Fleet Bus & Coach Spring 2023

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T-S

The Pinnacle of 75 Years of Coach Building

NEWS: CTTC honours long serving coach operators

LAUNCH PAD: EVM Direct teams up with Anadolu Isuzu

REPORT: CTTC Coach & Bus Show 2022 Driving Competition

PROFILE: Jerry Ryan Coach Hire, Thurles, Tipperary

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Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine

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ISSN: 1649-9433

Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney

Editor: Sean Murtagh

Contributors: Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Johanna Parsons

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Michael Corcoran, Van Hool

Administration: Orla Sweeney

Advertising: Mary Morrissey

Design: Crackerjack Design House

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Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime & Caravan Cruise Ireland are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767

Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Bus & Coach management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

Service excellence Since 1977

CTTC honours long serving Coach Operators

At the gala-dinner that was held in conjunction with the Coach & Bus Show 2023 at the RDS, Dublin, the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) honoured three long serving members and operators who have almost 200 years’ experience between them. Special tributes and presentations were made by CTTC Chairman John Halpenny to Dick Martin, Martin’s Coaches; Brian Lynch, Suirway Coaches and Paddy Slevin, Slevins Coaches.

Looking back over his time, Dick commented: “The way the bus business operates now and the way it did when I started are so different, with so many changes, some good and some bad. One thing hasn’t changed though is that although passengers can be more demanding, it’s still a people business”. A recognition of the service provided by Martin’s is that it has retained some of its customers from the very early days. Work nowadays comes from a broad base, including school services and trips, private hire and extended tours, with the family firm now operating from a purpose-built premises in the Annacotty Business Park.

B RIAN LYNCH - S UIRWAY COACHES

Dick Martin was born in Limerick but grew up in Chicago. In the early 1970s, he returned to the Mid-West and started to work in the Ferenka plant in Annacotty. Shortly afterwards he and his wife Eileen bought their first bus, a Leyland Harrington with 41 seats. In the early days Dick and his bus were busy with Bingo runs, private hire and some school trips. Before long a Bedford Duple Viceroy was added to the fleet. Dick managed to get some solid business in the Limerick City area and took advantage of the growth at Shannon Airport and his American connections to expand the company.

Over the last fifty years, Martin’s Coaches has grown significantly, operating over twenty buses. Although Dick and Eileen have taken a back seat, handing the day to day running of their business to their sons, Paddy and William, Dick is never far away from the action, ready to jump in when needed.

Suirway Coaches, Waterford, boasted a proud heritage. Established in 1899 by Richard Flynn, Suirway was always regarded as being ahead of the curve. With foundations built solidly in what is described as the ‘Suir Delta’, the city of Waterford and the hinterland of the city and the river were the company’s core market for 123 years. A solid base established on local commuter traffic and incoming corporate visitors, and, of course, some private hire.

However Covid hit Suirway hard, with the result that the company made the decision to cease trading as of October 2022. Its commuter business was decimated, as most people were forced to work from home and with the travel ban all corporate work had stopped. As an accountant and Managing Director, Brian could see no future in Suirway Coaches trading on, as its niche markets had been damaged beyond repair. However unlike many others, they were leaving the sector in a dignified manner with their heads held high. Brian said they were of course delighted to receive this accolade at the CTTC event and noted that it is a good sign of recognition of the standard the organisation expects operators to maintain in the industry or even when exiting it.

Paddy Levin started off with a Volkswagen Microbus, (Minibus) in 1977. At the time he was working in what was known as the P&T (nowadays Eir) but ran out of space in the back of his minibus for the locals he was bringing to work in Mullingar and decided to establish a commuter service. It took off and the business progressed to a Ford Transit and by 1979 a 53-seater Ford Plaxton, This established Paddy and his wife Sheila firmly in the bus business, with the bulk of the daily runs in the early days covering Bingo, Disco and Private Hire contracts.

Lke all operators there are the same challenges, such as the cost of fuel, driver recruitment, etc but Paddy always prefers to focus on the positive. “We are located close to Dublin and all the nearer now with the motorway system, so it opens new markets to us,” he stated.

Slevins has come a long way since buying the first minibus. Its work is varied with a broad base providing some security. Its contract work includes school services, HSE Clinic transfers and more recently extended tours along with providing transport to the Westmeath GAA. With Paddy and Sheila now regarding themselves as semi-retired, the operation continues to grow in the safe hands of their daughter, Celine and sons Martin and Declan.

Text: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

D IC k M ARTIN, M ARTIN’S OF L IMERIC k

PADDY S LEVIN, S LEVINS COACHES, M ULLIN g AR,

EVM, the Kilbeggan, County Westmeath based passenger transport conversion and supply specialist, is to distribute the Anadolu Isuzu range of buses and coaches in Ireland. This new partnership follows EVM acquiring the agency for the Turkish brand in the UK in June 2022.

EVM Direct commenced sales of the Anadolu Isuzu coach range in RHD in the UK market with the 39-passenger Visigo, sold under the AOS brand. In November the company added the 35-seat and 37-seat AOS Grand Toro coach to the line-up. Both models are already proving popular with UK operators, with numerous new orders being made to the

EVM - New Anadolu Isuzu main distributor in Ireland

factory in Turkey.

Anadolu Isuzu, is one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers in Turkey, and continues to strengthen its sales and service network in international markets. It is looking to the Irish market for increased sales figures and a wider customer base with the appointment of EVM Direct Ireland, as its national distributor.

“From the moment I initially visited Anadolu Isuzu in Turkey, I recognised this was a high-quality, high-volume manufacturer with a focus on technical precision, and this approach fits in with EVM’s vision for all of our product range. With EVM Direct Ireland having a premises, existing infrastructure and relationships with the Irish market, it seemed like a natural progression for us to expand our distribution with Anadolu Isuzu into Ireland. We’ve already had great success with the Visigo product with a number of units already working in the UK for the last few months and have already agreed multiple sales of the Grand Toro 35/37 with the first units just starting to be delivered. Customer feedback and reactions have been great to the products and we expect much more success moving

forward,” stated Danny McGee, Managing Director, EVM Direct UK & Ireland.

“As Anadolu Isuzu, we have recently reached significant momentum in international markets with our medium-size coach and bus models that fully meet the needs of modern municipalities and transportation/tour operators. With our sustainability-first approach, the vehicles we produce in our production facilities with smart factory features serve in the transportation sector in 45 countries in the world as of today. Each year, our environmentally friendly, low-emission, modern and safe vehicles are preferred more and more in European cities. I am very pleased with the success we have already achieved with EVM UK and that we have now signed a distributorship agreement with EVM Ireland. I strongly believe that we will achieve great success with EVM in Ireland as we have done in the UK, which we know is one of the most demanding markets in Europe. With our tailor-made production capability, we strive to fully meet the demands and needs of our customers, and we attach great importance to their satisfaction,” added Tugrul Arikan, General Manager of Anadolu Isuzu.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Left to Right: Zafer Asci, International Service Supervisor, AOS, Shaun Mc Bride, EVM Ireland, Ozkan Eris, Service Director, AOS, Danny McGee, Managing Director, EVM, Hande Ugur, International Sales Manager, AOS, Steve O’Neill, EVM UK, Head of Anadolu Isuzu, Hakan Ozenc, Group Director Operations, AOS

AOS Isuzu Grand Toro

AOS Isuzu Visigo

Hande Ugur - International Sales Manager,AOS; Hakan Ozenc - Group Director Operations, AOS; Danny Mc Gee - Managing Director, EVM Direct

2023 marks another special milestone for Van Hool NV, as the Belgian family-owned coachbuilder and manufacturer of buses, coaches, trolleybuses, and semi-trailers celebrates the 75th Anniversary of its foundation.

great success, often inspired by large American cars in style and design. From the beginning, Van Hool strove for his products to have their own identity and design. He quickly learned the meaning of flexibility. He understood that, when building chassis, in order to work efficiently he would have to develop a basic model, but customers could still add their personal touch to their coaches.

Due to a decline in the market in the early fifties, Van Hool went to the Belgian Congo in search of business opportunities, which led to the first Van Hool coach bodies being shipped to Leopoldville in 1954. It was also the opportunity for later activities in other African countries.

From the beginning, the Netherlands was an important market, with the first coach bodies delivered there. Over time

Van Hool celebrates 75th anniversary

supply of engines and other mechanical parts (gearboxes, axles and steering wheels). With that Van Hool developed from a coachbuilder into a fully-fledged

It all began with Bernard Van Hool, who felt the pull of mechanics, construction and electricity at an early age. He was fascinated not only by maintaining machines, but most of all by coming up with smarter and newer ways of using them. Having already created a diamond grinding mill and an egg incubating machine, WWII proved the catalyst for him to reinvent himself as he saw the need for suitable vehicles to transport materials for reconstruction. His aim was to build infrastructure including bridges and roads, and so he ended up converting an old coach into a means of transport. The result was the first coach “De Trekvogel” (Bird of Passage).

When the company started, there were 22 employees and 6 family members. The first coaches were a

it came to be regarded as a true home market. The early years up to 1956 also saw the construction of a new factory on the other side of the road to the original site, and that year also recorded the delivery of the 1,000th Van Hool coach body, with almost 500 coaches built.

On 15 February 1957, a commercial agreement was signed with Fiat for the

Belgian manufacturer of self-supporting buses and coaches, which bore the brand name Van Hool-Fiat. In 1961, Catrabel NV was founded, which would later lead, in 1965, to the start of industrial vehicle manufacturing. That same year, a new building complex was erected for the after-sales service (established in 1957), with warehouses and repair workshops for servicing. In 1965, the first coaches were built for the UK market.

This era saw the emergence of long-distance tourism, supported by the ever-expanding European motorway network, and this brought about an important evolution: the manufacture of sophisticated vehicles designed for mass tourism and maximum profitability.

Into the Seventies, Van Hool continued to expand. July 1974 saw the laying of the foundation stone of the new I.V. factory. On 1 January 1976, De Misstraat was renamed Bernard Van Hoolstraat, a tribute by the municipal council of Koningshooikt to its late founder who had passed away in 1974. That same Van Hool presented its first integral city bus, the A120, with a versatile drivetrain offering. The new

Van Hool TX21 Altona Go Goodwins

Van Hool 1989

Van Hool EX 15H

coachwork line for the Alizée coach range was presented at the Paris Salon.

A new integral coach was officially introduced at the Brussels Salon in 1979 - the T8, with Alizée design. The T8 Acron became Van Hool’s best-selling coach ever and is still praised today for its reliability, driving qualities and economic operating results. Van Hool then introduced its AG280 articulated bus, which was based on the A120. Van Hool soon launched its midi buses AU141 and AU138. Together with the AG280, these buses formed the basis for the future development of the low-floor concept. Its export business began to expand from then on.

Most of the buses and coaches were built entirely by Van Hool, with engines and axles sourced from Caterpillar, Cummins, DAF (PACCAR) and MAN and gearboxes from ZF or Voith.

In the mid-80s the first airport bus was delivered to Belgian national carrier Sabena. Today hundreds operate at dozens of airports around the world. Van Hool achieved an entry in the Guinness Book of Records with its 18 m long articulated “Jumbulance”, the largest ambulance in the world, built for the British charity ACROSS.

modest beginning in 1987 for what would later become a success story, following an agreement signed with ABC Bus Companies, Inc. of Florida for the exclusive distribution of Van Hool coaches in the USA.

A new 6,000 m³ facility for the production of under-frames of the integral vehicles was set up, as was a 4,000 m³ building for finishing and production administration. The A300 low-floor bus arrived at the UITP exhibition in Stockholm. From 1997, Van Hool developed a number of buses with alternative energy sources: a hybrid bus, a bimodal trolleybus and a natural gas bus. The base model of the new T9 coach range was premiered at the Kortrijk Salon in 1995.

History was made in 2005 when the most advanced hydrogen-powered bus to date was presented to the American public, the first full-fledged hybrid bus

the newest and shortest model in the EX range; the fuel cell-powered Exqui.City, and the electric CX45E for the American market.

The A500 low-floor bus was launched at the 1985 Brussels UITP exhibition. Van Hool was the first manufacturer to succeed in building a bus with a completely low floor over the vehicle’s entire length. The first 10 integral T8 coaches were shipped to the USA, a

(hydrogen-electric) to recover braking energy. A new range of diesel-hybrid buses debuted at the UITP in Vienna: a midibus (A308Hyb), a standard bus (A300Hyb), and an articulated bus (AG300Hyb). On the occasion of the UITP World Congress in Dubai, Van Hool presented the ExquiCity, a vehicle that combines the shape of a tram with the flexibility of a bus. Busworld 2011 in Kortrijk was the occasion to introduce the TX, a completely new range of coaches. In 2012, as Van Hool celebrated its 65th anniversary, the first stone was laid on the site of the new Van Hool Macedonia bus factory.

From 2015 Van Hool started building a new type of ‘standardised’ coach in Macedonia for Europe and new markets called the ‘EX’. Across the Atlantic, Van Hool laid out plans to build a factory in Morristown, Tennessee, USA, producing around 400 buses a year for the North American public transport market. At Busworld Europe 2019, Van Hool presented three world premieres - EX11,

During the global pandemic, Van Hool offered air purification systems in all their vehicles, the so-called CAPS system (Clean Air Purifying System).

More recently, last year, Van Hool launched a completely new line, the new T series, positioned between the EX and TDX series. There are four main themes in the new coach development: aerodynamics, comfort, design and safety.

VAN H OOL IN I RELAND

Over the decades Van Hool has enjoyed a personal relationship with Irish coach operators. It all began half a century ago when Ford dealer and coach operator, Maurice Jackson from Cavan became its first Irish customer. In the following years, in a co-production partnership with McArdles, an assembly plant was established in Dublin, from where coaches and buses for the Irish and UK markets were manufactured, with the CIE Group its biggest customer.

Sadly this facility closed in the early ‘seventies but the fondness for Van Hool products continued to strengthen, mainly due to their quality build, reliability and longevity. Around that time, a new dealer and distributor was appointed, Dermot Cronin from Cork. Today, Cronin’s of Cork is the name for Van Hool in Ireland. The Cronin Group itself operates one of the largest fleets of luxury coaches in Ireland, offering an ideal shop window and mobile showcase for Van Hool.

In recent times, Van Hool has made inroads with its tanker trailers products, with sales to many prominent Irish hauliers.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - jarlath@fleet.ie

Photos: Van Hool and Michael Corcoran

Van Hool 2011

Van Hool EX RHD 01

Van Hool Bedford School Bus SS777 outside the Spa Road paint shop

CIE Leyland Royal Tiger Van Hool Coach VH12 of 1970

In 1988, a Van Hool Alizee rolled off the production line in Belgium to begin 35 years of unbroken service as a tour coach, inter-city service provider and commuter bus. It now takes on a new life as a motorsport support vehicle. Rally enthusiast and mechanic, Mick Reddy rescued this coach and has transformed it into a mobile motorhome that will hopefully be seen at the stages for many years to come.

Visitors to the CTTC Coach & Bus Show last November will have seen this tastefully converted and restored Van Hool Alizee. For a time, Mike had hoped to convert a truck to bring his rally cars to events. When a friend at Martin’s Coaches suggested he use a coach just taken out of service, he was at first a little hesitant, but eventually came around to the idea. Mike always knew it would be a challenge, but as the pictures show, it was a project that has proven well worthwhile.

35 year old Van Hool Alizee Super H – Still delivering quality service

seemed possible., so Mike initially redesigned the rear of the coach, keeping the original structure while accommodating the new internal framework to support the cars. The coach’s mid-mounted engine helped, so he could reduce the boot height and remove the rear part of the floor. Weight was a potential problem. Originally the coach weighed in at 12,600 kg, but by removing the upper luggage racks, the seats, most of the floor, the rear door, and steps in that area, he had some scope with the extra equipment to be fitted. In the end the coach came in at 12,850 kg, an acceptable result.

Key to the project was the requirement to get two rally cars inside the bus with room to work on them, so the first stage involved building scale models to see if it could work. All

All through the conversion, the craftsmanship and quality of the manufacturing process at Van Hool was apparent. Mick, whose son, Shane, assisted in some of the work, was also impressed with the quality of the steel in the coach and the general structure, with no visible rust. Another aspect of the conversion was how easy it was to separate the leisure equipment and its batteries (4 x 230 amp fitted) from the main systems on the coach. Thanks to Van Hool’s electrical systems, these changes were comfortably accommodated. As an additional power supply, some solar panels were fitted to the roof. When it came to the fit-out, Mick’s wife Jackie was in charge. She tastefully used the original grey and orange colour of the interior as a base to enhance the layout. Using some of the original seats and curtains, some wear on the driver’s seat was noticed and repaired, but otherwise the

seats were perfect. A double bed was suspended over the driving area and a couch fitted that can be converted to two additional beds. Other domestic features include full domestic fridge/ freezer, double oven gas cooker, and a shower unit, with the original toilet used. This Alizee Super H was built on a Volvo B10M chassis, with a ZF manual box. At the time, it was a highly specified coach and that still shows. It is thought that it was first delivered to Appleby’s in the UK and possibly spent some time at Trollops in Wiltshire, eventually ending up in Moseley’s (South). It was then purchased by Martin’s in Limerick in

The Alizee before conversion

2006, and ran on the registration plate 88 LK 3778. It was put into service on a Dell contract to bring employees to and from the Raheen plant. It remained in

service until 2019 and has now escaped the scrap yard to begin a new service at rallies.

For Mick and his family this was an

enormous project, but a labour of practical love, during which, they all agree, there were times of doubt about it all. Now that it’s finished it’s a joy to drive, and while Mick says they cannot be sure what mileage is on the Volvo engine - “It still drives sweet”. One thing Mike kept referring to - the high quality of the original build and how accommodating this Belgian coach was to work on from a motor engineer from Clare’s perspective. Over its lifetime this coach has had many number plates and seen many parts of the world. It is now registered ZV 17910, and in this new stage of its venerable life may be undertaking a new adventure later this year - a trip to Spain. A worthy example of a quality engineering product.

Text: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

Jerry Ryan Coach Hire, Thurles, Tipperary –Premium Service offered in Premier County

Jerry Ryan Jnr took a leap of faith in 1995, and founded his family run Coach Hire service in Thurles, County Tipperary. Starting out with eight coaches, the operation has grown to a thriving family business, with some 36 vehicles in operation today.

Jerry’s wife Kate, his two sons Daniel and James and daughter Rebecca are all involved. Daniel is the company secretary, is accounts manager and looks after the office, but he drives too, along with his father and siblings. Even Rebecca, a student teacher, has recently attained her D1 licence. However Daniel explains that his father is the guiding force: “He is the main man, he’s the Director. He really is the driving force behind the business, you know, he’s built it up to where it is now.”

This work ethic was formed as the younger Jerry Junior worked with his father in a busy limousine, hackney and minibus service in Thurles. Then in 1995 he and Kate set up Jerry Ryan Jnr Coaches starting with just five staff, but that has grown, with his family now among the 20 staff that form the business today.

Daniel is keen to emphasise the

importance of the whole team behind the firm. “It’s a real team effort between drivers and mechanics. the drivers have made a massive contribution”. The business outsources some work to Cummins Repairs & Tyres in Rahealty, but they also rely on resident mechanic John Geoghagan who has been with the business since its inception, and previously had been a foreman at Bus Éireann’s Thurles Depot. “He has a wealth

Mercedes-Benz Turas

Interior of new Volvo 9900

James Ryan, Daniel Ryan, Diarmaid Thompson, National Accounts Manager - Volvo Group, Jerry Ryan and Rebecca Ryan at the handover of the first 231 registered Volvo 9900 in Ireland

of experience in maintenance and repairs, we’d be lost without him. He’s a genius!” said Daniel.

Daniel also credits their suppliers which he says are the support network and backbone of the business, including Murphy & Ryan Motor Factors, Thurles; Moynihan Ryan Commercial Spares, Thurles; L. C. Lube Oil & Spares, Thurles; Bourkes Autoglass, Templemore; and Kavanagh’s Urlingford Test Centre.

The drivers have been rewarded recently with a high-end fleet investment. Jerry Ryan Jnr Coaches purchased the very first Volvo 9900 of 2023 in Ireland, from Irish Commercials, Naas. This followed the acquisition of two Volvo Jonckheere 54 seater coaches from Volvo Bus & Coach Sales in Coventry, UK, and they also have a number of B11R Volvos in the fleet too. These executive coaches offer air conditioning, WC facilities, reclining seats and USB ports, and WiFi is being rolled out too.

Daniel says it was a gratifying moment to see the new 9900 roll into the yard. “It’s the highest spec bus you can get in the country, so it’s a great addition.”

Jerry Ryan Junior Coaches offers a nationwide service covering everything from corporate taxis and airport pick-ups in its high end cars, to luxury group tours for holiday makers, sports clubs. Luxury cars and coaches are available for weddings, Christmas parties, transport for concerts, and everything in between.

The firm has also diversified into supplying vehicles and drivers for businesses like Abbey Tours, taking tourists across the country in the comfort of its executive coaches. It also has valuable contracts to supply Bus Éireann with ad-hoc services for its intercity routes between Limerick and Cork, Tralee, Killarney, Galway, Limerick, Dublin and Waterford. Besides these jobs, Daniel explains that the firm’s bread and butter in in school transport services, again provided for Bus Éireann. This involves about 20 services on any given day across North and South Tipperary, mainly using Ford Transit minibuses and Mercedes-Benz Vario midibuses.

Of course, the business has faced challenges. Covid-19 effectively closed the whole operation down. “It was frustrating, I suppose we couldn’t plan ahead.” But Daniel explains that they were lucky in that the school transport contracts meant they got back to work as soon as lockdowns were lifted, and they got back all their staff after the worst of the pandemic.

Staff shortages are a perennial issue,

with average driver ages increasing. But Daniel says they value their own steady crew, and the wealth of knowledge and standards that they bring to bear. Looking forward, he is also encouraged that the nearby Tipperary Education & Training Board provides bus driver training courses; “that’s great to see, and we have given work experience to students.”

Like most transport firms they are of course impacted by the price of fuel: “Soaring fuel costs are a massive obstruction in our game. And as a passenger transport operator we can’t claim VAT so that’s a major handicap... when you’re tied into contracts there’s no leeway in the rate.” But he says they do have a bulk storage facility at the depot that can offset some price fluctuations. From the firm’s beginnings with just

eight vehicles, Jerry Ryan Junior Coaches now has some 30 buses and six luxury cars in its fleet. Dan says this is down to putting the customer first, with safety and comfort at the top of their priorities. And, he says the secret to their success is his Dad. “He has a passion, sure he’d work every day of the week if he had his way!”

Text: Johanna Parsons – contributor@fleet.ie

Volvo Jonckheere

Jerry Ryan presents a set of jerseys to MIC Thurles Campus GAA team who went on to recently win the Ryan Cup.

CTTC Driving Competition

Now a regular part of the programme within the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) Coach & Bus Show, the Driving Competition attracts much interest and attention from coach drivers and show attendees alike. Originally set up as a memory to the late Martin Guilfoyle, who spent most of his career with Bernard Kavanaghs of Urlingford, the overall winner receives the Guilfoyle Perpetual Trophy, which is sponsored by Bernard Kavanaghs. The competition itself is sponsored by Cronin Motors, Cork agents for Van Hool in Ireland.

Peter Byrne of Tony Doyle Coaches (pictured above), was announced as the winner of the CTTC Driving Competition 2022, with Alan Roach of GoBus taking the runner’s up award. There was a tie for third place between Conor Kavanagh, Pierce Kavanagh Coaches, and Fergal McDermott, of Cronin’s of Cork.

At the event, Derry Cronin, on behalf of Cronins said: “We were delighted to

sponsor the driving competition at the CTTC Show, and to see such a strong interest from drivers from around the country, and of all ages, which is heartening”

Once again, Damien Kerin from Donegal helped with the running of the tests as he has done since 2014, ably assisted by a team of volunteers. Each driver had to undertake three sections, a theory test, a short interview, and the practical driving test. When the winners were announced, Damien said that is was encouraging to see that four of the first five drivers in the competition were under 25 years of age.

Peter Byrne - Tony Doyle Coaches commented on his achievement: “Driving was always something I loved doing. For a time I had my own vans and trucks, up until the recession in 2008 and then I decided to go for my coach licence. To be honest, after starting to drive for Tony Doyle Coaches, I wish I had done it years earlier. Coach driving is something I love doing and I can’t recommend it more for anyone stuck in two minds of not knowing to go for it or not. If you like meeting people there is a great camaraderie among coach drivers, and it brings you to some beautiful places you would never see unless you drive a coach. I can safely say I will be in Tony Doyle Coaches’ office and driving coaches until I retire which is a long way off!”

Alan Roach, GoBus stated - “It was a great to be nominated by GoBus to participate in the CTTC Driving

Competition and a great surprise to receive a podium place. Like many school leavers in boom time, I worked in the construction industry. Inspired by travelling, along with my father who

was a driver with Bus Éireann, my true passion was to have a career driving coaches. I worked as a taxi driver for many years, and during that time I gained customer experience and the required licence. The main problems faced were the financial costs associated with training, qualifying and finding an employer who would take on a newly qualified bus driver. I got work with a European tour company, which provided me with additional training and valuable experience to pursue employment back home. Though my passion is for express/ intercity scheduled services, the industry has plenty to suit everyone’s preferences and personal circumstances. The non-9

Alan Roche - Go Bus

to 5 nature of the business does not suit everyone, though I’m lucky, because GoBus has a rotation schedule that fits in with family life.”

Conor Kavanagh, Pierce Kavanagh Coaches, said: “I’ve always known how to drive a coach, from being a toddler sitting on my dad’s knees, hands on the wheel, ‘steering’ coaches around the yard to when my feet eventually reached the pedals. I loved being around the yard on the weekends, moving coaches in and out of the wash and over the pit. It’s in my blood, my grandfather was Pierce Kavanagh of Urlingford. The moment I turned 21 though, I applied for my bus test and managed to get a cancellation

place really quickly. I passed the test first time and straight away began driving during weekends when I wasn’t studying.”

Conor added: “I love it; the open road, spectacular scenery and meeting new people. One of the best things about coach driving is the support you get from other drivers and transport managers. They are genuinely delighted to meet, welcome, and encourage younger drivers into the industry. Driving a coach is a huge responsibility demanding your full attention. The lack of coach parking and loading/disembarking space for coach tour passengers is a nightmare in our capital city, but thankfully there are more good times than bad times.”

Fergal McDermott, Cronin’s of Cork agreed with the other winners: “I have been driving trucks from when I was 17 years old. In 2002, I made a career change and switched to driving coaches, a move I never regretted. It was very fortunate for me to move on to driving coaches and work for a great company, Cronin’s of Cork. I love what I’m doing and am so glad to have made the career change. I like meeting people and I have made very good friends on the road, both inside and outside the coach. Like every job there are challenges.

Coach parking for the tour coaches around Dublin is always uncertain and never guaranteed. Difficulties for

young drivers starting off include that it’s so costly to do the test and you might not get it first time. I would like to stay on the road for as long as I can, touring round Ireland and to finish out my driving career in that way. Our job is changing every year, tourists want new experiences and that is always a challenge, but that’s what makes the job fulfilling.”

William Martin (left), newly elected Chairperson of the CTTC with David Conway, who succeeds Mr.Martin as Vice-Chairperson COACH TOURISM & T RANSPORT

Conor Kavanagh - Pierce Kavanagh Coaches

Fergal McDermott - Cronin’s of Cork

Encouraging people to make the switch to using buses and public travel is a challenge for everybody. It will be about changing people’s habits and perceptions. The initiative by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the new early February (St Bridget’s) Public holiday weekend to allow a passenger to travel free with a holder of a ‘Leap’ travel card is a great way to introduce people to traveling on public transport. I have no doubt that after the experience there would have been many people pleasantly surprised at how convenient and simple it was to take a bus or train. However, the downside is, if they had a bad experience, will they have been put off for ever. Hopefully not!

When a debate is held in the national media about encouraging people to use public transport and leave the car at home, the calls come thick and fast. With comments such as “I have no bus service”, or “the bus that serves this area does not always suit me”, these debates become a divide between city and rural dwellers. I think the point can sometimes be lost here. A switch from private car to public transport does not have to happen as

Improving Bus Usage

one event. Rather it could be a blended form, as in using public transport on occasions that suit and taking the car when it does not.

Switching to public transport has not caught the attention of the public to any great extent yet. Certainly, the initiative by the NTA on St Bridget’s weekend was a novel approach. It could be followed up by Local Authorities giving out a Leap card with some credit on it when motorists renew their motor tax, as a further move to incentivise people. The cost would not be huge and the payoff significant.

It’s clear that current Government policy, certainly influenced by the Green Party, is to make it more inconvenient to use the car. Additional cycle lanes are appearing at the expense of road space for motorists. The resultant slowing of traffic movement is not seen as an issue. Fair enough, if that’s the way it is to be, so be it. Unfortunately, some of this inconvenience is being felt by buses, inconveniencing bus passengers who are entitled to the similar respect and privileges as pedestrians and cyclist. They are contributing almost as much to carbon reduction. Even the worst diesel bus has a level of sustainability because of the number of car journeys it eliminates, plus it contributes to a reduction in congestion.

Focussing on parking facilities for tour buses and coaches on day trips is something that should be the responsibility of event organisers. In the last twelve months we have seen

an improvement in parking facilities at major events. That’s a great start, but there is lots more room for improvement. Surely the planning for large sporting events and outdoor attractions should include parking provision for the convenience of people that decide to leave the car at home and take the bus? Currently, if someone decides to hire a bus to go to a sporting event, they are relying on the driver being lucky to get a parking spot. Even then, it could still involve people stepping out on to a muddy grass verge and walking through traffic, hoping to remember which side of the road the bus was parked on.

Green policies are essential, and reducing our carbon footprint is necessary, but shaming and forcing people out of their cars is not the best way forward. Bus and train services and routes are improving and there is now a lot more choice for people. The NTA has ambitious projects for public transport in the future, with some of those plans currently taking shape. In fact figures published at the end of February show that the numbers using public transport were almost back to pre-Covid levels for 2022, with the Luas showing an increase in numbers towards the end of the year.

These numbers will increase, but the reality is that anyone choosing to use public transport over the car will be inconvenienced, plus may end up paying more for the experience. It’s up to all concerned to minimise that inconvenience and cost as much as possible.

Text: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

Benefits for Apprentices

✔ Internationally recognised qualification.

✔ Earn as you Learn.

✔ Two year employment contract leading to permanent position.

✔ Gaining valuable on the job experience and workplace skills.

The

Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship provides the academic qualification and practical training and work experience that supports a vibrant and exciting career in the freight distribution and logistics sector. Apprentices will also receive expert driving lessons and training in advance of completing their C/CE driving test and attaining the Driver CPC qualification.

The academic award for this apprenticeship is a Higher Certificate (NFQ level 6) in Business in Transport Services and is the first qualification on the national framework of qualifications (NFQ) linked to the profession of commercial driving!

✔ QQI Level 6 Award ‘Higher Certificate in Transport Operations & Commercial Driving’.

Benefits of recruiting apprentices for Employers

✔ Attracts new entrants into the business.

✔ Increases pool of qualified people within the business.

✔ Help with succession planning.

✔ The programme is built around work related experience and work specific projects.

✔ Excellent Career Opportunities in the vibrant sector.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Hold a Full ‘B’ Driver Licence.

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Meet medical requirements for driving.

✔ Apprenticeship State Grant for employers of apprentices €4,000 funding.

• Minimum entry requirements are a grade H7/O6 or above in five Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) subjects. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English. A minimum of grade O6 or a B2 or above in Foundation level must be obtained in Mathematics.

• Holders of a QQI Level 5 or Level 6 (or equivalent) in cognate areas (eg business, logistics and distribution, supply chain management, etc.) can apply for entry onto year 1 of the programme.

• A mature candidate, over the age of 23, who does not hold qualifications as set out above, but who:

Has a minimum of two years’ experience working as a commercial driver. Is recommended by their employer. Demonstrates the correct attitudes, behaviours and literacy skills.

The Coordinating training and education provider for this apprenticeship programme is Atlantic Technological University Sligo (ATU Sligo) The lead proposer us the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)