fleet bus and coach spring 2011
DESCRIPTION
Fleet bus and Coach, Spring 2011TRANSCRIPT
Volume 8. No.1. Spring 2011
www.fl eet.ie
OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS
- first impressions last• FEATURE: SETRA CELEBRATES
• INTERVIEW: JOHN O'FLYNN, INTEGRATED TICKETING SCHEME - RPA
FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011 27
www.fl eet.ie
28 NEWSNew Bus Licensing Guidelines • Call for IRU & ITF Awards applications • Real time bus info for Dublin • Wrightbus cleans up with Cummins • Bus Eireann & GoBus join forces • Volvo Bus had a good 2010 Plus Bus Lane snippets
30 INTERVIEWWith John O’Flynn, Integrated Ticketing System, RPA
32 COVERTest Drive Reports: Mercedes-Benz UNVI Cimo & Classic
34 FEATURESetra celebrates with Kössbohrer
36 FLEETING SHOTSSnap-shot stories
38 OPINIONBack Seat Driver Comments
contents SPRING 2011
Please send me an issue of Fleet Transport magazine (plus supplements) every month for one year starting with the next available issue for
the cost of €65 (Ireland), €85 (Europe) €120 US.
Name: Job Title
Company: Email:
Address:
Phone: Fax:
Three ways to subscribe:
1. Cheque made payable to Fleet Transport for €
2. Please charge my debit/credit card for the amount of €
Laser, Mastercard, Visa, Electron & Maestro.
Card No.
Expiry Date: CVV No.
Signature: Date:
3. Please invoice me for €
Purchase Order No. (if applicable).
Send completed form to:
Subscriptions, Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street,
Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Fax: +353 94 937357 FB&C 3.11
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
P 29 P 36
Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine
D’Alton Street, Claremorris,
Co. Mayo, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826
Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571
Email: enquiries@fl eet.ie
ISSN: 1649-9433
Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney
Editor: Sean Murtagh
Fleet Bus & Coach- the offi cial Irish
journal of the
International
Bus/Coach
of the Year Awards.
IRELAND’S NEW MOBILE LEISURE & HOLIDAY MAGAZINE
Maiden Voyage: Setting out in the Ford Transit Dethleff Fortero
www.caravancruise.ie
Volume 2. Number 1. Spring 2011
• FOCUS ON FERRIES• CLUB SCENE• SHOW REVIEWS• MOBILE DINER• ADVICE
€4.00STG £3.20
inc.V.A.T.
Shows & Exhibitions 2011 • Win Family Tickets to Fota Wildlife Park
INS
IDE
: • READING MATTERS• AWARDS• ATTRACTIONS• LAUNCH PAD• DIRECTORY OF SERVICES
• Vehicle Wash Systems - Manual & Automatic
• Water Recycling, Rainwater Harvesting
& Pollution Control
• Steel Safety Gantries and
Platforms
• High Pressure Wash
Systems
Consultation, Manufacture, Supply and ServiceConsultation, Manufacture, Supply and Service
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
P.E Services, Unit 1, Crubany Business Park,
Crubany, Co. Cavan.
Tel: 049 4379144 / 4360109 Fax: 049 8545032
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.peservices.ie
Caravan Cruise Ireland Spring 2011 edition out now at Newsagents Nationwide or by contacting 094 93 72826. Log on to www.caravancruise.ie
NEWS 1
Sma r t Awa rd s: promot i ng • excellence in bus & coach transportInternational Transport Forum: • 2011 Transport Achievement Award
Through its Smart Move sister organisation, the International Road Transport (IRU) has issued
a call for public and private candidates for three global awards for innovation, best practices and excellence in bus operation and coach tourism policy to promote and further facilitate sustainable mobility.
Entries are now being accepted for the IRU City Trophy 2011, the IRU Bus Excellence Award 2011 and the new IRU Coach Tourism Innovation Award 2011 for best public or private business and policy practices that further sustain mobility by bus and coach in the framework of the global Smart Move campaign.
Th e IRU City Trophy 2011 acknowledges and rewards municipal authorities that implement proactive policies favouring sustainable group tourism by coach.
Formerly known as the Eurochallenge Award, the IRU Bus Excellence Award 2011, promotes high quality and cost-eff ective innovative projects implemented by any public or private bus/coach company, allowing for a greater use of regular urban and interurban public transport by bus and coach through improved att ractiveness.
Th e IRU Coach Tourism Innovation Award 2011 is a brand new award aiming to recognise and promote best industry practices leading to a greater use of group tourism by coach. It is open to any private transport company worldwide whose main business is coach tourism. Projects
submitt ed should include company initiatives aimed at improving the image and att ractiveness of coach tourism and in particular the creation of innovative new services, including on-board services; successful information and marketing campaigns; the implementation of customers service quality schemes; the implementation of environment and safety care programmes; etc. More details on www.busandcoach.travel.
Meanwhile, the International Transport Forum at the OCED is showing how it is putt ing people first with its 2011 Transport Achievement Award, awarded jointly with the International Association for Public Transport (UITP), the European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services (CLECAT) and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA). Th e honour will recognise projects or initiatives that demonstrate excellence in identifying and effi ciently meeting the transport needs of their clients. It aims to highlight the importance of taking seriously the transport needs of society, both in relation to personal mobility and to ensure ready access of goods within communities.
More information on www.internationaltransportforum.org/2011.
Call for Applications to IRU & ITF Awards
Driver CPC @ Irish Commercials
One day Driver CPC Training is now being off ered by Irish Commercials (Sales) Ltd., at its headquarters at Th e Gateway, Oberstown, Naas, County Kildare. For further details contact Arthur Ring by email [email protected] or on 086 0560211
Volvo & Optare for Arriva
Arriva, the multinational public transport company owned by Deutsche Bahn is investing heavily in Volvo and Optare buses for its operations in Th e Netherlands and Great Britain.
Volvo Buses has secured its largest order to date for hybrid buses with 27 Volvo 7700’s destined for the City of Dordrect. In the UK, 69 single and double-deck buses will be supplied by Optare during 2011. Th e contract worth £7.6m includes 16 Visionaire open-top double-deckers for use by Th e Original Tour on London sightseeing tours. Th ese will have seating for 101 passengers and will be built on 12.35 metre Volvo B9TL tri-axle chassis. Optare plans to deliver the vehicles in time for the 60th anniversary of the service in June. Th e other 53 vehicles comprise of 41 Versa 11.1 metre models and 12 Solo 8.8 and 9.5 metre models, all Mercedes-Benz powered. Th ey will be for various Arriva subsidiaries with deliveries scheduled through to September.
EU approves passenger rights
After lengthy negotiations, the European Parliament has voted in favour of a regulation on rights of passengers travelling by bus and coach. Aft er air, rail and water, now transport by road will also be covered by a specifi c set of rights for passengers, thereby completing the legal framework for users of all transport modes at EU level. Bus and coach passengers, and in particular passengers with a disability and people with a reduced mobility, will enjoy new rights that will protect them when they travel anywhere within the European Union.
Siim Kallas, Commission Vice-President in charge of transport said: “Th anks to this new regulation, passenger rights will be extended also to bus and coach transport. Passengers travelling by road will benefi t from the same basic service quality standards wherever and however they travel in the Union. With the adoption of a regulation on rights for bus and coach passengers EU passenger protection will now cover all modes. I am very satisfi ed that the EU has established the fi rst integrated area of passenger rights for all modes of transport in the world.”
BUS LANE
Fleet Bus & Coach First with the news in the PSV
industry www.fl eet.ie
28 FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011
Following a public consultation process from July of last year, the National Transport Authority has issued
guidelines for the licensing of public bus passenger services. It explains the Authority’s approach for considering licences for commercial public bus passenger service licences and covers applications, renewals, transfers and amendment. Time frames and conditions that may be applied are also outlined.
Th e Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 (PTR 2009) established the basis for the Guidelines, which are applicable to all commercial public bus passenger services operating within the State. Th is licensing system replaces:-
Th e licensing system that has been operated • under the Road Transport Act 1932 for services provided by operators from the private sector and;Th e notifi cation system that had been in •
place for services provided by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus.
As outlined in the Guidelines, application forms should be fi lled in electronically and include, as appropriate:
Details regarding the nature of the proposed • service, fares, estimated capacity of vehicles to be used, details of the accessibility status of vehicles proposed for the service;A detailed electronic timetable for the • proposed service including a departure and arrival time for each pick-up and set-down point along the route on the outward and return journeys;An Ordinance Survey Ireland map to a scale • 1:20,000 for urban and suburban areas and 1:50,000 for all other areas, preferably on a web-based geographical fi le, identifying and naming each set-down point clearly along the proposed route.
Bus Licensing Guidelines issued
Dublin Bus has caught up with the LUAS, in terms of Real Time Passenger Information. Ten new electronic bus
stop signs will inform passengers when their bus is due to arrive as part of a pilot project around Dublin with a view of having 450 units in place before the year end. Launched by the National Transport Authority, a web and text based service is also being developed to provide bus arrival information for the Greater Dublin Area. Th e new service is being delivered in co-operation with Dublin Bus, who is responsible for the automatic vehicle location system and the associated real time arrival predictions for their buses. Th e scheme can also take information from Bus Eireann and other licensed transport operators.
Work has already started in Cork for a launch towards the end of this year in co-operation with Bus Eireann. Th e service will be established in
other cities around Ireland – Galway, Limerick and Waterford – next year.
Th is live testing phase is designed to check the accuracy of the information on the fi rst ten new signs. Th e project team is encouraging public feedback through a website: www.transportforireland.ie, which will be highlighted on the display signs at bus stops.
Th e signs can also carry other information about bus services or update messages for passengers from Dublin City Council’s traffi c control centre and also incorporate the latest technology to ensure easy readability and comply with disability guidelines for electronic signage. Options are also being identifi ed to assist blind or partially sighted people to use the bus network more easily using a combination of telephone and text services together with Braille identifi cation of individual bus stops.
To provide real time information, buses must be equipped with an Automatic Vehicle Location transmitt er. A Global Positioning System (GPS) tracks the bus and sends a signal to the bus stop through a central control system. Th e screens at the bus stops count down the minutes until the bus arrives and are updated every 30 seconds, depending on where the bus is along its route, so information should always be up to date.
Real Time Passenger Information for Bus Services
London’s 21st century recreation of the iconic Routemaster bus to be manufactured by Wrightbus in Ballymena has teamed up
with Cummins to produce one of the cleanest buses on the planet. NBfL – New Bus for London will be powered by the Cummins ISBe 4.5 litre diesel hybrid that is both designed and made in Darlington. It is already capable of meeting the EEV ultra low emissions standard without the need for additional particulate exhaust aft er-treatment.
Alongside the engine, Cummins Emission Solutions has worked closely with Wrightbus to develop a unique aft er-treatment system that will allow the bus to meet the real world ultra low
emissions targets needed for the project. While the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matt er (PM) emissions are reduced with the Euro V/EEV SCR system, an additional Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) is fi tt ed between the engine and the SCR system to substantially reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. Th e result is that it will have a carbon footprint less than half of the majority of buses operating in London today.
Th e Cummins ISBe 4.5 litre engine provides 185hp and is mated to a Siemens hybrid transmission. Th e engine drives a generator, which supplies energy to a lithium-phosphate batt ery pack, which in turn provides electrical current for the new electric drive motors. Regenerative braking feeds otherwise wasted kinetic energy back into the batt ery pack from the electric
motors.
I n an innovative move between two private and public service providers, Galway-based GoBus.ie and Bus Éireann have come
together to off er a broader range of services between Galway-Dublin City-Dublin Airport.
Th e integration of services of both companies means that GoBus.ie passengers now have access to Bus Éireann’s extensive Expressway network and Bus Éireann can off er its customers the choice of 14 daily non-stop direct return services between Galway and Dublin.
With the East-West motorway network now fully
operational, coach operators have cut the travel time down to 2 hours 30 minutes.
Th e GoBus.ie award winning Volvo coach fl eet provides excellent passenger safety and comfort.Features include toilet facilities, free Wi-Fi, a climate control ventilation system, great legroom, 3-point safety belts, adjustable head and foot rests and low interior noise.
“We are delighted to be working in association with Bus Éireann on our direct Dublin-Galway return service,” said Jim Burke, Managing Director of GoBus.ie. “Over the past 12 months our non-stop service has proved hugely popular with locals and tourists alike, nonetheless, we are determined to continuously adapt and refocus our business to ensure that we constantly meet the needs of our customers and make our service bett er for them. Th rough this association with Bus Éireann we are able to off er our customers forward travelling options throughout the Country. Similarly, Bus Éireann will be in a position to off er customers greater variety with the option of a non-stop service,” added Jim.
Wrightbus drives cleanest buses on the planet with Cummins
Bus Éireann & GoBus team up on Galway-Dublin-Galway route
neededhile
entenshe
CRonalatalyst
ween the
Th e Cand iTh eenewhthbrba
mot
es on the planet
NEWS 11
FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011 29
Volvo Bus records strong year
Despite the global bus market having its peaks and troughs Volvo Buses recorded a
strong year in 2010, with more buses and coaches than 2009 with signifi cantly improved earnings. With Europe characterised by continued weak demand, however, some positive signs were noted in the coach market. In North America, the coach market remained weak, but there are signs that the market has bott omed out. For city buses, the trend remained negative.
Th e market in Mexico largely corresponded to the trend in the US, with low activity in general but major interest in the Bus Rapid Transit systems (BRT). Volvo is the leading supplier of buses for the BRT systems in Latin America. In South America, demand rose in the market for city buses and coaches. Likewise, the total bus market in Asia and Africa displayed a strong increase. It is primarily China and India that account for the largest increase.
During 2010, Volvo delivered 10,229 buses, up from 9,857 in the preceding year. As a result, operating income improved signifi cantly to a profi t of SEK 780m (€89.145m) compared to a loss of SEK 350m (€40m) in 2009. Th e operating margin was 3.9% compared with a negative 0.8% in the fourth quarter of 2009. Th e income improvement was primarily due to increased sales volume, improved market mix and cost savings.
30 FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011
INTERVIEW
JS Th e long awaited Integrated Ticketing Scheme for Dublin is soon upon us. How is the project coming along?
JOF Th ere’s great momentum behind the project. Th e core elements of the scheme have been delivered or are near completion. Th e back-offi ce has been largely delivered by IBM, the website is in the fi nal stages of development, the top-up network has been earmarked and many of the Smart Card readers have been upgraded to read the integrated Smart Card. Most signifi cantly, we’re currently conducting a live test of the system on operational Dublin Bus and LUAS services, so that’s a huge step.
JS W hat is the time schedule for introduction?
JOF Th e full scale customer roll-out will take place in a few stages. Th e fi rst stage is scheduled to take place later this year, subject to successful testing. It will allow customers to pay-as-you-go on the participating transport operators. Once it’s up and running we’ll be incrementally introducing additional functionality such as the capacity to top-up the card with integrated period tickets.
JS How will it work?
JOF It’s going to make paying for travelling around Dublin much easier. First, the customer will top-up the card with travel credit and/or period tickets. Th en, the card will be used to pay for travel by simply holding it against an electronic reader. Th e readers are located on board buses, on Luas platforms, and in Irish Rail Stations. It will be a durable, reusable Smart Card so the customer will be able to repeat this cycle as oft en as they like.
JS Where will the top-up points be located?
JOF Th ere’s going to be a huge range of choice for customers. Th ey’ll be able to top-up at over 400 shops in and around Dublin, every LUAS stop and Irish Rail stop in the short-hop zone, and online through a dedicated website.
JS How will you promote the new system: Internet/Twitt er/Facebook?
JOF Our dedicated website is going to be our primary platform for gett ing our information out there all in one place. We may also use social
media to connect with customers, particularly regarding any special offers or promotions we’re running. We’re also going to have a lot of advertising on transport services as it’s the perfect connection moment. When people are fumbling for change and overpaying as they get on a bus we want them to see an ad for integrated ticketing and say “Hey, I want one of those!”
JS Who are the main suppliers to the programme?
JOF We have a huge range of Irish and International suppliers. HP will be responsible for the day to day operation of the scheme including providing customer support. Th e point-of-sale network for topping up cards is being provided by Payzone. Mapfl ow is partnering with Avego to supply ticketing equipment to private bus operators. IBM is providing the back-offi ce systems. Other suppliers include Eircom which is hosting our back offi ce, Planet 21 is providing the communications network, Real Time Technologies has developed the device needed to read an integrated Smart Card, while Sequoia are ticketing scheme design experts.
JS Once in operation, do you envisage that the other main Irish cities will introduce a similar ITS?
JOF Th e scope of this project doesn’t go beyond the Greater Dublin Area. However, the systems we’ve developed are quite fl exible, and could be adapted to be used nationwide. So, if funding becomes available there’d be plenty of opportunities to expand the scheme to other Irish cities. I hope that once the benefi ts of the scheme are proven in Dublin there’ll be a push to use our experience nationwide.
JS W hat did the project cost to implement?
JOF Th e total budget for the project is €55.4m which actually compares quite favourably to a lot of schemes we’ve researched around the world.
JS Can other services be built into the Card System?
JOF Yes, we’re looking at a wide range of opportunities including taxis, small payments in shops and other venues, as well as Dublin Bikes. But for now our real focus is gett ing the system working on the core public transport services in Dublin.
JS How will ongoing issues/concerns/enquiries be handled?
JOF HP Ireland is contracted to operate the scheme. Th ey will have a customer service help-desk, email address and website through which any customers’ issues can be handled as quickly as possible.
Used Coach Sales
2004 BMC Probus
2005 Mercedes 616 Unvi
Riada VIP
2001 DAF SB3000 OVI
1997/98 Mercedes 0814 Euro
Coach Imps
www.centralbusandcoach.ie for more used coaches
One-to-OneJohn O'Flynn, Integrated Ticketing Scheme,Railway Procurement Agency,with Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie
John O’Flynn uses a test Integrated Ticketing Card on a Luas validator at Heuston Station, one of Dublin’s major transport interchanges. The card is currently being tested on LUAS and Dublin Bus services.
Private Bus Operators att end an information forum held by RPA for private transport operators who are interested in joining ITS.
CENTRAL BUS & COACH LTD
The One Stop Shop for Bus & Coach
Sales, Parts & Service in Ireland
CENTRAL BUS & COACH LTD is the distributor for UNVI Bus & Coach products in Ireland.
Located in Keenagh, near Ballymahon, County Longford, CBC are within easy reach of all areas of Ireland.
CBC provide the following services to Coach and Bus operators.
New Bus & Coach Sales
Used Bus & Coach Sales & brokeage
CONTACT: LIAM FARRELLY
SALES
Service for all bus makes
Warranty repairs for UNVI products
Glazing for all bus makes
Air conditioning service and repair
DOE preparation and repair
Brake testing (rolling road)
Tyre fi tting
Diagnostics for all bus makes
Towing and recovery (underlift)
Valeting
Signwriting
CONTACT: JOHNNY CURRAN
SERVICE
Parts for all UNVI range
Genuine Mercedes parts - overnight delivery
Large stock of windscreen and side glazing
Parts for all popular coach and minibus makes
Volvo, DAF, MAN, Ford etc.
CONTACT: DAVID QUINN
PARTS
Used Coach SalesUsed Coach Sales
2004 BMC Probus2004 BMC Probus
35 seats + C, 220 hp Cummins engine,
AC, DG, Radio, CD,PA, Driver and courier
microphone, Power door, ZF manual
gearbox, ZF axle, tables to fi t, 200,000
km, mint
condition,
sold with
minimum
6 months
DOE
2004 Mercedes Plaxton
Cheetah manual, 29 + C, 250,000
km, DG, Radio, CD, PA, driver and courier
microphone, Retarder, mint condition.
2004 MAN Beulas Midistar
White, 37 seats, 55807 km shown, (Tacho
replaced approx 141,000 km)
Very high spec, AC, DG, Power door,
Power lockers, Radio, CD, DVD, PA,
electric mirrors, driver and courier mic,
fridge, carpets, curtains, wheel trims,Seat
belt certifi cate,
Tacho
calibration to
4/7/2014, Will
be sold with
new DOE
€49,950
2006 Mercedes Riada 616,22 + C Leather Seats, Monitor/DVD, Double
Glazing, AC, Luggage Racks, Decorative
Curtains, PA System, 3 Point Seat Belts,
Power door, Manual Gearbox, Large
Boot, Euroliners, FSH, Very Clean, Will be
sold with
at least six
months
DOE
1997 Volvo 53 seats, certifi ed belts,
AC, DG, DVD, Radio cassette, PA, drivers
and courier microphones, electric
mirrors,
€36,000
2005 Mercedes 616 Unvi 2005 Mercedes 616 Unvi
Riada VIPRiada VIP only 177,151 kms, 16/22
black leather recliners, 2 tables, Top
of the range coach with AC, DG, DVD,
Radio, CD, PA, driver and courier mic,
carpets, curtains, extra large boot, fridge,
euroliner wheel trims, electric mirrors,
power door. Also 2006 (140,000km)
2001 DAF SB3000 OVI2001 DAF SB3000 OVI 53
seats, certifi ed belts, AC, DG, DVD,
Radio cassette, PA, drivers and courier
microphones, electric mirrors, power
lockers, fridge
1997/98 Mercedes 0814 Euro 1997/98 Mercedes 0814 Euro
Coach ImpsCoach Imps choice, 33 service seats
with certifi ed belts, automatic, power
door, recent repaint, all in test, ideal
contract buses. Price €12,500
CENTRAL BUS & COACH LTDKeenagh, Co. Longford.
Tel: 043 [email protected]
The New Name for UNVI in Ireland
www.centralbusandcoach.ie www.centralbusandcoach.ie for more used coachesfor more used coachesSEE
Don’t forget your Air Con servicing before season starts
32 FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011
COVER
Central Bus & Coach and UNVI‘Plenty of seats available’
T he old adage, which stresses the importance of fi rst impressions still holds true. Arriving at ‘Central Bus & Coach’ in Kenagh, County Longford,
you are immediately impressed - by the well-organised appearance of the business. All vehicles parked in their proper place alongside a clean and tidy workshop, and everyone going about their work in an ordered fashion. We certainly noted that during our time there the vehicle-washing bay was constantly occupied, with vehicles being cleaned inside and out, before parked in the appropriate parking slot or taking to the road.
Th e purpose of our visit to Central Bus & Coach was to drive two of the off erings from the UNVI Coach range. UNVI has achieved popularity in Ireland, as the Spanish manufacturer has built a strong reputation for constructing a wide variety of solid and att ractive body types. At its manufacturing facility in Ourense, UNVI produces bodywork for microbuses and midis - through to top end-touring coaches. It also designs and builds special order vehicles, such as luxury hospitality units’ mobile workplaces and 4x4 crew transporters for remote work sites.
However, our test units were not from UNVI’s luxury range, but were more suited to regular passenger transport in Ireland.
First up was the CIMO 1024. Th e immaculate white paintwork and modern profi le gives CIMO the appearance of a much larger vehicle. Th is is further enhanced by the mirror arrangement and contemporary lighting cluster. Being built on the Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis, helps to promote the sense of a large touring class vehicle, as the passenger seating position is relatively high. Passengers climb two steps then turn at right angles
to enter the seating area. Occasionally this can be an issue for some elderly or infi rm passengers. However, the CIMO off ers a spacious entry with well-positioned handrails at all points through ascent. Safe entry is also helped by the fl oor covering which provides a high quality non-slip surface, even in wet conditions.
Entry for the driver is through a separate door as the passenger handrail prevents cross cab access. While the door does not open to full 90o, two steps allow an easy climb to the driver’s seat. Th ough the parking brake is located to the right of the driver’s right knee, it does not impede access. Seating position is comfortable with good steering wheel adjustment and the wraparound cockpit off ers a sensible ergonomic layout set into a pleasant wood eff ect dashboard. Switchgear and controls are standard issue Mercedes-Benz, and do their job in a practical and uncomplicated Germaneske style.
From the driver’s seat, forward visibility is excellent. However, some drivers may favour a see-through panel in the nearside entry door. Th e mirror arrangement provides good rearward vision, with the additional mirror on the driver’s side giving an alternative to the overhead arm, which may not suit all driving positions.
Th e forward mounted in-line six-cylinder delivers 240 hp and has ample power to move a full complement of 35 passengers and their luggage. Our test vehicle was
driving through a six-speed manual transmission. We found gear selection very positive, with the ratios nicely spaced helping to move the coach quickly up the gears, always managing to stay in the lower half of the green band. If preferred, automated options are readily available.
On the road, CIMO exhibits the hallmarks of a larger touring coach, while remaining very easy to drive, it handles well, is very stable on twisting sections of tarmac, and the all-round disc brakes bring it to a confi dent stop. One point worthy of note was the highly accurate steering and excellent turning circle.
In servicing the broad 35-seat market, few passengers could fi nd fault with the coach. Clients booking the vehicle would believe they were gett ing good value for money - with the high level of comforts provided. Th is would no doubt shine a favourable light on any company’s image. CIMO is a highly practical coach that can handle the rough and tumble of school runs, yet off er refi ned comforts to touring groups. Th e bodywork is well put together with sturdy overhead storage and generous external luggage lockers. Furthermore, UNVI’s CIMO does not forget the needs of the driver.
Our next run may have been a step down in vehicle size but not in levels of practicality. If there is a passenger transport vehicle that typifi es reliability on regular day-to-day work, then the Mercedes-Benz 816 Vario chassis, powered by the OM904LA is it. Th e vehicle’s remarkable longevity is now reaching iconic status, and remains a favourite with operators throughout the Country.
It has remained popular for a number of reasons, fi rstly its size and fl exibility fi ts well with much of the private hire work in Ireland. Also good fuel economy from the exceptionally reliable and easy to maintain 160 hp Euro 4 engine,continues to validate its reputation. When fitted with UNVI’s 33-seat Classic body, the combination gives operators a high degree of fl exibility and
productivity. It is worth noting that under New Type Approval Regulations this 33-seat format may no longer be available aft er October 2011.
Another important selling point is the Classic’s driveability; fi tt ed with a straightforward six-speed manual transmission allows any reasonably competent driver can handle the vehicle. Th e exceptional level of durability means the Classic can (within reason) withstand constant driver changes when operated in fl eets.
A prominently displayed three-pointed star adds a fi nishing touch to the smart body styling, helping to present a businesslike profi le to intending commuters. Inside our test unit was trimmed with a dark grey fl oor covering and two-tone grey seating, a sensible choice of colours, which should remain clean and serviceable for a long time. Th at said, these shades frequently make the interior appear dull and unfriendly. However, the Unvi’s large double-glazed window and roof hatch provides generous amounts of light, which conversely gives the interior a feeling of superior quality.
Th e forward mounted Euro 4 engine has always sounded a litt le noisy when standing outside the coach, but revised soundproofi ng has further reduced noise levels and internally it is not a problem. Keeping the rev counter in the green band is not an issue as it ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 rpm, allowing a great deal of fl exibility for urban driving. On the open road at 80 kp/h, the needle sits halfway at 1,500 rpm - which should help with fuel economy.
While not as refi ned as the bigger CIMO, the Classic is nonetheless very enjoyable to drive, and you quickly appreciate its robustness and strength. Parabolic springs combined with front and rear stabilisers ensure road holding is fi rst-rate, and passengers are guaranteed a comfortable journey. All round discs provide assured braking and the steering is nicely weighted. Overall, the driving position is fi ne, though one criticism we have is the high location of the driver’s seat-belt anchorage point. Depending on body shape, some drivers may prefer the belt to be anchored lower than it is – though, this small issue is due to be rectifi ed shortly.
As an investment, the Classic is a well-proven solid and reliable passenger vehicle, which can be put to any type of work. Proof of which can be seen on a daily basis on the roads of Ireland. Features such as good fuel economy, driveability and passenger comforts will all help to ensure it remains one of the most popular passenger vehicles on the road.
Our test day showed that both units performed well, were good to drive and should create the positive impression with passengers. Drivers are well catered for as both vehicles help to make the job as comfortable as possible. Th e standard specifi cations are well suited to the needs of the Irish market - though if required UNVI, can equip vehicles with a host of optional extras. First impressions indicate that Central Bus & Coach was well worth the visit.
Text & Photos: Paul White – paul@fl eet.ie FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011 33
COVER
Spec Check UNVI Cimo 1024 UNVI ClassicSeating Capacity as tested 35 33Chassis Type Mercedes-Benz (M-B) Atego 1024 Mercedes-Benz (M-B) Vario 816Engine M-B - OM924LA M-B - OM904LACylinders In-line six-cylinder In-line four-cylinderRated Power 240 hp / 179 kW 160 hp / 120 kW Euro Rating 4 4Transmission Six Speed Manual Six Speed ManualBrakes Discs all round Discs all round
Telligent (ABS) Engine Brake/ (ABS)Tyres Bridgestone R227 Bridgestone R227Size 235/75 R17.5 215/75 R17.5DimensionsLength 9130 mm 8560 mmWheelbase 4820 mm 4800 mmWidth 2420 mm 2420 mmHeight 3260 mm 3150 mmLuggage Capacity 5 cu.m 3.6 cu.m
Features Th ree point seatbelts Th ree point seatbeltsAir conditioning Individual ventilationDouble glazed windows Double glazed windowsEntertainment System Entertainment System
Seating Options 35 / 31 29 / 33*Toilet Available(31 Seat option)
*33 Seat version may not be available aft er October 2011.
34 FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011
FEATURE
A t the forthcoming Retro Classics 2011 Show in Stutt gart (11/13 March) Setra, Daimler’s luxury coach brand celebrates 60 years in the business
while its production plant in Ulm, Germany marks its 100th anniversary.
Th e highlight of its four vintage buses (from 1911 to 1976) on display in Hall 8 will be the fi rst Setra bus ever produced bearing the chassis number 001. Th is vehicle was presented to bus companies for the fi rst time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1951. Th e defi ning characteristic of this vehicle was that it did not use a truck frame as its base. Instead, a self-supporting frame was lined with sheet metal to form the vehicle’s body. It could be said that this method was the start of the integrated modular system of bus coachworks. Other features of the fi rst Setra include a six-cylinder Henschel rear engine rated at 74 kW (100 hp), under-fl oor luggage compartments and a fully synchromeshed fi ve-speed ZF manual transmission.
Th e 200 series in the Setra brand’s 25th year opened another successful chapter in its history books. Th is generation of vehicles introduced cross-fl ow ventilation, whereby fresh air was channelled draught-free into the passenger compartment along the entire length of the vehicle. Th e exhibit is the prototype of the 200 model series and is fi tt ed with an OM 403 10-cylinder V engine from Mercedes-Benz rated at 235 kW (320 hp).
It was 100 years ago, in February 1911, when Kässbohrer undertook its fi rst step in the fi eld of bus construction. Th e fi rst Kässbohrer bus was built on a Saurer truck chassis for the city of Ulm’s fi rst bus service running from Münsterplatz to the suburb of Wiblingen. Th e exhibit is a fully functional replica of the lost original. Th e vehicle possesses a four-cylinder Saurer petrol engine with an output of around 29 kW (40 hp). Th e wooden body has 18 seats plus space for around ten standing passengers.
Setra’s compact bus dating from 1956 was built on the chassis of the Opel Blitz, which was highly popular among bus companies at the time. With the introduction of the Setra S 6, compact buses were also produced in self-supporting design from the mid-1950s. Th e exhibit is fi tt ed with a six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 46 kW (62 hp). A Kässbohrer luggage trailer compensates for the lack of space in the luggage compartment.
With over 1,000 exhibitors, Retro Classics 2011, is an International tradeshow for vintage and classic vehicles, replacement parts and restoration which takes place at the Stutt gart Exhibition Centre.
Setra celebrates on the double at Retro Classics 2011
An early Kässbohrer bus body, Mercedes-Benz N1 fr om 1927
Th e prototype of product range 200: Setra S215 HD fr om 1976
Kässbohrer body with glazed edge to the roof and sunroof on Mercedes-Benz model Mannheim
FEATURE
Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011 35
K arl Kässbohrer, the former Ulm based commercial vehicle manufacturer which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year formed the foundation
stones to Setra, the luxury coach brand from Daimler AG. In fact the business relationship between the big ‘K’ (as seen on the steering wheel on all Setra models) and the Stutt gart based global company dates back to 1910. Co-incidentally, the Setra brand is 60 years old also!
11 February 1911 was the signifi cant milestone as it was the actual start of the eventful history of Kässbohrer buses. Th is was the day the fi rst Ulm bus line was opened, going from Ulm’s Minister Square to the southern suburb of Wiblingen. Th e transport company was founded especially for this event with Karl Kässbohrer as one of the partners and his share was his fi rst motorbus. Th e bus was built on a Saurer chassis with 18 seats and standing room for ten people and was powered by a strong four-cylinder engine with a performance of 22 kW/30 hp. Th e whole body was well in advance of its time: in contrast to what was usual at that time, the driver was already sitt ing in a closed driving cab – the very fi rst of its kind in a German commercial vehicle.
In Europe following World War I there was an increasing demand for mobility. A great number of vehicle manufacturers which are hardly remembered today and the emerging transport industry with its numerous medium-sized companies already relied at this time on the Mercedes-Benz chassis and Kässbohrer bus bodies. A prime example of the co-operation
between the two bus pioneers was the streamlined coaches developed by Kässbohrer in 1935 for the German National Railway. Th ey were built by Kässbohrer on a Daimler-Benz chassis. Th ese coaches were designed for use on scheduled services on the new motorways. Th ey were supposed to keep to an average speed of 100 km/h and reached a top speed of 130 km/h. To achieve this, Daimler-Benz fi tt ed the chassis with an especially fast gear-changing transmission and high speed tyres. Th ese coaches were also used for the newly-opened scheduled service Leipzig – Berlin.
Th en in 1938, the largest coach in the world at that time, was built by Kässbohrer and it was also the product of joint development. Th e four-axle coach was towed by a Mercedes-Benz articulated truck, model LZ 8000, a world innovation in the truck sector. Th e overall length of the vehicle was 18.7m long and provided enough room for 170 passengers. From 1976 on, the co-operation became even closer. At that time, Kässbohrer launched his bus product range 200. With this product range, Setra customers – following the integration of the previous engine supplier Henschl from Kassel in the Daimler-Benz Group – could choose between Mercedes-Benz or MAN diesel engines. Very soon, the proportion of Mercedes-Benz engines used in Setra buses and coaches had grown to almost 90 percent and Kässbohrer was one of the largest single customers in the non-captive market for the well tried and tested drive systems from Mannheim. Nowadays, all Setra buses and coaches with a performance range from 210 to 370 kW are fi tt ed
with state-of-the-art low-pollution and extremely cost-eff ective Mercedes-Benz diesel engines with SCR technology from Mannheim.
It is typical of the more than 80 years of good business relations between the Stuttgart automotive group and the medium-sized automobile manufacturer, that when Karl Kässbohrer Vehicle Manufacturers Ltd found itself in fi nancial diffi culties in the mid-nineties of the 20th century the former Mercedes-Benz AG off ered the Ulm company a co-operation agreement. Mercedes-Benz AG made an off er for Kässbohrer’s bus and coach sector with a job guarantee till the end of 1998. Th e fi rst steps were thus taken towards the EvoBus GmbH which was founded in 1995 as a 100 percent Daimler subsidiary to combine the bus and coach activities of Mercedes-Benz Omnibus and the Kässbohrer brand Setra.
Kässbohrer – Daimler – Setra: A 3-way relationship
Th e fi rst Setra coach (S8) 1951 with the current Setra S415 HD Special Edition - "60 Years of Setra, 100 Years of Bus & Coach Expertise"
FLEETING SHOTS
36 FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011 Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie
Innovative Dorset based vehicle hire specialists Abacus has launched a new short to midterm
hire service for organisations that need fully equipped accessible minibuses for the transportation of disabled or elderly passengers. Th is unique facility could provide an opportunity for an operator over here to do the same thing.
Ron Bray, Mini Bus Account Manager at Abacus (pictured), said that the company has identifi ed a need for the specialist vehicles to be available for schools and charities with contracts starting from just a week hire period or longer leasing up to 5 years.
“We now operate two low f loor Peugeot Boxer Accessible Minibuses built with the fl exibility to carry 16 passengers plus driver or a combination of wheelchairs and passengers. We are adding a further two accessible buses, one a Mercedes Sprinter and the other a Renault Trafi c, to meet demand,” said Ron Bray.
He added, “Our own body shop carries out the ful l bespoke conversions.”
Volvo Bus aims to raise £100,000 to support the Teenage Cancer Trust’s
West Midlands Appeal following the highly publicised success of the company’s 2010 initiative which raised £60,000 towards a new £1 million dedicated unit at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital last year.
“Every litt le bit that we can do to support Teenage Cancer Trust will hopefully go some way to improving the lives of young people diagnosed with cancer in the region,” explained Volvo Bus Managing Director, Steve Dewhurst. “We raised a signifi cant amount of money in 2010, with some excellent events and people worked
really hard to raise as much money as possible, I hope we can replicate or even bett er that in 2011.”
“Whilst the events planned for the year are still to be fi nalised everybody at the company is eager to support the drive to make a diff erence to young people’s lives by their commitment to achieve their target of £100,000,” he added.
Picture shows TV motoring celebrity Quentin Wilson making a donation at the Euro Bus Expo last November.
91 Double-Deck and 50 Single-Deck Scania buses are destined for Stagecoach operations
throughout the UK. Supplied with Alexander Dennis bodywork, all vehicles will be fi tt ed with Scania’s 9-litre Euro 5 and EEV engines which deliver 230 horsepower and 1,050 Nm of torque mated to ZF HP504 fi ve and six-speed fully automatic gear boxes.
Th e Double-Deckers, based on the Scania N-series, will be equipped with Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 bodywork, seating 47 on the upper deck, 29 on the lower deck and space for 16 standees. Th e single-deckers are built on the Scania K-series with Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 bodywork, fi tt ed with 43 seats and with the number of standees yet to be decided.
“Scania double-deck buses are well proven within our fl eet and their reliability, performance and fuel economy has led us to specify them once again,” comments Stagecoach Group Managing Director Les Warneford. “Th is positive operating experience has also infl uenced our choice of single-deckers. Th is order marks our fi rst signifi cant purchase of such vehicles from Scania and they will be the fi rst to be equipped with Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 bodywork.”
Th e Stagecoach Group is a leading International public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, United States and Canada. Th e company employs around 35,000 people, and operates bus, coach, rail and tram services.
Hire Service introduces accessible minibuses to fl eet
Scania to supply 141 buses to Stagecoach Group
Volvo Bus continues its support of Teenage Cancer Trust
VOLVO BUS. DRIVING QUALITY OF LIFE
NEW VOLVO COACHES AVAILABLE FROM
James Hyde Tel: 07818 [email protected]
At Volvo Bus and Coach SalesCentre you can view the full rangeof New Volvo coaches.
Our economical vehicle range is perfectfor the needs of every operator and hastraditionally strong residual values.
The coaches are supported by acomprehensive warranty package andare backed by professional aftermarketsupport supplied through a worldwidedealer network.
For further details Pleasecontact your Area Sales Manager:
VOLVO BUS AND COACH SALES CENTRE at COVENTRY...
GETTING THERE, TOGETHER
Volvo Bus and Coach Sales CentreSiskin Parkway East • Middlemarch Business Park • Coventry CV3 4PE • UKTel: 44 02476 210250 • www.volvobus.co.uk
Sunsundegui Sideral 13m380hp engine • I-Shift • 2 AxleUp to 55 seats and Centre ToiletAvailable from stock now!
Sunsundegui Sideral 330 12.2mAutomatic • A/C • Choice of 53or 57 Seats with 3 points beltsOnly one available from stock!
Sunsundegui Sideral ‘10’ • 10.3mChoice, 40 Luxury seats with rear toiletor 43 straight seats • ZF Auto • FridgeTV/DVD • Available from stock now!
Plaxton Panther Facelift EditionChoice of 53, 57 or 61 Seats • 12.8m2 Axle • Full Executive SpecificationA/C • Available from stock now!
Plaxton Panther380hp Rear Mounted Engine • I-ShiftChoice of 49, 53 or 57 SeatsAvailable from stock now!
Jonckheere JHV Executive Spec.380hp Rear Upright Engine • 53 SeatsA/C • I-Shift • 12.6m • Available April2011, limited availability from June.
Volvo B9R
Volvo B9R
Volvo B9R
Volvo B9R
Volvo B7RVolvo B7R
B13R 13mTri-Axle • 53/55 Seats460hp rear upright engineI-Shift • WebastoDura Bright AlloysSatellite NavigationAvailable from stock now!
B13R 12.3m420hp rear upright engine49/51 Seats • I-ShiftWebastoExecutive SpecificationArriving soon!
Volvo 9700
OPINION
38 FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2011 Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fl eet.ie
L ast month, the second annual Irish Logistics and Transport Awards took place in front of an audience of Chartered Institute of Transport & Logistics (CILT) members and other interested parties from the industry. As always at these events there is
plenty of excitement and anticipation, as the fi nalists wait to hear which of them will take the ultimate glory. 43 fi nalists from all sectors of the transport industry were competing in 12 diff erent category awards. When the category winners were announced, an overall all-winner had to be selected from this group. Aircoach was announced as the overall Logistics and Transport Excellence Award. A spokesperson for the judging panel described the company as a “Class Act”.
Earlier in the evening the Dublin based commuter service provider Aircoach had won the Safety Award. Safety is a key priority for all modes but one usually associated with airlines and shipping companies. It is indeed a recognition of the whole bus and coach sector and how serious passenger safety is regarded. Allen Parker, Aircoach Managing Director who received the award on behalf of the company said he was delighted to have been
selected as the number one operator in the Country. He stressed that the award was a recognition of the hard work put in by all of the company staff in the area of passenger and staff safety. Quite obviously the judges agreed and they were especially impressed by Aircoach’s total commitment and focus on passenger safety and comfort. Bus and coach travel is one of the safest forms of transport and continued investment by manufacturers makes sure it remains that way. Last year the overall winner of the event was Irish Ferries.
Aircoach is part of the First Group, a UK company in business for over 20 years and now carries 2.5 million passengers per year. Between Ireland and England the group operates 9,000 vehicles.
When Aircoach commenced trading it provided a service linking Dublin Airport with all of the City Centre hotels and the South-side of the City. In recent times they provided a service between Dublin and Cork. Allen Parker said that while business was challenging at the moment but they were recruiting drivers to work at their Dublin Airport depot.
Dr. Garrett Fitzgerald honoured by CILT
T h rough its awa rds programme the CILT honoured former Taoiseach and Fellow of the Institute Dr. Garrett Fitzgerald by presenting him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Institute President Paul Mallee said that Dr. Fitzgerald had made a massive contribution to the debate about Transport Policy. In his early career Garrett Fitzgerald worked with Aer Lingus. Th ere is an anecdote that claims
he was the fi rst person to accurately estimate the size of the aeropilot of aircraft . In the period of the Cold War information like that would have been sensitive and well guarded. So how did Dr. Fitzgerald calculate
this fi gure? Well the story goes that he managed to get his hands on their timetable and that by studying this document he was able to estimate the number of aircraft in the fl eet. True and original transport genius.
Political Transport
A key feature of the election campaign is the leaders moving around the Country as they visit the various constituents. In years gone by most of the parties had full size coaches painted up in party colours and a full size picture of the party leader. Maybe there is a feeling now that such a display of colour could become an object inviting vandalism. Certainly speaking to some of the political parties the emphasis is on smaller vehicles. In the case of the Green Party it has chosen a Volkswagen Transporter BlueMotion as its campaign MPV. Nicola Cassidy, Press Offi cer with the Green Party was very keen to point out the environmentally friendly features of the Volkswagen Transport’s Start Stop system to cut out the engine whilst the vehicle is stopped in traffi c and has regenerative braking. Meanwhile over at the Labour Headquarters four 7-seater Ford Galaxy’s are the backbone of its transport fl eet. Fine Gael did venture a litt le bigger and used a 2006 Iveco Indcar Wing to transport party leader and Taoiseach elect Enda Kenny and his party of canvassers around the Country.
In the regions some of the candidates have 4x4 SUVs personally branded with the candidates details in large colour. One of the highest profi le campaigns in terms of vehicles is that of South Tipperary candidate Matt ie McGrath, with no less than four vehicles decked out with Matt ie’s smiling face in full view. Over in the West, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan travelled around in his Ford Transit Campervan.
Let us hope that when elected the new Government will have the same enthusiasm to rebuild our damaged economy.
Closing date for receipt of completed tenders is 17.00 onMonday, March 21st 2011
Dublin BusFor Sale by Tender the following Vehicles:
4 x 1994 “ME” Class Mercedes-Benz Mini-Buses
4 of - Mercedes-Benz 709D Minibuses with ‘Euro Coach’ bodywork, Featuring Mercedes-Benz OM364 engines with
Allison AT545 fully automatic transmission & Telma electric retarder,Vehicles are converted to “Ticket Bus” Con guration.
Original Seating Capacity: 23DoT Test Certs:
ME21 – Exp 09.11.11/ ME22 – Exp 09.06.11 /ME 26 – Exp 20.05.11/ ME 27 – Exp 22.03.11
These vehicles are due to be withdrawn from the Dublin Bus eet by end of April 2011.
To request a tender form and to make arrangements to view the vehicles please contact :-
Mr. Chris Quinlan, Procurement Manager, Dublin Bus,21 Phibsboro Road, Dublin 7, Ireland.
Telephone: +353-1-7033472 Facsimile: +353-1-8303126Email: [email protected]
Aircoach sets the standard
Allen Parker CEO of Aircoach receiving the Overall Logistics and Transport Excellence Award for 2011 fr om CILT President Paul Mallee
Gerry Drum, Enterprise Manager of the Irish Independent presents Dr. Garrett FitzGerald with the Lifetime Achievement Award
Back Seat Driver by
Sean Murtagh
A new 2 day special has been designed specifi cally for
Bus & Coach operators to include:
to include
• 1 night B/B
• Lunch and refreshments
• Limited numbers
(16 participants to each trainer)
• Course Materials
• Qualifi ed Trainers
• Certifi cation
The IRMC is a FETAC registered training centre and has
approved status from both the Road Safety Authority
(RSA) and the Irish Heart Foundation. This 2 day special is
conducted by a team of qualifi ed trainers
• Driver CPC
• Manual Handling
• Digital Tachograph
• Emergency First Aid
For further information please contact:
045 878500 or Email: [email protected]
All-In Course Fee €350 for Clients of
(Normal rate €500)
Plaxton Coach Sales Ryton Road, Anston, Sheffield, S25 4DL Tel: +44 (0)1909 551166 Email: [email protected] www.plaxtonlimited.co.ukA division of Alexander Dennis Limited
…Take a look at Plaxton, from the best selling Cheetah, the high value Profile and the acclaimed Panther through to the stunning new Elite, there’s a new or used coach to suit your needs.
Panther
Cheetah
Profile
Elite
Before you buy a coach in 2011...COACHING EXCELLENCE