News update for Ireland once again.
It has been revealed that Ireland’s governing body National Transport Authority have commenced a tender process to purchase 800 double-deck electric buses for services in the Republic of Ireland.
From National Transport Authority
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today commenced the procurement process for up to 800 double-deck battery electric buses as part of a shift towards greater sustainability in the public transport fleet.
The process is part of a continued effort to transition to low and zero emission buses as provided for in Project Ireland 2040 and the Climate Action Plan. The NTA intends to purchase up to 800 buses under this Framework Agreement over a period of five years, with the first buses expected to arrive in the second half of 2022.
The buses will meet the relevant definition of a ‘zero emission vehicle’ in line with the EU’s revised Directive on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles which is expected to come into force in late 2021. The vehicles will operate with zero tailpipe-emissions, which will contribute to a substantial improvement in air quality in the cities and towns to be served by these buses.
Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan said:
“Going electric will reduce the carbon footprint of our public transport fleet, and will help us reach our long-term climate goals. These new electric buses will also help reduce air pollution, improve public health and improve access to public transport for people of all abilities.
“I welcome today’s announcement and look forward to seeing cleaner and greener buses in operation in our cities and towns”.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham said:
“The transition to a zero-emission bus fleet is a central component of our BusConnects project, and the procurement of these battery electric buses represents a key milestone in that process.
“By providing more accessible and sustainable methods of public transport we will reduce the need for personal vehicles, making the quality of the air we breathe healthier for everyone”.
The buses are intended for use on urban bus services in all major cities in Ireland, as well as on some town bus services. The exterior of the buses will feature the green, yellow and white Transport for Ireland, (TFI) livery, a minimum of 41 seats on the upper deck and a minimum of 19 seats on the lower deck, with the length of the bus not exceeding 11.50 metres
Under the framework the buses will be outfitted with:
• a wide front passenger doorway capable of being fitted with a wide powered ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access;
• a permanent wheelchair space;
• a dedicated area for the accommodation of at least one unfolded pram or pushchair or buggy;
• distinctive priority seating; and
• a wide centre passenger doorway capable of being fitted with a wide manual ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access.
The contract notice has been published today with expressions of interest required by 12th February 2021.
Now let’s take a look at the public tender page:
Pre-Qualification for the Competition for Appointment to a Single Supplier Framework Agreement for the Purchase of Double-Deck Electric Buses
Detailed description:
The Contracting Authority is seeking to enter into a single supplier framework agreement for the supply of double-deck electric buses. It is envisaged that up to 800 buses may be purchased under this framework agreement. However, the Contracting Authority reserves the right to purchase a lower or higher amount of buses or not to place any purchase orders under the framework agreement.
The buses to be provided under the Framework Agreement are intended to:
• be double-deck battery-electric vehicles that meet the relevant definition of a ‘zero emission vehicle’ under the European Union’s (EU’s) revised ‘Clean Vehicles Directive’ 2019/1161/EU;
• be equipped with a minimum usable battery capacity (i.e. usable energy) of 300kWh, with the batteries being capable of being recharged, at a minimum, from a 150kW power supply via a CCS 2.0 compatible charging gun;
• feature a minimum of 41 seats on the upper deck, a minimum of 19 seats (not including tip-up seats) on the lower deck and an overall capacity (including standees) of 75 passengers or greater, subject to the vehicle length not exceeding 11.50 metres;
• be equipped with a chassis incorporating a low-floor section within which the following are located:
· a wide front passenger doorway fitted with twin-leaf doors and capable of being fitted with a wide powered ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access;
· a permanent wheelchair space, which can be easily accessed from the front passenger doorway ramp;
· a dedicated area for the accommodation of at least one unfolded pram or pushchair or buggy, which can be easily accessed from the front passenger doorway ramp; and
· a wide centre passenger doorway fitted with a twin-leaf door and capable of being fitted with a wide manual ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access;
The current makes and models for double-deck electric buses that exist by British manufacturers are:
BYD/ADL Enviro400EV City (specification)
Optare Metrodecker EV (specification)
The latest zero emission double-deck bus from Wrightbus uses the hydrogen system, we are yet to see their pure battery electric model which is due to be unveiled soon.
Earlier this month I mentioned the Northern Irish Department of Infrastructure had invested £66 million for 100 zero and 45 low emission buses, manufactured by Wrightbus.
The Northern Irish Translink has also published a video demonstrating the double deck hydrogen bus on the roads of Northern Ireland.
And here they are in action, our zero-emission double-decker Hydrogen buses. We couldn’t be more proud. Thank you @Translink_NI and @PowerNI we really are #DrivingAGreenerFuture #TogetherForOurPlanet https://t.co/W5kPCgJKqE
— Wrightbus (@Wright_bus) December 16, 2020
From TfL press release
1m joint funding package, fully funded by external partners, agreed for the next stage of technical work on proposed extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead
Transport for London (TfL) has begun further feasibility work on a proposed extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, following the confirmation of the new Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF).
The feasibility work will be carried out by TfL and a joint commission between Arup and Atkins for design, engineering and environmental assessment and with Aecom for socio-economic support. It will be fully funded by external partners through a £1m joint funding agreement between the London Borough of Newham, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and developers Thamesmead Waterfront (a joint venture partnership between Peabody and Lendlease), Aberdeen Standard Investments and St William (a joint venture between Berkeley Group and National Grid).
It will allow TfL and partners to further develop the proposed DLR extension from Gallions Reach in Newham to Beckton Riverside, and then across the river to Thamesmead. Providing new public transport options would support the delivery of more than 25,000 new homes along the route as well as improve connectivity across the river. The scheme was included in TfL's submission to the recent Government Comprehensive Spending Review as one which could support new housing and jobs where they are needed most to regenerate both London and the wider UK economy.
This next stage of technical work will allow further development of the route and the potential locations of stations to be considered. Support work on other transport options within the OAPF will also be carried out including options for a rapid bus corridor and new walking and cycling links.
Further assessments on both the potential environmental impacts and transport benefits of these schemes will ensure that the best options to support growth in the area are taken forward once appropriate funding has been identified and secured.
The decision to progress this work comes as the Mayor of London formally signed the creation of the new Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF). From December 2019 to 11 March 2020, a public consultation on the draft framework was undertaken, which sets out a vision to deliver more than 15,000 new homes and around 8,000 jobs in the area south of the river.
The framework also supports growth aspirations north of the river at Beckton Riverside, where there is further potential for new homes and jobs in the coming years. Feedback from the public consultation showed there was strong support for a DLR extension to Thamesmead.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: "I am delighted that boroughs and developers have committed to work with the Mayor to progress work on public transport options to support growth, including the Thamesmead DLR extension and bus transport corridor projects.
"These schemes are critical for realising our aspirations for unlocking new housing and jobs on both sides of the river in east London and ultimately creating successful places to live and work. By taking a collaborative approach we will maximise the likelihood of making them a reality."
Director of City Planning at TfL, Alex Williams, said: "We know that public transport is key to helping unlock development in new areas. By progressing work on the potential extension of the DLR to Thamesmead now we can ensure any future scheme is best placed to support the homes and jobs that London needs once funding is secured."
Newham Council's cabinet member for environment, highways and sustainable transport, Councillor James Asser, said: "A new extension to the DLR could provide real opportunities for development and investment in homes and jobs in the south of the borough, in an area of London's docklands which has huge amounts of potential.
"Opening up links into south east London would also provide new opportunities for residents both sides of the river for work, travel and education. Newham is committed to extending public transport in the borough which will bring benefits to our residents and also help us meet our targets to improve air quality and tackle congestion."
Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Danny Thorpe, said: "We've been making the case for improved public transport for residents in the east of our borough for many years and we're happy that TfL and the Mayor of London are taking this seriously. With thousands more homes planned for Thamesmead, the DLR extension in particular is an option we really want to see made a reality.
"It's been more than 50 years since the first homes in Thamesmead were built, and thousands more will be built over the coming years. We're serious about improving air quality and tackling the climate emergency so enabling new and existing residents to walk, cycle and use public transport is crucial."
Lendlease's Chief Executive Officer in Europe, Neil Martin, speaking on behalf of Thamesmead Waterfront, said: "Improving the public transport connections into Thamesmead is a vital part of the long-term regeneration of an area with enormous economic potential. Thousands of new jobs and homes can be created there, but key to achieving that potential is improving Thamesmead's transport links for everyone who lives there already, and for everyone who might wish to live or work there in the future."
Managing Director of St William Homes LLP, Alison Dowsett, said: "St William supports a DLR extension to Thamesmead via a new station at Beckton Riverside and the additional homes, jobs and opportunities that this will help to unlock in Newham. We are fully committed to work alongside other key stakeholders to progress work on the extension of the DLR.
"St William is a joint venture between the Berkeley Group and National Grid and was formed to regenerate underutilised gasworks sites across London and the South East. Our goal is to reconnect these sites with the local community and transform them into places where people want to live, work and spend time."
Senior Development Manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments, Brian Kelly, said: "The work being undertaken by TfL and all stakeholders is an important next step towards delivering the proposed extension to the DLR. This has the potential to deliver significant opportunities for the local community and the wider catchment"
I’ve briefly looked at the ‘notes to editors’ page of the press release; it says:
“A new bus transit corridor between Woolwich and Abbey Wood, which would be segregated from general traffic and run in its own lanes for as much of the route as possible”
This is an interesting proposal to improve their local bus services and looking at the Transport strategy document for the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area plans, they will convert the existing dual carriageways to a busway.
To end the article, I would like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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