Fleet Bus and Coach Summer 2013

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

Volume 10. No. 2. Summer 2013

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THE JOURNEY BEYOND EURO 6 BEGINS FACTORY VISIT: Van Hool, Koningshooikt, Belgium TEST DRIVE REPORT: Citroën Dispatch Combi SX TIMES PAST: Duffy's Buses from the 1920's plus News, Bus Lane, Global & Conductor's Stand

www.fleet.ie | 3

Contents Summer 2013 Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433 Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney Editor: Sean Murtagh Contributors: Paul White, Rob Van Dieten, Cathal Doyle, Michael Corcoran Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh, Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Michael Corcoran, Stephen Wall Morris Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey, Paula Mullarkey Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney Design: Eamon Wynne Printed in Ireland

Fleet Bus & Coach - the official Irish journal of the International Bus/Coach of the Year Awards.

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 Transport 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 Transport 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.

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4 News • eireagle.com shows its new colours • Wexford Bus jumps first to Leap Card • New Marketing Manager for Volvo Bus • IRU calls for adjustments to EC’s Weights and Dimensions • Private Coach Operators rise to challenge • Bandag M788 Retreads plus Bus Lane.

6 Awards Enter the 2014 Fleet Bus & Coach Awards in association with J.F. Dunne Insurance.

8 Cover To Euro6 and Beyond for Volvo Bus. 10 Fleeting Shots Pin pictures from Dublin, Monaghan and Birmingham.

12 Factory Visit Van Hool plans to expand at home and abroad.

14 Test Citroën Dispatch Combi SX.

OPPORTUNITY BECKONS

Become a shareholder in our All Ireland Private Coach Tourism Network giving • New Coach Business Offers • Ownership in the Co-Op • Regular Newsletter with Transport/ Tourism & Trade Association updates • Ownership in 2 (2011/2012) Deluxe Wi-Fi Coaches, 35 str MercedesBenz Beulas / 53 str Temsa DAF, 5 Star Fáilte Ireland Approved • Website listing on www.32ccgroup.ie 2013/2014 are challenging transport years and by being a member of our co-op you will have an extra sales distribution line for your Private Hire Tourism vehicles.

Already over 36 Investor Coach/Bus Owner Members have contributed €950,000 and benefited with:

16 Times Past Detailed historical report on Duffy Buses.

Added €3m+ in new business

18 Feature Bridgestone Ireland secures Ulster Bus and Metro contracts.

Ownership of 2 International brands (Irish Coaches & Hello Ireland Tours)

20 Global Covering football, charity foundation and safety handbook.

22 Conductor’s Stand The aftermath of the Bus Strike.

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“Filling Gaps for Members Benefits” 10 Years Success On-the-Road Minimum Investment €2,500 Affiliation fee Quality Vehicles for Hire Contact: Dónal Hughes M.D. 01 - 8788936 / 8788894 www.32ccgroup.ie www.helloireland.com www.irishcoaches.ie Arrange To Come And Meet Ulster Bank Chambers, 2/4 Lr. O’Connell St., Dublin 1

www.fleet.ie

4 | NEWS 1

BUS LANE New MD at Wrightbus John McLaughlin is the new Managing Director at Wrightbus. An Engineer with more than 30 years experience, John (53) was previously General Manager of the Northern Irish and Czech Republic operations of AVX, now part of the Kyocera Group, which saw him responsible for running operations with more than 2,000 employees, covering R&D, manufacturing and engineering. He takes over from Dermot Sterne, who has had to step down from the MD position for personal reasons, with immediate effect.

Recent Mini-Coach Sales by EVM EVM in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath has supplied Pro Bus & Car Ltd (Killarney) and ECL Chauffeur Drive (Dublin) with new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minicoaches.

The new Pro Bus vehicle is an extra long Sprinter 516 CDI 163bhp with automatic gearbox. It features full length luggage racks, pleated full draw curtains on rails with moulded tie backs, EVM double glazing, in dash and saloon air conditioning.

Eleven Brusa leather seats are fitted with leather cushioned headrests and 3-point seat belts. Two ‘leg-free’ tables are placed to the rear of the saloon compartment. A panoramic roof and panoramic double glazing give the mini-coach an open and welcoming feeling enhanced by an impressive audio/visual system.

Santry based ECL Chauffeur Drive has purchased a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Elegance with similar powertrain specification but with 6 Speed manual gearbox. EVM’s stepped and curved double glazed saloon side windows in privacy grey provide excellent visibility for passengers. They can enjoy 16 EVM seats with 3-point seat belts, folding arm rest to aisle sides and reclining back rest, finished in epengle moquette with leather head rests.

Entertainment is taken care of with the Mercedes-Benz Sound 20 Upgrade Radio/CD and PA system. Storage is provided for with two full length luggage racks with integrated reading lights and passenger service units and a full drop boot with half height luggage partition at the rear.

New Appointment at Central Bus & Coach Central Bus & Coach, Kennagh, County Longford has appointed Ronan McNevin as its new Sales Manager.

With over 25 years experience in the industry, Central Bus & Coach is confident that Ronan’s appointment will further enhance UNVI’s reputation as the preferred coach supplier in Northern and Southern Ireland.

Ronan will handle all New and Used sales for Central Bus & Coach and is available on 043 3322023.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

Eireagle.com Irish Citylink’s new ID •

New brand and Galway-Dublin Airport service launched

I

rish Citylink, one of Ireland’s largest independent Coach Operators, has undertaken a major revamp with the introduction of a new identity in eireagle.com, together with the launch of a new Airport Direct coach service between Galway and Dublin Airport.

The new services bypass Dublin City and deliver time savings for travellers of up to 30 minutes on journeys between Dublin Airport and Galway Coach Station, and 15 minutes on journeys in the opposite direction. eireagle.com’s 8 daily services are in addition to Irish Citylink’s existing Express Services between Galway and Dublin City & Airport.

Callinan Coaches' f leet of luxury coaches, which provide passengers with free Wi-Fi, onboard toilet facilities, air conditioning, reclining seats and spacious legroom.

“These new services will shorten journeys between Galway and Dublin Airport to just 2 hours and 30 minutes,” explained David Conway, Business Operations Manager, Irish Citylink.

“Coaches will operate between Galway and Dublin Airport using the M6 and M50 motorways and will not go through Dublin City, offering a more comfortable, direct and quicker journey time,” he added.

The non-stop eireagle.com services will be operated by

Wexford Bus – First to welcome Leap Card on board

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he National Transport Authority has appointed Wexford Bus as the first private commercial bus operator in Ireland to accept the Leap Card as payment for journeys.

operator services, but Wexford Bus is the fi rst to officially adopt the Leap Card ticketing system on its Wexford to Dublin City & Airport route.

Now Wexford Bus passengers can benefit from the convenience of using Leap Card Travel Credit on their Leap Card to pay for discounted single trips, or they can choose to load weekly tickets to their card. The National Transport Authority is also trialling the system on other commercial bus

New Marketing Manager for Volvo Bus UK & Ireland

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olvo Bus UK & Ireland has appointed Pam Matthews as the new Marketing Manager, succeeding Don Johnston, who retired at the end of April.

Pam has an experienced background with the Volvo Group for over eleven years. She joined the Volvo Bus team in May 2003 as PA to then Managing Director, Mike Ball.

The subsequent ten years saw Pam extend her industry knowledge, supporting Steve Dewhurst and Gordon Reid, as well as playing an active role with Don Johnston on Volvo Bus Marketing initiatives.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to play a leading role in the development of the Volvo Bus UK & Ireland marketing strategy. We have implemented some really exciting initiatives in the last couple of years. I am committed to ensuring Volvo continues to be considered as the leading innovator in the market,” commented Pam.

NEWS 11 | 5

IRU calls for amendments to EC’s Weights & Dimensions proposals

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hile the International Road Transpor t Un ion (I RU) broadly welcomes the European Commission’s (EC) proposal on weights and dimensions for commercial vehicles, it questions details on the weight of coaches and electronic weight sensor proposals.

The new EC proposals on its review of Directive 96/53/EC concerning weights and dimensions of commercial vehicles aim to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by 7-10%, leading to more efficient and greener road freight transport operations, while improving road safety through new vehicle design allowing for better driver visibility and increased driver comfort.

However, only allowing a weight of 19 tonnes for two-axle buses and coaches to compensate for the extra weight of additional safety devices and

Regarding the EC proposals to promote electronic weight sensors to communicate weight information to Enforcement Authorities, the IRU strongly advocates that their use must ensure that electronic data alone should not be used for remote enforcement purposes. In addition, any data transmission must not be extended to enforce weight compliance that is not uniformly applied across the EU, and malfunctioning of weight sensor equipment should not constitute an offence in itself. environmental technology without increasing the carrying capacity of these vehicles, will not be enough to meet the needs of customers and businesses. The industry advocates a 19.5 tonne maximum weight for two-axle buses and coaches, as recommended by the EU publicprivate Smart Move High Level Group.

Private coach operators extend services for stranded passengers

“Before new weight sensor technology is used, it must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate its accuracy. It is essential that additional controls do not increase the already heavy administrative burden on operators, and that any new technology is used as a detection tool rather than an automatic enforcement method,” stressed IRU General Delegate to the EU, Michael Nielsen (pictured).

Bandag M788 Retread featuring Bridgestone Technology

ocial Media played a significant role in helping stranded passengers fi nd an alternative service provider during the recect Bus Éireann strike. Leading up to the three-day stoppage, Facebook and Twitter kept commuters informed of where and when private coaches provided by members of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) were available.

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ith the new Bandag M788(E), we offer Bandag Dealers an exceptional product, exceeding the technical requirements for this demanding application, and increasing their chances for success within this segment,” says Harald Van Ooteghem, Senior Manager Marketing Planning Commercial Business Unit, Bridgestone Europe.

CTTC members were in a position to provide additional coaches and capacity to cater for passengers affected by the strike on top of their own schedules, be it commuter services or coach tours. Galway based Irish Citylink continued to operate its full schedule of frequent intercity passenger express and commuter services as well as providing additional services. According to David Conway, Business Operations Manager, Irish Citylink: “Extra coaches and capacity were provided where possible to meet any increase in demand,” he said.

Featuring the typical Bandag ECL curved section, the new Bandag M788(E) provides a great fi nished product appearance that’s virtually indistinguishable from a new tyre.

Members of the public showed their appreciation such as “Well done @citylinkireland extra services, running on time and doing a great job on what could have been a chaotic Sunday evening #limerick.”

“Good on @citylinkireland @Wexfordbus @JJKavanaghBuses for taking up the slack when #NBRU #SIPTU & #TSSA prevented @ buseireanndeals running!”

Interestingly, Europcar Ireland offered commuters 50% off car rentals to help people get to work during the Bus Éireann work stoppage.

Commuters could collect their vehicle from any of Europcar’s locations around Ireland (Dublin Airport, Dublin City Centre, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport, Galway City, Knock Airport, Navan Town).

Colm Brady, Business Development Director of Europcar Ireland, commented, “While we sympathize with the workers of Bus Éireann, commuters across the country have been affected as they try to make their way to work. At Europcar we are committed to providing mobility solutions for people and this small gesture is to help people out.”

“W

But there is much more to this new Bandag tread than just its looks: • Impressive mileage performance with same tread depth and lighter to equal weight than its predecessor.

• All-season M+S pattern, with good winter traction when newly fitted, and quiet enough too be run all year round. or • Versatile product, mainly fo for regional usage, but also for highwayy and city bus applications.

• Low wear compound and special sipe design • Speed rating M (130 km/h).

The new Bandag M788(E) all-position tread is taking advantage of thee wn n experience gained from the well-known heer, Bridgestone M788 new tyre. Together, 8( ) 8(E) these features make the Bandag M788(E) one of the most technically advanced coach retreads on the market, with performance, reliability, safety and comfort similar to a new tyre. The Bandag M788(E) treads are available in various widths, allowing to retread the most common casing sizes used within this segment.

www.fleet.ie

6 | AWARDS

Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014

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he Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014 in association with J.F. Dunne Insurances will once again recognise and honour operators working within the Irish passenger transport industry. Held every two years, the special prize-giving ceremony, which takes place on 10 October at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin at 12.30 pm will also host a Bus & Coach Forum that afternoon.

The main topic is “The future of the Bus & Coach Industry in Ireland”. Guest speakers will include representatives from public and private passenger transport. Mr. Alan Kelly T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will be the keynote speaker and will also present the awards to the category winners.

Entry is now open. Please complete the form below. Entries can be received in three ways: (a) Nominate yourself; (b) Nominate a contender or (c) A supplier or customer can nominate you.

Among the accolades to be presented at the 2014 Fleet Bus & Coach Awards programme in association with J.F. Dunne Insurances, will be the Irish Coach of the Year 2014 which is re-instated after an absence of some years.

Therefore, a total of 10 awards will be presented on the day, as follows:

For Licenced Bus Operators, there is an award confined to operators of mini buses/midi coach fleets. Open to all are four other categories. 1) Best Practice Safety Award - presented to Bus/ Coach companies that embrace safety as a culture in their day-to-day activities; 2) Livery & Corporate Identity - distinctiveness in the vehicle’s paintwork and signwriting will be marked for a prize along with how the company identity transcends throughout the company; 3) Care for the Environment - Efficiencies in fuel consumption, recycling and energy usage will be championed here; 4) Investment in Innovation - Any new method or product designed to increase daily efficiencies or enhance passenger comfort.

Coach Operator of the Year 2014 • Commuter • Inter City • Tours • Bus Operator of the Year 2014 • Best Safety Practice 2014 • Best Livery & Corporate Identity 2014 • Care for the Environment 2014 • Investment in Innovation 2014

For the fi fth running of the Fleet & Coach Awards in association with J.F. Dunne Insurances there are three separate sections for bus and coach operators to enter. For dedicated coach operators, the Coach Operator of the Year 2014 has three classes – 1) Commuter: which is open to operators that provide a scheduled service area in urban areas; 2) Inter City: which honours cross-country service providers or those that transport passengers from rural towns and cities; 3) Tours: where the ‘ambassadors’ for our country are acknowledged.

About J.F. Dunne Insurances J.F. Dunne Insurances has a long history and connection with the Irish Bus and Coach Industry stretching back over 30 years.

In 1980 the brokerage launched Ireland’s first Bus and Coach Insurance package in a pioneering move that has proved to be the most sustainable and competitive model for PSV operators. Over the years J.F. Dunne Insurances has led the market through continued innovation and product development to meet the needs of the ever changing business of the Irish professional Bus and Coach Operator.

The most recent addition has been the J.F. Dunne Insurances Bus and Coach Client Emergency Fund which is co-funded by AIG. Available to the long standing clients of the brokerage, senior management at J.F. Dunne Insurances and AIG will manage the fund and look after their mutual clients who fall into financial difficulty through serious ill health or the death of the main partner or spouse in the family business. The fund will step in for 6 to 9 months where the family business may need immediate financial aid for a replacement driver or pay the insurance bill.

J. F. Dunne Insurances is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is part of the J.F. Dunne Group.

• Irish Coach of the Year 2014

Entry Form Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014 sponsored by J.F. Dunne Insurances Date: 10 October 2013

Venue: Citywest Hotel, Dublin

Time: 12.30pm

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Position: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Contact Person: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Website: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nominated by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Categories: Please tick boxes Coach Operator of the Year 2014 Commuter Inter-City Tours Bus Operator of the Year 2014

Best Safety Practice 2014 Best Livery & Corporate Identity 2014 Care for the Environment 2014 Investment in Innovation 2014 Irish Coach of the Year 2014

Your Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please send completed Entry form plus any additional material relative to your entry and category(s) to: Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo.

Tel: 094 93 72819 Fax: 094 93 73571 Email: awards@fleet.ie FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

EURO 6 IS COMING...

EURO 5 AVAILABLE FROM STOCK NOW! Volvo Bus and Coach Sales Centre has a selection of New Euro 5 coaches available for immediate delivery. Featuring a wide range of specifications and stylish body options all vehicles are supported by Volvo’s comprehensive warranty package.

Including: Volvo B11R Jonckheere • B11R Sunsundegui SC7 • B9R Jonckheere • B9R Plaxton

Volvo B11R

Volvo B9R

A versatile chassis offering a multitude of features makes the B11R ideally placed to meet a wide range of applications.

The highly successful B9R chassis is an ideal choice for both tourist and intercity operations.

First class driveability, exceptional torque and outstanding fuel efficiency ensure the B11R runs smoothly, not only on the road, but also in production, service and maintenance.

Combining the driving qualities of Volvo’s full size B13R platform, with the lightweight characteristics and versatility of the Volvo B7R the result is a mid range, economic, adaptable and safe coach with excellent driving properties.

Contact your Regional Sales Manager and secure your deal now!

Jo Standbridge 07966 512891

Jim Newman 07791 466318

Jo.standbridge@volvo.com

jim.newman@volvo.com

David Stevenson 07776 161780

Phil Hudson 07776 161781 philip.hudson@volvo.com

david.stevenson@volvo.com

Richard Mann 07714 653271 richard.mann@volvo.com

Lee McMahon 02476 210250 lee.mcmahon@volvo.com

Volvo Bus and Coach Sales Centre Siskin Parkway East • Middlemarch Business Park Coventry CV3 4PE • 02476 210250 • www.volvobus.co.uk

VOLVO BUS. DRIVING QUALITY OF LIFE www.volvobus.co.uk

8 | COVER

Volvo Bus looks to the future … Beyond Euro 6

Volvo 7900 Hybrid Articulated

“A

s you already know, Euro 6 legislation means a shift towards new technologies.

At Volvo Bus, however, we believe we can do more. That is why we are driving the development still further and can offer products and services that take our customers beyond Euro 6,” said Håkan Karlsson, President, Volvo Bus Corporation.

Volvo AB has firmly set out its strategy for its bus division over the next ten to fi fteen years.

A decade has almost passed since Volvo Bus invited the press to see a prototype diesel-electric Hybrid and make a test drive around the centre of Brussels. It was a very honest concept, one could say, though a bit rough! It was obvious that the Volvo engineers would face a lot of hard work if this bus would ever see a future.

Those of us on the bus that day felt passengers

Volvo Hybrid System 2013

would be afraid of the constant jerking as the transition from electric power to diesel engine erupted into life. Upon attending the recent Volvo Buses’ 'Journey Beyond Euro6' in Boras, Sweden, we were more than impressed with the display of the company's latest presentation of new products. There we got an inspiring preview of its new engine range and a look into the future beyond Euro 6.

Euro 6 For Euro 6 Regulations (January 2014) the Volvo Group has developed three new engines, D5K, D8K and D11K covering a power range from 240 hp to 460 hp. In the past it was generally thought that Euro 6 would only be achieved using a combination of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), and up to now Volvo has used SCR for its truck and bus engines. However, the new engines will also have DPF (Diesel

Particulate Filter) and DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) fitted with some reliance on EGR. The larger D11K, which is mainly used in the coaches will not have an EGR system. Across the range of engines, fuel economy will be improved by 2% to 4% with oil replacement intervals at 100,000 km.

Boras Plant Built in the city of Boras, which is 60 km from Gothenburg, the facility first opened in 1977.

Globally, Volvo has 11 Bus plants, but in Boras all models are built including CKD (Complete Knockdown Kits), which are exported to over 60 countries. At the plant almost 300 people are employed, 10% of them women. 10,000 chassis are produced annually, 5,000 CKD and 5,000 CBU (Completely Built-Up). In the current climate the maximum capacity is not being achieved. As three lines are available for manufacture, it takes two days from start to finish to produce a full chassis.

Volvo Bus works with over forty body builders worldwide but this number will be reduced to twenty in the coming years six, of which will be preferred suppliers. Irish operators will be glad to know that this group of six will include Wrightbus and Plaxton.

Hybrid Now with more than 1,000 Hybrid buses operating in twenty different countries Volvo Bus regards itself as the world leader in this market.

From the first prototype presented by Volvo Bus to what is on offer now, there is no comparison.

Euro 6 engines with Hybrid technology will give a minimum saving of 10% on fuel, with up to FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

COVER | 9 VOLVO BUS HQ

Bor책s factory

46% saving on a City bus. Volvo has moved on to the next stage of diesel-electric innovation.

Called a plug-in Hybrid, it is the next step on the road to total electrification. It works as a

Volvo 9900 interior

normal Hybrid based on the award winning 9700 bus. At the Bus Terminal, a roof mounted receptor connects to a recharging unit and when the battery is fully charged the bus will be able to travel for ten minutes on electric power, or approximately 8 km on a city service. According to research the average bus route in Europe is 10 km. At the moment the engine power would only be required for 30% of a journey.

whereby a separate battery and circuit powers the starter thus eliminating the danger of early morning 'dead starts'. The new coaches will be powered by an 11 litre D11K engine (Euro6) and the Volvo engineers say this new engine will deliver a 2% reduction in fuel. Long term it is intended to offer the Electric Plug-In type technology on these coaches.

Testing will commence this month in Gothenburg and Volvo is confident that savings of up to 60% in fuel is achievable. So far the technology has been well tested and the company is satisfied that fully operational electric buses are not too far away.

Volvo Bus is developing new products that go well beyond any legal requirement in terms of Euro 6. In the past most manufacturers said electric vehicles were a long way off and only likely to be used in cities. Volvo clearly has revised that opinion and backed it up with a fine efficient product. A lot of development and progress has happened since that morning in Brussels 10 years ago. Challenges still exist in terms of cost but it would be a wise person who would predict where we will be in another decade in terms of electric and alternative power.

Coach Development Irish operators of complete Integral Volvo coaches will notice the subtle changes in the bodywork on the 9700 and 9900 models. A novel development is called i-Start has been introduced

Conclusion

Volvo 9900 Driver's environment

Volvo's plug-in Hybrid

Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

10 | FLEETING SHOTS

Swords Express named Passenger Transport Company of the Year

S

words Express, which operates a premium coach service from Swords to Dublin city centre via the Port Tunnel, has received the accolade of ‘Passenger Transport Company of the Year’ at the 2013 Irish Logistics & Transport Awards.

In the face of challenging economic conditions, rising fuel prices and an increasingly competitive market, Swords Express, which is owned and operated by Eirebus Ltd, has enjoyed robust growth in the last twelve months, more than doubling its fleet size and impressively increasing its revenue and passenger numbers.

centric approach that is not readily found elsewhere in the passenger transport industry.

Monica Murphy (Chair CILT Events & Marketing Committ ee) presenting the award to Paddy Kavanagh

According to Paddy Kavanagh, Owner and Managing Director of Eirebus/Swords Express, his company owes its success to a customer-

“In its six years of operation, Swords Express has shown robust growth and, in particular, the past twelve months have really seen the company flourish. We really pride ourselves on listening to our customers and responding rapidly, and we have made important changes to the operation as a direct result of valuable feedback received in 2012. We know, and play to our strengths and this is why we continue to grow. We are delighted with the progress we have made in the past year and we hope to continue this growth in 2013 and beyond.”

Alcolock pioneer calls on Government to go one step further

A

pioneering transport operator has called on the Government to go one step further in its new Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 programme and introduce an alcohol level testing system in all public service vehicles as a necessary safety measure.

Alcolocks are connected to a vehicle’s ignition system and activated by the driver blowing into a device with a mouthpiece. They will prevent a vehicle’s engine starting if the driver’s alcohol level exceeds a pre-set legal limit. The Government’s new Road Safety Strategy calls for the introduction of mandatory alcolocks for repeat drink-drivers as a sentencing option for Court Judges.

However, Paddy Matthews of Matthews Coach Hire, believes that the measures do not go far enough and that, in his experience, they should

be preventative rather than punitive. Matthews Coach Hire, based in Inniskeen, Monaghan, is the only transport company in Ireland to have alcolocks installed – and every Matthews coach and support vehicle carries one of the devices. “Alcolocks are part of our culture and our machines detect extremely low readings,” said Paddy.

“These machines may cost money to install and calibrate, but they undoubtedly save lives.

They are a far better preventative option than a punitive one, as proposed. They are a legal requirement in all professional transport vehicles in Finland, for example. 60% of all fatal accidents in the workplace are alcohol-related. I sleep at night because I know that we are focused on safety. Our drivers appreciate this and so do our customers,” added Paddy.

“We need the Government to come on board,

and the insurance companies to acknowledge the benefits of installation in lower premiums.”

Matthews was honoured by the Road Safety Authority for its use of alcolocks and overall work in the field of safety. The family-run business was recently named as the first public transport company in the UK or Ireland to achieve the new ISO 50001 Energy Management Accreditation.

Coach & Bus Live 2013 to feature The Live Showcase Arena

F

rom 2-3 October, The Live Showcase Arena, set within the NEC Birmingham’s Exhibition Halls, will engage visitors in an entirely new and unique way, with three live showcases of the latest passenger vehicles taking place each day of Coach & Bus Live 2013.

Each of the live shows will focus on a different range of vehicles and highlight individual design features, technical advancements, comfort and accessibility, with input and video footage from vehicle manufacturers.

A professional presenter, accompanied by industry experts and operators picked from the audience will discuss the merits of the different buses and coaches while commentary and content will be shown on large screens within the Showcase Theatre.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

“The whole premise behind Coach & Bus Live is to create a lively, interactive and innovative atmosphere within the exhibition,” said Mark Griffi n, Show Director. “To this end we have invested in a brand new feature – The Live Showcase Arena – a professionally produced show focusing on many of the very best buses and coaches on offer in the UK and Ireland today.”

Simon Posner, CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, added: “Even a short time ago it would not have been possible to have vehicles running within the exhibition – if only for a few minutes. With the progress made in the sophistication of engines and emission control through “euro” developments and alternative fuels, we are now able to show off buses and coaches in this new and exciting way, I’m sure visitors will love it.”

Team members pictured include: From left: Pippa Allsop; Event Manager, Hilary Mitchell; Accounts Coordinator, Anita Bowkett; PA, Luke Galliana; Group Sales Manager, Jemma Riman; Event Planner, Julie Hartley; Group Marketing and Communications Manager and Mark Griffin; Show Director. (Not pictured, Helen Conway; Operations Manager).

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

P.C.B.O.A. PRIVATE COACH BUS OWNERS ALLIANCE

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8000 EMPLOYEES 6000 VEHICLES

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1900 OWNERS

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REGIONALLY LOCATED

Automatic Membership All Licenced Operators PCBOA welcomes the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014.

POLITECNICA ITALY

We encourage all members who feel they have a chance, to enter. The awards are a recognition of our private industry quality standards within Public Transportation. They cover many areas of operation and Winners deserve recognition by us all.

JF Dunne Insurances should be commended for their sponsorship and ongoing support for the Private Coach Bus Industry.

Of note is the exclusion of a School Transport Services category.This is due to Bus Eireann being the exclusive contractor to the Department of Education.

Yours sincerely,

M Goodliffe Mike Goodliffe Director/Manager

ARCO RANGE

RELAX RANGE

POLITECNICA SRL - MONSANO (AN) - ITALY - In UK and Ireland please contact PAOLO GRASSETTI at +353 (0)87 2285804, politecnicaseats@eircom.net

D C Hughes MBA President/Chairman Private Coach Bus Owners Alliance 32-33 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1Tel: (01) 878 3079 Email: industry@pcboa.ie Web: www.pcboa.ie

Lively, interactive, innovative NEC, Birmingham Wednesday 2 – Thursday 3 October 2013 Take inspiration from LIVE features in the UK’s premium coach and bus exhibition for 2013. Packed with live action, imaginative feature areas and information rich master classes – quite simply there’s nothing else to match the Coach & Bus Live experience.

Covering buses, coaches and mini-vehicles. Technology for vehicles as well as the office. Workshop equipment alongside parts and accessories. Tourism, finance and insurance - indeed, anything and everything you need to successfully operate a fleet of passenger vehicles.

Thinking about exhibiting? Avoid disappointment and make certain you get the stand location of your choice – contact Luke Galliana, Group Sales Manager on: Tel: +44 (0) 1926 455 261 Email: luke.galliana@expom.co.uk

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12 | FACTORY VISIT

Van Hool aims to remain at the top

V

an Hool Coaches has for decades enjoyed popularity with Irish operators. Having been assembled in Ireland for a few years in the 1970s, it established a good foundation in the marketplace. Founded in 1947 by Bernard Van Hool, the Belgian company, located at Koningshooikt, near the city of Lier, is now run by his grandson Filip Van Hool.

When Van Hool was fi rst set up, Europe was just emerging from World War II.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

Mr. Van Hool felt that people would need to travel and the fastest way was by bus.

Primitive by today’s standards, every bus was built on truck chassis. Today Van Hool builds complete coaches from 10.5m to 15m Double Deckers. Innovation and simplicity are two of the secrets of Van Hool remaining at the top of the market. The current C.E.O. and grandson of the founder is passionate about the business and buses. On a recent holiday in Dublin he went to Busaras and booked a day trip to Galway, travelling by bus. When asked which he enjoyed most, the trip by bus

or visiting Galway he said, “it was seamless enjoyment.”

Euro 6 Van Hool is very proud of the fact that it is ready with a Euro 6 driveline. In fact it believes it is the only manufacturer that is fully ready at this stage, although no deliveries will be made until January 2014. Van Hool uses a number of engine and chassis types but the Euro 6 PACCAR/DAF MX375 powers its fully integral vehicle. Through its relationship with Cummins in America, it is possible that

WORKSHOP | 13

a Cummins Euro 6 option may be available in Europe.

Van Hool in America One of Van Hool’s biggest markets is in fact North America. American operators would expect to get 25 years operation from a coach and when the vehicle is around 12 years old, it is taken in for a full refit. A full refit will cost in the region of 60% of a new vehicle, maybe something Irish operators should consider. Van Hool has a 50% share in the ABC company which acts as exclusive US distributor for Van Hool. Since entering the American market in 1983, Van Hool has delivered almost 10,000 vehicles. Currently almost half of the European production goes to North America.

Manufacturing Very few coach manufacturers employ carpenters. Well Van Hool does, as it continues to use timber in all of its vehicles. Mainly because it reduces noise and gives a warm feeling to passengers gett ing on board. Just over 4000 people are employed on its main site near Brussels. Quite a lot of the sub-assembly work is done on site. Interestingly, Van Hool also manufactures its own seating.

Strategically the company has always invested in new technology, even during the current economic slow down. Recently almost â‚Ź1 million was directed towards purchasing laser cutting equipment. In this area robotic activity has replaced manual labour in a process that works around the clock.

Macedonia Van Hool is currently building a new plant in the Republic of Macedonia. Work is well advanced on a green field site and production will start towards the end of the year. â‚Ź25 million has been invested so far in this venture.

It is hoped that the new plant will give Van Hool a base to open export opportunities to the Middle East and further afield. Other locations were looked at including Turkey and Serbia. When fully operational the plant will have a capacity to manufacture 500 buses per year. At the moment some of the employees from Macedonia are in Belgium to receive training and develop their skills.

Into the Future Filip Van Hool is very well aware of the problems facing his company. At the moment the firm produces 1,200 vehicles per year. This needs to increase to at least 1,500 units, which will be difficult in a

Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

market where there is already an oversupply of production. In addition, Belgium has very high labour cost. If you take German salary costs as a base line, wages in Belgium are at 114% (incidentally Ireland on the same scale is 82%).

By moving production, or at least some of it, the aggregate labour cost will come down significantly. Developing new products and improving technology will carry a big cost.

Van Hool knows its market and sees its area of expertise in building custom made vehicles, in particular, Double Decker coaches. Van Hool also has a presence in the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) market and Trolley Bus sectors.

By 2050, 50% of the population will live in cities so the need for innovation and development in Public Transport will be significant. Van Hool states that it always has embraced change, and looks forward to the challenge. Filip Van Hool is passionate about bus building and this passion fi lters through the company. By facing the challenges and embracing change, Van Hool has a bright future.

www.fleet.ie

TEST DRIVE REPORT:

14 | TEST

Citroën Dispatch Combi SX

W

ithout being too blunt, Citroën’s Dispatch Combi is a large MPV, based on the Dispatch van. It is basically a panel van with seats in the cargo bay and there is nothing wrong with that, especially when it is not pretending to be anything else.

What the Combi SX has is space, it is a relatively large vehicle which can accommodate nine passengers with ample room. By combining that space with the toughness of the van build, it becomes a sturdy passenger transport vehicle for either private or commercial use.

Dispatch Combi has quite distinctive looks and the dark navy black colour of our test unit gave it the hallmarks of an executive transfer vehicle, that would grace the door of any 5-Star Hotel.

The centre row of seats split and fold to allow good access to the rearmost passenger seats, and access is helped by reasonable headroom when moving through the Combi.

Seating can be removed or rearranged with minimum effort to cater for extra luggage or more interior space. With the rear row of seats removed it allows up to six adults to be carried, with plenty of room left for bulkier items like bikes or camping equipment or anything else needed.

Having a wide range of adjustment for the drivers’ seat and steering wheel, added to the well positioned gear selector, provides an excellent driving position. Another plus was that our Combi came with a leather trimmed steering wheel, which gave an agreeable touch of class, helping to change the whole sense of the vehicle.

After a few minutes the Dispatch Combi really grows on you, no doubt helped by the high comfortable driving position, and a feeling of sturdiness one gets behind the wheel of any sizeable vehicle. As a passenger unit Combi is at the larger end of the scale even for MPV’s.

Nevertheless it drives very well, and doesn’t FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

feel in any way cumbersome, and has no problem squeezing through gaps in traffic. At 4,085 mm long and 2,194 mm (to the mirrors) wide, Combi is highly manoeuvrable easy to park. Though rear parking sensors are a useful and arguably a necessary addition for all vehicles in this segment.

Speaking of urban traffic, the transmission ratios are well spaced for city driving and the six-speed is flexible, forgiving and works well with the 2.0 litre 120 hp diesel. The engine is quiet, smooth, and delivers respectable fuel consumption. When driven with a fuel saving hat on, figures of 6.1 l/100 (46.32 mpg) on a general urban cycle can be achieved. Helped with slight prompting from a not too intrusive change up indicator in the binnacle.

or sway. Travelling at higher cruising speeds on the motorway, the Combi is steady and comfortable, though when changing lanes and crossing cat's eyes the bumps do remind you of the van origins.

What really appealed to us about the Combi was its honesty - it is a van with seats. That said, the Combi is a Citroën Dispatch van with seats, so it is starting from a good place. It comes with a proven durability engine, good levels of comfort, appealing trim and distinctive styling. A number of the large purpose built MPV’s may have a few more bells and flashing lights, however these come at a price. Another advantage Citroën’s nine seater has over some competitors in the large MPV segment is its size. Combi’s dimensions allow it to be more practical and versatile, for the large family or for the commercial user.

If a practical and versatile vehicle is what you’re seeking, then Citroën’s Dispatch Combi could be the answer. The large single door to SPEC CHECK the rear allows access Make / Model Citroen Dispatch Combi SX across the width of Engine 1,997 cc - HDi 125 L1H1 (Euro 5) the opening and with Power @ rpm 94 kW (125 hp) @ 4,000 rpm sliding doors to each side makes for an ideal Torque @ rpm 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm all-purpose MPV. Transmission 6 Speed Manual Running with eight adults the Combi pu l ls wel l, a nd thanks to Citroën’s suspension it tackles the bumpy sections very well. Overall the ride quality is excellent and we found the steering and directional control to be precise.

On some twisting rural roads it follows the bends and curves w ithout being troubled or displaying any tendency to dip

Braking

Front and Rear Discs

Suspension

(F) Independent Mc Pherson / (R) Trailing Arm Coil Spring with Hydraulic Dampers ABS, EBA, ESP VariableTraction Control Hill Start Assist,Passenger Side & Curtain Airbags 9 Seats as Standard - (8 in test unit) Side - Width 924 / Height 1,203 Rear - Width 1,237 / Height 1,272 Michelin Agilis - 205/45 R16 16” Vivance Alloys 172 g/km / Band E Urban 5.2 l/100 - Motorway 4.5l/100 (Urban 54.34 Mpg - Motorway - 62.79 Mpg) 80 Litres €36,700

Safety/ Driver Assist Systems Seating Door Openings Tyres Wheels CO 2 / Tax Band Fuel Consumption Fuel Capacity Price as tested

Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

Calipers for heavy duty are supplied complete with mounting bolts, slider pins and grease – ready for mounting.

Special repair kits are also available in our range. The wide p range of heavyy dutyy calipers can be found in our CD catalogue or on www.budweg.com.

Paul Kane Vantruck & Bus Parts

For further information, Please contact Telephone:

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16 | TIMES PAST

DUFFY’S BUSES –

A Major Operator of the 1920s

Duff y AEC YI 9194 (IOC 120) Classic (Duff y) AEC IY 1775

ne Sunday last February the Transport Museum was honoured with a generous donation from a visitor, Dr. Eileen Duff y. Her father, Francis Duff y, had been a leading figure in the bus industry in the 1920s and his daughter was anxious that his achievements should be marked and his memory honoured. Dr. Duff y had assembled a formidable collection of pictures, documents and newspaper cuttings and these, combined with bus fleet records in the Museum’s records, form the basis of this brief look back at bus operation in Ireland more than eighty years ago.

O

In the North of Ireland in the early years of the twentieth century, Francis Duff y left school at the age of 18 and went to work in a bar. Some time later he purchased his own public house in Portglenone and later still,

a second one in Larne. Around that time in the 1920s there were opportunities for entrepreneurs like Francis Duff y and so he entered the expanding bus industry, with offices at 67 North Lott s, Dublin. The Louth & Meath Omnibus Company Ltd was formed by agreement on 28th January 1927 to operate a service from Dublin to Shercock via Navan and Kells. Its fi rst bus appears to have been an AEC, YI 9291, bought on 27th September 1926. Two Leyland Lions, AI 3185 and AI 3193, were acquired later and the company was incorporated on 8th February 1928.

Several members of the Duff y family and relatives were involved in the bus operation, including former Customs Officer Alex McDowell, whose “Classic” bus destinations included Castlepollard, Coole, Delvin, Drumcree, Kilcock and Trim. Louth and Meath services were listed in the ABC

Bus Guide for October 1928 as DublinCarrickmacross and Dublin-Kingscourt. But however extensive these Leinster routes were, they were at least matched by the diversity of those operated by Duff y’s Southern General in Munster.

The Southern General – more commonly known as “The General” – Head Office 67 North Lotts, had its Cork office at 17A Patrick’s Quay. Operations began on 18th February 1927 and the company was registered on 1st April. The principal services ran from Cork to Mallow, Ballybunion, Listowel, Newcastle West, Limerick, Dungarvin and Ballycotton.

Fortunately, some copies of General timetables have survived and apart from bus times, they include some fascinating advertisements for various contemporary businesses. The General services were widely supported and the fleet contained buses transferred from the Louth and Meath as well as some very modern AEC Reliances.

The privately-owned bus operators that had proliferated throughout the Irish Free State att racted growing numbers of passengers and offered stiff competition to the rail and tram companies. The two major railways – the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) and Great Southern Railways – were anxious to develop bus networks and were authorised to do so under an Act of 1927. The GSR acted through the Irish Omnibus Company (IOC), while the GNR later opted for direct operation of its services, and both railways set out to buy out private bus companies – the GSR south of a Dublin-Sligo line, and the GNR north of that.

Duff y (General) AEC Reliance FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

The Southern General was acquired by the IOC in December 1929 and many of its routes survive under Bus Eireann. Buses owned by T. Duff y followed into the IOC in 1930 but

TIMES PAST | 17

there are several gaps in the information that has survived over the years about what various family members actually owned. There are, however, some wonderful newspaper cutt ings and other documents collected by Dr. Duff y including reports of various Court cases; tales of drivers and conductors being charged with overloading or speeding are quite numerous.

The Dublin-Dundalk service, which operated under the names Classic and Louth & Meath Omnibus Company on an hourly headway, was sold to the GNR in February 1929. It passed to CIE when the GNR was acquired in 1958 and is now a major element in the Bus Eireann network, which took over CIE’s services outside Dublin in 1987. Reverting to 1929, the four newer Duff y AECs were taken over by the GNR, becoming Fleet Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7. They were withdrawn in 1934-5, three of them becoming railbuses, a type of vehicle

largely pioneered by the GNR and which for years put off the abandonment of unremunerative Branch Lines. A r e s t o r e d G N R Duff y Timetable Cover 1 Jun 1928 railbus is displayed at the Ulster Folk applaud Dr. Duff y for the care she has taken and Transport Museum at Cultra, near in compiling the notes from which much of Belfast. this article has been copied.

Several of the Duff y buses that went into the IOC fleet survived right through the 1930s under GSR management right up to World War Two, shortly before the GSR operation was incorporated into CIE on 1st January 1945. None of these very historic vehicles have survived and there are unfortunately less than half a dozen very poor photographs – a sad reflection on this country’s wretched record in this field. But we must certainly

Following his exit from buses, Francis Duff y operated a travelling cinema and also made a film about the Blasket islands; this is preserved in the National Film Archive. He later ran a guest house and fi lling station adjacent to the site of the Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra.

Atlas Tyres now occupies the site of the petrol station, which in its day enjoyed the highest sales in Dublin.

General (Duff y) AEC Text: Michael Corcoran - enquiries@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

18 | FEATURE

A Fare Achievement by Ireland!

B

ridgestone Ireland is partnering with Ulsterbus and Metro to provide premium tyres for its 1500 Public Service Vehicles, which travel over 60 million kilometres per year.

“The decision by Ulsterbus and Metro to fit Bridgestone premium tyres reflects our commitment to working with companies who prioritise quality and safety above all else,” said Conor Curran, National Fleet Executive Ireland, Bridgestone Northern Region. “As the world’s largest tyre company and the experts in Truck and Bus tyres in Ireland and the UK, we are in a position to ensure that Ulsterbus and Metro benefits from a full range of services relevant to their operations,” he added.

Bridgestone will fit premium tyres including the class leading R192 and the R-001 STEER, with equipment, manpower and support for Ulsterbus based in Northern Ireland. Retreads for this contract will also be manufactured in Northern Ireland.

“The Bridgestone R-001 STEER tyres give an outstanding combination of versatility, economy and long life. These robust tyres have been designed for a broad spectrum of use, from regional and highway roads to light off-road conditions. They offer excellent mileage and retreadability resulting in low cost per kilometre, and cope well with

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

under-inflation and overloading without losingg performance. The The new R-001 STEER ER has superior resistance stance nce to irregular wear,” explained Conor.

“The R192 is a highly efficient all position bus tyre for use in urban areas with excellent sidewall protection which minimises scuff damage and abrasion from the kerb.”

Bridgestone Ireland will bring many equipment and service upgrades to Ulsterbus and Metro throughout their partnership. Th is includes a plan to roll out T2i and their innovative TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

With T2i, which is the industry standard interactive tyre inspection tool, Bridgestone make it really easy to check and monitor the condition of tyres including accurate pressure and tread depth measurement. Utilizing bar code and Bluetooth technology, instant accurate reports can be sent to Ulsterbus and Metro Engineering staff in real time. With TPMS, benefits to the fleet are optimal fuel consumption and reduced breakdowns. In addition to these benefits, a tyre running at optimal pressure will give a

longer wear life and the casing will be in better condition for retreading.

With T2i and TPMS, tyres requiring attention are not only identified, but also serviced back to peak condition by highly trained Bridgestone Technicians.

The new partnership between Bridgestone and Ulsterbus/Metro is another success for Bridgestone and re-iterates the company’s position as the premium tyre company in Ireland.

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20 | GLOBAL

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s new MAN ‘Line 1900’

A

t an unusual bus christening, the Borussia Mönchengladbach football team marked the handover of its new MAN team bus at an indoor riding arena! The MAN Lion’s Coach L with 480 hp was named “Line 1900”, referring back to the year in which the club was formed. Four dressage horses unveiled the initially concealed bus, before Rainer Bonhof, the Club´s current Vice-President and a member of the legendary Colt Eleven in the seventies, took command of an historic fire brigade carriage.

“That was certainly something different. It´s not every day that a handover like this takes place in an indoor riding arena,” said Rainer Bonhof.

“Fortunately, the new team bus will be far more

players arrive at their venue safely, and well-rested.

“Gladbach now makes it a round dozen for MAN´s Bundesliga bus fleet. We´re delighted that Borussia Mönchengladbach has also decided in favor of a team bus from MAN”, said Andreas Lampersbach, Head of Corporate Communications at MAN SE. comfortable than the carriage,” added Martin Stranzl with a smile.

Boasting 480 hp, the MAN Lion’s Coach L is amply motorized. The vehicle is 13.8 meters long and tips the scales at 24.9 tons. Luxuriously equipped and fitted with every safety system, the MAN team bus will make certain that the

Eleven other first-division teams, including Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich, travel to their matches in buses supplied by MAN. “This means we´re in the best of company.

These buses have state-of-the-art fittings, offering the players optimal facilities to prepare for and regenerate after their games,” concluded Gladbach trainer Lucien Favre.

Groeneveld establishes the Campo Verde Foundation

T

o celebrate President and sole shareholder Henk J. Groeneveld’s 40 years of service, the Groeneveld Group in Gorinchem has established the Campo Verde Foundation, which aims to improve the fate of underprivileged children, providing funds to support and promote existing or new projects and also starting up new projects itself. Initially, the focus will be on Latin America, but other parts of the world will certainly not be excluded.

The Campo Verde Foundation’s primary aim is the support of projects for street children and underprivileged children, either financially or by other means. “The emphasis is mainly on training and education, with the promotion

of independence as the ultimate goal. However, projects focused on the care and healthcare of underprivileged children are also part of the Foundation’s objectives”, explains Joël van HoogenGroeneveld, Hen k Groeneveld’s eldest daughter and President of the Campo Verde Foundation.

Groeneveld Group will annually donate a substantial amount to the foundation to support existing or new projects. In addition, the Foundation itself will also undertake activities to raise funds. And of course, employees, suppliers, customers and distributors of Groeneveld can also support the Foundation, either financially or in other ways. “This way, the Campo Verde

Foundation will become the initiative of those who are linked to the Groeneveld Group”, says Joël.

Meanwhile the Groeneveld Group, which is a leading supplier of automatic greasing systems, Greensight active safety devices and the unique Oilmaster oil management system, is showcasing its entire range of efficiency enhancing automated maintenance products at the 2013 UITP exhibition in Geneva. In addition the company presents the recently launched Android-based GreenCat ATX board computer, offering an entirely open platform for maximum flexibility and a broad field of applications, including driver performance monitoring. All these Groeneveld products offer dedicated answers to the need for continuous efficiency improvements in Public Transport.

Bus & Coach Industry adopts Safety Handbook & Charter

A

s part of the UN Global Road Safety Week, the bus and coach industry adopted the Smart Move Road Safety Handbook and Charter, for use by companies, drivers and Authorities as a commitment to further improve its already exemplary safety record.

The Smart Move Road Safety Handbook focuses on three main issues: safe vehicle, safe driver and safe company. It invites bus and coach companies to sign a road safety charter, while providing drivers with a set of easy-to-use safety checklists. It also provides recommendations to policy decisionmakers and manufacturers on making buses and coaches even safer.

“By adopting and making efforts to widely disseminate this Handbook to every single company and every single driver, we want to make a concrete contribution to enhancing road safety, by raising awareness and spreading FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

show that it is seven times safer to go to school by bus instead of the family car. In the European Union, buses and coaches have consistently shown excellent safety records, equal to that of trains, despite sharing the road with other, lesser-trained road users, thanks to industry initiatives to continually improve safety. Doubling the use of buses and coaches in the EU alone is expected to reduce the number of fatalities on European roads by more than 1,500 per year. This figure could be improved further with more investments in safer infrastructure. best practices within our sector. In doing so, we intend to maintain the bus and coach industry’s leadership as a road safety champion among all transport modes”, commented IRU VicePresident and President of the IRU Passenger Transport Council (CTP), Yves Mannaerts.

Buses and coaches have remained the undisputable road safety champions among all road transport modes for many years. Statistics

“To contribute even more to global efforts to improve road safety and in line with the objectives of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, the bus and coach industry, as represented by the IRU, has decided to make road safety the Smart Move top priority for 2013”, concluded Mr. Mannaerts.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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22 | CONDUCTOR'S STAND

Landscape of Irish Bus & Coach industry has changed dramatically

I

am writing this piece on the first day of the NBRU Bus Eireann strike, so by the time you read this the landscape of the Bus and Coach sector in Ireland could be dramatically changed.

Th is day has been a long time coming. In reality this is not a battle between a State bus operator and private operators, as it is a repeat of similar situations the Government has faced in the past where a State run and owned company has become a burden on the taxpayer. In the past these kinds of situations always became political problems.

Public opinion always leaned towards the plight of the workers and possible job losses. Unions were well able to put a doubt into the minds of people that service could be affected, be it because of a Post Office closure or the privatization of a transport service. Sometimes the media get themselves sucked into this debate adding to the general scare mongering.

When a frenzy like this takes hold politicians get nervous because they know votes are at stake. When it happens the lid is normally squeezed back on the can of worms and the taxpayer continues to subsidize the State company. In the past when these batt les were being fought, the management at State companies usually stood back until these litt le interludes between the politicians and the workers were over and it was back to business as usual.

Back Seat Driver by Sean Murtagh particularly for Inter City trains. Our motorway network is challenging the efficiency of the rail network as it is.

In the days leading up to the strike, a lady caller to a radio show summed up the contradictions about the dispute. As a daily commuter, her fi rst comment was that she supported the Bus Eireann workers fully. As the interview progressed she was asked if she had made alternative arrangements for her daily commute. Yes, she had found a similar service with a private operator which would cost â‚Ź12 less per week. As she continued to speak you sensed that the penny was starting to drop with her. You could argue that were she to continue to travel with Bus Eireann it would really cost her â‚Ź24 per week, the extra fare and as a taxpayer she would be paying for the losses also.

At the end of the fi rst days of the strike, Labour’s leader and Tånaiste Eamon Gilmore urged both sides to talk, good advice. Bus Eireann is the largest and strongest operator in the market. You could not estimate the difficulties this will cause staff in the company. We are however in a new economy and they should take comfort from the way Aer Lingus has survived once it was cut loose from State protection. Competition makes companies agile and secures them and the jobs of their employees.

Now the landscape has changed significantly. No money is available to fund State companies. Management at Bus Eireann know this and by all accounts there is very litt le money left for the day-to-day running. I think the fact that a strong private sector is there to fi ll the gap in any services is almost coincidental. If they were not there then people would simply have to make their own arrangements. Minister Varadkar and the management at Bus Eireann are saying that Bus Eireann’s future is at stake and the jobs at the company could be in jeopardy. While some of the employees obviously regard this as a bit dramatic, they cannot ignore the fact that a loss of market share could make this a reality. Some Union leaders have responded by saying that the strike could extend to include a shut down of the railways. Surely this would be a risky move

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Pictured are Neil McDonnell, Eastern Section Chairperson, CILT and Michael Goodliffe, General Manager of PAMBO/PCBOA who were one of the sponsors of the Awards.

OfďŹ ce Tel/Fax:

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www.dynamicbusandcoachglazing.com E-mail: info@dynamicbusandcoachglazing.com

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie

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Registered in Ireland number 136155. AXA Insurance Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Business in Northern Ireland is obliged to comply with the insurance conduct of business rules issued by the Central Bank of Ireland. We may record or monitor phone calls for training, prevention of fraud, complaints and to improve customer satisfaction.

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