[Karthik Chandra]

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a contract to supply 25 Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus with Full Low floor configuration with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).



Tata Motors claims that this is the single largest order awarded for Hybrid Electric vehicle technology and also makes it the first Indian manufacturer to commercially deploy series hybrid technology in India.

With these buses, the MMRDA will connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railways stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next one year, improving feeder services, to the fastest-growing business hub in Mumbai.

Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors conveys to ET

http://auto.economictimes.indiatimes...mmrda/51423725

[DWind]

Did they do a Trial run on the buses? Hope the buses do not go the Marcopolo way..

[Tushar]

Tata Motors has bagged an order for 25 hybrid buses from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). With these buses, the MMRDA will connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railways stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next one year.

The Tata Starbus diesel series hybrid electric bus can run without the requirement of external charging infrastructures, due to integration of on-board charging via a BS-IV compliant engine & energy storage through lithium ion Nano-phosphate batteries. While the batteries are re-charged by the diesel powertrain, the system also regenerates braking energy through an electronic braking system.

The bus also incorporates ITS (Intelligence Transport Systems) for public information, through GPS via electronic destination display boards, indicating the expected time of arrival at bus stops, route announcements within the bus, etc.

The bus gets pneumatically operated in-swing and out-swing flat doors and a floor height of 400 mm, with an electronic suspension system and automatic level control, allowing the vehicle to kneel at 340 mm. The 31+1 seater gets electronically-controlled air-suspension, on-board Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and an automatic fare collection system.

The vehicle also complies with UBS-II (Urban Bus Specifications), AIS 052 (Automotive Industry Standards) and CMVR (Central Motor Vehicle Rules).

[MadiMaama]

This new starbus from Tata looks very similar to the Optare buses owned by AL. But it looks quite good. Why that high roof though?

[nikhilarni]

This bus sure looks classy. I would definitely like to see some of them ease the traffic in Pune esp around Hinjewadi. I am sure if there are AC buses plying towards Hinjewadi, most of us would stop driving and switch the more environmentally friendly option of using these buses.

Since Pune got picked for the smart city initiative, I am hoping the authorities look into this option.

I am also wondering why the high roof line, unless its where the batteries are stored, but highly unlikely.

[Ashley2]

These Star buses are not just first of its kind for large scale order but its also the first low floor bus. Like always every European manufacturer when coming to India come with a next level of product rather bringing new age products. When most of the European buses are slowly moving towards Low floor buses, we still see only low entry buses from Volvo in India. Tata wants to take this to next level with launch of first low floor bus.
Thought I am happy about Tata receiving the order, the order should be executed and delivered rather just receiving. Many times, the later part doesn't happen. Also the reliability of product, Tata Marcopolo was touted as future of low cost AC travel when it was launched by BMTC some time back. But it went to a level on to scrap the 100 odd buses in less than 4 yrs.
Wish these type of errors doesn't gets repeated especially in an important project like this.

[Ravindra M]

Originally Posted by MadiMaama

This new starbus ...But it looks quite good. Why that high roof though?

Originally Posted by nikhilarni

This bus sure looks classy....I am also wondering why the high roof line, unless its where the batteries are stored, but highly unlikely.

Worldwide practice : Batteries, CNG, LPG... cylinders are always roof mounted for safety purpose.

Originally Posted by Ashley2

...
Thought I am happy about Tata receiving the order, the order should be executed and delivered rather just receiving. Many times, the later part doesn't happen. Also the reliability of product, Tata Marcopolo was touted as future of low cost AC travel when it was launched by BMTC some time back. But it went to a level on to scrap the 100 odd buses in less than 4 yrs.
Wish these type of errors doesn't gets repeated especially in an important project like this.

TML is quite committed. I am sure it will be a success.

[gsurya]

Wish they had developed it as a CNG-Electric hybrid instead of Diesel, this is two steps backward & one forward as most buses on the road today in Mumbai are already CNG.

[ilangop]

Originally Posted by gsurya

Wish they had developed it as a CNG-Electric hybrid instead of Diesel, this is two steps backward & one forward as most buses on the road today in Mumbai are already CNG.

CNG Hybrid technology is not new for TML.

Plase check the below articles published way back in 2010.
http://www.tatamotors.com/press/tata...run-in-madrid/

http://www.cngservices.co.uk/assets/...Hybrid-Bus.pdf

The demand for Diesel Hybrid is driven by the authorities from MMRDA and not from TML.

[gsurya]

Originally Posted by ilangop

CNG Hybrid technology is not new for TML.

The demand for Diesel Hybrid is driven by the authorities from MMRDA and not from TML.

This makes it an even more stupid decision on part of the Govt, when a CNG-Hybrid could have been built, why go for a Diesel-Hybrid which is clearly inferior from an ecology perspective.

[Crankpin]

High roof is to accommodate the CNG tanks which are smartly concealed within the roof. Anyone seen the interiors of this bus at the expo?

[ghodlur]

Originally Posted by Karthik Chandra

With these buses, the MMRDA will connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railways stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next one year, improving feeder services, to the fastest-growing business hub in Mumbai.

Although a good move on the part of MMRDA to improve the transport connectivity, I am surprised that there will be an alternative transport provider for the BEST and that BEST has not protested against it. What prompted the need for MMRDA to start the connectivity/ AFAIK, BEST was doing a good job for the connectivity between Kurla, Sion and BKC. Will MMRDA price it differently than that of BEST to attract commuters.

I wish there was some connectivity to BKC from far flung areas like Thane, this could have reduced the no of private vehicles commuting between Thane and BKC.

[binaiks]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Although a good move on the part of MMRDA to improve the transport connectivity, I am surprised that there will be an alternative transport provider for the BEST and that BEST has not protested against it. What prompted the need for MMRDA to start the connectivity/ AFAIK, BEST was doing a good job for the connectivity between Kurla, Sion and BKC. Will MMRDA price it differently than that of BEST to attract commuters.

I wish there was some connectivity to BKC from far flung areas like Thane, this could have reduced the no of private vehicles commuting between Thane and BKC.

From what I understand, this is NOT an alternative to BEST. MMRDA is the funding body, and BEST would operate them.