Zeelo offers contract incentives for net zero-emission take-up
Zeelo will guarantee what it says are “minimum-value, long-term contracts” to operators in the UK that engage with its commitment to switch all vehicles used on Zeelo's behalf in developed markets to net zero-emission by 2030.
It says that contracts with operators will be supported by partnerships with vehicle OEMs and importers, and charging and finance companies, to help the transition. Zeelo services in emerging markets will undertake the same shift by 2035.
In confirming further details of how it plans to place work for zero-emission vehicles, Zeelo estimates “that the average contract length will be at least two years, with a minimum one-year contract and a range between one-five years for EV fleets.” A spokesperson adds: “We expect the average annual contract value to be in the region of £500,000. That is around 15-20% higher than an average annual contract for Euro VI vehicles.”
Zeelo adds that its corporate clients and 5% of the UK’s independent schools are willing to invest in zero-emission as part of their carbon reduction targets. The supplier will support operators that sign up to its pledge “to both source and be able to fund the cost of purchasing EVs, and related equipment, within the timeframe.” Such a shift towards net zero emission is a key part of Zeelo’s 2022 environmental, social and governance policy.
Zeelo currently is carbon neutral as it offsets all such emissions from its journeys – including positioning moves – through a partnership with Climate Partner. But that “is not enough,” says CEO Sam Ryan.
Mr Ryan adds that a shift to shared mobility already represents a 78% reduction in carbon emissions per traveller per km. He points out that if the coaches and buses used on that shared mobility then transition to zero-emission, savings can become even more significant.
Zeelo works with over 200 family-owned coach and bus operators globally to deliver services for private clients. It says that revenues between March 2020 and this month have increased ten-fold.
Stratio and Freeway unite on predictive maintenance offer
Freeway Fleet Systems has partnered with software company Stratio to bring predictive maintenance technology to the UK coach and bus market.
Stratio's platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to process live data gathered from vehicle sensors, which is then integrated with Freeway's proven fleet maintenance system. Together they provide real-time information of on-the-road vehicle performance and vehicle condition, with the AI predicted faults in components.
The benefits are that the system "eliminates unplanned downtime and reduces maintenance costs" according to the suppliers.
"There have long been demands for live diagnostic data from vehicles to be incorporated into vehicle maintenance planning," explains Freeway's Managing Director Patrick Tandy. "With Stratio’s smart technology there is at last a solution that delivers exactly what operators want. We see Stratio as a real game-changer and work to integrate our respective platforms is already underway.
"Freeway already integrates with operations, driver check, fuel, accounts and enterprise management system and we see Stratio as final link in the chain; feeding in crucial real-time vehicle data so operators can be one step ahead of potential maintenance problems."
Adds Tobias Schenck, Vice President Business Development, Stratio: "With safety such a big issue when transporting passengers, our primary focus is in the coach and bus sector. We know Freeway has been leading the way in the digitisation of bus operator engineering operations in the UK so, for us, it is the ideal partnership."
Rowgate Group goes with Omnibus for scheduling solution
Berkshire-based coach and bus operator Rowgate group, which incorporates independents Fernhill Travel, White Bus and Baileys Coaches, has chosen Omnibus for its timetabling, scheduling and allocations.
The partnership brings digitilisation of processes to White Bus, and Omnibus's cloud-based depot allocation system, OmniDAS, to all three of the group's operators. According to Omnibus the partnership gives the group the capabilities of larger operators.
Omnibus's cloud-based depot allocation system, OmniDAS, will provide real-time driver and vehicle management and enable cross-functional collaboration across the operator's four sites in Windsor, Bracknell, Woking and Newbury. It can produce time sheet and payroll information and automate staff sign-on, speeding up administration.
Meanwhile, White Bus is adopting the Omnibus scheduling suite, which will allow it to produce timetables and scheduling scenarios, while TransXChange will allow it to share data with other systems.
Says Simon Rowland, Managing Director of Rowgate Group: "It is important for us to stay ahead of the game and to do this we need a partner with proven solutions and a deep understanding of the UK bus industry and the challenges operators face.
"Omnibus is uniquely placed with the knowledge, expertise and technology to support us as we optimise our resources toward the most effective services for communities across the Home Counties and beyond.
"The solutions cover 100% of our needs. The powerful algorithms in the software maximise results, resources and non-driving staff efficiency as well as being easy to use. We are excited about our partnership and leveraging the innovative capabilities offered by Omnibus."
Adds Omnibus founder Peter Crichton: "With a 30-plus year track record of supporting the passenger transport industry, Omnibus is proud to provide Rowgate Group with software solutions which will help drive business growth by improving operational efficiency across the business. Our comprehensive solutions continue to make Omnibus the partner of choice for smaller independents up to large global operators."