and practical features. One of the fi rst of these features to notice is that there are no exterior mirrors fitted. Replaced by two cameras linked to monitors placed on the A-pillars, roughly in the FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

With 460hp on tap from the Volvo Group D11 engine, it has plenty of power. The ability of the coach to lower its position helps with fuel consumption, and there is also an option to use Biodiesel.

For the passengers there is a cosy atmosphere inside, while the theatre style seating alignment is now a feature of Volvo Buses’ interior design. It has some detractors, but not too many. While sitt ing at the rear of the vehicle, there is a great view forward.

Driver influence in the design has lent itself to include two handles on the luggage doors, extra capacity for the AdBlue tank and the toilet gray/black water tanks. The increased luggage capacity of 11 cu.m is also welcome. A joy to drive, the 9900 incorporates all of the safety features associated with Volvo coaches, which is a big plus factor.

same position as where the traditional mirrors should be. Th is was one of the great talking points of the event. A great innovation and while certainly there is room for design improvement, overall they will improve safety no end. While they do cost a premium over regular mirrors, market pressures will probably soon see them as standard fitment, similar to what is happening in the truck market.

Along with the new camera system there are other levels to improve the safety of cyclist and pedestrians. Another innovation is the positioning of the wheelchair lift over the front wheel, this allows the retention of luggage space. The underfloor luggage space is 11 cu.m and while inside, the floor is completely flat which allows an operator to have various seating options, including 2 plus 1. From a driving point of view it was one of the most comfortable and agile vehicles to drive with all controls easy to reach. A nice feature was the inclusion of an electric scooter on-board. A driver dropping passengers at a hotel may take the coach to a coach park and ‘scoot’ back to the hotel, Let us see, it may be a future practice. Service intervals have been stretched to 140,000km.

EU TEST | 41

Setra Top Class S531DT

Launched at Busworld Kortrijk 2017, the Setra S531 is a remarkable coach. For many years the Double Deck market had been stagnant at around 400 units per year but a change in the law governing Intercity travel in many parts of Europe, and the arrival of operators like Flixbus has changed that perspective.

Since production started 300 Setra DDs have been delivered. A Double Deck Coach commands a powerful presence but to drive, it is not as intimidating as it might look. From the drivers’ point of view there is plenty of space inside the cabin area. It is solid and robust and any concern about having most of the passengers well above the drivers’ head will dissipate fast.

All of the technology and safety associated with Daimler vehicles is available. Active Brake Assist (ABA 4) is standard and Sideguard Assist operates a duel safety system. At low speed it will pick up cyclists and pedestrian movements, and at higher speeds it will help the driver avoid side swipe manoeuvres.

In the past most manufacturers have stated that it was difficult to attain height above and below, however, developments in compounds have improved to provide adequate headroom above and below. Depending on the operator’s requirements, up to 78 seats can be installed. Although Setra coaches are not sold in right hand drive generally, it will be available in the UK and possibly in Ireland. From the passenger’s point of view, the entrance is wide as is the centre door, and indeed the toilet is also spacious and the luggage space is substantial. Those travelling upstairs can enjoy the panoramic view through the glazed window which isn’t standard fitment. With a price tag of €450k, it is an expensive coach, but could prove to be good value for money.

And the winner is …The MAN Lions' Coach All five coaches in the contest were different and the operator buying one would not be measuring it directly against the others as they all have different applications for different routes and types of transport.

It is always a challenge for the jury to select a winner, but it was secured. MAN Lions’ Coach emerged as the overall winner and proudly displayed the logo “International Coach of the Year 2020” following the trophy presentation at the Award ceremony during Busworld Brussels.

Spec Check Model

Length

Height

Wheelbase Fuel

Engine

VDL Futura FHD2-135

13.4m

3.7m

7.4m

???

PACCAR MX-11 450hp

TraXon (ZF) 12-speed auto

Iveco Crossway

12.09m

3.4m

6.2m

CNG / Biomethane

FPT Cursor (360hp)

ZF EcoLife

Volvo 9900

13.1m

3.8m

5.9m

Diesel / Biodiesel

Volvo D11K

Volvo I-Shift

MAN Lions' Coach

13.09m

3.87m

7.05m

Diesel

MAN D26

TraXon (ZF) 12-speed auto

4m

6.7m

Diesel

Mercedes OM471

GO 250-8 PowerShift

Setra Top Class S531DT 14m (triaxle)

Gearbox

PARK THE BUS RECHARGE & REFUEL

Ample coach parking facilities • Fast Fill Technology / outside payment Accepting all Major Fuel Cards • Complimentary Drivers Meal - groups of 20 people + THE GALWAY PLAZA

JUNCTION 16 • M6 • KILTULLAGH

THE BARACK OBAMA PLAZA JUNCTION 23 • M7 • MONEYGALL

THE TIPPERARY TOWN PLAZA LIMERICK RD • TIPPERARY TOWN

Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

KINNEGAD PLAZA

JUNCTION 2 / JUNCTION 10 • KINNEGAD

THE MALLOW PLAZA LIMERICK RD • MALLOW

PORTLAOISE PLAZA COMING SOON

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42 | CONDUCTORS' STAND

Drive to leave cars in the driveway

A

recent report for Transport for London (TfL) has indicated that each year for the next ten years, 90,000 new houses will be required in the British capital to accommodate the expected growth in population. So, even if each household had three people living there, that is an extra two million people requiring transport on a daily basis.

Similar increases are expected in Dublin. Currently Dublin Bus is carrying about 140 million passengers per year. With the addition of the new Bus Connect plan, an additional 30 to 40 million passengers can be accommodated. All this is very welcome and the National Transport Authority (NTA) is taking every care in the planning to make sure it is an effective plan that can work. Having spent time revising the plan and allowing an extended consultation period is likely to make implementation more successful.

When all these routes, extra buses and competition are part of public transport, the challenge will be to get people to use these new services. People are still reluctant to give up their cars. All of these new services will act as a carrot, but if it does not work, will the City Council be forced to legislate people out of their cars? Congestion charges and various taxes were necessary in London to encourage people to walk, cycle, or take the bus.

Some years ago in Nott ingham the Local Council put softer seats and piped music on its buses to try and encourage people to leave the car at home. The plan had limited success. Now it will be essential that all public transport will have Wi-Fi and some charging points.

A strategy that is often overlooked is making a route high profi le, with the buses lettered up so as people can identify them and possibly decide that the route may work for them. A very good example of this is the Luas. The Trams have a distinct look about them and people were able to identify where they were going easily. It was reliable and people could see it running.

Last September the “Glider” - Belfast’s new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service celebrated its fi rst anniversary. In the fi rst year the system carried over one million passengers. The new service replaced three bus routes and it carries 300,000 more passengers than the combined replaced routes did. Some years ago there were plans to have a BRT for a limited route connecting Dundrum Shopping Centre, UCD, and St Vincent’s Hospital. Th is may be an option for a private operator to consider.

At the recent interviews for the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2020, I was struck by the comments some of the bus company operators made about the NTA – surprisingly, all very positive.

It is essential that the relationship between the regulatory body and the PSV industry in general works and is professional. Local operators have a feel for passenger movement in their areas.

A very good example of this is the “Cobh Connect” service.

A local operator applied to run a parallel bus service with the train. Cobh and Cork are linked by a modern rail service and so there would have been a fear that the NTA would have felt the route was serviced sufficiently. A year later and the numbers are

FLEETBUS&COACH | Winter 2019

Back Seat Driver by Sean Murtagh over 300,000 for the bus operator, with room for improvement.

You would hope that this new service has encouraged some commuters to leave the car at home.

Encouraging people to leave the car at home will be a slow and necessary process if we want to reduce congestion and improve the atmosphere.

Obituary Michael ‘Miko’ Donoghue At the funeral service for Michael Donoghue, Clarinbridge, County Galway his son Joe in paying tribute said: “We are celebrating a life of a great husband, father, grandfather and businessman.”

Over fi ft y years ago Michael, affectionately known as “Miko” started out with a mini bus, taking his neighbours to Mass and Bingo. Very soon he expanded, organising school tours, trips to sporting events and extended tours. Today Donoghues of Galway is one of the principal coach and bus operators in the west of Ireland.

A lifelong supporter of Gaelic games, Michael was passionate about his local club, Clarinbridge. In his younger days he played for both his club and county at various levels. One of his proudest moments was driving the Galway Hurling team to the All-Ireland in 1979, returning as the victors with the Liam McCarthy Cup. Frustratingly for him and all Galway people, he would have to wait 28 years until 2017, for the cup to return across the Shannon. Although on this occasion he did not drive the bus, as there was a bigger prize in store, his son Micheal, manager of the victorious Galway hurling team, stepping off the bus in Ballinasloe on the their way home to present the ‘Liam McCarthy’ to him. There was no prouder Galway man or father than Miko that day.

Miko was a man of the road, loved driving and was proud of his buses. He travelled the length of the country, for a time brought the “Red River Valley” showband to the different dance halls to the four corners of Ireland. Michael inspired confidence and pride in his family telling them if they were going to do a job, to do it right. His bus and and undertaker business has now sett led in to the second generation and is trickling down to the third, again building on a solid foundation laid by Michael and his wife, Margaret. Michael is survived by his wife, sons and daughters, Ann Marie, John, Joe, Lorraine, Micheal and Liam. May he Rest in Peace.

SIMPLY THE BEST ...but don’t just take our word for it!

“

We’ve just won a four-year contract from Local Link to provide services between Burtonport and Letterkenny.

The Enviro200 fitted the tender specification exactly and in the end it was a no brainer. We went from talks to delivery in a matter of weeks.”

Brian Ó Dónaill, Transport Manager, Bus Feda.

“

“

We run our high capacity Enviro400 between Ratoath, Ashbourne and Dublin City Centre. It has leather seats, wood effect flooring, tables, Wi-Fi and USB charging points, stop buttons and mobile phone holders at every seat, roof skylights and a sophisticated passenger information system.

It is the finest double deck available on the market, not only an operator’s dream but a passenger’s delight. The bus has a daily dispatch rate of over 99% and the support is unrivalled.

In our eyes a product from ADL is a money-maker.”

Damien Hughes, Director, Ashbourne Connect.

Our latest con contract win runs between Balla Ballaghaderreen and Sligo. The Enviro200 Enviro200’s reputation speaks for itself, i l particularly in terms of specification and performance but timing was also critical in this negotiation. ADL had a 10.8m model available from stock and it was delivered, ready for service, in less than two weeks.”

Aiden Furey, Director, Furey’s of Sligo.

“

We recently introduced a new low entry, Euro 6 Enviro200 carrying passengers between Fanod and Letterkenny. Having been at the heart of this community for almost 70 years it’s important we play a role in sustaining the local economy, particularly on rural routes that others may find marginal. The Enviro200 is tailor made for the job in terms of capacity, passenger appeal and reliability.”

Francis Marley, Director, Marley Travel.

In the drive towards greener, low entry vehicles and the need to extend routes into rural areas, more and more operators are turning to the Enviro range from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).

Both vehicles are trailblazers in terms of style, passenger capacity, accessibility, low emission technology, manoeuvrability, safety and passenger-centric features, all backed by best-in-class aftermarket support.

Bus Feda, Furey’s of Sligo, Marley Travel, Wexford Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland and Ashbourne Connect are just some of the renowned names to have recently put their faith in ADL’s Enviro200 and Enviro400 models.

Add to that immediate availability and it’s little wonder the Enviro range is emerging as the number one choice.

To find out more, contact your local Sales Manager:

Lee Gibson: +44 (0)7741 656915 Email: lee.m.gibson@alexander-dennis.com

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www.alexander-dennis.com

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