Supply in demand

CBW looks at what suppliers brought to this year’s Euro Bus Expo [wlm_nonmember][…]

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21st Century

21st Century brought along a wide range of products this year, including its own in-house developed devices and some from other manufacturers, which the company distributes and installs here in the UK.

On-hand to talk us through the line-up was Darren Maher, Group Development and Communications Manager.

“The big draw this year is the Vision Systems digital wing mirror, Smart-Vision,” he said. It has been approved by the Vehicle Certificat

ion Agency (VCA) now, so it can be fitted to new vehicles. The cameras are much lower profile, so much less likely to get damaged.

 

“ADL estimates that replacement wing mirrors – and the associated damage they can cause – costs around £25,000 per vehicle over its lifetime,” he revealed.

The screens on 21st Century’s stand were displaying two views: a normal Class II mirror perspective and a Class IV view, intended to make cyclists easily visible to the driver. Class V cameras can also be incorporated into the ‘mirror’ unit, and the screens can be configured to display more than two views if needs be.

“This reduces the issue of glare on the wing mirrors too, as well as reducing glare from headlights,” continued Darren. “It’s the only VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency)-approved system available currently, and we have exclusive distribution rights in the UK. So, if an operator wants this system, 21st Century are the people to speak to.”

21st also had a prototype curved LED real-time display on its stand, which had reportedly been well-received by local authorities who’d seen it at the show.

Alfatronix 

Dorset-based tech firm Alfatronix attended the show primarily to promote its latest innovation, the Alfacharge wireless charger range.

Following the success of its PowerVerter Pro USB chargers – introduced three years ago – the company has taken the technology a step further with its wireless products.

The new device accepts input voltages of between nine and 32vdc direct from the vehicle’s electrical system, which is then converted to 5vdc to power the charging coil. As with Alfatronix’s previous products, the new range can be integrated into any make of seat, with a Lazzerini seat being used to demonstrate this at the show.

Importantly, the charging unit is Reg 10 E approved – allowing it to be installed in brand-new vehicles or used as an aftermarket upgrade to older vehicles.
Alfatronix expects the wireless charging technology to become a central part of its range in the years to come, as more wireless-enabled phones and other mobile devices are being released every year.

“The majority of smartphones will feature wireless charging capability within the next few years,” says the company. “With the advancements already made, passengers can expect to see our wireless charger on the roads from November this year.”

Altro 
Flooring specialist Altro had a busy stand at the show, with Business Development Director at supplier Inspiring Solutions, Paul Leigh, in attendance to explain the company’s range. He told CBW: “We’re here to launch our new Meta and Chroma range with six new colours. The product is also 10% lighter than before, helping with fuel efficiency – and helping to take as much weight out of the floor as possible on electric vehicles.

 

“We also have four new colours for our Chroma wood range, and are now introducing an optional self-adhesive on the back of the flooring for an easier installation.”

The company is continuing to improve on the safety front, too, saying it plans to meet the newly-announced London Bus Safety Standard by 2019.

“We welcome the change and the new emphasis on safety,” said Antonio Lourenco, Product Manager – Transport. “Slip resistance and safety is something we’ve been talking about for as long as we’ve been around. It’s a very exciting time for us.”

Importantly, the weight saving – which has been achieved as a result of changes to the material’s formula – has had no effect on the sustained slip resistance, thickness or quality of the floors.

Paul added: “We would like to offer an open door to any operator, designer or OEM to come to our factory and see the products being manufactured, speak to the technical team and we will show you how good we really are.”

Chapman Driver Seating

CBW paid a visit to the Chapman Driver Seating stand, which was attracting a fair bit of attention thanks to the colourful – and comfortable – seats on display.

Director David Cattanach talked through the company’s offering this year: “One of our new developments is a quick release driver’s seat upper. The frame is slightly different, and it’s designed to allow for quick changeovers.

“Instead of having to undo four bolts underneath the seat, taking the whole seat out, replacing it and refitting the bolts – which can be quite fiddly in the driver’s cab – there’s a quick release mechanism.

“There’s a strap underneath the seat; if you pull it, it releases catches and you can pull the seat off very quickly. It really is a two-minute changeover. And because of the design, the seat is locked into the frame just as safely as before until you release that catch at the back.”

David also explained that the company’s seats offer a sprung cushion. This means that, even when the foam inside the seats wears out, there’s still a decent level of comfort on offer.
A sliding cushion is now offered too, which can move forwards 100mm to better accommodate drivers with longer legs and offer them additional support.

Cummins

Besides its presence on stand D88, Cummins held a press briefing on the first day of the show to update the media on its latest products and look ahead to 2019. Ashley Watton, Highway Director Europe, gave the presentation.

“Overall, we are probably in 55-60% of UK city bus,” he said. “But I think the headline for us is that we’ve made some pretty big strides in the hybrid market.
“We have optimised both the 4.5 and 6.7-litre engines significantly for hybrid drive. They are modified from the standard base engine for longevity and additional reliability. They are specifically tailored for hybrid applications, to maximise fuel economy and performance.”

These specially-adapted Euro VI engines have now been installed in 2,000 buses across Europe, Cummins announced at the show. The ADL Enviro400H, Wrightbus New Routemaster and Van Hool ExquiCity (as used on the Belfast Glider service) are just some of the models currently using them.

“Cummins’ engine hybridisation expertise has played a key role in helping many bus manufacturers on the road to electrification and achieve remarkable results in terms of fuel savings, emissions reduction and vehicle sociability,” Ashley said.

“Our hybrid engine installation work continues forward into 2019 with some exciting projects underway, including a double-articulated tram bus and regional coach.

“The efficiency of hybrid technology and engine optimisation continues to improve and will provide operators with the energy choice they need alongside clean diesel, natural gas and full electric solutions.”

A 74kw, lithium ion BP74E battery also took pride of place on the Cummins stand however, reminding visitors that Cummins very much has an eye on the future of electric power.

Datik

Relatively new to the UK market is Spanish software company Datik, which attended EBE for the first time this year. Mikel Aguirre, Head of Business Development, explained the company’s offering: “We have an integral solution of applications for telematics, CCTV and passenger information. We have integrated all of these services into four main products.

“You see a lot of coaches and buses with six or seven onboard systems which handle different things. Our approach is to have one onboard system to provide all of the services – whether it’s telematics, ticketing, WiFi and so on.

“I think the challenge in the UK is that operators already have contracts in place for each of these systems, so it’s a case of finding the right time to have discussions about integrating them all into one system.

“The system includes telematics, tracking, fuel consumption, driver performance, CCTV and punctuality and regularity information. We also link it to ticketing, and passenger services like WiFi and onboard entertainment.”

All of the software the company offers has been developed in-house, which means it’s able to identify and fix bugs and issues quickly. Besides its operations in Spain and the UK, the company also supplies software to Mexico.

Distinctive Systems
A42 was another busy stand at this year’s show, as it was occupied by well-known management software supplier Distinctive Systems.

We asked Managing Director, Mike Whitehead, what was new at this year’s event: “We’ve been releasing a series of online portals for our systems, which is opening up cloud-based access to our Coach Manager systems.

“The first one was a client-based portal, then a driver one – where drivers could see their allocated work – and the latest one is an operations portal.

“Quite a lot of people are excited about this, as our clients have wanted something like it for years and years. Coaching is a 24-hour operation, and things do go wrong.

“The operations portal acts as an operations manager’s diary for the day on their iPad. They can go in and change driver and vehicle allocations, and sort out any problems remotely.

“It’s also got all the driver information in there, so if you want to phone another driver you’ve got their contact details.”

These portals are web-based, so simply run in a web browser as opposed to a separate mobile app. Their responsive designs mean they work just as well on a phone screen as they do on a full-size desktop computer.

Mike revealed that the company previewed a new driver app at the show, however, which will be available for both Android and iOS devices. This app will list drivers’ work in an easily accessible format, and guide them step-by-step through a journey. Conveniently, the app is also linked to Coach Manager, allowing operations staff to keep tabs on where drivers are and whether they’re keeping to time.

ELeather
Peterborough-based ELeather had an eye-catching stand, deciding to show off a pair of shoes and a selection of bags – demonstrating the versatility of the material.

“We want to show people how ELeather can be used in different applications,” explained Milo Cheney, Marketing Executive. “The back wall of the stand shows our ‘inspiration colours’ for the coming season, and you can see we have consumer goods on the stand – we call them travel accessories.

“What we’re trying to achieve is to show how ELeather can be used in a variety of new ways. What is also taking centre stage is our recent partnership with Nike.

“They’re using our ELeather material to create their new trainers, which is a testament to how versatile the material is. Nike has used it for embossing and digital printing as well, which further proves this point.”

Bus seating remains a strong market for the company, however, hence their presence at EBE once again this year.

Eminox

Emissions technology experts Eminox had some exciting news to share at this year’s show. The Lincolnshire firm is the first to be approved for the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) for the UK’s best-selling coach: the Volvo B9R.

Eminox plans to work with operators like Lucketts Travel, ensuring their fleet meets Euro VI standards before London’s ULEZ comes into force next year.
Carlos Vicente, Retrofit Sales Director at Eminox, said at the show: “Eminox was the first company to gain CVRAS accreditation on buses and refuse collection vehicles, and we’ve now achieved another first on coaches with the Volvo B9R.

“Time is running out to equip coach and bus fleets for the London ULEZ and the growing number of Clean Air Zones (CAZ). We invite operators to talk to us about their needs and how we can use our experience and expertise to help them achieve Euro VI standards ahead of the deadline.”

An example of the B9R system was on the stand, as was Retrofit Product Manager Tobias Stevenson-Cocks. We asked what the company’s plans were beyond the B9R: “We’ve currently got a Euro V Mercedes-Benz Tourismo in our factory at the moment being 3D laser scanned, which will enable us to begin design work on a system for that.”

Tobias explained that each new vehicle the company develops a retrofit for has its engine bay scanned first. This creates a 3D model, telling engineers and designers how much space they have to work with when developing the retrofit. With the system designed digitally, the finished product is then fabricated to spec and can bolt straight up to the real-world vehicle.

Alongside this announcement, the company also launched its new Clean Air Zone Retrofit Development Centre, acting as a focus for its work in the coach market.

Flowbird Transport Intelligence
Flowbird attended the show for the first time this year, having been created in March through the merger of Parkeon and Cale.

The firm was showcasing its transport retailing platforms, ticketing infrastructure and big data analytics to prospective customers over the three days, building awareness of the new brand.

The main news from Flowbird was the launch of its new website, flowbirdti.com, which was unveiled at the show.

Also of note at the show was its newly-introduced Cloudfare back office system, which is now being used on Translink’s multi-modal network in Northern Ireland.

Gavin Trimnell, Head of Sales and Marketing, said: “Around the world, around the clock, Flowbird technology is meeting the needs of multimodal transport authorities, operators and end users.

“Our significant investment in research and development is creating transportation solutions that make life better for communities, more productive for businesses and more sustainable for the environment.”

Lloyd Morgan
Stand D21 was home to Lloyd Morgan this year, a familiar name in vehicle compliance in the coach and bus industry. The firm was eager to spread the word about its range of training courses, including specialist vehicle inspection training and operator licence awareness training.

The vehicle inspection course has been designed for those heavily involved in the maintenance and preparation of vehicles for annual tests, helping candidates identify defects, make wear and tear assessments and evaluate the condition of vehicles. It also has an optional IRTEC accreditation, which adds a day onto the course and is valid for five years.

Meanwhile, the operator licence awareness training course helps staff ensure legal compliance and have a better understanding of operator licensing.

Lytx
San Diego, California-based Lytx is celebrating two decades of involvement in video telematics this year. William J. Ruff, Vice President of International Markets, told CBW: “We’ve been focused on the program we’ve built for perception-based video. The business continues to grow really well. We’ve got about 500,000 vehicles installed with our devices and who we serve with our subscriptions, and it continues to grow at over 20% per year.

“What we’re in the process of launching in the UK market – which we’ve already launched in the US market – is a device with always-on forward-facing video capability. Clients, if they want, can go back and pull down longer periods of video on days preceding an issue or an accident.

“We’ll be attaching a hub to that which will connect to other peripheral video, so you can have forward-facing, side-facing and rear-facing always-on video feeds. The UI (user interface) we’ve spent a couple of years developing is really sharp, and we think it’s quite a bit stronger than others in the market.

“Clients can access the UI and pull down a specific amount of video in 30-45 seconds. The video footage can go back for about 100 hours, but it depends on how many video feeds are connected. And next year, the device will have expandable memory too.”

When it comes to video quality, William said the company doesn’t encounter much demand for high-resolution footage – largely due to it not being necessary for the application: “We talk to clients and ask ourselves, ‘what’s the problem we’re trying to solve.’ You don’t need a sledgehammer to drive a nail.”

He added that predicting and preventing accidents remained Lytx’s core focus, with its DriveCam system now installed on National Express coaches up and down the UK.

McKenna Brothers

Manchester-based destination blind and display specialist, McKenna Brothers, had an attractive stand at this year’s expo showing off its full range of products. Like CBW, the firm is celebrating its 40th year this year.

Managing Director Derek Dawson said: “We’ve got the full range of signs – including LED versions – on display, as well as some concept signs for London. We’ve now got a lot of offboard stuff as well, thanks to a partnership with Luminator Technology Group; some of the bus shelter signs are solar powered too.”

He went on to explain that the latest onboard displays can now be changed remotely – meaning route changes can be displayed to passengers quicker than ever before. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is currently using this system on its buses.

Mobile Onboard
Mobile Onboard returned to the NEC this year, occupying a stand in the Technology Zone. Corbin Adler, who handles product development and marketing at the company, explained its latest developments: “When we started out, it was all about passenger WiFi and mobile tickets. In the past six or seven years, our products have evolved, to the point where this year it’s all about the ‘connected bus’.

“This means having a 4G gateway on the bus with our WiFi boxes – which still offer passenger WiFi as normal, but it’s only a tiny aspect of what they can do. They’re effectively computers.

“We’re showcasing how our smart ticketing, passenger information, tracking and triggering and infotainment all links into that gateway to provide connected systems which integrate seamlessly.

“We’re also showing how they can connect with other systems on the bus, moving data around to back-end systems, passenger information boards or kiosks. So, this year, it’s all about the integration of all the possibilities that the ‘connected bus’ can offer – improving passengers’ experience both on and off the bus, and giving operators more insight into their services through onboard data.”

Mobile Onboard prides itself on the flexibility of its services; there are no lengthy contracts operators have to agree to, and they can pick and choose the services they require – there’s no need to invest in the full package.

Murray Uniforms
Following the reveal of Lothian’s new uniform – which had been developed by Murray – the company came to EBE this year with plenty to talk about. Natasha Hickling, Head of Marketing and Brand, told CBW: “We’ve launched our new brand refresh this week, and our brand-new website is going live on Monday (5 November).

“The site is all focused on the wearers themselves. Our approach is that what you wear matters, and it’s about getting people to understand that we’re looking at the psychology behind what we wear.

“We all know that when you’re happy at work – and when you’re confident in yourself – you actually work better, and one study has shown that people who are happy in their jobs are 12% more productive.

“How much the uniform impacts that number is something we’re looking at. On the website we have photographs of our customers’ staff wearing the uniforms.”

The company was showing Lothian’s uniform launch video on a screen at the back of the stand, and had also brought along sample clothing for customers to look at.

Transdev is next in line to receive a new uniform from Murray: “These two recent contracts have given us a really nice step into the bus operator market,” Natasha said.

“We came to the show to raise awareness of our brand within the sector, and we have a bespoke approach to our uniforms so tend to work with companies with around 1,000 staff. We came to build relationships and make some new friends in the industry as well.”

Novadata

Transport training provider Novadata made a series of announcements at the show, besides giving advice on its stand to help operators remain compliant. Chairman, Derek Broomfield, said: “Keeping your operator licence safe by complying with your undertakings is one of the transport professional’s most important responsibilities.

“That’s why we are giving loads of free advice on how to set up and maintain the operational processes and procedures which safeguard a licence at this year’s expo.”

Besides offering advice at the show, operators could take advice home with them in the form of Novadata’s new range of pocket guides and books. Two pocket guides have been released so far: one focusing on digital tachograph pictograms and one looking at drivers’ hours and working time regulations.

Managing Director, Su Winch, explained the reasoning behind the guides: “We believe that these clear, simple guides will make day-to-day life that bit easier for drivers and managers alike. In an increasingly complex and ever-evolving legislative framework within our industry, that’s always welcome.”

Meanwhile, the three new books are entitled: Driving Without a Digital Tachograph Card; Safety Inspection Review Document; and MOT Review Document.

Novadata also joined in the Halloween festivities on day two of the show, stopping by the CBW stand for a few photos!

Omnibus

Oldham-based Omnibus, a supplier of timetabling, scheduling and operational software, made a big impact at the show with its stand. Taking pride of place was HVM901F, the first ‘Mancunian’ double-decker to enter service with Manchester City Transport (MCT) in March 1968.

The 73-seater, Park Royal-bodied Leyland Atlantean was also joined by a special guest. Ken Mortimer, MCT’s Industrial Designer, worked on the appearance of the bus – paving the way for the five decades worth of double-deckers which would follow.

It was an interesting mix of old and new at Omnibus, however, as the firm also launched its cloud-based software. Over time, it intends to convert all of its current range of software to be accessible via the cloud, making it possible to alter schedules and drivers’ duties remotely.

Paul Clark Services 

Engineering support firm Paul Clark Services (PCS) returned to Euro Bus Expo for the second time this year, having last attended in 2016. The company has been around for 21 years, and attended the show to continue raising awareness of the engineering services it can offer operators.

Although it didn’t bring anything ‘new’ to the show, the message from PCS was positive; its stand was busy, and the company remained upbeat about its continued growth, now employing 120 engineers across the UK.

Road Tech 
The full line-up of software from Road Tech was on display at the show, with demonstrations being given to prospective customers over the three days.

The range includes Tachomaster, Falcon Tracking, Roadrunner (a transport management system), Checkmaster (DVLA licence checking software) and PreDrive, a daily driver defect and damage reporting program.

Roeville
CBW visited Roeville’s stand at the show, a supplier of coach reservation software, and spoke to Business Development Manager Daniel Caddick. He explained: “We’re launching PHCloud, our brand-new cloud-based private hire and contract booking program. It’s been in development for the last three years, and it officially went on sale on the first day of the show.

“It’s going down really well, we’re very pleased with the response so far – and we’re looking forward to the next two days of the show.

“The software also has a diary tool which operators can use to schedule their drivers. And because it’s cloud-based, it’s available on mobiles, tablets or desktop computers – it’s accessed through a web browser. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Android, Windows or Apple, the system works anywhere as long as you’re connected to the internet.

“There is also a mobile app for drivers’ walkaround checks and job information. It starts from £45 per month, which makes it the most affordable option on the market for the tools that it offers.”

Synectics 

On the Synectics stand, Key Account Manager Stewart Payton gave us an overview of the firm’s new Cloud Evidence Locker – a method of saving and sharing CCTV video captured onboard a coach or bus.

“You can clip any data you want, and that video clip is then saved in a kind of ‘basket.’ Once you’ve given it a name, it’s saved into the evidence locker on the computer’s hard drive.

“From there, you can export the clip to the cloud. Once it’s exported, you can simply email the link to whoever needs to view it, they can log in and then view the clip online. That means there’s no need to send a CD or USB stick like you do currently.”

Ticketer

Ticketer’s stand was easily one of the most spectacular at the show – and was packed with visitors every time we passed. The space-themed stand proudly displayed the words: ‘A galaxy of public transport possibilities.’

Inside, beneath the starry ceiling, we found Field Service Manager Chris Smith, who told us about the company’s latest innovation – tap-off ticketing: “The passenger taps on (with contactless) as they get on the bus as normal, and then tap off with a separate reader when they get off the bus.

“It then just bills you for that section of the journey, as opposed to you paying the full fare – it also gets people on and off the bus much quicker. Contactless makes life a lot easier and the bus companies love it.”

Chris also assured us that there are further new products in the pipeline, developed as a result of feedback from operators.

Timespace
Video surveillance system manufacturer Timespace brought along a number of new products to the Technology Zone at this year’s show.

First up was the new X300-16M 16-channel recorder, which was accompanied by a new 8-channel recorder. The company’s LANLink software has also received an update, and new security features have been added to the range including password protection and file encryption.

Totalkare
Another impressive display could be seen on Totalkare’s stand. The column lift manufacturer had two vehicles suspended by both a mobile column lift and a fixed four-post lift.

Sales and Marketing Director James Radford told CBW: “New to us this year are our training courses for people using mobile column lifts. It just gives people that much more information on the safe and proper way of using lifts – what they should and shouldn’t do.

“The course looks at lift standards and why they’re built to those standards too. At the end of it, they get a three-year licence in line with our health and safety guidelines on how to use lifts.”

The company plans to introduce short-term spot hire for its lifts next year, in addition to refining and improving its existing range.

Transport Benevolent Fund 

The Transport Benevolent Fund (TBF) was celebrating reaching 60,000 members at EBE this year.

Ian Barlex, Development Director, told us: “We don’t want to change £1 membership cost. It’s been £1 for donkey’s years now, and the £1 coin is iconic – it’s a lot for that much a week, and it covers the whole family as well.

“You can’t market it the same way if it costs £1.10, so we do our level best to keep it at £1 per week – which means we have to keep recruiting.”
Ian also revealed that the charity has been making inroads when it comes to vehicle manufacturers, too: “If you help build a bus, that’s to do with passenger transport so you’re covered,” he said.

ZF
German manufacturer ZF was displaying its line-up of coach and bus transmissions at the show – including electric drive systems.

A cutaway EcoLife auto was on show – revealing the complex internals of the six-speed gearbox – alongside an electric motor and an example of the company’s much talked about electric axle.

The axle does away with the traditional central motor and propshaft in favour of a simplified, space-saving all-in-one motor and axle combo. The space saved by the electric axle allows vehicle manufacturers to increase the number of batteries fitted to fully-electric buses, boosting their range.

Another major positive to the axles is that they can be installed in the same space as a conventional axle, making it just as easy to service (when it comes to replacing brake discs, for example) as any other bus.

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