Issues like energy consumption and pollution caused by vehicular emissions are now receiving increasingly greater attention at the global level. In fact, public transport plays a better role as compared with private vehicle use from an environmental point of view. 
Here, bus transport is considered more important, with its potential gains by way of energy saving. While, on the one hand, innovative technology can still enhance the energy efficiency of vehicles, on the other, the possibility of designing products which are more popular with consumers can enhance the overall attractiveness of public transport as an option, thereby increasing demand for such services.
In the HÜBNER Group, products and components for public transport are continually being developed and improved to better meet the evolving needs of the communities in which they are used. At this year’s Bus Show, a range of products from the group that feature improvements in both energy efficiency and in consumer attractiveness were presented.
Low-weight articulation systems
To reduce vehicle-specific energy consumption, it is crucial not only to have an economical propulsion system but also to keep vehicle weight to the minimum. Each vehicle component needs to play a role in this effort. For this reason HÜBNER has undertaken optimisation of its existing articulation systems. It presented its newly-developed universal articulation product family, which combines proven technology with substantially reduced weight.
Through the use of new materials and production methods it has been possible to enhance the most widely used universal articulation 
system 19.5 in two respects. The HNGK 19.5 “eco” features a weight reduction of over 100 kg, and like the similarly weight-optimised HNGK 19.5 “HD” it can now also handle significantly higher forces when in use. These improvements have been made while retaining the existing interfaces of the components.
The new family of the universal articulation systems thus brings advantages both for vehicle manufacturers and for public transport operators. Due to the standardized interfaces of the two variants “eco” and “HD”, vehicle manufacturers will be able to realise new articulated bus concepts for varying requirements without making mechanical adjustments. For public transport operators, spare parts inventories for vehicle fleets can be streamlined, in addition to the benefits coming from fuel savings made possible by the reduced weight of the components.
Vehicle entry systems optimised for users
A range of factors is making the subject of transport for mobility-impaired persons increasingly relevant. These include demographic shifts to an older population in many markets, new legislation regarding passenger transport as well as a reduction in restrictions on inter-city bus transport in some countries. These developments served as a good occasion for HÜBNER Transportation GmbH to present the EXEO III lift for touring coaches at the show. This variant fulfills all the common national and international guidelines and standards for lift systems for inter-city buses.
Another focal point of new developments is not only bus entry lift systems but also ramps for easy passenger entry, a product group that has provided proven service for many years. The electric ramp IL 2502 EB is now ready for use in an extended range of temperatures from -40°C to +80°C, and the electronic components are now made available in sealing class IP67 (Ingress Protection rating). To make the installation more customer friendly, the controls are now placed in the ramp for plug and play functionality.
Individual driver protection systems
Safety aspects are playing an even greater role in public transport. For just this reason, HÜBNER has developed various driver protection systems that protect bus drivers from direct assault. HÜBNER driver protection systems not only reduce the risk level for drivers but also contribute directly to the general safety of passengers, through prevention of accidents that might occur as a result of assaults while the bus is being driven.
Driver protection systems can be easily and economically retrofitted by the bus manufacturer or by the local transport operator. Whatever level of complexity or special requirements that are needed, it is possible for individual custom-tailored solutions to be provided.
The driver protection systems from HÜBNER provide a wide range of choices for comprehensive individualized solutions to handle various risk situations.