Gas-fuelled Scania Touring coach would be sold in UK if required
Scania would offer the Touring coach with a liquid biogas/liquid natural gas (LBG/LNG) powertrain in right-hand drive format for the UK market if that new variant was sought by a customer here, it has confirmed.
The manufacturer already has strong experience with biogas in bus applications. The Touring variant can run on either LBG or LNG or a mix of the two and it represents what the manufacturer says is “a circular and economically viable solution for sustainable long-distance transport.”
In that segment, the gas-fuelled Touring complements a Scania Irizar i6S Efficient LBG/LNG that was presented at Busworld Brussels in 2023, and a Scania Beulas double-decker.
Head of Product Management, People Transport Solutions, Carl-Johan Lööf describes use of LBG/LNG in a coach application as improving sustainability “without a massive investment or negative impact on operations.” He adds that gas gives equivalent power and torque to diesel.
The gas-fuelled Touring delivers a claimed range of more than 1,000km with standard tanks. It is powered by a 13-litre OC13 engine developing 410bhp and 2,000Nm of torque. Mr Lööf adds that gas power reduces noise levels and operating costs.
Biogas is fossil-free and renewable that reduces well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by up to 90% when compared diesel. Technology developments in recent years have allowed the gas to be cooled and transformed into an energy-dense liquid, which Scania says offers a more viable solution for long-distance transport.
Sustainable Transport Business Manager Jonas Strömberg adds: “These solutions are truly circular, and I would say that our 13-litre gas powertrain is the most sustainable and viable option on the market for long-distance operators.
“It is better for the environment, quiet, smart, and perhaps most important, available here and now, allowing long-distance operators to take a huge step towards sustainable transport.” The manufacturer adds that all its gas engines can run on the fuel in liquefied and compressed forms.
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.”
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.