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Showing posts from June, 2024

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First Bus and FlixBus Launch Five-Year Partnership

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First Bus and FlixBus have announced a five-year partnership that will see eight new or expanded coach routes launching across the UK from next year, strengthening long-distance travel options nationwide. The collaboration marks a major milestone for both companies, with First Bus furthering its reach into the intercity coach market and FlixBus doubling down on its UK expansion.

Equipmake’s New Electric Conversion for Wrightbus Streetdeck

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Have you heard about Equipmake? They’re a pioneering engineering company focusing on electrification, working across industries like automotive, aerospace, buses and more. Recently, they announced an exciting new electric conversion for the Wrightbus Streetdeck double-decker bus. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) What’s the Wrightbus Streetdeck? The Wrightbus Streetdeck, launched in 2014, is has become one of the UK’s favorite double-decker buses. You’ve likely seen them around the likes of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Now, Equipmake has unveiled the latest version of their Zero Emissions Drivetrain for the Streetdeck, promising a superb mix of range, battery life, performance and cost-effectiveness, all while maintaining passenger capacity. The Tech Behind the Transformation So, what’s inside this cutting-edge system? Let’s break it down: HTM 3500 Motor : Delivers 3,500Nm of torque and 400kW of peak power. Semikron SKAI Inverter : Ensures smooth, efficient power conversion. 436kWh Li

Stagecoach Offers Free Travel for Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day

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In a heartfelt tribute to the Armed Forces community, Stagecoach has announced free travel on its bus and tram services (excluding Megabus, TFL, and the Bee network) across the UK on Armed Forces Day. This initiative, scheduled for Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June, extends to serving personnel in uniform, individuals carrying a military ID card, and veterans proudly displaying a medal or veteran’s badge. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Armed Forces Day Celebration Armed Forces Day, celebrated on Saturday 29th June, is a time for the public to show appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, including serving troops, Service families, veterans, and cadets. Details of Free Travel Stagecoach bus companies nationwide will offer free travel on both Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June to serving personnel in uniform, those carrying a military ID card, and veterans with a medal or veteran’s badge. Commitment on Remembrance Days Additionally, Sta

Stagecoach Confirms Landmark Order for 158 Yutong Electric Buses

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Stagecoach has taken another big step towards a greener future by placing a major order for 158 electric buses from Pelican Bus and Coach. This new order, on top of the recent delivery of 23 single-deckers to Sheffield, solidifies Stagecoach's position as the largest operator of Yutong electric vehicles in the UK. Pelican Bus & Coach The buses, set to be deployed across various depots in England, will be funded through a combination of Stagecoach, local authorities, and national government initiatives. This move underscores Stagecoach's dedication to sustainable transport and its ongoing efforts to connect communities in an eco-friendly way. Additional Orders for Single-Deckers Following the recent delivery of 23 single-deckers to Sheffield, Pelican has secured additional orders totalling 158 single-deck electric buses. This means Stagecoach is now the largest operator of Yutong electric vehicles in the UK, with over 200 orders. Deployment Across England

Stagecoach Places Record Order for Electric Buses from Alexander Dennis

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In a big step towards greener public transport, Stagecoach has placed a substantial order for 244 new zero-emission buses from Alexander Dennis. This order, the largest of its kind to date for the bus manufacturer, highlights Stagecoach's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and improving sustainable travel options across the UK. Alexander Dennis Support from Local Authorities Stagecoach collaborated with various local authorities across England to secure successful bids in the second round of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas scheme (ZEBRA 2). With the funding awarded, Stagecoach has placed the largest single order of Alexander Dennis’ zero-emission buses to date. The Fleet: Enviro400EV Double Deckers Among the new buses, 180 will be Enviro400EV double deckers. These vehicles follow similar models previously purchased by Stagecoach with ZEBRA 1 funding, currently being delivered and commissioned. The Enviro400EV boasts an impress

Wrightbus Begins Diesel-to-Electric Bus Conversions

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Bus manufacturer Wrightbus has launched a new re-powering service, replacing older diesel engines in buses with new zero-emission electric powertrains. Wrightbus launches NewPower in Bicester - Wrightbus NewPower, operating from a high-tech factory in Bicester, Oxfordshire, aims to speed up the decarbonisation process by converting older buses to electric at a much lower cost than buying new ones. Wrightbus is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to offer this service, using the skills of its 1,800-strong workforce. This service is being hailed as an affordable way to reduce emissions, especially for bus operators with mid-life fleets who can't afford new zero-emission buses. The conversion process is quick, taking as little as three weeks, with space to work on six buses at once, allowing for up to 500 conversions a year. Wrightbus has a history of innovation, including producing the world’s first hydrogen bus and the iconic London Routemaster. The company plans to expa

A Day Out with a Dennis Dart MPD: NWVRT Running Day

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This weekend, we had the pleasure of attending the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust's (NWVRT) Running Day in Kirkby, a delightful event for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. I was invited to attend by Macauley and his Dennis Dart MPD 8.8M. The event was a nostalgic journey, offering a unique glimpse into the history and charm of these vintage buses. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Our Experience Arriving at the event, we were greeted by a bustling scene filled with beautifully restored buses from various eras. Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD stood out with its striking Blackpool Transport livery. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiasts and families alike exploring the buses, sharing stories and taking countless photographs. The highlight was, of course, riding Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD. The bus ran smoothly, a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining these vehicles. As we toured around Kirkby, the nostalgia was palpable. The combination of the bus