The pace of change is ever faster, with innovation its key driver.
A tri-axle BCI hybrid ‘decker, quietly slipping into service on one of London’s relatively few ‘express routes’ fitted with free wi-fi and USB ports – features taken for granted in many provincial areas – will do little to change the face of the capital.
If you want to see real innovation then it seems you should look to Paris, not London.
As we report this week (p33-34) not only has operator RATP put into public service the world’s first full-size self-driving bus – albeit to self-park in garages – it has also determined that electric or gas is the propulsion of the future. And, it has rejected opportunity charging.
Meanwhile Iveco has shown off its new CNG and electric Daily, ripe for minibus potential, while the demand-response landscape is set to change even further as ArrivaClick expands into a yet undisclosed northern city (see p10).
While we have yet to see retrofit Euro 6 solutions for coaches, those seeking new vehicles will have expanded choice, as Volvo is poised to reveal its all-new 9000 coach range in four weeks’ time.
The Swedish manufacturer has previously stated its long-term goal that in the future, no-one will be killed travelling in a Volvo coach, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see new levels of driver assistance, which we know Volvo has been developing for some time.
Out of all of this, passengers will be the ultimate winners.
