Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1116

DVSA to replace Go North East against DSA and VOSA p4 Quality Contract p6

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Streetwise at Wrightbus p16

p28

John Hartley joins Wrightbus

News Focus

p22

DRIVER CPC RESPONSE p36

p63

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Sea View coaching pride 02/12/2013 19:04

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THIS WEEK Coach & Bus Week, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard 01733 293240 Fax 0845 280 2927 Web www.coachandbusweek.com Distributed by COMAG

EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Features Editor Andrew Izatt 01733 293482 andrew.izatt@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07597 179030 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com Digital Editor James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Ian Blaza Contributors Ray Wilkes, Jonathan Bray, Richard Charnley, Alan Payling

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Market Advertising Manager Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Senior Sales Executive Caroline Barnes 01733 293480 caroline.barnes@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Sales Executive Brodiee Neumann 01733 293488 brodiee.neumann@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

Coaches are like crabs

Q

uote of the week goes to Kevin Mayne from Maynes of Buckie for this gem: “Coaches are like crabs – they all want the meat inside, but toss away the shell.” In other words coach passengers, but not coaches. It’s something I’m sure we can all identify with – but we liked the way he said it. Kevin’s comment is included in the lead story on p8 of this issue concerning the parking of coaches at York racecourse on what is undoubtedly one, if not the busiest weekend of the year for visiting coaches.

On Sunday evening, operators and drivers vented their frustrations on the Coach Driver Named and Shamed forum on Facebook at being charged to park – allegedly – in a ‘muddy �ield’ at the city’s racecourse. I say allegedly as I wasn’t there myself, but I have seen a photo taken by a driver on his mobile phone showing a coach being towed out by a JCB fork loader tractor. Unfortunately however, it’s not of a good enough quality to reproduce in the magazine.

What are your thoughts and

CONTENTS

Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Samantha Noble 01733 293480 samantha.noble@coachandbusweek.com Subscriptions Executive Lorraine Jackson 01733 293483 lorraine.jackson@coachandbusweek.com Annual subscription rate for 51 issues: UK £85, Europe/Eire £140, USA and RoW £295 ONLINE £44.95

www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2013 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach and Bus Week Ltd.

16

34

The latest from across the coach and bus industry at home & abroad

8

Manufacturer’s Euro 6 range unveiled with fuel economy focus

22

All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators’ yards across the country

Operators & drivers complain about York parking but council hits back

12

Industry feedback on European Commission review of Driver CPC

28

A South Coast family business which sets high very standards

The world’s largest hydrogen fleet under threat as unaffordable

14

Berkshire independent is celebrates its 40th anniversary this year

32

A lighthearted look at the industry, plus Office Diary column

What’s happening across the country’s regions, plus Events Diary

A NBfL helps to sell the GREAT Britain campaign in Columbia

All the latest people moves from across the industry

Coach News

International News Regional News

wts.co.uk l 0845 8940844

Driver CPC Training FULLY INCLUSIVE. NO HIDDEN COSTS

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Gareth Evans Editor

4

News

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION

experiences of coach parking at Christmas markets around the UK, such as Bath, Birmingham and Manchester? Are you happy or would you like to see things change? If so, please tell us – we at CBW would like to know. Did you take any photos please? If so, can you email them to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek. com . A polite request on that note – if you’re an iPhone user like me, always try to remember to take the pics with the ‘HDR’ option on as the resolution will then be publishable in our magazine. I know other smartphones are available, but I’ve no knowledge of them.

In a similar vein, I’ve been compiling a report on those of you in our industry who have been growing tashes to help raise money as part of ‘Movember’. Please send me your photos – the cheesier the better.

Wrightbus Update News Focus: DCPC Courtney Buses Big Picture

Deliveries

36

Sea View coaching

60

Last Stop

63

People

HASSLE-FREE DRIVERS? We keep your wheels turning while your drivers are resting T: 07950 292939 W: www.justcoachdrivers.com

December 4 , 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3 02/12/2013 19:26

NEWS B R I E F LY l THIS WEEK COACH AND BUS WEEK is releasing its annual wallplanner. It includes a number of important industry dates and events throughout 2014. If you are a print subscriber, you will have received the wallplanner with this issue, but if you have purchased this magazine from the newsstand and would like a copy, please contact our subscriptions department on 01733 293480.

OBITUARY l THE COACH industry in North Devon has lost one of its stalwarts with the passing of Chris Tearall last week.

Chris, who only turned 65 two weeks ago, was the former owner of South Molton-based TW Coaches, which he ran between 1999 and 2011. When the firm was acquired by Taw & Torridge, Chris remained with the company as Operations and Tour Manager. However, last Monday (November 25), he suffered a heart attack while behind the wheel of a coach – although fortunately it was during the early hours of the morning when the traffic was light. Paying tribute, Taw & Torridge Managing Director Tony Hunt told CBW: “He will be sadly missed by us all here at Taw & Torridge. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who were fortunate to know him.” Chris’ funeral takes place at midday this Friday (December 6) at St Michael’s Church in East Buckland, North Devon.

DSA and VOSA merge to form DVSA New organisation will be phased in gradually before a formal launch in April 2014 A new agency with responsibility for maintaining vehicle standards has been launched, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill has announced.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which employs 4,600 people throughout the UK, will replace the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) with responsibilities for setting, testing and enforcing driver and vehicle standards in Great Britain.

Robert Goodwill said: “In June the department announced that DSA and VOSA would merge to form a new agency. This decision was made following the motoring services strategy consultation, and is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to put customers and businesses at the heart of its services.

“The two organisations have a history of working closely together and the merger is an opportunity for the DVSA to provide even better and more efficient customer service to motorists and commercial operators. I fully support the new agency and look forward to seeing the DVSA take shape from April 2014.”

There will be a gradual introduction of the new agency name ahead of the formal launch in April 2014, with no change to the level or quality of services during the transition period.

DSA and VOSA will be incorporated within the new agency and the new branding will

reflect this until their services and trading funds are brought together over the next financial year.

The CEO of both agencies is Alastair Peoples, who will become the CEO of the single agency.

The DVSA will have a broad range of responsibilities, including processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses, operating testing schemes for all vehicles, and enforcing the law to ensure vehicles comply with legal standards and regulations.

The agency will also enforce drivers’ hours and licensing requirements, provide training and advice for commercial operators, investigate vehicle accidents, defects and recalls, and run tests for instructors of large goods vehicles, as well as driver trainers.

To ensure costs are kept as low as possible there will be a phased approach to the introduction of the new branding over the next financial year, where items will be replaced when stocks run out.

to minimise the risk.

Most vehicle-related defects could be detected by drivers during walk-round checks both bus and coach drivers must make before embarking on their journeys. CPT has therefore also produced new driver walk-round check cards which list the checks which drivers must carry out. These include ensuring lights, indicators and reflectors are working correctly, wheels and tyres are sound, and doors, exits and windows are not obscured.

Stephen Smith, CPT Operations Director, said: “It is a mandatory requirement for drivers to carry

out a series of checks on their vehicles before taking to the road.

These checks are an essential part of any bus or coach operator’s maintenance regime and help ensure the safety of drivers, customers and other road users.

Effective walk-round checks can detect vehicle defects early reducing the risk of fixed penalty fines, the frequency of breakdowns and repairs, and disruption to services for passengers.

“That’s why we have produced these two new publications for our members, highlighting the importance of effective daily checks and the financial penalties

they can face when defects and infringements are found.”

Peter Grazier, Director of Customer Relations and Business Development at People 1st, said: “We wanted to ensure all drivers of large vehicles were given the tools and guidance they need to make sure they are able to drive safely each and every day.

“Working with CPT and VOSA, we’ve designed these walk around checks and the fixed penalties notice to cover the essential safety requirements and we encourage everyone to use them each day to ensure they remain safe and within the law.”

Alastair Peoples will become CEO of the new merged body

Confederation of Passenger Transport releases compliance guides The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) in conjunction with VOSA and People 1st, has published two guides for its members to help minimise the risk of incurring fixed penalty fines.

VOSA enforcement officers can impose a range of fixed penalty fines if vehicles, or drivers, are found to be breaking the law.

The CPT’s new guide “Graduated Fixed Penalties” lists the kinds of infringements which result in fixed penalty fines being imposed. The guide also lists the most common reasons for incurring fixed penalties and offers tips to bus and coach drivers on what they can do

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02/12/2013 17:31

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek

First announces wave of fare cuts in West Yorkshire First has announced a package of reduced fares of up to 30% on Leeds and Bradford bus services which take effect from Sunday, January 5, 2014.

First claims the fare cuts could save regular bus users over £250 per year. Passenger Focus has welcomed the announcement.

In Leeds the £3.90 off-peak day ticket will be extended for use all day giving tens of thousands of morning commuters a saving of 70p per day. Additionally, a new Leeds weekly ticket will be introduced at £14 giving seven days unlimited travel within the Leeds metropolitan district boundary for £2 per day – a saving of £5.50 per week for many Leeds commuters.

The new Leeds weekly ticket will replace the current “green zone” week ticket which is limited to inner Leeds, and now gives those customers access to the whole First Leeds bus network for just

50p extra per week. Alternatively, current Green Zone customers can buy a new Leeds-wide monthly ticket for £52 which offers a saving on buying the current Green Zone tickets.

In Bradford, customers can take advantage of a £1 cut to the week ticket to £14 while at the same time the Bradford day ticket will rise to £3.90 from £3.70 Customers who choose to use the bus more often can take advantage of reduced monthly and annual ticket prices in either Leeds or Bradford.

Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First in the North of England said: “We are delighted to introduce these latest fare cuts on buses in Leeds and Bradford.

“We have demonstrated that by offering even better value for money, together with improvements to our services, we can attract new passengers onto

The £3.90 off-peak day ticket is being extended for use all day in Leeds

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our buses.

“The level of these fare cuts in Leeds and Bradford have been made possible because of growing confidence in our stronger partnership working with Metro and the local councils.

“Our aim in 2014 is to continue to give value-for-money to our customers and to build upon improvements in punctuality and customer satisfaction which will be helped by further investment in new vehicles.”

David Sidebottom, Passenger Focus Director, said: “Passengers in West Yorkshire, especially those who rely on the bus for work, will be happy to hear First is making most bus fares cheaper.

“Our most recent passenger survey showed that 56% of fare-paying passengers in West Yorkshire felt that their ticket was value for money, so these fare cuts should help to improve these scores.”

Optare’s £23m refinance deal Optare has announced a £23m refinance with Barclays.

The deal was arranged

by Miles Rothbury, Global Corporate Director for Barclays Corporate Banking in Manchester.

Ramesh Narasimhan, CFO, Optare Plc said: “Since Optare was acquired by Ashok Leyland we have had a plan which required a strategic banking partner, with a global presence, a quality cross border relationship model and the willingness to back a plan by providing competitive banking facilities.

Barclays has demonstrated all these features and we look forward to working with them into the future as we build the business in the UK and beyond.

“We consider them our ‘GoTo’ banking partner.”

Miles Rothbury, Global Corporate Director for Barclays, added: “A key priority for Barclays is delivering a full international banking service to our clients. The Optare deal is the first significant global corporate deal for Barclays in the Northern region and is a good example of the type of strategic and sophisticated transactions we are supporting at Barclays. We want to do more business with the international subsidiaries of our global clients and a local understanding of a global organisation is a strong place to start.”

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 02/12/2013 17:31

1,318

NEWS › BUSES

The number of respondents to the DSA’s questionnaire on DCPC

Go North East claimed a partnership agreement would provide real benefits without the risk of a Quality Contract Scheme. Steve Hodgson

Go North East responds to Quality Contract Scheme proposal Operator claims if revenue of cost calculations are even 1% out it could have disastrous consequences Go North East has expressed serious concerns about the risks and costs built into Tyne and Wear’s proposed bus Quality Contracts Scheme and recommended partnership working as a quicker and more effective way of improving bus services in the region.

In its formal consultation response, Go North East highlighted ‘multiple flaws in the scheme,’ which it claims if implemented would be the first experiment of its kind in the UK and would transfer the financial risks and costs of operating services to local taxpayers.

The operator claimed the flaws include: l Higher risk – with local councils

exposed to the danger of falling revenue, deepening a deficit which has to be met by local taxpayers; l Higher costs for fare payers and taxpayers – with the contracting system itself creating a new layer of costly bureaucracy which is not needed either under the current system or under the partnership proposal; and l Inflexibility – Nexus setting up long term contracts which eliminate competition for up to 10 years at a time, and which make it impossible to respond quickly to new public requirements for new routes or new bus technology.

Go North East Managing Director Kevin Carr said: “Nexus’ calculations of bus revenue under the QCS need only be 1% lower than forecast for the scheme to be unaffordable to the tune of £11m.

“Costs need only be 1% higher than forecast for the funding shortfall to be another £13.3

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million.”

In contrast, Go North East said the partnership proposal from the North East Bus Operators’ Association (NEBOA), of which Go North East is a member, would provide real benefits. These include: A new Bus2Bus ticket enabling passengers to interchange between operators; l A new discount ticket for 1618 year olds; and l District partnership boards giving local communities a direct say in changes to services.

Kevin added: “Independent surveys show that bus passengers in Tyne and Wear are the most satisfied of any UK Metropolitan area. Go North East has spent 26 years responding to what customers want - routes direct to city centres, fares which suit all needs, and branded modern buses.

“The Nexus scheme will freeze progress for up to 10 years, increase fares for bus passengers in some areas by over 20% and expose local taxpayers to the risk of fare revenue not meeting the cost of the scheme. The partnership proposal offers the service improvements

that passengers want, without unnecessary delay, and will give Nexus the benefit of substantial cost savings. It’s a far superior option for the people of Tyne & Wear.”

Tobyn Hughes, Deputy Director General of Nexus, said: “We are in the middle of reading the detailed submission Go North East has made as we seek the best way to protect and improve local bus services.

“We shall be carefully considering and evaluating all consultation responses and the supporting data provided to substantiate those responses with our own independent experts. We will only proceed with a Quality Contract Scheme if after the most careful analysis we remain convinced that it makes sense to do so.

“It is understandable a company like Go North East will be opposed to a Quality Contract Scheme as it is clearly adverse to their commercial interests and it is important to understand their position fully when assessing the merits of the scheme. It is for that reason a scheme should only be introduced if it is clear it will be to the greater good of the public in the Tyne and Wear region to do so.” www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 18:15

40

The anniversary being celebrated by Berkshire independent Courtney Buses

18

The number of vehicles operated

by Seaview Coaches

New Fife interchange and P&R unveiled Fife’s latest transport interchange has of�icially opened.

Halbeath Park & Ride will support the new Queensferry Crossing as well as enhancing transport links between Fife and Central Scotland.

The new facility boasts over 1,000 car parking spaces, six bus stances, a heated waiting area with toilets, seats, vending machines and staffed supervisor’s of�ice.

This £10m project was funded

by Transport Scotland and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Stirling based contractors, Robertson, carried out construction. The site is managed and maintained by Fife Council and through a partnership agreement, staffed by Stagecoach.

The opening ceremony was marked with speeches and a plaque unveiling by Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP and Cllr Pat Callaghan on Monday November, 25.

Martin Grif�iths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “We are pleased to further expand our provision of services for the people of Fife with the opening of this new interchange.

“As well as offering improved links to Edinburgh and more locally to Dunfermline, Kelty, Kinross and

NXWM sees weekend rushes thanks to German market National Express West Midlands (NXWM) has reported a 10% increase in weekend patronage to Birmingham City Centre since the start of the German Market.

Nearly 10,000 additional journeys are being made by bus each weekend as people �lock to the German Market and its bars.

NXWM stats show that thousands of people are coming in groups to the market, as sales of their group tickets such as ‘evening �ive’ have seen signi�icant increases. The operator’s ‘evening �ive’ ticket provides up to �ive adults with unlimited travel for £5 on evening services (after 6pm).

Peter Coates, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands said: “Our buses provide a great way to get into the city centre and enjoy the German Market.”

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other local communities, the site also provides fast and frequent direct journeys to Glasgow. Our services will deliver customers straight to the heart of these towns and cities and help them avoid the stress of driving and parking themselves.

“We have also introduced eight brand new, luxury coaches to our �leet, demonstrating our commitment to delivering highquality services throughout Fife and making public transport easier to use, in partnership with Fife Council.”

Keith Brown said: “After just over a year, the opening of this £10m transport interchange, on time and under budget, will improve links across the Forth to Edinburgh, West Lothian and the west of Glasgow.

“This is a welcome addition to the transport infrastructure in Fife and provides a great option for commuters heading into Edinburgh.

When the Forth Replacement Crossing works are completed in 2016, people travelling by bus from here into Edinburgh could save as much as 30 minutes on their journey.

“The Scottish Government is committed to cutting carbon emissions. As well as providing

facilities for pedestrians, bikes and electric vehicles, the Halbeath Park and Ride will also enhance the existing Ferrytoll Park and Ride and provide opportunities for car sharing and free parking for over 1,000 vehicles, encouraging modal shift from the car to public transport.”

Cllr Pat Callaghan commented: “I am delighted to open another major transport interchange in Fife.

Halbeath Park & Ride will build on Ferrytoll’s great success and will not only ease congestion but will also support the new Queensferry Crossing.

“Halbeath Park & Ride is an impressive facility and an ideal location to park and catch a regular bus service to Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow and Dunfermline, to name a few.

“Completion of this project on time and under budget is a great example of partnership working and I would like to thank Transport Scotland, ERDF, Robertson and Stagecoach for all their help and support to make this a reality.”

For more about the facility, the bus services available and downloadable timetables go to www.halbeath.org

New through journeys Peterborough to Nottingham Centrebus has changed the timetable for Peterborough Stamford - Oakham service 9 from, linking it with service 19 Oakham Melton Mowbray - Nottingham.

Most journeys affecting Peterborough are unchanged, except for the following: the 1715 Oakham - Peterborough journey will terminate at Stamford, so there will no longer be a 1745 journey from Stamford to Peterborough (last bus now at 1645). The 1435 from Stamford to Peterborough is retimed to 1445 on Schooldays (and passengers from Oakham will have to change at Stamford). On Mondays to Fridays the 0715 from Stamford to Peterborough will start back at Oakham at 0645, and similarly the 1740 Peterborough to Stamford will extend to Oakham (in fact these journeys run beyond Oakham from and to Melton Mowbray).

Service 19 Oakham to Nottingham is also operated

by Centrebus and buses from

Peterborough will now run through to Nottingham. The route number will change at Oakham but passengers can stay on the bus and through fares are available.

The �irst bus from Peterborough is at 0730 (Mondays to Fridays) reaching Nottingham at 1031.

Sadly a full day in Nottingham is not possible as the last journey back to Peterborough leaves at 1435.

Dave Shelley, Commercial Director at Centrebus told CBW: “We have had to make some changes to the timetable of the 9 service, because Peterborough City Council have cut back all funding for our services as part of their local bus review. This has inevitably led to the reduction of some lightly used journeys around the fringes.

“However, we are also making improvements. A couple of new single deck buses have been introduced on the service and most buses will now run through from Peterborough to Nottingham,

SHARE WATCH Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, December 2. National Express saw the greatest proportional rise, while Optare saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

425.50p

Price: Year High: 471.00p Year Low: 324.70p

114.40p

Price: Year High: 183.03p Year Low: 90.30p

1634.00p

Price: Year High: 1746.40p Year Low: 1212.78p

265.85p

Price: Year High: 277.50p Year Low: 171.80p

362.15p

Price: Year High: 369.80p Year Low: 284.70p

0.25p

Price: Year High: 0.65p Year Low: 0.22p

55.50p

Price: Year High: 60.00p Year Low: 42.00p

610.00p

Price: Year High: 625.00p Year Low: 280.00p

7.50p

Price: Year High: 16.50p Year Low: 4.65p

-9.25 on last week

+3.60 on last week

+7.50 on last week

+6.75 on last week

+5.35 on last week

-0.015 on last week

-1.00 on last week

+7.50 on last week

-0.12 on last week

FTSE 100

6,605

Index: Year High: 6,840 Year Low: 5,867

-89

on last week

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 02/12/2013 18:15

NEWS › COACHES

York Christmas parking fields complaints …But council hits back, claiming only one coach had to be towed out from the mud ‘Coach parking in York couldn’t be easier’ – or so the Visit York website claims – but those words have cut no ice with furious coach drivers in recent days.

Operators and drivers have taken to the popular Coach driver’s name and shame (CDN&S) forum on Facebook to share tales of woe and frustration at being charged up to £75 and forced to park in a muddy field – only for some of their coaches to literally get stuck in the mud. Thankfully, however, as is so often the case on CDN&S, a local coach operator has offered a possible solution for next year.

Over the weekend of November 30/December 1 when the St Nicholas Fayre was held, the City of York Council implemented what it called ‘a strict coach management plan.’ This resulted in the familiar pay and display coach parks and the coach drop off point at Railway Rendezvous/Station Rise (War Memorial Drop Off) being suspended. Operators were instructed to use the council’s prebooking service, which guaranteed a city centre location drop off and allocated parking facilities On CDN&S Barry Alvoet observed: “There were 200 coaches with permits today

WTS shuts down training arm

Exeter-based Western Training Services & Just Coach Drivers has made some important changes to the company.

The firm is closing down its training department from December 31, 2013 and as a result is no longer taking bookings for driver training.

Despite this, the WTS brand will still remain under the new name of ‘Western Transport Solutions Limited.’ The company has also said it will use all its resources as it ventures into the coaching world further.

2014 will see the introduction of WTS’ new lorry driving agency, namely Just Lorry Drivers.

Just Coach Drivers’ new Scottish division is proving to be successful and reportedly increasing in size every month and the company has a new London office opening in 2014.

(Sunday). That’s potentially £15,000 in parking and they stick us in a field.”

Rob Williams, who drives for Ellesmere-based Lakeside Coaches said: “It’s shocking as you take passengers to spend money and they give you a field to park on. You might have to get pulled out which may damage the vehicle, and they then wonder why coaches try to avoid costs.”

Kevin Mayne from Maynes of Buckie commented: “This is just the sort of thing drivers and unexpecting operators have to contend with. You’re expected to pay £75 for damaging your coach when it sinks to the axles – despite the fact you have brought a few grand into the city. No thought seems to be given to the welfare of drivers either. The whole thing is just shocking.”

He added: “The coach is like a crab – they all want the meat inside but toss away the shell. It’s about time our industry got the recognition it deserves. If they want 100 coaches they need to make the infrastructure to cope.”

One driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The bizarre thing is that York is one if the easiest ‘races’ to do in the summer. Don’t mention Chester races or even Haydock. You would think that they’re would be a hard standing somewhere in York

said: “We provide excellent value at one set price and responded to the needs of one driver promptly at no cost to him and with no delay to his passengers.”

Charlie Croft, City of York Council’ Assistant Director of Public Realm, told CBW: “We were delighted to welcome some 500 coaches to the city over the weekend of St Nicholas’ Fayre. We charge a single rate of £37 plus VAT to access our city centre drop off and pick up points on Piccadilly – usually closed to coaches.

“This fee includes coach parking either in the city centre or at Bustardthorpe, plus a shuttle service to and fro for drivers. Of all those coaches, only one got stuck: a problem the driver immediately alerted us to. “We responded promptly and got the coach out of difficulty with no delays or inconvenience to passengers.

Bustardthorpe is used frequently for racecourse events and car boot sales and has hard stand track which we ask drivers to follow as far as possible.”

l What are your thoughts & experiences of coach parking at Christmas markets around the UK? We at CBW would like to know. Please contact Editor Gareth Evans on gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com or call 01733 293243.

The WTS brand lives on as Western Transport Solutions

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racecourse.”

However, James Simpson of Just Travel, which has an operating centre at Acaster Airfield, a short distance to the south of the city, offered a glimmer of hope for 2014: “Next year we’ll park them at Acaster, run a free park & ride to and from York with a Sprinter and find a burger van to feed the hungry drivers. We will also have coach washing facilities, WC drop and hard standing.

“We will work on it. I think it would be a good idea to preregister so we have an idea of how many there are. We have plenty of room on our site and nearby.

“As a driver and operator I know how utterly annoying and frustrating this can be, especially when it can be solved with only a little thought. We have considered offering washing/overnight secure parking in the past, a bit like Secure Coach Parks in Edinburgh.

If the market is there, we will take it further. A proportion of the parking charges will go to a local charity like Martin House Children’s’ Hospice.”

The news was welcomed from Kevin Mayne, who said: “I think you have a brilliant idea. Good on you James Simpson. It’s amazing what coach operators will do for others.”

Refuting the allegations, a spokesperson for the City of York

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Licence reduced following convictions The Cavendish School of English Ltd’s O-licence has been reduced by the Deputy Traffic Commissioner (DTC) for the West of England, following a Public Inquiry (PI) in Bristol, the Daily Echo reported.

The company runs the Poolebased Cavendish Liner coach company and the sanction follows a series of criminal convictions in 2011.

DTC Fiona Harrington reduced the O-licence authorisation from 20 to 12 after hearing that its employees had been convicted for offences relating to their driving duties and records.

The PI was called after an investigation by VOSA and convictions of company’s drivers at East Dorset Magistrates’ Court in October 2011. Miss Harrington heard that VOSA prosecuted seven drivers for various offences relating to their driving duties, including insufficient rest, failing to enter tachograph details, failing to enter rest periods, taking insufficient rest, failure to deliver tachograph records, knowingly making a false record and exceeding hours.

The penalties for these

offenses ranged from conditional discharges to fines.

During the PI, a VOSA officer told Miss Harrington that the offences had arisen as a result of a failure in the company’s systems, rather than any deliberate abuse of the drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.

She also heard there had been a change in the company operating the vehicles between 2010 and 2011 to Cavendish Liners Ltd. Since O-licences are not transferable between businesses, Cavendish Liners had no authority to run the vehicles and the DTC concluded that the operator had failed to ensure there were proper arrangements in place.

It was noted that no issues had been reported at the company since. She also heard evidence from Cavendish, including that it now had a structured, extended system in place to analyse driver records and follow up infringements when they were identified.

It also said that all but one of the drivers prosecuted had now left the firm, as had the Transport Manager who worked

RO A D WATC H

for Cavendish at the time of the incidents.

As well as reducing the authorisation, Miss Harrington also added a requirement that drivers’ hours, tachographs and working time records be audited independently before reporting back to the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Ben Banks, the current Transport Manager at Cavendish Liner, said: “Cavendish Liner is now a very different company both operationally and in terms of personnel.

“We had an independent audit carried out on our tachographs and systems at the beginning of this year which showed we now have a very high level of compliance.

“We are more than satisfied and quite proud of our operational compliance and the systems which have been in place since the period in question.

“It is unfortunate that it has taken three years for the PI to be concluded.”

He also said that the firm’s licence was being reapplied for in the name of Cavendish Liner Ltd to operate 12 vehicles.

Edwards Coaches named as an inspiring small business Edwards Coaches has been included in the inaugural publication of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to lnspire Britain, a list of the 1,000 most inspiring small and mediumsized companies in the UK. To be selected for the list, companies had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings. The result is a list of companies which the stock exchange said is richer and more varied than ever identified in any other exercise of this type.

It demonstrates that the UK has a diverse economy with companies on the list representing over 100 sectors, from architecture and automotive, to venture capital and wine, and encouragingly from across every region of the UK. The exchange’s goal in producing the report is to highlight, to as www.coachandbusweek.com

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wide an audience as possible, the importance of SMEs to the future of the UK economy. Its research has shown that it is almost exclusively these companies which have generated new, net job creation in the UK since the financial crisis.

Xavier Rolet, CEO of London Stock Exchange Group, said: “More needs to be done to raise awareness of the importance of these businesses. More needs to be done to nurture, support and encourage these companies, many of which have the potential to be the blue chips of tomorrow. That support comes in many forms: from cutting red tape, to media promotion, to providing access to appropriate finance.

“We hope Edwards Coaches is pleased to be recognised in the report. The list is not exhaustive, but it shines a light on some of the UK’s most vibrant companies.

While the UK is not yet back to full fighting economic strength,

The publication focuses on companies which have demonstrated revenue growth and increases in employee numbers, workspace and contract wins Edwards Coaches and the other 999 featured in the report, are proof of all that the UK has to offer. On behalf of London Stock Exchange Group, I thank you for inspiring us.”

A searchable database can be found online at www.1000Companies.com

n OVERNIGHT RESURFACING will be carried out on the A303 westbound near Thruxton in Hampshire on December 5. Work takes place from 2200 until 0600hrs, with a contingency date of Friday, December 6. Road users will be diverted west on the A342 from Weyhill, then south on the A338 at Ludgershall before rejoining the A303 at Park House. n AN £800,000 PROJECT along the M602 in Greater Manchester starts next week.

It involves parts of both carriageways and slip roads between junction 1 at Eccles Interchange with the M62 and M60 and junction 3 at Regent Road roundabout at Salford.

Work starts on December 9, and should be completed by April 13. Work stops over the Christmas and new year period when the Highways Agency lifts roadworks. Work will also be postponed during major events such as concerts or football matches. All the work takes place between 2200 and 0500hrs – or 0700hrs on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Some overnight carriageway closures between junctions 2 and 3 of the motorway are required – up to a maximum of 15 nights per carriageway.

There are occasional overnight closures of slip roads at junctions 2 and 3 and the link roads from junction 1 with the M60. n THE M6 at junction 4 near Coleshill, Birmingham, is to be resurfaced from December 14.

The work will be carried out on a 1.2-mile section of the southbound carriageway over four nights. The M6 southbound will close at junction 4, together with junction 7a of the M42.

M6 southbound traffic will be diverted ‘up and over’ junction 4 while traffic from the M42 northbound wanting to join the M6 southbound will have a slightly longer diversion.

Vehicles will leave the M42 at junction 6 and travel along the A45 eastbound, A452 and A446 northbound to M6 junction 4 where it will take the third exit to join the southbound carriageway. Work takes place from 2130 to 0530hrs each night.

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 02/12/2013 18:27

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek

NEWS

More Arriva Buses Wales routes saved Two local authorities join forces with three bus operators to replace withdrawn routes in West Wales Two county councils have joined forces to save bus services between Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Cardiff and Synod Inn. When Arriva announced it was withdrawing its journeys on routes 20, 40, 40c and 50 there was an outcry from students and commuters because of difficulties the loss of service would mean.

Both Carmarthenshire and Caredigion councils have worked with Welsh Government and the Minister of Transport to find a solution resulting in contracts being awarded to Lewis Coaches of Llanrhystud, First Cymru and Richard Bros to provide replacement services until the end of June 2014.

Carmarthenshire Executive Board Member for Transport Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “We are grateful to Welsh Government and Minister for their financial contribution to enable these

New £20m HQ for First Glasgow Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, attended a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of First Glasgow’s new HQ at Gushetfaulds in Cathcart Road, in the south side of Glasgow.

Managing Director Fiona Kerr with three employees joined the MSP for Glasgow South in turning the first spit of soil.

First’s new depot will be the biggest facility of its kind in the UK, capable of accommodating up to 450 buses and 1200 employees – providing significant room for expansion above the 300 buses and 800 staff which will transer from the existing Larkfield site.

Construction is scheduled for completion in October next year, with the site fully operational in November.

Fiona Kerr said the company’s main priority was to increase passenger numbers on its services. She said: “We are working extremely hard to achieve that by making our services more attractive.”

In happier times (April 2008), an Arriva Buses Wales Optare Tempo is seen working in Aberystwyth/ Cardigan arrangements to be out in place.

We are hoping to work with the Welsh Government to develop a Traws Cymru service which will solidify these routes beyond June.”

Ceredigion Member for Transport Cllr Alun Williams in a joint statement said: “This has

Worcestershire & Wrexham consider cutting entire bus subsidy budget to make required savings With potential funding shortfalls in the near future, some councils are considering whether to continue providing bus subsidies at all.

Worcestershire County Council is consulting on potentially withdrawing its entire subsidised local bus budget of £3m.

The council needs to save £30m a year and has adopted a ‘proactive approach so that a considered plan can be drawn up of how to address this challenge.’

Worcestershire currently supports the provision of local bus services by financially subsidising routes which are not provided on a commercial basis by private operators. However, a proportion of the savings would need to be reinvested if a local bus is still required to transport entitled scholars to school. Alternatively, additional dedicated school transport contracts would have to be provided to meet the need for these scholars.

The £3m per annum supports 97 services and three million passenger journeys per annum.

The consultation aims to confirm the proposed reduction

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been a difficult time for the bus service users in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

“After a period of intense negotiation, I am delighted we can announce replacement services on both the 40 and 50 routes. While the 40 between Aberystwyth

and Carmarthen will be very similar to the current service, I am particularly pleased to announce that service 50 between Aberystwyth and Cardigan will now be a greatly enhanced through-service which will avoid the need to change at Synod Inn. We have also negotiated throughticketing between the different companies operating the 40, 40C and 50 services.

“We have taken the opportunity to work in co-operation with the existing 701 service to Cardiff rather than in competition and all services should benefit as a result.

“The 20 service is currently being covered by route 701 or by using the 40 and 40C services and connecting to the rail service at Carmarthen. Sunday services will be provided by the 701.

Cllr Williams added: “I am very grateful to all the local companies who tendered for the routes, to the council officers who have been working very hard behind the scenes and to the Welsh Government for its financial assistance.”

Wrexham (pictured) and Worcestershire have become the latest local authorities to consult on the withdrawal of almost their entire tendered local bus service network of £3m in relation to other service areas, identify passenger travel information (what services, frequency, purpose etc.) to determine what the passenger transport requirements for the county are, identify the impacts of service reductions on customers, ascertain if bus fares should increase (and by how much) to help reduce the subsidies required

and take note of any further comments. The consultation closes on January 17, 2014.

Meanwhile, Wrexham Council is also considering similar cuts, facing a £13m shortfall to provide its services in 2014, which could grow to £45m over the next five years. It has estimated that the subsidy withdrawal could save £495,000. www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

Volvo order to supply 180 buses to Brisbane Three-year agreement will include the supply of a new hybrid diesel-electric model AUSTRALIA Volvo Bus Australia has recently been awarded a threeyear arrangement to supply at least 180 chassis to Brisbane City Council, including the trial of a new hybrid diesel-electric model. The council currently has a contract with Volgren, which will build the bus bodies on chassis supplied by Volvo.

With close to 80 million passenger movements annually, across 235 bus routes, Brisbane City Council is a major provider of public transport services.

Volvo has been supplying chassis to Brisbane City Council for the past five years and in 2011, the Council won the inaugural Lung Foundation Green Leaf Award for its introduction of the Volvo B7RLE ‘enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle.’

“We expect to deliver a hybrid bus for trial during 2014,” said Volvo’s National Contracts Manager Ian Clarke. “The hybrids have recently been trialled in metropolitan Perth – with promising results – and we’re looking forward to seeing them in service in Brisbane.”

Under the new arrangement, the Brisbane City Council has committed to purchasing more of

Volvo Bus Australia has been supplying chassis to Brisbane City Council for the past five years the B7RLEs in the first year. Public and Active Transport Chairman Peter Matic said Volvo was awarded the new arrangement because of the combination of its offering and the value for money it represented in the offer. He said: “Volvo provided the most competitive tender submission and its response met Council’s tender requirements in the key areas. In previous business relationships, Volvo has demonstrated a proven reliable product, with excellent

Largest fuel cell fleet at risk CANADA The future of Whistler’s hydrogen fuel cell buses, the largest fleet in the world, is in doubt. BC Transit said it cannot afford to continue to run and maintain the fleet when the $89-million demonstration program concludes next spring.

According to local press reports, information obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request by the Canadian Autoworkers’ Union 333, suggests Whistler’s 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses cost three times more for maintenance and fuel costs than the conventional Nova diesel

buses they replaced in 2009.

BC Transit deployed the hydrogen bus fleet in 2009 to showcase fuel cell technology during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and have a “hydrogen highway” stretching from Whistler to California. It never happened - hydrogen is now trucked from Quebec every 10 days and the hoped-for fuelling station in British Colombia never materialised. Much-hyped plans for growth in the fuel cell market, which would have pushed down the costs for infrastructure and parts, also didn’t materialise,

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customer service and product support.”

Volvo’s Ian Clarke said a complete offering incorporating wholeof-life product costs, service and support was developed for the Council. “We’ve worked well with Brisbane City Council over the past five years, including supplying over 300 buses for use across Council’s vast network.

One of the things we’ve focused on for Brisbane City Council is providing in-depth training which means BC Transit is paying a higher price for maintenance and labour for hydrogen buses compared with the diesel buses.

Costing $2.1 million each, around four times the price of a diesel bus, the fuel cell buses are powered by hydrogen fuel cells from Ballard Power Systems.

They produce no greenhouse gas emissions and can be twice as energy-efficient as conventional buses. Eight hydrogen tanks hold in total about 60 kilograms of hydrogen, on which the bus should be able to travel 500 kilometres.

However, a midterm evaluation included in the FOI information

for new products and service support for Council’s drivers and technicians. If different bus models are moving between depots, we conduct initial familiarisation training, and we also offer courses throughout the year on specific aspects of operation and servicing, like electrical components, air conditioning or brakes.”

Under the new agreement, Brisbane City Council will purchase at least 60 new Volvo Buses per year over the next three years. suggests the average fuel range is below the amount specified in the contract and worse during winter months, when water in the fuel cells can freeze and prevent the buses from starting or running efficiently. It notes hydrogen fuel costs, at an average $2.28/km, are three times the cost of diesel, while maintenance costs $1 per kilometre, compared with 65 cents/km for diesel buses.

The hydrogen fleet accounts for two-thirds of all buses in the resort. Whistler and BC Transit, which is responsible for transit systems outside Vancouver, share the fleet’s operating costs. The province pays $1.8m annually. www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 16:57

MyCiti network expansion planned SOUTH AFRICA The City of Cape Town has confirmed that construction work on a MyCiTi station and bus stops in Mitchells Plain will commence in January.

The N2 Express Service aims to expand MyCiTi to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. Officials are currently inviting tenders from local construction companies. Work is to be completed by July 1 and services should begin operation late next year.

Earlier this month, a number of new routes were launched in Melkbosstrand, Sea Point, Oranjezicht and Vredehoek.

Camps Bay station was due to open at the end of November.

Saskatoon introduces Nova LFX artics to its fleet

CANADA Saskatoon Transit has added two Nova LFX Artic buses to its fleet. Delivered in late October, they primarily serve two of the city’s main transit hubs – the University of Saskatchewan and the downtown core.

“Our buses have been in service in Saskatoon since 2010,” said JeanPierre Baracat, President of Nova Bus. “This new order represents an excellent opportunity to enhance our existing partnership and to continue to support Saskatoon in delivering great service.”

Director of Transit for the City of Saskatoon, Bob Howe, praised the quality and driveability of Nova Bus vehicles: “Saskatoon is very excited to be adding these two Nova Bus articulated buses to its fleet. With our harsh winter conditions, our operators

Scania to supply Australia’s first Euro 6 bus fleet order

ACTION is buying Scania artics to complement Scania rigids and CNG buses AUSTRALIA The government of the Australian Capital Territory has selected Scania to supply a fleet of 77 Euro 6 city buses. Australian Capital Territory Internal Omnibus Network (ACTION), is the first Australian bus fleet operator to adopt Euro 6 technology.

“ACTION has decided to take the lead in the introduction of Euro 6 emission technology to bus fleets in Australia,” says Trevor O’Brien, National Bus Manager, Scania Australia. “The Australian Federal Government is yet to announce a date for the introduction of Euro 6 emission standards, underlining the progressive action of the ACT operator.”

The first deliveries for the fleet of 77, two-axle city buses with 9.0-lite engines will take place during the first half of 2014. ACTION has just completed a delivery

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programme for 33 new articulated Scania buses complementing the 26 Scania 14.5-metre buses and 54 Scania CNG buses in the fleet.

The 12.5-metre citybuses will be fitted with Australian-designed bodies constructed by Custom, a bus bodybuilder. owned by Alexander Dennis. They will seat 48 passengers with 18 standees.

“The buses are clean, fuelefficient, and most noticeably, they produce minimal harmful pollutants. They’ll help keep Canberra’s air clean and reduce pollution,” said Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Territory and Municipal Services. “ACTION will be the first city bus operator in Australia to use these improved, greener buses. It’s a small part of making Canberra a leader in both environmental and health outcomes.”

really appreciate the stability and handling of these vehicles during instances of challenging road conditions and chilly temperatures.”

Saskatoon’s LFX buses are built on a proven platform which combines a distinctive look with reliability and high performance.

They are equipped with Nova eCooling, a smart engine cooling system which provides significant fuel savings and enhances serviceability. They also feature comfortable seating and a sleek design, including distinctive roof lines, flush windows and large capacity doors.

The Nova LFX aims to boost safety for drivers and riders.

Test results show it surpasses the industry’s crashworthiness requirements. The vehicle’s

structure is designed to create a protective cell for the driver. It is also equipped with strong stainless steel side-impact barriers to increase safety for passengers.

Nova Bus claims to be the only manufacturer to include streetlevel structural reinforcement at the rear of its vehicles. Not only does it protect the vehicle’s powertrain, but it also prevents costly repairs to expensive bus components located at the rear.

Other standard equipment on the Nova LFX includes balanced all-wheel disc brakes, to minimize stopping distance, and a single windshield, for optimal visibility.

The LFX model is offered with Cummins engines and with conventional or hybrid drivelines.

Its bodywork and BRT-styling differ from the LFS model.

COLCAR success with Allisonequipped Mercedes artic ARGENTINA Allison Transmission has successfully deployed a fully automatic urban bus prototype in Santa Fé. The Mercedes Benz 1725, manufactured by COLCAR is a front-engine articulated bus with a raised floor and fitted with an Allison T270R Torqmatic Series transmission with retarder.

“We have been using an Argentine-made front-engine articulated bus for five years now, but it had a manual transmission,” explained COLCAR Service Manager Daniel Dobrilovich. “While vehicle performance is satisfactory with the manual, one major issue is excessive use of the rear wheel brakes and the problems that come from having to replace such an important component every two and half months, on average.”

Dobrilovich said it was for these very reasons the company decided to work on a front-engine articulated bus with an Allison automatic transmission – the Mercedes Benz bus with Metalpar chassis and air suspension has been transporting up to 200 passengers at a time with great success.

According to the Service Manager: “The automatic bus

with raised floors is working incredibly well - with optimal performance so far. The automatic transmission offers significant advantages versus its manual rival, especially the ease with which these vehicles can be manoeuvred and the limited required maintenance. People used to think that these vehicles consumed more fuel but, the reality is, automatics consume the same amount as manuals.”

Another key advantage of the Allison-equipped bus is the absence of problems normally associated with a manual transmission such as clutch wear. Then there are the added benefits of an automatic such as a retarder, which means more precise stopping and extended brake life. Dobrilovich explained: “As drivers approach a stop, they only have to touch the brakes and the automatic gear box helps stop the vehicle. As a result, barely any maintenance is needed.”

COLCAR claims to be the leading Mercedes-Benz bus sales company within Argentina.

It offers first-class after-sales support, covering all-hour daily vehicle maintenance. It has mobile support vehicles to help maintain buses anywhere in Argentina any time of the day or night.

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13 02/12/2013 16:57

NEWS › REGIONAL SOUTH WEST MORE THAN 400 bus stops in the Bath area are being improved.

Shelters on routes in and out of the city centre will be replaced, with real-time information installed at 170 stops.

Kerbs at 420 stops are being raised to make it easier for passengers to get on and off. Bath and North East Somerset Council has already installed the new kerbs at 170 stops, with work on replacing shelters with ones of a new design happening next year.

The authority is also planning to install new shelters at some stops currently without them.

The real-time information panels will react to transponders on buses, which transmit their location, providing up-to-date arrival times. Passengers can access this information via the internet and smartphones.

Bath and North-East Somerset Councillor Caroline Roberts said: “The travelling public in Bath deserve modern bus stops, which make buses accessible to everyone.

The council’s introduction of technology on these routes will result in people being able to plan their journey better using real-time information and the new shelters will also make waiting for a bus more comfortable, particularly when the weather is awful.

“Because of the large number of stops we are improving, we are undertaking the kerb works and preparing sites for the shelters first. The overhaul of so many individually designed stops can’t be done in one go.”

Improvements to existing key bus routes are part of the £27m package, which has also expanded park and ride facilities around the city. All city centre bus routes, along with the park and ride routes will benefit from the improvements, which aim to reduce congestion.

STAGECOACH SOUTH WEST will be operating Boxing Day bus services on certain routes across Exeter this year.

The last trips on all of these services will run around 1730hrs.

Michael Watson, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “This is the first year we’ll be running Boxing Day buses.

For many people, the sales have become an essential part of the Christmas calendar so I believe the timing is right to see if the demand is there. Plus, given the ever increasing costs of motoring, the

KEY

MIDLANDS

bus offers not only a greener – but also more economical alternative to driving into the city centre.”

An adult return on the Red Park & Ride is £2.30 or, for £5.70, up to five people can travel on a group return. For customers using the city routes an Exeter Dayrider is only £3.60 and for customers using service 50 an adult return from Crediton is £4.90. During the school holidays £1 child ‘add on’ tickets are available – up to three children can be ‘added on’ per full fare paying adult.

As well as the Boxing Day buses Stagecoach will operate every day across the holiday period, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and with early finishes from around 2000hrs on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Weekend or school holiday timetables may also be in operation, so passengers are advised to check before travelling.

NORTH

STAGECOACH has cut the price of its Barrow Dayrider ticket.

The special promotion will see the ticket reduced from £3.20 to £2.80 for a day’s travel throughout Barrow, valid on services 1 through 5 and with boundaries at Park Road Roundabout on service 7 and Abbey House Hotel on service 6/ X6.

Nigel Winter, Managing Director of Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire said: “We recognise that the festive period can be stressful and we would encourage the people of Barrow to leave the

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Yorkshire said: “Over the last 18 months we have invested heavily in improving our service delivery standards with new vehicles and the transformation of our business across the region.

“We have more to do, but the feedback from customers confirms we are making good progress.”

James Lewis, Chairman of West Yorkshire public transport body Metro, said: “Feedback from public transport users regularly tells us that in addition to reliability and punctuality, passengers rate value for money, customer service and comfort highly.”

SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST

car at home and use the bus to get into town for their Christmas shopping this year.

“For just £2.80 you can travel on our buses all day and not have to worry about traffic, finding a parking space or the costs of petrol. We also appreciate that it can be an expensive time of year so we have decided to reduce the cost of travel throughout December, January and February to lessen the burden on the finances of all.”

FIRST carried an extra 100,000 passengers a week in West Yorkshire this year compared with 2012.

The operator has reported a 5% rise in passenger numbers in the region.

The company said a range of service improvements in Huddersfield, Halifax, Leeds and Bradford over the past 12 months had lifted customer satisfaction levels and attracted more people onto its buses. The improvements include more journeys on time, lower fares and investment in new buses.

First said reliability had improved by closely managing services using the latest GPS vehicle tracking technology and introducing timetable improvements – leading to over 94% of journeys starting on time.

And the firm has introduced more than 100 buses in the last 12 months – a £25m investment which has also seen WiFi made available on several routes.

Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First in West

A NEW FREE bus travel scheme has been launched for jobseekers in North East Lincolnshire.

The initiative launched by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Job Centre Plus and Stagecoach provides four weeks’ free bus travel to those who receive an offer of employment but struggle to initially cover the costs of getting to and from their new job.

To be eligible for the Next Stop Employment bus voucher scheme, applicants must have been in receipt of benefits for more than one month, be over 18-years-old, be entering paid employment and live in North East Lincolnshire.

Those who qualify will receive an allocation of vouchers valid for 28 days worth of bus travel on Stagecoach buses in the area.

The ticket, which applies for the first four weeks of employment only, is the latest scheme to be launched through the Green Transport project. The initiative, which was awarded £4.3m from the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), will see the town centre of Grimsby transformed in a bid to improve transport links.

David Atkin, Transport Officer for Balfour Beatty, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is the first of a set of measures we are planning as part of the LSTF. “This scheme will really help the newly employed cover their first pay cheque.

“A lot of employers pay their wages at the end of the month so for people coming off the benefit system it can be tough to budget for transport costs to get them to work.”

Cllr Ray Oxby added: “The council is very pleased to offer their support for the newly employed in partnership with Stagecoach and www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 15:54

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek the Job Centre Plus.

“We want to help make it as easy as possible for people to move into work.”

CRADLEY HEATH bus interchange is in line for a £1.9m renovation.

The overhaul is part of a wider £10m scheme to improve bus services in the area. A planned £3m bus station at Merry Hill shopping centre has been shelved as it would have been too expensive to build.

Transport authority Centro is to meet Sandwell Council, bus operators and architects before the work begins. It is expected to start in the spring and be finished around Christmas 2014. The authority has already confirmed it is hoping to see a two-way system

for buses, improved shelters, enhanced information and signage, and a safer road system.

Improvements are also planned for the nearby junction of Forge Lane and High Street and the pedestrian crossings outside the interchange.

The wider scheme is being part funded by local sources, while £5m was awarded by the Government’s Better Bus Area fund.

Mark Langford, Media Officer at Centro, said: “When we first won the funding the dream scenario was to do this at Merry Hill, but we realised it wasn’t going to be feasible with the available funding.

“So we looked into what else we could do and identified that the bus interchange was a good fall back for us to pursue and develop.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Lothian Buses hosts the 2014 ALBUM conference at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh from May 12-14

2013 n December 7 Ensignbus Christmas Vintage Bus Running Day on routes X55 and X81.

Call 01708 86 56 56. Visit www.

ensignbus.com

2014 n January 1 Friends of King Alfred Bus Running Day. Winchester.

Free bus rides & transport enthusiasts bazaar.

FOR THE THREE SATURDAYS prior to Christmas (December 7, 14 and 21) Santa is leaving his sleigh behind so he can sit back and let Stagecoach take care of the driving.

From 1000 to 1600hrs each Saturday, Santa will be travelling between Plymouth and Ivybridge on the company’s Gold bus service. He’ll be accompanied by one of his trusty elves to help carry a sack of chocolate gold coins he has to give away. Santa is also on hand to listen to the Christmas wishes of customers both young and old.

Michael Watson, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, commented “I’m delighted Santa has decided to give Gold a go. Parking a sleigh in Plymouth on a Saturday can’t be easy so I hope he’ll find travelling on our luxury bus service a relaxing alternative.”

Santa added: “I’ve got a lot of driving ahead of me before I can hang my boots up for another year so I’m always happy to give someone else a chance to do all the hard work. While I’m not a regular on public transport I’ve wanted to try one of these new Gold buses – they’re a bit less drafty than my ‘open top’ sleigh and the free WiFi means I can catch up on emails from my elves.”

As Christmas is a time of giving, there will also be an opportunity for passengers to make a small donation to local Ivybridge charity, the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, who has been enriching the lives of children and young people with disabilities for over 200 years.

Emily Severn, fundraising manager for the Trust, said: “Our mission at the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust is to enrich, empower and enable the lives of children and adults with disabilities. We simply couldn’t provide this invaluable service without the support and generosity of the local community, so our thanks to Santa (and Stagecoach) for thinking of our very special cause with this festive fundraiser.” www.coachandbusweek.com

014_015_CBW1114_Regional News.indd 15

n April 5 South East Bus Festival.

Kent Showground, Maidstone. www. facebook.com/southeastbusfestival n April 10 UK Coach Awards.

Mercure Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester. www.ukcoachawards.co.uk n April 29-May 1 The Commercial Vehicle Show NEC, Birmingham.

01634 261262 www.cvshow.com

www.fokab.org.uk

n May 10-11 UK Coach Rally.

Alton Towers. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk

n January 1 Oxford Bus Museum New Years Day & free vintage bus rides. 01993 861 617. www. oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

n May 12-14 ALBUM Conference.

Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. www.album-bus.co.uk

n January 23 CPT Annual Dinner.

The Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London. 020 7240 3131.

www.cpt-uk.org

n January 25 Excursions 2014 Alexandra Palace, London www.excursions.org.uk n February 1, 2014 LTCOA Dinner Dance The Royal Garden Hotel, Knightsbridge. Call Sue Reynolds on 07932 158999 or email ltcoa@btinternet.com n March 4–7 QV Associates’ course Introduction to Bus & Crew Scheduling. Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-associates.com/

qvcourses.htm

n March 19-20 Young Bus Managers Network Conference.

Reading. www.youngbusmanagers. org.uk n March 25–28 QV Associates’ course Route & Timetable Planning Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-

associates.com/qvcourses.htm

n July 6-7 North Norfolk Railway Bus Rally. Heritage bus service both days, transport Festival on Sunday. Email bus@johnrstewart. co.uk for an entry form. n July 12–13 Routemaster 60.

Finsbury Park, London. Organised by the Routemaster Association, the event will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of RM1. www.routemaster.org.uk n July 20 Alton Bus Rally.

Anstey Park, Alton, Hants. www. altonbusrally.org.uk n September 10-11 Low Carbon Vehicle Event, Millbrook, Bedfordshire. 01509 635 750. www. cenex-lcv.co.uk n September 21 Showbus 2014.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford. www.showbus.com n September 25 - October 2 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show.

Hannover, Germany. www.iaa.de

Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15 02/12/2013 15:54

MANUFACTURER › WRIGHTBUS

Wrightbus: W Streets ahead Ballymena-based Wrightbus is the first of the UK bus manufacturers to unveil its Euro 6 line up. As Andy Izatt reports, it has thought long and hard about what’s important to operators and is delivering solutions

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rightbus has a mission to shape the future of public transport, become the first choice of customers in a global market and foster longterm relationships with strategic suppliers – to make a difference to people’s lives, explained Group Managing Director Mark Nodder at the launch of the Northern Ireland manufacturer’s Euro 6 product offering. Style, versatility and fuel efficiency are key elements of the range of complete vehicles that were unveiled.

Faced with a recession hit domestic market in decline, Wright’s came out fighting. It secured significant export orders to keep production lines busy, brought outsourced work in-house to help keep its people in jobs, introduced a programme of complete vehicle development that puts it much more in control of its own future and is now pursuing an aggressive export strategy that will likely make the Wright name familiar in many more countries around the world.

Group turnover increased from £157m in 2011-12 to £166m in the last financial year.

It’s expected to top £220m in 2013-14. Around www.coachandbusweek.com

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Ready for Euro 6, Wrightbus is making best use of the latest technologies

1,800 people are now employed and production is expected to reach 1,100 buses with CKD (Completely Knocked Down) output at 300.

The 114,000 square foot EN-Drive facility, the new Wrightbus chassis factory in Antrim opened in May. It’s currently building StreetLite and New Bus for London (NBfL) on two lines.

The site could accommodate eight lines and operate on three shifts a day. More than 70% of 2013-14 production is expected to be complete Wrightbus vehicles so chassis output will reflect that. Like other Group businesses, EN-Drive is standalone with a remit to attract outside custom whether it’s for Wrightbus chassis or assembling third party product. It will supply chassis to the related Nu-Track business.

With Wrightbus now primarily a complete vehicle builder, two other divisions, Composites and Metallix play an increasingly key role.

Composites, established eight years ago and supplying materials for NBfL, now has an £8m turnover while Metallix, founded two years ago, feeds EN-Drive. Its fabrication skills include laser cutting, precision folding, welding and surface finishing.

Of 10,000 Wrightbus bodies in service with www.coachandbusweek.com

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operators, 2,700 are still under warranty.

The Mobile Service Engineer (MSE) network is to grow by 50% in 2014 as the demands placed on the Customcare aftermarket support service grows, not least as the NBfL fleet grows.

Thirteen of the existing network of 24 MSEs are London-based, where there is also a repair centre in Wembley handling work that cannot be undertaken in situ. A second London facility is planned.

The current call referral service is to be replaced by “end to end, track and trace” 24-hours a day. It will initially run as a pilot in the Northern and South Western regions in the first quarter of 2014 with a view to a full national roll out in June. Real-time performance and fault analysis will be included as well as web-based reporting, digital voice recording and enhanced management information and KPI measurement/tracking.

Fast moving parts dispatch continues to be handled by DHL at Halewood on Merseyside and from Customcare in Wembley. Next day delivery from Halewood is standard with same day or a 1000hrs next day premium service available. Free issue parts to a customer’s depot are available through Customcare Parts Assurance and where a Repair and Maintenance (R&M) contract is operating.

“We will also see growth in products such a extended warranties, service contracts, full R&M contracts and even contract hire, as customers increasingly look at ways to minimise risk and fix the costs of their operations according to their individual circumstances,” said Business Development Director Robert Drewery.

“We have reshaped our domestic business in recent years to meet the challenges of changing demand in UK and European markets, the continued regulatory pressure from the EU and the increasing competition from emerging Asian and Indian manufacturers,” said Mark.

“With our driven approach to world-class manufacturing and material cost reduction, together with the strategic steps that we have made to take advantage of growth opportunities in key international markets, we are in a truly excellent position to achieve our mission of shaping the future of public transport.”

Euro 6 with street credibility

StreetDeck is Wright’s Euro 6 ‘complete vehicle’ double-decker. Powered by a 5.1-litre Daimler OM934 engine rated at 230bhp and delivering maximum torque of 900Nm at 1,400rpm, it uses many of the technologies and materials developed for the New Bus for London (NBfL).

Axles, suspension, brakes, steering mechanism and steering box are the same, as is the longitudinal driveline layout. That has been turned around 180 degrees and mounted on a demountable ‘skid’ – a concept originally developed for StreetLite to give better access for servicing and maintenance. Perhaps unusual for a Euro 6 installation, there is no shortage of space around components.

The objective has been to use smaller engines that work harder and combining that with a low temperature SCR catalyst with active thermal management and a robust strategy to regenerate the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).

The Daimler engine, new for Euro 6 and

chosen for its performance, is only 800mm long and weighs 495kgs. It has five-stage fuel injection at 2,400 bar and a 17.5:1 compression ratio. A two-stage turbo charger is designed to give excellent low speed torque. AdBlue consumption is 2 to 2.5% while service life is expected to be extended by 20% with oil changes every 60,000 miles. Auxiliary power consumption is reduced by having separate coolant and charge air radiators with electric speed cooling fans.

Voith D854.6 four-speed automatic transmission that acts like a five-speed or a ZF 6AP1000B six-speed are options, both with integral retarders. Front axle is the 53 degree lock angle ZF RL75 EC with independent suspension. At the rear is a ZF AV132 drop centre axle with four air springs and telescopic dampers.

With an unladen weight below 11,000kg, a length of 10.469m, width of 2.52m and height of 4.395m, StreetDeck has an overall passenger capacity of 99 to Transport for London specification. That’s 73 seated and 26 standees.

The Aluminique body structure has revised softer exterior styling that is an evolution of the Gemini 2.

Smaller upper deck windows reduce solar gain and mean 3mm rather than 4mm thick glass is used. The driver’s cab has been redesigned, including the deletion of an offside ‘B’ pillar for better visibility. Ventilation and demisting has also been improved. The saloon has redesigned heating ducts. Apart from main and dipped beam, LED lights are used throughout.

StreetDeck fuel efficiency is expected to be 10% better than Euro 5 equivalents. A full hybrid electric version is a potential option for the future.

As the Gemini 3, the same StreetDeck body is also available on the Euro 6 diesel-powered Volvo B5TL and B5LH hybrid underlining a continuing long term relationship with Volvo.

Both manufacturers have worked closely to achieve a gross weight saving of around a metric tonne compared to the Gemini 2-bodied B9TL allowing 10 more passengers to be carried.

Part of that weight saving is achieved by a smaller Volvo engine, the 5.1-lite D5K rated at 240bhp and with maximum torque of 918Nm at 1,200-1,600rpm matched to adapted ZF EcoLife transmission. A new design of

The flywheel hybrid technology Wright’s is using could deliver 15%-20% fuel savings in StreetLite December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17 02/12/2013 18:57

MANUFACTURER › WRIGHTBUS encapsulation with noise absorption material reduces noise emissions.

Wrightbus will also be bodying the Euro 6 Volvo B8RLE single-decker and SB200 – underlining another longstanding relationship that continues with VDL – although, understandably, it’s keen to promote the virtues of its own in-house product, the lightweight StreetLite available in lengths from 8.8m to 11.5m. VDL is selling a bespoke left-hand drive StreetLite range in Europe as the Citea MLE. Launched at Busworld, Kortrijk, an order for two has already been taken.

At Euro 6, StreetLite is available with either a Cummins or a Daimler engine. The 4.5-litre Cummins ISB engine, developed from the lightweight 3.8L ISF, is 800mm long and uses a combination of EGR and SCR. It’s rated at 160bhp, 185bhp and 207bhp, and at 395kg is 50kg lighter than its Euro 5 predecessor although is similar in size, shape and mounting arrangement. The 5.1-litre Daimler OM934 is available at 175bhp or 208bhp. Gearbox is the Voith DIWA.6 four-speed.

Making fuel saving a priority

Wrightbus Engineering Director Brian Maybin explained why fuel efficiency has become so important to operators. “Since 2007 we have seen an ever increasing oil price, combined with a reduction in Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), increasing the effective cost per litre fuel price by somewhere in the region of 10% per annum,” he said. “If that continues, operators could be paying around £1.20 per litre of diesel by mid-2016.

“This means that a typical double-deck bus, with an annual mileage of 60,000 miles and a fuel consumption of 5mpg could be consuming over £1m worth of fuel over a 15 year life.

That’s a huge cost and explains why seeking fuel efficiencies on behalf of our customers has been our number one priority over recent years.

“Euro 6 engine technology is just one aspect of our on-going focus on fuel efficiency. The deployment of lightweight materials – such as composites, adoption of the latest gearbox technology, the development of hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles as well as Micro Hybrid and Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology all have roles to play, dependent upon the size of vehicle and type of application.”

Wrightbus developed a hybrid driveline modelling and simulation tool with the help of Queen’s University, Belfast in 2010 and has used it successfully to refine the firm’s third generation HEV driveline for the New Bus for London (NBfL). Taking the emissions from a Euro 5 Gemini 2DL as 100% benchmark, the resulting component optimisation has seen CO reduced to 3%, HC 0%, NOx 26%, PM 23% and CO2 53%.

A diesel driveline modelling and simulation tool is close to completion.

Over the past five years FirstGroup has developed a consistent and representative drive cycle at Millbrook Proving Ground which Wrightbus is also using. To comply with the drive cycle vehicles need to be able to reach 60mph and tackle a 21% gradient with ease.

On average, a one tonne reduction in vehicle weight will lead to an 8% improvement in fuel 18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 016_020_CBW1116_Wrightbus.indd 18

Wrightbus: Building international business Wright Group Managing Director Mark Nodder underlined the imperative to Wrightbus of developing export business with a clear target that 50% of turnover should be generated from beyond the UK within five years.

Wrightbus International headed by Damian McGarry was set up as a separate business unit in August 2012 and already has offices in Singapore and Hong Kong. Business Development Director is Steve Harper who worked for Mitsubishi Materials in Japan and Singapore before working for Powerscreen, McCormick Macnaughton and The McAvoy Group.

Agreement has been reached with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) to collaborate on a range of single-deck vehicles with Wrightbus-designed Aluminique-framed bodies that will be manufactured in Chennai for the Indian market. First prototypes are expected within the next 12 months.

Indigenised materials will be sourced in India.

The Guangtong Automobile Company (GT Bus) in Zhuhai, China will start to assemble the first of 60 bodies on Euro 5 tri-axle Volvo B9TL for KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus) early next year. GT Bus is doing the same in a separate factory for Alexander Dennis.

Other opportunities have been identified in the Middle and Far East. South America represents another prospect and a close eye is being kept on North America, a market with which Wright’s is already familiar. It’s not just about complete vehicle building. Wrightbus is using its growing contacts globally to build supply chains that can benefit its domestic business as well as those it’s involved with abroad.

NBfL’s participation in the GREAT Britain campaign (see the Big Picture in this issue) is helping to raise the profile of the Northern Ireland manufacturer around the world and the opportunity is being taken to talk to potential build partners as well as customers.

“We are building on a well-established track record in Asia, where we already have more than 1,000 vehicles in operation in Singapore and Hong Kong,” said Mark. “Opportunities in both cities are continuing to grow. Our work with Volvo in Singapore and Hong Kong, DICV and Guangtong Bus in China illustrates Wrightbus International’s strategy of growth through the development of key partnerships that deliver innovation to meet regional requirements.”

StreetDeck, the Wrightbus Euro 6 complete decker, will be powered by a Daimler OM934 engine

consumption, explained Brian. The eight-tonne 11.5m StreetLite Max, for example, can deliver a 21% fuel saving compared to a 10.6-tonne single-decker.

Weight reduction can be achieved through a reduction in the conventional materials used and through alterative lightweight materials although they can be more expensive, as was the case with composites used for the rear section of the NBfL. Wrightbus is currently involved in three Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre R & D projects to develop structural composites for bus applications, but Brian said that a complete composite bus was probably still a decade away.

Under evaluation is the Daimler G90 six-speed

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). On the face of it, an unusual choice for city bus applications, but its trial follows the successful testing of another AMT in StreetLite. The G90 is more sophisticated and durable than its G85 predecessor, but if adopted, will only be available with the Daimler engine.

Fresh hybrid thinking

Wrightbus’ Micro Hybrid developed for Euro 5 StreetLite stores braking energy that’s used to power pneumatics, the electrical system and optimise the electric radiator fan as well as the electric CAC fan – ancillaries that would otherwise draw power from the engine. Priced between £6,000-9,000,

www.coachandbusweek.com

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MANUFACTURER › WRIGHTBUS

EN-Drive, opened in May, is currently building StreetLite and NBfL chassis on two lines. The factory has space for eight lines and could build with three shifts

Training with the induction power transfer StreetLite EVs has started. Arup the technology is largely controlled through improved software minimising complexity.

The energy storage systems, batteries and compressed air tanks, are unchanged and vehicle weight is unaffected.

StreetLite fitted with a Micro Hybrid system qualifies for Low Carbon Emission Bus (LCEB) certification so operators are able to claim an additional fuel subsidy of 6p per km in England and 14p per km in Scotland under current legislation. It’s also Green Bus Fund compliant.

“In the LCEB testing programme, an 11.5m StreetLite Max fitted with Micro Hybrid technology shaved a further 10% of fuel consumption,” said Brian. “This was on top of the class-leading fuel efficiency figures already delivered by the ‘conventional’ StreetLite. With exceptionally low CO2 emissions (711 gms per km tank to wheel), this equates to a potential environmental saving of 155 tonnes over 15 years compared to its nearest rival. This is all from a vehicle that has passenger capacity of 70, with 45 seated.”

Version 1 of Micro Hybrid will be integrated into StreetDeck. Version 2 is expected in early 2015.

Wrightbus has also introducing ‘Mild Hybrid’ technology, a low cost, 250kg, mechanical 20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 016_020_CBW1116_Wrightbus.indd 20

The Gemini 3 looks quite different at the rear compared to a Gemini 2

kinetic energy recovery system suitable for StreetLite – a flywheel hybrid that costs £22,000 and delivers 15%- 20% fuel savings. It can be installed alongside Micro Hybrid, both of which can be retrofitted.

A carbon fibre KERS flywheel spins in a vacuum at 40,000rpm – 2,000mph, but is encased in friction material and a safe aluminium housing. It will shut down if there is any wobble. The aim is that the engine/gearbox management system won’t be aware of the flywheel installation and it can be shut off at any time without affecting the vehicle’s driveability.

Apart from a midlife service undertaken by manufacturer or its agent, it’s maintenance free.

The project has been funded by the Technology Strategy Board and partners include Flybrid Automotive, Voith Turbo, Productiv and Arriva. Testing is on-going at Flybrid’s Silverstone facility and a bus will have an installation shortly. The first 25 production units are expected to be available to customers from late 2014.

Extending the range of electric The electric version of StreetLite is StreetLite EV, which has 150kWh of Lithium batteries.

Tested on a SORT2 drive cycle it has a 76-mile

range before the state of charge reaches 30%.

The first eight StreetLite EVs with induction power transfer are set to go into service with Arriva in Milton Keynes early in the New Year.

Primary charging is at each end of the 14.4-mile route with a top up available at midpoint. A 12-minute charge gives 54 minutes of driving and transfer efficiency is 95%. A two to threehour top up charge and battery balancing takes place at night.

The buses will operate from 0700hrs to 2300hrs on service 7 between Wolverton and Bletchley, covering 56,000 miles annually. The project is being led by eFleet Integrated Service, an enabling company set up by Mitsui & Co Europe and Arup.

Class leading options

Wrightbus believes it’s offering the product line up that operators’ will want to buy. Brian said that in NBfL, Wrightbus is offering the most efficient hybrid double-decker available.

StreetLite Micro Hybrid is the most efficient low cost hybrid single-deck bus while the new StreetDeck is likely to be the most efficient diesel double-decker. “We have lots of other fuel saving technologies in the pipeline over the next two years,” he added. n www.coachandbusweek.com

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www.primeps.com December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

NEWS FOCUS › DRIVER CPC RESPONSE

Government responds to European Commission Driver CPC assessment Calls are made for greater clarity, flexibility and quality control, with changes to exemptions The UK government has submitted its response to the European Commission’s assessment of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC).

The Commission issued a ‘call for evidence’ of the impact and effectiveness of DCPC, which closed in October. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) encouraged people to have their say by taking part in an online survey. The DSA and DfT also sought feedback from key DPC industry stakeholders.

All feedback was taken into account by the UK government when they put together their response.

DSA Questionnaire

On September 4, 2013, DSA published a questionnaire seeking

views on the Commission’s areas of assessment.

The survey received 1,318 responses, though only 549 of them – around 42% - completed it in full. Responses were received from a number of organisations, including the Freight Transport Association (FTA), National Farmers Union, Nottingham City Transport and trent barton.

Those who responded worked in the following industries: Approved Driving Instructor (ADI): 21, coach and bus: 139, construction: 45, cycling: 1, farming: 17, forces/emergency services: 8, local government: 30, road haulage: 388, training provider: 197, vehicle recovery: 9, and other: 84.

Of those who answered the question about whether their organisation employs large vehicle drivers who drive in other European Member States, 24% answered yes.

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Question 6 - Do you think the establishment of a common framework for the training and the testing, further harmonisation of the content of the training and the setting of common requirements for training centres and instructors could further contribute to the objectives of the Directive?

In total, 813 respondents expressed an opinion. 68.7% answered in favour of further harmonising of training and testing.

Most of the industries represented were in favour of further harmonisation. There was particularly strong support from the bus and coach industry (70% in favour), the road haulage industry (65%) and training providers (77%), with representatives of local governments also strongly in favour.

General themes expressed in

comments in favour were that standardisation ‘would work to ensure equality of drivers across the board from all nations’ and ‘ensure that all drivers are being trained to the same standards to improve road safety.’

Those who said no to harmonisation stated that ‘it would be too difficult to enforce.’ These respondents also thought the costs would be too high and would be passed on to drivers.

Question 7 - Do you think that the Directive has contributed to increasing safety on European roads?

Of the 748 respondents who expressed an opinion, 71 agreed DCPC has significantly increased safety on European roads. 328 said it has had a positive yet marginal impact, while 349 believed there has been no road safety benefit.

The majority of industries agreed that there had been a positive impact on road safety. The road haulage industry and training providers strongly agreed there had been a positive impact, with 62% and 72% positive responses respectively.

Only respondents from the construction industry believed that there had been no overall impact www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 19:01

for applying more exemptions.

Many stated they wanted more exemptions based on experience – if a driver has five, 10 or 20 years of driving experience, without incident, they should be exempt.

Respondents who thought the current exemptions are too broad generally thought all professional drivers, or drivers of vocational vehicles should have to do some form of DCPC, on the grounds of road safety. There was also support for the specific removal of the ‘incidental driver’ exemption.

(63%) on safety on European roads.

Comments left by the respondents said that ‘although the training is not perfect, it has given drivers a lot more awareness than they previously thought they had.’

There was also a recognition that drivers who are open-minded to DCPC will benefit from it. However, respondents also felt there is a lack of evidence to support the impact of DCPC on road safety standards.

The respondents who saw no improvement in road safety felt that ‘many drivers feel that much of the CPC is irrelevant to their work’ and so do not take it seriously. They also noted that many drivers ‘attend the same course five times’ as a way of easily attaining their DCPC. There was also a feeling that periodic training is ‘useless for experienced drivers.’

believe that a separate system of exemptions would be more suitable.

Of 748 who answered, 86 agreed that DCPC has significantly increased the professional competence of drivers. 351 believed there was a marginal improvement, while 303 said there has been no improvement.

Those who have seen an improvement in driver competence said the Directive has improved and refreshed understanding of ‘legal requirements of driving large vehicles, such as drivers’ hours’.

Although many also commented that the training is ‘more useful to newly qualified drivers.’

Other respondents felt that a lack of practical training or assessments mean drivers do not learn anything worthwhile. Many respondents also felt they ‘didn’t learn anything that wasn’t already common practice.’

Question 11 - Are there further driving activities or classes of driver that you consider should be exempt from DCPC?

Of 604 respondents, 143 believed all category C or D licence holders should be in scope of DCPC, and 121 thought it should apply to professional drivers driving category C or D vehicles only. The majority of respondents, 340, said the Directive should apply to all professional drivers regardless of vehicle category.

There was strong support for DCPC to apply to all professional drivers, regardless of vehicle.

Of those who responded, 190 believed the current exemptions are too broad. 289 thought the exemptions are sufficient, while 152 wanted further exemptions to be applied.

The majority of respondents from all industries thought that further exemptions should not be applied.

There was fairly strong feeling from training providers (44%) that the exemptions are too broad.

Overall there was little support

Of the 712 who answered, 312 were in favour of extending DCPC to include van drivers, 299 said taxis and 110 specified other vehicles.

The majority of ideas put forward were from the road haulage, bus and coach and training industries.

Suggestions included mini cabs, all motorists, cyclists, limousines, minibuses with eight seats and anyone driving as part of their job.

Question 8 - Do you think that the Directive has contributed to the development of the level of professional competence of drivers?

Question 10 - Do you support the current exemptions, including those adopted in GB? Of 673 to answer, 380 supported the current exemptions.

There was strong support within the bus and coach industry (63%) and the construction industry (67%). Training providers’ opinions were split 50/50.

A large number of respondents thought that the ‘incidental driver’ exemption is not clear as to who it covers.

Opinion was split as to whether the scope of the exemptions should be widened or tightened. Those in favour of narrowing the scope commented that ‘if you drive any type of vehicle professionally then you must hold a DQC.’ However, those in favour of widening the scope felt that drivers who qualified before the directive came into force should be exempt.

Question 12 - Who do you think the regime of DCPC qualification and training should apply to?

Question 13 - Which other vehicles?

Question 14 - Do you think the CPC training should be structured in such a way to offer an option between gradual access to professional driving at an earlier age on the basis of training and experience and direct access at a higher age?

Of the 595 who answered, 340 agreed and 255 disagreed.

The majority of respondents in most industries thought DCPC should be structured to offer an option between gradual access to professional driving at an earlier age and direct access at a higher age.

Many who answered in favour believed ‘age is not a barrier to ability’ and this change would help the industry by attracting younger people to become professional drivers. However, it was noted that this depended on whether insurance firms would insure younger drivers.

Respondents who disagreed showed support for the existing training and testing system and felt that ‘new drivers can be as good as more experienced drivers.’ Some comments stated that cost would be an issue to implementing the proposal and it would be ‘a waste of time.’

Question 15 - What impact might a graduated access regime have on driver recruitment into your industry?

Of 383 responses, 45% thought there would be a positive impact on their industry, 31% believe a negative impact would be felt, while 24% said there would be little or no impact.

Most respondents said that it

NCT was a bus operator which took part in the call for evidence

Question 9 - Do you think that the alignment of the scope and exemptions for Directive 2003/59/EC with the ones stipulated in Regulation 561/2006/EC would best increase clarity on the scope of the Directive? Alternatively, do you think that a separate system of exemptions would be the most adequate option?

Of the 639 who answered, 42.1% thought that the scope and exemptions should be aligned with Regulation 561/2006/EC to clarify the scope of the directive. 57.9% www.coachandbusweek.com

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December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23 02/12/2013 19:01

NEWS FOCUS › DRIVER CPC RESPONSE would attract more and younger drivers into their industry, and offer more opportunity and confidence for employers. Many also stated it would ‘maintain the reputation of the professional driver and hopefully earn some respect from other road users.’

It was also felt the standard of driving will increase and the cost will only attract people to the industry who intend to drive as a career.

On the other side, commentators believed it will put people off entering their industry. This opinion was largely based on the perceived extra cost drivers will incur.

Question 16 - In GB we have adopted the provision in the Directive for young people to gain a DCPC from the age of 18 within the national vocational testing scheme. We should welcome any evidence of how this scheme is working for the freight and passenger transport industries.

274 responses were received.

Respondents who answered positively said they had seen evidence of ‘much needed young blood being brought into an aging industry.’

Those who have seen no evidence commented that it has ‘not made a difference as insurance companies will not insure younger drivers.’ A number of employers also stated they ‘would not employ 18 years old, as they shouldn’t be driving HGVs – they don’t have the experience.’

A significant proportion of respondents – approximately 40% - have had no experience of the scheme or could not comment.

Question 17 - Are the subjects listed for the initial qualification and periodic training relevant for the objectives of the Directive?

Of 490 responses, 310 agreed that the subjects were relevant.

The majority of respondents across industries asked to complete the questionnaire strongly agreed the subjects listed in the directive are relevant.

Many commentators believed that the subjects needed to be more industry specific. Subjects identified as irrelevant were: Route planning – patronising to older drivers, healthy eating – patronising and useless, health and safety – already covered in other courses and covered better,

While the directive was seen as positive for new drivers, many felt it was a waste for those with experience the need to know how to calculate maximum authorised mass on coaches, customer service – only relevant to PCV drivers and driver profiling.

Many respondents claimed all the subjects covered were irrelevant for experienced drivers.

Question 18 - Are there other subjects that you consider should be included?

Of 459 responses, 159 thought more subjects should be included.

A number of suggestions for additional courses were put forward. The most common were driver’s hours, compulsory first aid training, practical assessments, roping and sheeting, load security, practical handling of cargo, tachograph regulations, speed awareness, disability awareness and driving abroad - rules for countries overseas.

Question 19 – Do you think there should be a uniform European syllabus for periodic training?

There were 536 responses to the question – 356 answered in favour.

A high percentage from a number of groups agreed, such as local government (80%) and training providers (70%).

Those who thought there should be a uniform syllabus for periodic training stated it would help improve the standard of drivers

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across the whole EU. It would also ‘help drivers to understand foreign driving conditions better.’ However, it was still seen as vital that a degree of flexibility remains for industry and state specific courses.

The people who disagreed with the proposal also felt that more flexibility with the syllabus is more important, and ‘each country should tailor its own to give it more meaning.’

Question 20 - Do you think that the timing of periodic training should be prescribed in regulations?

Of 517 responses, 282 were in favour.

The road haulage and bus and coach respondents’ opinions were split almost 50/50 for both groups.

Those in favour generally stated that seven hours of training should be done per year, allowing continuous development rather than ‘crash course’ training once every five years.

Those against thought the flexibility achieved in the current system works. It allows ‘training to fit with work requirements’ and puts less pressure on drivers and employers.

Question 21 – Do you have any evidence to support that the position we have taken is assisting your industry? Or evidence to support a more prescribed regime?

Comments were provided by 262 respondents. The majority of respondents provided no evidence to support either argument.

There was a general feeling that the industries, be that employers or drivers, are not taking DCPC seriously. Many comments were made about the quality of training and how drivers see it as a waste of time.

One comment read: “‘The overwhelming perception of DCPC from drivers is one of scepticism - it is seen as a financial and bureaucratic burden, worsened by the perceived irrelevance, poor content and delivery of some courses; the lack of assessment and subsequent recognition of a drivers increased knowledge/ skills; poor engagement and communication with drivers about its benefits.”

There were some comments saying that an improvement in driver behaviour has been noticed, such as: “I believe that over the past five years the standard of HGV driving has improved in UK, and I think that it will continue to improve.”

Respondents also noted that the current, flexible scheme is preferable to a more prescribed regime: “The position you have taken has enabled companies like my employer to get drivers DCPC’d [sic] gradually over the five years.

It would have been impossible under a more prescribed regime.” www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 19:01

Question 22 - Are there any other aspects of the Directive you would like to comment on or other points you would wish the Department for Transport to make in its response to the Commission’s review?

Similar themes throughout the comments centred on the need to increase the flexibility of periodic training, both by including industry specific subject matter and by making course length variable.

Many respondents wanted the inclusion of exams/assessments at the end of courses so training is taken more seriously.

The quality of trainers and courses was criticised heavily, as was the ability for drivers to take the same course five times. Many felt that the only reason drivers attend courses is to get their seven hours and not to take it seriously.

The scheme as a whole was also criticised heavily.

There was a feeling that the UK is the only Member State which enforces the Directive and period training requirement. This also leads to suspicion that foreign nationals return to their country of origin and ‘buy’ a DQC and return to work in the UK. Operators expressed concern that the requirements of the Directive are making it increasingly difficult to recruit new drivers as they are put off by the cost of training. They also fear this will lead to a shortage of drivers in the future.

Many respondents also wanted the scope of the directive widened to include any person who drives as a part of their profession. The road haulage industry, in particular, felt it was persecuted unfairly, and that all other roads users (such as cyclists and car drivers) would benefit from regular refresher training.

Stakeholder Discussion

As well as the survey, the DfT and DSA hosted a meeting for representatives from the bus and coach and road transport industries, and other sectors impacted by the DCPC rules.

Attendees included: Alec Horner – Minimise Your Risk; Gill Green and Peter Hearn – VOSA; Guy Gibson – trent barton; James Firth & C Yarsley – FTA; Peter Grazier – People 1st; Steve Smith – CPT; Duncan Price – DfT; Bob Hannigan, Kath Jackson and Peter Weddell-Hall – DSA and D Scarlet Nottingham City Transport.

Harmonisation of the initial qualification and periodic training The current wording of the directive which sets out the DCPC requirements provides for two options for drivers to attain their initial DCPC qualification –attendance of a training course and test or successful completion of tests. In GB, the second of these options has been adopted, so that the attainment of the

initial qualification is aligned to the category C and D licence acquisition tests.

This position is widely supported and industry representatives wanted it retained, seeing many benefits for drivers and their employers. A training route was considered to present significant disincentives to the recruitment of new drivers, not least ones of cost and of delay to entry to the workforce.

Concern was expressed that harmonisation to a common European model, if not based on

mandating courses that were irrelevant for particular drivers’ activities.

It was acknowledged that little value might be derived from the repeat attendance of a training course merely to satisfy a minimum training requirement, but it was noted there are legitimate reasons when courses should / must be repeated (e.g. first aid) or where refresher training of a relevant course is more constructive than attendance of a course of little relevance. Regulating against

GB best practice, would lead to a degradation of standards.

Similarly, the notion of a uniform European syllabus for periodic training was not supported.

The flexibility for drivers and employers to arrange training to address identified individual development needs was a welcome feature of the current arrangements. The industries affected by DCPC have diverse needs. A specified, uniform syllabus beyond what was already prescribed risked omitting essential elements because a syllabus could not be all encompassing. It also risked

course repetition was therefore not supported. Instead, it was suggested there should be better self-regulation by drivers and their employers to ensure training undertaken is relevant to their particular needs.

There was a feeling the UK is the only Member State enforcing the Directive and period training requirement

Alec Horner of Minimise Your Risk took part in the DfT and DSA’s Stakeholder Discussion

www.coachandbusweek.com

022_026_CBW1116_New Focus CPC.indd 25

Mutual recognition of the driving profession across member states It was noted that NI was consulting about the introduction of a mandatory testing and periodic training requirement for taxi drivers.

Views on the broad question were mixed. There were arguments in favour of all drivers of laden goods and passenger carrying vehicles (in categories C and D) to be within scope. The current arrangements meant that in some circumstances the same vehicle could be driven on the same journey, with the same load, but in one instance might require the driver to hold DCPC and not in another.

Counter arguments were made for continuing to exempt those who were not ‘professional drivers’; suggesting that making them subject to DCPC would be overly burdensome. A clearer definition of ‘professional driver’ would be welcomed by all. There was some concern that those for who driving was incidental to their main duty should not be subject to the DCPC requirements.

Scope of the application of the rules to particular driving activities and classes of driver, and of exempted activities It was suggested that exemptions

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25 02/12/2013 19:01

NEWS FOCUS › DRIVER CPC RESPONSE should be limited, so as to achieve the greatest benefits, but there were concerns from some sectors that exemptions should provide for all for whom driving was incidental to their main job.

Alignment with Regulation 561/2006/EC would potentially put 90,000 local bus service drivers out of scope. This was not supported.

Class exemptions were suggested for those in other industries (e.g. agriculture) who drove large vehicles only occasionally and incidentally to their main profession. DCPC might impose a burden on such drivers but the point was made that those who only drive occasionally could be a greatest need of refresher training.

Also, extending the range of exemptions would mean that the costs of administering the scheme and providing training would fall on a smaller cohort and therefore be more expensive to those who remained in scope.

It was suggested, though, that there could be greater clarity of what driving activity was intended to be in scope and what was to be exempted.

Content and organisation of periodic training The current flexible system in the UK was welcomed and supported by industry representatives. It was noted that other member states have more prescriptive regimes, for example requiring annual training or training to be undertaken in a single 35 hour block. Either arrangement could already be undertaken by drivers in the UK without further regulation.

Further flexibilities were suggested, such as training courses to be arranged in periods shorter than seven hours, and for training to include an element of assessment within the specified time period. It was suggested that Commission officials had given informal advice that this might be permissible within the existing terms of the directive but that was contrary to previous official exchanges on the matter.

There was interest expressed in making future provision for the accreditation of e-learning courses for DCPC. Precedent had been set in other arenas (for example, the delivery of Open University courses).

There were some concerns that the costs of insurance were a barrier to the recruitment of young drivers. Others, though, suggested

AA DriveTech is one of the largest suppliers of Driver CPC training, with around 17 different courses on offer

trent barton took part in both the survey and stakeholder discussion that the insurance industry should be assured of young drivers who have been through the same rigorous qualification process as other drivers.

It was also suggested that literacy and numeracy deficiencies in the workforce (which was traditionally low in formal educational attainment) could be addressed through DCPC.

UK Government Response

Responding to the European Commission, the Government wrote the following: “We recognise the importance, and support the promotion, of education and training for professional drivers.

The Directive provides a useful

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 022_026_CBW1116_New Focus CPC.indd 26

framework through which that training can be provided.

“Since its introduction in the UK in 2008, the majority of operators in freight and passenger transport have become increasingly familiar and less dissatisfied with the current arrangements for DCPC. “Our principal observations about how DCPC has been operating in the UK and in response to the specific points covered by the Commission’s review are: “We introduced the initial qualification test route for new drivers of large vehicles, which are aligned to the licence acquisition tests. This has worked well; ensuring pre-test learning covers the topics included in Annex (1) as

well as the knowledge and skills required by the driving test. We should wish to retain this option; “We have provided a large degree of flexibility for individual drivers to plan the timing and content of their periodic training, and should wish to retain these arrangements.

We are concerned that a more prescribed training regime and uniform syllabus defined at a European level could undermine current high standards in UK. “We would support greater flexibility to be applied to within reason enable periodic training courses to be delivered in periods less than seven hours (e.g. 2 x 3.5 hours). Furthermore, we would seek clarification of whether an assessment of learning outcomes can be included within training course, but we would not support a post-training testing regime.

“We consider that the scope of the directive and the exemptions currently provided require greater clarification. We note the Commission’s intention to convene a working group to review exemptions and will ensure that officials from UK are able to participate in that task.

“We would not, however, support the alignment of DCPC exemptions with those provided under Regulation 561/2006/ EC, as this would take a large number of drivers out of scope of DCPC, including many drivers of local service buses. Such an arrangement would be counterproductive and could undermine the wider application of DCPC.” n

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December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27

OPERATOR PROFILE › COURTNEY BUSES

Courtney

40

at

Gareth Evans visits Berkshire independent operator Courtney Buses as the firm celebrates a major milestone in its history

I

nnovation is a word which has been synonymous with Finchampstead-based Courtney Buses for some years now. It hit the headlines for the right reasons with its use of biofuel around 10 years ago with high level support from Downing Street. The concept continues to evolve. Courtney Buses is also heavily into technology – in common with many of its corporate customers. Indeed, the operator is quick to trumpet its enthusiasm for meeting the exacting requirements of its customers, which include blue chip companies. In that respect, Courtney’s location means it is well placed in more ways than one to fulfil a niche of high quality bus services paid for by employers and business parks, for which there is seemingly no shortage of in an operating territory which stretches broadly from Heathrow to Didcot.

Indeed, the firm says its ability to run exacting services is borne out by recent independent survey carried out by the employment company Manpower. This found 95% of Courtney customers rated the quality of the service either very satisfactory or satisfactory – 11% higher than the Passenger Focus survey carried out nationwide in March this year.

Background

The company began life on November 1, 1973 when Bill Courtney-Smith bought out two taxi businesses in Wokingham in Berkshire. In the 1980s he changed the business’ direction into a coach company before concentrating on buses.

The company, now based in nearby Finchampstead, has a 35-strong fleet of vehicles supplying 20 public buses services in Berkshire, Surrey, Middlesex and Oxfordshire, plus 12 contract services which include the Holt School in Wokingham, park and ride schemes and shuttle services to business parks.

Now employing 83 staff, Courtney made history in 2002 when it was the first bus company in Britain to run its fleet on biofuel. It has remained true to its green policy with the majority of its buses still running on environmentally friendly fuel. The company has now reduced its carbon footprint by 97%.

There was a landmark moment in 2004 when the company expanded after being awarded all seven local routes in Maidenhead, taking over from First Berkshire.

Further expansion came in January 2009, when the shuttle service between Didcot Parkway railway station and the Milton Park business park was expanded from one bus to two, using a new low-floor double-deck vehicle at a cost of £175,000. Over 400 passes for the service were issued to workers prior to its introduction.

Further innovations were introduced in 2007 when all the buses were fitted with ETMSS Ticketer including mobile computer technology which replaced fare charts. It also installed GPS tracking to all vehicles.

Commenting on the milestone, Bill CourtneySmith said: “40 years is a long time and in that time we have come a long way. We are equally proud of being a family-run business – my daughters have been involved in the company.

“Back in 1973 I could never have foreseen how the business has grown. It is a compliment to the first class team of people who work for us.

Without their input none of this would have been possible and I salute them.

“To have been chosen from more than 230 other bus companies to be shortlisted for the UK Bus Awards really is an honour and a great way to celebrate out 40 years.

“The company ethos is ‘Driven by Service’ and we will continue to take every possible step to continue to improve the service to our customers.

Here’s to the next 40.”

The present

Members of the Courtney Buses team with the 40th anniversary cake on November 1 28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 028_031_CBW1116_Courtney Buses_new.indd 28

Bill spends periods away from the shop floor these days – he escapes to Barbados. To this end, he has put a management team in place.

The team comprises Transport Manager Simon Fisher, Office Manager Mandy Coles, Performance and Safety Manager Barry Catlin, Engineering Manager Graham Croombs and Media Manager Richard Reed.

Mandy took up the story: “We all help to run the operation in Bill’s absence. I have been involved with coaches and buses all my life. We all work together as a team. With technology the way it is, he’s never really away – we contact him daily.

“This business is all about high standards. We’re not a big company but the service we provide is www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 16:43

An Optare Solo SR is seen operating Windsor park & ride route M4 to Home Park. David Bell about quality rather than quantity.

“For our corporate customers, having a bus service to their business parks makes their sites far more attractive to tenants. Business parks demand high standards, such as buses which are less than five years old with a host of ‘extras.’

Bigger operators can’t always guarantee to meet those exacting requirements.”

Mandy added: “The company has developed over the years and people within it have developed their roles. We’ve boosted the management team with people from outside.

Simon, for example, previously worked on the railways.

It’s a nice family company to work in. You also end up doing lots of different things.

“We’ve also found we’ve not been shouting enough about what we do – hence why we’ve taken on Richard. We’ve just tended to roll up our sleeves and then regretted not publicising what we’ve done.” www.coachandbusweek.com

028_031_CBW1116_Courtney Buses_new.indd 29

A prime example of buses carrying a customer’s livery – a Chineham Park-branded Tempo. David Bell December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29 02/12/2013 16:43

OPERATOR PROFILE › COURTNEY BUSES

The 35-strong fleet is maintained in the workshops at Finchampstead. Gareth Evans

The Milton Park shuttle in Didcot is shortly to be upgraded with ADL E400 hybrids. David Bell

Richard is a retired News Editor of a local paper and works part-time at Courtney Buses.

Bill said he is happy with the way things are being run at the moment. “I’m very pleased with how things are being run by the current management. Because I keep going away, it gives them a chance to work as a team. I can come away and feel like I’ve had a proper break – I don’t end up with a pile of emails.

“Obviously I’m proud of the way the company has developed over the last four years. The team work – which is akin to an extended family – is great.”

“Our business has developed from running taxis, then minibuses and coaches, before concentrating on buses.”

Why the change? Bill replied: “We decided as a family that seven-day weeks with coaches all over Europe wasn’t what we wanted, so we we moved into contracted local bus work. Progressively we’ve started running commercial routes, which we see plenty of future options in.

“The ones we’re doing are working well so far. I like to think that’s because of our ethos – use the best buses with the best technology and serve the needs of the customers. Again, we’re fortunate to have a team of people who are forward thinking.

They know my thinking and they’re likedminded, which makes things easier to operate.”

Reflecting, Bill remarked: “I think my overall view of buses and business is that you must create as much technology as possible. In a small firm like ours, your cash is burned quickly. The movement of people using buses has completely changed in recent years. If you provide clean, reliable buses with CCTV and publicity, it all adds up to an attractive proposition. Being an independent, we have to try to keep ahead of the larger operators.

“On one hand we have nice buses and technology but on the other it all boils down to cost. We often find local bus service tenders are based on Euro 4 and older vehicles, which means we end up competing with someone using older vehicles.

“The corporates have an identity to protect but we can paint our buses in their liveries, making them instantly recognisable.

“Because we’re transparent, we show our customers what we want to make on contracts and offer to show them a menu of what they can get for different rates. It’s fortunate that our corporate customers recognise the high costs it takes to run a service. They expect us to have ISO standards for example and they also want to see our premises, which we’re happy to do. They especially love our operations room, where they can see their own buses on the AVL screen.”

Bio-fuel

There is no uniform colour for Courtney Buses – the vehicles operate in a variety of liveries. David Bell 30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 028_031_CBW1116_Courtney Buses_new.indd 30

Perhaps Barry summed things up when he said: “We use what’s known as ultra bio-fuel. It’s not just old chip fat – those days are long gone.”

Bill took up the story: “We were the pioneers of bio-fuel, having used it for 12 to 13 years. We’ve now gone a stage further with ‘the gizmo.’ The device enables us to use chicken fats and used oils, especially palm oil. The latter normally sets like soap but we’ve found a way round it.

“When we started using bio-fuel it was a no brainer. It was 25 pence a litre cheaper. Natural cooking oil, which we used before that, is actually www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 16:43

We were the pioneers of bio-fuel. We’ve now gone a stage further with ‘the gizmo’– Bill Courtney-Smith more costly than a gallon of diesel. Therefore, we use used cooking oil. About four years ago I took a 40% stake in Biomotive Fuels.

“I wanted to complete the triangle – I had ‘the gizmo’ and the buses but no access to the required quantity of oil. We’re now in the process of converting 14 buses to have this gizmo – which are the latest additions to our �leet.

“We’ve been able to keep holding tanks at our outstations, which pre-heat the bio-oil. This makes it easier operationally and logistically.”

There is always a ‘but’, and bio-fuel is no exception, as Bill said: “The only thing I don’t agree with – and I’ve had discussions with the DfT – is that we don’t get a low carbon vehicle certi�icate. That would give us six pence a litre extra of BSOG. Tony Blair was a great advocate of bio-fuel. He recognised that it’s ‘green’ – he gave us 10 pence a litre extra on BSOG for three years but it was scrapped 12 months later after he left of�ice. The problem was we set our contract prices on that, which dealt us a massive blow.

“Of course, it didn’t stop us. We wanted to continue that ‘green’ initiative. Again, we’ve got to look at the future. We successfully bid for Green Bus Funding this year. We’ve now got ADL E400 Hybrids on order.

“We were then approached by the DfT asking if we wanted more, so in the last few weeks we’ve been awarded additional funding for two extra Optare Solo hybrids.

“Again, it’s the same ethos – we offer our customers alternatives in the market. Some of our park and rides are registered as local bus services.”

A colourful combination

In May the �irm took delivery of 11 Optare Solo SRs for use on a network of services in the Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell areas contracted from Windsor and Maidenhead Council. Notably, the buses carry distinctive route

NOSTALGIA

branding in a range of vivid colours.

According to Mandy, Bill drew up the route branding this year. “It’s been a huge success.

People say they can spot their routes in an instant.”

The council decided to enhance the services with additional and higher speci�ication vehicles because of a doubling in passenger numbers in recent years and to cope with increased traf�ic congestion. As a results, features on the ninemetre buses include Hanover TFT screens with ‘next stop’ message and audio announcements and full colour Hanover LED destination equipment, both of which are particularly helpful to visually or hearing impaired passengers.

A Synectics CCTV system is �itted for both passenger and driver safety and to provide evidence for insurance claims and this is also used as a route familiarization training aid for drivers.

I hate seeing dents and a patchwork quilt of primer on my bus body panels.

In a further creative twist, all 11 buses have recently been named. Despite her modest nature, the ‘Give a Bus a Name’ competition was in fact Mandy’s idea.

“It was really just a bit of fun at our family fun day in the summer and one of the competitions was to name a bus. It was very well received. I was delighted with the result. Some of the drivers to come up with colour related names.”

Among the winning names were Sunny for the orange bus, Olive and Pippin on the green buses and Marine on the blue vehicle. As the

Courtney Buses began life on November 1, 1973 when Bill Courtney-Smith bought out two taxi businesses in Wokingham in Berkshire. In the 1980/1990s he changed the firm’s direction into a coach company before concentrating on buses. This Plaxton Premier-bodied Volvo B10M, complete with its cherished registration plate, provides a reminder of the not too distant past www.coachandbusweek.com

028_031_CBW1116_Courtney Buses_new.indd 31

competition was launched just the day after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Prince George, the third in line to the throne, one of the buses which passes the Queen’s home at Windsor Castle was named George.

Involving drivers in naming buses provides a hint at how the staff are treated – for the Christmas party involves laying on a beer and skittles evening. According to Richard, a lot of the �irm’s drivers are former Gurkhas. “They’re great people. Aldershot is nearby and that’s where they were based,” he said.

Fleet

The �leet includes: ● 9 Optare Solo SRs ● 2 Optare Tempos ● 14 Optare Solos ● 3 Optare Solos Slimlines ● 1 Optare Olympus-bodied Scania N230UD ● 1 Optare Olympus-bodied ADL E400 ● 1 ADL E200 ● 1 East Lancs Lowlander-bodied DAF DB250 ● 1 East Lancs Pyoneer-bodied Volvo Olympian ● 1 Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Trident ● 1 Renault Master/Frank Guy

Asked why Optare products dominate the �leet, Bill replied: “It’s fair to say we have had several long discussions over the product but Optare staff have always been proactive – there’s been no shortage of support. Our vehicle buying policy comes back to our customers. We always give them a choice – we’ve shown them ADL and Wrightbus products but in 90% of instances, Optare vehicles come out on top. Our customers always comment most favourably on the ride quality of Optare products.

“Optare has certainly turned a corner under Ashok. When Dawsonrentals order 50 vehicles from Optare, it shows there is real con�idence in the product.

“We also �ind Optare’s aftersales service has really got its act together now – Steph Baker, Lee Sheldon and John Horn are great people to deal with. In fact, probably like most operators who deal with Steph, we �ind she always gives us an answer to any question we have. What more could you ask for?”

As Bill said, the �irm is no averse to running other manufacturers’ products. To this end, a pair of ADL E400 Hybrids is due for delivery in the coming weeks, which have been acquired with �inancial support from the Green Bus Fund.

In early January, the buses will go into service at the MEP Milton Park Innovation Centre near Didcot. Courtney runs a shuttle service, which is registered as a local bus route between Didcot Parkway railway station and the park, which is home to 200 organisations with more than 6,500 staff. The new vehicles will replace the current Scania and ADL deckers allocated to the service.

Clearly a man who is passionate about his vehicles and employees alike, Bill said: “I hate seeing dents and a patchwork quilt of primer on body panels. Therefore, when a neighbouring unit came up for grabs, we jumped at the opportunity. It enabled us to have our own dedicated bodyshop, which includes a paint booth.” The facilities are also available to undertake work on behalf of third parties, including other commercial vehicles operators. ■

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31 02/12/2013 16:43

032_33_CBW1116_Big Picture.indd 32

02/12/2013 17:44

THE BIG PICTURE Two of the eight NBfL (New Bus for London) prototypes have been loaned by Transport for London to the British government for the GREAT Britain campaign, scheduled to include 16 countries on four continents over 12 months. A third recently accompanied the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, on a trade mission to Hong Kong. The first bus, LT1 has spent six weeks in Columbia and in this Wrightbus picture is being overtaken by a TransMilenio Marcopolo-bodied artic in Bogota. TransMilenio is a Bus Rapid Transit system first opened in 2000 and now uses up to 1,400 Volvo and Scania artics on 11 lines covering more than 50 miles.

032_33_CBW1116_Big Picture.indd 33

02/12/2013 18:46

DELIVERIES WINDMILL COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Leeds-based Windmill Community Transport has taken delivery of a Volvo B11R with Sunsundegui SC7 coachwork.

“We are a charity organisation and our passenger requirements are really quite specific,” said Windmill Community Transport’s Graham Fox. “We’re obviously well aware of the superb quality and reliability we get with the Volvo chassis and Sunsundegui were absolutely brilliant meeting

our body requirements.

Together they are the perfect combination for us.”

The majority of Windmill Community Transport’s work is with private charters and holiday groups. Run by a team of committed volunteers, the company ensure accessible and fully inclusive travel solutions for all passengers including those with disabilities.

Fitted with a rear wheelchair lift and a half flat saloon interior, added accessibility was one of the operator’s fundamental

requirements. The vehicle is specified with 48 full executive specification seats, but the layout can be easily adjusted to 36 seats to allow for four wheelchair specific seats.

Oxygen is also carried onboard to ensure that every eventuality in terms of customers care and safety is planned for.

“We’d like to specifically thank Volvo Bus Coach Sales Manager (UK & Ireland), James Hyde and Alex Irizar from Sunsundegui for meeting our requirements when other manufacturers

didn’t want to listen,” continued Graham Fox. “Not only that, but the B11R is going to offer us overall weight savings and therefore reduce our fuel consumption, which for a charity organisation such as ourselves, is vitally important.”

James Hyde said: “Windmill Community Transport has specified Volvo previously. They ran our B12 model and were ready for an upgrade. They were very impressed with the performance and the fuel savings associated with out B11R chassis.

Sunsundegui was also able to meet their specific body requirement with their SC7 solution. The completed vehicle will undoubtedly be a real asset to the company.”

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Volvo B11R/

Sunsundegui SC7 ENGINE: D11C TRANSMISSION: Volvo I-Shift SEATS: 48 or 36 with four

wheelchairs SUPPLIED: Volvo Bus and Coach 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com

HARROGATE COACH TRAVEL Mistral Bus & Coach PLC has supplied Harrogate Coach Travel with a new 8.9m Enviro 200.

The bus will run on service 21 which is operated on behalf of the City of York Council between Colton, Askham Bar and York City Centre serving the small villages in the area.

The route has been operated by Harrogate Coach Travel since 2005.

Craig Temple of Harrogate Coach Travel explained: “City of York Council requested a Euro 5 bus for use on the service – so we thought we would try a new Enviro 200.”

The interior is trimmed in Harrogate’s red moquette and it has

Hanover destination equipment. It can seat up to 37 passengers, with 21 standees..

The Enviro200 carries the same green and white colour scheme, with the Connexions branding, used across the operator’s network of routes in Yorkhire.

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: ADL E200 ENGINE: Cummins ISBe4 160bhp SEATS: 37 TRANSMISSION: Voith DIWA 3sp SUPPLIED: Mistral Bus & Coach 0800

781 4144 www.mistral-bus.com

34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 034_035_CBW116_Deliveries.indd 34

www.coachandbusweek.com

02/12/2013 19:10

Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? Email all the details and pictures to james.day@coachandbusweek.com

COACH OPTIONS Rochdale-based Coach Options has taken delivery of a Neoplan Staliner.

The vehicle’s primary role is to provide team and staff transport to Blackburn Rovers Football Club, which the operator is transporting for the 33rd consecutive football season.

The coach joins two other MAN-engined vehicles in the fleet, a 61-seat Neoplan Tourliner and a Van Hool T916, and was acquired through MAN Financial Services.

While Blackburn Rovers has priority on the Starliner, it’s also being made available for corporate function bookings when not in use with the club..

A full interior conversion was undertaken by Stokeon-Trent-based AD Coach Systems. The conversion included the removal of the rear interior section to house a bespoke servery fitted with Neff and Sharp appliances.

Black Dyke and Brighouse & Rastrick.

Coach Options’ tour business specialises in pilgrimages to Rome, Lourdes, Poland and elsewhere in mainland Europe.

Paul Stone added: “Initial feedback on the Starliner has been very positive. The players think it’s an excellent coach and the staff just love it.

“From an operational point-of-view, I have been really pleased with the customer support service provided by MAN Truck & Bus Manchester.”

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Neoplan

Corian tables and work surfaces are also fitted throughout the vehicle. There are 34 full leather passenger seats.

“Quite simply, we wanted a modern, stylish new coach manufactured to the highest

quality,” said Coach Options Managing Director Paul Stone.

“We have built this business on quality, not quantity, and that’s the reason we are proud to be associated with MAN.”

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December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35 02/12/2013 18:34

OPERATOR PROFILE › SEA VIEW COACHES

Reaching new horizons

Sea View Coaches of Poole has built up a modern �leet that’s a familiar sight throughout the south of England.

As Andy Izatt reports, it’s been achieved by taking good advice, honest dealing, hard work and investing every year

coach,” explained Darren. “There is a sense of achievement. It doesn’t matter what time in the evening I get back with it, dad is always here to see it.”

One 53-seat Beulas MAN has just been sold to Blakes Coaches of Tiverton, which also buys the Beulas MAN combination new. It was one of the �irst vehicles in the �leet with independent front suspension, a feature that David and Darren say noticeably enhances ride quality. Buying higher seating capacity coaches helps give Sea View the operational �lexibility it needs.

“Beulas have been good coaches for us,” said David. “They’re the best of the Spanish bodybuilders. Neoplan is on a par with them.

Customers can come here, stand behind one of our Tourliners and we start up the engine and they can’t even hear it. We started buying Noge MANs from Mentor – Peter Prime and Bill Povey at Mentor knew how to look after the customer.

We then bought Beulas from (dealer) BASE.” Head turning coaches have been a deliberate feature of the Sea View line up for years, possibly none more so than a pair of Noge

Latest addition is another 13.2m Neoplan Tourliner executive specification 53-seater

David Tarr: “If you haven’t got the equipment you’ll never get decent work”

V

isit Sea View Coaches of Poole as many customers do, and, if the �leet’s in, you will be met by an impressive sight – a long line of neatly parked new or nearly new top speci�ication coaches, spotlessly clean and presented in ‘showroom’ condition.

Sea View is MAN-powered. While maintenance is carried out in house where possible, the local MAN dealership, ETS Trucks, is only 20 minutes’ drive away – an important consideration for an operator that prides itself on its ability to quickly respond to its customers.

“Downtime costs money,” explained Sea View Managing Director David Tarr. “Darren (David’s Engineering Director son) is really on top of our engineering.

Of 18 full size coaches, the �lagship is a Neoplan Starliner exhibited on the MAN Truck & Bus stand at Euro Bus Expo in 2012.

Then there are 12 Tourliners, another stylish 36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

036_040_CBW1116_Sea View Coaches.indd 36

product from the same German manufacturer that turn heads wherever they go, and like the rest of the �leet, have all been bought new. The majority are 12-metre 49-seaters with executive speci�ications or 53-seaters, but the �irst 13.2m tri-axle, a 12-plate, has just 49 seats for extra legroom.

Another tri-axle Tourliner, this time with 53-seats was exhibited next to the Starliner at Euro Bus Expo, both coaches introducing a new light blue-based livery for the operator. When CBW visited Sea View, it had just taken delivery of the second of an order for four more 53-seat tri-axles.

Older coaches are three 53-seat Beulas Cygnus-bodied MAN R33s dating from 2009 while another two to the same speci�ication were new in 2007. The older pair will be sold when the last of the current Tourliner order is delivered. “It’s a good feeling when we get a new

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02/12/2013 15:57

Titanium-bodied MAN R33s new in 2007. They were virtually the only Titaniums sold to a UK operator and a picture of them hangs in David’s of�ice, but as Darren pointed out, it wasn’t just about looks. The ‘cupboard’ access doors at the rear of the Titanium gave some of the best engineering access he’s ever come across.

There have been others, notably three MANpowered Ayats Atlantis integrals bought from SunFun’s Dave Collier when he was the Ayats importer, but this is a �leet primarily based on pragmatism.

A pair of DAF-powered Temsa Safari HDs was amongst the �irst for a UK operator purchased through Arriva Bus & Coach. Before that, Sea View bought three Van Hool-bodied DAF SB3000s although the drive to build today’s modern �leet pro�ile started in 1997 with Ikarusbodied SB3000s – a multipurpose, well built coach that could, and was sent on any job. The switch from DAF to MAN came about because David wanted to try the Atlantis.

The current requirement for midi coaches is met by the Tourino, which seats 32 and a 29-seat King

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036_040_CBW1116_Sea View Coaches.indd 37

Long XMQ6800, the �irst of its type imported into the UK. Both appealed because they’re purposedesigned small coaches rather than van or truck derived. UNVI is now offering the Touring GT-R on the rear-engined MAN A67 and that’s an option that’s being considered for the future.

Three 16-seaters are also operated, a coachbuilt Noge-bodied Mercedes-Benz Sprinter which was the only one of its type sold to a UK operator, and two van conversions from Ireland – one from KVC, the other a Paramount bought earlier this year.

Tri-axle 13.2m Neoplan Tourliners combine executive specification with 53 seats

Right advice

David has clear views on why it has never been more important to invest in the �leet. “We’re getting cheaper �inance now than in 2007, cheaper than on the vehicles we’re selling,” he said. “If you haven’t got the equipment you’ll never get decent work. When all our Tourliners are delivered, we won’t have anything over four years old.”

He pointed out that MAN is offering a very competitive deal. Average fuel economy has

Offering attractively specified vehicles is an important selling point for the business

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 37 02/12/2013 15:57

OPERATOR PROFILE › SEA VIEW COACHES

A brief history: Sea View Coaches

This smart line up of Bedford and Ford Plaxtons from the 1970s underlines how Sea View has always aimed to make a good impression David Tarr has been in the industry for almost half a century – 48 years. He first became involved in coaching in 1965 after 13 years working in haulage. The father of his then girlfriend worked for Parkstone-based Ward Engineering Services. John Ward owned a petrol-engined Commer coach that was used on a works contract and he put David through what is now the PCV driving test.

John came up with the Sea View name first applied to a Plaxton-bodied Thames Trader, and the business started to develop following the award of Dorset County Council school contracts to transport disabled children. David well remembers the three coaches sourced from South Wales to cover the work - they were black inside from coal dust! David became John’s business partner investing £300 in the enterprise.

Sea View Coaches (Poole) was incorporated in 1973. Bournemouth-based Excelsior was a regular source of well-maintained secondhand Plaxton Fords, David getting on well with Excelsior’s dynamic owner, Vernon Maitland whose father, Walter had founded Excelsior in 1920.

New coaches bought in the early years

Ward Engineering Services operated this Commer

38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 036_040_CBW1116_Sea View Coaches.indd 38

David Tarr (left) with business partner John Ward included a Plaxton-bodied Bedford VAL70 in 1973, one of the last three to be built. It still exists, preserved by Dews Coaches of Somersham. Then there was a head-turning rarity that only stayed about a year, a Van Rooijen Odyssey-bodied Volvo B10M in the mid-

1980s, followed by a pair of Duple 320 Bedford Venturers in 1988.

One of the Bedfords was painted in a special livery for a language school, something that David has never repeated because of the difficulty of using the coach on other client’s work. He recalled how body rot around the rear of the Duple coachwork was also a problem.

When John Ward died from cancer in 1995, it was a difficult period for the business as his family wanted to cash in their share of Sea View Coaches, but an agreement was reached and David bought out their share of the company.

The site of Sea View’s current depot at 10 Fancy Road not far from Poole town centre was acquired in 1979. A purpose designed two-bay workshop with stores and offices above was built and opened the following year. Subsequent acquisition of adjacent land has enabled the coach parking area to be significantly enlarged, but with a growing proportion of the fleet now over 12 metres long, care still needs to be taken by drivers when manoeuvring their vehicles.

Buying new vehicles on a regular basis started with the first of the DAF Ikarus coaches in 1997.

Sea View Coaches name was first carried by a Thames Trader

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02/12/2013 15:57

Full-time drivers are allocated their own vehicle, which helps ensure that they are kept clean. David Tarr takes vehicle presentation very seriously

The first Ikarus-bodied DAFs were bought in the late 1990s also proved to be very good compared with the vehicles operated in the past. With MAN using EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) there’s no AdBlue to worry about.

“If we’re trading a vehicle in, I tell the dealer whatever the coach stands me for,” said David.

“When I shake hands on a deal, the deal is done.

In this industry it doesn’t pay to tell anyone any lies. We get far more out of it because we’re straight with people. We don’t owe anyone anything at the end of the month. Everyone is paid and because of that we can buy from anyone at any time.”

David bank’s with what is now HSBC and he says that the virtue of regular fleet investment is a message that has been repeated by several of his bank mangers. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said. “They have been superb.” One in particular, Peter Houghton set him in the right direction in the mid-1990s.

It was a visit to the annual industry trade show at the NEC in 1996 with Peter that started the programme of investment that resulted in today’s modern line-up. What was then Hughes DAF, now Arriva Bus & Coach, was exhibiting a DAF SB3000 Ikarus priced at £165,000 that www.coachandbusweek.com

036_040_CBW1116_Sea View Coaches.indd 39

The Plaxton-bodied Bedford VAL70 is now preserved by Dews

David liked. On the journey home from the show, David and Peter talked about the coach.

Peter advised David to buy two to replace Leyland Tigers because it was costing too much money keeping the older vehicles on the road.

New coaches have been bought in the past, but only very occasionally so what Peter was suggesting represented a significant change in direction - a planned fleet replacement programme over five years, which would see the then 15-vehicle line up entirely renewed.

There was also good advice from Peter’s successor who advised David to move money from his current bank account and place it on deposit.

“The bank has supported me over the years so in return I need to make sure I’m running this business properly,” said David. “Peter told me that I was spending £140,000 a year in the workshop. We couldn’t go on like that. He lent me the money to buy those first new coaches and I went out and got the cheapest finance I could.”

Right support

Of Sea View’s 40 staff, more than half are fulltime drivers and the company also relies on

the services of several regular part-timers. Full timers are allocated their own coach. It means they take ownership and ensure they’re kept clean. How they look after them doesn’t go un-noticed by a man who sets high standards himself.

“Our blokes look after us,” said David. “Some have been here more than 20 years, but I’m here seven days a week. I wash down every coach before it’s parked up. I make sure everything is spotlessly clean before it goes out. I hate a dirty coach. We spent £11,000 on a drive-round wash that came from New Zealand. We have drivers here who used to work for other companies and they say it’s the best vehicle wash they’ve ever seen.

“For the Driver CPC we said to our drivers that we would pay half the cost. We also paid them for their time because under the Working Time Directive it counts as working.”

Allocating a driver to a vehicle ensures familiarity with its characteristics so any faults are quickly identified. Fleet standardisation means it’s possible to replace a part more or less straight away by removing it from a sister vehicle, ensuring the booked coach

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39 02/12/2013 15:57

OPERATOR PROFILE › SEA VIEW COACHES

Sprinters include a coachbuilt Noge body and a Paramount conversion stays on the road. A replacement will be ordered immediately and �itted as soon as it arrives.

Darren’s workshop is comprehensively equipped and everything that can be done in-house is done. The �leet is on four-weekly maintenance inspections and vehicle tracking is being progressively introduced. “For me it’s about reducing engine idling,” he explained.

“For the of�ice it’s the routing. We’ve got to keep moving forward with the technology. We’re looking at intruding on-board CCTV as well. Our insurance company has asked if we could look at it and will help �inancially. The Neoplans have forward facing and reversing cameras already. ” Darren gained broad engineering experience before joining the family �irm in 1998 and talked highly of MAN’s Manchester-based parts and engineering support. He recalled how water had penetrated the engine of one of the 10-plate Tourliners, bending the valves. MAN recti�ied the problem and covered the cost of the repair without question.

David added that under MAN’s customer satisfaction guarantee even out of warranty repairs are discounted, but the cost of parts is still signi�icant. Darren always buys from a main dealer or Heavy Duty Parts and it can take a week to obtain what’s required. It’s taken a lot longer to get body items for some of the more exotic coaches operated in the past.

“Maintenance has to be a priority,” said

Darren keeps the fleet on a four-weekly maintenance inspection cycle

David. “It can be the biggest �inancial problem an operator can have. With interest rates the way they are all the more reason to buy new, especially when vehicles are covered for four years. That’s where you can make savings.”

Right work

In the past Sea View’s work has been much like many family-owned coach operators – a mix of schools and works contracts as well as local private hire. “When we started buying new vehicles, it changed the way that tour companies looked at us,” said David. “They wanted top vehicles with air conditioning and we had them. We work for several operators.

PGL gives us a lot of work as do Alfa – they’re very good people. We also operate holidays for Wayahead Travel.

“Cruise ship work is important. There are a lot of Southampton-based operators, but because of the standard of our vehicles, we are still in demand. We also do rail replacement for South West Trains. Then there are National Express duplicates. We did Poole to Bradford for several years and Westward Ho to Gatwick for a season and then continued with duplicate work. After a short break National Express approached us again at the end of 2012 and we came to an agreement whereby we now do duplication work to London from the South coast.

“As well as private hire, we do some school

work. We don’t do any late evening work if we’re on schools the next day. We cover three contracts for Damory Coaches (Go-Ahead). We also work for several private schools including providing ‘late’ coaches for Queen Elizabeth’s School (in Wimborne Minster). Private schools notice when we get new coaches.

“There is a lot of competition out there, but we have got some loyal customers because of the service we provide. We’ve had a very good summer. We carry the Poole Town football team and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

“People move to this area to retire. They may not want to travel too far, but they do want to go out, which is why we have our day tour programme at weekends and sometimes during the week. Those trips don’t require a lot of diesel and we are the only company round here which operates them. Each year we have an Open Day in March when we invite customers and prospective customers to come and see our �leet and we offer people a 10% discount on every trip they book and pay for on the day.

“I like to achieve something in life. I’ve been to Australia four times. I love speedway which has taken me all over Europe, but I’m here to run a business. There are bills and �inance to pay so I make sure the coaches earn what they can. We have customers that are happy to pay because we look after them. We have no plans to get any bigger.” ■

Sea View’s workshop and offices were built for the firm in 1979

40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 036_040_CBW1116_Sea View Coaches.indd 40

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Contact your friendly coachandbusmarket Manager Jade Cassidy via phone, email or fax Tel: 01733 293247 f: 0845 280 2927 e: jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 041_CBW1116_CBM Cover.indd 47

02/12/2013 16:51

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Page 42

2003 Neoplan Starliner

Volvo B10M

37 leather seats around tables, Sky TV/DVD entertainment system, 7 screens, toilet, kitchen, sockets throughout, manual 4 over 4. £39,995 + VAT

ZF auto, 84 seater, MOT August 2014.

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

Telephone: 01487 843333

7HO

Mercedes Vario 814 Beaver

6FDQ +HUH WR $SSO\ 2QOLQH

2003 Optare Solo

2001 Volvo B10M Berkhof Axial

Mercedes engine, one owner, good condition and tyres, low mileage 392,955, 29 seated 20 standing, full diptact space for one wheelchair, tested June 2014, taxed end of October 2013. £17,500 o.n.o.

50 reclining seats, TV/DVD, PA, fridge, hot drinks servery, air con, Webasto, alloy wheels.

Last coach remaining. £23,750 + VAT

BD23 5BS – 01756 753123

Snowcoach Holidays 01727 866177 / 07831 612125

1998 Mercedes Benz 814 Alexander

2003 Mercedes Cheetah

Two +. 29 coach seats, 3 point belts. Side loading wheel chair lift. 2005/55 reg. Manual gearbox. DDA Accessibility certificate. COIF. Racks, Boot. Best of both coach. Taxed + new MOT. 1 former keeper. May part ex. Call Tim. View Devon.

£4,500 + VAT

2009 MAN Plaxton Centro

38 blue moquette seats, Mobitec LED destination equipment, one year’s MOT. Offers over £45,000

01404 47502 or 07790 966667

Andy Shaw – 0131 554 5413

2007 Optare Solo 7.1 SE

Volvo B10M

23 seater + 10 standing, MOT June 2014, full service history from new, Hanover front digital destination board, CCTV – Activ 4 camera system, Mercedes engine, 263,000 miles, can respray in new owners colours. £39,500 o.n.o. + VAT

Ring Graham Croombs 0118 973 3486 graham@courtneybuses.com

88 seats, MOT March 2014, good condition.

£4,995 + VAT

Telephone: 01487 843333

2000 Volvo B10M Plaxton Panther

Mercedes Vario 814

49 seats, PA system, DVD player, climate control, toilet, continental door, water boiler, p/plate, not subject to LEZ, recent re-trim. £24,000 + VAT

Automatic. 2005/05. 33 seat coach, 3 point belts. Racks, boot, tacho, COIF, long MOT & tax.

Very nice tidy coach, one previous owner, drives well, ready to work. May part exchange.

10 minutes Exeter airport. Call Tim.

29 passengers plus courier seat Tax till March MOT till February Large boot New clutch and turbo. £24,000 + VAT Automatic, 27 seats, 3 point belts, power door, perfect for school/private hire, good offers considered.

£8,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

01404 47502 or 07790 966667

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

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ALFA TRAVEL HAVE FOR SALE DUE TO FLEET REPLACEMENT Dennis Plaxton R Series

2001 Dennis Darts

2001 MAN Neoplan

Cummins 420, AStronic gearbox 2004: 3 x 53 seats £40,000 plus VAT

Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon Easyshift gearbox, LEZ compliant 2006: 2 x 53 seats £79,000 plus VAT All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approximately 62,000km per annum) with reclining seats, 3 point seat belts and air conditioning. Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream. Price includes new MoT. Sorry no part exchange facilities!

Fully DDA compliant, long or new MOTs, 37 seaters, very good order. Choice of 3. £8,500 + VAT

To view contact Tom Smith, Operations Manager, on 08451 305777

Phone Ian – 07817 683970

Contact Gary – 07930 377051

2002 Bova Futura

2009 (59) Iveco Daily

1994 Volvo B9M Berkof Excellence

Good solid engine and gearbox, tidy bodywork, MOT till April 2014, 37 recliners, loads of legroom and a rear toilet.

2006 Bova Majiq

49 seat executive, ZF auto, LEZ compliant, leather headrests, twin monitor DVD, centre sunken toilet, tasteful moquette, excellent condition, MOT & Tax, economical vehicle, ready to work.

• Air con • Toilet • DVD • Monitor x 2 • Eminox euro 4 • 49 seats • Green cloth • Long MOT

12 months MOT & tax, full tank of fuel, one owner driver for the last 5 years, 49 seater, toilet, aircon, drivers bunk, alloy wheels, just refurbished, 2 new 22in Samsung LED monitors, black-out windows, TV tuner, DVD system all fitted 8 months ago, good mpg, 3 new air bags, new belts, hoses and interior LED lights just fitted, 600,000km, based in Glasgow.

£25,000 + VAT

16 passenger seats with 3 point belts, front entrance with lowered entry step, extra large boot, panoramic windows, parcel racks with reading lights and blown air, interior lighting with dim facility, CD sound system, tested until 30 September 2014.

£95,000 + VAT

£14,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

£21,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

2007 Scania K340/ Caetano Levante

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

2009 (09) Iveco Daily

Luxury VW Crafter

Choice of 2, 49 leather reclining seats, ZF automatic gearbox and retarder, Hanover front, side and rear destinations, WC, air conditioning, PLS magic lift, low mileage, recently refurbished and can be used on National Express network until June 2016.

49 seat with retractable belts, low mileage, seat back tables, footrests, centre toilet, power door, air con, webasto, cool box and boiler 2 x monitors and DVD, radio cassette, LEZ exhaust, great drive.

16 passenger seats with 3 point seat belts, front entrance with lowered entry step, extra large boot, panoramic windows, parcel racks with reading lights and blown air, interior lighting with dim facility, CD sound system, tested to June 2014.

2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 135,000 miles, 7 months MOT, excellent condition.

£80,000 + VAT each

yourbus – 01773 714013

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

£21,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

Slick Rides – 07823 770978

2011 Vauxhall Vivaro 12 seat minibus

1998 (R) DAF SB300 Plaxton Excalibur

£53,500 + VAT ono

£50,000 + VAT

£21,000

1999 Mercedes 412D

2005 Optare Solo M950 SLF 9.5m

16 removable seats, or 6 wheelchairs, 5 speed manual, external wheelchair lift, tachograph fitted, very clean condition, MOT June 14. £3,495 + VAT

33 seats + 17 standees, Mercedes engine, Hanover LED.

53 T&T Auto gearbox (faulty) Spares or repair.

Full COIF with 8 months PSV/MOT, taxed until December, digital tachograph, 6 speed gearbox, 3 rear seats can be removed (ensuring space for luggage),1 owner vehicle.

£13,250 + VAT o.n.o.

AFJ Travel – 07947 152763

OFFERS + VAT

Nigel Brown – 01982 570225

Chalkwell Coach Hire 01795 423982 andy.bates@chalkwell.co.uk

£32,000 + VAT – ONLY 1 LEFT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43

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1996 Volvo B10MA Articulated Coach

ZF automatics, 71 seats.

POA

EnsignBus 01708 865656

1996 Volvo Olympian

2005 Neoplan Skyliners

2008 Optare Solos

13.8m, MAN engines, 89 seats, toilet, air-con.

Merc Euro 4 engines, Mobitech LED’s, one M880 28 seats and one M950 31 seats.

Converted to an open top bus, Cummins engine, Voith automa c gearbox, 78 seats, MOT Jan 2014.

POA

Warrington Borough Transport 01925 634296 I.Parker@networkwarrington.co.uk

2009 Setra 416GTHD

June 2009, 49 seats, toilet/servery, 2 DVD screens, Euro 5.

£150,000

Buzzlines Travel - 01303 261870

POA

POA

EnsignBus 01708 865656

EnsignBus 01708 865656

2003 Volvo Jonckheere B12M Mistral 50

2003 Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 SLF 12m

1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma

53 passenger seats, 12 months MOT, 527,071kms, interior & exterior in excellent condition, vigorously maintained (records available).

44 seats + 27 standees, DDA compliant, 12 months MOT. £27,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

£39,950 + VAT ono Star Coaches Limited Martin 07831 265804 Adam 0121 350 5555

1999 (T) MAN 24,400 Noge Triaxle

2011 Irizar PB

1998 Volvo B10M Berkhof Axial 50

49 executive seats ZF auto gearbox Alloy wheels No tax or MOT Dry stored past 2 years.

49 seats with retractable belts, monitor, DVD, radio, cassette, taxed and tested, has air-con but needs re-gas + belts, needs t.l.c. but good motor.

£15,500 + VAT ono

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

1995 (N) Toyota Optimo III 21 seats White 12 months MOT Ideal school contract vehicle.

OFFERS + VAT

December 2011, 59 seats, toilet/servery, 3 DVD screens, Euro 5.

49 seats, WC, aircon, six speed ZF manual gearbox, first reg 14/04/98, MOT 07/03/14, only one previous owner

Nigel Brown – 01982 570225

£190,000

£19,950

Buzzlines Travel - 01303 261870

New Horizon Travel: 01206 255255

£2,750 + VAT

Nigel Brown – 01982 570225

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 44 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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1999 Mercedes Benz 814 Plaxton

Page 45

2005 Setra 315GTHD

2001 Salvador Caetano

Mercedes Vario

LEZ

COMPLIANT

27 coach seats with 3 point belts, perfect for school bus and private hire, MOT till April 2014, manual with power door and private plate.

£8,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

1993 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier

49 seat exec, toilet, boiler, cooler, DVD, 2 x monitors, Mercedes engine, A/S Tronic gearbox, intarder, air conditioning, Webasto, alloy wheels, owned & maintained by us from new, repaint by arrangement. Choice of 2.

£62,500

70 seats + driver and crew with 3 point belts, 3+2 config, auto, air-con, good runner, inspection welcome, ready for work. £40,000 + VAT

Clarkes of London Call Andy Nixon – 020 8768 9612

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

2003 Neoplan Starliner

2002 Iveco Beulas Stergo

29 coach seats with belts, MOT 2014. £2,500 + VAT – OFFERS CONSIDERED

Phone Ian – 07817 683970

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

• Automatic • Air con • Toilet • Monitor x 2 49 seats, automatic, good condition for year, available with new test, ideal for upseat.

Choice of 3 – view North Wales/Dublin. £13,000

38 leather seats around tables, Sky TV/DVD entertainment system, 7 screens, toilet, kitchen, sockets throughout, automatic. £39,995 + VAT

Call Anthony Kelly PAB Tours 00353 86 8138165

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

2005 (55) MAN 14.220 MCV Evolution

2003 Bova Futura

40 seat SLF service bus, newly repanelled and repainted, 12 months MOT to October 2013, Hannover LED destination, excellent condition, drives superb.

• Air con • Toilet • DVD • Monitor x 2 • Full exec spec • Eminox euro 4 • 49 seats • Green cloth • Manual • Long MOT

53 plate Mercedes Cheetah

Converted this year to 70 seater using Cogent seats with 3 point belts, tea machine, TV/DVD.

£30,000 + VAT

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

2003 Mercedes Citaros

£27,500 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

1997 Volvo Olympian open top bus

£55,000 + VAT

38 + 34 standees, LEZ complaint, full DDA, dual door, Hanover LEDs, CCTV, in good condition, very low mileage (240,000 – 260,000 km), 1 year’s MOT. Choice of 6 (5 x 53 plate and 1 x 03 plate). £40,000 each + VAT

Alexander Dennis body, P reg, 75 seats, fitted with a PA system, new MOT on purchase.

Only 2 remaining.

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

yourbus – 01773 714013

Bath Bus Company 01225 330444

1999 Dennis Dart SLF

2004 Mercedes Benz Optare Solera

1998 (R) Iveco 16 seat Minibus

£25,950 + VAT ovno

Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

• Non LEZ • Long MOT

Power door Will have new test.

29 passengers plus courier seat, tax till August, MOT till June, large boot, low emission exhaust fitted. £26,000 + VAT

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

COID and MOT until May 2014, painted blue and white with blue seats which were retrimmed approx 2 years ago, a reliable and well maintained vehicle, choice of two sister vehicles available.

£5,000 + VAT o.n.o

Country Bus Devon Tel 01626 833664/07872 839530

39 reclining seats, air conditioning, owned from new, MOT until September 2014.

P.O.A.

Lakeside Coaches - 01691 622761

£1,250 + VAT

Nigel Brown – 01982 570225

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45

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1992 Leyland Lynx

Cummins L10 engine, ZF gearbox.

Sold for spares – 2 available.

Offers invited for engine & gearbox or bus

2006 Transit Tourneo

9 seater, air con, alloy wheels, electric windows/mirrors, radio/CD, FSH, 74,000 miles, immaculate, choice of 2, viewing in London.

£7,250 + VAT – PX considered

07802 235778 / 0151 547 2713

Crystals Coaches Ltd 020 8960 8800/07971 000111

2006 Transit Tourneo

2008 Mercedes Atego

9 seater, SWB, low roof, air con, alloy wheels, electric windows, mirrors, radio/CD, FSH, 74,000 miles, MOT May, immaculate.

Choice of 2, viewing in London.

£7,250 + VAT – PX considered

Crystals Coaches Ltd 020 8960 8800/07971 000111

2003 Scania K114

1992 Leyland Lynx

2006 Transit Tourneo

Cummins L10 engine, ZF gearbox.

Sold for spares – 2 available.

9 seater, tax till Jan, will have new MOT, 190,000 miles, runs well, front and rear air-con, tow bar. ÂŁ4,000 + VAT

Offers invited for engine & gearbox or bus

07802 235778 / 0151 547 2713

2008 MAN 14:240 MCV Evolution

43 seats + 22 standees, auto box, 3 point belts, DDA compliant with Mobitec display, 8 camera CCTV system,Traffilog tracking & diagnostics, well maintained with long MOT, 4 available.

With Sitcar Marlin 33 seat body in green. ÂŁ45,000

Andy Shaw – 0131 554 5413

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

2009 Enviro 200

ÂŁ47,500

Cummins engine, Allison gearbox, 8.8m, 29 seats, Hanover LED’s.

Bakers Dolphin 01934 422400 or 07788 101631

EnsignBus 01708 865656

POA

Now in stock and available for a fast delivery <RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO

With Irizar Century 49 seat body with toilet. ÂŁ45,000

16 full size coach seats with three point belts, rear double and single on quick release, skirt kit and front bumper modification, luggage racks with integrated blown air and reading lights, curtains, roof hatch/sunroof, digital tachograph, COIF, wheeltrims and driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lockers. ÂŁ28,995

Andy Shaw â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0131 554 5413

UK Minicoaches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01902 631507

1999 Mercedes Optare Solo M850

Scania Omnicity TFL DD

26 + standees, automatic box, DDA compliant with Mobitec display, 8 camera CCTV system and Traffilog tracking and diagnostics fitted.

MOT to March 2014.

Ex-rental, Euro 4, 22 seats lower, 41 upper deck, 1 x wheelchair, 25 standees, Voith auto, air-con, wheelchair ramp, DDA compliant, Mobitech destination, CCTV, single door option, repaint option, MOT 2013, choice of 9.

ÂŁ8,500

PURCHASE OR RENTAL OPTIONS

Bakers Dolphin 01934 422400 or 07788 101631

Santander Used Assets 07753 712444

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Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 2010 ENVIRO 300

Cummins ISC Euro 5 engine, 12m, DDA, 44 seats, Hanover LED’s.

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.

1999/2000/2001 V/Y REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

13.8m, MAN engines, 89 seats, toilet, air-con.

DDA, Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 bodies, 8.8m, 27 seats.

2005 NEOPLAN SKYLINER’S

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

2000/2001 X/Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S

Cummins / Voith, Alexander ALX 400 lowheight body, 84 seats, LEZ compliant.

1999 DENNIS TRIDENT

80 seats, Voith gearboxes, Euro 2 engines with traps, or full Euro 3 with traps, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA with 78 seats.

SWB, CCTV, particulate traps so LEZ compliant, Plaxton President bodies, dual door 62 seats or single door 71 seats.

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

Merc Euro 4 engines, Mobitech LED’s, one M880 28 seats and one M950 31 seats.

2008 OPTARE SOLOS

2000 VOLVO B7TL’s

ZF gearboxes, single door, 82 seats fully seated or 80 seats as DDA compliant, supplied with new MOT and COIF, new batch just arriving.

2010 VOLVO B7RLE’S

Volvo Euro 5 engine, 12m, DDA, 45 seats, Hanover LED’s.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 8 Visit our website for current s

681335-1116-Ensign:Layout 1

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nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 2003 52 PLATE MINI POINTER DARTS

Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, Plaxton Pointer bodies, LEZ and DDA, ABS fitted.

2002 DENNIS DARTS

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, 8.8m, 29 seats.

Volvo Euro 2 engine, ZF gearbox, East Lancs body, 84 seats, no side facing.

2003 SCANIA OMNICITY CN94UB

2 door, Euro 3, ZF automatic, 37 seats, 12m, DDA.

Caetano Levante bodies, DDA compliant with lifts, 49 seats, toilet, air-con, recent re-trims, LEZ compliant.

2006 VOLVO B12B’S

12m, Euro 3, DDA, 42 seats.

Volvo Euro 5 engine, Optare Esteem body, 12m long, 43 seats, Hanover LED’s, low mileage.

51 and 02 plate, Cummins Euro 3 ISC engines, LEZ, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA, single door and 78 seats, or dual door 67 seats.

Manual gearbox, Van Hool body, 53 seats.

Cummins engine, Allison gearbox, 8.8m, 29 seats, Hanover LED’s.

Euro 4 Volvo engine, Wrights Eclipse Gemini body, 68 seats or 74 converted to single door.

2004 MERCEDES CITARO

2008 VOLVO B7RLE

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

2009 ENVIRO 200

1996 VOLVO B10MA ARTICULATED COACHES ZF automatics, 71 seats.

1997 DAF SB3000

2007 VOLVO B9TL

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS

Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, East Lancs bodies, 72 seats.

- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com

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Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2005 (05) Optare Solo 9.5m

2006 (06) MAN 14.220 MCV

2003 ADL E300 12m

£32,000 + VAT

£32,000 + VAT – choice

£27,000 +VAT

• 33 seats / 17 standees • Merc Euro 3 engine • Allison auto • Hanover destination • Tachograph fitted

• 40 seats / 21 standees • Man 220bhp 3 engine • Voith auto • Hanover destination • Fully DDA compliant

• 44 seats + 27 standees • Cummins Euro 3 engine • ZF auto • Hanover destination • Wheelchair ramp & bay

Part Exchange possible | Finance available – subject to status | Full inspection facilities

Viewing by appointment please – we are 10 minutes from Gatwick Airport Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN

50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

699192-1116-Stafford

2/12/13

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VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER BODY 1996 N REG 78 seats with belts, long or new MOT, one repainted white, currently taxed so ready to work.

FROM £7,750

FROM £9,950

£12,450

OPTARE SOLO M920 2008 57 REG 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, destination, fold-out ramp, etc, tachograph, unusual DP spec.

CHOICE OF 2 £49,950

MERDECEDS 413CDI SPRINTER 2007 REG UVG treka body, 16 seats or upto 6 wheelchairs, low miles and PSV tested £21,950

£13,940

MERCEDES 413 D SPRINTER 2004 REG Extra long body with 16 seats and huge full height boot, COIF and long MOT £13,950.00

£8.950 DENNIS DART PLAXTON MPD 1999/2000 WITH 29 SEATS AND UP TO 24 STANDING, DDA COMPLIANT, LARGE CHOICE INCLUDING MANY “SPD’S” DUE SOON FROM MAJOR BUS COMPANY, CAN BE PAINTED, BELTED ETC ORDER YOURS NOW FROM ONLY £4950 INC TYRES

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The North West’s Premier Minibus Sales, supplying nationwide for over 40 years WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

07 IVECO 45C15

One charity owner from 15/16,

highback passenger seats in coach moquette, lots of Unwin tracking, full air conditioning, external fully automatic cassette tailift, powerdoor, front entry £13,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

LEZ

05 FORD TRANSIT 430

High roof, covered 70,000 miles, 12 highback passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with electric side step, Ricon internal tailift, totally showroom condition inside and out, excellent value LEZ £9,995

57 FORD TRANSIT 430

LWB highroof, 8 passenger seats plus wheelchair spaces, lots of Unwin tracking, external Ratcliffe fully automatic cassette tailift, SLD with side step, good quality conversion, totally unmarked in every way £12,995

56 RENAULT MASTER

LWBM 8 highback passenger seats, Unwin tracking, Ricon internal Clearway tailift, SLD with cassette step, totally immaculate inside and out, good quality conversion, excellent value £8,995

54 MERCEDES VARIO 614

13 highback passenger seats or 9 seats plus 3 wheelchairs, external PLS fully automatic cassette tailift, low step front entry, fully colour coded, one council owner from new, looks and drives superb. £8,995

! e t i s b e w n o More Tel: 01942 864222

www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk Contact us 24/7: 07818 031725 - Wayne 07715 231694 - Phillip ALL PRICES PLUS VAT We guarantee quality vehicles, right prices, no pressure sales.

Come and have a coffee while you browse at your leisure.

Junction 23, M6 or 20 miles from Manchester/Liverpool airport.

52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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BUS & COACH

IN THE SOUTH LTD. Euro 5 vehicles available now & into 2014

VDL FUTURA FHD2 129.365PR AUTOMATIC • 57/59 Vogel Conturo reclining seats • Leather headrests and piping • Courier seat • Driver/courier seats leather trimmed • AIR CONDITIONING • Double glazing • Centre demount toilet • Continental exit with powered door • Step access to luggage bay • Central locking to luggage compartment • Webasto heater • Dash mounted fridge • CD/Radio/p.a with Bluetooth • DVD system • Wood effect flooring • Reverse camera • Electric sun blinds • Electric drivers signal window • Carpets • Curtains • ZF Intarder • Euro 5 emission level DAF PR engine • ZF automatic transmission • 860 Ltr Fuel capacity • 12.9mtr Body length

Summerfield Avenue, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JF

www.coachandbusweek.com

www.moseleysouth.co.uk Follow us @MoseleySouth on

Telephone (01823) 653000 Fax: (01823) 663502 Email: sales@moseleysouth.co.uk

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 53

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EVM Sprinter Elegance 16 + Driver

54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

EV VM X-Clusive 16 + Driver

www.coachandbusweek.com

MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

P.O.A.

• ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI

Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock

2008 (08) IVECO IRIS BUS 50C15 17 SEAT W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE COIF/PSV £14995-00

2010 MERCEDES SPRINTER 515DCi XLWB EXCEL CONVERSION 17 SEAT LUXURY MINICOACH IN SILVER COIF/PSV £44,495

05 (05) FORD TRANSIT 13 SEAT INC DRIVER W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE U/FLOOR LIFT £7,995

08 (08) FORD TRANSIT 115PS T430 9 SEAT INC DRIVER PLS U/FLOOR LIFT TRACKING 1 W/CHAIR £10,495

2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 12 SEAT MINIBUS 115PS 49,500 MILES £11,250

2006 (06) VW LT 35 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 59,000 MILES COIF/PSV £17,500

07 (07) FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT INC DRIVER RICON INBOARD LIFT TRACKING FOR 1 W/CHAIR £10,495

16:46

08 (08) IVECO 50C15 16 SEAT W/CHAIR MINIBUS U/FLOOR LIFT TRACKING FOR UP TO 5 W/CHAIRS COIF/PSV 49,000 MILES £20,995

2/12/13

05 (05) FORD TRASIT TOURNEO 280 SWB 9 SEAT INC DRIVER MINIBUS £5,750

p55_CBW_1116 Page 1

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AUDIO & VIDEO

FLEET SALES

CHECKPOINTS

RETIRING or

CHANGING YOUR FLEET?

Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions

01630 674326

auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

ENGINES

• Audio / PA systems • Video-on-demand systems • Monitor & DVD systems • Hands-free mobile phone kits • Reversing cameras and sensors • Multi or single language systems • CCTV • Alarms, tracking and cruise control • SkyTV systems • GPS commentary systems UK and Ireland Distributor

www.autosound.co.uk Tel: 0044 (0)1274 688990 Unit 4, Lister Street, Dudley Hill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 9PQ

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width,

any length • Building to BS5590 • Doors high enough for Double Deckers • Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime INSURANCE

CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316

Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC

Moorfields Industrial Estate, Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

D.I.E.S.E.L. LIMITED OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF CUMMINS ENGINES FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT FULL OR 3/4 BUILT RECON ENGINES COMPETITIVE & COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE REPAIRS FIXED PRICE ENGINE REPAIRS/OVERHAULS COMPREHENSIVE PARTS STOCK – NEW AND USED ON SITE REPAIRS FULL ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS CONTACT US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR CUMMINS REQUIREMENTS TELEPHONE UK: 01708 859625 FAX UK: 01708 857630 EMAIL: SALES@DIESEL.UK.COM

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F RPL QJ L Q 56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Driver New Van & Minibus Parts Licence Checks PARTS

LICENCE CHECKS

DRIVING LICEN CE

Boxer Relay Ducato £300 pair

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505 or visit www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

Crafter Sprinter Doors £150

Cummins 5-9 B series Short Engine

Cummins L10 Short Motorair

Daily Mirror £50

Daily Rim Conti 19575R-16C

Daily SLD £250

Daily Spare Wheels 22-75 16C Pirelli

Daily Wings £35

Digital Techo VDO 12 Volt Cont 1381

Drivers Suspension Seats £250

DUCATO Passenger New £175

Gramma Air New Seats

Gramma Paddle Change Seats New

Land Rover Defender Puma Cabs x 60

LDV Peugeot 2.5D, EN55 OE Engines

MB Sprinter VW LT Doors £150

MB Vario Bumpers £75

PARTS

Formed in 2011 to support the UK’s PSV & CV operators with parts from Market leading OEM brands from World Wide renowned manufacturers

Leyand GB397,390

We off a comprehensive all makes parts program in:

Braking • Steering • Suspension Chassis Components • Transmission Filtration • Engine • Electrical Lubricants • Consumables EXPRESS PARTS DELIVERY

MB Sprinter 616 Axel part no A9053500300

MB Vario Headlamps £35

MB Vario Wiper Motors £35

New MB Vario Parts

Nissan 2-7 TD New

Renault Master £300 Pair

RUD Matic Snow Chains

SPRINTER WING £35

Sprinter WINTER Conti 235 65 R16C

Toyota Landcruiser V8 20 inch Alloys

Transit Milenium Bus £750

Transit Millenium Doors £150

Transit Minibus Seats Unused

Transit Torneo Seats Unused £500 Pair

Transit Wheels Conti 215 75 R16C

Vauxhall Astra Mk2 C’vertible BodyShell

Volvo Compressors No 9521675

TransitVW1-9 CDI CodeANU Sharan

ZF 16S-109

ZF Astronic 12-AS1930-TD

ZF S6 36-2 Gear Boxes ZF Reman

Master Part | Portland House | Dukeries Industrial Estate | Worksop | Notts | S81 7BQ

REGISTRATIONS

£750 70 RXG AXZ 17 FRZ 70 JXI 37 KIG 80 PEZ 65 RHZ 77 SBZ 37 WXI 62

£350 CEZ 565 EIG 525 JJZ 868 MHZ 505 NUI 545 SBZ 343 UIB 185 VIW 282 XIB 636

£99 CRZ 9220 FRZ 5559 GRZ 2555 GRZ 2556 HIG 8788 KIG 6555 LIG 9121 LIG 9122 LIG 9123

Buy with confidence – CNDA Member We buy for cash, also Part Exchange

£99 MIG 1061 MIG 1062 RHZ 5655 SNZ 5223 SNZ 5224 SUI 8185 UUI 2886 UUI 2887 VJZ 3232

£50 ERZ 8737 FXZ 2157 FXZ 2158 GRZ 4754 GRZ 4755 GRZ 4756 LIG 7715 LIG 7716 NFZ 9485

£50 OFZ 4142 RHZ 5653 RHZ 5654 SNZ 7181 TNZ 2267 TNZ 2268 UUI 4344 VJZ 3276 VJZ 3277

Tel: 028 6638 7124 • www.speedyreg.co.uk Millwo od, L isbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland B T94 5HQ

www.coachandbusweek.com

www.cabmasters.com 01706 211 838

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

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SNOW CHAINS

TICKETING

C oi n D is pe n s e r s

Quick change coin dispensers Buy direct from manufacturer Also spares and repairs T T S

RANSPORT

ICKET

LIVERPOOL

SEATING

COACHTRIMMERS

Specialists in trimming buses, double deckers, single deckers One backrest one cushion

£20

For quote telephone: Dave Percival – 07970 412878

www.liverpool-coachtrimmers.co.uk

TRANSPORT MANAGER AVAILABLE

ERVICES

Phone: 01600 750650 Email: ttservices@tiscali.co.uk www.ticket-machines.co.uk

TRAINING

NATIONAL TRANSPORT MANAGER with 16 years’ experience looking for a part time role.

Ideal for start-up companies.

Based in London.

Please contact Ciro Vidali for more details.

Telephone: 07823 770978 Email: ciro.vidali@gmail.com

TRIM

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

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L Q 58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013

Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment.

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.

Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229 www.coachandbusweek.com

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TYRE EQUIPMENT

VEHICLE SPARES

01885 488 448 / 07896 191 672 VEHICLE SPARES

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: • • • • • • • • • •

Recovery

Refurbishment Testing

Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ

Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com

Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com

www.twigley.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

NEWS › XXXXXX

A promo video with character Monday Press day – the familiar madness. The IT production problem experienced the previous week rears its head again, but is, as they say in Thailand, ‘same, same but different.’ It’s particularly frustrating – and it means we end up finishing later than expected.

Tuesday A hectic day. I admit I’m not on particularly top form, so perk myself up with coffee and fruit.

We sit down for a team meeting to discuss feature ideas and to update the ongoing plans for the content of forthcoming issues Wednesday After dropping my better half Sarah off at work, I drive up the A1 and leave my car at Martin’s home. We then head up to Hull together but make the mistake of going via the A15 and the Humber Bridge – traffic around Lincoln is decidedly slow. We enjoy a warm welcome at EYMS – there is certainly no shortage of banter. We both come away very much on a high, even if we don’t leave until gone 1700hrs.

Having learnt our lesson, we head back via the M62. Despite feeling tired after a long day, I still check my work emails when I get home after my evening meal.

Thursday Spend the day working remotely as a new gas cooker is due for delivery between 0700 and 1400hrs. Get most of my Courtney Buses feature written up. Spend part of the evening dismantling a cupboard in the kitchen as the new cooker doesn’t quite fit as well as we expected.

The Cooper Connelly character plays the role of an out of work Sky Sports presenter, generally interviewing boxers Anthony’s travel has released a lengthy, tongue-in-cheek promotional video on YouTube.

The video is presented by ‘fromer Sky Sports presenter Cooper Connelly.’

It features Paul ‘Macca’ McCartney, a tribute act and lookalike and British and European Boxing Champion John Murray (the real one). Also featured are representatives from the operator’s supported charities and good causes, which include Halton Haven Hospice, Mark Gorry Foundation, Todger Jones Statue Appeal and Rye�ields Retirement Village, along with many of its customers.

Richard Bamber of Anthony’s Travel told CBW: “A while ago ‘Cooper Connelly’ started following me on Twitter. At �irst I thought he was real as we had a mutual booking friend, then I noticed he was a crank, he has set up a

Dilbert

character like Alan Partridge/ David Brent based round a former Sky Reporter desperate for work.

He did some online episodes and I thought they were funny.

“Then he started following me as his real identity, Danny Phillips.

I thought a promotional video starring his Cooper Connelly character could be a quirky way to promote Anthony’s with a bit of fun involved, so got him to come up.

“We sent an email around to clients and told the charities we support it would be a good idea to get themselves recognised in a different way. It had a lot of interest and a lot of our customers were keen to get involved.

“A lot of people have seen it and I think its worked really well.”

Turning to the Paul McCartney tribute act, Richard added: “He is friend of mine I got to know when we got him to do a few gigs for us.

He is an of�icial Paul McCartney tribute and lookalike, and Paul has used him as a body double in three videos and actually got him to turn up as ‘Paul’ for his keyboard player’s birthday party and sing, as he couldn’t make it!

“His real name is Neil Tudor. I’m a huge Beatles fan, have seen the real Paul, Ringo and Pete Best live so this was a cheap mans version we could afford!”

‘Cooper’ was also working on an episode for his own online show surrounding his visit, although Richard said it is more risky than the material which has appeared in the Anthony’s Travel promotional video.

As CBW went to press, the video had accumulated over 1,500 views in under a week.

The promo video can be found at http://youtu. be/1JfAuzFE780.

Friday A hectic day in the office trying to produce as much copy as possible to minimise the stress levels on Monday. In the evening, a new member of our household arrives with us – Tabbie the cat. Perhaps I’ll publish a photo of her in next week’s issue, with a bus connection.

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02/12/2013 19:08

Head of Purchasing BRISTOL PCV OPERATIONS/BUSINESS MANAGER Dealing with day to day operations with emphasis on sales.

We are a family-owned, long established, large and expanding taxi and coach company operating around Bristol. We have 96 licences doing schools, private hire and touring both in the UK and abroad. It will be your responsibility to increase sales on both private hire and touring nationally and internationally.

• Extensive experience of coach operators and a PCV licence absolutely essential.

We offer: • Salary in excess of £31,000 • Private health • Mercedes E Class • Assistance with relocation if applicable.

Please forward CV to Keith Sanzo at keith@eurotaxis.com (Tel: 07970 096262 or 07970 458877)

Compliance Engineer Competitive salary + company vehicle + benefits Immediate Start (Full & Part Time)

Lloyd Morgan Group are the one of the country’s leading PCV/ HGV compliance monitoring and training companies, which is enforced by our Corporate partnership to the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

We are looking for a highly motivated specialist to join our expanding team of compliance engineers, who is willing to travel and spend some nights away from home.

The Role.

You will be home based, working throughout the UK, with the opportunity to travel further afield into Europe, USA and the UAE. Although the appointments are pre-planned the role is predominantly self managing your time and meeting deadlines.

You will be a motivated engineer with an eye for detail, have excellent written and verbal communication skills and have a thorough knowledge of not only vehicle inspection but also engineering maintenance systems and best practice. You will ideally will have auditing knowledge and an auditing qualification.

You will be computer literate, have a working knowledge of Word, Outlook, emails and Excel and be a forward thinker.

You must hold relevant PCV/HGV qualifications for engineering, a current UK driving licence and have attention to detail.

If you feel you have the necessary skills, acumen and qualification to meet this exciting challenge please email your CV through to jeanette.groves@lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

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061_063_CBW1116_Peopl_Recruitment.indd 61

The Head of Purchasing will report directly to Engineer Director and will be responsible for providing a robust framework for the tendering for and issue of Metroline external contracts and to provide effective logistic support to the engineering team.

Main responsibilities: • Ensuring that Metroline contracts with external suppliers are robust and comply with contract law.

• Ensuring that current contracts are reviewed and amended where necessary.

• Providing and innovative approach to new contracts to ensure the company receives best value.

• Researching best practice in the market place prior to tendering for contracts.

• Working with the Technical Team to ensure engineering contracts comply with the company procedures.

• Meeting with external suppliers to discuss innovation and technology changes that may affect current contracts.

• Ensuring that contracts are awarded in a fair and open manner, through the management of a robust and visible tendering process.

• The management and development of purchasing staff and stores personnel including sickness and absence, disciplines and back to work interviews.

• Formally briefing the Engineering Director on all engineering material supply issues.

• Overseeing the supply function of company fleet management system.

• Meeting the logistic requirements of the engineering function.

• Planning the spares supply in line with the planned maintenance requirements.

• Identifying new technologies.

• Ensuring that the stores department comply with current Health & Safety Regulations.

Essential Criteria for application: • Established procurement leader.

• Experience in cross functional support.

• Adaptable and open to change.

• CIPS qualified.

Competence & Skills: • Excellent written and spoken English with the ability to communicate clearly and at all levels; • Excellent attention for detail • Ability to operate as a team player • Ability to work well under pressure • Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills; • Must be proactive, methodical and results orientated.

• Highly organised, motivated and able to prioritise workload • Ability to manage own workload effectively and work to strict deadlines; • Exceptional customer service skills with a natural flair of providing support and guidance and going ‘the extra mile’ • Process driven and able to deliver results in a high volume.

• Ability to use initiative and identify solutions when a problem or difficult situation arises • Must be able to demonstrate credibility to build professional relationships with both employees and managers, • Discreet when managing confidential matters.

• Ability to collate and interpret statistical data; • Able to build lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders/suppliers; • An understanding/appreciation of the service requirements and the management of day to day operational issues; • Ability to influence and persuade key decision makers; • Must be a team player and willing to develop others to increase team and individual performance.

You will work 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a competitive salary.

To apply, please send a covering letter and CV to Nicola Newton, HR Assistant, Metroline, ComfortDelGro House, 329 Edgware Road, Cricklewood, London NW2 6JP. Alternatively, please e-mail nnewton@metroline.co.uk

Applications should include the reasons you are applying for the post, why you believe you are a suitable candidate, and any relevant qualifications or experience.

December 4, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61 02/12/2013 18:56

Heavy Vehicle Technician - Nightshi� Would you like to join our highly experienced team of engineers, based at our excellent workshop in Lower Sydenham, South East London?

HASSLE FREE DRIVERS? www.justcoachdrivers.com

Requirements for the successful candidate will be: • Fully skilled HGV/PCV Technician • Experience of all types of repairs to commercial vehicles • Background in Mercedes/Setra/Scania coaches preferred but not essen al • HGV/PCV licence essen al • Conscien ous andCall reliable, to work on own ini a ve Delable Haggerty

Just Coach Drivers Ltd Compe ve salary07950 292939 Excellent working www.justcoachdrivers.com facili es, friendly team, modern vehicles

We offer:

• • • Group Personal Pension Scheme • Paid holiday

We may have on-site accommoda on available for those applicants who live at distance or may need to relocate.

For more informa on or for an applica on form please call 0208 768 9637 and ask for Steve Holden. Alterna vely please complete an applica on form online at our website www.clarkescoaches.co.uk

Hire coach drivers when you need them.

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We keep your wheels turning while your drivers are resting.

Call Del Haggerty Just Coach Drivers Ltd 07950 292939 www.justcoachdrivers.com

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Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com 62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 4, 2013 061_063_CBW1116_Peopl_Recruitment.indd 62

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02/12/2013 18:56

RECRUITMENT & PEOPLE

In association with

DEADLINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm CONTACT Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

New MD for Arriva’s Central and Eastern Europe division Arriva has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director for its growing Central and Eastern European region as part of wide restructure.

Radim Novak, who was CEO of the former Veolia Transport Central Europe (VTCE) businesses, acquired by Arriva’s parent company Deutsche Bahn in May this year, has taken up the new role and will oversee the development of a much larger operating region across seven countries.

He will report directly to the group’s deputy CEO and MD for mainland Europe, Mike Cooper.

Over the past six months, Mr Novak has helped lead the integration of the 3,400-vehicle operations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, into Arriva. He will now lead the development of an expanded region which will see the six operations gradually merging with Arriva’s existing businesses.

Arriva has also confirmed a

John Hartley started his career at builder, East Lancs 21 years ago

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number of senior appointments at country level within Central and Eastern Europe.

In Hungary, Arriva’s joint venture operations will continue to be led by Aniko Kormendi while in Arriva’s Adriatic countries of Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, Swedish-born Bo Karlsson will continue as managing director with local management teams reporting directly to him.

In Poland, Damian Grabowski will continue to lead Arriva’s rail operations with Tomasz Rochowicz remaining in charge of the firm’s bus business. Both will report to Mr Novak.

Meanwhile the names of new managing directors for Arriva in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are set to be announced in the coming months with the current senior management teams reporting into Mr Novak during the interim period.

Mike Cooper, Deputy CEO and Managing Director for Mainland

Europe, said: “Radim is highly regarded for his professionalism and passion for delivering the best value to customers and clients. He understands the challenges and opportunities we face in the bus and rail markets in the region and will be setting our direction and goals.

“Radim will lead what is a newlook operating area and is totally focussed on growth and building on our already strong relations

with client bodies and passengers in existing markets. There are many synergies between our new and existing Arriva businesses and Radim will be working closely with the leadership teams in each country to unlock these and many other operational and commercial opportunities.

“It’s an exciting time for Arriva and I am certain Radim’s appointment, alongside our new-look country teams, will help to enhance our reputation for operational excellence.”

Radim Novak added: “I am extremely proud to be leading what is Arriva’s fastest growing region.

“We have a strong track record throughout our operations and my aim, alongside each country management team, is to maintain the pace of growth, enhance the services we can offer customers and importantly, continue to deliver value for client bodies within central and eastern Europe.”

a Group Programme/Contracts Managerial role and most latterly he held the position of Regional Sales Manager for the North and Scotland.

In his new role at Wrightbus, reporting to Commercial Director Sam McLaren and working alongside colleague Steve Jackson, John will work with bus operators – both large and small - throughout the Northern England, Scotland and Wales to manage current contracts and to be a key point of contact from an aftermarket perspective when new vehicles are delivered to customers.

He has also been tasked with growing and developing new business opportunities across the private and municipal customer base.

Commenting on the appointment, Sam McLaren said: “John is already a well known, liked and respected figure in our industry and brings with him a real depth of knowledge and experience.

“Once he has completed his induction period – which has already included a spell on the shop floor at Ballymena – I know he is itching to get into action in his new role.”

Radim Novak: “I am extremely proud to be leading what is Arriva’s fastest growing region.”

John Hartley moves from Optare to Wrightbus John Hartley has joined Wrightbus as National Accounts Manager.

John already has more than 20 years of industry experience under his belt, after starting his career at East Lancashire Coachbuilders in 1992. Working his way up from the shop floor, he spent time in the engineering department before taking on the role of Contracts Manager.

When ELC become the Darwen Group, John assumed the role of Regional Sales Manager for the North of England.

Under Optare ownership, his responsibilities extended into

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