ShuttleID offers free tracking with ticketing system purchase
School bus pass and ticketing platform ShuttleID is offering free live vehicle tracking for twelve months with the purchase of one of its school ticketing packages in May.
In addition to tracking, the free upgrade from ShuttleID also provides operators with real-time ticket scanning data within a single system. The Live add-on, which launched earlier in 2022, is powered by what ShuttleID describes as “a driver friendly app” that utilises a 4G connection. Passengers and parents can see the vehicle’s exact location, which is accessed from the mobile ticket on their phone.
The supplier adds that this app provides a simple way to keep passengers and parents updated while helping operators to reduce administration time. Location data is only shared when the driver commences the journey and updates until the trip is finished. As the app is also used to scan tickets, “the single system makes it convenient to use and manage.”
Adds ShuttleID Director Chris Bell: “With the Live add-on, vehicle location is conveniently available to customers that hold a valid ticket for their school bus. With the map available to the passenger at a tap of a button from their ticket, it is easy for them to see where their bus is.
“Operators using the Live add-on tell us that they have already seen a drop in phone calls to their operations teams since introduction. The other key benefit is that they are able to see passenger boarding data in real time, which is a further safeguarding tool and acts as assurance to parents that their child is in safe hands."
The offer ends on 31 May.
Irizar i6S Efficient launched as 'the coach of the future'
Irizar has revealed the i6S Efficient, which it says is “the coach of the future." The newcomer takes the established i6S model and introduces a slew of improvements to deliver a like-for-like weight reduction of 950kg and a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of up to 13%, the OEM claims.
The i6S Efficient retains Irizar’s traditional design cues, but redesign work at the front and rear and to the roof has contributed to a reduction in its aerodynamic coefficient by 30%. That is furthered by an optional rear-view camera system in lieu of mirrors.
While the changes reduce the environmental footprint of the i6S Efficient, Irizar notes that they also cut running costs and deliver increased luggage carrying capacity and passenger space.
Weight reduction has come via analysis of every component in the vehicle and includes the use of high-strength steel and composite materials. Weight distribution has also been improved. A more efficient range of Hispacold climate control units features, along with a redesigned cab area. Changes to materials used on the structure increase safety and improve the coach’s response to torsion and flexing.
Efficiency is furthered by the new model’s connected architecture that includes remote diagnostics and self-diagnosis. Connectivity systems have been developed by Datik and involve cloud storage of data and usage statistics relating to the coach.
In addition to the combustion of diesel and renewable fuels, Irizar says that the i6S Efficient is “designed to be adapted to future zero-emission models.”
The new product will be available in two- and three-axle form in both DAF-powered integral format and body-on-chassis configuration, including on Scania underframes, and to ex-factory PSVAR compliant layout.
For more detail on the Irizar i6S integral, including how it will fit into the UK coach market, see the May issue of routeone, published on 11 May. View a YouTube video of the i6S Efficient here.
McGill's orders 41 more Yutong battery-electric buses
McGill’s Buses has ordered a further 41 Yutong battery-electric buses. They will be part-funded by phase one of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) challenge fund and take to 96 the number of Yutong zero-emission buses with the operator.
Of those on order, 10 will be the 10.9m E10 model and the remaining 31 will be the 12.2m E12. Supplier Pelican Bus and Coach previously delivered 55 E12s to McGill’s, all of which arrived before the COP26 climate change summit in November 2021.
The 41 additional buses are due to be delivered and in service in Q1 2023, subject to infrastructure work. When they are in use, almost 25% of the McGill’s fleet will be zero-emission. £9.09m of ScotZEB money will go towards the latest batch.
Says McGill’s Buses Chief Executive Ralph Roberts: “Placing this repeat order with Pelican was a very easy decision. The first two deliveries of 55 zero-emission Yutong buses were completed on time, on budget and completely without the normal teething issues that we have come to expect with new buses nowadays.
“The Yutong buses have delivered exceptionally high, reliable availability while bringing class-leading levels of electricity consumption. Our customers are impressed by their high-quality finish, and that is good for business.”
Adds Head of Yutong Sales UK Ian Downie: “It is a testament to Ralph and the McGill’s team that with this order, nearly 25% of its fleet will be zero-emission – the majority of them from Yutong. The successful introduction of the vehicles heralded a new level of calm and quietness for McGill’s passengers, and they have been widely welcomed by the travelling public.
“The driving range of the vehicles has exceeded expectations, even with the full electric air-conditioning in operation during the winter months.”
Phase two of ScotZEB was scheduled to open to applications in April, subject to a review of phase one and with lower rates of subsidy.