Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., a leader in propulsion-agnostic bus and coach mobility solutions, on May 13 announced that it is supplying 11 new Enviro200 single-deck buses to English independent operator Compass Travel.
The new low-emission buses will help the SME operator, which is a member of the ALBUM grouping of municipal and independent operators, take up new services on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council. The first four buses arrived in April, with the remaining seven following this summer.
Compass Travel Director Michael Bishop said: “The availability of new Enviro200 low-emission buses from Alexander Dennis has allowed us to make a compelling bid to Brighton and Hove City Council, and it means we can operate these new services with a new fleet, offering customers a quality experience and reliable journeys. It’s great to know we can rely on Alexander Dennis to support our business development.”
Ten of the new buses are to a length of 9.7 meters, seating 34 passengers while the remaining vehicle is an 8.9-meter 30 seater. All seats are finished with a bespoke Camira seat covering for the services, which are routes branded at “CityBuzz.” Hanover supplies destination displays as well as the next stop passenger information system, which has two saloon monitors positioned to provide accessible information for all customers. An Elite hearing loop system and Ocular CCTV complete the specification.
The Enviro200s are fitted with Alexander Dennis SmartPark technology, which combines engine stop/start, e-cooling and auxiliary load management. Zemo Partnership testing has confirmed a 24-percent reduction in well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions, giving the buses low-emission bus status and entitling compass Travel to enhanced rates of Bus Service Operators 9BSOG). The Alexander Dennis Enviro200 has demonstrated a 24-percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2e emissions over the UK Bus Cycle in Zemo Partnership low-emission bus testing.
The new buses join 33 current-model Enviro200s bought by Compass Travel since 2018, as well as a similar number of earlier model examples in the fleet.
Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Mark Taylor, said: “It’s fantastic to see Compass Travel go from strength to strength, winning new business and investing in further new Enviro200 low-emission buses to add to its quality fleet. We’re very grateful to Michael and his team for the continued business and look forward to continuing our great relationship.”