Fleet Bus and Coach March / April 2021

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

Volume 17. No. 1. SPRING 2021

EUROPEAN EXCLUSIVE! HIGER AZURE 12m EV The Electric Bus from the Future!

68 68 | COVER - EXCLUSIVE

Introducing the Higer Azure 12m All-Electric Low Floor Bus EUROPEAN EXCLUSIVE!

From Jiangsu Province to Leinster Province, the first Higer Azure 12-metre electric bus has arrived into the Harris Group compound on the Naas Road, Dublin. This 41-seat low-floor commuter bus with wheel-chair accessibility is set to immediately win over the hearts of passengers and bus drivers alike.

Passenger transport operators will certainly be impressed by the range distance promised, one which has already been proven by a most stringent programme undertaken by leading authorities. A special report issued by the International Union of Urban Transport (UITP) recorded a range distance of 370 kilometres (WITP), from the official test programme undertaken by TüV China (Shanghai), the Asian arm of the German based TüV SüD, which has over a century of vehicle testing and certification expertise and experience.

Under controlled conditions the vehicle achieved a 400+ range on a single charge. In addition it confirmed that via DC charging, the Higer Azure’s can be re-charged in just two hours, twenty-one minutes.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2021

In essence, this is more than just a zero-emission urban passenger vehicle.

With its impressive range distance, inter-urban routes can be scheduled with ease, adding flexibility to the application and technology provided.

Already an instant sales success in cities around China, this is the sixth generation electric bus from Higer and follows on from the Higer STEED 9-metre previously introduced by the Harris Group into Ireland.

The Higer Bus Company Limited, known as Higer Bus, was founded in 1998. Over the past 22 years, from its ever expanding 950,000-square-meter modern bus manufacturing base in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the company has achieved annual sales of over 10 billion yuan (€1.3b), and exported buses to over 120 countries and regions in the world.

Higer’s path of sustainable and rapid development has been recognised, winning many honours including Chinese Famous Trademark, Chinese Famous Brand and National Product Exempt from Export Inspection.

In addition, Higer was ranked among China’s 500 Most Valuable Brands for the 13th consecutive year with a brand value of 50.687 billion yuan, and has become China’s fastest-growing bus manufacturer, a national bus export base enterprise and one of China’s Top 100 Enterprises.

At present, Higer has a total asset value of RMB 6.6 billion and more than 4,000 employees, enabling an annual production capacity of 35,000 large

and medium-sized buses, coaches and chassis. It has manufactured 50 series (300 models) of buses and coaches. Higer Bus not only sells successfully domestically, but also exports to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, Eastern Europe and America as well as Ireland and the UK through Harris Bus & Coach.

Tech Spec Check Make/Model: Higer Azure 12m E-Bus Electric Motor: Siemens 230kW

(Max net) Usable Energy: 330 kWh Charge Duration: 2 hours 21 minutes

(Max 6 hours) Rear Axle: ZF AV 133 Maximum range: 370 km (UITP/TüV) GVW: 19,000 kg Kerb Weight: 13,675kg Wheel Size: 275/70R22.5 Vehicle Length: 12,090mm Vehicle Width: 2,530mm Vehicle Height: 3,390mm Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

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EV

+

- POWER

100% BUS ELECTRIC

DC FAST CHARGING CHARGER INCLUDED

41 SEATED PASSENGERS

370KM RANGE

BATTERIES

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

THE HIGER AZURE 12 METER ELECTRIC BUS IS AVAILABLE NOW FROM HARRIS BUS AND COACH

12M

zero emissions

The range is an average for real world driving and based on average conditions and route types. Under controlled conditions the vehcile has recorded ranges of 400Km + on a single charge.

HARRIS BUS & COACH SHOWROOMS NAAS ROAD DUBLIN 12

www.harrisgroup.ie +353 (0) 1 419 4500 www.fleet.ie

70 70 | NEWS I

Irish CityLink moves to acquire GoBus In light of the proposed takeover by ComfortDelGro Irish Citylink Limited of the sole control of the GoBus business, some consolidation on current routes served by Irish CityLink and GoBus is inevitable in the short term. The acquisition is subject to approval by the Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

Among the items to be taken into consideration by the CCPC are current competition offerings, which includes services offered by Bus Éireann and Irish Rail. Co-incidentally, both CityLink and GoBus primarily operate daily schedules on the Galway to Dublin Airport route and due to the continuous Covid-19 lockdowns, services and passenger

numbers have been reduced significantly. Therefore, if the two operators are allowed to come together, some consolidation between fleets and drivers could be implemented until customer and travel confidence is restored.

Prior to the Covid-19 lockdowns, another multi-national bus and coach company expressed interest in acquiring GoBus but talks fell through subsequently.

Award-winning GoBus, the trading name of the Cummer Bus Group, owned and run by Jim and Margaret Burke, together with their sons Dara and Donal, was established in 2009. GoBus also provides connecting services from Galway to Cork with Dublin, while in

recent years, a link from Ballina (Mayo) to Galway City was introduced. The company operates a large number of Volvo 9700 coaches and recently added five new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo models to its fleet.

Singapore-headquartered ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited has a major passenger transport presence in the Asian-Pacific regions, offering taxi, bus and rail services. Through its Irish CityLink division, services are provided from County Galway towns to and from Dublin, Limerick and Cork. These route services are contracted to Callanan Coaches and Farrell Travel/Buslink, and branded as eirEagle.

2021 will be a quiet year for Coach Operators but busy for the CTTC John Halpenny, speaking after his re-election as the Chairman of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC), he said that 2021 would be a difficult year for the CTTC as the passenger transport industry faced big challenges in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. He stated that every sector of the industry would face their own challenges but that the CTTC is working hard to deliver support and funding for the industry. “All members will have to help where they can, never before have we needed to support each other as much as we do now. We will need support from the Government for a long time to come, while the future is uncertain for operators, we have had some assistance, but we are a long way from being out of the woods,” he said.

The €10 million worth of funding under the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme was announced by the Government in the July Stimulus Plan and while it has taken some time for operators to benefit under it, the CTTC is gratified to have secured a dedicated fund for this sector. Therefore, it is the CTTC’s intention to continue its work and FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2021

lobby again over the coming months to ensure that monies are delivered to cover operators costs in 2021 in all sectors.

Insurance continues to be a problematic issue. New Judicial Guidelines were published recently which are set to control the amount of damages awarded for personal injury claims and as a consequence the cost of insurance premiums. “These new guidelines do not go far enough and certainly are not ambitious enough in their scope. While it is expected that damages for minor, fully-recovered injuries will reduce by just over fifty percent this does little to deter fraudulent claims and as a result little will change in terms of premium costs. As a member of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, we had called for an eight percent reduction in awards. This would have brought us in line with England and Wales and would have helped drive insurance costs down to affordable levels for our members and the general public,” John explained.

After consulting with its members the CTTC made a submission to the

Department of Public Expenditure & Reform for its Review to Renew, the public consultation element of the National Development Plan 2018-2027 (NDP). The NDP sets out a 10-year programme of capital investment aimed at upgrading Ireland’s infrastructure, enhancing economic capacity and promoting balanced regional development. The full submission can be seen on its website – www.cttc.ie With new administration and organisational structures in place, the CTTC is also preparing for the review of School Transport system, a submission has been made on behalf of members.

Recently, the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD announced new grants to support business to switch from diesel heavy duty vehicles to electric or alternatively fuelled vehicles. The €2.9m Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme is being introduced as part of the Government’s plan to decarbonise the transport sector.

While there is no doubt the CTTC Executive has been busy to date, recording some significant wins, the organisation faces a busy 2021.

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72 72 | NEWS II

Harris Bus & Coach set to meet passenger transport challenges ahead

Just as the business and working landscapes have changed over the past year, so too the passenger transport business has to evolve before public confidence is restored and prior the return of significant international tourist numbers. Providers of bus and coach vehicles to the industry have taken a huge hit in terms of sales and aftermarket activities. Some have already retired from the trade while others are preparing for the future.

One company looking forward with confidence is the Harris Group. Starting with a name change!

Harris Auto has changed its name to Harris Bus & Coach to reflect more directly on the growing passenger business within the Harris Group. “Our business approach has changed from the tourist industry to now focus on the service industry and of course the wheelchair accessible market which is now taking a big role in our vehicle line-up,” explained Chris Haughton, General Manager, Harris Bus & Coach.

“The bus and coach industry has sure taken a big beating and it will take time to get back from this, but there are little signs that business is beginning to happen again. While the operators still hold some fear of the road ahead, which is understandable, the business model they have worked with will be very different in the coming years,” he added.

Chris outlined the model and specification changes in the Harris Bus & Coach line-up: “We now have a new Crusader FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2021

X33 model, built on the well proven Iveco Daily chassis and driveline, that has been redesigned externally, while the wheelchair lift has been relocated from the rear corner to a new mid-mount position on the kerb side of the bus.

This allows for more boot space when passengers are ready to travel again. This is a significant development as it has 33 seats and additional luggage space with full wheelchair availability. The big boot also helps if the operator needs to pop out seats to accommodate a wheelchair passenger on the go and still be in a position to up- seat when that job is finished,” he said.

Harris Bus & Coach is also catering for special niches in the marketplace: “Within the Iveco Daily range, we have also started to build a 33-seater Low-Floor version that will go on sale in the Summer. Again this is a very important offering as the Low-Floor sector is sparse for choice and we hope that the industry will like this new model,” he added.

“In keeping with adding to our range we have added a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Low-Floor that is now in production. This

model will be ready for delivery inside the next month. Already, we have three units sold to order. The specification on this version includes twenty passenger seats and one wheelchair, so this is a new option for operators in this sector.”

Looking to the other brands and models currently on sale at Harris, the Higer Super 9 and Isuzu Visigo are to feature additional seating. “The Isuzu Visigo is now available with 35/44 seats and a wheelchair lift and destination system, while the Higer Super 9 now comes with 41/48 seats and a wheelchair lift and destination system.”

“So as you see, it’s all go as usual here at Harris Bus & Coach. Our focus is on the times and marketplace ahead and it is starting to pay dividends.”

Harris has also been working hard on the Electric Mobility sector and has just launched the new Higer Azure 12-meter electric Low Floor bus that is be a stable mate to the Higer Steed 8.5 meter electric bus. Zero-emission variants of the new Maxus Deliver 9 minibus are also due for launch soon.

“We have just secured an order for four Higer Steed units going to Britain in May and two supplied to Glenveagh National Park, Donegal. In addition, we have a Steed about to enter service with Martley’s of Portlaoise making this the first true all-electric commuter bus to operate in Ireland that is not a test vehicle.”

Further bespoke options on Low Floor bus platforms are currently being designed to cater for other applications and operations within and outside of the passenger industry.

“Using the well-known term, watch this space,” concluded Chris.

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Where Your Next Journey Begins

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

We are recruiting for Shift Engineers at our Ballymount and Naas Depots Go-Ahead Ireland (GAI) is the capital’s newest bus company and quickly becoming a familiar site on Dublin’s roads.

Our Ballymount Depot based in Dublin 12 opened in July 2018, this depot is where we operate our 24 routes in the Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area (ODMA) on a fleet of 140 single and double decker buses. We currently have a growing team of almost 600 colleagues.

Our second depot, in Naas, Co. Kildare, opened in July 2019. This is our base for the Commuter routes which mobilised in July 2019.

Go-Ahead Ireland is a progressive, agile and collaborative company who is always keen to attract talent and currently we are looking to grow our Engineering team and looking for a person who enjoys a challenge and wants to work in a friendly and professional environment.

ney begins

The successful candidate will have LGV or HGV qualifications, good knowledge of buses/coaches (Volvo product knowledge a bonus), good repair and organising skills and a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a qualified mechanic.

To apply for the above position, please email a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your experiences for the role and email to careers@goaheadireland.ie.

For more information on this position please visit our careers page on our website, www.goaheadireland/careers,

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74 | PROFILE 74

Glynn’s Coaches, Ennis, County Clare “Operating a bus and coach company is all about customer care.

Glynn’s Coaches figured that out a long time ago” Starting from humble beginnings, Tony Glynn founded Glynn’s Coaches on the College Road in Ennis, in the early 1980s. In the intervening years and decades, the family run company expanded and developed, building up a solid base of customers. The business now operates from a modern premises at Knockaderry on the outskirts of the ‘Banner County’ capital.

Now operated by Tony’s daughter, Niamh and her husband Jackie Cronin, Glynn’s Coaches continues its founder’s traditions and remains deeply rooted in the community. It survives and thrives on innovation.

Similar to all bus and coach operators, Glynn’s faces significant challenges as Covid-19 starts to abate and the economic recovery begins.

Niamh and Jackie are confident that the firm will come out of this situation bigger and better and look forward to getting tourists, students and many more groups back on board their coaches.

Company founder Tony Glynn spent his life time serving the public in the passenger transport industry, working as a bus driver with CIE (now Bus Eireann), taking his neighbours to Bingo, Knock Shrine and to the seaside. On his retirement from CIE he bought his own bus, which is where the story of Glynn’s Coaches begins. Still in a time of limited car ownership, Tony was the transport provider for the local community, with bookings for discos, football matches and bingo, as well as tours throughout Clare and neighbouring counties. A quiet, dignified man, he never left a passenger behind, whatever their cir-

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2021

cumstances.

When Anthony Daly, Captain of the victorious Clare Senior Hurling team, raised the Munster Cup at Semple Stadium, Thurles in July 1995, he told everybody that Clare people loved Irish music and hurling. But there is much more to County Clare than just that, and over the years Glynn’s Coaches has worked with Rail Tours Ireland, bringing foreign tourists to see the many local attractions in the area. Jackie talks about a two-decade plus partnership, where Glynn’s Coaches collects passengers from the local railway station and takes them to see Bunratty Castle, the world famous Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, before returning in time for their guests to catch an evening return train.

Another major draw is golf, with enthusiasts very well catered for in the region. Golf tourism is something that

has grown significantly throughout Ireland and particularly in the South West area. “Shannon Airport is also a convenient gateway for tourists coming to the region, with plenty of accommodation close by and is an ideal location for inbound tourists to base themselves,” explained Jackie. In recent years the transfer business to and from the airport has become a feature of the operations at Glynns.

While tourism is important, it is to some extent seasonal. School transport, day trips and journeys to sporting events make up a significant amount of the business. Glynns have a long and strong relationship with the Gaelic Athletic Association, taking teams and their supporters to local and nationwide fixtures. Jackie is hopeful this good business will continue once the lockdowns dissipate.

PROFILE | 75 75

One of the challenges however, one that all companies face, is the changing profile of customers. Jackie is alert to these changes. A big part of Glynn’s operations in the 80’s and 90’s was weekend services to Limerick, Tralee, Waterford and other places to cater for college students. Increased car ownership and changes in people’s lifestyles amongst other reasons, has seen this business dwindle. “You need to be watching for the next opportunity, before the last one runs out,” Jackie stated.

The size of Glynn’s fleet fluctuates as trends demand, generally varying between 15 and 20 vehicles of different sizes. All routine maintenance is carried out in Glynn’s own garage, with some heavy and specific repairs being sent to the main dealer. While not tied to one particular make, Mercedes-Benz is the dominant brand. Operating a young fleet helps to protect the environment also, according to Jackie.

Buses, of course, need drivers, and Glynn’s is proud at its success in retaining staff. “Drivers are the key to customer satisfaction. It takes a team though and the administration and maintenance people are equally as important,” said Niamh.

“People travelled with my dad, Tony, because he made it easy and enjoyable for them. We use the same approach now, it might be a bit more sophisticated these days but the principle is the same.”

Glynn’s Coaches has always been a member of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC). Jackie served on its Executive and served two terms

as National Treasurer. Jackie explained that over the years the CTTC has been a strong lobbyist group for members ,but never has it been more active and important as during the current Covid-19 pandemic crisis. While the tourism industry and the coach sector in particular face a shaky and possibly for some, uncertain future, the CTTC has achieved some victories for operators.

“While we are all in survival mode at the moment, we must plan for the future. In this region we want to make sure that the future development of Shannon Airport is maximised. We are also anxious that development in the country is balanced between East and West. While as a national body, the CTTC must represent operators from all around the country, they do a good job at representing regional issues also,” he added.

Jackie is particularly pleased with

the establishment of the Coach Park in Ennis. “It is a great facility for visiting and local operators alike. Surprisingly, this initiative by the CTTC is slow to be taken up by other towns but nonetheless I think it will improve with time as Town Chambers and local businesses see the advantages of getting people into their towns.”

Every business in the country faces an uncertain future post-Covid 19, particularly bus and coach operators. The Glynn’s management team does not underestimate the challenges ahead but is optimistic and confident about the company’s future and that of the sector.

In 2019, Glynns was awarded the 2020 Fleet Bus & Coach ‘Bus Operator’ Award for more than ten vehicles and Jackie is hopeful that 2021 and 2022 will give the business a chance to capitalise on the achievement. “We look forward to golf’s Ryder Cup coming to the area and the associated tourism it will bring. Our local hotels are expecting tourists to start returning soon.”

As Glynns Coaches, a third generation is being nurtured and preparing to take responsibility. In the wings, sons, Fionán and Donough, will be ready for a seamless transfer when their time comes to take the business to the next generation. In conclusion, Niamh said: “We inherited more than a business, we also inherited a state of mind and that, I hope, will be our legacy too!”

Operating a bus and coach company is all about customer care and pleasing people, Glynn’s Coaches figured that out a long time ago and long may it continue.

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie

www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

76

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2021

77

DRIVING DUBLIN AND GALWAY TO CLEANER AIR. GENERATING CLEAN hYBRID pOWER fOR ThE ADL ENVIRO400ER The new double-decker fleets for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in Galway reinvent what’s possible on the road for closer-to-zero emissions. A much lower carbon footprint is achieved for the ADL Enviro400ER with a highly compact 4-cylinder, 4.5-litre hybrid-adapted engine from Cummins, meeting the exceptionally low emissions Phase-D requirement of Euro VI. GEOFENCED ENGINE ON/OFF The B4.5 is fully integrated within the diesel-electric powertrain and perfectly suited to a frequent stop-start bus duty cycle, eliminating almost all engine idling with a seamless transition from engine-on to engine-off driving modes. Electric-only range is extended to at least 2.5km, activated by geofencing, when the bus is stationary, or when approaching or departing a bus stop.

CummINs IrElaND – rEaDy tO suppOrt You can be sure that the new ADL fleets will set a new technology benchmark for the highest possible uptime, because we invest as much in our service & parts capability as we do in our engine technology to ensure maximum reliability. Our customer support network at Cummins Ireland is utilising the very latest in proactive maintenance and smart diagnostics tools to help keep the fleets up and running with maximum uptime availability.

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78 | MILESTONE 78

Dublin Belfast Newry Mini Coaches – celebrating 60 Years in the Coach & Bus industry

Friday, 5th March 2021 marked a special day and year for one of the best known family passenger transport businesses on this island.

Now known as Dublin Belfast Newry Mini Coaches & Dublin City Decks, the company is celebrating 60 years of loyal customer service. Formerly trading as Dorgan’s Mini Coach & Dublin Mini Coach and Chauffeur Drive, the company’s first chauffeur service was associated with a high profile celebrity as it was responsible for looking after transport for the Press during Princess Grace of Monaco’s visit to Ireland in June of 1961. A similar service was arranged for President Kennedy’s tour of Ireland in 1963. Dorgan’s also looked after the transport arrangements for the visit of Richard M Nixon, US President (1970) and Pope John Paul II (1979). In 2006, Dublin Mini Coaches transported 600 visitors between Dublin and the K Club, County Kildare for the prestigious Ryder Cup Golf tournament. US Film star Danny DeVito also chose Dublin Mini Coaches’ new Mercedes Sprinter for his four-day whistle stop tour of Ireland.

Dorgan’s story began in an office in Terenure, Dublin from where it has grown over the next 60 years to become an organisation providing transport across Ireland. The same ‘open and friendly’ culture that its founder, the late Thomas Dorgan placed at the heart and soul of the business is still paramount to how the business is being run today, all these years later. Today, the company operators a large fleet of mini-coaches, coaches and double-deckers, catering from small to large passenger numbers with seven to seventy-five seat options.

As well as tours and private hire services, FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2021

Dublin Belfast Newry Mini Coaches & Dublin City Decks provides regular scheduled Airport Shuttle services. Over the decades, the firm has contributed generously to numerous charity fund raisers and sporting clubs.

The 60th anniversary milestone is being marked with special updates on social media reflecting on highlights of the company’s history and outlining other business activities such as the newly formed Camac Property Group,

which operates in conjunction with its other brands, such as Irish Mini Bus Rentals and Kylemore Work Junction.

“At our peak in 2016, our transport division employed over 50 people. Today, due to COVID-19 and the decision to start downsizing the company in 2018, we now employ 20 people across our Transport and Property Division,” explained Savio Auigusto, Group Operations Manager.

Savio highlighted another noteworthy milestone in the company’s timeline: “Our transport division will be also celebrating a milestone this year - 25 years of operation in Camac Park, Bluebell, an area we are very proud to be a part of. We have always

celebrated our anniversary throughout our history, but 2021 is a particularly special year for us and as such we have some special events in the works. We will be sharing photos throughout the year spanning our history. Some notable, others not! Yet, it is all a part of our journey so far and everyone involved is also a part of that journey over the last 60 years.” Savio added that the company would love feedback from the public who have shared in the company’s development. “If anyone has any photos or videos they would like to share with us, please do so. We would love to see them. ‘Bringing Everyone Together in 2021’,” he added.

On behalf of the Management Team of Dublin Belfast Newry Mini Coaches, Stephen Millar, Managing Director celebrates 30 years in the coach and bus industry in September. He is proud to be part of a great journey. “Shadowed in my early days as an internship student under the wing of Donal Hughes at Eirebus, and later partnering with the great Tommy Dorgan who was a great mentor, business partner and adviser on both business and life, we are proud to share the success in the later years with Brenda Mackin-Millar, who put an educated front and professionalism to our business. It has been an honour to work with good people from other businesses in the coach, bus and tourism industry who I consider great friends today.”

Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

NEW FLEET | 79 79

Eight new Renault Master Red Minibuses for Vantastic

Renault Master Red Edition light commercial vehicle has once again demonstrated the versatility and flexibility. As well as the numerous panel van and utility applications available, minibus versions are continuing to make an impact in the

passenger transport sector.

Recently, Setanta Vehicle Sales, the Dublin dealers for Renault Trucks and Renault Master Red Edition LCVs delivered eight front entry minibuses to Vantastic, Swords, County Dublin, the Accessible Transport Services provider.

Initially these vehicles started life as 4.5 tonne GVW Renault Master Red L4H3

panel vans with the second stage of preparation undertaken by Paramount Conversions, Tullamore, County Offaly, which included full glazing and rear mounted wheelchair lifts. The normal sliding access doors were removed to allow for front entry conversion with the rear doors opening to 270 degrees. As per the Renault Master range, the new minibuses are powered by a 2.3-litre 130hp Euro6 diesel, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Continued sales success for the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo in Ireland The award-winning Mercedes-Benz Tourismo touring coach continues to gain new sales and repeat orders from Irish operators. One prominent family-run coach company, J.J. Kavanagh & Sons (Urlingford, County Kilkenny) has added and renewed their fleet over the past year, recently purchasing six 12.3 metre 53-seat

versions.

Neil Gladstone – Area Sales Manager, Daimler Buses, EvoBus (UK) Ltd., who conducted the deal was pleased with the custom, especially during a very difficult period in the passenger transport industry.

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons was among

the first time buyers when the Tourismo Fleet Bus & Coach Irish Coach of the Year 2018 was launched, and has come back for more from the ‘triple-star’ brand, purchasing.

Recent new Midi-coach & Mini-bus sales by EVM: Colleran’s shining new Ferqui Sunrise –

New Sprinter Avantgarde for K Buggy Coaches

Ballinasloe, County Galway based Colleran Bus has purchased this new Ferqui Sunrise 33 seater midi-coach from EVM, Custom Vehicle Builders, Kilbeggan, County Westmeath. Built on the renowned Iveco Daily 70C18 chassis cowl and driveline, a whole host of comfort and safety items feature in this vehicle, such as, heated drivers’ seat with matching trim, reversing camera, twin roller blinds and plug type passenger entry door.

Two full length brushed aluminium luggage racks come with interior lights and blue LED night illumination and individual passenger service units with integrated passenger reading lights

and adjustable air ducts. The large coach type panoramic windscreen have manual sun blinds while the panoramic double glazed saloon windows include tinted grey privacy elements. In dash and saloon air conditioning air conditioning are provided as well as Webasto convector heaters for the full length of the passenger saloon. From the outside, the elevated boot door has access to a large luggage area.

K Buggy Coaches, located nearby at Tullamore, is one of the best known passenger transport providers in County Offaly and greater Midlands area, providing coach hire and bus tours services throughout Ireland and the UK. It has just added a brand new (extra-long) EVM Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Avantgarde 516 19-seat model, packed with hi-tech safety systems such as Cross Wind Assist, Emergency Braking

Assist, Auto headlights while panoramic double glazed saloon windows in privacy grey adds to passenger comfort. Also specified and fitted is a PLS Underfloor Wheelchair lift.

Sean McBride conducted the sale on behalf of EVM.

www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

80 | CONDUCTORS’ STAND 80

ALTERNATIVE FUELS SURVEY How will buses and coaches be powered in the future?

The future of diesel powered buses and coaches is very limited, as more major cities have put timelines in place that will remove internal combustion engines from their streets, for good. There are many alternatives to replace diesel and equally as many opinions as to which option is the best.

of 7,478 buses with an alternative driveline.

The volume of 2,062 electric city buses in 2020 is a 22.3% increase compared to the volume of 1,685 electric city buses in 2019. A volume of 13,140 city buses in 2020 is, after the record year of 2019 (with 14,403 city buses), still a very good number and only 8.8% lower despite the negative impact of COVID-19.

Research produced by Wim Chatrou of Chatrou CME Solutions provides an interesting insight into what alternatives some European countries are opting for.

After a lifetime in the Bus & Coach business, Wim Chatrou now runs his own consultancy firm, Chatrou CME Solutions.

Beginning his career with DAF Trucks in 1972 and moving to BOVA, Wim continued to work with VDL after it took over Bova, until 2020. He now researches and publishes regular commentary on the European bus and coach markets.

Some points to consider from the findings: n The registration data is coming from the official authorities in each country, such as RDC (RAI Data Centre in The Netherlands) and KBA (Kraftfahrt Bundesambt in Germany), etc. n These registrations follow the deliveries of the manufacturers in each country. The figures do not reflect what is on the manufacturers’ order books or what they still have to deliver in 2021 or even later. n The countries included are the former Western-European countries and Poland. The level of detail of the registrations in these countries made these analyses possible. With the restricted information available in other countries, it was not possible to include them in these statistics at this time.

Development alternative drivelines of City Buses - 2012-2020, Western-Europe + Poland GVW >8t The graph on this page shows the developments of hybrid, natural gas (CNG), electric and fuel cell drivelines in the nine years from 2012 up to and including 2020.

The 2,062 electric buses (excl. trolley buses), 2,733 hybrid buses, 2,636 CNG buses and 47 Fuel Cell buses add up to a total

FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2021

What is remarkable as well is the growth, especially of CNG engines, in the Intercity and even the coach segment. Of the total of 2.636 CNG buses, 413 were in these segments.

CONDUCTORS’ STAND | 81 81 Further analysing the city bus alternative drivelines data for 2019 and 2020 reveals the following breakdown: This means that 53.7% of the city buses sold in 2020 had an alternative driveline.

In 2019 it was 39.6%.

Furthermore pure electric buses are increasing in popularity, with the 2,054 units sold in 2020 representing 15.6% of total city bus sales (compared to 11.6% in 2019).

Industry Thoughts Reading this research it is difficult to see where the future lies when it comes to a likely successor to diesel power, although there are definite pointers that oil burning powertrains are on the way out.

But what are the thoughts of those at the sharp end of the sector? To gauge what the industry feels about what will power buses and coaches in the future, Fleet Bus & Coach asked for opinions from some key stakeholders in the industry, including manufacturers, distributors and operators. They were asked questions on what they think will power city buses in the future, if the industry is doing enough and getting credit for what it has done, and the future, if any, for diesel.

If making a reasonable prediction, which power source do you think will prevail for city buses?

Wim Chatrou is of the opinion that it is difficult to say for certain, but that it will likely be electric. Belgian manufacturer Van Hool is of the view that there will be no single energy source. Solaris, the Polish manufacturer, is confident that electric power will dominate, a view shared by Spain’s Irizar.

From an Irish operators’ prospective, John Halpenny, the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) Chairman said that there are significant challenges ahead before making any predictions, whereas Mike Buckley of Kerry Coaches feels the future is electric with some hydrogen fuel cell powered buses in operation for long distance routes.

Do you think the passenger transport industry is doing enough to improve the environment?

A consensus among respondents is that people want cleaner cities, expect cleaner buses in their cities, and as a result the industry must make sure that politicians do not create unreasonable restrictions. Many highlighted the steps already being taken, with Wim Chatrou making the interesting observation that 53% of all city buses in Europe are using an alternative driveline, up from 39% in 2019. Agreeing with this positive development is Dirk Snauwaert from Van Hool who said that the industry is not getting enough credit for its efforts and investment. Mateusz Figaszewski from Solaris pointed to the city of Jaworzno in Poland that is running 80% of the city fleet emission-free. The CTTC’s John Halpenny believes the industry is doing its share, saying that environmental changes cannot happen at the flick of a switch.

Do you think the industry get enough credit for what it has done so far?

“The public will not be happy until they see that every bus is emission free”, says Mateusz Figaszewski from Solaris who believes that the industry does not seek credit, nor should it.

He stresses that manufacturers and operators should strive to develop and deliver greener solutions. While the Irizar spokesperson agreed broadly with these sentiments, they added the caveat that “continued subsidies from Governments and their agencies will be required for some time”.

Is there any way back for diesel as a passenger vehicle power source?

For many years diesel propulsion was the way forward.

Credit must go to the OEMs for their constant research and development in meeting the challenge to reduce harmful emissions, while keeping fuel consumption as low as possible.

Then diesel fell out of favour and it does look like its long term future is bleak. Everybody seems to be in agreement on this.

To quote Wim Chatrou: “Diesel has become a curse word in our society”. Mateusz Figaszewski from Solaris says the move to zero-emissions “is an irreversible trend”. Mike Buckley from Kerry Coaches shares this view, noting that “ultimately diesel will disappear”. Irizar points to the development of Euro 7, but adds: “a combustion engine will always produce CO2.” John Halpenny agrees that diesel is done but said: “It won’t happen overnight.

And it must be done in a phased way”.

What is the most likely way long distance coaches will be powered in thirty years’ time?

Everybody is agreed that replacing diesel engines for long distance inter city buses and coaches will be difficult and is still some time away. However, there is plenty of discussion about the alternatives and possibilities. Pressure from the environmental lobby is strong and this brings political pressure.

Members of the CTTC are adamant that any changes can only be made with consultation. Solaris feel that the fuel cell hydrogen powered version of its Ubino15 LE offer huge potential.

Conclusion To predict what the future in travel will be is naturally difficult, but there is no doubt that the bus and coach industry is going through a period of unprecedented change. Climate change is an important issue for everybody, but it presents a major challenge to manufacturers. For the most part this challenge has been met. A key consideration is cost, as any new technology will not come cheaply. Hence governments and city authorities need to decide how the move to greener transport will be funded. Protecting and improving the environment is not a cost for operators to bear alone.

Text: Sean Murtagh– sean@fleet.ie www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

82 | FEATURE 82

J.J. Kavanagh Coach Sales appointed sales and services agent for Ilesbus

Ilesbus UK Ltd., has appointed J.J. Kavanagh Coach Sales, Urlingford, Kilkenny as its agent for its full product range in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

With all information available on its new website (www.coachsales.ie), new vehicles will also be on display at J.J. Kavanagh’s showroom in Main Street, Urlingford, where Sales Executive Mick and his team are always ready to greet customers with a warm welcome.

As well as selling new vehicles, J.J. Kavanagh Coach Sales will also carry out all aftersales services on the vehicles in Ireland and Northern Ireland, so customers can buy in confidence knowing that they have a full back up service.

Ilesbus is a long established Turkish bus and coach manufacturer that continues to innovate and develop new product lines. It recently launched its new low-floor Mercedes-Benz Sprinterbased minibus, known as the I-City. It is currently available in two different specifications, with either 17 seats and space for nine standees, or with 20 seats and seven standee places. Gary Johns, Sales Director of Ilesbus UK Ltd., explained that it is designed to match the familiar styling of its luxury mini-coaches. “The I-City will feature USB ports at each seat, 3-point seatbelts, a separate 12kW rear FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2021

air-conditioning system (in addition to the in-dash air-conditioning), additional saloon heating, double gazing, ‘smart’ lighting, front, side and rear destination screens, a ticket machine holder and, a new Ilesbus GTR front bumper moulding as standard, and it comes with Ilesbus’ usual three-year warranty.”

In the UK, the Bridgend, Wales headquartered company introduced a new PSVAR-compliant midi-coach, based on the Iveco Daily 17C21 with its 3.0 litre Euro6D 210bhp engine. “The new model is named the Ilesbus Glance and standard features include LED headlights, automatic handbrake, Telma retarder, rear air suspension and in-dash air-conditioning.

The exterior incorporates Ilesbus’ distinctive styling and features a large entry door and LED destination boards to the front, side and rear.

A door on the nearside opens to reveal the fully automatic wheelchair lift. Luggage space has also been retained with a good size rear boot and the addition of full-length side lockers on both sides of the vehicle. The interior is well appointed, with full size reclining seats, large panoramic windows, special lighting features, 14kW air-conditioning, heating, TV with DVD and more,” added Gary.

Additionally, the company added a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter low-floor wheelchair accessible mini coach to its current line-up. Based on the new 5.5 tonne Sprinter with a seating capacity of up to 17 seats and up to six standees, one wheelchair can be carried in the low-floor section with easy access being through the larger than standard 1,400mm twin opening electric door. The interior will also be finished to Ilesbus’ usual high standards.

Along with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ilesbus UK has also added a PSVAR version of its 36-seat Calista, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz

Atego or MAN TGL chassis, and an Iveco Daily 29-seat PSVAR midi-coach.

A low-floor Iveco Daily is also in development and will be available by the end of this year.

The Ilesbus Calista is looking to take on the market for larger midi-coaches, with 36-seats plus courier and driver.

The example described by Gary, is based on the Mercedes-Benz Atego 12.24 chassis. “The Turkish-built Calista will have options for a 36-seater plus courier and driver to allow more legroom, whilst the 34-seat option will include a continental door and a toilet. A further

variant in development will be able to carry up to seven wheelchairs, with entry via a wheelchair lift. Although initially available on the Mercedes-Benz chassis, a MAN TGL version will also follow, giving operators a choice of chassis manufacturer.”

Ilesbus will also be working on converting the MAN TGE shortly and before the year end will be revealing details of a new all-electric offering.

Mick Feeney, Sales Manager at J.J. Kavanagh Coach Sales, said that the company’s appointment as Irish agents for Ilesbus is coming at a time of challenge and opportunity for the industry: “While many operators are cautious about the restart of the economy and the uncertainty they face, they are confident about the future.

Low-floor is relatively new to the Irish market but we are getting a lot of serious enquiries and orders are coming in. My sense of it is that operators are preparing for the opening up of the sector.”

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• Auto adjust seatbelt from adult to a child • ISOFIX child seat restraint system • Draw curtains with tiebacks • Full air suspension driver’s seat with twin armrests • Matching Driver & Courier seat to match the saloon seat design and colour.

• Powered plug entrance door with low step, • Wide access steps with safety handrails • LED lights at the entrance • Extra Large rear boot with side lockers and safe passenger side loading zone • Luggage LED lighting in all storage areas • USB points by each seat • 22 inch drop down TV with DVD player

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• Rooftop climate control air-conditioning system • Lane departure warning system • Rear parking camera system • Cruise control • Large capacity Fridge • Vanity panels with integrated cup holders • Day time running lights • LED roof marker lamps • LED side marker lamps • Front fog lamps • Integrated front colour matched front spoiler • Colour matched bumpers • Train grade wood effect flooring • Quick-release carpets • Electric front blinds • Rear emergency door • Easy clean sidewall panels • Deep overhead luggage rack • Passenger overhead reading light and vent

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