Filter systems with anti-viral functionality
Today filter systems in the climate control systems of buses from Mercedes-Benz and Setra already remove particles from the air. New active filters increase this effect even further: the multi-layer, progressively designed high-performance particle filters additionally feature an anti-viral functional layer. This serves to filter out the finest aerosols. Physical tests and microbiological analyses have confirmed this effect. The active filters are used for the roof-mounted climate control systems, for the air-recirculation filter and also for the front climate control box.

With immediate effect, the antiviral filter systems can be retrofitted to the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo and the Setra ComfortClass 500. For the Setra TopClass 500 and the S 531 DT double-decker bus including the previous model S 431 DT, retrofit solutions are already available. Corresponding active filters for the Citaro will follow this year.

OMNIplus recommends regular interior filter checks
In order to ensure the roof-mounted air conditioning functions properly, OMNIplus recommends you carry out regular filter checks – for standard filters every four weeks is ideal. The new active filters should be replaced after three months. The check services comprise the following: replacing fresh air and air-recirculation filters, checking the condenser for soiling and anchorage, and checking the function of the climate control system including reading the error memory. This service is available at an attractive promotional price until the end of this year.

Range for the fresh air supply can be extended
At common outside temperatures between 8 and 26 degrees Celsius, the air conditioning system uses the maximum level of fresh air (between 80 and 100 percent). In this way air can be exchanged continuously and quickly, every one to two minutes.

Both at low and high temperatures, the air conditioning systems work in so-called mixed-air mode. Here, the renewal of fresh air in the interior occurs every four minutes.

Upon request from the customer, the maximum fresh air content of the air conditioning systems in the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo, Setra ComfortClass 500, TopClass 500 and S 531 DT double-decker coach series as well as in all inter-city vehicles can be increased by as much as 33 or 40 percent by additionally extending the outside temperature range for maximum fresh air supply upwards and downwards.

Disinfectant dispensers to protect against microbe transmission
Especially in modes of transport in which lots of people come together, pathogens can quickly propagate. Regular hand hygiene is thus especially important. The most hygienic solution for a bus is a sensor-controlled disinfectant dispenser. This contact-free variant prevents hands coming into contact with the device. Both alcohol-based and water-based disinfectant solutions can be used to prevent any germ transmission. The refillable disinfectant dispenser is now available and can be installed on the walls or grab rails of the bus as a retrofit.

If you are interested in the available COVID-19 retrofit package, please contact your OMNIplus service centre.

Virtual coaching offer with the focus on touring coaches
How can I ensure the optimum way to ventilate my coach? What must I do before, during and after a trip to keep the risk of infection as low as possible for staff and passengers? The virtual OMNIplus training offer for employers and drivers will give you the answers. The offer is currently available in Germany, but Europe-wide implementation is under consideration.

The online course will pay particular attention to how the climate control system functions. The aim of the course is to advise on the best way to operate the system, and to convey basic technical knowledge. You can register for the training course by e-mailing bus-training@daimler.com.

OMNIplus service centres pay attention to health
In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly care is required of the service in order to minimise the danger of infection. The OMNIplus service brand has therefore issued strict rules for its own firms in Germany, as protection against viral infections.

This begins with the vehicle being handed over outdoors, without any direct contact, in the yard of the service point. Inside the building, floor markings in the customer contact area help to maintain the required physical distance. In all areas, cleaning frequency has been increased, and disinfectant dispensers are available. Ordered spare parts are deposited on a counter to be handed over.

The vehicle key, the steering wheel or operating buttons – all the parts of a bus that are touched are cleaned carefully. Above all, the staff air the vehicles thoroughly – 20 minutes in the open air before each trip and also before the bus is handed back to the customer. If a customer does not wish to travel to the service point at all, they can use the collection and delivery service.

Professional driver protection door with transparent partition
For Daimler Buses, drivers' safety also has top priority. For this reason, OMNIplus provides driver protection doors with a transparent partition for the entire surface for Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands. The retrofit solutions of safety glass or high-quality polycarbonate are already available for many bus models.

OMNIplus eShop: Order bus spare parts contact-free online
Bus corporations already benefit from OMNIplus ON commerce and its affiliated OMNIplus eShop. With only a few clicks, it provides direct, fast access to the complete range of spare parts. Particularly in times of the COVID-19 pandemic with reduced personal contact, this is a valuable service to guarantee provision of spare parts.

At the OMNIplus eShop, you can find the complete product portfolio of the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands. In addition, the individual fleet of each bus company can be stored in the system. The right spare parts for the vehicles are displayed automatically. With just one click it's possible to see availability at your preferred Service Support Point. Customers can access via QuickCollect to find the most commonly requested spare parts. These are displayed clearly in 14 parts categories.