Transdev Blazefield has ordered 15 Mercedes-Benz Citaro diesel-electric hybrid single-deckers for its Flyer network of routes to Leeds Bradford Airport.
The deal is worth £4 million and the buses are expected to be delivered at the end of 2024. Choice of hybrid technology represents a change of policy for the Flyer network, which had been part of a successful bid to the first round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Under that approach, a full business case called for the procurement of 17 battery-electric single-deckers for Flyer, with opportunity charging provision for battery replenishment at the airport. The operator already has 35 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro battery-electrics on order for other successful ZEBRA work.
The business case at publication in January 2022 noted that BYD ADL buses were expected to fulfil the Flyer requirement, subject to a procurement exercise. It is understood that the ZEBRA money first allocated to the Flyer routes was reallocated to First Bus some time ago, where it has part-funded additional battery-electrics in that operator’s Leeds fleet.
Transdev says that the Citaro hybrids will run on “a combination of electric power and biodiesel” to keep emissions as low as possible under the alternative approach.
The technology uses a mild hybrid driveline incorporating a 14kW electric motor-generator to support the engine when power demand is high. At launch in late 2017, the manufacturer noted that the motor in the Citaro hybrid is the same one used in Mercedes-Benz cars.
Speaking about the purchase, Transdev Blazefield Managing Director Henri Rohard says: “We are delighted to confirm this substantial order for new vehicles which will revolutionise the customer experience on our Flyer network while delivering significantly reduced emissions and higher operating efficiency.
“These exciting new buses also feature the very latest in safety technology, including cyclist and pedestrian detection systems which will make the road a safer place for everyone.
“On board each bus will be a full package of customer comfort features, including free wi-fi and USB charging, next stop information displays, two wheelchair user bays and a hearing loop system to make communication easier for those with a hearing disability.” Luggage space will be “plentiful,” adds Mr Rohard.
Energy storage on the Citaro hybrid is charged via regenerative braking. Transdev Blazefield notes that the combination of power sources is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 8.5% compared to a standard diesel.
When the Citaro hybrid was launched, Daimler Buses revealed that the electric motor also applies a small torque when the engine is at idle, reducing fuel usage by removing some load created by internal resistance and auxiliaries.
