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.”
[adrotate banner="44"]
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.
Alexander Dennis achieves 97% charging efficiency on electrics
Alexander Dennis battery-electric buses have achieved 97% grid-to-wheel charging efficiency under testing performed by Zemo Partnership.
Such a level of efficiency forms part of the manufacturer’s focus on total cost of ownership (TCO) for its battery-electrics, which also leans on those buses' low energy consumption. Alexander Dennis says that its next-generation Enviro400EV double-decker has at least a 14% lower energy cost per kilometre than any other Zemo Partnership certified competitor.
Such charging efficiency has been accomplished via what Alexander Dennis describes as “careful system integration and optimisation." Its engineers worked with colleagues from driveline supplier Voith, battery provider Impact Power Technology, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning specialist Grayson Thermal Systems in that process.
TCO is further aided by the warrantable battery energy throughput of up to 1.6GWh on the next-generation buses.
Speaking about that line-up of vehicles – which in 2025 will see the Enviro200EV join the existing Enviro100EV and Enviro400EV – Group Engineering Director Chris Gall says: “We have focused on delivering benefits for our customers throughout the development of our next-generation electric buses.
“We are delighted announce a stunning 97% grid-to-wheel efficiency, certified by Zemo Partnership’s zero-emission bus testing. This will minimise energy requirements and slash costs for customers by delivering sustained savings throughout their buses’ long operational lives.
“This is once again testament to the fantastic expertise of our engineering team and the collaborative working culture we have fostered with our key partners Voith, Impact Clean Power Technology, and Grayson Thermal Systems.”