Minicoach and minibus manufacturer EVM has created a suite of coronavirus COVID-19 protection measures that can both be installed in new examples of its range and retrofitted to existing models. All will be available for the end of May.
Among them is a clear wrap-round screen to protect the driver and other screens that fit between seat rows. A system that sanitises the air as it circulates is also part of the package. It lessens the chance of viral transmission through the ventilation system by filtering the air within the vehicle.
Headrests and touch points such as grab rails can have antimicrobial film attached to them, and EVM can supply infrared thermometers and PPE such as gloves and antibacterial hand gel dispensers.
Managing Director Danny McGee says the COVID-19 protection products from EVM do not represent a money-making exercise for the company.
“We’re looking for ways to help get people back onto coaches and buses again. We believe that installing these measures will re-instil confidence in small group travel.”
Mr McGee predicts that lockdown exit plans will involve continued restrictions on how travel is undertaken for some time. “Operators will have a responsibility to do all they can to ensure that their vehicles are set up to minimise viral transfer within them,” he says.
EVM has prototyped designs in CAD for its protection measures. It is now asking operators to share their opinions. The screens can be installed by any competent workshop and the air filtration kit by air-conditioning specialists, although the air-conditioning system itself is not touched as part of that work.
The air filter uses a combination of mechanical filtration, anti-microbial coating and ultraviolet light to significantly reduce ‘aerosol’ infection, which is when the virus is carried around the vehicle by its ventilation system.
Mr McGee believes that 85% of vehicles supplied by EVM over the past 11 years will be suitable for the protection kit. It will equally suit demand-responsive transport and community transport applications as it will the manufacturer’s touring-specification minicoaches.
Operators interested in EVM’s coronavirus COVID-19 equipment should contact the manufacturer on 0845 520 5160 or info@evmdirect.co.uk. They can also get in touch via any member of the EVM team.
