The BCI Citirider is an integrally-constructed high capacity low-floor and low-entry single-decker and double-decker bus produced by BCI Bus since 2015. It is produced at BCI Bus' manufacturing facility in Xiamen, China. The double-decker bus is marketed as both the BCI Excellence and BCI Enterprise in the United Kingdom.
| BCI Citirider | |
|---|---|
 Aintree Coach Lines BCI Enterprise in September 2016 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BCI Bus |
| Production | 2015–present |
| Assembly | Xiamen, Fujian Province, China |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Complete bus |
| Body style | Twin-axle single-decker bus Twin-axle double-decker bus Tri-axle double-decker bus |
| Doors | 1–3 |
| Floor type | Low floor (double-decker) Low entry (single-decker) |
| Chassis | Integral |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Cummins ISB (2-axle double deck) Cummins ISL (3-axle double deck) Weichai |
| Capacity | 26 to 99 seated |
| Transmission | Allison Voith DIWA ZF EcoLife Vantage Power (hybrid) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 8 m to 12 m |
| Width | 2.5 m |
| Height | 3 m or 4.4 m |
Design
editThe BCI Citirider single-decker version has a low-entry configuration for its interior whereas the double-decker (twin-axle or tri-axle) version has a full low-floor configuration for its interior.
The Enterprise was launched in the United Kingdom by Ensignbus in July 2016.[1] In the standard, 98-seat specification as ordered by Ensignbus, the Enterprise is fully PSVAR (Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000) compliant, and as such can be used on public bus services as well as private hires.[2][3][4]
Operators
editEnsignbus, who are also the dealer for the Excellence and Enterprise in the United Kingdom, became the first operator of the type, taking delivery of four examples in August 2016. Aintree Coach Lines also took delivery of a single example in August 2016. Ensignbus had confirmed it would be taking delivery of twelve twin-axle Enterprises from December 2016 onwards.[2]
A Hybrid version registered as LX18DGF, with a Vantage Power hybrid system first came to Camberwell Bus Garage and was being trialled by Go-Ahead London operating on the Route 12 until 15 July 2021. It then reappeared as a spare for River Road Garage in East London until 24 January 2023. In July 2024, it was sold off to Ensignbus. [5][6]
In New Zealand, Ritchies Transport (Auckland North & West) and its Ritchies-Murphy operation (Auckland South) operate 43 single deckers and 26 double deckers,[7] Kinetic Group's NZ Bus operation run 14 Double Deckers,[8] and Tranzurban (Tranzit Group) operates 55 single deckers and 47 double deckers.[9] In 2021, Tranzurban converted a BCI double decker from diesel to electric power. Ritchies Transport & Tranzit Group who own InterCity (New Zealand) parent Entrada Travel Group each operate a BCI Citirider Double Decker in Auckland Explorer Bus colours, RT645 and TR3523.
References
edit- ^ Ensignbus launch high capacity BCI Bus & Coach Buyer 26 July 2016
- ^ a b Ensign's new Enterprise challenges the Market Route One 27 July 2016
- ^ "The Bus the Brits Wouldn't Build" Buses Magazine issue 737 August 2016 pages 31-24
- ^ New Chinese-built Ensign Enterprise Archived 2016-09-20 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 12 August 2016
- ^ Holley, Mell (30 July 2018). "The first tri-axle hybrid for the UK starts work in London". Route One. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
- ^ "New high capacity hybrid bus hits London roads". Coach and Bus week. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
- ^ "Ritchies Transport fleet summary". fleetlists.busaustralia.com. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ "Kinetic Group fleet summary". fleetlists.busaustralia.com. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ "Tranzit Group fleet summary". fleetlists.busaustralia.com. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
External links
edit- Citirider 8 BCI Bus
- Citirder 12 BCI Bus
- Citirider E BCI Bus