Global bus manufacturer, HESS, has officially launched its high-capacity, zero emission vehicle, the lighTram 25, at the Bus Industry Confederation, National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane.
Designed in Switzerland and tested on the streets of Brisbane, the lighTram 25 is capable of carrying 180 passengers, which is a similar capacity to a tram or light rail but with what’s claimed to have the flexibility associated with an articulated bus.
Speaking at the Bus Show, HESS’ CEO Alex Naef said the Australian launch follows three years of design and testing of the lighTram 25 as the centre piece of Brisbane City Council’s turn-up-and-go service Brisbane Metro.
“The lighTram 25 on display at the Bus Show is proven locally and Australian Design Rules compliant. The vehicle has gone through more than a 1000-hours of on-road tests and through strong collaboration with Brisbane City Council, sets new standards for passenger accessibility, comfort and safety.”
Naef said showcasing the vehicle in Brisbane is an opportunity for the entire bus industry to experience the sheer space and capacity, plus catch a glimpse of the vehicles travelling on the busways of Brisbane as Council gears up an early launch of services next month.
“The lighTram 25 is a flexible, high-capacity, electric vehicle that can future-proof existing bus routes without the long lead-time and massive capital cost of having to construct the rails for them.”
“An opportunity to participate in the increasing demand of mobility and enable bus operators to continue as bus operators, using a lot of their existing expertise and infrastructure,” Naef said.
Regional manager for HESS, Peter Dale said the launch of the lighTram 25 comes at a time when cities worldwide are embracing rapid mass transit solutions to address urban mobility challenges.
“The Brisbane Metro stands out as a pioneering project, combining the efficiency and capacity of light rail with the flexibility and lower infrastructure costs of bus-based systems.”
“Governments are now openly discussing Bus Rapid Transit as a flexible and cost-effective measure to increase capacity and move people quickly.
And that’s good news for the entire bus industry. Bus travel is being seen as a step up, not a step down,” Dale said.
When the lighTram 25 goes into service for the Brisbane Metro it will be powered by Australia’s first ever fast charging network at Brisbane City Council’s Rochedale Bus Depot.
The end-of-route depot home to all 60 Metro vehicles includes 15 x 600 kW flash charging stations, aided by pantographs that autonomously connect to the roof top batteries allowing vehicles to charge in under six minutes. The depot also includes 60 (50 kW) CCS2 plug-in slow charging stations.
Naef said HESS unique CO-BOLT aluminium bus body system allows them to build using proven modular elements that requires no welding, and results in a much longer joint life.
“Importantly, the CO-BOLT construction allows the batteries, air conditioners, break resistors and all other high voltage components to go on the roof, creating a safer bus and one with more capacity.
“Our philosophy is that HESS vehicles are there first and foremost to carry passengers, not batteries,” Naef said.
The interior of the bus is low-floor from front to rear, for accessible boarding; three large double doors for efficient passenger flow; and a dedicated door for the driver’s compartment.
To strengthen the Australian launch of the lighTram 25, Volgren has extended a 45-year partnership with HESS, providing Australian support in sales, after-sales, technical support, local fit-out and content as well as acceptance for the lighTram 25.
