Past, present and future on show at Switch Mobility
Switch Mobility’s vehicles at EBE demonstrate where it has come from… and where it is going
Switch took the opportunity to present its future, present and past at Euro Bus Expo (EBE) from 1-3 November, with the presence on the stand of its e1, Metrocity and Solo products.
The primary focus was Switch’s opportunity to showcase the new Switch e1 single-deck battery-electric bus to a UK-centric audience, following earlier announcements that it may come to Britain if demand dictates. The vehicle was revealed at the Paris European Mobility Expo in June.
Representing the past for Switch was the Solo product from the former Optare business. The Solo on site framed “open and creative conversations with customers about the next iteration of small electric bus,” according to Mr Moore, and has been giving customers and operators the opportunity to feed back what they love and would improve as the operator looks to the next product offering.
“That was a little bit of a different approach but something I was keen to do, as we have a presentation where we talk to the future product, with visuals that take viewers through our statement of intent for the future in that part of the market,” explains Mr Moore. “We can then frame it with the current product, so synonymous with rural bus travel and interurban travel: An iconic wheel-forward proportion, raked windscreen, and signature agility – all of those things people love about the Solo. We can effectively say what we have retained and improved upon, taking a fresh look at ergonomics, passenger experience, design elements, and battery technology.”
Mr Moore takes the opportunity to emphasise how Switch sees itself as a single-point partner in the move to electromobility for operators. “One thing that I believe people find quite refreshing about us is the conversations they can have, the ability to reach people within the organisation that have solutions to their specific problems and how forthcoming we can be with supporting them.
“Obviously, there are a lot of questions from anyone who is looking to make the change to an electric fleet. Our name – Switch – is a real statement of intent, and an acknowledgement of that journey that people are on and the perceived challenges associated. We’re that single-point partner that can help them with that process and that journey.”
Irizar ie tram fleet for Go-Ahead London makes debut
In a long-awaited move, Irizar e-mobility and Go-Ahead London have confirmed that 20 ie tram single-deck battery-electric buses along with related charging infrastructure are due for delivery soon to convert Transport for London (TfL) route 358 to zero-emission.
They will enter service in 2023 and be charged via two 450kW inverted pantograph-based units placed at the Crystal Palace and Orpington termini. 100kW depot chargers capable of replenishing two buses simultaneously at 50kW each are also on order, all to be supplied by Irizar Group subsidiary Jema Energy and with the inverted pantograph units to be installed by EO Charging.
A first ie tram for Go-Ahead London has been completed by Irizar and it will be displayed at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham between 1-3 November. The manufacturer says the type’s tram-esque design and airy internal approach “makes it stand out from other buses.”
The opportunity charging approach means that onboard battery storage is optimised to maximise passenger capacity. Fitted is a single-piece front door combined with a full-width centre two-piece installation.
Opportunity charging between trips will take “less than five minutes.” A short depot-top up will be delivered after running off service.
Speaking about the pending delivery, Irizar e-mobility Managing Director Inigo Etxeberria says: “We are delighted that Go-Ahead London, the capital’s largest bus operator, has chosen our technology. This is clear testament to the confidence placed in our products, and proof of their quality and reliability.
“London is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions and we are honoured for Irizar e-mobility to play a part in this goal. Our technological race continues, and this operation will see our company launching the first super-fast charging route in London, complying with the high standards set by TfL.”
Opportunity charging has already been introduced by Go-Ahead London on a batch of BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deckers. Go-Ahead London first operated battery-electric buses from Irizar in 2015, when it took delivery of a pair of i2e models.
In describing the extension of the concept to servicee 358 with the Irizar ie tram fleet, TfL says that the 15-mile route requires opportunity charging to convert to zero-emission, as depot battery replenishment would give insufficient range for completion of a full operating day.
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Irizar e-mobility will be on stand A10.
ShuttleID introduces app-based BODS compliance tool
Ticketing platform for home-to-school and commuter services ShuttleID has released a free driver app to help operators in England achieve compliance with Bus Open Data Service (BODS) requirements.
The app submits vehicle location data to BODS and it is freely available as part of the ShuttleID ticketing package. The driver selects the appropriate service and vehicle and when the journey starts. In that journey mode, the app submits vehicle location data every 15 seconds via the mobile device’s GPS sensor and 4G connection.
ShuttleID’s cloud-based platform then matches the journey to published timetables in TransXChange format and combines the timetable data with vehicle location data. It then converts that raw data into SIRI-VM format and sends it to BODS.
The supplier claims that offering a secondary integration into BODS makes its proposition unique. It says that it is the only supplier to offer multiple integrations without using a ticket machine. Such an approach puts ShuttleID “in a strong position to help any operator that does not have a hard requirement for an expensive fixed ticket machine on their vehicle,” with a particular focus on providers of home-to-school services that need to comply with BODS.
ShuttleID’s first low-cost BODS compliance integration utilised standalone vehicle tracking devices in partnership with tracking company Pinpointers. That approach to BODS remains available, says Director Chris Bell.
“Earlier this year we released our Live add-on for our ticketing system, powered by a 4G connected driver app. Adding support for BODS to our driver app was the next logical step. Nearly two years since BODS became a legal requirement, we are hearing of a recent surge in cases where DVSA is cracking down on non-compliance.
“Thankfully, we now have multiple options to tailor fit operators, all of which are simple, low-cost and fast to set up.”
Catteralls Coaches of Southam is among the first to adopt ShuttleID’s driver app in order to comply with BODS. Director Mat Catterall notes that uncertainty had existed around BODS’ application to home-to-school services, “but we’re nearly two years on and there are still no signs of a change.”
Mr Catterall adds: “ShuttleID has been quick and easy to use. The driver app itself is simple to start using. Along with our need to comply with BODS, it made sense to revisit how we handled our school bus passes and payments. The savings we are now seeing from the administration of the passes has made it worth the change of system.”
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. ShuttleID will be on stand A48.