OMC Global adds an AOS Grand Toro midicoach to its fleet
OMC Global of Eynsham in Oxfordshire has added an AOS Grand Toro midicoach to its fleet, supplied by EVM.
It is a 37-seater. Each position is finished in leather and comes with recline, USB charging and a three-point belt. Folding armrests on the aisle side are also fitted, while wood-effect flooring is part of the specification including carpet on the steps and in the aisle.
A multimedia entertainment system includes a radio along with various inputs. The Grand Toro also comes with a PA system. A reversing camera is additionally part of the package.
Other amenities include passenger service units and blue LED night lights affixed to the full-length overhead luggage racks, while windows have decorative pleated draw curtains. Saloon air-conditioning is complemented by full-length convector radiators and a Webasto 16kW coolant pre-heater.
The Cummins B4.5 engine’s location behind the front axle gives a large rear boot along with side lockers for luggage storage. Drive is taken via an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox.
Side windows are double-glazed and tinted, while the windscreen and signalling windows each come with a powered blind. Externally the vehicle for OMC Global is finished in metallic black and has chrome wheel trims. EVM provides a 200,000km or two-year warranty conversion.
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First Irizar ie tram for Kent Fastrack BRT network is delivered
The first Irizar ie tram battery-electric bus for Fastrack bus rapid transit services in Kent Thameside has been delivered ahead of the contract for that network being taken up by Go-Ahead London.
28 of those buses are on order, with Go-Ahead to commence a 15-year contract to operate the Thameside Fastrack services in November. All are set for deployment by April 2025 and five more battery-electric buses are to be procured for a new Fastrack route in Dover.
VEV will provide 450kW inverted pantograph-based opportunity chargers for the Thameside fleet at two locations. Work on that infrastructure will commence at the end of August and the chargers will be at Gravesend bus station and Acacia Hall in Dartford.
Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Neil Baker has welcomed the arrival of the first Irizar ie tram. “This marks a significant milestone and an exciting time for users of our Kent Thameside Fastrack service as we upgrade our fleet to new electric models,” says Cllr Baker.
“The investment is an indication of our commitment to Fastrack and better air quality for Kent’s residents. I am looking forward to seeing them in operation.”
KCC Fastrack Development Manager Shane Hymers adds that specification of the ie tram buses has been “completely led by our customers and driving staff.”
He continues: “We listened carefully to what would improve their Fastrack experience, which led to some very bespoke design elements. The buses include wireless charging docks for smartphones, ambient lighting, and even railway-style tables complete with coffee cup holders.
“We have also added an additional wheelchair user bay to make sure that the buses are fully accessible for all residents.”
Go-Ahead London Fastrack Project Manager Isobel Hedley-Jones adds that the ie tram buses “are part of Go-Ahead’s wider plan to improve the Fastrack network for the communities we will serve, and signal commitment to high-quality, reliable and punctual services.”
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Mistral adds weight to vehicle CCTV case via Centrad tie-up
Mistral Group is another vehicle supplier to stress the importance of CCTV fitment to coach and bus fleets, highlighting its partnership with Centrad in that work. Centrad supplies and fits six- and eight-camera systems to Mistral vehicles to deliver comprehensive coverage.
The sale, lease and finance specialist says that adoption of CCTV on vehicles has wielded a “profound impact” on the sector. It has been driven by operators, and while there was what Mistral Sales Director Freddie Fuller describes as “a brief feeling of trepidation” around CCTV in its infancy due to potential privacy concerns, that quickly changed.
“The growing need to provide further support for drivers to avoid incidents and mitigate rising insurance premiums has quickly dampened scepticism or preconceptions,” says Mistral.
Continues Mr Fuller: “The vast majority of coach and bus operators we engage with simply refuse to operate without these systems retrofitted, as from their perspective it leaves them exposed to a number of unwanted risks.
“This attitude shift has primarily been driven by operators’ heightened sense of responsibility to implement necessary measures to encourage road safety and for the benefit of protecting fellow road users, drivers and passengers, as well as lowering premiums.”
Mr Fuller adds that a sizeable proportion of bus passengers in the UK are children or otherwise classed as vulnerable. That “further emphasises the importance for camera solutions to be installed, as from a customer perspective, safeguarding passengers is not an option – it is imperative.”
Mistral says that the approach from Centrad was progressed thanks to the latter’s track record, reputation, and innovative methodology around CCTV.
Concludes Mr Fuller: “Over the decades, our customers have come to expect a certain level of service with us. Naturally, any business we choose to partners with becomes an extension of ourselves and therefore we want to ensure that it reflects our values and customer-centric approach.
“Centrad has done this and more. Not only are its systems quality driven, but it is also willing to the extra mile for our customers time and time again by installing systems regardless of location, and often at short notice, which is a rarity from our experience.”