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AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST ORDER OF E-BUSES PLACED TO DATE
BUS OPERATOR Transit Systems – part of the Australia’s multi-modal Sealink public transport group – has placed the largest order for electric buses nationwide thus far, with 31 units out of an initial 50 announced by the NSW state government, recently.
As part of the NSW Zero Emission strategy, which aims to replace the entire 8,000-bus fleet with electric-powered vehicles by 2030, the Transit Systems allotment of Gemilang-bodied BYD e-chassis buses are set to arrive progressively at their Sydney depots from February 2021, the operator confirms.
The order comes following the ongoing and successful electric bus trial with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), which has seen the fleet of four zero-emission electric buses rack up more than 300,000 kilometres during 18 months, it states.
Group CEO of SeaLink Travel Group Clint Feuerherdt says creating zero-emission public transport solutions is a priority.
“We continue to benchmark the commitment of the transport minister in NSW, and the dedication of TfNSW in delivering more sustainable services to the community,” said Feuerherdt.
“There is no doubt they are leading the charge when it comes to delivering a zero-emission network,” he added.
Feuerherdt says some drivers now prefer operating an electric bus, and customers have really enjoyed riding them.
“Some of the compliments we have received include that it was the most comfortable public transport journey they’d ever taken.”
“We have also received feedback that indicates customers would be more likely to travel on public transport knowing that it is an electric bus.”
The 31 new electric buses will be made by Nexport, BYD and Gemilang Australia.
E-BUS PERFORMANCE
trial e-bus performance results to date include: • The zero-emission buses have the same general specification
as existing two-door city buses in Sydney • After a full day of on-route service, which is generally between 150–200km and around 11–12 hours in service, e-buses are returning to the depot with approximately 50 per cent charge remaining in the batteries • Buses have achieved up to 16 hours in service time between charges with no issues • Regenerative braking delivers around 30–40 per cent additional charge to batteries in a day • This figure results from the local operating environment, which includes real driving conditions such as heavy traffic congestion, slow average speeds and stop-start conditions • After experiencing the e-buses, they are generally favoured over diesel and CNG buses by drivers.
ZEB SPECS
As Transit Systems explains, the total battery capacity on the vehicles is 362kW. The vehicles’ performance has shown to be 0.8kWh/km, of which the vehicle regenerates approximately 30–40 per cent of its battery capacity through normal braking during service operations, depending on traffic conditions.
With ViriCity software technology installed, Transit Systems can remotely monitor real-time data and historical data to assist in all aspects of the electric bus operation, it confirms.
The electric buses all feature next-stop passenger information systems, which provide audio and visual route and location information for customers.
The next-stop systems will be fitted and progressively rolled out to all new buses in the Transit Systems Region 6 fleet.
Opposite::
The 31 new electric buses will be made by Nexport, BYD and Gemilang Australia – for use in Transit Systems’ NSW Region 6 contract role.
BUS DRIVER RESILIENCE SAFETY GRANT
TRANSIT SYSTEMS bus drivers are to receive heavy-vehicle safety support thanks to the operator’s allotment from a $5.5 million federal governmentbacked grant issued via the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), it was announced recently.
Known as the Driver Resilience Training Program, Transit Systems bus drivers Australia-wide will have access to the scheme that is part of the NHVR’s 2020 Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
SeaLink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt, which owns Transit Systems, says the funding would help support the organisation to further improve heavy vehicle safety.
“Safety is our number-one priority as Australia’s largest multi-modal land and marine transport company; it’s a responsibility we address and incorporate in our operations every single day,” Feuerherdt explained.
“Our drivers are on the roads, connecting our community each and every day – and it’s not just about how well they drive, it’s factoring in other drivers, or challenging conditions.
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“We are proud to deliver this additional training program to our team, and with a network of 3,500 buses and 114 ferries we know that the information and skills will be a great asset to our teams, and the communities we service,” he said.
THE WINNING BIDS
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the funding was part of $5.5 million being distributed across the country.
“Heavy vehicle safety is everyone’s responsibility and through local safety programs we can make our roads safer for all road users,” Petroccitto said.
“Twenty-six recipients from across Australia will be supported to roll out programs targeting heavy vehicle safety.
“From road safety education to truckie physical and mental health, to the investigation of braking technologies, tyres and pavement wear, these diverse projects will all make a big difference to safety.
“The NHVR is looking forward to working with the winning bids to ensure the projects deliver safety outcomes for all road users.”
For more information visit: www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi
Above:“Twenty-six recipients from across Australia will be supported to roll out programs targeting heavy vehicle safety,” said NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto.
2021 SYDNEY BUS AND COACH EXPO
A NEW WEBSITE heralds the highly anticipated 2021 Sydney Bus and Coach Expo, which has been set for September 29–30 in The Dome and Halls of the Sydney Showgrounds, in Sydney Olympic Park, organiser BusNSW confirms.
Executive director of BusNSW Matt Threlkeld says he is expecting keen exhibitor interest, with the expo returning in 2021 to Sydney after five years.
“Preparations are well underway and BusNSW has commenced discussions with its partners and other industry suppliers wishing to exhibit at the Covid Safe event.
“The last Expo in Sydney in 2016 was deemed a world-class exhibition and one of the best ever undertaken in Australia.
“In 2021 we are hoping to build on that success with an increased number of displays covering more than 14,000 square metres, all under the one roof.
“We will again have free entry and a focus on the exhibition to maximise attendance by key decision makers representing bus and coach operators, large and small.
“With over 2,000 attendees in 2016 and five years between shows in Sydney, the 2021 show provides an exceptional opportunity for industry suppliers to display new products and technology.”
ZERO EMISSIONS
The event is being held at a time when public transport is a high priority for state and federal governments and there is a strong focus on transitioning to zero-emission bus fleets, BusNSW explains.
An industry gala dinner will be held in conjunction with the Expo on the Wednesday night of 30 September.
As an aside, BusNSW clarifies that future Australasia Bus and Coach Expos will alternate between Sydney and Melbourne every two years with the Sydney Expo being managed by BusNSW and the Melbourne Expo managed by BusVic.
WEBSITE LIVE
“We are pleased to launch a new brand for the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo, which will provide an identity for the event for years to come,” Threlkeld said.
Suppliers, operators and industry stakeholders can keep informed in the lead-up to the event via a new website: www. busandcoachexpo.com.au.
Above and below::
The Sydney Bus and Coach Expo will be back on September 29-30, 2021.
VIC GOVERNMENT THREE-YEAR ‘ZEB’ TRIAL CALL
THE VICTORIAN state government will invest $20 million via its 2020/21 Budget in a state-wide trial to investigate solutions to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet and create a pipeline of local job opportunities, it has announced.
The zero emissions bus (ZEB) trial will run over three years, trialling different technologies on buses right across the state – with an expression of interest for companies to begin soon, it explains.
According to the government, it is delivering clean, sustainable public transport to keep Victorians moving, with a trial of ZEBs to start in the coming months.
The trial will support the Victorian economy with a boost to the transport equipment manufacturing and electricity supply sectors, driving the local development of skills and innovation and contributing to regional economies where some manufacturers are established.
Achieving zero emissions across the bus fleet is critical to Victoria meeting its legislated commitment of zero net emissions by 2050 – and bus operators across the state are already playing their part in investigating this technology, it explains.
There are currently 40 hybrid buses operating in Melbourne and eight in the Latrobe Valley, and Victoria’s first fully electric bus is also being trialled – which, in 300 days on the road, has saved 61 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, the government states.
The electric bus is currently in its second trial phase – now running on Route 251 between the city and Northland Shopping Centre, clocking up more than 32,900 kilometres and travelling nearly 1,000 kilometres on just two charges, demonstrating the efficiency and range of its 324kW lithium-phosphate batteries, it confirms.
Minister for public transport Ben Carroll said: “Our buses get thousands of Victorians where they need to go. This investment will ensure a cleaner trip for our planet – and deliver hundreds of long-term jobs in the technology of the future.
“We want Victoria to become a global leader in smart, sustainable transport solutions – backing our local manufacturing industry and the thousands of Victorians it employs.”
Minister for energy, environment and climate change Lily D’Ambrosio stated: “Electrification of transport is critical for tackling climate change and creating new jobs in low-carbon industries.”
Above:
Achieving zero emissions across the bus fleet is critical to Victoria meeting its legislated commitment of zero net emissions by 2050, it states.
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BUSTECH PARTNERS WITH SAGE FOR TELEMATICS
CURRENTLY COLLABORATING to create integrated platform solutions for existing and new bus fleets, it is key that vehicles in operation present the next level of telematic data for performance measurement and vehicle optimisation, say Bustech and Sage of their joint program.
With the transition to zero-emission buses (ZEBs) well underway, Sage’s IoT data-capture device, Sage Edge, has been installed onto buses and vehicle infrastructure such as bus stops.
Data captured by the device provides a range of information to benefit drivers, operators and passengers alike, such as real-time traffic condition updates and traffic event notifications, Sage explains.
Passengers will ultimately have access to in-vehicle infotainment services and real-time service updates, such as vehicle arrival time, seat availability and security alerts, it says.
COMPREHENSIVE DATA Transport network operators will obtain a dashboard view of vehicle placement on the grid; real-time and trend data on passenger numbers on services and waiting time at bus stops; as well as vehicle performance telematics data, such as mileage wear on components, suspension, vehicle speed and powertrain health, assisting with predictive maintenance scheduling decreasing vehicle downtime, it’s claimed.
A trial of the home-grown solution is already underway and scheduled to roll-out across states with Bustech Group spokesperson Christian Reynolds saying he could not be happier with the platform.
“We are looking forward to demonstrating the value of the solution, which will see the bus industry embracing i4.0 technology to deliver tangible benefits to passengers, operators and communities,” Reynolds explained.
“We are seeing more and more requests for integrated solutions for product performance; it’s no longer just about a vehicle, it’s about truly integrated solutions for mobility transit.
“With the bus at its heart, the opportunity to create a holistic multi-modal transport solution as part of an intelligent transport system is exciting to be a part of,” he said.
AWARD WINNER In a coming together of leading Australian capability, Bustech Group opted to draw on the smarts of Sage Automation.
The company has earned a reputation for disrupting the transport industry in recent years through advancements in traffic data capture, autonomous vehicle trials and intelligent traffic systems, it explains.
In November, 2020, the Edge device won the Smart Transport Infrastructure award in the Intelligent Transport Systems Australia National Awards,.
Sage Automation’s general manager for transport, Damian Hewitt, says the solution is a natural next step in the evolution of a smarter transport system.
“This partnership with Bustech Group will see learnings from the broader transport industry launch the bus sector into the future with data supporting improved passenger experience, vehicle performance and fleet efficiency.”
Details and results of the local trial will be announced in early 2021.
ABOUT BUSTECH Bustech Group is an Australian bus group designed for a connected world – delivering integrated, low-emission mass mobility solutions enabled by technology, it states.
With an emphasis on sovereign capacity and mutually beneficial local supplier partnerships, Bustech operates a micro factory model that drives local economic growth whilst reducing our environmental footprint.
Bustech says it, “…believes the future of mass transit is a connected ecosystem with buses at the heart; and we are committed to enabling the next generation of connected transit.”
ABOUT SAGE Sage develops and delivers technologies that create accessible, integrated transport solutions and Smart Cities of the future, it explains.
These solutions include end-to-end transport projects, congestion management, autonomous shuttles, intermodal transport, data analytics, smart city innovations, and operations and maintenance, it adds.
Above:
Data captured by the device will provide valuable information to drivers, operators and passengers, such as updates on traffic conditions.
HYZON HYDROGEN ‘SUPERBUS’ CONCEPT ADVANCES
NEW HYDROGEN fuel-cell bus player Hyzon – in partnership with Australian industrial technology company Warpforge – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Transit Group (ATG) to bring its ‘Superbus’ concept hitting local roads even closer, it’s reported recently.
Deployment of the first Superbus aims to realise longer driving ranges, reduced manufacturing costs, improved safety features and emission-free driving, Hyzon states.
ATG ultimately plans to decarbonise its 950-strong bus fleet across Australia and deploy the Superbus across ATG operated bus routes, it adds.
Under the collaboration ATG will operate the Superbus, which encompasses innovative composite material capabilities made possible through the recent co-development agreement between Hyzon and Warpforge, the companies confirm.
Hyzon and Warpforge announced their collaboration in October to develop the prototype Superbus at Warpforge’s facilities in Perth, Western Australia – with work commencing in 2021.
Through this new partnership with ATG, the companies will work together to introduce the vehicle into an ATG operated bus route in Western Australia, Hyzon states.
Above: BusWest is part of a 950-strong bus fleet ATG is planning to decarbonise, the company states. PROVEN FUEL CELL
The Superbus will be powered by Hyzon’s proven PEM fuel cell designs, which have already been used in hundreds of commercial vehicles
internationally, and which provide industry-leading efficiency, leading to lower hydrogen consumption in operation, and therefore lower cost of operation, Hyzon explains.
Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial component of the future energy landscape, including in the bus sector, as it offers the most attractive green solution for high utilisation heavy vehicles, it explains. The global heavy transport and equipment sector is fast becoming a key target for the implementation of clean energy alternatives, it adds.
Hyzon Motors co-founder and CEO Craig Knight said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with ATG, with operations across Australia and a 950-strong bus fleet presenting an exciting opportunity for Hyzon and Warpforge to introduce our pioneering technology into the Australian bus market for the first time.
“We see this agreement as an important step in our journey to decarbonise the country’s bus fleets, the urgency of which is reflected in the recent Transport for NSW Expression of Interest targeting Zero Emission Bus trials that will ultimately lead to the replacement of the 8,000 transit buses in NSW.”
HIGH CALIBRE
Warpforge executive chairman Brian Maloney said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with an organisation of the calibre of ATG with 20 years of experience in providing bus transport solutions nationwide and look forward to developing this partnership as we collaborate on introducing the Superbus into Australian bus routes.
“Furthermore, by building the Superbus here in Perth, this will also mean greater local job creation in the manufacturing and technology space,” he added.
“Progressive bus operators, such as ATG, are essential partners as we seek to disrupt the global mobility market with this next-generation zero emission solution.”
ATG managing director Ben Doolan added: “As a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious provider of transport solutions, we view hydrogen as the optimum approach to decarbonising the hard-to-abate bus sector.
“ATG is excited to collaborate with Hyzon and Warpforge in this exciting Superbus venture as we look to decarbonise our entire fleet of nearly 1000 buses and become a clear leader in green mobility services.”
YUTONG TO SUPPLY RECORD 741 E-BUSES
IN RECEIVING what is touted as ‘the largest electric bus order in history’, Yutong will provide a massive 741 e-buses – out of an overall 1,002 bus total – for use during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the State of Qatar, the company confirms.
The epic order from Mowasalat – the Qatari public transport company providing commuting services for the 2020 football extravaganza – amounts to about CNY1.8 billion (around AUS$370 million) for the 1,002 buses. Of that unit total, 741 buses will be electric – making it the largest order of EV buses ever, Yutong states.
A key part of the deal is Yutong Bus signing a ‘framework agreement’ with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and Mowasalat to establish a KD factory in Qatar, it should be noted.
An online signing ceremony for Qatar’s electric bus strategy on November 30, 2020, was attended by Qatar’s prime minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, minister of transport and communications HE Jassim bin Saif Ahmed AI-Sulaiti, the Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian, the commercial counselor ofeconomic and commercial office of the embassy of PRC in Qatar Yang Song, CEO of Mowasalat Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani, deputy CEO of QFZA Abdulla Al-Misnad and CEO of Yutong Group Tang Yuxiang.
Yutong Bus signed the framework agreement with QFZA and Mowasalat to establish a KD factory in Qatar as the Qatar government continues to promote the development of its electric bus infrastructure, it explains.
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Above: Qatar 2022 World Cup will utilise the largest ever number of ‘environmentally friendly’ electric buses for this event. THE CUP
Qatar 2022 – scheduled for November 21 to December 18, 2022 – will be the first World Cup event to adopt the largest number of ‘environmentally friendly’ electric buses with zero emissions, and Yutong Bus says it is honoured to be part of the mission of making it a green, sustainable sporting event.
“Yutong Bus will continue to work closely with local partners to accelerate the public transportation system build-up with green energy solution,” said Shen Hui, GM of Yutong Bus in the Middle East.
“The KD factory for EV buses with QFZA and Mowasalat will realise localised design and manufacturing of EV buses in Qatar, offering more experience and technologies to aid the sustainable development of local public transportation,” he added.
For Yutong Bus, Qatar 2022 will be yet another major international sporting event for which the company has provided service and support following the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as well as multiple international conferences such as APEC meetings, it confirms.
With the ability and experience to service major international events, along with an extraordinary quality of products, Yutong Bus once again wins the trust from clients, it states.
As an innovator in the international ‘new energy’ bus field, Yutong Bus says it has, “… taken the lead in the research and development of bus energy conservation and new energy exploration.”
GREAT OCEAN ROAD TO GET AUS$272.4 MILLION UPGRADE
VICTORIA’S iconic and internationally renowned Great Ocean Road – a favoured destination and ‘experience’ for tourist bus and coach operators and travellers Australia-wide – is to receive key upgrades worth AUD$272.4 million.
With its strict Melbourne Metro lockdown restrictions lifting somewhat recently – and given the state and national economies’ impact from it – tourism will prove key to recovery for many businesses and thus the road improvements will be ensuring, “…journeys are safer and more reliable with a major investment into road and bridge upgrades,” the government said.
Minister for roads and road safety Ben Carroll announced that the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will include the $272.4 million for upgrading the Great Ocean Road and its inland routes, as well as key roads that support the dairy industry in the south west region.
This includes $140 million to upgrade and improve the resilience of the Great Ocean Road so it can continue carrying millions of people each year as Victoria’s number one tourist route, the government explains.
Upgrades will include vital works to ensure the road remains strong – such as rebuilding road pavement, bridge strengthening, geotechnical works, and safety upgrades, it says.
Additionally, $115 million will be invested into upgrading the inland routes between the Great Ocean Road and the Princes Highway West, which are vital connections for the tourism and freight industries, as well as local communities, it states.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
These upgrades will include pavement widening and rebuilding works so roads are stronger and smoother, as well as the construction of retaining walls to reduce the risk of landslips, it says.
Interestingly, $17.4 million will also be invested in priority roads supporting the Barwon South West Dairy Supply Chain – including rebuilding, resurfacing and widening these routes.
All pics:
The $272.4 million allocated in the latest Budget is for upgrading the Great Ocean Road and its inland routes, as well as key roads that support the dairy industry in the south west region.
MOSCOW LAUNCHES 500TH E-BUS
RUSSIA’S largest and capital city Moscow has emerged as a European leader in the number of electric buses in use, having recently launched its 500th e-bus running on routes, the Moscow Department of Transport (MDOT) confirmed recently.
Last month marked only 24 months since Moscow’s route e-bus use started. Its 500th e-bus milestone means the city now has one of the largest fleets of passenger electric buses in the world, it explains.
Purchases of vehicles continue, it should be noted, and by the end of 2020 another 100 electric buses will arrive in Moscow, MDOT confirms.
The electric buses are produced by Russian companies in the Moscow region and the city of Neftekamsk (1,250 km from Moscow). In addition, next year the city will launch the Moscow-based production of electric buses – where the plan is to assemble about 400 electric buses in the city per year.
THE BUS
According to the department, the Moscow e-bus is capable of accommodating 85 passengers and it has more than 30 seats. Thanks to the completely low floor level, the presence of a ramp, a storage area and a place for visually impaired passengers with guide dogs, it is convenient for everyone, including low-mobility passengers, it states.
The electric buses from the last delivery were produced according to the revised technical specifications, it explains. They have separate climate control for the driver and passengers, an automated passenger counting system and all-round cameras, it confirms.
Outside the electric buses speakers are installed to inform visually impaired passengers about the direction of travel, MDOT explains.
Above:
Following its 500th e-bus, next year the city will launch the Moscow-based production of electric buses – where the plan is to assemble about 400 electric buses in the city per year.
THE WOT!?!
HOT STUFF
There were alarming scenes in New York recently where a man was filmed climbing on top of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus and firing a flamethrower. It turns out that Brooklyn-based rapper Dupree G.O.D. was shooting a clip for a music video, but failed to ask either MTA, city officials or the 25 passengers inside the bus if waving a flamethrower around was cool with them. “We don’t even need to say how absurd, dangerous and just plain stupid this was,” MTA spokesman Tim Minton told the New York Post. Awkward.
BOOZE BUS
And that isn’t the only bus-related escapade to liven up New York in the past month – there were also reports that a man impersonating an NYC cop stole wine from a hotel before commandeering a bus. Joseph McGreevy, 61, dressed in full cop gear, commandeered a bus and told the driver to go in the opposite direction from its destination. The driver, presumably suspicious as to why the police had resorted to both drinking on duty and catching the bus, flagged down a real cop en route, who arrested the imposter. McGreevy was subsequently charged with criminal impersonation, obstruction of government administration and petit larceny for the stolen wine. That’s one expensive ride home!
COVID SAFE
With COVID restrictions limiting the size of gatherings, a converted US school bus is providing an alternative wedding venue for couples in Japan. Operating in the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido, the bus acts as a mobile ceremony, driving the newlyweds and a small wedding party past the homes of friends and family. “Even though there aren’t many guests, it feels like the event is being celebrated,” one bride told Japanese news site Mainichi Shimbun. Good to see that buses are helping bring people together at such a difficult time.
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