Bus and Coach Professional - May 2020

May 2020

Issue 414

driving towards a greener future

ADL seeks backing for 10,000-bus plan

24/7 Service: That’s a promise.

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Editorial Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com

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Delivering the news to your screens THE Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact across the bus and coach sector. For this issue of Bus and Coach Professional, we have moved to a fully digital platform. We were determined to produce a magazine, reinforced by a wealth of positive stories from bus and coach operators and suppliers about how they are reacting to the crisis, and how they are planning for the sector’s recovery as the lockdown measures are eased, albeit at a very slow and steady pace.

There have been inevitable casualties already in terms of businesses and jobs lost, but equally, I sense a determination across this industry to use all available means, including the welcome support from the government which is benefiting many but not all companies, to ensure that there is a healthy future beyond Covid-19.

The timescales are deeply uncertain, but it is undeniable that people will want to travel again, both on local buses, in private hire groups and on coach holidays. Of course, safety, and people’s perception of safety is paramount and it is likely to be ‘baby steps’ towards a ‘new normal’.

There is still more that the government and other agencies could and should be doing however. Bus operators will need continuing support while passenger numbers are suppressed by social distancing measures; coach tour operators need urgent assistance with handling the twin challenges of huge demands for customer refunds and inability to operate tours anytime soon, and manufacturers need assurance that capital investment plans will not be shelved and real opportunities to build a low carbon bus future are not lost in the wake of the crisis.

The bus and coach sector’s greatest strength of course, and the reason it will survive this crisis, is the dedication and ingenuity of its people, at all levels, from drivers on the front line, to operating teams and the evercreative suppliers.

Finally, we are very grateful to those advertisers who have supported us through this very challenging time, and in particular those who have backed our digital publishing initiative for Bus and Coach Professional.

@busandcoach_com Follow

May 2020

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contents comment 5-17 news TfL increases services but continues to urge passengers only to travel if no other option.

20-22 analysis ADL’s Colin Robertson explains the thinking behind his 10,000-bus investment plan put to government.

23-33 green Largest order for electric airport buses for Yutong.

34-36 international Marcopolo Next launches new Fog in Place system.

37 people Peter Henry retires from Stagecoach in South Wales.

38-44 product New Covid-19 products from Irizar, including air purifier and protective screens for drivers and passengers.

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May 2020

news

TfL increases services but urges use of buses and trains only if no other option

FROM Monday 18 May, Transport for London increased public transport service levels to make journeys as safe as possible for people who have no alternative other than to use public transport as national restrictions on movement are carefully and gradually lifted.

The advice from the government and the mayor is that Londoners should continue to work from home if they can do so.

People who cannot work from home are asked to walk or cycle if they can, using the existing and extensive new cycling lanes and widened pavements. Londoners are still being told to avoid public transport wherever possible.

For those who have no choice but to use public transport, TfL is asking them to wear face coverings May 2020

and avoid the busiest times and locations. TfL says it is now operating 85 per cent of bus services as well as 75 per cent of Tube services and 95 per cent of trams services.

Bus passengers are asked to observe social distancing at stops and bus stations wherever possible, to board buses through the middle doors and to allow other passengers to get on and off while maintaining social distancing. Bus passengers are also asked to make use of all available space, including the upper deck. If buses are very busy, customers are asked to wait for the next bus.

Tf L has deployed additional staff, including Compliance Policing and On-Street Officers, across the network and at bus stations to help with social distancing. Hun-

dreds of officers from the British Transport Police are also out across the transport network keeping customers and staff safe.

Tf L has been engaging with businesses across the capital to make sure their employees are encouraged to work from home where possible and to walk and cycle if they do have to come to the workplace. Businesses are also being asked to stagger start and finish times, so that employees can avoid the busiest times if possible.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says: “I must urge all Londoners to only use public transport as a last resort and to walk or cycle for any essential journeys if you possibly can. You should continue to work from home if you are able to do so.� www.tfl.gov.uk

 

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news

New measures to make West Yorkshire public transport network safer WEST Yorkshire is implementing new measures to support the public transport network as more people start to travel.

Planned changes to bus stations and interchanges include removing some seating to help accommodate passengers while maintaining social distancing, cleaning of contact points and additional signage asking people to ‘Stay Apart. Stay Safe. Save Lives’.

Passengers are being asked to consider whether their journey is necessary and consider the time of day they travel and those who do need to travel are being asked to pay by contactless and wear a face covering where possible, wash their hands before and

after their journey and maintain social-distancing.

“We are working with our partner councils, operators and others to make sure the transport network is as safe and resilient as possible and we are asking people to help us by considering how and when they travel to ensure capacity is there for those who need it,” says Kim Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee.

“There is no hiding the fact that as the number of people travelling increases in the coming days that will pose significant challenges to the transport network.

“We know that for people in many of our communities public

Kim Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee.

transport is the only way they can get to and from work.”

www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk

NAT Group preparing to increase services when Welsh lockdown eased SOUTH Wales operator NAT Group is gearing up for an increase in passenger numbers as lockdown measures are reduced and people begin to return to work.

The company, which has depots across the region and operates more than 150 vehicles, says it is adapting to current safety measures, having been running reduced services since the ‘Stay at Home’ message was first announced in March, as well as free travel for key workers and a contactless payment system. It is currently carrying around 9 per cent of the passengers it would normally carry, although there has been a slight increase starting around two weeks ago.

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NAT is also switching its entire operation to just domestic operations and is voluntarily amending its operating licence to a standard national one and now focusing on UK private hire and bus operations.

Limited seats are available on each NAT bus journeys to ensure passengers can socially distance and is considering a number of further measures including increased signage and physical seat restrictions.

In addition to temporary protective driver screens, NAT says it is now considering specifying adjustable protective screens on any new vehicles purchased.

“The safety of our customers and staff will always be our priority and we are complying with

all requirements the government has asked of us, however, it has been incredibly hard to get hold of PPE, with many bulk orders understandably being diverted to the NHS,” says NAT Group managing director Adam Keen. “Social distancing will mean much lower passenger numbers and a lightly loaded bus is generally loss-making for the company.

“Putting more buses on to cope with additional passenger numbers is going to be very difficult financially.

“We, and other operators, are now in regular discussions with Welsh Government officials to try and secure stimulus funding to support us through this very difficult period of time.” www.natgroup.co.uk

May 2020

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news

UK bus manufacturers lobby government for direct support ALEXANDER Dennis, Wrightbus and Optare are understood to have written to transport secretary Grant Shapps to “secure the future of UK bus manufacturing and safeguard thousands of jobs”, according to The Telegraph, which says that manufacturers’ order books are 75 per cent down.

The letter says: “Without imme-

diate support, future orders will not be forthcoming, putting jobs, apprenticeship opportunities and the wider supply chain at risk. It is vital that government funding is used immediately to enable bus operators to invest in their fleets, and the UK’s manufacturing base, with confidence.”

The companies suggest options

such as bus scrappage schemes, grants and the financing of leasing arrangements.

“Most operators will not be able to invest until their businesses return to profitability,” adds the manufacturers’ letter “This means fleet investment is likely to be cut back heavily in the remainder of 2020 and well into 2021.”

Regional transport leaders issue joint call to ministers for more funding SIX transport authority leaders, working together through the Urban Transport Group, have signed a letter to transport minister Baroness Vere, asking for funding to meet the challenge of increasing bus, rail and tram services during the new phase of lockdown, despite seeing a dramatic fall in fare income.

The letter says: “We have done what the Government has asked of us in support of the approach the Government has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The financial consequences for our organisations have already been significant, with all our organisations losing the vast majority of their revenue from patronage.

“You have now asked us to ramp up services as soon as possible now that the lockdown is being eased.

The costs of doing this will be significantly higher than was the case during lockdown as we need to provide the biggest service we can, in order to maintain social distancing, whilst at the same time low passenger numbers will generate low levels of revenue.

“Without a sustainable funding package from Government something will need to give sooner rather than later.

“We therefore need to move to single packages of funding support for transport authorities to cover the general and mode-specific costs of bus, mass transit and light

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Transport minister Baroness Vere.

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May 2020

news

Coach tourism operators need urgent support, argues CPT

CPT is urging the government to provide a support package worth £65million a month to help the coach tourism industry. CPT warns that the industry is in a fight for its future because of the Covid19 pandemic with only 2 per cent of coaches that are normally involved in a range of tourist trips during the spring and summer currently being used and bookings are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until summer 2021.

Operators have mothballed coaches and put the majority of staff on furlough, but are still facing costs on average of £1,900 per day, according to CPT. These costs have been compounded by unprecedented cancellations and

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the failure of government to classify coach tourism as a leisure business making operators ineligible for a Covid-19 business rates holiday and grant.

“Coach tourism is in a fight for its future with the complete collapse of bookings for the summer period and the expected quieter winter period to come,” says CPT chief executive Graham Vidler.

“The industry directly employs 42,000 people with many more jobs dependent on the sector to get people to attractions and destinations.

“Without support these jobs are under threat as operators have to lay off staff and attractions see reduced footfall as customers, many of whom rely on coach to

travel, face fewer choices and difficulties in reaching destinations.

“The collapse of coach tourism will mean a significant increase in the carbon footprint of tourism as people revert to carbon heavy car journeys to visit attractions and destinations.”

CPT is calling for a tapered grant per vehicle for operators starting at £65million a month to help the industry cover its costs for the rest of 2020, as well as more flexibility in the job retention scheme to allow staff to remain on furlough until business levels return to normal, and confirmation that coach tour operators are to be treated as leisure businesses for the purposes of Covid-19 support. www.cpt-uk.org

May 2020

news

Oxford’s PickMeUp to close after twoyear trial fails to prove viability

OXFORD Bus Company is withdrawing its PickMeUp service next month at the end of a two-year pilot scheme. The company says it has worked hard to establish the service and has exhausted all external funding avenues to make it viable. It points to congestion slowing down buses to 9mph as one of the reasons passenger numbers did not reach their target, and a lack of ongoing support from local authorities and businesses.

PickMeUp was launched in June 2018 as the largest service of its kind in the UK to improve connectivity in the eastern arc of Oxford by complementing traditional bus routes. It enabled passengers in eastern Oxford to summon buses to pick them up on a street corner of their choice, to go to a bespoke May 2020

destination. More than 38,000 people downloaded the app and more than 300,000 journeys were made on the service.

Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company managing director says: “Unfortunately despite exploring every funding avenue available we have not been able to secure the financial support required to maintain the service.

“We would like to thank everyone who has travelled with the PickMeUp service and our superb colleagues who have worked with us throughout the pilot scheme. It is no reflection on their hard work that we have had to finish operating the service.

“PickMeUp was a great innovation by Oxford Bus Company, but unfortunately, we were left with no

choice but to withdraw the service due to unsustainable losses and not enough support coming forward.”

Oxford Bus says that parent company Go Ahead Group is looking to introduce the concept in other areas of the country where it may prove to be more viable.

“We believe with the right support a ride sharing service can be part of the solution to reducing congestion, but at this stage it has not been successful in Oxford,” adds Southall. “This may change in the future if congestion management measures are introduced and a Workplace Parking Levy could top up the funding required to make it work and reduce congestion so that more demand can be satisfied.” www.oxfordbus.co.uk

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news

Dedicated demand responsive transport trial launched for NHS workers

AN app-based demand responsive bus service for NHS workers has been launched by Stagecoach in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust and ViaVan. The new Stagecoach Connect service started on a trial basis at King’s Mill Hospital in Suttonin-Ashfield from 18 May. Stagecoach and ViaVan say the service was developed in just two weeks to help NHS employees access hospitals and other key workplaces in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service at King’s Mill Hospital will operate early morning and late evening hours, an expansion from the existing fixed line service which is focused on creating access for healthcare workers during additional shift patterns.

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Through the use of a mobile app, powered by ViaVan’s technology, healthcare workers are able to track the location of their bus, change or cancel a booking, and pre-book up to a week in advance to match shift schedules. They will select a desired pick-up and drop-off location, and will be matched with a seat in a high-capacity bus that is fully compliant with public health guidelines for social distancing.

The technology will direct healthcare workers to a nearby ‘virtual bus stop’ for pickup.

“We have all been overwhelmed and deeply proud of the huge effort of all key workers, particularly our fantastic doctors, nurses, cleaners and their support teams right across the NHS,” says Stagecoach chief executive Martin Griffiths.

“In just two weeks, we have worked

with our partners to develop a new dedicated service that will go live this month and help to ensure essential hospital workers have fast and easy access to public transport around the clock.

“We firmly believe that demand responsive transport, backed up by an easy technology solution, has huge potential right across the NHS and for other major organisations seeking a better and more sustainable solution to crowded car parks and unnecessary ‘single use’ polluting car trips.

“As we come out of lockdown into our new normal, we are looking at how this type of service can support the public and private sector in getting back on its feet, and helping communities across the country recover.” www.stagecoachbus.com

May 2020

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news

Stagecoach prepares plan for coping with ‘new normal’

STAGECOACH has set out a plan for coping with the ‘new normal’ that may emerge following the pandemic lockdown. Chief executive Martin Griffiths has published a blog post outlining a six-point plan for short- and long-term changes that will help reboot the economy and protect communities.

“As government examines how to take Britain out of lockdown, we must make Covid-19 a defining moment to deliver fundamental changes in how we manage mobility and put sustainability at the heart of decision-making,” says Griffiths. “Public transport particularly our regional bus networks - and active travel must be central to a transformed approach by all governments.

“The lockdown has shown how much the country is missing human contact. Buses provide that essential daily social link, helping combat loneliness and hidden mental health challenges. While

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some have switched to home working during Covid-19, for many that is not possible. Buses are delivering vital emergency links for key workers and they are as critical to our economy in normal times, linking everything from retail centres to manufacturing facilities. Leisure too is a shared experience that depends on extensive public transport connections.

“There is no reason why we all cannot return to safely using Britain’s most important public transport mode. Transitional support is an investment that will pay back many times over in helping our citizens, communities, economies and planet recover.”

Griffiths’ six-point plan includes a joint operational and investment plan between the industry and government to ensure a sustainable transition of Britain’s bus networks from the emergency levels of lockdown to more comprehensive links which support

the country’s recovery. It suggests measures needed include steps to rebuild confidence in mass transit, a move away from peak-time commuting to spread demand, and investment in transitional support for transport operators as passenger numbers take time to grow.

The plan also calls for a “grownup conversation” on how to pay for the coronavirus pandemic, including a complete transformation in how transport journeys are taxed with a move to a system where the polluter pays and sustainable behaviours and use of buses, trams and trains, as well as active travel, are rewarded to make these modes more affordable and accessible to all.

Stagecoach is also seeking investment in decarbonisation, including sustainable transport and infrastructure, to help restart the economy and accelerating investment in electric bus fleets. www.stagecoachgroup.com

May 2020

news

West Midlands mayor calls for £500m funding to be brought forward WEST Midlands mayor Andy Street is calling on the government to accelerate critical transport funding to help re-boot the region’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic.

The chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £4.2billion devolved transport fund for the UK’s combined authorities, meaning, if split equally, the West Midlands would be guaranteed at least £500million – the largest single devolved sum it has ever received.

The cash was due to be released in the 2022/23 financial year, but in a phone call with the prime

minister, Andy Street called for that funding to be brought forward in the wake of the economic damage caused by the coronavirus.

The mayor points out that plans have already been drawn up and several shovel-ready schemes are just awaiting funding, and that transport investment is seen as a critical part of the recovery.

Street says: “It is encouraging news that thanks to the hard-work and responsibility of so many people across the West Midlands we are now through the peak of the virus and beginning to think about how we exit what continues

West Midlands mayor Andy Street.

to be a very challenging lockdown period.”

www.wmca.org.uk

Bus Users writes open letter in support of the UK’s coach industry IN an open letter to the under-secretary of state, Luke Hall MP, Bus Users has issued an urgent plea to government to protect the UK’s coach industry.

Bus Users chief executive Claire Walters’ letter says: “Millions of UK residents take holidays, day trips and short breaks by coach every year to a wide range of attractions and cities in the UK. Others travel overseas by coach and millions of overseas tourists also come to the UK and use coaches to tour around the many historical sites and cities.

“These trips ensure that tourist attractions and important cities and towns receive the economic benefits that such visits bring, as well as helping the visitor to enjoy all that the UK has to offer.

“We need there to be a viable coach industry on the other side of this crisis. Losing such businesses May 2020

Bus Users chief executive Claire Walters.

would disproportionately impact on older and more vulnerable members of our society so I would ask you to urgently reconsider the stated position that coaches do not form part of the leisure industry and allow coach operators to receive appropriate support from government sources.

“Theatres, museums, country parks, National Trust properties, sporting events and so on all rely on a steady stream of coach parties to keep their businesses thriving.

“In sum, coach tourism is worth £7billion per year to the UK economy.” www.bususers.org

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news

Research shows passenger anxieties about using public transport TRANSPORT Focus and London TravelWatch are calling for governments and the transport industry to outline how they will reassure passengers that it will be safe to travel by public transport in the wake of research which showed that three in five passengers said they wouldn’t feel comfortable using public transport during the Covid-19 crisis.

“After months of being told not to travel people will understandably be fearful about venturing out,” says Anthony Smith, chief executive, Transport Focus. “The government must outline in its upcoming roadmap for easing lockdown what measures it will put in place to reassure people they can travel safely.”

People in London are more likely to say they will look to cycle and walk more, rather than catch public transport, according to the

research, while those outside London are more likely to say they will switch to driving. Transport Focus and London TravelWatch are calling for governments to ensure that ‘active travel’ is encouraged, to prevent roads becoming more congested.

Emma Gibson, director, London TravelWatch, adds: “Like everyone, Londoners are concerned about travelling once restrictions are lifted in the capital, but a greater number of people intend to walk and cycle more often, compared to other parts of the country.”

Commenting on the research, CPT chief executive Graham Vidler says: “The public are understandably nervous about returning to normal life, including using public transport.

“However, operators are doing everything they can, including enhanced cleaning regimes, to

Anthony Smith, Transport Focus.

keep staff and passengers safe.”

The survey also found that 51 per cent wouldn’t be happy using public transport unless fellow passengers are required to wear face masks. People aged 18-24 are most comfortable about returning to public transport (40 per cent). www.transportfocus.org.uk/ research-publications/publications/ travel-during-covid-19-survey/ www.cpt-uk.org

CPT’s Back Britain’s Coaches campaign IN response to the Covid-19 outbreak, CPT has launched a campaign, Back Britain’s Coaches which aims to pressure government about coach operators being considered leisure businesses, which would help them to access the Covid-19 business rates and grant schemes, and to achieve an amendment to the Package Travel Regulations to allow coach operators longer than 14 days to process refunds and to issue refund credit notes as an alternative to cash refunds.

These two issues are causing particular concerns for the viability of many coach operators who have seen the government provide significant funding through the

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crisis for bus operations but not for coaches.

CPT chief executive Graham Vidler says: “At this hugely difficult time, CPT is working with members across the country to “Back Britain’s Coaches”. To help shape the campaign, CPT has worked with coach operators across the UK to find out what support they need during this crisis, and will work with Governments across the UK to secure support for the industry.

“Anyone who would like to find out more about the campaign and how they can support it can visit the resource centre on the CPT website, which will include social media graphics people can share

on their social media accounts to raise awareness of the campaign.

CPT members will also be able to find resources they can use to contact their local authority to access support that is already available.`” “If we want to bring tourists back into our local areas, get people back in our theatres, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, reinstate educational trips and help those who have been forced to spend a considerable length of time in isolation get back out and about, not to mention get people back to school and work, it is vital that coach businesses have the financial support to withstand the current crisis.” www.cpt-uk.org

May 2020

news

Ongoing impact of pandemic could see bus use fall by a quarter, says BIM BUS passenger numbers are set to fall substantially even after the end of the current lockdown, and could be up to 26 per cent lower in the medium term, according to the latest Bus Industry Monitor report published by Passenger Transport Monitor.

The report, The Bus Demand Jigsaw 2020, analyses underlying trends in bus demand over the last decade, by area and region, looking at changes in the market for services in different parts of the country.

Author Chris Cheek says he expects demand to recover to no more than 55 to 60 per cent of precrisis demand during an initial

period of social distancing.

“In the medium term, lifestyle changes and economic issues could keep demand between 18 per cent and 26 per cent below precrisis levels,” says Cheek.

“It’s pretty clear that current levels of commercial service provision would not be sustainable, whilst other areas such as London and Northern Ireland already under public sector control would also need ongoing government assistance.”

However, the report is optimistic about the industry’s long term future, as concerns about climate change are expected to lead to more people switching from pri-

vate to public transport - as set out in the government’s plans to decarbonise transport. The report shows that, on the latest figures, each 1 per cent of car demand switched to bus would increase patronage by over 19 per cent.

However, Cheek cautions that relying on major modal shift driven by climate change is fraught with difficulty: “We don’t know whether and to what extent any measures taken to drive modal shift will be acceptable to the electorate (and the tabloid press) and therefore deliverable politically.”

The Bus Demand Jigsaw 2020 is available online at £25. www.passtrans.co.uk

TfL furloughs 7,000 staff as fares revenue falls by 90 per cent TRANSPORT for London has placed 7,000 staff whose work has been reduced or paused as a result of the coronavirus pandemic on furlough.

The move follows a sharp drop in ridership in the capital and is estimated to save the organisation

£15.8million every four weeks.

Since London entered lockdown on 23 March Tube journeys have fallen by 95 per cent and journeys on buses by 85 per cent which has meant that TfL’s main source of income has almost disappeared.

“We have significantly cut our

costs over recent years but nevertheless the success of encouraging the vast majority of people to stay at home has seen our main revenue, fares, reduce by 90 per cent,” says London transport commissioner Mike Brown. www.tfl.gov.uk

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Analysis

Plain speaking on existential crisis for bus and coach manufacturing ADL chief executive Colin Robertson is rarely reticent about voicing his opinions on the state of the bus industry. And as he launches a direct plea to the government for support for investment in up to 10,000 new low- and zero-carbon buses over the next four years, he spoke plainly to Steve Rooney about the extent of the crisis in the bus and coach manufacturing sector.

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obertson is adamant that his proposal for the government to back investment in 10,000 new greener buses is not about putting the begging bowl out for his own business, ADL, the largest of the three UK bus manufacturers alongside Wrightbus and Optare. He says that the proposals for investment are on behalf of the country first and foremost, since the wider community would benefit from lower carbon emissions and reduced urban pollution. “The whole country would be the beneficiary,” he says. “Manu-

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facturing businesses need demand to survive. The industry is staring down the barrel of a gun in terms of its future. Even before Covid we know ridership was down and operator margins were under pressure and there was reticence to invest.”

Robertson points out that for the past two years there has been “soft demand”, following a mini boom when operators rushed to meet the deadline for the Disability Discrimination Act. In 2018 and 2019, total UK bus and coach deliveries have been around 2,000, compared to around 3,500 in previous years.

“3,000 to 3,500 buses a year is relatively healthy and allows investment in production and new models,” says Robertson. “But at 2,000 a year we see the average age of vehicle fleets increasing again.

“We still want the country to address carbon emissions, pollution and congestion and for public transport to be seen as a mode of choice.”

Production at ADL’s UK plants is beginning to start up again as the company implements new procedures to keep its workers safe, including staggered break times, social distancing in cafeterias and new process controls.

But Robertson points out that, unlike a volume car manufacturing facility, bus production is a more spacious affair and the changes it needed to make haven’t involved a huge number of adaptations.

May 2020

Analysis

ADL was acquired by US-based NFI Group almost a year ago: Colin Robertson an New Flyer's, Paul Soubry.

“We are drip-feeding people back to test everything out,” he adds. “We do have some customer orders to process, including some London buses at top of the list, but there is limited work in progress.

“We are governed more by demand than physical limitations and distancing.”

Robertson notes that UK bus operators have specific requirements which are much more bespoke than other markets and wonders who would produce such unique buses, including double-decks, if the UK manufacturers were no longer there.

“We have to be realistic; demand drives our business and we are very volume-sensitive,” he says.

Asked what would be the position if the government is not forthcoming with a support package, he replies: “I would fear for the industry’s future. We need something in the coming weeks - it is an existential crisis.”

He remarks that if, for instance, the furlough scheme changes substantially in August, the situation could become critical.

ADL has successfully diversified its customer base over the past decade and now achieves around 30-40 May 2020

per cent of turnover from exports, with the USA, Asia and Pacific regions being the key markets. “But we can only deliver that because of our core UK business.

The UK is still the big deal, representing 65 per cent of turnover. It’s the bedrock of our business.”

While Robertson’s mission is to promote UK manufacturing, the industry’s supply base is of course a global one and ADL has forged a very successful partnership with Chinese manufacturer BYD that has resulted in around 350 electric buses being delivered to UK operators with a further 100 on order before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

ADL has also begun to investigate hydrogen buses, although it only has one test vehicle and Robertson appears unconvinced that fuel cell technology is the quick-fix that the manufacturing industry needs. His 10,000-green bus target is notably more than three times the figure proposed recently by Wrightbus’ new owner Jo Bamford who is flying the flag for UK-produced hydrogen buses.

While maintaining a long-held policy of being continued page 22

➜

21

Analysis

Colin Robertson receiving his CBE last year.

‘propulsion-agnostic’, Robertson is somewhat sceptical of the speed with which hydrogen could be implemented in the bus market.

“From an emissions point of view, hydrogen makes sense, and although the commercial case is challenging, it may be possible, but the key problem is infrastructure and fuelling, and it needs lots of overnight wind power to create cheap, clean hydrogen.

“I want to keep people in employment this year, next year and the year after. We need to put food on people’s tables this winter.”

While buses are the major part of ADL’s business, and the focus of its latest plea for government support, ADL also owns the only remaining UK coach builder, Scarborough-based Plaxton. It acquired the business in 2007 from its management and has since transformed the Scarborough plant into an integrated part of its bus supply business, in addition to retaining its coach heritage. ADL has also invested significantly in new coach models and maintained a very strong relationship with UK and Irish customers.

But the current crisis has hit the coach sector even harder than bus in many ways, and Robertson acknowledges that it is a very long road back to profitable coach manufacture.

22

“Given the number of order cancellations and deferrals, if Plaxton wasn’t part of ADL it would have been bankrupt by now,” he admits. “I see 2020 as ‘knackered’ for coach, and little if any recovery in 2021.”

He isn’t giving up on coach just yet though. “Of course, it is possible that if the UK bus business survives, then the last surviving UK coachbuilder can survive too.”

The plea from ADL and other UK bus builders for government support puts them in a long line of business sectors seeking backing to get the UK economy back into a growth mode. The government has already taken unprecedented steps, many at variance with its own ideology, to keep people in employment and maintain the potential for recovery, even if it is likely to be a long and stumbling road.

Ahead of the crisis, of course, the UK government had big plans for investment in new green buses, with a £5billion fund that was designed to seed investment in 4,000 zero-emission buses.

So is that commitment from the government still there? The response to Robertson’s plan should give us a clue. www.alexanderdennis.com

May 2020

green ADL seeks support for 10,000-ebus plan ALEXANDER Dennis Limited has proposed a target for the UK to have at least 10,000 new low, ultra low and zero emission buses in service within the next four years, with the first of them going into service before the end of the year. ADL argues that this would help to maintain the benefits of lower pollution and better air quality that towns and cities have experienced during the coronavirus lockdown.

The new, ‘clean’ buses could remove ageing diesel vehicles or boost capacity to enable social distancing and while helping UK bus manufacturing firms and keeping investment in the country, it would also open up exporting opportunities for Global Britain, according to ADL chief executive Colin Robertson.

The coronavirus lockdown has seen traffic volumes diminished while people stayed at home to protect the NHS and save lives, with the added benefit of a significant improvement in air quality.

“There is strong public support for locking in these benefits through and beyond the post- coronavirus recovery to keep a healthier environment and continue the fight against climate change,” says Robertson.

“Along with active travel and other modes of public transport, buses are a crucial part of the solution. As a society, we need to act immediately and deliver benefits as quickly as possible to minimise the deterioration of air quality when the economy restarts.”

Robertson proposes that at least 10,000 new UK-built low, ultra low and zero emission buses could be in service within the May 2020

next four years; combining different available technologies results in a highly deliverable proposal with immediate benefits. ADL’s proposal highlights the potential for both battery electric and hydrogen buses, and the plans echo earlier comments by Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford about the potential for hydrogen in the UK. “Hydrogen buses will play a role for routes requiring additional range and they will be ready when a fuelling infrastructure and a sustainable supply of green hydrogen have been put in place,” says Robertson.

“We are supportive of all cutting edge clean bus technologies and recognise that one size does not fit all, which is why we have developed a choice of solutions which meet cities and operators’ individual requirements and priorities.”

ADL points out that 10,000 buses over four years would represent a return to the levels of investment which had been seen until the impact of previous governments’ cuts were felt. And

Robertson adds that UK bus manufacturers, including ADL, have the production capacity to meet this demand, and that further investment to speed up the decarbonisation of transport could create additional highly skilled jobs in a world-class industry.

“The UK Government’s earlier £5billion pledge for buses and cycling recognises the need to invest in active and sustainable models of travel,” says Robertson. “This is now more imperative than ever as the economy emerges from the impact of coronavirus.

“We urge the UK Government and devolved administrations to speed up the transition to cleaner transport by accelerating funding for zero emission buses and assuring health benefits from an immediate positive impact on air quality can be delivered by low and ultra low emission buses that could be in service before the end of this year.” www.alexander-dennis.com See Analysis: Colin Robertson, p16

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green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

BYD and Hino Motors sign strategic business alliance for commercial EVs BYD and Hino Motors have agreed a strategic business alliance to collaborate in the development of EVs for the commercial vehicle market.

Wang Jie, BYD vice president, says: “The cooperation between the Chinese and Japanese companies will benefit the development of commercial vehicle electrification by introducing leading technology and rich experience, which will accelerate the global adoption of pure electric commercial vehicles.”

Hino director and senior managing officer Taketo Nakane

adds: “By bringing together BYD’s achievement in BEV development and Hino’s electrification technology and reliability built over years of experience in developing hybrid vehicles, we will develop the bestfit commercial BEV products for consumers in working towards swift market introduction”.

BYD started in 1995 as a battery R&D and manufacturing company and its commercial vehicle product lineup ranges from electric coaches and buses to electric trucks. Its first K9 pure electric bus emerged in Shenzhen in 2011,and BYD vehicles are now in more

than 300 cities with more than 50,000 units in operation.

Hino was founded in 1942 and in 1991, it released the world’s first commercially available hybrid vehicle as a heavy-duty urban transit bus and has lightduty electric vehicle buses and medium-duty plug-in hybrid buses in operation.

Its latest heavy-duty truck has the newest 6th Generation Hybrid system which improves fuel efficiency by about 15 per cent. www.byd.com www.hino-global.com

Scottish LEZ plans put on hold THE Scottish government has put its Low Emission Zones (LEZs) plans on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the schemes for Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee will not be implemented this year.

Glasgow’s LEZ came in to force at the start of 2019 but transport secretary Michael Matheson says the further schemes “are no longer practicable” in the current environment.

“We remain dedicated to intro-

ducing Low Emission Zones across Scotland’s four biggest cities,” says Matheson. “Local authorities share this ambition and Scotland’s first LEZ in Glasgow has been in place since 2018.

“LEZ planning within local authorities will continue, the development of regulations is ongoing and funding to support businesses and individuals prepare for LEZs remains unchanged.

“Given the recent uptake in

active travel and air quality levels we are going to review how Low Emission Zones can be designed and how our cities might witness a green recovery transformation in tandem with Covid-19 recovery plans. We must be bold to reset the system to meet our climate change ambitions, reduce inequalities, improve our health and wellbeing and deliver sustainable economic growth.” www.gov.scot

Keolis orders Yutong E12s for Denmark KEOLIS is ordering a further 20 Yutong electric buses for Odense, Denmark, following on from an earlier contract for 88 electric buses in Bergen, Norway, according to a report by www.tv2fyn. dk. The buses will be operated for FynBus from next spring,

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replacing existing diesel vehicles.

The 12m buses have capacity for 66 passengers with 33 seated and following a planned implementation of light rail in the municipality in late 2021, the fleet will comprise 20 electric buses, 18 hybrids and 14 diesels.

Yutong already has a presence in Denmark since Roskilde started a move towards a 100 per cent electric fleet with 20 Yutong E12 buses operating on nine routes. en.yutong.com

May 2020

green Yutong delivers its largest electric airport bus order to date with 12 for China Eastern Airlines YUTONG has delivered 12 electric airport buses to China Eastern Airlines, representing its largest single order for the sector to date.

China Eastern Airlines started its cooperation with Yutong in 2012 and now operates nearly 80 Yutong airfield buses.

The ZK6140BEVBD electric buses will be put into operation at Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Yutong started developing airport buses in 2006 and sold its first products in 2008. To date, it has delivered more than 600 units to customers, including exports to Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, Asia and CIS. en.yutong.com

Electric artic buses for São José dos Campos BYD will deliver 12 electric articulated buses in the next 18 months to the new Green Line Project corridor, in the city of São José dos Campos, in São Paulo state, Brazil.

The new Green Line corridor’s first stage will be 14.5km long, connecting the south and east regions of - the most denselypopulated areas of the city - and the central region.

The 12 22m-long buses will be manufactured by BYD in its facility in Campinas, which produces the pure electric bus chassis sold in Brazil. Opened in 2015, the Campinas plant has an annual production capacity of 720 chassis which BYD says May 2020

could be doubled.

São José dos Campos earlier upgraded its car fleet for its Municipal Guard with BYD e5 and e6 models, and reports that after a

year, it achieved significant savings in fuel costs and prevented around 400 tonnes of CO2 being emitted. www.byd.com

25

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Caetano H2 buses for innovative German project LATER this year, two Caetano fuel cell H2.City Gold buses will be delivered to Niebüll in North Frisia, Germany as part of the eFarm project, a hydrogen network of renewable energy sources. Caetano’s 12m hydrogen-powered buses will be operated flexibly on several scheduled service lines by Autokraft, part of Deutsche Bahn.

Completely emission-free, the two-door H2. City Gold will be equipped with a Toyota fuel cell system, offering a vehicle range of 400km on a single refill. The power supply components, including hydrogen tanks, batteries and fuel cell stack, are

placed on the roof.

“The order is an important step for realising Germany’s largest green hydrogen mobility project eFarm,” says Ove Petersen, CEO of GP Joule, which is developing the scheme. “The cooperative project, in which 20 regional partners are involved, including citizen wind and solar parks as well as public utilities, was initiated in 2017.

A joint hydrogen infrastructure from production and processing to fleet deployment is being developed. Citizens and companies who want to purchase a hydrogen vehicle thus receive supply security for 100 per cent green, regionally-generated hydrogen from wind power.

“With Caetanobus, we are pleased to have found a reliable and future-oriented partner who has convinced us from the start with its innovative buses, technology and attractive design.” www.salvadorcaetano.pt

Nobina selects BYD eBus fleet for north Sweden BYD has received an order for a further 13 eBuses from Swedish operator Nobina for the town of Piteå in the north-east of Sweden where the new BYD fleet will go into service at their most northerly location ever in Europe - close to the arctic circle at latitude 65.31º north.

BYD says that the far northern region of Sweden offered an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the capability of pure electric technology in extremely cold environments, having already seen successful operation in regions throughout Scandinavia.

The buses will be delivered next summer, taking Nobina’s BYD fleet in Sweden to 125 vehicles, including a presence in nine major Swedish towns and cities.

Nobina has for some time been the largest BYD bus fleet customer throughout the Nordic region, with more than 160 BYD eBuses now on order or in operation,

26

including 44 vehicles in service in Norway and Denmark.

Manufactured at BYD’s facility in Komárom, Hungary, Nobina’s latest order has been specified with optional luggage racks.

“After more than five years and over 7 million km driven with BYD eBuses, in nordic conditions, we feel confident about the BYD platform meeting our high demands of a reliable, sustainable

and attractive public transport,” says Jens Råsten, fleet manager, Nobina Group.

Isbrand Ho, managing director, BYD Europe, adds: “Nobina places a great deal of confidence in our vehicles and this trust is rewarded with exceptional reliability and productivity; for Scandinavia’s largest public transport operator, this is essential”. www.byd.com

May 2020

green New automated geo-fencing for BAE Systems’ Series-ER from ViriCiti

VIRICITI and BAE Systems have developed a new system that enables fleet operators with Series-ER (Electric Range) electric hybrid systems on transit buses to automatically switch the engine on or off in predefined geo-fenced areas.

BAE Systems’ Series-ER allelectric mode is accessible to operators via ViriCiti’s online platform, where new GPS geofenced areas can be defined and edited in a matter of seconds, without the need of a third party.

With ViriCiti’s cloud-based solution, as soon as a bus enters a geo-fenced area, a signal is sent to the engine to automatically switch off. Once the bus exits the May 2020

area, the engine will automatically turn back on.

In addition to reducing air pollution in densely populated areas or near bus stops, the new functionality will also help the Series-ER reduce noise pollution, improve fuel mileage, and increase ‘engine-off’ time.

Currently, BAE Systems estimates that there are more than 1,000 buses that run on its SeriesER electric hybrid power and propulsion systems.

“Series ER technology helps cities around the world get one step closer to full zero emission operation,” says Steve Trichka, vice president and general manager, power and propulsion solutions at

Freek Dielissen, ViriCiti CEO

BAE Systems. “Our collaboration with ViriCiti provides another option for public transit agencies to pair with our Series-ER system to reduce emissions and improve the air quality in the areas where people live, work and visit.”

Freek Dielissen, ViriCiti CEO adds: “Our intuitive web interface makes it easy for any operator to create their own EV-only areas without the help of any 3rd party. Due to the fact that ViriCiti automated the all-electric mode adaption, we expect that buses will drive more electric kilometres than before.” www.viriciti.com

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green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Ebusco to deliver 13 EVs to Transdev in Frankfurt

EBUSCO will deliver 13 electric buses by December 2020 for operation in Frankfurt by Transdev Rhein-Main GmbH under the Alpina brand.

The 13 buses will be 12m Ebusco 2.2 low-floor buses, the same as those operating in several German cities, including

Munich, Wartburg and on the island Borkum, and in Groningen, Dordrecht and Utrecht in The Netherlands.

“With our Europe-wide experience in the field of e-mobility, we actively support local authorities in the turnaround in traffic and at the same time make a contribu-

tion to improving air quality,” says Henrik Behrens, managing director bus, Transdev Group in Germany.

By the end of this year, 40 Ebusco electric buses will be operating in Germany with more on order for 2021. www.ebusco.com

Sustainable Bus Awards on hold till next year THE Sustainable Bus of the Year jury has agreed to postpone this year’s awards process in the light of the Covid-19 crisis. Originally due to take place in the second half of 2020, the awards for 2021 will not now be delivered.

A statement on behalf of the organisers says: “We hope that the Covid-19 outbreak will not act as a brake but will become a driver of energy transition.

“This difficult choice has been

28

taken due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its repercussions on travel and industrial production.

Travel bans and their unpredictable evolutions all over Europe in the coming months will make it complicated for the jury to carry out the evaluating process.

“Safeguarding the planet today, even more than yesterday, is a crucial topic and the contribution of sustainable public transport is, and will be, crucial in achieving the

goals of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).”

Overseen by a jury involving journalists across Europe - including Bus and Coach Professional’s Steve Rooney in the UK SBY’s activities will be resumed next year with the delivery of Sustainable Bus Award 2022 taking place in the third quarter of 2021. www.sustainablebusoftheyear.com/

May 2020

green Wrightbus vision for 3,000 H2 buses by 2024 WRIGHTBUS owner Jo Bamford says his vision is for 3,000 hydrogen buses - about 10 per cent of the UK’s total fleet - could be running in UK towns and cities by 2024. The vehicles would save an estimated 280,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalent of taking roughly 107,000 cars off the road a year.

Bamford, who also owns hydrogen production company Ryse, argues: “the hydrogen used to power these vehicles will be completely green”. Ryse is in the process of building the UK’s first hydrogen production plant on the Kent coast which will be powered by an offshore wind farm and use electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water.

Bamford plans to build another four hydrogen production plants by 2025 to provide enough power for all 3,000 buses.

“We have an opportunity with hydrogen powered transport to make a huge difference to air

quality, and for UK jobs as well,” says Bamford. “With increased orders on this scale I could increase the workforce at Wrightbus by nearly 700 per cent.

“UK-made hydrogen buses are ready to hit the streets today. We already have hydrogen buses in London, and 20 of Wrightbus’ world-leading double deckers will be added to this later this year.

“We also have orders from Aber-

Jo Bamford, Wrightbus.

deen, with many other areas becoming interested in our technology - in the UK and across the world.”

Bamford is calling on the government to set aside £500million - 10 per cent of the National Bus Strategy fund - to support the UK’s hydrogen industry. www.wrightbus.com

Irizar contract for 29 ie tram buses in Orleans ORLEANS Métropole in France has selected Irizar e-mobility to supply 29 Irizar ie tram electric buses. The agreement is part of Orléans Métropole’s strategy to implement a fully electric public transport system for the area by 2025.

The ie buses will be 12m long and they have a range of 220km.

The delivery of the first units is planned for mid-2021 to operator Keolis.

The contract consolidates Irizar’s presence in France, where it set up three BRT projects last year, in Amiens, Aix-enMay 2020

Provence and Bayonne. Marseille and Le Havre also have Irizar

e-mobility electric vehicles.

www.irizar-emobility.com

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green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Volvo’s new S-Charge branding

VOLVO is recasting its hybrid buses as ‘self charging buses’ with a newly branded S-Charge model range upgraded with new capabilities including electric propulsion that can be used at speeds of up to 50 km/h compared to the previous 20 km/h.

Depending on climate and topography, the Volvo S-Charge can run on electricity for up to 1 km and the upgrade also includes improved connectivity and Volvo’s system for geo-fencing, Volvo Zone Management, which makes it possible for the operator to program the bus so it automatically switches to electric propulsion within selected areas and

30

has its speed regulated without driver intervention. It is also possible to define zones for sustained self-charging, to ensure emissionfree operation in an upcoming zero-emission zone.

“We are now expanding our customers’ possibility for harnessing the benefits of electric power while at the same time retaining the impressive flexibility offered by hybrid buses,” says Håkan Agnevall, president, Volvo Buses.

“The new S-Charge model range can be deployed on any route since no charging infrastructure is needed, which enables fast implementation and improved operational efficiency for our customers.

“The new S-Charge models are among Volvo’s cleanest buses and will reduce the carbon footprint by up to 40 per cent compared to equivalent diesel buses. The S-Charge can also drive on biofuel, reducing CO2-emissions even more. It is probably the most fuel- efficient and reliable self-charging bus on the market.”

Volvo’s S-Charge model range includes a conventional 12m bus, the Volvo 7900 S-Charge, an articulated bus, the Volvo 7900 S-Charge Articulated, and a bare chassis version, Volvo B5L S-Charge, for bodying as singleor double-decker. www.volvobuses.com

May 2020

green Keolis wins major contract for Copenhagen

MOVIA, the public transport authority of East Denmark, has awarded Keolis’ Danish subsidiary a new contract to operate and maintain 47 buses, of which 32 are fully electric, in the greater Copenhagen area. The 10-year contract, worth more than €100million is due to start in June 2021. It makes Keolis one of the largest electric bus operators in Denmark.

As part of the new contract, Keolis will integrate more than 170 new employees including 150 drivers covering 6 million kilometres per year. Keolis will be in charge of the maintenance carried out at a newly-built depot May 2020

and workshop facility in Nykøbing Falster, the southernmost corner of the island. Three other depots in Naverland (Copenhagen), Slagelse and Korsør in the west will be equipped with charging terminals.

“We are delighted that Movia, our partner since 2007, has again placed its trust in us with the award of this new contract” says Bernard Tabary, CEO International, Keolis.

“Movia can count on our full dedication to delivering the best passenger experience and supporting the transition to greener buses, thanks to our worldwide experience in zero-emission bus operations in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, France, Canada

and the US.” Since summer 2019, Keolis has been awarded contracts to operate fossil-free buses in Gothenburg in Sweden, 140 buses in Bergen, most of them electric, and 346 electric buses in three provinces in the Netherlands.

In France, Keolis launched a 100 per cent hydrogen BRT line in Pau and electric BRT lines of Bayonne-Biarritz and Amiens, making Keolis France’s largest operator of electric networks.

Keolis has been present in Denmark since 2007, where it operates around 500 buses in nine cities. www.keolis.com

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green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Ten Ebusco e-buses for Multiobus in Belgium

Signing the contract, safely, with a Coronavirus-time elbow shake: Peter Bijvelds and Olivier van Mullem.

EBUSCO is set to deliver ten new electric buses in Belgium by the middle of 2021. Multiobus has ordered 10 Ebusco 2.2 buses for Flanders’ inner-city and regional traffic in the Flemish Brabant region. These ten buses will join two Ebusco electric buses that Multiobus has been running in Tienen and the surrounding areas for almost two years now.

The ten new electric buses will run in the Hageland and the east Flemish-Brabant region, as part of De Lijn’s operation.

In addition to electric drive, the new buses will have mirrors replaced with smart camera systems to ensure optimum safety

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for passengers and other road users. Blindspots are made even more visible and the infra-red functionality ensures clear images at night.

The two previous electric buses delivered to Multiobus have now been on the road for two years and drive an average of 250-350km per day on one battery charge.

“We generate our own electricity with solar panels, charge the buses smartly with Powerpacks overnight, and because of the large battery capacity, the buses can run all day without having to be recharged in the meantime,” says Olivier van Mullem, CEO Multiobus. “As a result, the TCO (Total

Cost of Ownership) of this electric Ebusco bus must be almost equal to the traditional diesel bus.”

Peter Bijvelds, Ebusco CEO, adds: “We are applying the latest innovations in areas such as battery technology and charging infrastructure. The LFP-battery technology in these buses is the best and safest battery on the market.

“Multiobus will simply charge its buses by plugging them in at the depot. The combination of all these innovations means these buses can easily travel 350 km on one battery charge. ” www.ebusco.nl

May 2020

green Karsan starts work on autonomous Atak Electric

TURKISH manufacturer Karsan has won its first order for its Autonomous Atak Electric bus with Romanian technology company BSCI to take one vehicle for use in its industrial park in Ploiești.

Karsan is working on the first phase of its work to bring Level-4 Autonomous driving in its Atak Electric. CEO Okan Baş says: “Our agility in rapidly adapting the technologies that seem far away, is one of our strongest competencies. We started work to ensure that Atak Electric enjoys Level-4 Autonomous driving skills, in other words, features an May 2020

automatic driving system, which will handle all the requirements for a dynamic driving experience without the help of a driver.

“We expect to complete the prototype for Autonomous Atak Electric this August, and its simulation and validation tests will be carried out in our factory in Hasanağa, Bursa. That said, we will make Autonomous Atak Electric ready by the end of this year.”

The project will be carried out

by Karsan’s R&D team in collaboration with Adastec, which has experience in autonomous vehicles, and expects to complete the first prototype for the Autono-

mous Atak Electric vehicle in August.

“At Karsan, we continue to work towards shaping the transportation of the future,” adds Baş. “We pay a particular attention to electric and autonomous vehicles. This segment also represents our brand vision. We are happy to have taken the very first step for the autonomous vehicles, on which we have been working for some time now to be able to complete works in 2020, while at the same time continuing to export Jest Electric and Atak Electric across the world.” www.karsan.tr

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international

Bus and coach news from around the world

New Fog in Place system from Marcopolo Next

MARCOPOLO Next, a division of Marcopolo, in partnership with Aurratech, has launched a biosafety solution to make public transport safer against viral contamination. FIP Onboard will be part of the onboard biosafety services that will be offered by the manufacturer, following tests

by Rio Grande do Sul operator, Viação Ouro e Prata.

“FIP [Fog in Place] Onboard is non-toxic and can be applied quickly in the passenger area, driver’s cabin and even in the luggage compartment, covering 100 per cent of the surfaces,” says Petras Amaral, business head, Marcopolo Next. “The total application process takes less than 20 minutes

34

and guarantees protection for up to three days. A fog is dissipated throughout the inside of the bus.

In about 10 minutes, the product acts and disinfects, preventing the spread of viruses.”

Amaral points out that the fog acts without leaving the seats damp, avoiding passenger discomfort, and does not interfere with the operation of internal electronic equipment.

FIP Onboard is a patented process for disinfecting surfaces and environments, using nanoparticles of a biocidal solution.

“The application developed along with Aurratech has a formula developed exclusively for buses, with the potential to rede-

fine the biosafety protocols related to sanitation before each trip,” adds Amaral.

The action of the sanitiser is immediate in the inactivation of bacteria and viruses, allowing the vehicle to be used by passengers a few minutes after its application.

FIP – Fog in Place is a biocidal solution using nano particles, instead of a liquid solution, thus leaving no moisture. It remains in suspension for a long period, providing greater contact time between the biocidal solution and surfaces, and an automated process minimises human contact, reducing the risk of errors and the need for rework. www.marcopolonext.com

May 2020

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Bus and coach news from around the world

Mercedes-Benz delivers 147 city buses with Allison transmissions to Uruguay

CUTSCA (Compañía Uruguaya de Transporte Colectivo), one of the largest urban transport companies in Uruguay, is now operating 147 new Mercedes-Benz OH 1721 Euro 5 buses equipped with fully automatic Allison Torqmatic T 270R transmissions in the capital, Montevideo, and surrounding cities.

The delivery of the fleet earlier this year marked CUTSCA’s first acquisition of low-floor buses.

The Uruguayan company has worked with Allison transmissions

since 2010 when it purchased its first rear-engined Mercedes-Benz OH 1518 XBC bus. The experience led to the purchase of a number of rear-engined OH 1622 L buses with air suspension.

“Torqmatic transmissions, such as the Allison T 270R, fitted to the OH 1721 Mercedes Benz buses exported to Uruguay, have been developed especially for the passenger transport application,” says Evaldo Oliveira, Allison Transmission director of sales for South America.

IRU welcomes European Commission guidelines for tourism and transport

dynamics of passenger groups, for example recognising that family members should be able to sit and travel together.

The Commission’s recommendation on vouchers is also welcomed by IRU as an alternative to reimbursement for cancelled trips in the context of the current pandemic, which has put heavy financial strains on travel operators.

“The road passenger transport sector has seen its activities come to an almost complete stop during the crisis,” says Raluca Marian, member of the IRU EU delegation.

“Allowing operators to offer their customers flexible, refundable and

THE IRU has welcomed the European Commission’s publication of harmonised guidance for the return of the transport and tourism sectors as well as the opening of borders. The EU is recommending the gradual resumption of transport services for all modes to restore connectivity.

The IRU notes the new guidelines on safety priorities for drivers and passengers and welcomes the fact that the EU guidelines take into account the composition and

36

“The transmission’s internal architecture combines the performance of the torque converter with state-of-the-art adaptive controls, reducing wear and tear to the powertrain and providing faster acceleration and lower fuel consumption for the fleet. In addition, Allison automatics have a constant electronic monitoring system allowing customers to conveniently check the lubricant level, simplifying maintenance and avoiding unnecessary downtime.”

www.allisontransmission.com

insolvency-protected vouchers for cancelled services due to the closure of borders is a breather for the industry. Consumer rights have to remain protected, but transport operators equally need protection, as they face the imminent risk of liquidity shortages. Their survival is crucial to drive the recovery.

The IRU also argues that as lockdowns are removed and the European economy picks up again, drivers should have unhindered access to their place of work and once returning home, they should not be subject to any systematic quarantine measures.

www.iru.org

May 2020

For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com

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Jamie Lean appointed Stagecoach in South Wales engineering director as Peter Henry retires AFTER five years in the role, 15 years at Stagecoach and more than 37 years in the transport industry, Peter Henry is retiring from his role as engineering director at Stagecoach in South Wales.

Henry started his career as an apprentice mechanic at Dutton-Forshaw in Liverpool in 1978 where he was involved working with Jaguar, Rover and Triumph.

He moved into the transport industry in 1982 with MPTE buses, responsible for MOT preparations at various depots in Liverpool and settled at Gillmoss bus depot in 1983 as a chargehand. In 2005, the company, which had become Glenvale Transport, was acquired by Stagecoach and Henry was promoted to workshop manager at Morecambe depot in 2008 and Preston depot in 2010. He became engineering manager at Preston depot in 2011 and Gillmoss depot in 2015, before becoming engineering director for Stagecoach in South Wales in 2015.

Stagecoach has appointed Jamie Lean as his successor in South Wales. Lean started his career as an electrical apprentice in 1991 for British Steel and worked through a variety of roles before moving into an engineering role in 1999. In 2001, he returned to part-time education and completed a BEng Hons in manufacturing systems and engineering and followed with a Masters Degree in lean and agile manufacturing, becoming a chartered engineer in 2011.

Lean then moved into a senior management role

Peter Henry.

within Tata Steel in 2013, and then became a chief engineer in the food industry.

Nigel Winter, managing director, Stagecoach in South Wales, says: “Peter has been a part of the Stagecoach family for many years and he will be sorely missed by all of his engineering colleagues and head office staff alike. I wish him all the best in his retirement, and I’d like to welcome our newest member Jamie and wish him all the luck and success in his new role”. www.stagecoachbus.com

LowCVP appoints new technical and programme director JAMES McGeachie has joined the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership as technical and programme director.

McGeachie joins LowCVP from Prodrive, and will lead on the delivery of the its annual work programme as well as taking technical responsibility for projects.

McGeachie has been involved in the development of electric and hybrid vehicle technology, throughout his career from academic case studies whilst at university through to programmes such as the Ford PHEV Transit demonstrator fleet.

At Prodrive he was director of engineering, responsible for engineering content and delivery within the company’s advanced technology business. Prior to joining Prodrive in 2008, McGeachie was an engineering graduate with British Steel before moving to Jaguar Land Rover where he spent ten years responsible for the delivery of electrical systems into production vehicle platforms.

Commenting on the appointment, LowCVP managing director Andy Eastlake says: “James’ experiMay 2020

ence and knowledge of the sector should help him to hit the ground running and will help to bring focus and extra technical rigour at a critical time for this agenda. Increasing our links and contacts in the automotive and wider industries such as motorsport and aerospace highlights how diverse this agenda is, and emphasises how the LowCVP’s collaborative approach is needed on the Road to Zero”.

McGeachie adds: “It’s great to be joining the LowCVP at such an important time in the history of road transport.

“Achieving the goals laid out for 2050 represents a significant challenge and will undoubtedly require technical innovation, sector expertise and a great deal of focused effort.

“Spanning both industry and government, LowCVP is at the heart of these efforts and I‘m excited to be joining such a skilled and capable team as they drive towards a zero carbon future.” www.lowcvp.org.uk

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New Covid-19 safety systems launched by Irizar

IRIZAR is launching two systems designed to help protect passengers and drivers against airborne infection.

Working in conjunction with air-conditioning supplier Hispacold (part of the Irizar Group of companies), Irizar is offering the eco3 air-purifier, which can be fitted to any coach with an airconditioning system, irrespective of make. The manufacturer is also providing approved sets of transparent isolation screens specifically tailored to fit its i4, i6, i6S and i8 coach models.

The eco3 air purifier produces ions and ozone in the correct proportions to disinfect the air circulating within the coach, according to Irizar. It also provides additional benefits of removing unpleasant odours within the vehicle, and raising oxygen levels which reduce the risks of driver fatigue. It works whenever the vehicle’s saloon heat-

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ing or cooling system is active.

The eco3 can be easily retrofitted to any bus or coach with air-conditioning, irrespective of make, and requires no routine maintenance.

Irizar’s approved transparent passenger and driver screens create a semi-enclosed ‘cab’ area around the driver’s seat, and divide each pair of passenger seats from those immediately to the front and back to reduce the risk of infection by airborne droplets.

The screens meet all the necessary regulations pertaining to interior fitments for coaches and buses including fire, impact and driver indirect vision. Their transparent design is non-claustrophobic and does not adversely restrict the view of driver or passengers. A notifiable alteration will be required with the fitment of both driver and passenger screens, although it is expected that this will be pos-

sible via a video call to avoid waiting periods. The air flow inside the coach goes from the ceiling down to the gangway and then into the luggage compartment through vents before exiting the coach just behind the front axle. UK operators can source eco3 units and screen sets through Irizar’s Masterpart operation.

Another Irizar Group company, Datik, is currently developing a new solution, COViDManager.

This system is designed for transport operators and public authorities to help reduce propagation of COVID-19. Installed at the entrance of a bus or coach, it monitors passengers before they enter and denies entry to those who do not meet the required standards.

Expected to be available in July, further updates on this development will be available in the coming weeks. www.irizar.co.u k

May 2020

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

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INIT receives European patent for passenger guidance system FOLLOWING a patent in the USA in 2019, INIT’s system for passenger guidance has now also been granted a European patent.

MOBILEguide provides information about the expected number of free seats on a rail car or bus.

For rail applications, this allows passengers to position themselves before the vehicle arrives in those waiting areas of carriages where free seats are to be expected. The system is designed to make traveling safer and more comfortable, and also reduce waiting times at

stations due to shorter boarding and alighting times. As a result, transport companies can achieve savings in the millions by using the existing rail infrastructure, according to INIT. MOBILEguide on buses can provide information about the occupancy rate of individual trips or sections of trips which can help eliminate overcrowding, thereby contributing to a safer and more even passenger load.

With avoiding overcrowded public transport a key priority

during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, INIT’s system is even more relevant.

MOBILEguide can benef it bus services with information on occupancy rates of individual trips or sections of trips provided on passenger information displays at bus stops and via apps or on the Internet.

Passengers can adjust their behaviour or journey accordingly and, if necessary, switch to a later bus or another route. www.initse.com

Simply provides financial support to Linkrider Coaches SME lender, Simply, has helped provide restructured finance agreements for Swanage Taxis, operating as Linkrider Coaches, to ensure that it can weather the current COVID-19 pandemic and continue trading.

Linkrider Coaches is a familyrun firm that provides student and private coach hire services in Dorset and the south coast. Because the bulk of its work is focussed on

the transport of students to and from their places of study, there has been no business for the firm since educational establishments closed before Easter.

Simply worked with Nick Hubbard at Linkrider Coaches to create a bespoke payment profile that mirrored the seasonal nature of the business, benefitting the company and giving it as much flexibility as possible.

Linkrider Coaches’ Nick Hubbard says: “It’s obviously a difficult time for many businesses. We contacted Andy as soon as knew what was likely to happen over the next few months and knew that he would go the extra mile for us.

“He was proactive in helping clear our arrears and doing everything such as asset inspections and document signing remotely.”

www.simply.finance

Mobile Mark’s antennae used at NHS Nightingale MOBILE Mark, which supplies wi-fi components to the bus and coach sector, played a part in the rapid establishment of the NHS Nightingale hospital at ExCel in London.

As the 4,000-bed facility in ExCel Centre was established to help fight COVID-19, Adey Electronics chose a Mobile Mark antenna to ensure reliable wireless connectivity so that essential medical data compiled by Visbion’s mobile ct scanner unit could be sent easily to medical personnel.

“The Mobile Mark LTM-302 antennas were selected for this May 2020

critical project quite simply because they offer great solutions for applications that present very specific technical challenges,” says Lewis Harvey, Adey Electronics.

“They were able to offer a bespoke version of the LTM-302 antenna design to meet the technical and aesthetic needs of the end user and very importantly, within tight project deadlines.”

Mobile Mark’s LTM302 multiband antenna employs MIMO (multiple-input-multiple-output) technology using two 4G LTE Cellular antenna elements for faster and more reliable data through-

put. The cellular elements cover 4G & 5G spectrum from 694-3700 MHz. The LTM302 used at the temporary medical facilities also contains a GPS antenna that can be used to track the scanner’s location for efficient management of equipment inventory.

Linda Clark, managing director, Mobile Mark Europe, says: “Communication within that building was made possible by Mobile Mark antennas. We are proud to be doing our bit towards the continuing fight against this awful virus.” www.mobilemark.com

39

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HSBC backs Edward Thomas & Son with CBILS loan

EDWARD Thomas & Son, a family-run bus and coach hire company based in Epsom, Surrey, has protected its 73-year-old legacy and secured its future after receiving a £140,000 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) loan through HSBC UK. Edward Thomas saw all its current and future bookings suspended due to the coronavirus crisis, and HSBC UK, which has supported the company for more than 37 years, provided a CBILS loan to help cover costs until October 2020, enabling the business to continuing operating throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The loan also ensured that business owner Ivan Thomas, son of the company’s founder Edward Thomas, could protect the jobs of his 50 employees. Edward Thomas & Son is now focusing on main-

40

taining the business and securing bookings for September onwards, ensuring they can begin to serve their clients once Government restrictions are lifted.

“We have been proudly serving customers across Surrey and beyond for over 70 years,” says Ivan Thomas. “We were devastated when we had to stop taking bookings, not knowing when we would be operating again, so we were determined to ensure we stayed afloat during this time and secure our survival.

“We’ve had a great relationship with the team at HSBC UK having banked with them for many years and were extremely thankful for their swift, efficient and straightforward approach when we needed it most. The CBILS is crucial to our survival at this time, and we’re now looking forward to the time

when we can welcome our customers back once again.”

David Hamblin, HSBC area director for business banking in south London, adds: “Edward Thomas & Son has been serving its clients many years, and therefore we knew it was vital that the business was protected.

The south London team were able to process the CBILS support within a matter of days, and we’re delighted to be continuing to support the company both now and in the future.”

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is available for existing customers with a group turnover of up to £45million. The Government guarantee secures bank loans to viable businesses with a sound borrowing proposal. www.edwardthomasandson.co.uk

May 2020

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

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Digital signage supporting bus operators and passengers

21ST Century Passenger Systems, a Journeo company, is helping to get key messages to passengers on behalf of its local authorities and PTE clients. With major disruption as a result of COVID-19 and bus operators amending timetables to reflect their reduced services, the passenger information specialist is aiming to get reliable information to passengers speedily.

“As many of the UK’s key workers rely on public transport to get them where they need to be, it is vital that the transport information available to them is relevant and accurate,” says Saff Riaz, national sales manager, 21st Century Passenger Systems, “which is why we are supporting with media content updates during the lockdown to help keep people safe while travelling, free of charge.”

Customers have used Journeo’s content management system, EPI to provide information on timeMay 2020

table disruption and COVID-19 public health information, reinforcing government guidelines on when it is appropriate to use public transport and giving those who need it access to the latest available information. The company is also providing free webinars to customers on how to control messaging and advertising campaigns during the pandemic.

One of the first authorities to make use of the updates was Worcestershire county council.

“The team at 21st Century quickly designed the content along with full-screen and split-screen adverts on our digital signage, to alert the public to only use public transport when it was absolutely necessary and to observe the recommendations of the NHS and Public Health England,” says Matt Stone, transport systems and technology manager, Worcestershire county council. “The flexibility of the system has allowed us to dis-

play relevant information to the public rapidly and target specific areas where we see the most footfall, such as bus stations and interchanges. We will also be using the displays to give our own message of thanks, during the Thursday applause.”

Riaz adds: “With an ever-evolving situation, operators have had to amend timetables at a rate that would be difficult to achieve even in optimum conditions. Our customers have been working closely with operators to ensure real-time systems and on-street display signage keeps up with the fast-moving situation. They have found real benefit in the ability to support those changes with messaging, advising passengers of the reason for the change and what they can do to help. Giving passengers the information that they need is always important – but even more so in times of disruption.” www.21stplc.com

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Optimised real-time traffic management for York from PTV PTV has deployed software for predictive traffic modelling in York to create a real-time city-wide transport model for the first time in the UK. As part of the ‘Smarter Travel Evolution Program - STEP’, York is aiming to reduce traffic jams, emissions and travel times, as well as improve the reliability of the transport network, create better public spaces and enhance safety. Consultancy firm Wood has been appointed as lead partner in implementing the project, which is supported by the government.

The project team will support the city’s mission by designing and deploying a live model of York’s traffic network, in a dynamic digital representation fed from a wide range of real-time data sources. In addition to traffic optimisation through the live model, a strategic model will provide information as the basis for long-term decision-making concerning the local transport plan, development planning and business case applications.

“These new strategic and realtime models will enhance York’s long-term plan for transport pro-

vision and provide more informed, robust business cases for the implementation of future projects, in compliance with transport analysis guidance,” says James Gilchrist, assistant director for transport, highways and environment, City of York Council.

“Cutting-edge real-time technology will be able to conduct traffic predictions up to sixty minutes into the future. This insight will facilitate smarter transport decision making, optimised traffic signal plans and better travel advice

for road users across the historic city.

“We are excited to begin working collaboratively with Wood and PTV to deliver this ambitious project.”

Joe Sczurko, CEO of Wood’s technical consulting solutions business, adds: “This state-of-theart program will help the City of York provide a transport plan which enhances its citizens’ lives and helps protect the urban environment.”

www.ptvgroup.com

Eminox wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise with first entry EMISSIONS control specialist Eminox has won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The award, in the international trade category, recognises Eminox’s export success, which has seen overseas sales grow by 146 per cent over the three-year application period. Exported sales have risen to 67 per cent of the company’s total sales over the same time frame. This is the first year Eminox has entered the award competition.

Established in 1978, Eminox designs and manufactures sus-

42

tainable systems to reduce exhaust pollutant emissions from buses, trucks, rail, marine vehicles and non-road mobile machines. Due to growing international emissions requirements the company expects further future export growth from Europe and other regions, particularly Asia.

“The Queen’s Award recognises the hard work, drive and determination of the entire Eminox team over the past three years,” says Mark Runciman, managing director, Eminox. “Although we are in the middle of unprecedented

times, the same team that achieved this success will get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

We look forward to celebrating this success together at an appropriate time.”

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise were first established in 1965.

This year, 128 UK businesses have been recognised for excellence in the international trade category.

The award will be presented to the company later in the year and representatives when attend a royal reception. www.eminox.com

May 2020

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NCT integrates new mobile technology for engineering systems

NOTTINGHAM City Transport is deploying new mobile technology across its engineering operations as part of the roll-out of a new system from Freeway Fleet Systems. Engineering staff are being equipped with rugged tablet devices that synchronise in real time with a central Freeway system for managing the maintenance of more than 300 buses.

NCT required a system to transform what was largely a paperbased operation. In addition to mobile paperless working, the company also specified a cloudbased system. With Freeway, NCT has a fully-managed cloud solution, minimising the demands on its IT resources.

“For NCT the move from paper to digital working is expected to provide improved compliance and audit-trail as well as significant gains in productivity,” says Gary May 2020

Mason, NCT engineering director. “Real-time visibility of defects will improve vehicle turnaround times. And beyond the efficiencies of more rapid vehicle turnaround the project has also identified significant cost reductions; printing alone has been costing us £25,000 annually.”

NCT is undertaking a phased roll-out of Freeway with the first phase now complete with the introduction of the workshop management software and live connected tablets. The next phase involves the integration of pre-service inspection reports provided by drivers using a Tranzaura app.

The tablets will be used to replace virtually all paperwork and will be used by everyone from technicians to electrical specialists and cleaners. Running Freeway apps, the devices provide quick, easy entry of data to replace

job sheets, inspection reports, timesheets, 24-hour sheets and other paperwork.

Vehicles are allocated by NCT’s engineering department rather than operations, which the company says simplifies scheduling as vehicle availability is assured.

However, it increases the responsibility for engineering to maintain the fleet and minimise downtime.

“Our primary responsibility is to protect the company’s Operators Licence and Freeway will help here but the real benefits come from the fact that Freeway is a tool that will allow us to work more effectively,” adds Liam O’Brien, NCT chief engineer. “With everything digital and the information we need always immediately visible we’ll be able to manage things in a way that was simply impossible before.” www.freewayfleet.com

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The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and Innovation for Ticketer TICKETER is one of 66 organisations nationally to be awarded a Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and Innovation.

Ticketer was set up in 2009 and its smart ticketing systems and electronic ticketing machines are in use on buses throughout the UK. Ticketer ETMs are customised for operators’ needs, driving insights, and providing information to help drive revenue. Ticketer won the award for demonstrating how its ongoing product innovation has improved its commercial performance over the last five years, whilst aiding operators across the sector to enhance their passenger proposition.

“This really has been a tremendous team effort, not just from the Ticketer Team, but

from our customers, suppliers, and friends across the industry,” says John Clarfelt, Ticketer CEO. “I really feel incredibly humbled to receive such a prestigious award. All we have done is bring alive what bus operators have asked the industry to deliver, and so we are proud to accept this achievement on behalf of our amazing friends and colleagues in the sector, who have been loyal supporters, and with us every step of the way.

“It really is a bitter-sweet moment, to be recognised for success at such a challenging time for us all – and yet precisely because of those challenges, I hope that in some way it will be particularly encouraging for our industry to be acknowledged in this

John Clarfelt.

way during these extraordinary times.” www.gov.uk/queens-awards-forenterprise www.ticketer.com

TruTac wins Queen’s Award for Innovation TRUTAC, UK designer and supplier of software solutions for PSV and HGV compliance control, has won a Queens Award for their contribution towards safety and drivers’ hours management within the bus and coach industry.

TruTac works closely with the Confederation of Passenger Transport and leading bus and coach operators to design a range of cloud-based software tools for accurate recording of vehicle and driver activities, replacing unreliable manual procedures and enabling operators to comply with the specific safety and legal requirements of the PSV sector.

“Many of our coach and bus operator customers were relying on manual procedures to capture and record vehicle and driver activities and not surprisingly, this was time-consuming and led to errors and difficulties in analysis, not least in presenting data for DVSA-related checks and

44

auditing,” says TruTac commercial operations and marketing director Jemma James.

In order to overcome these and other issues, TruTac’s software designers wrote a new set of rules with unique algorithms, based on the PSV ruleset and the bespoke operational requirements of coach and bus operations within the UK and Europe.

The resulting driver education software tool, TruDriver – which is part of a full software suite developed for the industry – enables drivers to view and access their own data records, thereby helping to improve performance and reduce fatigue-related errors and infringements. And TruDriver enables operators to improve auditing processes for driver debriefing and data management to comply with DVSA and traffic commissioner regulations.

“Our bespoke software development and broader experience

in the PSV sector led to TruTac winning the CPT’s commercial partner tender in 2014”, continues Jemma, “and in subsequent times through close working partnerships with CPT and numerous coach and bus operators, TruTac has set itself apart from other tachograph analysis providers – as this Queen’s Award demonstrates.”

Today, TruTac processes more than three million driver and vehicle records per month – an increase of more than 1.5 million per month from 2014.

Following the announcement of the Queen’s Award, the company launched TruFleet, f leet management software, which enables transport managers to plan, organise and control day-to-day fleet and O licence management.

Features include vehicle history, maintenance records, safety inspections, defect reporting, rectifications and audit checks. www.trutac.co.uk

May 2020

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