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As has been the case at all of the trade shows held this year, the emphasis at the Euro Bus & Coach Show 2022 was on alternative energy and reducing carbon footprints, with manufacturers highlighting their developments in these areas via the new vehicles showcased. If operators are still by and large sceptical about the implementation of new policies, they are equally willing to be part of the changes needed.

Newly appointed British Government Transport Secretary Richard Holden opened the exhibition and praised the passenger transport sectors, saying that the pandemic brought out the best in the industry. He acknowledged the role the Government would have to play in decarbonising the environment, promising significant financial assistance.

From an Irish point of view there was plenty to see, with many Irish companies making significant in-roads in the UK market, in spite of Brexit and all the challenges it has presented. Fleet Bus & Coach was there to take in the happenings.

Noones is set deliver its 100th DAF/ PACCAR powered (33-seater) bus to Slevins of Mullingar at the beginning of the new year. Also, on stand was its PSVAR approved DAF Turas.

One notable feature of this bus is that the cassette for the wheelchair lift is over the rear axle. This gives two advantages, firstly it does not take space from the luggage area, and secondly, with the body raised slightly, it gives some extra space in the luggage area.

EVM With an impressive display of eight buses, taking centre stage was a low floor Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Electric City-Line supplied to SKY TV. Recently appointed as agent for Isuzu in the UK, the Anglo-Irish company had a Grand Toro and Visigo on display. EVM has just completed its move to new premises in Southwater.

Limerick based software company Tranzaura is making big in-roads in the UK marketplace. Its specially focused software has been developed with some of the most forward-thinking fleet operators and providing benefits in areas such as unplanned maintenance. Tranzaura has 55% of the ‘Red Bus’ commuter market in London and 22% of the UK market overall.

Pelican Bus & Coach displayed the only full electric coach available in the UK, the TCe12. Also featured was the GT12 standard coach powered by a DAF/ PACCAR diesel engine, with 53 seats and a toilet. During the event, an E12 electric Citybus was handed over to Carmarthenshire County Council, one from an order of 8 vehicles.

Scania displayed an electric chassis that will be available to coach builders in 2024. Also on stand was the new Salian powered Irizar i6, configured with three axles, providing 59 seats and a toilet. This is built on a Scania K410c chassis.

Spanish bodybuilder Irizar presented an electric tram which will soon go into service in London. It has the appearance of a train, but the flexibility of a city-bus. Also demonstrated was its new i6 Coach coming with improved fuel consumption and emissions, which is 950kg lighter than before.

Alexander Dennis Ltd., (ADL) presented a preview of the next series of electric buses that will be launched in 2023. Under the bright lights was an Enviro200ev single deck, one of 24 coming to Ireland that are set for delivery early next year. years, through seven generations. The Glasgow headquartered company has designed a fabric for bus, rail and aircraft seats that reduces bacteria by up to 99%.

Another Irish company making major progress into the UK market is Cityswift. By taking data from operators and doing some analysis it returns valuable information that will deliver substantial savings. A combination of GPS, ticketing and scheduling data is used to reduce journey times and increase overall reliability.

Celebrating 50 years in the market, Volvo Bus, based in nearby Coventry, displayed the new 9700 13-litre coach, which offers up to 9% fuel savings compared to before. Also highlighted was the Volvo BZL single deck electric bus. impressive display of vehicles, Harris Bus & Coach had a new Higer Steed on stand. It is one of five that will be delivered to “Airport Flyer” when in operation. These new buses will serve Dublin city centre from the airport and are estimated to save 220 tonnes of carbon annually. Also on display was a Crusader low floor midi-coach.

Based in South Wales and manufactured in Turkey, IIesbus exhibited a 35-seater Iveco low floor midi-bus. Other models are available on Mercedes-Benz chassis with different seating options and which are PSVAR compliant.

Having just completed some re-structuring in the UK, Vanhool premiered three high spec coaches including a TDX21 Altano coach with VIP spec. This year the Belgian company celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie Photos: Sean Murtagh & ASC Photography

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J.F.Dunne Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. J.F.Dunne Insurances Ltd is part of the J.F.Dunne Group. The J.F.Dunne Insurances Bus Programme is offered on a limited analysis of the market basis and is underwritten by AIG Europe S.A.

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