Irizar UK supplies 26 integral coaches into Ministry of Defence
Irizar UK has supplied 26 integral coaches for use by the Ministry of Defence via a multi-stakeholder deal. Babcock International managed the procurement via competitive tender, while Novuna Vehicle Solutions was selected as lease provider.
21 tri-axle 14m i6 integrals each with 59 seats and five 12.9m two-axle i4 integrals that each seat 51 make up the batch. Irizar UK Managing Director Andrew Blundell notes that they are built to a specification “that optimises the Ministry of Defence’s unique requirements around passenger seat numbers and payload capacity.”
All the Irizar integrals are to PSVAR ready specification to allow straightforward conversion to full compliance later in life. Their DAF engines are coupled to ZF Traxon automated manual gearboxes.
HVO compatibility of the power units “was particularly important in the selection criteria,” Irizar UK says, with use of that renewable fuel offering a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Mr Blundell adds that that winning public sector tenders such as that with the Ministry of Defence forms part of Irizar UK’s strategic roadmap. Upon his appointment in March 2020, diversification of the dealer's customer base and volume growth were two clear objectives.
“I am delighted that Irizar in the UK is now actively engaged in supplying units in larger fleets and the public sector,” he adds.
“While the retail market will remain vitally important to us, our successful divergence into larger volume deals will deliver critical mass into our business, and strategically underpin our medium-term plans for the UK market as we embark on the next exciting phase of our growth.”
Speaking about the procurement process, Novuna Vehicle Solutions National Business Development Manager Toby Carter says that it has been “seamless” from order to user delivery, including the leasing provider’s pre-delivery inspections and driver training.
“Everyone in the process has been very satisfied with the outcome, and we have received excellent user feedback – so a great job done by all involved.”
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Passenger launches personalised travel alerts on mobile app
Passenger has added a personalised travel alerts feature to its white-label mobile app.
The product is used by more than 40 bus operators across the UK to sell tickets and provide customer information.
The tech company says that the personalisation aspect helps to keep passengers informed without being overwhelmed with notifications.
The alerts - delivered via push notifications - will be customised to favourite services and stops.
Notifications are sent immediately when an unplanned disruption is created in Passenger’s app management system, Passenger Cloud. For planned network changes, push notifications are sent two days beforehand.
The maker of the platform says this system enables operators to replace some of the use of social media for travel information. It also claims that, when customers are informed proactively, they are less likely to contact customer service teams, which leads to an estimated saving of £5-£12 per contact.
Tom Quay, CEO of Passenger, says: "Introducing personalised travel alerts to the Passenger app solution is another huge milestone for us this year.
"Operators are working hard, day in and day out, to deliver local bus services that customers can trust. This latest update uses existing information from operators and delivers it proactively to customers in a highly targeted way. This update has the potential to be game-changing for passengers.”
Passenger will be exhibiting at the Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November.
Euro Bus Expo is the UK's only dedicated coach and bus trade show. To register for free tickets, visit the show website.
Meet the Brand: MAHA UK
We catch up with Neil Ebbs from MAHA UK to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 455
Tell us a bit about your company?
MAHA is a premium workshop equipment manufacturer, one that is trusted by MOT and ATF centres, as well as maintenance and repair workshops across the UK.
Our portfolio includes brake testers, workshop lifts, headlight aligners and axle play detectors - all vital solutions to help technicians and testers inspect, test and repair all types of vehicles, such as passenger vehicles, LCVs, HGVs, motorcycles, utility and special-purpose vehicles.
Another key part of our business is our array of chassis dynamometers. MAHA has been a long-standing and trusted partner to vehicle performance centres, motorsport teams and race-tracks worldwide, thanks to our dynamometers' ability to conduct performance measurements accurately and consistently, as well as support customers with tuning and diagnostic capabilities.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Our team will highlight the bespoke features and credentials of our premium workshop equipment. This includes our new C_RGA mobile column lifts, available in both 7.5 and 8.5 tonnes.
With the combination of existing and established technology with new and innovative features, our C_RGA mobile column lifts increase safety, offer smart connectivity and reliability in abundance, not to mention more lifts and less recharging thanks to the lithium-ion battery. The C_RGA is a genuine all-rounder for vehicle maintenance work.
Furthermore, Euro Bus Expo visitors can discover our DVSA-approved LMS axle play detectors, MLT 1000 and 3000 headlight alignment testers, MBT 4250 and 7250 brake testers - and MCD 2000 communication cabinet. These are all connected to our compliant EUROSYSTEM V8 software.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Euro Bus Expo is an ideal opportunity for our team to highlight our versatile workshop equipment to the event's visitors. Exhibitions and trade fairs have become a prominent part of our marketing strategy, so to connect with bus and coach professionals on a large scale and show them the benefits of our equipment is an excellent opportunity.
This direct engagement helps us gather valuable feedback and build strong relationships - whether new or existing.
We look forward to showcasing how our workshop equipment can enhance workshop efficiency, safety, and productivity.