Fleet Bus and Coach winter 2021

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

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www.fleetbusandcoach.ie Volume 17. No. 3. Winter 2021

Neoplan Cityliner

wins International Coach of the Year 2022

Exclusive Report - Coach Euro Test – Bled, Slovenia Profile – Bartons of Maynooth Plus Special Volvo Buses Supplement

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Contents Winter 2021 Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433

4 News International Coach Award for Neoplan

10 Test Drive New Volvo B11R 9700 PSVAR

Van Hool strengthens line-up for Ireland

Iveco Bus broadens Daily range

12 ROADSHOW Volvo B11R 9700 PSVAR Roadshow

Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney Editor: Sean Murtagh Contributors: Donal Dempsey Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh, Paul White Administration: Orla Sweeney

6 Profile On Bartons Tra nsport, Maynooth

14 LAUNCH PAD Volvo Buses launches new global electromobility offer

8 Obituary Tribute to the late Pierce Kavanagh Snr.

17 Group Test Coach Euro Test, Bled, Slovenia

9 Volvo Buses Supplement

22 Conductors Stand Getting bums on seats!

Advertising: Mary Morrissey Design: Crackerjack Design House

www.fleet.ie | 63

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.

Fleet Bus & Coach

- the official Irish journal of the International Bus/Coach of the Year Awards.

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.

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Neoplan Cityliner elected International Coach of the Year 2022

4 | NEWS I

4

Launched fifty years ago this year, Neoplan’s Cityliner has demonstrated that in these times, it is still just as relevant to the European market today as it was in 1971. The latest design has been announced as the International Coach of the Year 2022, after an evaluation of this year’s contenders by

the expert trade journalist panel that make up the International Bus & Coach of the Year Jury.

Commenting on presenting the trophy, Tom Terjesen, President of the Jury said: “The platinum edition of the Neoplan Cityliner impressed us with its economical yet powerful and dynamic driver operation characteristics.”

He added: “The design was certainly one of many points that made it clear to us that the Neoplan Cityliner was fully deserving of the ‘Coach of the Year’ award.”

Designed by Bob Lee, the original N116 Cityliner was innovative in being an over-decker designed for touring. It had seats above the driver, forward sloping window pillars and a huge luggage capacity – a package that made it an immediate and continuing success, with over 8,500 examples sold to date.

Van Hool & Cronins - Ready with new EX Coach Family for 2022 Coach manufacturer expands BEV offerings in US market Belgian manufacturer Van Hool will celebrate 75 years in business in 2022 with the launch of the new EX 11 in right-hand drive form. Van Hool is represented in Ireland by Cronin’s of Cork and the arrival of the EX 11 here in October completes the EX family of coaches for right-hand drive markets.

Van Hool Executives Erik Olijslagers, Bram Steenackers and Johan Moorgat visited Ireland during November to visit customers and to demonstrate the quality of the new 10.6 metre, 40-seater high liner passenger transport vehicle.

(The next edition of Fleet Bus & Coach will feature our test drive report if the EX 11).

Meanwhile Van Hool has become the first bus and coach manufacturer in the world to build a 100% battery electric double-deck coach: the TDX25E. This new zero-emission vehicle provides space for 69 passengers (18 on the lower deck and 51 on the upper deck) and has a range of up to 500 km, depending on the climatological conditions and the route’s topography. The TDX25E is destined for the USA market, where it will be used for employee commutes as well as regular passenger transport.

Exactly a year ago Van Hool shipped its first 100% battery electric coach, the FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

CX45E, to North America. With 22 units sold, the company is once again demonstrating its innovative capabilities based on its vast experience in electrical drive systems. Over the past few decades Van Hool has built more than 1,200 vehicles with an electrical drive system, including hydrogen, trolley, battery and hybrid powertrains. Both the CX45E and the brand new TDX25E use electrical components, including a Siemens power train and Proterra batteries.

“American customers reacted very enthusiastically to the driving experiences with our first battery electric coach, the CX45E. This prompted us to quickly set to work on developing a battery electric double-deck, which has a higher passenger capacity. Our experience with electrical drive systems in the past, and recently with the CX45E, really helped us with the rapid development and comprehensive testing of the newest Van Hool double-deck, the TDX25E,” explained Filip Van Hool, CEO at Van Hool.

“We’ve been producing double-deck coaches since 1982. Twenty-five years later, in 2007, we shipped the first double-decks to the US. And now, 15 years later, we are launching the first 100% battery electric double-deck coach on

the US market. This is a second home market for Van Hool, nowhere else in the world is the demand for our double-deck coaches higher than in the USA. Globally, Van Hool has sold more than 3,500 units in 19 different countries,” added Filip.

“The partnership between Van Hool and its distributor on the North American market, ABC Bus Companies, Inc. began 34 years ago. After all these years of hard work, together we have managed to put Van Hool on the map in North America.

Today there are more than 11,000 Van Hool coaches and buses on North American roads serving many customers, including a number of large Silicon Valley companies who organise shuttles for their employees. Due to demand from several customers for fully electrically driven vehicles, we at Van Hool looked for a solution,” he concluded.

NEWS II | 5

66 | LCV MARKETPLACE

Iveco Bus President Launches a new strategy for the Bus market

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passengers and residents alike. With around 8,000 Gas vehicles on the roads today across Europe, contributing to a cleaner transport sector, IVECO BUS is the undisputed leader of this market, accounting for one out of every three gas vehicles sold.

Iveco is a well-known and highly regarded bus producer in Ireland. Even though the Italian manufacturer has an extensive range of factory built integral buses and coaches, so far many models have not been offered in RHD (right hand drive) form. In Ireland, a number of importers and body builders have carried out their own coachworks on the Iveco Daily chassis and drivetrain, which have proved popular for operators.

At a trade press event in Milan at the beginning of November, newly appointed Brand Leader at Iveco Bus, Stephane Espinasse, outlined some of the company’s plans for the future Domenica Nucera, President of the Bus Business Unit, stated at the opening of the event: “We are moving towards a new business model: from selling a product to selling a service. The key to achieving this shift is a well-organised flow of information. Connectivity and digitalisation are today key.”

Stephane Espinasse added: “Sustainability is the main trend in the transportation industry and will remain so in the foreseeable future. The entry

into force of the clean vehicle directive and the Low Emission Zones issues in many cities mean that PTOs need affordable solutions, financially and environmentally. Today Iveco Bus has 8,000 natural gas vehicles in operations across Europe. The trend toward gas bus deployment in Europe remains strong.

In the first half of 2021, 10 percent of intercity buses sold in Europe were gas-powered. The share grows to 48 per cent in France. And what about e-mobility? In the portfolio there are the Crealis In-motion-charging and the E-Way range (marketed under Heuliez Bus brand in France).

We offer e-mobility solutions in 7 European countries, we produced 500 units and we have in 2021 a share of 12% in the European electric bus market.”

Natural gas is particularly attractive in terms of meeting environmental challenges: air quality, climate protection and reduced silence in operation. This alternative fuel source is 100% compatible with gas recovered from organic waste. Iveco Bus natural gas buses and minibuses help preserve natural resources as the fine particle level is almost zero and NOx is reduced by more than a third. This environmental benefit results in a reduction in greenhouse gases of up to 95% and noise levels are halved, providing exceptionally quiet operation for drivers,

The Daily range: Iveco Bus expertise extended to minibuses The Daily minibus is the perfect complement to the full size buses, making Iveco Bus unique among the full Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The Daily minibus Model Year 2022 offers more comfort and safety on board, with a focus on flexibility

as well as a substantial total cost of ownership reduction. A constant search for improvement makes this minibus the best in its category.

A unique engine line-up delivers performance and sustainability for every task. It is now available with diesel power ratings of 180 and 210 hp as well as a 136 hp Natural Gas version. This CNG version helps to preserve natural resources, as it is fully compatible with bio-methane.

The Daily minibus offers the choice of two transmissions, following the introduction of a new 6-speed manual gearbox alongside the highly acclaimed 8-speed Hi-Matic auto box.

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

6 | PROFILE 66 6 | LCV MARKETPLACE

Move from West to East proved best down the road for Bartons Transport

When John Barton decided to avail of the Government’s Land Commission scheme to move his family from Castlemaine in County Kerry to Kilcock, County Kildare, he could never have imagined that eighty years and three generations later, the decision would herald the start of one of Ireland’s largest and most successful coach operations.

Moving from the family farm in the 1960s, John opened a shop with petrol pumps attached in Maynooth.

Shortly afterwards, in 1963, his son Pat recognised the need for a public transport service in the area.

Pat bought his first Volkswagen minibus, which serviced the shop during the week, while at the weekends, it was repurposed into a hackney service vehicle by refitting the seats.

It was at this time that Pat Barton decided to concentrate on passenger transport exclusively. In 1967 he purchased his first coach, a Bedford 35-seater.

Key revenue streams were from the newly established school transport scheme and growing private hire bookings driven FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

by bingo runs and the popular weekend dance hall services.

In the mid-70s, to address the public transport service gap, PS Travel in conjunction with Bartons Transport developed a network of express service routes across the island.

Facing continuous resistance from Government to opening public transport routes to private companies resulting in an the anti-competitive environment, the partnership overcame these challenges by creating travel clubs. These enabled PS Travel and Bartons Transport to legally transport passengers every weekend to locations all over Ireland.

The demand grew exponentially over a short period and served to highlight the inadequacies of the public transport system. This was the beginning of the private operator entering the public transport service market.

In 1985, the company moved to a purpose-built site in Maynooth and continued to expand its services. After completing his college education, Pat’s

son Feargal joined the company in the early 90s.

With Feargal’s arrival, he identified new opportunities in the marketplace.

While school transport was, and remains a big part of Bartons Transport’s annual revenue, many new streams of income have been added over the last thirty years.

Barton’s continued to expand its services, with a specific emphasis on the growing corporate services market, which includes Cruise Liner services, corporate, incentive travel, and coach tourism.

A Progressive Operator Bartons Transport operates a fleet of 50 plus coaches, which uniquely positions the company to manage large movements of people. In addition to providing transport, it also offers logistical advice on managing complex transport requirements for clients. In 2019, Bartons Transport was responsible for managing transport services for the Google Global Conference which involved moving 5,000 passengers across a multitude of locations and various times.

PROFILE | 7

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additional comfort for clients and it also gives a driver confidence that they will never feel isolated if a problem arises.

According to Feargal Barton, it’s not just about moving people, it’s the experience. “Bartons Transport is about providing a safe, first-class comfortable travel experience. It is ensuring that our clients, from the moment they book our service, are confident that their expectations will be exceeded,” he said.

With nearly 60 years of transporting passengers the Barton name is synonymous with excellence. “Bartons Transport values its employees. Our drivers, mechanics, operational staff work together in delivering Barton’s Transport first class service.”

“Our drivers play a pivotal role in delivering this premium service. Driver retention is high, which comes down to the culture that has been built in the company. To ensure first class customer service, drivers engage in regular training to ensure that they understand the culture and service expectations we sell to our clients. Customer retention is important for any company, we are no different, so we work hard at achieving it,” continued Feargal.

Bartons Transport culture is built on respect and integrity and these values are very much evidence in the day-to-day engagement with clients.

Keeping a top quality fleet on the road Running an operation of 50 vehicles is not a simple task. Like all transport operations most of the activity takes place outside normal hours, for example, a customer could change a departure time, or a flight could be delayed.

Bartons Transport prepares for such events, and rather than seeing these types of issues as a nuisance, Bartons embrace them as part of the service required by clients. All bookings are managed using Coach Manager System, this is a specialised software programme designed for the passenger transport industry. A 24-hour help line is an

Bartons Transport has established a strong brand in the marketplace synonymous with excellence. “The presentation of our vehicles and our drivers represent our brand.

All coaches have a similar branding and drivers are uniformed which includes the Bartons Transport brand,” added Feargal.

Pat Barton is still involved on a day-to-day basis with the company and oversees the purchasing of the fleet.

Bartons Transport also plays a key role in the distribution of new and used coaches to Irish private coach operators, providing quality coaches and an excellent mechanical back up service.

Pat enjoys the sales aspect, with most of the company’s customers becoming repeat buyers.

When it comes to fleet choice, Bartons Transport is pragmatic about vehicle selections. In the early days it chose Bedfords and Fords with front mounted chassis.

In the 80s, the firm moved to DAF chassis, but by 2012 settled on BEULAS/MAN as the preferred option, although there are still a number of DAF based vehicles in the fleet. Some of the vehicles have wheelchair access. In the midi-coach segment, it currently operates the Noone Turas Iveco Daily vehicles, which are found to be an excellent product.

What does the future hold?

All bus and coach operators face the challenge of getting their operations back to where they were pre-Covid.

Feargal, a former Chairman and a current Executive member of The Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), praised the association for the work it has done to highlight the really difficult time that operators across Ireland have faced over the last 18 months. Through these efforts, funding was secured through the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and supplemented with the EWSS scheme, which proved critical to the survival of many operators in the industry.

Without doubt there are difficult times ahead for the industry in general.

Rising fuel and operational costs are a serious concern and a shortage of drivers are just some of the key challenges that operators will have to overcome.

Feargal hopes that operators have had time to reflect over the last 18

months and value their companies’ expertise and investment into their businesses. “For too long operators have undervalued their services. It is essential operators accurately value their time which often includes providing a 24/7 backup service, along with operational and asset costs.”

There are many opportunities coming down the road with the return of tourism in 2022 and extra Local Link/ Public Services up for tender. However, to build a sustainable business, that meets all safety requirement, and adheres to ongoing environmental legislative requirements, operators need to employ accurate costing modules to ensure return on investment.

Bartons Transport is looking forward to the challenge of getting its business back to some kind of normality in 2022, Feargal and Pat certainly do not underestimate the difficult road that lies ahead, but after nearly 60 years in the business and having faced many challenging times in the past, no one would doubt that Bartons will be around for many years to come.

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

8 | OBITUARY

Pierce Kavanagh Snr (RIP) Like many Coach Operators, Pierce Kavanagh started from a truck background. From the passenger seat of his father’s truck, the young Pierce, starting off as a helper, learned his trade and developed a hunger for the road and for travel. It was a different time in the late 1940’s, with very little of the creature comforts standard in trucks and buses now.

By the early 1950’s his dad, Jack, had encouraged Pierce and his brothers, John and Dickie, over to the driver’s seat. A seat he fitted into very easily and a place he enjoyed.

In early 1963 Pierce expanded his horizons, bought a crashed bus, repaired it and put it back into service. Here was the start of a love affair with passenger transport that engulfed his life. Before long, all the trucks had been sold and it would be passenger transport all the way from here on.

Pierce loved people, a characteristic that meant that service and customer satisfaction came naturally to him. In those days foreign travel by coach from Ireland was in its infancy, while flying was limited only to the well-off. Pierce was one of the pioneers of international

bus travel. In 1969 he and his drivers took a group of Scouts from Dublin to Vienna with two Duple Viceroys; this was to be the start of a new era in continental travel by bus from Ireland.

Many memorable trips followed: Russia, Romania, Poland and Hungary were as regular a destination as Knock or Dublin.

Back at home, Pierce always enjoyed the energy he got from being around the family filling station, meeting and chatting to people. He opened at 4.30am every morning and had a steady stream of trucks passing through, drivers whose friendship he valued more so than their custom. Pierce was a humble man, always looking for simple solutions to complicated problems. If anyone enquired as to how he was, he would generally tell them he “hadn’t gotten around to asking himself that today yet”. One operator told me recently that he went to Urlingford to buy a bus.

Unfortunately there were two buses he took a fancy to and the man could not decide. Pierce offered a simple solution,

“Call back in a day or two, I will have one sold, then you can buy the other one” That focused his attention.

From the early 2000’s, Pierce had taken a step back from the day to day running of Pierce Kavanagh Coaches, but as Pierce Jnr said, “he was always there” Pierce liked nothing better than to indulge in stories of overheating trucks, broken springs and near impossible deadlines …. those days are long gone now at Pierce Kavanagh Coaches. Run now by his family, Pierce Jnr and John, Pierce Kavanagh Coaches is still a pioneering and adventurous company, never afraid to push the boundaries of business and service. Today they remain one of the most progressive operators around, an ethos built on simple but strong foundations laid by their late father, Pierce Kavanagh (RIP). SM

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OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS NEWS V | 9 9

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Volvo Buses introduces New Volvo 9700 PSVAR into the Irish Market Contact: Diarmaid Thompson Tel: +44 7704 536248 Email: diarmaid.thompson@volvo.com Volvo Bus and Coach Sales Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Bus. Park, Coventry CV3 4PE www.volvobuses.co.uk www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

10 | REPORT

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Test Drive Report

New VOLVO B11R 9700 PSVAR

One of the first bus and coach manufacturers venturing out to display new vehicles and meet customers after the worst of the Covid disruption and lockdowns was Volvo Buses. According to Diarmaid Thompson, Volvo Buses’ Irish based Sales Manager (Volvo UK & Ireland), the late Summer was the right time to call to see customers, particularly with something new to show, such as the Volvo B11R 9700 PSVAR. With a totally new design, featuring styling similar to the award-winning 9900, and coming with a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty of up to 600,000 km, Volvo Buses has a winner here.

Fleet Bus & Coach took the opportunity to drive the new coach during the brand’s Road Show around Ireland. On a bright warm and sunny

FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

morning, the new coach was taken from Dennison’s Volvo Dealership in Ballyclare to Irish Commercials at Santry in Dublin.

Driving a Volvo brings some expectations, the base line in terms of drivability, comfort and design always being high.

In the first few miles it was looking like previous expectations would be easily exceeded.

Leaving Ballyclare, despite the first part of the journey taking place on a narrow roads, the coach enabled the driver to easily have everything under safe control. From the driver’s seat there is a lot of familiarity here from the brand’s other products, from the market leading I-Shift transmission to the dynamic steering, plus the new design and layout of the drivers’ area.

Two secure lockers positioned overhead and within easy reach provide practical storage space for the driver.

A nice feature of the driver’s seat is the ‘revolving’ function, for convenient exiting, or for the driver to re-position when greeting passengers as they enter and exit the coach. The fully adjustable steering wheel is available in two sizes, 450mm or 500mm. Two large mirrors are complemented by a lower mirror on the driver’s side, and the overall vision is good, thanks

to the well designed narrow A pillars which reduce blind spots, while the windscreen is angled and swept back a little. On the test vehicle there was also a ‘péage’ toll booth paying window.

One distinguishing feature of all Volvo

coaches is the way the engine and transmission are matched. The new 9700 is no different, providing seamless automated gear changes with none of the heavy thump that sometimes occurs with other coaches. The positioning of the auxiliary brake makes it easy to use and while some drivers are not as enthusiastic as others about using it, it’s best to leave it in the first position which gives some retardation when decelerating. Again, this is a method that some drivers favour, and is made easy with the Volvo 9700.

Fitted with the Volvo D11K 10.8-litre (430hp) with I-Shift and an integrated retarder, other options in engine displacement are available. This 430hp engine can also run on bio-diesel. In the engine bay there is a fire suppression system fitted. Access to the engine area is good and some additional panels can be removed easily to improve the speed

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and ease of more involved servicing and repair. Volvo Buses claims that diesel consumption from this driveline has been reduced by 4%, which is primarily down to the new design.

For the driver routine toilet maintenance is simple when this type of service needs to be done on the road.

Luggage space underfloor varies from

9.7 to 11.4 cu.m, depending on the specification such as the toilet fitting or wheelchair lift.

At 13.1m in length and with a 6.7m wheelbase, the seating layout can accommodate from 47 to 55 seats, depending on the seat type selected, toilet fittings and provision of wheelchair space. From a passenger’s point of view it is easy to move around the coach, with plenty of handles around the wide entrance area which speeds up passenger entry and egress. Recline angle on the seats varies from 10 to 25 degrees. Volvo designs and builds its own high quality seats, with various trim levels, depending on the type of service in operation. Luggage space in the overhead racks is measured at 2 cu.m

and is easy to access for passengers.

Supplied as an integrated Volvo product, all dealers are able to supply and service both body and chassis parts.

Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) PSVAR is a core consideration for all bus and coach manufacturers and operators.

While legal requirements have not been issued here yet, wheelchair accessibility legislation is coming. Volvo Buses already has a fleet of 9700s with this specification in stock, with more becoming available for delivery in the Irish market during 2022.

As a further commitment to the Irish market and the bus and coach industry in general, new Volvo coaches will be located at strategic locations throughout Ireland from the beginning of 2022. All coaches currently in stock are fully PSVAR compliant while some are pre-prepared to have the lifting equipment fitted later. In general, all that is outstanding is the lift and the destination display equipment, which can be fitted in due course.

Scope for accessibility is part of the specification for UK & Ireland destined 9700s, with other options available that are built to order.

Manually operated parallel-lift luggage locker doors are also part of the standard specification, although they can be powered on custom-built 9700s.

The underfloor area gives 8.65m3 of storage. Operating the lift equipment is simple and requires limited instruction to allow drivers operate the system confidently.

Diarmaid Thompson In Ireland, Volvo Buses is represented

by Diarmaid Thompson. Having being in the automotive business most of his working life, he has been with Volvo Buses for over three years. Diarmaid was pleased with the overall response and reaction to the new 9700 during the Road Show. “Customers, while possibly not just ready to order new equipment, are showing a lot of enthusiasm for the early recovery of the sector,” he said.

“Volvo Buses is very strong brand in Ireland, highly respected and trusted, with reliable and proven products and a strong dealer network. In spite of reduced business activity during Covid, the Volvo Buses dealers and service agents were always available, for maintenance, repairs or advice.”

“We are very proud of the 9700 and having met customers and some potential customers we are now confident that this coach will be a popular choice,” he added.

Volvo Buses UK & Ireland will have coaches available from stock during December in order to be ready when the demand returns. Diarmaid concluded by saying: “Our bumper to bumper warranty package (up to 600,000km) is something that got everybody’s attention during the road trip around the country. As one operator said: ‘I will only have to insure it, put diesel and tyres on it, and pay the driver’. Got it in one!”

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

10 | REPORT

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VOLVO B11R 9700 PSVAR Roadshow 30th September – 13th October 2021

FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

REPORT | 11

VOLVO B11R 9700 PSVAR Roadshow

13

30th September – 13th October 2021

www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

14 | LAUNCH PAD

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Last September, Volvo Buses launched its new electric bus range worldwide.

Then last month Irish customers were provided with the opportunity to view the new vehicles for the first time at the ‘Go Electric with Volvo’ event at the Volvo Bus & Coach Sales Centre, in Coventry. Fleet Bus & Coach was also present for the launch.

Introducing the new models, Nick Page, Managing Director of Volvo Bus & Coach, said: “This is an important milestone in Volvo’s electromobility. As my journey with Volvo draws to a close, the new Volvo BZL electric will prove to be the route forward for operators on their journey to net zero.”

Volvo Buses introduced an electric bus in the UK in 2018, and currently there are over 2,500 diesel-electric hybrid buses in Ireland and the UK. This was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Volvo’s commitment to climate change. Nick Page stated that Volvo Buses is fully signed up to the Paris Agreement with a commitment is to be

Volvo Buses is expanding its electromobility offerings worldwide with BZL range

net carbon zero by 2050, and that the likelihood is that they will have reached that point by 2040.

Care of the environment is one of the Volvo Group’s core values.

All activities of the Group reflect this, from supplier selection and manufacturing, to the design of buildings in which these activities take place. Volvo Buses UK & Ireland Sales director, Phil Owen added that the Group has 45 million kilometres of road covered with electric buses worldwide and the new BZL range consists of recyclable components and

energy efficient components.

Commenting on the Irish aspect at the event, Volvo Buses’ Sales Manager for Ireland Diarmaid Thompson said: “The Irish market is aware of our new range and there is plenty of interest. Our dealer network is well prepared and the geographical spread we have is very reassuring for our customers.”

Available as a double-decker and single decker, the BZL electric range,

combined with the technical and dealer back up, will allow Volvo Buses continue to be a strong player in the Irish market place.

Sustainability, Safety and Reliability With the launch of the new Volvo BZL Electric chassis, Volvo Buses provides a solid platform for sustainable and efficient public transport in cities around the world, along with reliable and profitable operations for customers.

“We are committed to leading the transformation of our industry towards a more sustainable future. With the launch of the new Volvo BZL Electric, our ambition is to offer the world’s most responsible electric bus systems. We do it

FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

LAUNCH REPORT PAD | 15 11

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by focusing on sustainability, safety and reliability,” explained Anna Westerberg, President of Volvo Buses at the global launch.

The global demand for electromobility solutions in the public transport sector is rising and Volvo Buses expects a rapid increase in the coming years. “With the new Volvo BZL Electric we offer a global platform for clean, silent, and energy-efficient public transport to meet the rising demand on important markets that are ready for the shift to electromobility,” she added.

Environmental care is at the heart of Volvo and sustainability - less noise, lower emissions, and reduced CO2 is essential. Volvo Buses have a wider scope than just that.

“We have a lifecycle perspective and take responsibility for the environmental impact of our products, from the cradle to the grave. This means we ensure that materials, manufacturing, operation and recycling meet the highest environmental standards,” said Anna.

At Volvo Buses, circularity is important, and the new Volvo BZL Electric has been developed to be over 90 percent recyclable.

Volvo reliability, efficiency and safety Volvo Buses has years of experience

of electromobility solutions from working closely together with operators all over the world. The new Volvo BZL Electric is designed for both single and double decker applications with multiple options for bodybuilders.

“The new Volvo BZL Electric is based on proven and successful technologies already implemented in Europe. All the chassis and driveline components have been developed and manufactured

by Volvo. To safeguard the premium qualities of our buses we partner up with selected bodybuilders around the world,” emphasised Dan Pettersson, Head of International at Volvo Buses.

An electric bus is always part of a system. Route length, frequency, capacity, charging and local regulations all translate into different solutions. “Through experience, we know that we need to work closely together with our customers and partners to be able to tailor electromobility solutions to each individual city.

And through our worldwide service network and dedicated service teams, we can ensure the reliability and efficiency of our products and services even in the long-term perspective. It’s all about delivering zero unplanned downtime,” added Dan. Safety is a guiding star at Volvo, and the new Volvo BZL Electric meets the highest European standards for superior drivability and safe operation. It includes Volvo Buses’ latest connected technology offer, Volvo Connect.

With features such as Volvo’s Zone

Management, the operator can create safety zones where the maximum speed is limited, for example outside a school or in a bus depot.

A first-class driving experience and charging flexibility The Volvo BZL Electric features a driveline developed entirely by Volvo.

The 200 kW electric motor is coupled to a two-stage automated gearbox. This increases wheel torque at low speed and evens out current peaks, thus reducing energy consumption and sustaining motor and battery health. The driveline can be configured as a single or dual motor unit with a power output of no less than 540 hp. This makes the Volvo BZL Electric an untiring hill climber and allows for swift and smooth operation.

The Volvo BZL Electric is designed for charging flexibility using hardware interfaces for both OppCharge

high-power charging on route as well as CCS charging in the depot. Volvo Buses also offers a usable energy commitment, which means a guaranteed capacity for an agreed amount of energy for the operation – thus eliminating any customer worries about batteries.

Facts: Volvo BZL Electric Length (mm): i. Single deck – 9.7m to 12.1m ii. Double deck – 10.3m to 10.9m Driveline: Electric motor, max output one/two motors: 200/400 kW (single decker), 200 kW (double decker).

Gearbox: 2-speed automated manual transmission.

Charging: OppCharge, max charge power: 300 kW. Combo2/CCS, max charge power 150 kW. Energy storage capacity: up to 470 kWh Text: Jarlath Sweeney/Sean Murtagh www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

VOLVO B11R 9700 The Coach with Winning Pedigree!

Volvo Bus and Coach Sales Centre

Coleraine

Committed to our long term partnership with the Irish market, supported by Volvo’s comprehensive dealer network...

Volvo D11K Euro VI engine • I-Shift fully automated 12 speed transmission • 53/55 Volvo coach line seats for superior ergonomics • Bosch audio visual system Centre de-mountable toilet • Driver support system Alcoa Dura-Bright Alloy wheels • Length 13.1m Climate control with driver and passenger zones Destination equipment • Wheelchair lift Rear view camera system

Contact your Regional Account Manager Diarmaid Thompson: 0044 7704 536248 Volvo Bus and Coach Sales Centre Siskin Parkway East Middlemarch Business Park Coventry CV3 4PE

Ballyclare Dungannon Newry Monaghan

Galway

Santry Naas

Kilkenny Limerick

Cork

GROUP TEST | 17

17

German, Dutch and Swedish models vie for International Coach of the Year title

Although Covid-19 was still prevalent in early Autumn, the staging of Coach Euro Test 2021 (CET) in Slovenia was never really in doubt. Last year, a similar group test event was due to be held in Limerick, hosted by Fleet Bus & Coach, but unfortunately the International Bus & Coach Jury had to cancel the Bus Euro Test 2020, due to the global pandemic. This year, even with the cloud of Covid 19 overhead, eighteen of

the twenty-two jury members from all around Europe made their way to Bled, Slovenia for the event. Four manufacturers were represented, Volvo Buses, Setra, Neoplan and VDL Bus & Coach.

On this occasion, two new sponsors, Goodyear and DKV came on board to join regular main supporters, Busworld and ZF. Tourism and Coach Operators were among the worst effected by Covid-19, and nobody can yet be sure what the long term consequences of the global crisis will be. Initially most people have been concerned about their health and that of their loved ones, but as we ease out of the crisis, business people, especially bus and coach operators are now looking at how their companies can be brought out of their slumber, back to life and profitability. From a manufacturer’s point of view they will need to be ready for what trends will emerge. Most coaches will have had a year off the road at least. Will this lead to a slow down in sales for the coming future? Who knows. At the CET, four manufacturers put their best foot forward, two with double-decker models, namely the VDL Futura FDD2 and Volvo with its 9700 DD. The other two were high-floor tourist buses: the Neoplan Cityliner C and compact Setra S 511 HD.

www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

18 TESTLCV BUYERS’ GUIDE 2021 818| | PSA passenger comfort and the driver’s area, while additional hi-tech safety systems has been developed. In fact, this new edition coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the original version.

The powertrain is impressive, as the 12-litre diesel engine is combined with the ZF EcoLife2 automatic transmission with torque converter, which provides excellent responsiveness and comfort for the driver and passengers. Despite having only six gears, it is ideal for touring, even on more challenging steeper roads and equally in city traffic. Interestingly, it was the second quietest of all entrants, and its low fuel consumption was also noteworthy.

For the passengers there are spacious luggage racks, and the test bus also had a large kitchen with a coffee machine, microwave, storage drawers and an additional refrigerator. For the driver, the well known Neoplan cockpit has been improved.

The addition of digital camera mirrors is a feature that some drivers are slow to embrace; my own view is they are welcome enhancements. Another positive note and an example that manufacturers are listening to feedback: some comments were made in the past about the lack of a front facing mirror. Well, this Neoplan is now fitted with just such a front facing mirror. The latest Cityliner is a far cry from the bus it was fifty years ago, but the foundations of the new variant have been built on a proud heritage, and no doubt will continue to evolve and improve.

Setra S 511 HD

Neoplan Cityliner C

The Neoplan Cityliner is steeped in heritage and tradition.

Originally it was created as a coach to tour Berlin. Its background is interesting – it was designed to allow tourists see over the Berlin Wall, and its reputation is such that it is often described as a legend, as the Porsche of the bus industry. In all, 8,500 units have been manufactured. The most recent Cityliner generation has been on the market for 15 years, however the new model has retained the original identity in terms of drivetrain,

FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

TEST | 19

19

The tourist transport segment has seen some changes in recent years. Noticeably the size of groups coming to Ireland on extended tours has decreased and the legacy of Covid-19 is that people may prefer to travel in smaller groups. This Setra S 511 HD is therefore the ideal choice, as it offers all the comforts of a classic high-floor tourist bus.

The S 511 HD was the only one presented with traditional mirrors, but hasten to add, they offer good visibility. And remember, Setra, through Daimler AG ownership, is a leader in developing safety and assistance systems.

As expected highly comfortable seats are fitted with excellent visibility, as are quality fittings for the passengers.

Depending on the operator it can be specified with 32 to 41 seats.

Powered with the Mercedes-Benz 10.7-litre OM470 Euro6 engine with 470hp and mated to the PowerShift GO 250-auto box, the Setra S 511 HD felt sluggish at times when on the move.

A slight electronic adjustment is needed as the match between the engine and gearbox was not what is expected from a Setra.

A digital camera mirror system is coming very soon, and this will be an important step, as almost all other manufacturers have made this latest technology available.

VDL & Volvo come with Double Deckers A revival in the Double Decker market is underway with the change in the legal framework surrounding intercity travel in Europe by bus, giving fresh impetus to manufacturers seeking to gain additional market share. On the downside, COVID-19 has presented new challenges as some commuters and long distance travellers may continue to be nervous about being in close proximity to others.

Manufacturers will be the first to say that building a Double Decker is always going to involve some compromises, yet these two entrants, VDL and Volvo have demonstrated their ability to manage these compromises very well.

VDL Futura FDD2

VDL’s Double Decker is no stranger to Irish operators or passengers. A variant of the bus on this group test is operated

by Bus Éireann on some of its commuter routes into Dublin. This year, the manufacturer arrived with a really upgraded version with an updated powertrain and cameras installed instead of

rear-view mirrors. The PACCAR DAF 11-litre MX engine is well matched to the ZF TraXon automated transmission, so the driving characteristics are surprisingly good. On the road, we found that there is always enough power on tap. When it comes to operating costs, VDL is the champion. Low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs from the Dutch brand continues to please operators. Incidentally it has a 900-litre fuel tank capacity.

Due to aerodynamic tweaks and other developments such as the removal of conventional mirrors, the overall fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 3 percent.

The bright interior of the bus and the well designed and engineered division of the height between the upper deck www.fleetbusandcoach.ie

20 TESTLCV BUYERS’ GUIDE 2021 820| | PSA a practical example of this is when approaching traffic lights. The Futura FDD2 can also be run on HVO alternative fuel and service intervals have been pushed out to 100,000 to 150,000kms, depending on the application.

VDL Bus & Coach is confident about its new bus and recent reports and reaction reveals that it is more fuel efficient and offers more headroom on both decks. Also of significance is the fitting of an elaborate filtration air system, which should give passengers, post-Covid-19, more confidence while commuting.

Volvo Buses’ 9700 DD

and the lower deck improves the comfort for passengers as well. At 14.1m in length, the Futura FDD2 has capacity of 74 + 2 passengers. There is 9.3 cu.m of luggage space is available, and despite the height restrictions, there is reasonable space for luggage overhead. There are three options for the centre door and the entrances, both the front and centre doors have grab handles, allowing passengers to enter and exit safely. Five wheelchairs can be accommodated, although this will be at the expense of some seats.

One of the best features of the bus from the driver’s point of view is the sloping roof on the upper deck. This additional vision provides an important extra dimension to the driver’s view, and

FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

As the Volvo Buses team proudly announced when introducing their new bus: “Our bus is influenced by Swedish Heritage”. Volvo offers its double-decker with two external heights - in addition to the standard four-metre bus, there is also a 4.2-metre bus for countries with higher vehicle heights, to which is added the largest selection of lengths for a double-decker bus, which is unique. Coming with five lengths, ranging from 13 to 14.8 metres, the rear section always features the same dimensions, which means that the volume of the luggage compartment is similar, regardless of the total length of the bus.

The Volvo 9700 DD can accommodate up to 96 passengers and is available in commuter or tourist spec. There is no doubt that from its design elements it is a Volvo Bus, as the family’s distinctive design features are all there. Clever design lines on the side panels somehow camouflage its overall height. Entering and exiting the bus is easy although the steps seem a little high.

The bus at the test was dark inside, but this was down to the specification and could be brightened up with different interior options. Traveling inside the Volvo is almost totally silent and certainly delivers a comfortable journey.

The powertrain consists of the Volvo Group’s tried and tested and highly acclaimed I-Shift 12-speed automated transmission, while the engine, similar in capacity to the VDL, is 11-litre and offers 460 horsepower. In my opinion, there is no transmission to match the Volvo I-Shift. It also can run on HVO or bio-diesel. The Volvo Group incorporates many safety features across its range of trucks and buses, one noteworthy feature is the geo-fencing option. This allows an operator to isolate a particular geographical area, (near a school) and automatically limits the bus to a pre-arranged speed while in that area.

The driver’s seat is well positioned and swivels to allow easy access and exit. Two options are available with the size of the steering wheel and while the driving area may be a little cramped for taller drivers, the aforementioned swivel seat more than reduces any difficulties experienced.

With the 9700 DD, Volvo Buses has created another quality product for the Double Decker market and will get more than its fair share of the market place in due course.

Bus Euro Test 2022 Venue: Limerick – May 2022 Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie / Photos: ICOY/CET

Our warmest season’s greetings to all our customers and business partners.

22 | CONDUCTORS’ STAND

22

Getting People on the Bus In recent times the Government has been putting much emphasis on getting people to use the bus and public transport in general. Of course, this is part of the bigger plan to decarbonise the nation. Everybody in the country is ready to assist here and do their part, both as companies and as private individuals. Certainly, the move by the Transport Minister to issue public transport tickets to young adults at a discounted rate is very clever and will hopefully encourage them to park their cars. Possibly, this move will even reduce their dependency on cars to a point where they may not feel the need to buy one. Although, we have a bit to go there. In the light of these issues two question were put to Department of Transport officials recently.

Q1. Has the Department seen any difference of operational usage of buses with diesel emission levels between Euro 1 to Euro 6 engines and would it be policy to phase out diesel engines based on these classifications, rather than trying to do it all at once?

Since July 2019, Ireland no longer buys diesel-only urban public buses. To help inform non-diesel bus purchasing decisions, a Low Emission Bus Trial was established to examine the suitability of a range of low emission fuels and technologies along bus routes in Dublin and in Cork. As part of this trial, electric, hydrogen, hybrid and gas buses were assessed alongside two Euro 6 diesel buses (single and double deck) which acted as baseline comparators for the alternative technologies.

In addition, two diesel buses (Euro 6 & 5) were retrofitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, which is primarily reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), to determine any potential benefit of retrofitting older stock.

The findings of Phase 1 of the Trial have been published and can be found at www.fleetbusandcoach.ie, with the initial results suggesting that electric buses are the most energy efficient (on a final energy basis) followed by hybrid and diesel buses, while compressed natural gas buses are the least efficient.

Based on these results, the NTA

FLEETBUS&COACH | WINTER 2021

initially purchased nine hybrid-electric buses (of three different types) for piloting in the Dublin Bus fleet and these buses entered service in 2019.

During 2020, a total of 280 additional diesel-electric hybrid buses were ordered and in 2021, a framework for fully electric buses was established. These new buses generally replace vehicles with the oldest Euro standards in the national fleet, therefore improving both CO2 and air pollutant emissions.

Over recent months, trials on single and double deck hydrogen buses have also taken place. It is expected that the results of these trials will be published by year end.

Q2. Part of Government policy is to transfer as many people from their cars as possible to mass public transport.

One of the problems this creates for coach drivers is parking at venues. So, for example, on the days of big matches and concerts there are two issues - one a difficulty in finding drop off points close to venues and then parking close by for the coach during the event, bearing in mind that a 30 minute drive to parking can reduce the productivity for drivers in terms of tachograph time by 10% for that day. Is it something to consider that planning permission for such venues and events would only be granted if adequate coach parking was available?

The reply for question two stated that it was outside the Department’s remit.

The answer to question one is encouraging and there are signs that the national bus fleet

will be replaced by cleaner standards of engine. While there is a reluctance in Government to distinguish between various diesel engines, it is good to see not everybody is bound to that script.

Even though the Department officials said the question of parking facilities is outside their remit, it surely should be part of a Transport Minister’s thinking to encourage more use of public transport and bus use in general, particularly given that he is a Green Party Leader.

Ireland’s current Climate Action Plan will likely span over three or four Governments. While it is unlikely that there will be a Green Party Minister in charge all of the time, he or she will nonetheless be obliged to keep up the policies that will decarbonise the economy. It will be difficult, but there is some low hanging fruit that will not massively impact and may offer encouragement to citizens to keep up the transition.

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie

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