REVIEw II

CTTC Coach & Bus Show 2022 – Successful return to the RDS

One short sentence - “It’s great to see you all” from the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) Vice-Chairman Willie Martin set the tone for the organisation’s biennial Bus & Coach Show. Held in association with Campion Insurance, at the Simmonscourt Pavilion at Dublin’s RDS, it was as if time had stood still and all the exhibitors and attendees had reappeared after a four-year absence.

Special guest Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, in an upbeat address to the group, said inbound tourism was back to 75% of the numbers from 2019 which saw over 11 million visitors. While officially opening the show, Niall reiterated the importance of the tourism sector and the part coach operators play in it. He concluded by also recognising the important role drivers play in the industry, saying that they are consistently mentioned in feedback from tourists as they return home.

A positive atmosphere was evident over the weekend and was certainly realised by the exhibitors, with many deals done in addition to some serious enquiries made on new vehicles and equipment. As always the driving competition attracted applicants ranging from the very young to the more mature. Indeed one entrant who took part is still actively working at 78 years of age.

In his address John Halpenny, CTTC Chairman, touched on many challenges affecting the industry including the war in Ukraine, inflation, fuel costs, and reducing carbon footprints, as well as staff shortages. However, he also highlighted the industry’s resilience and a strong sense of dealing with the problems in the future. In his closing remarks, John assured members that the association would be with them every step of the way.

The well-attended Gala Dinner at Croke Park on Saturday evening offered a chance to relax and enjoy being back socialising with friends and colleagues after the prolonged absence caused by the pandemic. It was also a chance for the CTTC to officially acknowledge the support of its sponsors, and to thank the many people who work diligently behind the scenes.

THE mANy TRADE STANDS INCLUDED:

interest was the 33+1+1 seat Turas, powered by the 4-cylinder DAF/PACCAR engine. One particularly appealing aspect of the Turas is that the tuck-away passenger lift can be installed without reducing any luggage space in the boot.

VOLVO bUS

No doubt the team at Volvo Bus got its colour choice right for the ‘Electric Blue’ full BEV city bus. It certainly stood out and constantly attracted patrons throughout the event. At this stage, everyone accepts what they are looking at is the future of public urban transport – whatever colour chosen!

SCANIA bUS

Westward Scania showcased two fine examples of Swedish steel and technology. The exhibits were bodied by Irizar and looked quite regal on the stand. Both models were from the Irizar’s i6 stable and their popularity with the driving fraternity was clearly evident over the weekend.

have been awarded to EVM. As it happens there was a prize for the best stand of the show - and it was awarded to EVM – and deservedly so. The EVM exhibit lineup was as impressive as it was expansive, and arguably one of the busiest over the weekend.

yUTONG

The increasing popularity of the Yutong brand was obvious with the number of patrons who not only visited the stand but also spent a great deal of time assessing the product. Yutong is the largest bus and coach manufacturer in the world by volume. Its popularity is rapidly increasing as awareness of the Chinese brand’s competent and competitive models grows.

mERCEDES-bENz - JJ KAVANAGH

The simple brilliant white colour of the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo on the JJ Kavanagh stand was striking. Representative from the well-known County Kilkenny based operator had a busy weekend between the vehicle and spare parts exhibits. In addition, the involvement with the Transmatch company to expand the use of Leap cards to private operators was highlighted.

HARRIS bUS & COACH

As one would expect Harris Bus & Coach was prominent at the RDS. Not only with the Higer Coach models, but also with the fully electric Maxus MIFA people carrier, which drew a great deal of attention. It was the first time for many to see the new hi-spec 7/8 seater up close and all were suitably impressed with the comfort and finish.

CRONIN VANHOOL

No CTTC Show would be the same without Cronin’s display of Vanhool’s finest, and the 2022 event was no exception. Two well-presented models were on show and the one sporting the CIE Tours livery also demonstrated a neat and simple-to-operate passenger lift. It was particularly welcome to see Dermot Cronin attend the show with the same enthusiasm for the business as always.

CLARKE AUTOwASH

The pristine presentation of vehicles is of particular importance in the passenger transport sector, and Clarke Autowash was on hand to offer help and advice to operators on keeping their vehicles clean. In addition, operators were offered advice on the environmental impact of cleaning.

CAPITAL FLOw

Another company well represented at the show was asset finance provider Capital Flow. The team were kept on their toes with enquiries from current and prospective customers. This is seen as a good sign and hopefully bodes well for the health of the industry over the coming years.

ROAD SAFETy AUTHORITy

The team at the RSA stand provided more than hi-vis jackets and key rings to the patrons. Representatives dispensed a wealth of good advice and spent a great deal of time answering queries in particular about a driver’s personal CPC status and vehicle compliance. For those that had a question, it was a quick and simple way to get direct and accurate information.

TRANzAURA

As one of the most successful telematics systems providers, Tranzaura has a strong presence over the weekend event. Shane and the team dealt with a constant stream of customers new and old, highlighting the increased importance and value of what the systems can do for their businesses.

AIb FINANCE & LEASING

The show offers operators a great opportunity to talk face-toface with finance companies such as AIB, which had a crew on hand to discuss and listen to their customers. At a time when in-person contact with financial institutions is on the decline, it was heartening to see one of the major lenders in the sector embracing the chance to engage with clients.

CLOSE bROTHERS

Close Brothers has always shown a strong knowledge of the transport sector and a good understanding of its particular difficulties. They are a business that is always willing to give operators a chance and always willing to work with its customers. Their vast experience has helped many over the years and will continue to do so.

ADTEC AERAUTO

Navan-based Adtec Aerauto, which has a number of sector associated agencies, has built up a good reputation in supporting its customers and has over the years developed a great relationship with them. The leading ZF, Allison and Eaton transmission dealer specialists had a team on duty to advise customers about the latest driveline products available.

THE PLAzA mOTORwAy SERVICES

Getting on to the stand of this most popular chain of motorway stops was at times difficult. The ‘Supermacs’ Plaza Motorway newtwork continues to grow, with new facilities now open in Tuam, County Galway, while planning has been approved for a much needed new service station near Ennis, County Clare.

Willie Martin John Halpenny Feargal Barton

Ann Graham Niall Gibbons TFI Leap Card Launch

Driving Competition

Driver of the Year Competition 2022 sponsored by Dermot Cronin Motors

This year CTTC Show paid witness to a particular special vehicle handover

Volvo Bus were out in force to hand over the keys of a brand new 9700 to Halpenny Travel of Blackrock Co. Louth. John who happens to be Chairman of the CTTC and his wife Cheryl took charge of the stunning new coach and we wish them every suc