Freeway Launches Insight-AI Business Analytics Tool
Freeway Fleet Systems is a global provider of digital solutions for managing vehicles and assets and works seamlessly across different locations and on different platforms. Freeway’s software provides an all-in-one solution to manage workshops, defects, stores, purchasing and compliance. Enabling the transition to paperless digital working, Freeway interchanges freely with other systems to provide enterprise-wide visibility of the status of the fleet.
Freeway has become popular with transport and bus operators across the UK. Users include Transdev, Lothian Buses, Abellio, RATP, Nottingham City Transport, Cardiff Bus and McGill’s Bus Group."
Visit them at Euro Bus Expo on 12-14 November at the NEC Birmingham, on stand 259.
Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-decker for First Bus debuts
The first Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-decker for First Bus arrived in the UK on 29 October. It is a precursor to 126 more as part of a 169-vehicle procurement that is part-funded by the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme in England.
That seed vehicle introduces several improvements to the U11DD driven by feedback to dealer Pelican Bus and Coach by operators that have evaluated a pair of demonstrators.
Notably, the arrangement at the rear of the lower saloon has been significantly changed. While all seats there remain forward-facing, position of the first step within the aisle has been moved back and the ceiling above the two rearmost rows has been lifted to improve headroom.
As a result of the change to the aisle step positioning, the gangway is now flat as far as the drive wheels. On the upper deck, a shallow step in the aisle is present at the rear to match the raised ceiling in the same area downstairs.
Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie says that multiple more minor changes have been made, including addition of a magnetic cab door lock. Feedback from First Bus representatives has seen amendments to the position of the next stop displays and use of a new stop request button that illuminates once pressed. A powered sunblind is also fitted.
Yutong’s own seats will be fitted to the First Bus vehicles, with synthetic leather headrest inserts. A window is within the lower staircase area.
Although the bus has been delivered to Pelican with conventional mirrors for transport purposes, it will gain a camera monitoring system as part of a wider final fit-out and livery application by the dealership at its Castleford premises.
Yutong’s standard saloon air-conditioning is included along with 422kWh of battery capacity using lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry. That energy storage has the Yutong Electric Safety System, as is the case across all the manufacturer’s battery-electric coach and bus models.
Mr Downie says that the first U11DD has been delivered ahead of the remainder as part of Pelican’s standard approach. It will permit operator readying for squadron service.
Depots at Basildon, Hengrove in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil are all scheduled to receive U11DD buses. 42 Yutong E10 and E12 battery-electric single-deckers also form part of the procurement.
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Coach Services adds its fifth Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Coach Services of Thetford has added a fifth Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-decker bus to its fleet.
The new vehicle is to a high specification and includes high-backed seats along with three-point belts, USB charging points, and wood-effect flooring. That approach means it can fulfil various uses as required by a coach and bus operator.
Speaking about the arrival, Finance Director Robert Crawford says: “We like to update our fleet to give it a modern look, but also to keep up with passenger requirements.
“The Enviro400 is ideal for us to assist with increased demand for our services, which is why we are proud to now add this fifth vehicle.” As with the four previous deliveries, the latest bus has a cherished registration mark.
Adds Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Martin Dunleavy: “Coach Services has taken a further step forward in modernising its fleet with this new Enviro400 bus.
“Passengers will appreciate the new journey experience and feel comfortable on routes around the area, while drivers enjoy the familiarity and engineers benefit from easy maintenance and our AD24 support.”
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