Arriva UK Bus has signed a new five-year contract with Michelin via its Connected Solutions arm for the supply, fit and management of tyres across all seven regions of the operator’s business.
That will capture a total fleet of around 4,000 vehicles, including approximately 1,500 in the Arriva London undertaking. It represents a continuation of a partnership between Arriva and Michelin.
To be used predominantly will be the X InCity EV Z tyre, recognising the growing number of zero-emission buses within the Arriva fleet.
That product has been designed for electric vehicles, but the manufacturer notes that it is equally suited to those with an internal combustion engine. Some smaller buses will use the X Multi range.
All tyres will be managed through the Michelin multi-life policy to minimise the cost of ownership and maximise sustainability.
The manufacturer’s technicians regroove tyres once the tread depth reaches 3-4mm to extend casing life in its most efficient state. Once the regrooved tyre has worn, it is retreaded by Michelin at its Remix plant in Stoke-on-Trent to save natural resources and support UK manufacturing.
Also part of the new agreement is installation of Michelin QuickScan technology at five Arriva depots. It is an automated vehicle inspection solution that delivers data on the health of each tyre, including tread depth and general wear and tear.
Using a drive-over scanner that works in all weathers, that “greatly reduces the time spent on inspections, helping to improve compliance and save money,” says Michelin.
A further component of the agreement is a trial by Arriva of Michelin Connected Fleet’s tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on 10 vehicles at its Thurmaston depot in Leicestershire. When coupled to QuickScan data, it will offer insights that allow the operator to monitor, manage and proactively anticipate tyre-related issues.
TPMS also facilitates better scheduling of maintenance and can cut instances of roadside events such as tyre deflation, the supplier notes.
Speaking about the work, Arriva UK Bus Procurement Category Manager Stephen Middleton says: “Working with Michelin reflects our commitment to not only providing efficient and reliable transport for our customers but also advancing towards a greener future, such as our increased use of Remix tyres provided by the Michelin Stoke-on-Trent factory.
“Together, we are meeting the needs of our fleet and our passengers today while moving with the times to ensure a tomorrow which is more environmentally friendly.”
