Northern Ireland operator Translink says it is in the process of completing a full-fleet rollout of Wheely-Safe technology across its 1,400 coaches and buses.
The product – which received an Innovation Challenge Gold Award at Euro Bus Expo in early November – is an in-motion wheel loss detection system that combines brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
As installed by Translink, the Wheely-Safe product has external TPMS sensors replacing the conventional valve cap. They auto pair with an in-cab receiver and work alongside a pair of wheel loss sensors on each wheel. Diagnostic software built into the receiver confirms that all sensors are working and paired correctly.
Translink signed a contract with Wheely-Safe in 2021. The operator’s General Manager – Engineering David Barnett says rollout of the technology is “another important part of our ongoing process to install industry-leading health and safety standards across our fleet.”
Mr Barnett adds that a trial was completed before completing the order. It “confirmed all the positive reports we had previously heard about the product. Having one system in place that alerts our drivers to a drop in tyre pressure, brake or hub overheating or a wheel nut loosening gives us real peace of mind.”
Comments Wheely-Safe Group Managing Director Gary Broadfield: “This is a significant contract – one of the largest since we first brought the technology to market. It is great to know our latest generation technology is now protecting Translink’s entire bus fleet, and all its customers in Northern Ireland.”
