FLY service begins trial of Yutong GTe14 battery-electric coach
Xplore Dundee's FLY coach service between Dundee and Edinburgh Airport is benefiting from a trial of a Yutong GTe14 battery-electric coach, which is on loan from Pelican Bus and Coach.
Driver Gareth Almond took control of the launch journey, in which Cllr Lynne Short, Dundee City Spokesperson for Culture, Sport and History, as well as McGill’s Group Managing Director Alex Hornby and Xplore Dundee Director and General Manager, Stephen Riggans, were all on board.
Testing will continue over the summer months of the tri-axle, which has a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge.
The 53-seater coach debuted on National Express's London to Stansted Airport service this spring.
Mr Hornby says: “I am proud that we are continuing our zero-emission journey with this exciting trial of a new, electric model coach on Xplore Dundee’s popular FLY coach link between Dundee and Edinburgh Airport.
“This demonstrates our continued investment to provide high-quality vehicles for our customers and to reduce emissions within our communities.
"This live testing is particularly apt in the week Dundee introduced its Low Emission Zone, with which we have been fully compliant for some time through our fleet of low and zero-emission buses and coaches at Xplore Dundee.”
Cllr Short adds: “This is an exciting development on what is a busy route to and from Edinburgh Airport, particularly as many people prepare for their summer getaway.
“I commend McGill’s Group not only for their investment in the FLY route but also their commitment to zero-emission, electric vehicles. This route provides vital connectivity for the city of Dundee and I’m delighted that McGill’s Group are continually looking for new ways to enhance it and attract even more passengers.”
Euro Bus Expo 2024: Free Trade Registration Now Open - Limited Exhibition Space Available
Registration has opened for Euro Bus Expo, the largest UK based coach and bus industry trade event, with less than 20% of stand space remaining.
Returning to the NEC, Birmingham on 12-14 November, Euro Bus Expo promises to be a must-attend for operators, local authorities, community transport organisations, transport planners, and municipalities from across the UK and Europe.
With strong demand for stands seeing the show over 80% sold, the event is set to showcase the full breadth of the industry. Over 200 exhibitors are expected from across the supply chain. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest coaches, buses, and mini vehicles, along with innovative products and services designed to enhance passenger transport operations.
Strong exhibitor support
Confirmed vehicle dealers and manufacturers include: Alexander Dennis, AYATS, BASE, BYD, Coach Traders / UNVI, EVM, GM Coachwork, Harris Group, Ilesbus, Irizar, Karsan, London Hire, Mellor, Minibus Options, Noone Turas, Pelican Bus and Coach / Yutong, PHVC Minibus and Fleet Suppliers, Scania, and TBC Conversions.
Along with show partner, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), returning companies include: A T Industries, Alcolock UK, Alfatronix, All Service One, Be-Ge Seating, Camira Fabrics, Centrad, Cummins, DriveTech, First Travel Solutions, Gallagher, Geotab, Kiel Seating, Lloyd Morgan, Navaho Technologies, MiX Telematics, Optibus, Pride and Joy Clothing, PSV Glass, Roeville, TruTac and Zeelo.
New exhibitors making their debut
There’s no shortage of exhibitors making their debut at Euro Bus Expo, including lighting solutions providers Aspöck UK and Luxvision, Brist Axle Systems, C9 Recruitment, DFJ Automotive, electric vehicle charging providers EO Charging and Ekoenergetyka, and environmental and energy solutions provider Envevo.
Other newcomers include emergency lighting provider Everlux, GTG Engineering Services, training provider HGVC, on-demand transport and autonomous driving technologies provider ioki GmbH, passenger counting and ticketing providers Iris GmbH and Metric Tristarinc, safety systems provider Snapxit, software developers Sopra Steria, Vattenfall Networks, and more.
Euro Bus Expo has been helping to launch thousands of new vehicles and products into the market since 2006. The line-up of regular exhibitors and a host of new names means it will once again be the place to find out what’s new and next in the industry.
Scot Nicholetti, Engineering Manager at Whippet Coaches agrees. He “looks forward to Euro Bus Expo to see all the upcoming technologies and vehicles hitting the UK market.”
Paul Fussell, Director at FTS Coach Hire, says visiting Euro Bus Expo is “the ideal opportunity to meet suppliers to do all your business.”
CPT’s CEO, Graham Vidler, adds: “In a year that could see significant changes in the landscape for the sector, EBE comes at the perfect time to showcase all that the bus and coach sectors have to offer. I am excited to see the innovative products and ideas coming forward both at the trade show and the Masterclass Theatre. It promises to be an unmissable event for anyone in the industry.”
Seminar programme
The Masterclass Theatre will feature a free seminar programme designed to provide visitors with invaluable insights and knowledge from experts, authorities, and experienced operators. The programme will cover a wide range of topics crucial to those responsible for road transport planning and operations.
There’s much to be learned from one another’s projects and success stories. As such, the organisers are pleased to invite applications to join the speaker line up for the first time. For more information about speaking opportunities, and to apply, interested parties should visit www. eurobusxpo.com/masterclass-theatre.
Helen Conway, Event Director, comments: “We’re thrilled to officially open registration for Euro Bus Expo 2024. The show is the place to see what’s new and compare the latest vehicles, innovations, and services. We’re overwhelmed by the quality of applications coming in for the Masterclass Theatre. It’s shaping up to be one of our strongest programmes to date. Exhibition space is filling up fast so, if you are a manufacturer or supplier, we urge you to get in touch to avoid disappointment.”
Registration now open
Euro Bus Expo, the largest UK coach, bus and mini vehicle exhibition returns to the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November. For more information and to register, visit www.eurobusxpo.com.
Exhibiting opportunities
With the majority of space already allocated, those interested in booking a stand should contact Martin Laverton on [email protected].
routeone Awards
Euro Bus Expo is co-located alongside the routeone Awards, being held on the evening of 13 November at The Vox, Resorts World, Birmingham. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.routeoneawards.com.
24 Enviro400EV 'deckers among large Reading Buses ADL order
Reading Buses will receive 24 latest-generation Enviro400EV battery-electric double-deckers as part of a 53-vehicle order placed with Alexander Dennis.
The Enviro400EV fleet and its associated infrastructure are part-funded by a successful bid by Reading Borough Council to the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas fund. It was allocated £4.7 million. The operator will upgrade its Great Knollys Street depot with 13 fast chargers that can each handle two buses at once as part of the work.
When the Enviro400EVs are in service from June 2025, they will displace some of the operator’s existing biogas-fuelled vehicles to enable the retirement of older diesel buses. The battery-electrics will be deployed onto the Purple 17 and Claret 21 routes, with the latter serving the University of Reading.
Managing Director Robert Williams says that the Enviro400EV was chosen after “extensive testing of demonstrators from a number of suppliers.” Passenger and driver experience were prioritised in the decision. The model "has the best layout for customers” and drivers like it, Mr Williams adds.
In addition to the battery-electrics, 29 diesel buses will also be procured from Alexander Dennis. 21 Enviro400 double-deckers are to be complemented by eight Enviro200 single-deckers.
The diesel double-deckers will arrive between October and December and will be utilised on longer-distance duties including the Jet Black route between Reading and Newbury and the London Line 702 and Flightline 703 services. Glazed staircases, skylights and tables form part of their high specification level in the same vein as others already in the fleet.
Newbury and District will receive the Enviro200s to completely replace the local fleet there on a mix of commercial and contracted services.
Mr Williams adds that those buses will suit rural applications in West Berkshire. “They will be a real step change for our customers in the area as we bring some more of the Reading Buses sparkle to Newbury and District," he concludes.