SPIE supports Orléans Métropole in the deployment of its electric bus fleet

For several years, the Orleans Metropolis has been renewing its bus fleet with the aim of having a fleet composed exclusively of electric buses by 2026. The local authority received 29 electric buses in 2021, which currently serve the 22 communes of Orléans Métropole, and plans to renew 129 buses within four years.

As a preferred partner of companies and local authorities involved in the energy transition SPIE CityNetworks is supporting this project in two stages, with the creation of a temporary bus depot to ensure continuity of service, and the modernisation of the existing bus depot.

A temporary bus depot to ensure continuity of service during the works

The creation of a temporary bus depot, with a storage capacity of 110 places, is necessary to ensure the continuity of the city's bus service. The depot was set up by SPIE CityNetworks, together with SPIE ICS, SPIE's french digital services subsidiary, and SPIE Industrie & Tertiaire - division Industrie, a leading partner in the energy transition and digital transformation of industrial companies. Although temporary, this bus depot required SPIE's specific technical expertise, particularly in setting up IT links compatible with those already in place and deploying access control, video protection and intruder alarm systems - all of which are 100% interoperable with the IT systems used at the main depot.

Another technical challenge faced by SPIE CityNetworks was to collect and archive all data from the temporary depot within the transport operator's IT system. A wireless bridge was installed, enabling real time data transfer between the two depots. As a result, bus drivers keep the same working conditions and users continues to enjoy the same level of service. "A high level of electrical engineering know-how is required to reproduce a complete depot, including IT systems that are interoperable with those in the main depot," explains Olivier Leguet, Smart City business manager at SPIE CityNetworks.

A new bus depot adapted to an electric fleet

The housing and storage facilities at the historic depot are currently being modernised to accommodate the electric buses charging stations. Teams from SPIE CityNetworks, together with SPIE Industrie & Tertiaire - division Industrie, have been working on the outdoor car park and the main bus depot. They installed the delivery station and overhauled the infrastructure security control system, which now includes a thermal video surveillance system.

"With a single point of contact managing the entire works, the solution offered by SPIE provided a great deal of flexibility in the implementation and installation of the various infrastructures. The proximity and availability of SPIE's local teams enabled us to establish a relationship of trust and to gain a good understanding of the issues at stake. This is essential for us, given our major investments aimed at improving the quality of service provided to residents through more modern, reliable and environmentally friendly buses," says Jean-Philippe Vieilledent of the Orleans metropolitan authority's technical services department.

This work carried out for Orléans Métropole illustrates SPIE CityNetworks' desire to support local authorities engaged in digital transformation and energy transition.