Limerick to host Euro Bus Test 2023
Limerick has been named as the host of the International Bus of the Year competition in 2023. It sees the International Bus & Coach of the Year Jury select its Irish representatives, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine, to host the Euro Bus Test.
The four day group test event programme will be held in Limerick from 9 to 12 May. All buses being trialled during the competition will be electric powered. Each shortlisted vehicle will be fully scrutinized from a number of factors such as economy, range distance, safety, comfort and ease of driving.
The pan-European jury, consisting of an expert panel of editors and experienced journalists from bus and coach tourism magazines (including Bus and Coach Buyer), will spend four days or more at the event base at the Castletroy Park Hotel.
“The selection of electric vehicles on trial are particularly suitable for city routes…” – Cllr Daniel Butler, Mayor of Limerick City & County
Cllr Daniel Butler, Mayor of Limerick City & County, said: “On behalf of Limerick City & County, I am delighted to officially launch the Bus Euro Test event which will be held here next May.
“Electric Buses are now coming on line in a number of areas of the country, thanks to the NTA working with bus operators to become emission-free. The selection of electric vehicles on trial are particularly suitable for city routes, and as the amount of renewable energy on the grid increases, CO2 per km decreases further, through their operation. When these electric buses are charging at night, this is when other electric demand is low, so there is a levelling effect, which is good for allowing more renewable energy onto the grid. In fact when you look at the Hydro Generation Station not far away, it is a good example of the potential for generating clean energy.
“Best wishes to the organisers Fleet Bus & Coach magazine and we look forward to extending a Céad míle fáilte to the 22 members of the International Bus Award jury, many of which cover coach tours and tourism in general.”
On the afternoon of the launch, demonstration drives on the Higer 12m Azure electric bus and the Higer Steed 8m electric bus were provided to the invited public representatives and for a number of transition year students from Limerick Educate Together Secondary School.