WE ARE PANTERO, THE CREATORS OF A NEW MODE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We are an emerging Canadian company, and we are on a mission to take on climate change and address world urbanisation problems through breakthrough innovations in public transport.
According to IPCC, without additional mitigation efforts beyond those in place today, and even with adaptation, warming by the end of the 21st century will lead to high to very high risk of severe, widespread and irreversible impacts globally.
- According to UN, the effects of urbanisation and climate change are converging in dangerous ways. The world's population is already more than 50% urban and this is expected to rise to two-thirds in little over a generation.
- The most effective ways to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is to invest in public transport and to drastically increase ridership.
- At a time when the world needs fast, impactful results, the pressing, oft-neglected question is:
How can we maximize every dollar invested in public transit infrastructure?
WE CALL IT THE "ROADTRAM"
This is an industry first — a new era of sustainable public transit. An innovation that defies definition — until now.
It is one of the most unique and advanced public transport vehicles of its kind. The Roadtram is a category unto itself — a tram and bus hybrid — one that incorporates the best of both worlds while leaving their limitations by the wayside.
A FLEXIBLE SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR EVOLVING CITIES
We intend to promote the development of more impactful public transit solutions at a viable, socially acceptable cost.
Note: All illustrations are schematic and do not represent the final appearance of the vehicles.
Improving our cities and communities through innovation
Of course, there are many who only dream about bringing these trams and buses together. But we are the only ones actually in the process of making it happen. Other companies are happy to loosely throw around the term "trambus" without actually creating anything new to back it with. At Pantero, we’re already well on our way, ahead of the pack, to create a Roadtram worthy of its name, thanks to a unique blend of engineering expertise and proprietary innovations. We have re-engineered a new vehicle platform from the ground up and have convinced automotive leaders to join us. Making the impossible possible.
So much more than a public transit solution
The Roadtram is the result of years of planning, designing, and taking the time required to create a modular mode of public transport that offers our communities a great deal more. It is a sustainable transport solution that meets their continually evolving needs; it is an alternative that takes into account environmental protection and the notion of economic viability. Less expensive than light rail and more efficient than buses, our Roadtram can be deployed faster and more economically. It enhances urban centres' quality of life and can promote sustainable urban and transit-oriented development (TOD).
Introducing next level flexibility
Our vehicles will be available in several configurations of 2, 3 or 4 modules (call them "Trambuses" or "Roadtrams" according to their format), relegating articulated buses to history. They fill the gap between buses and mid-range tramways. The ultimate four-module version is about 38 metres long — the size of an average modern tram — and can carry up to 255-378 passengers. Equipped with up to 8 electric drive motors and a smart steering system, this vehicle outperforms all others. It even does well where others run into problems, such as in dense urban areas, on steep inclines, and in intense Canadian winter conditions.
Making the most of public transport budgets
All it takes to launch a project is a bit of paint on the road. When a more elaborate, dedicated infrastructure is wanted, more can be invested to improve user experience and quality of service rather than to provide the nuts and bolts needed to meet the constraints of rail service systems. The Roadtram is a more affordable efficient public transit solution for all communities, small or large.
A serious option for tram and LRT projects
A Roadtram network (deployed as a Roadtram Rapid Transit service) is adaptable and flexible and can serve as an alternative system or as an essential complement to feeding and expanding rail services. It can be developed along with existing infrastructure and adapt to the ever-changing needs of urban centres.
Adaptable to new realities
Passenger expectations are changing every single day. Following the pandemic crisis, transit agencies must adapt to a new reality. Pantero Roadtrams are the most effective solution when it comes to avoiding the sardine effect of regular buses by providing more distancing space between passengers. No need for more buses. No need for more drivers.
Some Technical Characteristics
| K-X2 Trambus (2 modules) | K-X3 Trambus (3 modules) | K-X4 Roadtram (4 modules) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Lenght | 18.4m (60 ft) | 28.0m (92 ft) | 37.6m (123.5 ft) |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 67 | Up to 102 | Up to 137 |
| Passenger Capacity AW2 (@ 4 standees/m2) | Up to 135 | Up to 205 | Up to 275 |
| Passenger Capacity AW3 (@ 6 standees/m2) | Up to 186 | Up to 282 | Up to 378 |
| Axles | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| PANTERO axles with single wheels and all wheel actively controlled steering system. PANTERO dual-motor electric drive system on the rear axle of each module. | |||
| Turning Radius | < 11m (36.1 ft) | ||
| Safety and Automation | Advanced driver-assistance systems (active safety, manoeuvrability control, manoeuvre automation) | ||
| Body & Structure | Lightweight high-strength unibody construction with PANTERO planar space-frame structures. Corrosion-resistant outer shell with high-strength thermoplastic skirt panels. | ||
| Articulation | PANTERO next-generation cylindrical articulation modules with four degree of freedom | ||
| Speed & Gradability (@GVWR) |
Top Speed: 100 km/h Top Speed at 10% grade: 54 km/h; at 15% grade: 40 km/h |
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The information contained in this chart is preliminary and remains subject to change without notice or obligation.
A Movement Whose Time Has Come
Better for the environment
More than a mere electric vehicle, the Pantero Roadtram is highly optimized for unmatched energy efficiency. Because it is lighter per axle than conventional city buses, it causes less damage to roads, a source of significant hidden costs for all cities. Its carbon footprint is much less than that of any rail solution. Simply put, it is clean, sustainable public transit at its finest.
Better for the economy
The Roadtram can be put into service without depleting public funds. No need to build a rail network. It is a much more reasonable investment that allows for the faster deployment of an extensive, efficient transit system.
Better for the community
Everyone should be able to enjoy efficient public transport. The flexibility and speed at which the Pantero Roadtram can be deployed make it an affordable and efficient solution for all communities. It can go places where traditional articulated buses have difficulty manoeuvring. It inexpensively services areas where the installation of rail infrastructure is too complicated or makes no economic sense.
Jean Raymond
CTO & Co-Founder
We bring our many years of high calibre experience in the bus and rail industries to this project. Behind this is also the awareness that we must better manage today’s environmental, economic and societal challenges.
Jean-Noël Debroise
Special Advisor, Former VP Product Strategy at Alstom
The Pantero project is the logical and desirable evolution of the modern tram to a lighter, much more flexible approach. It's the perfect match between rail and road know-how.
Jean-François Audet
CEO & Co-Founder
With the strong support of our international partners, we are poised to deliver on our ambitions. We are eager to redefine the future of urban mobility and public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't the Roadtram just a longer version of an articulated bus?
No. The architecture of Pantero’s Trambuses and Roadtrams is very different from that of articulated or bi-articulated buses as we know them. Moreover, many innovations give our vehicles better manoeuvrability and improve their performance. For example, each Roadtram “module” is equipped with two axles and a smart propulsion and steering system. The articulation module is also unique and not at all like the accordion seen on articulated buses. The interior is designed to provide more usable space and features an integral flat floor from end to end. These are just a few of the improvements built into our Roadtram design.
How does a Roadtram compare to a modern tram?
Trams typically are between 24 m and 50 m long. The four-module version of the Pantero Roadtram measures 38 m. It corresponds to a mid-sized tram or two articulated buses. Its maximum theoretical capacity is 275-378 passengers compared to the 240-300 passenger capacity of an equivalent tram. It typically holds between 69 and 137 seats, compared to the 60-100 seats available on a tram, and a similar number of doors (on one or both sides). Its turning radius is less than 11 m, compared to 18-25 m for a tram. Roughly speaking, it is 45% lighter than a comparable tram.
Can the Roadtram really manoeuvre in downtown cores?
Contrary to what people may think, Pantero's Trambus or Roadtram is actually easier to handle than an ordinary bus. The vehicle's architecture and unique design allow for better manoeuvrability and can make turns in narrower roads. Integrated advanced driver-assistance systems make the vehicle particularly easy to drive.
Can the Roadtram handle tough winters like those in Canada?
Yes. Each Trambus or Roadtram module has two electric motors that help propel the vehicle. Thus, a four-module Roadtram has eight electric motors distributed along its length. This, combined with a design that ensures a better weight distribution on the axles, results in unparalleled road handling even in heavy snow and under challenging road conditions. Contrary to articulated buses, each module is equipped with an intelligent active steering system, which adds greater stability despite the vehicle's length. In fact, our vehicles are much better suited to Canadian winters than articulated or bi-articulated buses or trams.
Aren't rails more durable than roads?
When comparing rails to roads, it is true that the condition of thoroughfares directly impacts passenger comfort levels. It is also true that buses and trucks cause much damage to our roads. Electric buses are particularly bad in this regard. Accordingly, our vehicles have been completely redesigned to significantly reduce their weight, ensure a better weight distribution on the axles and minimize weight transfer toward the front when braking. We have also eliminated double-wheel axles that cause ruts on the roads. When deployed on dedicated lanes, our Trambuses and Roadtrams cause much less damage, leaving the roads in better condition and, ensuring better passenger comfort.
Won't a Roadtram block intersections?
No. Roadtrams are deployed similarly to trams of the same length. They run on reserved lanes or, ideally, on lanes physically separated from other traffic. To avoid interference, traffic light control systems and regulations limiting or orchestrating the turns of other vehicles are usually also implemented.
Is the Roadtram accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Our vehicles are designed to meet the most stringent accessibility standards (ADA compliant). Their floors are 100% low and flat from one end to the other (contrary to those of many buses and tramway cars). The aisles are wider throughout the vehicle's length. The seat modules are multifunctional and equipped with wheelchair anchoring systems.
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Corporate Headquarters
Pantero Group
1100-1200 McGill College Avenue
Montréal, Québec H3B 4G7
Canada
Phone
+1 438-476-1480