Bus and Coach Professional - June 2020

June 2020

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Issue 415

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Editorial Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com

Messaging is all important

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WHILE bus operators are bending over backwards to implement social distancing as the lockdown begins to ease, airlines have started up again and have blatantly ignored such strictures. The government continues to urge people not to use buses (and presumably coaches) unless they have absolutely no alternative, yet it is silent about airline passengers.

It doesn’t take a genius, or even much of a scientist, to work out that being cooped up in an aeroplane for a few hours crammed in next to fellow passengers is likely to pose far more risk than a short trip on a bus.

And what is the result of this crazy policy? Predictable increases in traffic congestion leading to TfL having to increase congestion charges as it notes traffic is already back to pre-lockdown levels - and this is while huge numbers of people are still working from home and not travelling at all.

As we emerge from the pandemic, the battle over road space and the resulting impact on air pollution and climate change is going to reignite with a vengeance. The bus and coach industry will need to redouble efforts to promote public transport as the clean and green option and seek alliances with local authority partners and others to help ensure that we don’t escape from lockdown simply to transition into a world where the car is once again king.

As we entered lockdown, the government was successful in highlighting a simple message: stay at home. As we start to recover, it needs to have an equally powerful message: choose a low- or zero-carbon option for travel unless you have absolutely no alternative and your journey is essential.

@busandcoach_com Follow

June 2020

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contents comment 5-20 news Liverpool metro mayor warns of challenges to local authorities from cost of Covid lockdown.

5-20 news Transdev attacks plans to ban buses from Mancehster’s Deansgate.

22-28 green New electric bus revealed by UK ‘Unicorn’ Arrival.

22-28 green Abellio’s first electric buses in London enter service in partnership with Zenobe.

29-32 international Volvo Buses delivers 40 new buses to Curitiba’s BRT system.

34-38 product New London service partner for Mercedes-Benz and Setra vehicles.

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June 2020

news

Liverpool Metro Mayor warns that local transport could be financially unsustainable due to crisis

MAYOR of the Liverpool city region has told the transport select committee that he believes many local transport services are likely to become unsustainable in their current form due to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown.

Appearing virtually before the parliamentary committee, Steve Rotheram outlined the stark picture facing local transport in Merseyside with income from passenger fares down 90 per cent during lockdown, and local rail and bus capacity at around 20 per cent of pre-crisis levels because of social distancing measures.

In addition, the initial response to Coronavirus is likely to have cost the Liverpool City Region combined authority £17million to August plus another £10million losses likely by the end of the year.

June 2020

The mayor warned that, as a result, without significant f lexible, long-term funding from central government, local transport authorities would be forced to make damaging austerity cuts that risk constraining the economic recovery.

“I want to build a truly integrated transport network in the Liverpool City Region, one that is affordable, reliable and simple,” says Rotheram. “Devolution gives us the chance to change our transport system for the better by giving local people more control over their transport network.

“I have been doing everything within my power to protect people’s safety while keeping the region moving but this crisis has exposed the problems with the way our country does public

transport.”

He also argued that government bailouts which go direct to bus and rail companies were a ‘bad deal for taxpayers’, as they gave little incentive for companies operating across transport modes to integrate services. Instead he wants the money to go directly to mayors and transport authorities. He also called on the government to make the powers in the Bus Services Act easier to use, to give mayors greater flexibility in planning and delivering improved local buses.

“The status quo is unsustainable for local transport. Without significant support from central government, many authorities will be forced to make cuts which will seriously damage our economic recovery,” he adds. www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk

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news

Transdev highlights safety messages alongside launch of charity face masks AS new Government instructions to wear face masks when using public transport are introduced from 15 June 2020, Transdev has launched a specially-designed face covering featuring the colours of Transdev’s bus services across the North for £2.50, with all the proceeds going to NHS Charities Together, supporting NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID19 patients nationwide.

Transdev is also giving away 250 of the colourful coverings to key workers who have been using buses throughout the lockdown.

“The latest government guidance is a simple ‘ask’ of our customers, so everyone can travel

with peace of mind,” says Transdev CEO Alex Hornby.

“We’ve always set out to make our buses places people want to be seen, and the same unique touch of style we’ve become famous for has gone into creating unique face coverings, which will be available to

our customers at our bus stations in Yorkshire and Lancashire.”

A two-minute video, filmed on location in the north of England, is also aiming to dispel customer concerns about using buses.

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3gQqMri. www.transdevbus.co.uk

Coach dealership Moseley (PCV) goes into administration LONG-ESTABLISHED coach dealership Moseley (PCV) has gone into administration in the wake of the pressures of surviving through the lockdown. The company had earlier closed its Moseley in the South operation.

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Mark Hodgett and Phil Pierce of business advisers FRP have been appointed as joint administrators and are now seeking a buyer for the business which is the importer of Beulas, Indcar and VDL coaches.

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Airdrie-based Moseley Distributors is not affected and has reassured customers that it is open for business.

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news

news

ADL CEO Colin Robertson steps down a year after sale to NFI COLIN Robertson is stepping down as Alexander Dennis chief executive, making way for Paul Davies to take over. Robertson joins the board of parent company NFI as vice chair, while Paul Davies, who joined ADL in 1997, will return to the Scottish-headquartered company in July from his role in Hong Kong as ADL Asia Pacific regional managing director where he has led the business’ growth for the past 20 years.

As part of NFI’s deal to acquire ADL last May, Robertson agreed to remain in his current role until May 2020, which has now been extended to 30 September 2020 to enable a smooth handover to Davies.

During his tenure, Robertson has seen ADL’s annual turnover increasing nearly fourfold to £631million. A major export drive

Paul Davies

has been a key part of the strategy under Robertson. International activities accounted for less than a quarter of turnover when he became chief executive in 2007, and ADL successfully won business in new markets including Mexico, Switzerland, New Zealand and Singapore.

“Leading ADL has been exciting and extremely rewarding,” he says.

“I am fiercely proud of what has been achieved through the hard work of the entire team and the collaborative partnerships we’ve developed with our suppliers and customers. I know the company will be in fantastic hands. Paul has been a key member of the executive team and lives and breathes ADL’s mission and values.

“With his thorough understanding of our business and the wider industry, I have every confidence that Paul will bring further success to ADL.”

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Colin Robertson with ADL interns.

Davies adds: “I’ve been very fortunate to have worked for Colin for the past 13 years and I am deeply honoured to have been selected to take on the challenge of continuing the amazing journey that we’ve experienced under his leadership. I look forward to continue working with the NFI and ADL teams and our partners to provide world-class transport solutions that deliver for our customers.”

Paul Davies’ role as ADL managing director for the Asia Pacific region will pass to Steve Rose, who joins Alexander Dennis from Cummins where he most recently had been regional operations director, Taiwan & Mongolia, and general manager, Hong Kong.

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June 2020

news

Stagecoach ‘busy bus’ app launched

STAGECOACH is launching a new smartphone ‘busy bus’ indicator to help customers plan their journeys as services increase across the country.

The new feature on the Stagecoach bus app will use data and artificial intelligence to provide a traffic light indicator to help customers choose quieter services and maintain social distancing.

The app is being rolled out to iOS and android users via the app store and Google Play platforms.

The ‘busy bus’ tracker will provide a regularly updated guide to how busy individual bus services are in

networks across the UK. Each service in the live map on the app will be colour coded, with quieter buses showing in a green bus icon indicating ‘not too busy’, through to amber ‘quite busy’ and dark amber ‘very busy’.

Stagecoach claims its app already has the UK’s most advanced realtime bus tracker and this latest development is designed to help people to confidently and easily plan when they want to travel.

Carla Stockton-Jones, interim managing director UK for Stagecoach, says: “We are pleased to be welcoming more people back onto

our buses as things start to open up around the country.

“We have already put a range of extra measures in place to make sure our customers feel confident in using our services, including strict cleaning regimes and social distancing measures, which we know are the biggest priorities for travellers.

“The launch of our new busy bus indicator is an extra step to give people an easy, at a glance guide on the best times to travel and to plan their journeys to avoid busier times.” www.stagecoachbus.com/coronavirus

New AI technology helps ensure social distancing on board

OXFOR D Bus Company and Thames Travel are launching a new website feature to help give customers who need to travel confidence as COVID-19 restrictions​ are eased.

Customers making journeys as shops re-open from 15 June can check how busy the bus services are live on its website. The ‘When2Travel’ tool will use predictive technology to help passengers avoid busy times while capacity is

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reduced to enable social distancing. The feature provides colourcoded bus timetables that show seat availability on services. It uses data from onboard passenger counting systems on the ticket machine, plus data that has been submitted by customers who are travelling on the bus in a system created by parent company GoAhead in collaboration with tech partner CitySwift.

Oxford Bus Company and

Thames Travel have reduced vehicle capacities to help maintain social distancing on-board for people who need to travel. This includes taking some seats out of use and customer signage to encourage people to sit apart.

Temporary perspex screens have been fitted for drivers’ enhanced protection and it is discretionary for bus drivers to wear face coverings. www.oxfordbus.co.uk

June 2020

news

Transdev attacks plans to ban buses from Manchester’s Deansgate TRANSDEV claims that a new ban on buses in Manchester city centre will mean vulnerable people who depend on its services are being denied access to key shops and facilities as a result.

Manchester City Council has introduced new measures on a section of Deansgate, between Blackfriars Street and King Street West in order to make it easier for people to socially distance.

As a result, Transdev’s Witchway express from Burnley and Rawtenstall, and its Red Express service from Accrington and Ramsbottom, have to take a diversion and no longer have direct access to bus stops on Deansgate.

Transdev CEO Alex Hornby says: “This change has made life much more difficult for those who need direct access to the heart of the city most of all – those who cannot walk the long distance to and from alternative stops on a long diversion route. It’s bad news for vulnerable people who depend on our buses as their only means of transport.

“Manchester City Council says that although the closure of this key section of Deansgate has been brought forward on a temporary

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of bus services at risk due to the double whammy of higher costs for extra fuel and lower customer numbers choosing the bus to reach the city centre. That has got to be bad for everyone, whether they depend on the bus or not.”

Transdev estimates the cost of extra fuel needed to continue running both of its bus services around the diversion route at £100,000 a year. www.transdevplc.co.uk

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OGZ MGZ 9690ABW 960X £250 MGZ 2524 9690 £250 OXZ£99 £350 AGZ 5210 MRZ 9799 2802 AXZ 711 ASZ 9820 ABW 960X MRZ 2826 9799 AXZ 711 NRZ 8555 PGZAGZ 9828 BFZ 311 ASZ 3993 AYZ 2301 OXZ MRZ 9860IXZ 522 5210 ABW 994X IXZ 522 LXZ 7200 NRZ 8555 BFZ 311 ORZ 5010 RGZ 1243 AYZ 2299 BFZ 811 BSZ 9967 PGZ 9828 NRZ 9001 ASZ 3993 IXZ 522 LXZ 7200 NBZ 1638 ORZ 5010 BFZ 811 OXZ 2828 RRZ 2770 CXZ BSZ 9987 DSZ 4868 OGZ 2524 £99 112 £50 RGZ 3310 NBZ 1638 AYZ 2299 ORZ 6556NFZ 939 LXZ 7200 OXZ 2828 CXZ 112 PGZ RRZ 2771 CSZ 1424 ESZ 1505 2802 CXZ AGZ211 5210 ASZ 9909 9820 RRZ 2732 NFZ 939 BSZ OXZ 3355OXZ393 9987 1638 PGZ 9909 CXZ 211 RGZ GCZ DSZ 8881 MGZ 6109 UIG 7331 PGZ 9828 NBZ ASZ 114 3993 AYZ 1020 2301 OFZ RRZ PGZ 9920UCZ OFZ 393 RGZ 2733 1020 GCZ 114 RIG 8590 UIGCSZ 7332 GCZ ESZ 1333 1424 939 MXZ 6885 RGZ 949 1243 NFZ AYZ 117 2299 BSZ 9967 UCZ 949 UFZ 262 UIG RGZ 3310 RIG 8401 8590 GCZ 117 RRZ 3001 XHZDSZ 5330 SFZ 115 JFZ 3255 NGZ 8331 RRZ 2770 BSZ 9987 DSZ 4868 8881 NJZ 656 UFZ 262 RRZ 8402 3001 SFZ 115 UIG RIG 8909 YFZ UIG 8001 YNZ 8131 SFZ LXZ 9888 NXZ 9978 RRZ484 2771 OFZ CSZ511 1424 ESZ 1505 2101 757 YFZ 484 ESZ UIG 8001 SFZ 511 DSZ 449 8881 MGZ XHZ 5535 RRZ6109 2888UIG 7331 SFZ NGZ 8331 3343 Co. Fermanagh, Millwood,JFZ Lisbellaw, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ UIG 7332 ESZ 1333 MXZ 6885 YNZ 8131 UIG 8881 Millwood, Ireland BT94LXZ 5HQ9888 NXZLisbellaw, 9978 Co. Fermanagh, N.Tel: 979 028 6638 7124 · www.speedyreg.co.uk · sales@speedyreg.co.uk XHZ 5330 WFZ JFZ 3255 NGZ 8331

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basis, its aspiration is to make it permanent. That has serious implications for our customers who now face great difficulties in getting to the area, as not everyone can walk long distances to and from relocated bus stops where social distancing is not always achievable.

“A permanent closure with a lengthy and frequently congested diversion route will increase pollution as buses are delayed in traffic, while it also places the viability

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June 2020

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news

New Severn Express Bus Route launched by NAT local authorities

NAT Group, in partnership with TrawsCymru and Monmouthshire Council, has unveiled plans to continue the ‘Severn Express’ bus route, which is an existing bus route that operates between Chepstow and Bristol via Cribbs Causeway and Clifton.

The route was originally operated by First Group and then Stagecoach but had been terminated until, NAT Group, TrawsCymru and Monmouthshire Council, stepped in to take over the operation, rebranding it ‘TrawsHafren’ (across the Severn).

NAT Group started operation of TrawsHafren on 15 June as Stagecoach left the route to ensure no gap in service. The route will operate via Cribbs Causeway and will enter Bristol via Clifton, which

is believed to be the best possible route to avoid adverse congestion, and therefore reducing travel time.

The route will initially operate on a six-month pilot scheme.

Among the changes for the new service will be a new app to enable pre-booking, live vehicle tracking

and advance cashless payment.

“This is a great example of operator, local authority and Welsh Government working together for the good of the travelling public,” says NAT Group managing director Adam Keen. www.natgroup.co.uk

New ‘viricidal’ sanitiser for First bus fleet

FIRST Bus is using a new ‘viricidal’ sanitiser, Zoono Z71, across its entire f leet, which it claims kills Coronavirus on surfaces and is effective for 28 days. It is environmentally-friendly, uses no alcohol or dangerous chemicals, and is proven to be highly effective against Covid-19, according to First.

Buses and depots will now be

treated every 28 days with this Zoono Z71 which attracts and kills organisms.

Giles Fearnley, managing director, First Bus, says, “We are determined to do all we can to protect our customers and colleagues at this time.

“Our buses are essential for those who need to travel and we want everyone to understand that

it is safe to use our buses.”

The sanitser bonds to surfaces and delivers persistent protection, even after regular washing or cleaning. A protective layer attracts and kills organisms mechanically, removing the risk of cross contamination, resistance or mutation. www.firstgroup.com/help-and-support/ coronavirus-information

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Coach operators call for direct support for sector from chancellor REFURBISHMENT

CPT has delivered a coordinated employs 42,000REFURBISHMENT people with many tion that coach tour operators are letter to chancellor Rishi Sunak, more jobs dependent on the sec- to be treated as leisure businesses including signatures from more tor to get people to attractions and for the purposes of Covid-19 than 550 coach operators, warning destinations. support. that without urgent support many “Without support these jobs will Vidler adds: “This injection of of their businesses will go under as go as operators will have no choice cash into the industry along with a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. but to lay off staff. Attractions will the continuation of the furlough The letter warns that fam- also see reduced footfall as cus- scheme is vital. ily businesses are at risk because tomers find it impossible to reach “Ending the furlough scheme in coach operators, despite mothball- destinations.”

October means asking coach opering ‘routeONE coaches and furloughing staff, CPT is calling for a three point ators to pick up wage costs in full ‘routeONE magazine’ magazine’ are still facing costs of on average support package: a cash injection in the midst of the low season for £1,900 per day with no income or into the industry worth £65million coach travel. Without this support support from the government. a month, backdated to the begin- and the recognition that coach 01522 6 Coaches from £900 “Without question the indus- ning of the Coaches pandemic,from to help the travel is a leisure businesstel: many £900 p parts: graham@bhiuk. try is in a fight for its future and industryService cover its costs forfrom the rest operators will gofrom under£750 as a result Service buses buses £750 feels forgotten by government,” of 2020; anMinibuses extension from to the £600 fur- of the 18-month Minibuses fromwinter £600they are says CPT chief executive Graham@routeoneteam lough scheme beyond the current facing with little to no bookings.”

Deckers from £950 Deckers from £950 @routeoneteam www.cpt-uk.org Vidler. “The industry directly October end date; and confirma-

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Enviro400s for Salisbury activ8 route

SALISBURY Reds has taken delivery of three new Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC double-decks for its activ8 route.

“These past few months have been particularly challenging, and our team of key workers has been working incredibly hard transporting those making essential journeys throughout the coronavirus crisis,” says Salisbury Reds managing director Andrew Wickham.

“We made this investment prior to lockdown, and we are pleased to be introducing the buses to our customers across Wiltshire and Hampshire now. One positive to come from the past three months, is that the area’s congestion has greatly reduced.

“This is a chance for us to build on that. We want to encourage local people to leave their cars at

home and travel on sustainable transport once the government eases lockdown and we return to something close to normality.

These buses represent more than

£500,000 investment and have the potential to take a number of cars off the road, even whilst social distancing measures are in place.” www.salisburyreds.co.uk

New passenger capacity facility for NCT

NOTTINGHAM City Transport has added a new feature to its live online bus tracking to enable customers to check how busy or quiet their bus may be, so they can plan ahead. Available on the NCT website, and planned as an addition to its NCTX Buses app, the system provides information about

the bus including its capacity and features, such as wi-fi and USB chargers.

The capacity information is initially being collected from customers, who are encouraged to help each other, with those on the bus updating the capacity details in real-time so those who are looking

to travel can see how quiet or busy the bus may be.

NCT’s long term digital partner, Passenger, has developed the new feature and is working with other bus operators and ticket machine suppliers on enhancing the information provided to customers. www.nctx.co.uk/capacitychecker

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June 2020

news

CILT calls for major pro-bus campaign as part of post-Covid recovery THE Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has called on the government to mount a major pro-bus and active travel campaign to encourage continued reduction in car use as the country emerges from the lockdown.

CILT argues that the objective of reducing carbon emissions should remain in the post-Covid recovery which “provides a unique and unrivalled opportunity to lock in the unintended consequence of the lockdown that virtually eliminated traffic congestion”.

The paper, ‘Rebuilding the bus market to meet the decarbonising challenge in a post-Covid world’,

has been produced by the CILT’s bus & coach policy group. It states: “Covid-19 changes nothing if, without intervention, the way we travel reverts back to congestion and pollution.

“Delivering t he emissions reduction needed from transport is a significant and sustained challenge and net zero demands a fresh approach; one that CILT believes must build on the impacts that Covid-19 has had on changing travel behaviours.”

CILT’s paper encourages government to continue to show the same commitment that it did before the pandemic and ensure

funding is retained for low carbon initiatives, but used differently than originally intended in order to mount a major pro-bus and active travel campaign.

Nick Richardson, chair, bus & coach policy group, CILT, says: “If we can use the reduction in travel that has been experienced during this pandemic, and enhance the bus and public transport offer, we will deliver a cleaner environment in addition to developing wider social benefits such as reducing loneliness, isolation and achieve improved mental health outcomes plus many economic objectives.” www.ciltuk.org.uk

Euro Bus Expo postponed until 2021 ALONG with other events planned for autumn 2020, Euro Bus Expo organiser Diversified Communications UK has confirmed the inevitable postponement of the show due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. The trade show will now be held on 26-28 October 2021 at the NEC Birmingham.

Helen Conway, Euro Bus Expo Event Director, says: “We have been closely following the rap-

idly changing developments during these testing times. While we know that the coach and bus industry is highly resilient, we are mindful that for many in the sector 2020 is likely to be the most difficult year that they have faced.

“Although we remain hopeful that tough measures on restricted social interaction will have been relaxed by the autumn, too many questions remain surrounding

arrangements for it to be viable to run Euro Bus Expo this year.”

CPT chief executive Graham Vidler adds: “Euro Bus Expo. It is a highlight of the calendar and presents members of the industry with an unrivalled opportunity to network with our peers, but the safety and wellbeing of exhibitors, speakers and visitors must always come first.” www.eurobusxpo.com

Looking to lease a coach or bus?

For good advice and a great deal, call 07710 088674 Email simon.matthews@cbvh.co.uk June 2020

www.closebrothersvehiclehire.co.uk

17

news

New Pendle Wizz route forTransdev

THE Burnley Bus Company has launched its new Pendle Wizz route between Skipton, Barnoldswick, Colne and Burnley with an hourly all-day service along the M65. The new service replaces the Witchway route between Skipton and Burnley, with a connection at Burnley Bus Station and frequent Witchway buses for customers travelling through to Manchester.

On the eve of the service’s first day, The Burnley Bus Company celebrated with another first – a virtual Pendle Wizz launch event on social media using the hashtag #LockdownLaunch, and featuring images of buses in the bold new Pendle Wizz livery at key landmarks along the route.

“We want our buses to be places people want to be seen in, with a bright and friendly image which stands out and attracts new customers, as well as those who already choose to travel with us,” says The Burnley Bus Company CEO Alex

Hornby. “We planned our new Pendle Wizz service to stay out of the unpredictable traffic congestion in Manchester which affected the reliability of the Witchway, especially before the lockdown – meaning that our local customers along the new Pendle Wizz route can look forward to a more reliable service, seven days a week.

“As more people return to

work and traffic levels increase, it’s vitally important that we take every opportunity to make sure our buses continue to be as reliable as they can be. Our customers tell us that an on-time service is the most important requirement – with the new Pendle Wizz product, we are delivering on that requirement.” www.transdevplc.co.uk

Rotala increases overdraft facility from HSBC due to lockdown slump ROTALA has increased its overdraft facility with HSBC UK by £2.1million to help cope with the impact of lockdown. The business says it has seen an 85 per cent reduction in its passenger numbers since the start of the pandemic, although over the past few weeks, the business has started to see demand for services increase as industries return to work and lockdown restrictions are eased.

“We’re operating in an uncertain world right now,” says Simon Dunn, CEO, Rotala. “Due to the coronavirus, we had to restrict our bus services to about 40 or 50 per cent of normal in accordance with

18

the requirements of local authorities and the DfT. “The funding from HSBC UK has enabled us to even out the

peaks and troughs of our cashflow whilst many of our customers are unable to travel.” www.hsbc.co.uk

June 2020

news

TfL commissions studies into Covid deaths among London bus workers TRANSPORT for London has asked University College London’s Institute of Health Equity to provide independent advice as part of a forthcoming study to understand the pattern of coronavirus infections and deaths among London’s bus workers. The studies are being commissioned following the deaths of 33 people, including 29 drivers, among bus operators within London.

The first part of the study, into which UCL Institute of Health Equity are providing advice, will review and advise on TfL’s operational response during the pandemic, including the cleaning regime in place across the network and social distancing measures for members of staff and customers.

This work will take place within a matter of weeks, enabling TfL to quickly undertake any improvements to current measures as necessary.

The second part of the study, which will be commissioned shortly, will examine the potential contribution that occupation exposure plays in differences in infection and death rates between London’s frontline transport workers and the general London population, by adjusting for a range of risk factors including age, gender, ethnicity, economic status and non-occupational exposures.

“This will take around three to four months and will help inform recommendations on any additional measures that should be

put in place to protect these key workers.

“The transport workers who have lost their lives during this pandemic are constantly in my thoughts, and it is with them in mind that I will continue to do absolutely everything I can to keep staff and passengers safe,” says Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

“Tf L is seeking independent advice from UCL Institute of Health Equity to make sure we better understand the impact of coronavirus on our bus workers and to ensure we are taking every possible measure to protect our heroic staff.

As the son of a bus driver, this is deeply personal to me.” www.tfl.gov.uk

COPING WITH COVID? • Operator Licence Changes • HR Support & Advice • Governance & Corporate Arrangements • Strategic Development

| W: www.beverleybellconsulting.com | T: 07985 700 017 | E: info@beverleybellconsulting.com | June 2020

19

news

Johnsons Coaches plans for WHO 1m-social distancing standards

JOHNSONS Coaches of Henley in Arden has taken the bold step of releasing a new set of safety measures for coach travel during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, based on an interpretation of social distancing from the WHO’s 1m recommendations, rather than the current 2m distance required by the UK government. The new safe operating procedures and coach capacity guidelines for group leaders and school groups have been published on Johnson’s

website.

Johnsons says that the new safety measures will aid local businesses in safely transporting their employees who cannot work from home, and the company is also implementing strict cleaning and operating procedures to ensure its coaches are disinfected and cleaned as well as anti-viral fogging on a weekly basis.

“In these difficult times, the protection and safety of our passengers and drivers is our primary

concern,” says John Johnson, commercial director, Johnsons Coaches. “And as the country starts to be released from this long period of lockdown, we hope businesses and schools will start to consider booking coaches for their group travel. We strongly believe that in this current period of uncertainty our coaches provide a safer and more secure transport option than other forms of public transport.” www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Further funding to ramp up services

A FURTHER £283million has been made available by government to increase the number of bus and light rail services so that people who need to travel can do so safely. The funding – amounting to £254m for buses and £29m for trams and light rail – is designed to protect and increase services, allowing people travelling to hospitals, supermarkets or their place of work to get to their destination safely and quickly, while helping ensure there is enough space for them to observe social distancing guidelines.

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The government continues to advise the public only to use public transport if they have no other option, however.

To make it easier for people to choose alternatives to public transport, a series of measures are being rolled out to encourage more people to cycle instead, including allocating local authorities a share of £225million, announced earlier this month, to create pop-up and permanent cycle lanes and reallocate road space, and amending laws to reduce red tape and halve the time it takes for councils to get

these schemes up and running.

In addition, £25million from the emergency active travel fund is being allocated to help people get their bikes repaired so that they can get back to cycling.

“To make sure people can travel safely when they need to, we are increasing capacity on buses and light rail, as well as helping local authorities fast-track plans to support cyclists and pedestrians, further reducing pressure on our transport network,” says transport secretary Grant Shapps. www.gov.uk

June 2020

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green

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

New prototype electric bus revealed by Arrival ARRIVAL has revealed a new zero-emission bus which it says will “transform the public transport industry at a time when it is facing its biggest challenges”.

Arrival is a UK-based ‘unicorn’ business - indicating a start-up valued at more than $1billion.

Few details are available of the new vehicle, although artist”s impressions of the interior alongside short videos of a prototype bus have been released.

Arrival has won significant investment and orders across its portfolio, including €100million from Hyundai and Kia and an order from UPS for up to 10,000 electric vans earlier this year.

“Arrival’s core focus is to make your every-day experience radically better, whether that is your daily journey on an Arrival Bus, or through your work as a driver delivering parcels from an Arrival Van,” says Kwame Nyanning, chief of experience at Arrival.

“We are working with cities to make every touchpoint within the urban transportation ecosys-

tem not only better, but also more equitable and sustainable. Recent events have made it clear the world needs to take action now in order to improve lives and effect real change.”

Ben Jardine, chief of product, Arrival Bus, adds: “We are very excited to bring the Arrival Bus to markets around the world and make the passenger experience of bus travel a positive one. By

working in partnership with businesses to develop the entire ecosystem around our vehicles, we are supporting their goals of making public transport appealing whilst achieving carbon neutrality.”

The company says that the Arrival Bus can be produced in local ‘microfactories’ which will be deployed worldwide to serve local communities, pay local taxes and support local supply chains and employment.

Arrival says its innovative assembly technology using lowfootprint, low-investment microfactories enable the production of highly customised vehicles which are better priced even at low volumes. Arrival plans to deploy 1,000 microfactories globally by 2026.

Arrival was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in the UK, with over 1,000 global employees located in offices across the USA, Germany, Netherlands, Israel, Russia and Luxembourg. www.arrival.com

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June 2020

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Since our launch 20 years ago, we’ve grown to become a global leader in telematics, helping over 50,000 businesses manage vehicles and maximise productivity. Having recently been acquired

by Bridgestone, we now change our name from TomTom Telematics to Webfleet Solutions. Our goal remains the same: to innovate fleet management and build the future of mobility solutions.

Let’s drive business. Further.

webfleet.com

green

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

Charities and NGOs call for sustainable transport route to a green and inclusive recovery AN alliance of eight charities and NGOs is calling for recognition of the importance of public, community and shared transport, combined with walking and cycling, to help ensure a ‘green and inclusive’ recovery as the Covid lockdown begins to ease.

The organisations (Bus Users, Campaign for Better Transport, Community Rail Network, Community Transport Association, Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), Greener Journeys, Living Streets, Sustrans) say that there is currently a chance to reset transport priorities, putting people’s communities, health and wellbeing, and our environment, at the forefront.

Darren Shirley, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport, says: “Together, our organisations are offering sup-

port and expertise, to work with governments and authorities, partners and communities, to forge a more sustainable and inclusive transport future.”

Claire Walters, chief executive, Bus Users, adds: “Public, community and shared transport, alongside and connected with walking and cycling, must be safeguarded, celebrated and developed, to ensure everyone can access sustainable mobility in the future.

“Evidence shows that this is crucial, for health and wellbeing, community cohesion and resilience, our climate and sustainable development – and for creating the future we all want.”

The groups point to evidence that individuals, families and communities across Britain depend on public, community and shared transport, alongside walking and cycling, for their health, wellbeing

and prosperity. A third of people – including many young, marginalised and vulnerable people – don’t have personal access to a car, and reducing private car use is increasingly recognised as fundamental to reducing air pollution and decarbonising.

Stephen Edwards, director of policy and communications, Living Streets, says: “This is about recognising the huge benefits for our communities, our local places and global environments, of reducing private car use, and enabling everyone to get around by healthy, community-minded and environmentally-responsible means.

“We have a major opportunity at the moment to connect up improvements to walking and cycling with public, shared and community transport, and great gains to be made from this.”

Leicester city council orders 13 Yutong E12 buses PELICAN has won a contract for 13 Yutong electric buses from Leicester city council to convert its three park-and-ride services to zero emission operation. The order follows the council’s successful Transforming Cities Bid to the Department for Transport, which is believed to be the first use of the fund for buses. The f leet of zero emission electric buses will be operated by Roberts Travel Group and is due to come into operation in early 2021.

The electrification aims to cut 700,000 car miles each year from congested urban roads in the city, if drivers switch to electric

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buses at the park-and-ride sites at Birstall, Enderby and Meynells Gorse.

The Yutong E12s will have full air-conditioning, LED lights, USB charging points and passenger information systems. The vehicles are fitted with 422kWh batteries, and will use fast 120kW DC charging overnight at Roberts Travel’s depot.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the tender award from Leicester City,” says Ian Downie, Pelican head of Yutong Bus UK. “Their exacting criteria for a proven zero emission bus, with detailed compliance to their vehi-

cle and aftermarket specification, was met by our product and the team from Pelican Bus and Coach. There are over 103,000 Yutong zero emission electric vehicles in operation around the world, and we are looking forward to adding the Leicester vehicles to that number.”

Leicester deputy city mayor for environment and transportation, Adam Clarke, adds: “Electric vehicles will play a big part in our work to improve the city’s air quality, and I look forward to these buses coming into service next year.” www.pelicanyutong.co.uk

June 2020

green Abellio’s first electric buses in London enter service in partnership with Zenobe

ZENOBE Energy is backing the deployment of Abellio’s first fleet of electric buses in London. Zenobe will own and operate the batteries on the bus, and run and maintain the charging infrastructure in the depot, as well as funding the buses in the first example of an end-to-end ‘electric bus as a service’ scheme in the capital.

The first five buses are now operating on route P5, and the project includes a total of 34 electric buses for the C10 (Canada Water to Victoria Station) and P5 (Patmore Estate to Elephant and Castle) routes.

The new buses are from Portugal-based CaetanoBus and also June 2020

represents a first in the UK for Caetano’s electric buses.

In May 2019, Zenobe announced a £120million partnership fund for fleet operators to help accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicles across Britain.

“We are very pleased to support Abellio on their journey to net zero and delighted to contribute to the deployment of Zero Emission Vehicles in London,” says Steven Meersman, co-founder of Zenobe Energy, “Our service-based model means we’re there for our partners throughout the journey, not just on day one. It shows that innovative green solutions can be sustainable in both ecological and financial terms. We hope our partnership

with Abellio paves the way for other opportunities in London to improve journey quality for commuters and support operators on route to net-zero.”

Tony Wilson, managing director, Abellio London Bus, adds: “At Abellio, we continuously look for new, sustainable solutions to improve our services. Working with Zenobe has allowed us to do so in a way that is not only good for TfL, bus customers and the environment but is also cost-effective.

The battery storage solution at our depot helps us ensure we can deliver reliable services, while also improving air quality for local people every day.” www.zenobe.com

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green

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

President of Uruguay launches BYD electric bus fleet for Uruguay’s largest operator BYD and its Uruguay distributor Abriley have delivered 20 BYD 12m electric buses to CUTCSA, the country’s largest urban public transport operator, in the capital Montevideo.

The delivery of 20 buses follows earlier trials with CUTCSA and local and national authorities with BYD’s first bus imported in 2013.

“CUTCSA and transportation in general are continuously looking toward the future, as we know there are better times to come and we cannot stop implementing initiatives that, in the future, will be good for all of the transportation and the city,” says Juan Antonio Salgado, president, CUTCSA. “The electric buses will help

electrify 100 per cent of the vehicles used today along the CA1 and D1 lines that circulate in central areas of Montevideo City, significantly reducing noise and air pollution.”

Luis Lacalle Pou, Uruguay

president attended the launch ceremony, noting that the project helps build greater sovereignty, especially for a country like Uruguay that is not an oil producer but is a strong power generator.

www.byd.com

Businesses call on chancellor to back a new UKwide hydrogen technology strategy A GROUP of businesses is calling on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to invest £1.5billion in hydrogen technologies as part of a UK-wide strategy.

The businesses have united around a new campaign group, Hydrogen Strategy Now, and argue that developing a clear, strategic plan will unlock significant private funding in hydrogen technologies and manufacturing across the country, driving growth and generating hundreds of thousands of green jobs.

The cross-industr y group, which combined employs around 100,000 people with a combined value of £100billion in the UK,

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says it stands ready to invest up to £1.5billion in hydrogen projects and create thousands of jobs.

The letter to the Chancellor says: “As you look to design a postCOVID recovery, we encourage you to focus on creating highskilled, green jobs, in sectors that will be critical to the future economy, such as low-carbon energy, transport and heavy industry.

“These measures would be wholly complementary to the Government’s levelling-up agenda and long-term decarbonisation goals. For example, the Committee for Climate Change has made it clear that the UK will not meet its Net Zero targets without signifi-

cant investment in the hydrogen economy.

“The global hydrogen economy is estimated to be worth $2.5 trillion by 2050, supporting 30 million jobs. Other nations, such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and China have already set ambitious strategies for growing their hydrogen economies.

Just last week, Germany joined this list with their own €9 billion hydrogen strategy. The European Commission is also creating an EU hydrogen strategy, which includes plans for multi-billion investment in hydrogen projects, and schemes to boost sales of hydrogen electric vehicles“ June 2020

green Nobina increases BYD eBus fleet with two separate deliveries in Sweden

NOBINA, Sweden’s largest bus operator, has increased the size of its pure-electric BYD eBus fleet with two further deliveries of 34 vehicles for operations in Linköping and Halland.

The latest delivery comprises 18 low-floor 18.6m articulated eBuses for Linköping and 16 12m eBuses for the province of Halland on Sweden’s south-western coast. The 18.6-metre articulated model offers enhanced passenger capacity of approximately 105 (37 seated) and, thanks to a centrepivot design, has a 24m turning circle.

June 2020

For the Halland operation, Nobina has selected BYD’s 12m buses with 26-seats and total carrying capacity of 68.

Nobina’s fleet of eBuses from BYD now exceeds 160 units in operation or on order, and BYD now has almost 300 eBuses either delivered or on order across Scandinavia.

“Nobina is strengthening the position as the leading operator of electric and sustainable public transport services in the Nordics,” says Jens Råsten, fleet manager, Nobina Group, “where the technical e-mobility concept by BYD

has proven to fit perfectly well into the high demands among customers and PTAs in the Nordics regarding flexibility, total transport economy, quality and reliability.”

Isbrand Ho, managing director, BYD Europe, adds: “Nobina is an excellent example of a forward-thinking bus operator that understands that a sustainable, pure-electric bus fleet can deliver high levels of productivity while appealing to more and more passengers who demand clean, sustainable public transport.” www.byd.com

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green

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

London mayor and TfL increase congestion charge fees to halt rise in car traffic

IN response to rising levels of car use in the Congestion Charge zone, London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has introduced a temporary increase in charges to £15 from £11.50 day, 07:00-22:00 seven days a week and the residents’ discount will be closed to new applicants on 1 August. The temporary changes are designed to reduce traffic in central London and enable more journeys to be made safely by foot or by bike while keeping the bus network reliable for those making essential journeys.

Sadiq Khan says: “The Government was absolutely clear that Tf L must bring forward proposals to widen the level and scope of the Congestion Charge.

Coronavirus continues to pre-

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sent our city with unprecedented challenges but I am determined to ensure that we emerge from this pandemic with a cleaner, greener and more sustainable transport system.

“The reality is that due to social distancing requirements public transport can only carry a fraction of the number of passengers compared to pre-pandemic levels even when we are back to running completely full services.

“While capacity on the network needs to be preserved for those people who need it most, we can’t allow journeys that were previously taken on public transport to be replaced with car trips.”

Alex Williams, TfL director of city planning, adds: “It is not sustainable for London’s recovery to

be dominated by cars. We are already seeing a surge in traffic and need to act now to stop the city grinding to a halt. The temporary Congestion Charge changes are supporting our Streetspace programme, which will make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle and keep the bus network reliable for those who need to use it.”

TfL reports that car traffic in the zone in the evenings is now almost as high as during the day, and at weekends is even higher than during the week. The cost of congestion in London is estimated at £5.5billion per year with the capital’s drivers losing more than 200 hours per year due to being stuck in traffic. tfl.gov.uk

June 2020

Bus and coach news from around the world

international

Medibus from VDL Bus & Coach serves as mobile Covid laboratory for German researchers

DEUTSCHE Bahn Medibuses, built by VDL Bus & Coach, are currently being used in a large-scale study by the Robert Koch Institute into the spread of COVID-19 in Germany. Using the Medibuses, researchers and physicians have access to high-quality laboratory environments, which can also be flexibly deployed in different locations.

The main objectives of the ‘Corona-Monitoring lokal’ study are to map the spread of the virus and to obtain a more complete picture of the number of unreported coronavirus cases. A total of 8,000 citizens from four different areas of Germany are being monitored.

“DB Medibus is a cross-company joint project that is made possible in particular by the expertise and commitment of our partners Cisco and VDL,” says Felix Thielmann June 2020

and Arndt Hecker from Deutsche Bahn. “We are very pleased that our Medibus, with its equipment and technical functionality, can currently make an active contribution to the research into the spread of COVID-19 in Germany”.

Mark Francot, director of VDL Bus Venlo, adds: “As a manufacturer, we very much welcome the fact that Deutsche Bahn’s Medibuses are now also being used in the fight against coronavirus. The fact that we at VDL Bus & Coach can contribute to COVID-19 research through good cooperation between several companies makes us very proud. At the same time, this project once again endorses the multiple uses of this innovative vehicle.”

The village of Kupferzell, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, is the first research site that the

RKI arrived at with the Medibus.

A church concert was held here at the beginning of March, during which 82 people became infected with coronavirus. Because of this outbreak, Kupferzell instantly became one of Germany’s coronavirus hotspots.

The Citea LLE-127 Medibuses for Deutsche Bahn were built by VDL Bus Venlo in cooperation with VDL Bus Heerenveen and VDL Bus Chassis. The bus has been converted into a doctor’s practice in which the four rooms (treatment room, consultation room, laboratory and waiting room) are equipped with cupboards and furniture. Each room also has its own air-conditioning, and solar panels on the roof provide clean energy so that the bus is less dependent on external power on location. www.vdlbuscoach.com

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international

Bus and coach news from around the world

Volvo Buses delivers 40 new buses to Curitiba’s Bus Rapid Transit system

VOLVO Buses is again one of the main vehicle suppliers to the city of Curitiba’s transportation system.

In 2020, Volvo Buses has delivered 6 bi-articulated, 13 articulated and 21 conventional buses to the city.

“We are back to having a leading position in bi-articulated buses in the city and in the market. In addition, we have significant deliveries in the entire HD vehicle segment, which also includes articulated and conventional buses,” says Fabiano Todeschini, president, Volvo Buses Latin America.

Curitiba is regarded as the origin

30

of Bus Rapid Transit, the concept that deploys buses travelling in exclusive lanes or corridors, with the bus floor at the same level as the bus stop platform to aid boarding, and pre-paid fares to promote a faster and more fluid passenger transportation experience. Developed in the city in the 1970s, the system served as an inspiration for a number of other metropolitan areas around the world, in particular in Latin America.

At the start of the previous decade, however, many factors were constraining fleet renewals, and

this trend has now been reversed in recent years.

“As partners since the beginning of BRT, we are very pleased that the city is once again starting to invest in new buses, keeping the focus on safety and quality,” says Paulo Arabian, bus commercial director, Volvo Brazil.

Currently, Curitiba’s mass transit system carries 1.23 million passengers on more than 14,100 trips a day. Operating along 254 routes, the city’s 1,250 buses cover around 273,000 kilometres.

www.volvo.com

June 2020

Bus and coach news from around the world

international

New ultraviolet light system enhances bio-safety in Marcopolo vehicles

THE use of UVC ultraviolet radiation in bus toilets is being used by Marcopolo to promote biosafety in public transport.

Rodrigo Pikussa, Marcopolo director, bus business, says: “Our actions, since the beginning of the pandemic, were based primarily on protecting people, both our collaborators and the communities where we operate. Now, with our biosafety initiatives on board, we take an additional step to protect users of our products and allow society to return to its activities, as close to normal as possible.”

The new system received approval from the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Universidade de Caxias do Sul, and claims

June 2020

an efficiency greater than 99.99 per cent in anti-microbial action. The technical report is available for access at https://bit.ly/EficaciaAntimicrobiana.

Lucia no Resner, Ma rco polo engineering director, adds: “The only thing that needs to be assessed by our technical team is to ensure that safety devices and passenger detection are present.

UVC is extremely efficient in this application, but at the same time it is harmful to health, which is why its use must be restricted to closed spaces, without passengers being directly exposed to the light.”

The new system is now available to customers and can be installed both in vehicles in production and

in units already in circulation on the market and will be sold as a kit, for all Marcopolo, Neobus and Volare vehicles.

The system consists of a set of ultraviolet lights which are automatically activated after the restroom is used or in automatic cycles during the use of the bus.

UVC radiation eliminates viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms because it can penetrate the cells of these pathogens and their genetic structure. Marcopolo says there is also evidence that ultraviolet rays can damage the amino acids and proteins that protect the virus or allow it to bind and infect a host cell. www.marcopolo.br

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international

Bus and coach news from around the world

MAN city buses for Durban, South Africa MAN has supplied 150 city buses for Durban Transport, South Africa. In close cooperation with Durban Transpor, the MAN plant in Olifantsfontein assembled the buses on RR8 and RR9 high-floor chassis with modifications to enable the vehicles to cope with South Africa’s extreme climate condi-

tions.

“The operator wanted high-floor chassis that would enable taller boarding platforms to be served as well,” says Gary Aliphon, bus fleet manager, MAN Truck & Bus South Africa.

The MAN RR8 and RR9 highfloor chassis have a Euro 5 engine

rated at 320hp and a six-gear automatic gearbox.

“Efficiency, eco-friendliness, comfort and safety were all essential criteria for Durban Transport when choosing their city buses,” says Rudi Kuchta, MAN Truck & Bus. www.mantruckandbus.com

Masats to supply doors for Alstom Aptis ALSTOM has chosen Masats as the door supplier for its new 100 per cent electric vehicle APTIS. Masats developed a door for the vehicle with an electric outward opening and another version with 028C sliding doors.

The first deliveries have already been made in the city of Strasbourg to operator CTS Strasbourg as part of a total order that includes 12 three-door vehicles equipped with the 028C sliding door.

These electric low-energy doors offer high-level control of movement, which is gentler to enhance the system reliability. The door opening speed reduces the time

between stops and helps with service compliance, and the doors have obstacle detection systems for increased passenger safety.

Alstom has also ordered doors from Masats for the cities of Grenoble, Toulon and La Rochelle. masats.es

Mercedes-Benz and Allison export win in Indonesia with 250 bus-order MERCEDES-BENZ Brazil and Allison Transmission have significantly increased their presence in Indonesia with the sale of more than 250 OH 1626 model city buses equipped with Allison T 280R fully-automatic transmissions. Approximately half of the transmissions were delivered last November and the buses started operating by the end of May as part of the Jakarta BRT system and its feeder lines.

“The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Allison was fun-

32

damental for us to meet customers’ demand in Indonesia,” says Alexandre Lasmar, Mercedes-Benz sales and exports manager for the Middle East and North Africa.

“The buses that we are selling with Allison transmissions bring excellent results such as comfort and safety for drivers and passengers, and low maintenance for vehicles.”

The OH 1626 buses a re equipped with Allison’s fullyautomatic six-speed transmissions with a retarder. They also feature Allison’s FuelSense 2.0 technol-

ogy, which further reduces fuel consumption. FuelSense 2.0 is suited to urban applications with a lot of stop-and-go driving, such as city buses, refuse collection, construction and distribution.

The latest FuelSense 2.0 uses the DynActive Shifting system for an infinite number of shift point combinations. FuelSense 2.0 uses a real-time learning algorithm that determines the optimal balance between fuel economy and performance. www.allisontransmission.com

June 2020

ESSENTIAL HYGIENE www.resultppe.com

product

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

More funds being made available to members for some Transport Benevolent Fund benefits THE Transport Benevolent Fund has enhanced its range of benefits in the wake of Covid-19. TBF which currently has more than 67,000 members, is introducing an increase in the amount of benefit payable for the wide range of complementary and alternative therapies available to members.

John Sheehy, TBF CEO, says: “Even before we were all dealing with the devastating effect of Covid-19 it is a sad fact that in modern Britain there are cases of need, hardship, and distress amongst those working within the industry. This is best illustrated by the fact that, during the past 12 months, the Fund has paid more than £2.8million in awards to its members.”

“Later in the year, each TBF member, their partner, and dependent children will have access to two different types of

therapies in a rolling 12-month period, as is the case now, but the amount for each will be raised to £300. Of course, the ability to access these therapies will be dependant on social distancing guidelines at the time.

“The Trustees have also had to make the very difficult decision of no longer offering massage as a benefit. Some time ago, officebased staff discovered a series of attempted fraudulent claims for massage; these are not always easy to detect. This has created a hugely increased workload as members of the claims staff have to doublecheck the validity of every single request and this situation is no longer workable.

“Our principal concern is to ensure that beneficiaries who are off sick and experiencing hardship, receive their grants on time.

Therefore, as from 1 September

2020, massage will no longer be offered as a benefit, although members with a massage benefit claim already open at that date will continue to receive reimbursement until the full £250 allowance is exhausted.

“We will, of course, continue to offer chiropractic and osteopathy treatments and physiotherapy, so members will have other options for treatment if the need arises.”

The budget allocated for the massage benefit will now be redistributed within the sickness hardship grant budget and other therapy treatments, adds Sheehy.

“The TBF team works tirelessly to help members and their dependants who find themselves in situations of genuine need, and help to improve members’ work-life balance and reduce staff turnover for the employer.” www.tbf.org.uk

Cloud technology assist operators in Covid challenges 21ST Century has used the cloud technology capabilities of its Journeo Transit platform to assist operators with some of the main challenges that they face during the current pandemic. In addition to supporting remote working, the cloud technology has helped to integrate passenger counting which is proving invaluable in maintaining social distancing on board.

Journeo Transit is a single, cloud-based platform, that enables users to access operation-critical information on any system connected through a Journeo Edge on-vehicle gateway. The openplatform technology allows 21st Century to deliver enhancements on multiple manufacturer’s technologies.

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CCTV footage is downloaded over 3G/4G without engineers having to visit the vehicle which significantly reduces the cost of retrieving footage from vehicles and the built-in system status identifies faults instantly, ensuring that footage is available.

“We are all working hard to assist our customers with the enormous challenges that they face,” says Russ Singleton, chief executive, 21st Century. “The Journeo technology has proven to be invaluable in its functionality and flexibility. Because it is manufacturer-agnostic, it can integrate with all the major on-board systems, providing valuable data at a time when information really is king.”

Users are alerted through

the platform should any system develop a fault and alerts can also be distributed via email or via API to third party systems, allowing operators to schedule repair works.

By integrating Journeo with passenger counting technologies, operators can assess their vehicle occupancy in real-time to assist with social distancing. The Journeo Edge device connects to onboard passenger counting sensors to relay the occupancy data to the cloud. Information can either be viewed via the real-time map, or historical data can be reviewed.

The platform is also able to distribute occupancy information to third parties, allowing operators and authorities to display the data over a host of platforms. www.21stplc.com

June 2020

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

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New Mercedes-Benz and Setra service partner for London area

EVOBUS UK has appointed Automania Garage Services as an authorised service partner in the London region. Automania will provide recovery and fleet management services to MercedesBenz and Setra bus and coach operators.

In July 2020, AGS will open its £6-million development, currently nearing completion, on a two-acre site close to Heathrow Airport. At its heart will be a fully-equipped 64,000 sq ft workshop with 39 bays of varying lengths, 17 of which have full-length pits. There are also two dedicated authorised testing facility lanes.

Michael Thielmann, managing director and CEO of EvoBus UK, says: “AGS is a welcome addition to our service partner network with its proven track record of customer service which is at the heart of what both our businesses are about”.

Automania’s Richard Holmes adds: “This exciting opportunity to join the official EvoBus UK network came at the same time as we were working on plans for further expansion. AGS recognises the importance of restricting downtime to an absolute minimum; that’s why we provide quickresponse services with minimal

workshop lead times, collection and delivery of vehicles, and MoT testing at times that suit our customers.

“The flagship facility we open in July is also perfectly located being close to both the M25 and M4 and is just off Bath Road.”

To facilitate the integration of the coach and bus element into the business, most of the fully trained EvoBus service team, currently located at Southall, will join the AGS team at Heathrow in July. The new premises at Heathrow means the Southall location will close by end of July.

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Omnibus adapts systems to help operators deal with pandemic OMNIBUS says its software has enabled operators to react quickly and effectively to the unique challenges facing them during the Covid crisis.

A range of new features designed to address and simplify the requirements necessary to operate under the current conditions, include managing staff June 2020

safely while maintaining social distancing.

For example, the latest issue of CrewPLAN.NET accounts for variations in opening and closing times for canteens, to ensure they are available for other staff at certain times of the day.

And to assist with the management of social distancing, Omni-

BASE has a new Mealbreak Graph to show how many duties are on break at any given time.

Users of the OmniDAS module myDAS Touch now have a remote sign-on facility by scanning a QR code at a virtual sign-on point, enabling them to comply with social distancing. www.omnibus.uk.com

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The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

MAN provides advice to operators on safe operating of airconditioning systems during pandemic

MAN has provided advice to operators on best practice for airconditioning in buses and coaches in the wake of Covid-19.

Alongside general rules for hygiene and distancing already in effect, the focus is increasingly turning to how best to use airconditioning systems, according to Heinz Kiess, head of product marketing, at MAN Truck & Bus. “Drivers and operators should take various measures to reduce the possibility of the virus spreading throughout the passenger area in the bus’ air-conditioning system,” says Kiess. Firstly, the airconditioning system should only be used in fresh-air mode – where possible – and without recirculation. Also, the system should not be manually deactivated using the switch, as this only shuts off the

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refrigerant compressor and not the blower.

“To avoid reducing the amount of fresh air in the passenger area, the blower speed should also not be manually decreased. For buses with service sets, we recommend closing these before the start of a trip. This can help to put passengers more at ease, as they will no longer be hit by a direct flow of air. Instead, the air will only come from the vents in the roof duct. To increase air purity, the interior air filters in the roof-mounted airconditioning system and the front box should also be replaced at regular, short intervals.”

Kiess advises that the temperature is regulated using heating elements in the passenger area: these are situated both under the seats and on the side walls. The

front box and roof-mounted airconditioning systems also help to maintain the set temperature.

“The air is filtered through interior air filters installed as standard and, to some extent, with activated carbon filters. Further on, the used air is discharged through separate ducts. With active ventilation, the used air is permanently purged from the vehicle interior through these ducts, which guarantees seamless air circulation.

“In theory, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of coronavirus infection due to the bus airconditioning system. However, we estimate that the risk is very low.

Other factors – mainly a failure to observe the general hygiene and distancing rules in effect – pose a much higher risk of infection.” www.mantruckandbus.com

June 2020

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

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Irizar launches further innovations to combat coronavirus

IRIZAR Group has launched two new products to address Covidrelated safety issues with a system to allow operators to screen passengers automatically prior to boarding, and to disinfect vehicle interiors between shifts.

A smart camera system that can be mounted in the vehicle entrance screens passengers for abnormally high temperature, and ensures that they are wearing a face-mask if required. The camera can detect temperatures of above 37 degrees, and uses smart technology to detect the presence of a mask.

People without masks, or who are running a fever, can be prevented from boarding the vehicle. No per-

sonal data is recorded, and the system does not breach privacy laws, according to Irizar.

Vehicle interiors can be disinfected rapidly and safely between shifts with a permanently-installed outlet on the vehicle connected to an external nebuliser device that fills the vehicle interior with a disinfectant fog. The operative does not need to enter the vehicle at any time during this process, which is fully automated. Dosing the vehicle takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and it can be used again in three or four hours.

These latest innovations follow earlier systems from Irizar in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Irizar Group has already developed an approved interior separation and screening system for its i4, i6, i6S and i8 coaches, which isolate and protect passengers and drivers from the circulation of airborne viruses, and offers the Eco3 ionizer, which can be fitted to any coach equipped with air-conditioning. This releases negative ions and ozone into the interior airflow of the coach, causing virus-bearing particles to fall out of suspension, and attacking the viruses themselves. Eco3 also reduces odours, and the levels of microbes, spores and allergens, in the coach interior. www.irizar.co.uk

New passenger counting feature built in to Ticketer system TICKETER has launched a new passenger counting feature to allow drivers to keep a total count of passengers, measured against capacity thresholds defined per vehicle.

The counting on the Electronic June 2020

Ticket Machine removes pressure on the driver to decide if it is safe for passengers to board.

Operators can set passenger capacity on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis via the Ticketer Portal and the live capacity data can be made

available to operator apps to make sure that passengers also have access to the information.

Following a partnership with First Bus, rapid rollout has commenced across other operators.

www.ticketer.com

 

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The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

Barnes Coaches deploys TruTac CPT software for compliance

SW I NDON-BASED operator Barnes Coaches reports improvements in compliance control and overall efficiency since the installation of software management tools from TruTac. Developed by TruTac in partnership with CPT, the Tacho Analysis software includes complete web-based digital and analogue tachograph analysis, supporting both EU and GB domestic drivers’ hours rules for PSV drivers (including Working Time Directive regulations).

The cloud-based system used

by Barnes includes TruTac’s CPT Tacho Analysis, CPT Daily Checks, CPT Licence Checks and TruTime. The combination of these modular systems provides Barnes Coaches with instant access to clear and concise compliance data, including manager and driver dashboards with KPI reporting.

With 40 coaches in the f leet and utilisation on the rise since the recent easing of Coronavirus

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restrictions, Barnes need to monitor every vehicle for defects so that corrective action can quickly be taken, and downtime kept to a minimum.

“This is where CPT Daily Checks proves to be very effective,” says director Matt Barnes.

“Our drivers always pre-check the vehicle in their charge before setting off and that’s a given.

“However, before we introduced the software, it was not always possible to accurately record and cross-check any defect observations in a way which provided a solid audit trail and ongoing input from the engineering department to advise re any necessary action.”

Using the Daily Checks module with CPT-approved templates, Barnes’ drivers can carry out inspections for all checks and from their mobile app, submit instant results, including photos and detailed notes to the engineering manager for immediate review and rectification.

Furthermore, drivers now have

full visibility of their workingtime, infringements and tachograph data.

“The system is paperless and secure” adds Barnes, “and also, if any of our drivers should get pulled over by the DVSA, they can provide an instant audit trail to verify checks and procedures pertaining to their vehicle.

“This not only saves time on the road but also cuts time in the office too.”

Barnes Coaches also uses the CPT Licence Checks module which enables it to make instant verification and validity checks online, and to look for current endorsements and entitlement to drive. As with the other modules, Licence Checks fully integrates with all TruTac products and dashboards.

Now in its 100th year, Barnes Coaches operates a range of vehicles from 8 to 100 seats for coach hire, UK and continental holidays, day trips, theatres and concerts. www.trutac.co.uk

June 2020

A Europe-wide service network for Mercedes-Benz and Setra vehicles. Unrivalled technical know-how in repair and maintenance, complete with genuine parts purchasing via OMNIplus eShop – open 24/7. All complemented by a wealth of digital services through OMNIplus ON connectivity. www.omniplus.com

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Manufacturer expertise.

Service you can rely on.

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Provider: EvoBus (UK) Ltd. Ashcroft Way, Cross Point Business Park, Coventry CV2 2TU