Interconnection


Delivering optimal, uninterrupted connectivity through the gangway


By Jonathan Kaegi, product manager automotive, HUBER+SUHNER D


espite uneven adoption across public transport networks, articulated buses continue to grow in prominence around the globe. These buses are


distinguished by having two coaches which are connected by an accordion-style joint, which allows the rear section to follow the front while manoeuvring through streets. Known as the ‘gangway’, this joint may appear as a simple passage for commuters, but it also acts as the central connection for key mechanical and electrical systems linking the front and rear sections of the bus. It performs this role under constant movement and mechanical stress, making it one of the most demanding components in daily operation.


The role of the gangway


Articulated buses are often deployed in dense, urban environments on high frequency, high- capacity routes. They also typically can carry up to 120 passengers per journey since the gangway enables two bus coaches to be used in the same service.


Beyond passenger flow, the gangway is a critical mechanical linkage. It supports articulation, suspension, steering, and other structural functions, allowing these systems to operate smoothly even when the vehicle turns sharply or travels over uneven surfaces. The rise of electric articulated buses across Europe further elevates the importance of the gangway. Recent deployments, such as the addition of more than 25 articulated buses to Saint-Nazaire’s transport fleet in France, highlight the growing shift toward cleaner, quieter transport.


The gangway also serves as the vital transporter for electrical and data systems between the front and back of the bus. High voltage power cables pass through the joint to transfer energy from battery packs to electric drivetrain and auxiliary systems, with the gangway effectively acting as the electrical backbone that keeps both sections of the vehicle fully integrated and operational.


The challenge


This combination of continuous passenger movement and complex mechanical interaction


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makes the gangway one of the most critical parts of an articulated bus. However, with the main structural and articulation components of the gangway located either outside or beneath the passenger compartment, shielding these solutions to protect operations can still be a challenge.


The majority of stress placed on the gangway happens when traversing, accelerating, or braking. Such continuous bending places high fatigue on cables and connectors over the vehicle’s lifespan, meaning operators must place long-term reliability as a priority despite millions of articulation cycles.


Additionally, because the gangway may only possess a small surface area, the tight routing within may clash and compete with competing mechanical layers. In turn, this places restrictions on cable diameter, bend radius, and protective layers, particularly during installation.


For cables and connectors, strong resistance to abrasion and mechanical wear is essential. Their performance can be compromised by extreme temperatures, UV exposure, moisture, dust, and road contaminants, all of which are common in the urban environments where articulated buses operate. In addition,


high-voltage cables must reliably deliver power across the gangway while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding to prevent interference that could disrupt vehicle systems and undermine the passenger experience. Meeting these demands requires new approaches to cable design, shielding, and system integration.


Proven performance in gangway cabling


As such, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) now demand solutions that can not only withstand these adverse conditions but provide best in class over quick movements and vibrations, particularly in the design and planning stage.


Thankfully, in recent years there have been a number of product offerings for the electric bus market which are helping to deliver faster time to market for articulated buses. Solutions are increasingly being tailored and designed specifically for flexible and dynamic use, making them suitable for equipping the gangway with the necessary means for transmitting data and electrical signals between carriages.


This typically works by routing cables over a joint in the special mounting loop – this


method not only offers strong mechanical resistance, but the necessary electromagnetic currents to power the bus, and often with no extra corrugated tubing. Instead, an insulated design provides maximum protection against potential damage thanks to a shielding braid. Products such as the RADOX 155 and Elastomer S cables from HUBER+SUHNER are specifically designed for flexible and dynamic use in harsh automotive environments and have been proven across a range of deployments, including one where RADOX cables still remain fully functional even after more than 1.5 million kilometres in operation.


Connecting today and beyond These new, tailored cabling solutions have emerged as the backbone for articulated buses across the globe thanks to their durability, robustness, and ability to support safe, efficient travel while aligning with regional climate goals.


As a result, operators are seeing a significant reduction in failures across articulated electric bus applications. This improved reliability helps ensure passengers reach their destinations smoothly and sustainably in every operating environment. https://www.hubersuhner.com/en


Components in Electronics March 2026 31


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