MONDAY MORNING CLASSIC – Last New Green Bus (Dublin, 1997)

AllAboutBuses invites you to banish the Monday morning back-to-work blues with a spot of time travel . .

This week we jump back in time to spring 1997, when, 16 years after it was introduced, the last new vehicle was delivered in the two-tone green livery which Dublin Bus had inherited from CIE City Services.

Above: Two shots of Volvo Olympian/Alexander RV327 in its first week in service in 1997.

This was part of a 60-strong Olympian order for that year, of which only the first two (RV326, 327) were in standard green livery, the remainder being in either CitySwift colours (for QBC workings) or other special colours.

The first five buses of the order, RV326-330 were allocated to Donnybrook Garage for route 14/14A, and were the first new buses to be allocated directly to this route (as opposed to midlife cascades) since 1969, when Atlanteans D265-280, 289-294 and 306-308 arrived new as a shared allocation for the 14, 14A and 18. These buses  had formed the core allocation of this cross-city service (Churchtown/Meadow Grove to Phoenix Park) until the early 1980s, following which the route was operated by several series of more recent Atlanteans, and eventually Bombardiers, cast off from other routes.

By the time the new Olympians above were allocated to the 14/14A in 1997, the route had declined considerably in size, being extended at the southern end to Ballinteer, but losing its cross city status, with the Phoenix Park end vanishing sometime in the late 1980s.  The 14 had also been realigned in 1990 to run via Rathgar and Orwell Road, leaving the 14A to cover the original routing of Dartry and Lower Churchtown Road, the 14 reversing its direction of travel along Braemor Road (the old terminus) and joining the 14A at The Bottle Tower (top picture) to follow the old 14A routing to Meadow Grove, and then both running on to Ballinteer.

Eventually the routes were to be extended again, to Dundrum, on the southside, and regained cross-city status with a considerable boost to PVR in 2012 by taking over the former 20 route from city to Beaumont on the northside.

Of the RV326-330 batch which went onto the 14/14A in 1997 (only enough to convert half the route, and topped up by more new Olympians in 1999) only the first two were green, with 328 and 329 being in Wedding livery, and 330 in colours for Coastal Tours.

Below we see RV328, on its first day in service, at Lower Churchtown Road. It has the base colours for wedding livery, but has not yet got the special ad boards. Note that despite the destination display, the bus is actually outbound to Ballinteer.

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NEWS: Record Year For Volvo Buses In 2011 (03/Feb/2012)

 

Volvo Bus has reported a record year for sales worldwide in 2011, despite difficult market conditions.

The manufacturer’s end of year sales report states::

Deliveries were up 29%, which means 4200 units delivered in the fourth quarter. Volvo Buses  delivered almost 1000 more units  than the same quarter of 2010, though hard market conditions. Net sales increased by 19% in Q4, mainly due to South America.

Weak markets in North America and Europe, growth in South America

During the fourth quarter, the European bus market was at the same low levels as in 2010. In North America, the total bus market remained weak. The city-bus market declined 17% in 2011, when cities’ investments in new buses were very restricted. The coach market in North America increased 25% from an exceptionally low volume in 2010.

In South America, demand remained strong, with approximately 30% higher volumes in heavy buses, compared with 2010. In Mexico, the total bus market increased from very low levels in 2010.

The market for heavy buses in China grew 13% in 2011, compared with the year-earlier period.

Record deliveries in fourth quarter

Deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2011 totaled 4,172 buses, up 29% compared with 3,230 in the year-earlier quarter. South America accounted for the largest increase. Order intake for the fourth quarter amounted to 3,941 buses, up 7% compared with 3,677 in the year-earlier period.

During the quarter, Volvo Buses signed its largest order ever in Columbia, 688 buses for Bogota. A new bus range, consisting of one city bus and two coaches, was launched in India.

Sales and earnings increased

Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 19% to SEK 6,680 M (5,602). Adjusted for currency fluctuations, net sales rose 22%.

Operating income improved to SEK 295 M (221). Compared with the year-earlier period, operating income was positively impacted by higher volumes, and improved market mix. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, operating income was negatively impacted by changes in currency exchange rates in an amount of SEK 22 M. The operating margin increased to 4.4% (3.9).

• Deliveries increased 29%

• Continued negative market trend in North America and Europe, but growth in South America

• New bus range launched in India

Net sales by market area				Fourth quarter				Year
2011		2010		Change in %		2011		2010		Change in %
Europe	2,225		1,581		41		7,009		6,242		12
North America	2,167		1,885		15		7,541		7,200		5
South America	1,001		582		72		2,721		1,737		57
Asia	833		947		(12)		3,027		3,299		(8)
Other markets	454		607		(25)		1,991		2,038		(2)
Total	6,680		5,602		19		22,289		20,516		9

Celtic Travel Opt For Irish-built Volvos 31/01/2012

 

Celtic Travel have recently purchased three new Volvo B7RLE buses with Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodywork.

Celtic Travel have recently purchased three new Volvo B7RLE buses with Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodywork for use on their first ever bus service, the X75, running from Rhayader to Shrewsbury and back.

The family run firm, based in Llanidloes, Powys in Wales, have successfully run coach services for many years, but their new X75 bus route is an exciting new string to their bow. They decided to specify Volvo having experienced the Volvo service and technology on their coaches and after having consulted with their customers and other operators.

“They all said the same thing – you can’t go wrong with the Volvo Wrightbus combination,” explained Celtic Travel Transport Manager, William Davies. “Added to that is the tremendous backup and support you get with Volvo and the endorsement of larger operators, such as National Express, also specifying Volvo Wrightbus.”

With 14 Volvo coaches in their fleet, Celtic Travel are no strangers to the Volvo chassis and the reliability of their current vehicles played an important part in their decision to also specify Volvo for their new bus requirement. “These new Volvo B7RLE buses will each end up covering around 70,000 miles per year,” continued William Davies. “We can’t afford for them to be off the road and with Volvo, we know we are paying for the best.”

The single deck B7RLE has a light weight chassis frame and is powered by the D7E 7.1 litre in-line common rail fuel injection engine. The quality and durable components, fitted as standard, help promote high reliability, low fuel consumption and long service life.

Celtic Travel’s new B7RLEs are specified with 44 e-leather seats, with three point safety belts.

Fitted to the latest DDA specifications and featuring 44 e-leather seats with three point safety belts, the new buses are built with passenger’s comfort and safety in mind. Other internal features include Hanover audio visual equipment and Synetics CCTV.  

William Davies continued “The whole process of purchasing our new buses was extremely professional from our liaison with Volvo Bus Sales Manager, Phil Fletcher and Steve Jackson at Wrightbus, through to our continued relationship with Hartshorne’s Dealership, in Shrewsbury. I’d certainly specify the Volvo Wrightbus combination again if I was to buy more similar sized buses.”

(left to right) Darren Green (Area Service Manager, Volvo Bus), Colin Organ (Depo Manager, Hartshorne) Phil Fletcher (Sales Manager, Volvo Bus) , William Davies (Celtic Travel), Kathryn Davies (Celtic Travel), Phylip Davies (Celtic Travel).

Volvo Bus Sales Manager, Phil Fletcher, explained “We have always had a strong relationship with Celtic Travel on the coach side of our business, so when we had the opportunity to specify three new buses for their first ever bus route, we were obviously very keen to seal the deal.”

“Reliability and low fuel consumption are crucial factors for Celtic Travel and the B7RLE buses offer that in abundance,” he continued. “I look forward to working with them again in the future.”

London MEP Visits Ballymena To See New Bus In Build 30/01/2012

MEP Marina Yannakoudakis on the platform of the New Bus For London at the Ballymena factory

 

PRESS RELEASE

London MEP visits factory building New Bus for London and other hybrid buses

Ballymena, 30 January 2012 – “Green transport will help London meet its obligations on EU air pollution regulations,” said London Conservative MEP Marina Yannakoudakis on a visit to the Wrightbus factory today.

Marina visited the vehicle factory in Ballymena, Northern Ireland which is currently constructing the New Bus for London, inspired by the iconic Routemaster. The bus, as well as being a new design classic for London, will use some of the most advanced hybrid technologies in the world making it more than twice as fuel efficient as conventional diesel buses and 25% more fuel efficient than even other London hybrid buses.

Marina said: “Standing on the platform of the New Bus for London today gave me a real thrill. The bus is a beauty and I’m pleased to be here in Northern Ireland to see how the best of British engineering can deliver a first-rate, hi-tech new vehicle for the 6.5 million passengers in my London constituency who travel by bus every day.”

“The bus doesn’t just look good, it will also emit less than half the NOx (oxides of nitrogen) levels of a conventional diesel double-decker. Costs of the bus are comparable to another hybrid double-decker, yet the technology used is extraordinary; this is the first British bus to use fibre reinforced plastic normally used in yacht racing.”

Marina Yannakoudakis upstairsin the new bus.

“I have also seen other green buses being put together here in Ballymena. Hybrid buses not only improve fuel efficiency making them cheaper to run, but they are also less polluting. Green transport will help London meet its obligations on EU air pollution regulations.”

“I look forward to seeing the New Bus for London on the streets of the capital later this year. Mayor Boris Johnson has kept his promise to deliver a 21st Century version of the Routemaster while improving air quality for Londoners.”

Wrightbus supplies approximately one-third of the double-deckers in London. In 2002 the Wright Group received £680,000 of EU funding from the PEACE II programme to back a dedicated automotive centre of excellence, focusing on Research and Development activities. The project allowed Wrightbus to improve its R&D capacity over the past decade.

Northern Irish built hybrid joins London fleet

Photo by TfL/Geoff Caddick

PRESS RELEASE – WRIGHT BUS

The first production series hybrid vehicle was launched into service today (Tuesday December 2^nd) by David Brown, Managing Director of Surface Transport, Transport for London (TfL).

The double deck, unveiled at Horse Guards Parade, demonstrates Mayor Boris Johnson and TfL’s commitment to cleaner, more fuel-efficient public transport.

The Gemini 2 HEV unveiled today is one of five going into service for FirstGroup with another five also due to enter service with Arriva in London this winter.

The Wrightbus Gemini 2 HEV, which made its debut last month at Euro Bus Expo, has been developed following a long-term in-service evaluation with Arriva in London. Also available in conventional diesel form, the Series Hybrid Electric variant features Siemens ELFA^® traction components, with energy provided by a Ford Puma 2.4 litre diesel engine with Lithium Ion batteries.

The other new London hybrid vehicle to feature Wrightbus bodywork is the Volvo B5L Hybrid Double Deck, which sports the original Wrightbus Gemini body. The Volvo B5L Hybrid is specified with a driveline comprising Volvo’s D5E 5 litre, Euro 5 compliant, diesel engine and Volvo’s ISAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor) which provides parallel operation of diesel and electric power, coupled to the Volvo     I-Shift 12-speed gearbox.

The new double decks are not the first Wrightbus hybrids to go into service in London. The company supplied their first Electrocity single deck hybrids to TfL in 2006 and there are currently 12 of these, plus one Gemini HEV, already in operation in the capital.

Today’s launch was attended by the Wright Group’s Business Development Director, Jonathan Poynton and William Wright, Director and Co-founder of the group, who commented, “We’re proud to be leading the way in the development of hybrid vehicles for public transport and are delighted that Transport for London sees hybrid technology as playing a key role in the future of London’s public transport. We’re confident that our experience gained in operating this technology in London over the past couple of years means that the new vehicles will deliver even more in terms of improved fuel consumption, air quality and passenger satisfaction.”

Wright ready for Eclipse 2 launch

The Northern Irish based bus builder Wrightbus is getting ready to launch the Eclipse 2, the latest version of its best-selling single-deck city bus model.

(LtoR) – Sam McLaren, Wrightbus Commercial Director: Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Transport Edinburgh and Mark Nodder Wright Group Managing Director view the new Wrightbus Eclipse 2 prior to its debut at Euro Bus Expo 2008.

PRESS RELEASE

Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Transport Edinburgh, visited the Wrightbus production facility at Ballymena today (Tuesday 21st October) to get a special preview of the new-look Wrightbus Eclipse 2 Single Deck bus.

The Eclipse 2 – featuring new styling and a host of other refinements – is the successor to what has become one of the leading single deck buses in the British Isles. Ten of these new-styled vehicles are currently in the final stages of production for Lothian Buses as part of an order for a total of 60 vehicles placed by the Edinburgh-based bus operator last year.

All ten of the new Wrightbus Eclipse 2 single deck buses have been built on Volvo B7RLE Euro 5 chassis and have been specified with 38 Lazzerini Practico seats, have a facility for a wheelchair including an electronic ramp and also feature a seven camera LOOK CCTV system.

The new single deck buses are an integral part of Lothian Buses’ on-going fleet renewal process, aimed at improving the city’s public transport services and making it completely wheelchair accessible by 2010. Once deliveries are completed, Wrightbus will have supplied Lothian with nearly 300 vehicles in over four years, and will account for almost a third of the entire Lothian fleet.

Speaking during his visit, Neil Renilson said “I am delighted today to get a first look at the new Eclipse 2, with the Eclipse 1 already a familiar sight on a number of Edinburgh key bus routes. The new styling and specification enhancements to the Eclipse 2 further add to its excellent reputation with passengers and drivers alike and are very much in line with our strategy of having one of the most modern fleets in operation anywhere in Britain today.”

Welcoming the Lothian Buses CEO to the Ballymena facility, Wright Group Managing Director Mark Nodder said, “We are thrilled that Neil has been able to take time out of his busy schedule to pay us a visit. Since placing their first order with us some four years ago, Lothian Buses has become an important and much valued customer of Wrightbus and I am delighted that Lothian will be first to take delivery of this new generation of Eclipse product.”

A Wrightbus Eclipse 2 Single Deck bus destined for service with Lothian Buses will be one of three vehicles to be exhibited by the Wright Group at next month’s Euro Expo Show 2008 in Birmingham.

Belfield morning shots

Some shots taken at the main bus station at UCD Belfield in the morning peak, Friday 17th October 2008.

All photos can be seen fullsize by clicking on them

Bus Eireann Scania/Irizar SC263

AV25 has arrived in as a 70B

Route 17 is still Olympian operated. RV443 is seen heading for Blackrock

AV43 has arrived into Belfield as a euro-duty 25X

. . . and departs for town as a 46A

AV303 on duty 10/10 with another 10 behind it. Note the contrasting James Bond ads.

World Debut for Wright’s Hybrid Streetcar

WORLDWIDE DEBUT FOR NORTHERN IRISH BUILT STREETCAR RTV

Wright Streetcar RTV (Wrightbus)

 

 

 

 

StreetCar RTV – new generation of Rapid Transit Vehicle from the Wright Group, makes its worldwide debut at the APTA Expo 2008 in San Diego California this week (5th – 8th October), in association with technology partner the ISE Corporation.

Exhibited in the stunning new livery of the “ACE Downtown Connector”, the 62ft (18.7m) long, 30 tonne GVW articulated Rapid Transit Vehicle (RTV) is the first of 50 such vehicles that have been commissioned by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada.

Wright Group’s StreetCar RTV is at the heart of a whole new initiative to attract existing commuters away from their cars, as well as provide fast and efficient transit for the high numbers of tourists who visit Las Vegas and the surrounding area. The ACE Downtown Connector rapid transit project is the first phase in an overall project to eventually provide a high speed transit connection from downtown Las Vegas, through the resort corridor.

A centrepiece worthy of any integrated Rapid Transit system, StreetCar RTV successfully transfers the key attributes and technologies of a light rail service onto the road. It has a distinctive light rail-like appearance, with a slanted front windscreen and large, seamless windows giving it a sleek, modern design. With three wide doorways facilitating easy access for all users, StreetCar RTV offers low floor boarding and level floors throughout for efficient passenger flow.

Powered by a state-of-the-art Hybrid Electric Drive System developed in conjunction with the ISE Corporation and Siemens, StreetCar RTV is the first Series Hybrid-configured articulated vehicle in the US, providing a highly fuel-efficient mode of transport with exceptionally low environmental impact.

StreetCar RTV is a development of the StreetCar concept successfully launched in the UK in 2005, with a specification customised to RTC of Southern Nevada’s exacting requirements. As such, it is unlike any other bus in operation. With a modular chassis, the Siemens (ISE) Electric Hybrid Drive System is based on a Cummins ISL engine and features water-cooled Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and also incorporates for the very first time in transit buses, highly efficient permanent magnetic technology which creates a highly efficient motor.

Incorporating a Carrier Avantac all-electric, modular air conditioning system, Streetcar RTV has an innovative vehicle packaging and layout, featuring three wide doors which allow unimpeded boarding and alighting, a sealed driver’s compartment, integrated telematics and Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI), WiFi as well as ambient lighting. Further innovations include two wheelchair positions, one of which is rearward facing in full compliance of legislation and three interior bike racks – improving the both the exterior aesthetics and aerodynamics of the vehicle.

 

Room for three bikes (Wightbus)

 

The safety and security of the StreetCar RTV’s 104 passengers at maximum capacity (44 seated) is enhanced by a Panic button, with live video feed from CCTV cameras capable of being relayed both back to its operational base as well as the Local Police Department.

Speaking at the launch of the StreetCar RTV at San Diego, the Wright Group Managing Director Mark Nodder said, “Each element of the StreetCar RTV has been designed and engineered to set new standards in public transit. Taking a radically different and totally innovative approach to every aspect of the mode, it has challenged every aspect of the traditional concept of the bus.”

He added, “From its hybrid propulsion system, dramatic exterior styling, total rethinking of the driver’s workspace and the redefinition of the passenger experience, StreetCar has redefined the category from BRT – Bus Rapid Transit to RTV – Rapid Transit Vehicle”.

The first of a $55m contract for 50 vehicles for RTC of Southern Nevada’s ACE Downtown Connector system, StreetCar RTV is built at the Wright Group’s Ballymena production facility in Northern Ireland. As with all Wright Group products, StreetCar RTV has undergone an extensive programme of testing and proving to ensure that it can withstand the rigorous daily demands in even the most extreme operating environment or conditions. It is fully supported by the Wright Group’s Customcare organisation, which provides parts and technical support wherever a vehicle may be in operation.

Chief Executive of the ISE Corporation Rick Sander commented, “We are proud to play an integral part in this ground breaking project, which has seen many US corporations such as ourselves develop and apply innovative technologies to provide a whole new concept in passenger travel. As leaders in our field, we firmly believe that hybrid fuel system technology has huge potential in many market sectors in this country and beyond, now that it is a proven economic proposition.”

2009/10 Dublin bus fleet renewal tender

 

Dublin Bus: single-decks in the firing line for 2009/10 replacement

Dublin Bus (Bus Atha Cliath) has tendered for its fleet replacement requirements for the years 2009/2010, and for the first time in 8 years is looking to purchase single-deck buses as well as double-decks.

The company,  operates around 1,170 buses in the greater Dublin Area (GDA) of which all but 74 are double-deck.  No new single-decks have been purchased since 2001.

The fleet replacement tender for 2009/10 (see notice below) calls for up to 200 standard two-axle double-deck buses, up to 100 tree-axle double-deck buses, and up to 50 standard two-axle single-deck midibuses.  The numbers specified do not indicate the total size of the eventual order, which based on past orders is likely to be closer to 100-150 buses in total.

This tender would be for vehicles to be delivered at the end of 2009 and into 2010.

An existing order for 150 double-deck buses for delivery starting this month is already in build at two manufacturers as follows:

50 x Volvo B9TL Wight Eclipse Gemini D/D  (WR1-50)  – first of these off production line and delivery to commence shortly.

50 x Volvo B9TL ADL Enviro 400 D/D (EV51-100) – in production, delivery to commence late october

50 x ADL Enviro 400 Integral D/D (unclassified as yet)  – delivery spring 2009.

Of the 778 double-deck buses put into service in the past 8 years, all but 10 have been on Volvo chassis.

The existing 74-strong single-deck fleet are all Volvo based, with 4 VL-class Volvo B10L Ultras dating from 1997/8,  50 remaining out of a batch of 52 Volvo B6RLE/Wright midibuses from 1999-2001, and 20 Volvo B7L/Wright articulated buses delivered in 2000 and put into service in 2001.

The company has experienced problems with the 52-strong B6RLE midibus fleet, 3 of which have been destroyed by self-ignited fires in the pas few years, and may be looking to replace these buses from 2010 onwards.

The tender is open until November 3rd, and contract awards are not expected to be published intil next year.

 

Title:	Supply and Maintenance of Buses
Published by:	Dublin Bus / Bus Atha Cliath
Publication Date:	03/10/2008
Application Deadline:
Notice Deadline Date:	03/11/2008
Notice Deadline Time:	12:00
Notice Type:	Tender
Has Documents:	Yes
Abstract:	This contract is for the supply of up to 200 standard twin-axle double deck buses and up to 100 tri-axle double deck buses and up to 50 single deck twin axle midibuses.For each category of vehicle quotations will be required for supply only, and as an option tenderers may also quote for supply together with planned maintenance of the vehicles for periods of 3 and 5 years. CPV: 34121100, 34121000, 50113000.

New Volvos for Mannings of Limerick

Mannings 9700 Prestige Plus. (photo by Volvo Bus)

FROM THE VOLVO DELIVERY FILES

Irish operator, Mannings Coaches, has just taken delivery of two new Volvos – a B12B with Jonckheere bodywork and a tri-axle Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus – both firsts for the Limerick based company.

Managing Director, Tommy Manning, had been looking for additional vehicles to handle his luxury touring work – both incoming touring work throughout Ireland and trips to English Premier League football matches on behalf of Celtic Horizon Tours.

“We already have a B12M with Jonckheere bodywork and found that the Volvo/Jonckheere combination was popular with both drivers and passengers,” he explained. “We’d heard excellent reports of the B12B, so decided to give it a try this time.”

Specified with Volvo’s DH12E engine rated at 420hp coupled to the I-Shift gearbox, the new vehicle features full climate control, toilet, TV/DVD player and hot and cold drinks facilities.

Also built on the B12B chassis, the Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus provides optimum comfort along with Volvo reliability from bumper to bumper. The 13 metre coach features the same 12 litre engine, though rated at 460hp, and I-Shift gearbox combination.

The interior’s theatre-style design concept, with its sloping floor and large tinted side windows, enables excellent vision for all passengers. All 50 seats have integral three point seat belts and the ventilation system has high capacity, good air distribution with individually adjustable air-circulation outlet vents for each seat.

Other features include a demountable toilet/washroom, servery, GPS Navigation for both driver and passenger viewing, and Volvo’s Sound and Vision package comprising radio, CD and DVD complete with two TFT monitors and sub woofer speakers.

Tommy Manning explained, “We knew that the 9700 would be perfect for touring, whilst the tri-axle model provides us with extra passenger and luggage capacity yet can still cope with the weight restrictions in England, which is where much of our work takes place.

“With a tour programme as busy as ours, reliability and passenger comfort are equally crucial. We’ve had high expectations of both these new coaches from talking to colleagues in the industry and our experience indicates that they are living up to it!”

A family business with over 40 years’ experience, Mannings Coaches handle a wide range of work including day trips, touring holidays, golfing breaks, airport transfer, schools and corporate work.