Liverpool CR bus rapid transit gains prominence with Irizar trial
Liverpool CR bus rapid transit gains prominence with Irizar trial
Plans for bus-based rapid transit in the Liverpool City Region are being worked on at pace, with integration into a public transport network alongside conventional bus services that are to be franchised and trains viewed as being one of the keys to the project.
That message was among many aired during a showcase of an Irizar ie tram battery-electric articulated bus demonstrator in the city region. Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram had earlier underlined via a LinkedIn post that rapid transit plans are centred on bus rather than light rail.
The left-hand drive vehicle has been evaluated on various routes, with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Executive Director Place Richard McGuckin noting that a rapid transit-based approach will potentially be better suited to some corridors than standard buses.
Mr Rotheram used his manifesto ahead of the May 2024 mayoral election to commit to rolling out a bus rapid transit scheme “similar to the Belfast Glider” to connect Liverpool city centre, John Lennon Airport and the Liverpool FC and Everton FC stadiums by 2028.
Beyond that, the Combined Authority will work over coming months on plans for potential further rapid transit routes. While the articulated approach will suit high-demand corridors, a representative does not rule out use of standard-length buses on others where usage is lower.
“We are at the early stages of looking at rapid transit for the Liverpool City Region and how it can fit within the jigsaw of our Merseyrail services and franchised buses,” Mr McGuckin continues. “Integration is key, and we see rapid transit as part of the overall solution.”
Other elements of the rapid transit planning work include how dedicated road space, stop positioning and spacing and ticketing are delivered.
Demonstration bus was supported by Stagecoach while in Liverpool; it is ultimately destined for De Lijn in Belgium
Prominent in the Combined Authority’s thinking around rapid transit is a ‘wow factor’ in the vehicles used. The Irizar ie tram demonstration follows a similar exercise with a Van Hool Exqui.City from the Belfast Glider fleet in 2024.
The vehicle lent by Irizar e-Mobility has been supported by Irizar UK while in Liverpool. It has 714kWh of battery capacity and a claimed range of 300 miles. The manufacturer notes that it is the first 18.1m example of the ie tram built; previous articulated models have been at 18.7m.
Irizar UK Business Development Manager, e-mobility, Andy Derz has accompanied the trial. The bus was parked and charged at the Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire depot in Gillmoss when not otherwise in use. Mr Derz has thanked that operator for its assistance.
A more detailed look at the Liverpool City Region rapid transit planning work will be published in the August print issue of routeone.
CPT and C9 Recruitment agree staffing commercial partnership
CPT and C9 Recruitment agree staffing commercial partnership
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has announced a commercial partnership with C9 Recruitment to support operator members in their workforce needs.
Under the collaboration, CPT members can take advantage of an exclusive 10% discount (subject to terms) on C9 Recruitment’s service to help ease staffing pressures. That covers a range of specialist recruitment support, from fully vetted drivers to skilled engineers and back-office staff.
CPT notes that the commercial partnership with C9 forms part of the Confederation’s “ongoing commitment to supporting its members with practical, cost-saving solutions at a time of continued labour market challenges.”
On the coach and bus staffing services offered by C9, the supplier says that its drivers are ready to keep fleets moving, with a comprehensive vetting process and compliance with all industry requirements.
Engineering personnel are experienced and qualified to ensure vehicle safety and reliability, while back-office support staff range from compliance officers to operations managers who provide essential behind-the-scenes expertise, the business continues.
Speaking about the partnership, CPT Membership Engagement Manager Quaid Martin-Laumatia says: “This new offer from C9 Recruitment gives our members access to a trusted recruitment partner with specialist expertise in the coach and bus sector.
“We know that sourcing and retaining skilled staff remains a major challenge, and we are pleased to support members with a practical solution that delivers both quality and value.”
Adds C9 Recruitment Commercial Director Daniel Lunn (pictured, right): “We are proud to partner with the Confederation of Passenger Transport to offer this exclusive benefit to CPT members.
“At C9 Recruitment, our mission is simple: to keep operators moving by providing skilled, fully compliant staff when they are needed most. We understand the pressure the industry is facing, and this partnership allows us to deliver even greater value and support to operators across the UK.”
CPT members can claim the 10% discount (subject to terms) by quoting ‘CPT10’ when engaging C9 Recruitment. It is valid for 90 days from the start of the client relationship. After that, standard rates apply.
UK among tri-axle zero-emission Wrightbus StreetDeck prospects
UK among tri-axle zero-emission Wrightbus StreetDeck prospects
Wrightbus sees UK sales opportunity for its new tri-axle zero-emission StreetDeck double-deck bus platform in addition to core Far Eastern markets for that class of vehicle, it says.
That was noted by CEO Jean-Marc Gales (pictured) when debuting prototype examples of the 6x2 bus that it says are “simultaneously” coming off production lines in Northern Ireland and Malaysia. The manufacturer adds that orders are “already lined up” for the product in Europe and the Far East.
Mr Gales adds that Wrightbus has worked “round the clock for the last two years” to develop the StreetDeck in tri-axle zero-emission format.
It has a driven third axle and a second axle ahead of that which in a notable specification can be fixed or steered. When combined with what Wrightbus claims is battery placement that will not compromise passenger capacity, that “is a real triumph for our engineers,” Mr Gales adds.
Efficiency and durability testing will be completed this summer and a demonstrator will be shipped to an operator in Hong Kong for a 12-month period. Beyond Hong Kong and the UK, the manufacturer sees opportunities for the tri-axle StreetDeck in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, it says.
“We are building momentum not just in our home territories but overseas as well, as news of our brand reaches all corners of the globe,” continues Mr Gales.
“We are the leading manufacturer in zero-emission technology, and we have more than 100 hydrogen buses heading to Germany, as well as fleets of hydrogen and battery-electrics across the UK.
“Our 6x2 will be another important string to our bow, showing that Wrightbus – 80 years old next year – is at the very forefront of technology.”
Wrightbus has previously bodied 6x2 diesel chassis from other manufacturers for the Far East, but the tri-axle zero-emission StreetDeck is its first entirely in-house product in that size class. It also has a tri-axle hydrogen-powered coach in hand that is due to debut in 2026.