Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1029

Wednesday March 28, 2012 Issue 1029 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

Lucketts Travel acquires Coliseum Coaches p10

DEALERS:

Open weekend at Plaxton Coach Sales and Irizar UK p20

Inside this week...

Minibus

BUS:

Transport Minister announces industry funding reform p8

BUILDERS:

Tata-Hispano factory visit and UK model overview p32

for recru i

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

GBF3 triggers first CNG bus sales to Arriva p4

Cover.indd 1

26/03/2012 22:30

554158-1029-Volant FP

22/3/12

09:51

Page 1

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3

THIS WEEK

Coach & Bus Week is published by Rouncy Media, 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@rouncymedia.co.uk Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@rouncymedia.co.uk News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@rouncymedia.co.uk News Reporter Andrew Cream 01733 293240 andrew.cream@rouncymedia.co.uk Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk Classified Sales Executive Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

ROUNCY MEDIA Chairman & Chief Executive Jonathan Taylor jonathan.taylor@rouncymedia.co.uk Managing Director Derek Phillips derek.phillips@rouncymedia.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Kirstyn Hunt 01733 293480 kirstyn.hunt@rouncymedia.co.uk Annual subscription rate for 51 issues: UK £85, Europe/Eire £140, USA and RoW £180 ONLINE £44.95

www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2012 Rouncy Media 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.

Diesel: fuel’s gold?

F

riday morning’s Green Bus Fund (GBF) and Better Bus Fund (BBF) announcement appeared seemingly out of the blue, yet in reality the news came with a week to go before all the bus orders had to be placed. Have Cardiff and Holyrood been sharing ‘best practice’ on leaving bus industry announcements until the last minute?

The news undoubtedly provides a welcome boost to UK bus manufacturing and the ‘green’ technology suppliers, particularly MAN and its gas bus.

While it would be easy to fill this column with joy, rest assured I won’t forget it came in the same week as a most unwelcome fuel duty increase.

At a time of reduced BSOG, GBF and BBF may be something of an olive branch to some parts of the bus industry in England, but the coach industry is once again left on the sideline and smacked in the mouth to boot. Quite simply, we will not forget the coach industry here at CBW.

In the interest of balance, perhaps we should be grateful a fuel duty increase was not imposed with almost immediate effect – just as it has in the past. With that in mind, I for one topped my diesel tank up on Thursday morning.

Fuel remains a decidedly thorny issue – both for operators of all sizes and for the economy as a whole.

I’m sure I’m not alone in wishing BSOG would not have been cut. Routes and networks are being rationalised, and concessionary fare reimbursement budgets remain under pressure, yet there appears to be funding available for headline-grabbing projects.

Am I being too cynical? Of course, another view is that the funding is being targeted in areas where it will achieve the greatest level of benefit and meet government objectives. On that note, I believe Baker’s announcement on Monday about changes to BSOG is another cat amongst the pigeons job...

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

20

36

The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK

12

CBW reports on Plaxton & Irizar UK’s open weekends

22

Optare’s final Scania Omnidekka at Nottingham City Transport

Combined turnover up for VDL plus Eurotunnel reports steady growth

16

A look at the latest engines, transmissions and related services

28

A look at the Tourneo Custom Concept plus CoachLinks profile

What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus Events Diary

18

Low-entry EcoCity CNG bus for UK and Neoplan Starliner development

32

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Gareth’s Diary!

...From tourist attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits

BASE takes CBW to see their Spanish bodybuilders - part 2

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Financial News Regional News Tour News

News Focus

Essential Guide MAN Bus Days Factory Visit

The Big Picture

39

Minibus

69

Last Stop

70

People

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

For all the latest industry news and information, register with us online at:

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

Contents.indd 3

26/03/2012 22:25

4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news

£101m allocated for regional bus initiatives England will see more socalled ‘green’ buses on the roads, reduced congestion and upgraded services, due to a new £101m package of improvements approved by local transport minister Norman Baker Local transport minister Norman Baker has announced £101m of grants from the Green Bus (GBF) and Better Bus Area (BBA) funds.

The news comes after he memorably declared a third round of GBF would become available at the UK Bus Awards in November 2011.

Now, after two-month bidding process for the packages, the Department for Transport (DfT) has also provided £31m of funding for 439 new eco-friendly buses for 2012/2013. Approximately 128 single-deck and 311 double-decker buses are due to enter service from spring 2013, saving over 9,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per annum.

The 26 bus operators including Stagecoach, Arriva and First are receiving more than £22m, with more than £8m split between five local authorities.

Five bus manufacturers benefit from orders for their eco-friendly hybrid, electric and gas buses. They comprise: Volvo, Wrightbus, Optare, MAN and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), all of which are based in, or partly in, the UK. By switching to low carbon buses, the operators will also be eligible to claim additional government subsidy through the Bus Service Operators Grant to run these buses. Bus operators and local authorities will be given six pence per kilometre to support them with operational costs.

Norman Baker said: “This funding means a better deal for passengers and encourages more people to travel by bus. It updates and improves services and infrastructure, reduces congestion, gives quieter journeys and with the introduction of new carbon friendly buses, reduces fuel costs and CO2 emissions, creating a greener network.” www.coachandbusweek.com

News4-6.indd 4

However, CBW understands funds have been allocated to an operator who does not appear to hold a valid O-license and an investigation is set to get underway.

A DfT spokesperson told CBW: “It would be inappropriate to discuss the circumstances of individual cases. However, I can confirm we would not expect to pay money to an operator under the Green Bus Fund unless and until they held a valid operator’s licence.”

Local authorities across England which have impressed the DfT with their bid for funding, will also receive a share of £70m under the BBA fund to boost growth, improve partnerships with bus companies and increase bus passenger numbers.

They will benefit from up to £5m each in order to support a range of targeted improvements, with the regional breakdown as follows.

EAST MIDLANDS The East Midlands is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 460 tonnes each year from spring 2013, due to £1.9m of funding for ecofriendly buses.

The East Midlands will receive 21 new low carbon buses. The operators are: Nottingham City Council to acquire 15 single-deck hybrid electric buses and four double-decker hybrid electric buses while P C Coaches of Lincoln is

getting two double-decker hybrid electric buses.

Derby has been awarded £2,176,000 to implement a package of measures to improve the reliability and punctuality of bus services (priority measures), enhance the quality of passenger facilities, information provision and vehicles, support joint operator ticketing to make it easier and cheaper to travel (initially through disposable smartcard day tickets) and to encourage behaviour change through marketing and promotional activities. Leicestershire will receive £2,562,100 to address congestion on the A426 into Leicester. Which includes, bus lanes, bus gates, bus lane enforcement, bus lane review, junction improvements, targeted marketing, personalised travel plans, bus information strategy, smart ticketing, work

Norman Baker says infrastructure and vehicles will be upgraded

Arriva has ordered 77 Volvo hybrids, the largest confirmed order to date

grants and bus stop improvements.

Nottingham will receive £4,908,000 to spend on ten corridors, aiming to bring them up to ‘tram’ standard.

This will be done by extending the existing Statutory Bus Quality Partnership. The bid looks to make bus travel more reliable and attractive as well as improve the perception of safety through a package of measures such as bus priority, installation of shelters, bus stop lighting, CCTV, real time displays and promotion.

WEST MIDLANDS The West Midlands is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 635 tonnes each year from spring 2013, due to £2.1m of funding for ecofriendly buses.

The West Midlands is gaining 29 new low carbon buses. The operators are: Johnsons (Henley) with four double-decker hybrid electric buses and four single-deck hybrid electric buses while National Express West Midlands is taking 21 double-decker hybrid electric buses.

The West Midlands has also been awarded £5,000,000 for bus station and improvement services to Merry Hill Shopping Centre and Waterfront Business Park. Highway measures to segregate buses, new bus stops, bus information, smart ticketing, smartcard roll-out and new accessible Euro 5 buses.

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND The South West is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 290 tonnes each year from spring 2013, due to £1.1m of funding for ecofriendly buses.

The South West will have 13 new low carbon buses. The operators are: First Somerset & Avon with eight double-decker hybrid electric buses and Holsworthy with five single-deck hybrid electric buses.

Bournemouth has been awarded £2,434,000 to improve the bus network in South East Dorset.

This will be used to improve infrastructure to promote a safer and higher quality transport experience for passengers by

26/03/2012 22:59

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

“This funding means a better deal for passengers and encourages more people to travel by bus. It updates and improves services and infrastructure, creating a greener network.”

Norman Baker MP upgrading bus shelters, installing solar powered information display boards and LED lighting on buses.

Bristol will receive £4,986,000 to improve bus routes on the A38 Filton Road by replacing bus shelters and installing real-time passenger information. The A420 at Kingswood plans to have traffic signals updated, bus stops replaced and new real-time information boards. Bus passengers who use the A4 from Bristol to Bath will see Real-Time Information (RTI), Wi-Fi in 230 buses and traffic enforcement measures.

Torbay can expect £514,700 for RTI as well as creating three traffic control centres and upgrading four busy road junctions to include bus priority. The RTI proposal involves upgrading all bus stops to allow for GPS tracking, along with RTI screens at three main bus stations.

Wiltshire is allocated £394,320 to implement a package of measures to tackle specific challenges in the county. A new park and ride service will be developed to help provide sustainable access to an employment site and tackle congestion. Other measures include improving the bus offer in Salisbury and replacing fluorescent lighting in buses with low carbon emission LED lighting.

SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND The South East is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,300 tonnes each year from spring 2013, due to £4.3m of funding for ecofriendly buses.

The South East will have 59 new low carbon buses. The operators are: Arriva Kent - 11 double-decker hybrid electric buses; Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company - 11 double-decker hybrid electric buses; First Beeline Buses t/a First Berkshire - 10 single-deck hybrid electric buses; Arriva the Shires (but acquired by Milton Keynes Council) – eight fully electric buses for route 7 Bletchley – Milton Keynes – Wolverton; and Oxford Bus Company - 19 double-decker hybrid electric buses.

Brighton and Hove has been awarded £3,480,000 to upgrade services and bus stop infrastructure on the Lewes Road corridor to Sussex University (£2.8m, of which £1.24m local contribution), new bus priorities on Eastern Road corridor from the Royal Sussex County Hospital (£1.4m, of which £0.6m local contribution), and in the city centre, Valley Gardens

News4-6.indd 5

Cambridge is to benefit from further bus priority measures (£1.6m, of which £0.5m is local contribution).

Hampshire is to receive £4,477,200 to implement a package of eleven separate measures. These include bus refurbishment, a Wi-Fienabled bus fleet, next stop displays and bus priority infrastructure designed to tackle known barriers to bus travel and raise the customer experience.

Milton Keynes can expect £2,230,000 to focus on the four main employment bus corridors.

This will improve connections between where people live and where people work. The bid consists of six elements: update and develop RTPI; smart ticketing; service improvements; smarter choices; interchange; and wayfinding/access for all. Each element designed to address different barriers to increased bus use, particularly for work-based travel, e.g. level of service, ease of use, availability of information and increased awareness of services.

Bracknell has been awarded £300,000 to expand Real Time Passenger Information (RTI) across borough-wide. The project intends to build on investment begun by the operators to realise the benefits within a shorter timescale, and link bus RTI with other real time transport information at a single web location enabling informed travel choices.

Slough will receive £1,415,000 to address punctuality and reliability issues on route 78 running between the main Slough urban area and Heathrow Airport. The proposed package of interventions comprises: signals upgrades at 14 junctions to give bus priority; introduction of bus lanes on the approach to three junctions,

abolition of seven bus stop lay-bys and selective highway widening.

NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND The North West is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 3,000 tonnes each year from spring 2013, due to £9m of funding for ecofriendly buses.

The North West will have 132 new low carbon buses. The operators are: Arriva Merseyside - 33 double-decker hybrid electric buses; Arriva Manchester – 11 double-decker hybrid electric buses; Network Warrington – six Optare Versas hybrids; Blueworks – four single-deck hybrid electric buses; Arriva North West – 10 MAN EcoCity CNG buses; Reays Coaches – two single-deck hybrid electric buses; Rotala plc – 15 double-decker hybrid electric buses; Stagecoach Manchester 40 double-decker hybrid electric buses; and Transport for Greater Manchester – 11 single-decker hybrid electric buses.

Blackpool has been awarded £1,073,000 to regenerate the town centre. Planned improvements include: a contra-flow bus lane, upgraded bus shelters to improve accessibility and real time information and improvements to bus stops.

Greater Manchester will receive £4,207,000 to improve bus journey times, reliability and punctuality.

This will mean better transport interchanges and improved routes to support job opportunities at Trafford Park and Salford Quays.

Merseyside can expect £4,999,000 to transform and develop local bus infrastructure, real time and mobile information provision so passenger can check bus times.

NORTH EAST The North East is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 900 tonnes each year from spring 2013, thanks to £2.5m of funding for ecofriendly buses.

The North East will have 42 new low carbon buses. The five operators are: Arriva Durham – 11 gas singledeck buses; Arriva Northumbria – 10 double-decker hybrid electric buses; Go North East – 15 doubledecker hybrid electric buses; Nexus – one single-deck hybrid electric bus; and Tyne & Wear Bus Company – five single-deck hybrid electric buses.

Tyne and Wear has been awarded £4,972,000 to pay for 19 display boards (Intelligent Transport Systems) across key bus corridors throughout six congestion hotspots and at three bus interchanges. Infrastructure development will see the conversion of a road to allow twoway bus traffic, interchange and bus stop improvements including CCTV, new shelters and raised kerbs.

LONDON London is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,800 tonnes each year from spring 2013, thanks to £5m of funding for eco-friendly buses. Transport for London will have 70 new low carbon buses.

EAST OF ENGLAND The East of England is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 900 tonnes from spring 2013, thanks to £3m of funding for eco-friendly buses.

The East will have 42 new low carbon buses. The operators are: Anglian Bus - 13 gas single-deck buses; Ensign Bus Company – six double-decker hybrid electric buses; and First Essex Buses – 23 single-deck hybrid electric buses.

Bedford has been awarded £218,170 for smart ticketing provision for small operators, enabling multi-operator ticketing, traffic priority measures and RTI displays within the urban area of Bedford.

Cambridgeshire will receive £1,724.000 to improve accessibility, bus journey times on key bus routes in Cambridgeshire. The changes include new traffic management on four corridors into the city, bus priority, upgraded buses, improved interchanges (including with Guided Busway), smart ticketing top-up on street and www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 22:59

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news

real time passenger information.

Norfolk can expect £2,583,300 for the implementation of bus priority measures. These include the Bus Rapid Transit corridor delivery, development of transport hubs, enhancement to bus operations, new ticketing schemes and smarter choices initiatives.

Southend will receive £1,577,000 for the introduction of a borough-wide Smartcard, better interchanges/bus stops, improving local congestion/air quality and increased sustainability and management.

YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE Yorkshire and Humberside is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 680 tonnes each year from spring 2013, thanks to £2.1m of funding for eco-friendly buses.

Yorkshire & Humberside is to have 31 new low carbon buses. The operators are: Arriva Yorkshire – 12 double-decker hybrid electric buses; and Stagecoach Yorkshire – 19 double-decker hybrid electric buses.

West Yorkshire has been awarded £4,975,000 to boost, expand and accelerate smart ticketing in the region. It includes

First MAN gas bus ordered Arriva plans to introduce 98 new low-carbon buses worth £26.7m to its UK fleet comprising 77 Volvo Hybrids and 21 MAN EcoCity CNG buses which will run on biomethane.

This investment represents the UK’s largest orders both for Volvo hybrid buses and for MAN EcoCity gas buses.

Arriva is funding £22.2m of the investment with the remainder secured through successful bids by the group to the government’s GBF. The buses will enter in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Kent.

Mike Cooper, MD, Arriva UK Bus, said: “We welcome the minister’s announcement. The GBF is helping accelerate the introduction of low carbon emission buses across England and supports investment by the bus industry aimed at further improving it’s environmental credential.

“Arriva is committed to investing heavily and our teams put forward strong bids, which resulted in us winning a significant share of the www.coachandbusweek.com

News4-6.indd 6

smartcard ticketing in York as an optional component. This will maximise the potential of bus services and increase patronage.

South Yorkshire will receive £4,908,000 to provide quicker, faster and smoother bus services in South Yorkshire. The project pulls together a number of measures designed both to ameliorate existing congestion and to facilitate planned future growth in the four major South Yorkshire metropolitan areas (Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley). The proposal includes three main

elements: Smart Ticketing, various infrastructure projects and better traffic management through the use automated management tools.

York can expect £2,925,000 to improve reliability, punctuality in the city centre and initiate travel behaviour change.

These include a programme of bus priority scheme, smart ticketing, bus stop/shelter refurbishment, improved bus service information, the creation of five bus interchanges, traffic enforcement, and a marketing and promotion campaign.

Johnsons is to acquire four extra as yet unconfirmed single-decker hybrids funding allocation in this round.

During the bidding we worked in close partnership with our local authority stakeholders. They were very supportive and helped ensure our proposals aligned with their environmental objectives and contributed to our aspirations to continue to improve the quality of our local bus services.”

Orders have been placed for the 98 new buses which will enter service over the next 12 months. The new vehicles are part of Arriva’s ongoing investment programme which is enabling the business to withdraw some of the oldest buses in its fleet. They also complement the Arriva group’s wider eco-driving initiative which is reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions across its UK and mainland European operations through innovative fuel indicator technology and progressive driver training techniques.

Tony Griffiths, general manager Bus Operations, MAN Truck & Bus UK, said: “Naturally, we are delighted to have secured what we hope is the first of many orders for our EcoCity. To receive the order for such a significant quantity of

chassis, and from such a highprofile operator, is justification for all the hard work we, and the Gas Bus Alliance, have put in over the last 24 months.

“Today’s GBF announcement provides us with even more incentive to market EcoCity. This cash injection from the DfT is designed to promote growth among low-carbon operators, and MAN can provide the vehicle ‘off the shelf’.

“We have always had the utmost confidence in the EcoCity product.

We’ve been open and honest with our calculations on economy and other running costs, and it’s enormously gratifying to see customers realise the full potential of EcoCity. Our demonstration programme continues to convince operators of the merits of gas power, and I fully expect to be able to announce more firm orders in the near future.”

Furthermore, a spokesmann for ADL told CBW early signs indicate the company has secured around 150 orders through the latest GBF initiative and this figure may rise to over 200. It is believed the bulk of the orders are for E400 and E350Hs.

Reactions Responding to the announcement of extra funding for local buses, Richard Hebditch, Campaign for Better Transport’s campaigns director, said: “The additional money announced for green buses and for the Better Bus Areas fund is very welcome. However, bus services are still being cut across the country as central government and local councils make funding cuts. The DfT has found an extra £31m, but this is barely half of what is needed just to properly fund the free bus pass scheme for older people, let alone make up for the 20% BSOG cut. We need long-term sustainable funding for buses, rather than just doling out the spare change left over in DfT budgets at the end of the year.”

James White, Guide Dogs’ senior campaigns officer said: “Guide Dogs is really encouraged the DfT has approved a number of bids which will mean an increase in the number of Talking Buses on the road. More than 1,000 extra buses will be able to announce the next stop and final destination due to the Better Bus Areas fund.

This will allow blind and partially sighted people, and all other passengers, to travel with much greater confidence. It is clear that those local authorities and bus operators who included Talking Buses in their bid recognise that this simple improvement in on board information provision will make their buses a more attractive option to tourists, business people and others who are unfamiliar with a route. Guide Dogs would like to thank the local authorities and local bus operators who included Talking Buses in their applications, and the DfT for approving them.”

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus CEO, said: “This investment is welcome news for passengers and the bus industry, our recent research of over 21,000 bus passengers revealed wide disparities in levels of overall satisfaction and value for money with bus services. Investment in new vehicles, infrastructure and better congestion control will help tackle the things which matter most to bus passengers. Via the Bus Passenger Survey, we will be measuring the impact of this investment package and whether passenger satisfaction improves.”

26/03/2012 23:00

553167-1016-GuideDogs

9/12/11

10:30

Page 1

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

1995

news › BUSeS

The year the now highly-popular UK Bus Awards were founded

briefly Arriva has completed the sale of its Scotland West operation to McGill’s Bus Service Ltd for an undisclosed sum. McGill’s has acquired Arriva’s Johnstone and Inchinnan depots as well as the 153 buses which operated from them. Around 360 former Arriva employees have also transferred to the new owner, under the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations.

For more information about the new service operations and routes following the acquisition, visit www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk Go North East has introduced Friday and Saturday late evening buses and a Sunday service during shopping hours to Durham on route 15. Some journeys on the service which links the city with Consett, Lanchester, and Witton Gilbert, were cut back last summer when Durham County Council withdrew funding for these journeys as part of its local government spending review. Now thanks to funding being made available by the Durham County Council Area Action Partnership these journeys have been restored proving later links to the city centre and North Durham Hospital.

High Peak, the result of the awaited merger between Chapel-en-le-Frith based Bowers and trent barton’s Dove Holes division near Buxton, will begin service on Sunday (April 1). The new company is set to take over trent barton’s transpeak, skyline 99 and 185/186 routes, and will operate from Dove Holes with a combined fleet of 50 buses and around 100 employees. The buses used on these services are likely to stay the same as now, and in the same colours. However, buses in the new blue and orange High Peak livery will soon become a common sight. Alex Hornby, commercial director at trent barton, told CBW: “The merger of our depot in Dove Holes with Centrebus’s Bowers operation was the right thing to do in securing a future for both routes and jobs. Pressures on rural bus operators are well-documented and we’re forced to think outside of the box to create a viable way forward.” www.coachandbusweek.com

BusNews8-9.indd 8

Reforms seek to improve passenger numbers Extra funding has been given to local authorities to help improve the efficiency of bus services, although some argue it isn’t enough Local transport minister Norman Baker has announced a number of changes aimed at boosting passenger numbers and improving the efficiency of bus services.

Announced on Monday (March 26), the new proposals are a response to government’s belief for the need to reform bus subsidy (Bus Service Operators Grant) and

the recently concluded Competition Commission investigation into the bus market. Having worked closely with bus operators, local councils, Local Government Association, the Passenger Transport Executive Group, the CPT and the Community Transport Association, there are several changes being brought in.

Subsidy payments: a proportion of these will now be devolved to local authorities, rather than paid to bus companies.

The government states it recognises every area has its own travel issues and transport needs. It will now be

The new proposals are a response to government’s belief for the need to reform bus industry subsidy. A Stagecoach Cambridgeshire Alexanderbodied MAN is awaiting departure from Whittlesey Market Place on February 4, 2012

Ideas shared at Young Bus Managers conference Around 50 of the country’s top young bus managers attended the Young Bus Manager’s Network (YBMN) conference at the Lansdowne Place Hotel in Hove last week.

The programme included presentations from Arriva Bus UK MD Mike Cooper and transport minister Norman Baker MP. The conference kicked off on Wednesday evening with an informal dinner and a quiz chaired

by Chris Cheek.

The morning of the full conference started with a

grandstand double-deck tour of the bus lanes to the east of Brighton on the A259. Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company MD Roger French (who, along with Reading Transport CEO James Freeman, is co-patron of the YBMN) provided expert commentary and explained how the bus lanes have helped to improve journey times and significantly increase patronage along the corridor since their opening in spring 2008.

Roger French formally opened the conference before headline

up to authorities to decide how this money is spent; Competition barriers: will be eliminated and new regulations developed to prevent anti-competitive practices by bus operators. The DfT will work closely with local councils to offer guidance on developing reasonablypriced tickets that can be used on any bus; and Smart ticketing: The DfT is providing an extra £15m to operators of local bus services which do not have smart ticketing equipment installed on their buses.

This will help meet the aim that by 2014, the majority of journeys by public transport be made using a smartcard.

A spokeswoman from the DfT told CBW the local authorities would have to provide evidence the money was being spent on relevant schemes and that it could not be diverted elsewhere.

Baker said: “My vision is for a bus service which is reliable, flexible, offers competitive fares, smarter ticketing and provides passengers with a service they want to useregularly. Hot on the heels of the announcement of over £100m of new funding for greener buses, today I have agreed an additional £15m for smart ticketing. By devolving funding to local authorities it now gives them speaker for the morning Mike Cooper, gave a talk on his career to date and how he has changed thinking in the organisation to improve operational performance.

There was then an interactive debate on hybrid vehicle technology, with a panel which included Graham Belgum from FirstGroup, Ian Downie from Volvo and James Freeman from Reading Transport.

The debate focused on the continuing development of hybrid technologies, as well as challenges including fuel prices, European emissions standards and the desire to reduce weight in vehicle design to improve fuel consumption.

Norman Baker’s speech outlined

26/03/2012 21:52

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

£1.3m 1,200 The turnover of Southamptonbased Coliseum Coaches in 2011

the power to tackle local issues on the ground and develop practical solutions to community problems.”

Simon Posner, chief executive at the CPT welcomed the move: “We are glad the minister has resisted calls from some quarters to devolve the payment of all of BSOG to local authorities. The minister’s proposals on how BSOG just for tendered services will be distributed appear sound. They will enable the industry to work with local authorities to deliver local bus services which meet the need of our customers. He has listened to the concerns we raised and settled on a solution where our passengers will not be adversely affected.

Posner added: “It’s vital this funding is used for the benefit of passengers on local bus services and not ultimately to support other areas of local authority spending.

Failure to do this will result in a reduction of services and increases in fares – the very thing BSOG has supported for a number of years.”

Reacting to the news, Sophie Allain of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “The new policy is welcome and giving councils more powers and funding may help, but today’s announcement is just a silver lining to a big black cloud of bus cuts. It fails to deal with the cuts to services across the UK. These cuts matter as they stop people getting to work and also harm high street trade. The underfunding of the concessionary fares scheme and deep cuts in bus funding still need to be urgently addressed. However, the proposals today do give councils new opportunities to improve buses and we will be pressing councils to use them.” how he took a real interest in the bus industry and fielded a number of key questions from delegates from both large and small bus operators about current significant issues facing the industry, including relationships with local authorities, budget cuts, and the issues for operators when faced with moving over to smart ticketing.

Brian Higbee from Trapeze ITS then gave his take on real-time information technology and the direction it is now progressing in, along with smart phones and texting systems.

For further details of the YBMN, visit www. youngbusmanagers.org.uk.

BusNews8-9.indd 9

The maximum number of units Tata Hispano’s Zaragoza plant can produce in a year

SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, March 26. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise while Rotala experienced the biggest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

304.80p

Price: Year High: 574.37p Year Low: 257.70p

296.00p

Chris Cheek speaking at the ceremony

UK Bus Awards launches new award for 2012 The 2012 UK Bus Awards (UKBA) was launched last week at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s (CILT) inaugural Bus and Coach Forum Lecture, along with news that this years competition will feature new awards for the Bus and the Community, and a new Local Authority Bus Project of the Year Award. There is also a special oneoff award planned for Transport Heroes of the 2012 Games whilst an existing award will be named to honour the late Peter Huntley.

The new Bus and the Community Award is designed to recognise and reward depots, smaller teams or individuals who work together to help place the bus at the heart of their local communities through charitable work and the giving of time to good causes .

The Local Authority Bus Project of the Year Award is designed for authorities working, either separately or in partnership with operators to deliver projects which can improve local bus services. Designed with the help of ATCO, the award will target schemes that lever in additional funds through government initiatives such as the Green Bus or the Local Sustainable Transport Funds. It replaces the Transport Authority of the Year award.

“Companies all round the country tell us how work on community and charitable projects, helps to cement teamwork within depots and improve cohesion in the workplace,” said UKBA chairman John Owen. “It was suggested an

award would be a great way of recognising all the hard work which goes on - and we agreed.”

Of the new local authority award, John said: “Even in these times of austerity, officers are working hard on schemes which can win funding and make a real difference to customers out there on the ground.

We felt such projects deserved to be highlighted and rewarded.”

Peter Huntley had a long career within the industry and was involved with many projects, one of which was the foundation of the UKBA in 1995. The management committee was unanimous in agreeing to commemorate his work by naming an award in his honour. “We chose the Making Buses a Better Choice Award that we launched last year as the one which best summed up the breadth of his influence and interests,” commented John.

The special award for the Transport Heroes of the 2012 Games will be supported by the Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust, and is designed for any person working for an operator in any capacity in the planning, organisation, management or operation of bus and coach transport services for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The popular operator categories are set to be the focus of stiff competition once more.

Full details of the categories and criteria can be found on the UK Bus Awards web site at www.ukbusawards.org.uk.

Price: Year High: 416.90p Year Low: 285.60p

1294.5p

Price: Year High: 1540p Year Low: 1034p

250.85p

Price: Year High: 272.10p Year Low: 203.85p

264.20p

Price: Year High: 281.90p Year Low: 158.30p

0.59p

Price: Year High: 6.75p Year Low: 0.24p

39.50p

Price: Year High: 43.50p Year Low: 24.90p

77.16p

Price: Year High: 99.57p Year Low: 66.86p

17.00p

Price: Year High: 17.50p Year Low: 5.75p

-9.60 on last week

-1.00 on last week

-35.50 on last week

+1.15 on last week

-3.35 on last week

+0.10 on last week

-2.00 on last week

-1.51 on last week

-0.50 on last week

FTSE 100

5902

Price: Year High: 6,105 Year Low: 4,790

-59

on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 21:52

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news › coaches

“We sold two new Cheetahs and at least six used vehicles. Saturday was the busiest in terms of sales but visitor numbers were spread evenly.”

Andy Warrender Plaxton

briefly The northbound carriageway of the M6 between junction 10 and junction 10a (including junction 10 entry slip road) will be closed overnight from 2000 to 0600hrs tonight and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday) for carriageway resurfacing and associated works. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

The A49 between Llandinabo and Pengethely is also closed overnight until April 5, 2012, for carriageway resurfacing, traffic signal installation and footway reconstruction works. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

Work to complete the replacement of the lighting columns and associated cabling between columns on the A1 between the Sandy Roundabout and Astwick will continue overnight until Friday (March 30). The work will take place between 2000 and 0600hrs. This phase will involve lane closures on both the north and southbound carriageways.

Also, the A1 southbound entry slip road at Little Paxton will be closed overnight from 2000 to 0600hrs on tonight (Wednesday). Traffic will be diverted southbound on the B1041 to St Neots to join the B1428 westbound. Traffic will be directed northbound onto the A1048 to re-join the A1 southbound north of Eaton Ford.

A project around Junction 3 of the M60 in South Manchester began on Sunday (March 25).

The southbound side of the A34 Kingsway is reduced to one lane for a 300m stretch up to the exit slip road from the M60 junction.

Cones will also reduce the width of the slip road onto the A34 to one lane. The work is expected to last four weeks. Drivers are advised to consider using alternative routes while the work takes place. The M60 improvements will see the hard shoulder converted to an extra lane on the anti-clockwise carriageway of the motorway between junctions 4 and 2. The work, which is due to carried out during the spring and summer, will improve the flow of traffic from the M56 Sharston link onto the M60.

Traffic lights will also be added to the junction 3 slip road and the A34. www.coachandbusweek.com

News8-9.indd 10

News Focus p20

Lucketts takes over Coliseum Coaches Coliseum Coaches will keep the same name, premises and staff Lucketts Travel has signed a deal to take over Coliseum Coaches.

Ian Luckett, director of Lucketts Travel, had told CBW that the firm had entered negotiations to buy the shares in the Southampton-based company from brothers and joint owners David and Kerry Pitter, but on March 23 it was confirmed the deal had been finalised.

The firm had been put up for sale following the brothers’ decision to retire. Coliseum Coaches wished

to secure transfer to a reputable company and entered negotiations with Lucketts. The deal came into effect on Monday (March 26), and has resulted in Coliseum becoming a subsidiary of Lucketts, keeping its name and operating from the same premises. David Pitter’s son Mark will stay on as general manager, reporting to the Lucketts board.

Ian Luckett told CBW: “There will be no change to the staff or the trading name. Coliseum is a great local business and we are looking forward to working with all the staff there and continuing the great

Coliseum is to become part of the Lucketts Group, which includes Worthing Coaches (pictured left), which like Coliseum, retains its own identity

City Circle moves Edinburgh base to Newbridge City Circle UK has moved into new premises in Newbridge on the outskirts of Edinburgh, to accommodate the company’s recent growth.

Operating out of bases in Edinburgh and London, the company has relocated from its former premises in Bonnyrigg to a detached industrial unit on 14 Queen Anne Drive, comprising 7,100 sq ft and a yard of 0.91 acres. The company has signed a 10-year lease on the property for undisclosed terms, although the quoting rent was circa £50,000 per annum.

Established in May 1999, the premium coach operator opened its first office and depot

in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian in 2006.

The new premises in Newbridge will primarily be used for servicing and vehicle repairs, whilst the large yard offers space for coach parking with a fleet of more than 55 vehicles between the two depots.

14 Queen Anne Drive is situated off Harvest Drive, adjacent to Queen Anne Industrial Park. The location is adjacent to the M8/M9 interchange offering unparalleled access to the Scottish motorway network, a five-minute drive to the City Bypass, and a short distance from Edinburgh Airport.

Kirsty Palmer, associate director for Jones Lang LaSalle’s Industrial team in Scotland, said: “The unit

work Kerry and David have done.

“We are confident that, with the experience Mark has gained in his 10 years with the firm, he will bring some of his own ideas to the business and keep it at the forefront of the industry”.

David Luckett MBE, Lucketts Travel chairman, said: “There might not be much movement in the global mergers and acquisitions market at the moment, but the time was right for us to make our move.

It’s a good deal for both family firms. Coliseum runs a superb modern fleet and has a rich history in providing quality services. It’s a perfect fit with our own business and expansion plans.”

Both Coliseum and Lucketts are family-owned and together the two companies have 200 years combined experience in the coach travel business.

Coliseum Coaches is highly regarded in the Southampton area.

Last year it had a turnover of £1.3m, a figure the new owners hope to build on. Lucketts Travel has predicted it can improve profits by 20% in the first year of ownership.

Lucketts Travel currently operates a modern fleet of 80 coaches on a variety of work. provides City Circle with the perfect fit in terms of both its size and location. Having outgrown its previous premises, Queen Anne Drive provides the business with the ideal location to accommodate further growth, offering excellent access to Scotland’s motorway network and the rest of the UK.” Neil McConnachie, senior surveyor for Eric Young & Co, said: “The property is unique because it offers good quality industrial space with a large yard in a prime location and the demand for this type of unit is highlighted when you consider our previous tenant only vacated at the end of 2011, therefore we are delighted to have secured City Circle so quickly.”

Eric Young & Co represented the landlord, Mitcon Ltd, jointly with Jones Lang LaSalle who also represented City Circle.

26/03/2012 21:10

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11

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

Brighton & Hove M25 coach tour deemed a success Brighton & Hove’s unique M25 tour took to the road on Thursday and was hailed a great success.

The 117-mile journey around Greater London cost the 38 paying customers £15 each, and took them clockwise round the road from junction 6 at Godstone in Surrey, after being picked up from Worthing and Brighton.

The trip, which started at 1130hrs, took four hours to complete.

Roger French, MD of Brighton & Hove (B&H), told CBW: “The first official tour was a great success. We have had fantastic feedback from the people who were onboard.

“One couple were saying on the radio that the husband was desperate to go, but the wife really didn’t want to. It turned out she was absolutely thrilled.”

The media has taken to the story quite considerably, with coverage from Sky, BBC, ITV, 5Live and Radio 2, to name but a few.

Roger added: “I have never known anything like it. We literally have had worldwide coverage. It’s just been phenomenal how it has captured the nation.”

With the unexpected exposure

Reminder: Reading access route

B&H runs its own successful coaching unit, as previously profiled in CBW for the first tour, it’s not surprising to find out B&H is looking to add extra dates to the ones already planned, with April and May dates almost full.

Roger believes the publicity has helped UK coach tour operators in general, adding: “You get a little quirky thing and you get so much good will.”

He explained how the idea came about: “A colleague of mine called Simon Ashcroft came up with the idea. He’s a great guy; he was just looking at next year’s programme.

We noticed the roadworks on the M25 are planned to be finished before the Olympics, so we thought now would be a good idea to do a tour now so we could show people in Brighton the sights.”

Roger was also keen to praise Nigel Pullen, the tour guide who provided passengers with facts and

figures throughout the journey with his deadpan comedic style.

When asked ‘what next?’, Roger mused: “Who knows? We had an idea of taking people round the odd sights of Sussex – cement works, the incinerator. It would be done in a jokey way. Maybe the M60 in Manchester, although it’s a bit far for us. We’re open to suggestions.”

The CPT says it has been asked

by Reading Council to remind operators of the way drivers should access the Old Bus Station while redevelopment work around Station Hill is taking place, which is expected to continue into 2013.

Entrance should only be made from the Tudor Road/Greyfriars Road/Station Hill junction with coaches and buses proceeding south through the bus station to exit onto Garrard Street, turning right and right again onto Greyfriars Road. Coaches and buses may then turn left into Stanshawe Road to access Caversham Road in either a north or southbound direction via the bus gate.

A map showing the access routes can be found at www.cpt-uk.org/_ uploads/attachment/2208.pdf .

UK & European Cover

For all your glass replacement needs

Scania Irizar addition for North Somerset Coaches North Somerset Coaches has acquired a Scania Irizar coach from Princess Coaches in Southampton, with another to arrive imminently.

The 53-seat vehicle is LEZ Euro 4 compliant and has replaced a Plaxton Paramount.

North Somerset has found Scanias have passenger appeal

News8-9.indd 11

David Fricker, managing director of the Nailsea-based operator, said: “It will be used for everything including school trips and excursions. It’s a good upgrade to the fleet. We’re moving away from Volvos; we’ve found the Scanias have passenger appeal.

“As it’s LEZ it means we can take it to London – we don’t do it often but it’s always useful to have.

“It replaced an old Paramount which succumbed to old age. We also have a sister vehicle joining it this week.”

The vehicle was greeted with praise after it was revealed on the company’s Facebook page on March 16.

• • • • • • • • • •

Quality & Service first time – why compromise?

24 hours, 365 days, fast & friendly service Quality workmanship 24 hours access to large glass supply No call centres – straight through to experienced staff member Competitive pricing Now Recruiting Coach & Customer accounts upon request Bus Fitters – please view Repairs & filming our website Insurance work covered Over 50 years combined experience Replacing glass on coaches, buses, trains, horse boxes, boats, trams, motorhomes, plant and agricultural equipment & much more

PLEASE CALL TODAY FOR A QUOTE OR EXPERT ADVICE – OUR PHONES ARE MANAGED 24 HOURS, 365 DAYS A YEAR

Contact us on 01274 870919

sales@reglaze.co.uk www.reglaze.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 21:11

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news › financial

2011 good year for the VDL Groep Combined turnover up 17% but bus & coach market continues to be tough as public sector cuts bite across Europe Considering the economic circumstances, 2011 was a good year for the VDL Groep of Eindhoven. The combined turnover rose by 17% from €1.472 billion in 2010 to €1.719 billion in 2011. The consolidated turnover for 2011 will come out to approximately €1.575 billion, compared to €1.354 billion in 2010. The net result amounted to €66.0 million, compared to €76.6 million in 2010. The number of employees remained virtually unchanged – 7,135 at the end of 2011 compared to 7,126 in 2010.

Subcontracting The turnover in the subcontracting division, which specialises in metalworking, mechatronic systems and system supply, plastics processing, and surface treatment, rose from €751 million in 2010 to €918 million in 2011.

This turnover growth of 22% is largely due to the strong semiconductor, LED and solar energy market and the recovering automotive industry. The subcontracting division achieved a positive result in 2011. The order portfolio remained stable and, at around €240 million, is currently well filled. VDL expects the turnover of the subcontracting division to stabilize or decrease slightly in 2012.

Eurotunnel on track for steady growth

Groupe Eurotunnel SA is on track for steady growth – according to its annual result for 2011.

Jacques Gounon, chairman and CEO of Groupe Eurotunnel SA, stated: “In 2011, the Eurotunnel Group made a clear profit and generated significant cash flows despite the uncertain economic climate. The outlook is positive and, as a sign of our confidence in the future, we will ask the shareholders www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFinancial.indd 12

Buses & Coaches The turnover in the buses & coaches division fell from €426 million in 2010 to €405 million in 2011 (-5%). Particularly in the Dutch and Belgian public transport sector, almost no buses are being replaced by governments, as cut backs are being made across the board. Too few sales combined with large investments in product development and production optimisation have led to high costs and a negative result. The order portfolio is now stable, however, and amounts to around €200 million. The investments seem to be bearing fruit, yet the bus market remains a difficult one and continues to suffer the effects of the crisis. However, having won

two international prizes for its new coach and public transport bus, VDL expects the bus & coach division to have a better year than in 2011.

Finished Products In the Finished Products division, turnover rose by 34% from €295 million in 2010 to €396 million in 2011. Here, too, the positive influence of the automotive industry is noticeable.

Indeed, this division comprises suspension systems for the automotive industry, heating, cooling and air-technical systems, production automation systems, systems for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, systems for the agricultural sector, sunbeds,

VDL’s Citea was Bus of the Year 2011, as seen here at Busworld Kortrijk to vote at the AGM for the doubling of the dividend to €0.08 for the 2011 financial year.”

The Short Straits cross-Channel car market contracted slightly (-0.4%) in 2011 compared to 2010 when it was boosted by the consequences of the eruption of the Icelandic volcano on air transport.

Despite this decline in the market, Le Shuttle’s traffic continued to grow: the number of cars transported in 2011 increased by 6% and its market share improved by about 3 points to more than 46%.

The coach market also contracted slightly in 2011, leading to a reduction in Eurotunnel’s coach traffic of 1% compared to 2010. To put it into perspective in 2011, 56,095 coaches were carried

compared to 56,507 in 2010. By contrast the number of cars grew 6% and trucks 16%.

Turning to the firm’s future outlook, several more immediate matters will doubtless be of interest to coach operators.

Eurotunnel says bookings for the Queen’s Jubilee in June 2012 are already on the increase. The number of booths available will be more than doubled to ease passport controls and improve speed and traffic flow, always an objective of the business.

Similarly, during the London 2012 Olympic Games, Eurotunnel is preparing itself to manage the waves of passengers and aims to speed up Shuttle crossing times to just 30 minutes, from the normal

roof boxes, container handling equipment, cigar-making and packaging machines, components for bulk handling and dust extraction installations and systems for explosion and fire protection.

Particularly in the passenger vehicle industry, large orders were won for the delivery of production automation systems. The result of the finished products division was positive. The order portfolio is still expanding slightly and currently has a value of around €180 million.

VDL expects slight growth of this division in 2012.

Expectations for 2012 2012 has gotten off to a reasonably good start for the VDL Groep, with a number of large orders, but the expectations remain conservative.

With an eye toward the difficult situation in Europe, a cautious forecast is in order; the prediction is therefore that the result in 2012 will be nearly the same as that for 2011.

Headquartered in Eindhoven, VDL Groep is an international company focused on the development, production and sales of semimanufactured products, buses & coaches and finished products.

It consists of 79 subsidiaries spread over 16 countries. VDL Groep says its strength lies in the mutual cooperation between the companies.

35 minutes. Shuttle speed will be increased to 100mph compared to 90mph today.

The Group says the upturn in activity appears to be continuing, but will remain gradual according to the segment. In the medium term, the Group remains confident in its ability to generate sustainable growth and, through the development of its different vectors for growth, to improve its resistance and responsiveness to the vagaries of the economy.

Eurotunnel maintains its interest in the purchase of the three ex-Seafrance ferries and to this end, the Group is organising the resources necessary to develop this new activity in line with its criteria for profitability.

26/03/2012 17:13

552706-1007-ELeather-FP

10/10/11

10:09

Page 1

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news › international

Saferbus - US safety app ‘SaferBus’ is designed to help pasengers review a bus firm’s safety record but critics claim information lacks context USA The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released its ‘SaferBus’ which is designed to help pasengers review a bus company’s safety record.

While it is said to be packed with useful information, some claim little of it is decipherable.

Tyson Evans, deputy editor for The New York Times, found when searching for popular long distance carrier Bolt Bus nothing could be called up. However, the DOT insists the app does contain safety data on Bolt Bus and explains the information can be found if you happen to know the firm is owned by Greyhound or you have the seven-digit reference figure assigned to Bolt Bus by DOT. Conversely, a listing for Megabus is instantly available when you key it into the app’s search screen. It shows five safety categories, as it

Haifa and Tel Aviv take 172 MAN artic chassis for BRT

ISRAEL One of Israel’s largest bus operators, DAN Society for Public Transport, has introduced the first of 172 futuristically designed buses in Haifa. They are to form the backbone of the state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in Haifa and Tel Aviv.

MAN Truck & Bus is supplying three-axle low-floor articulated buses powered by 360bhp common-rail diesel engines compliant with EEV emission requirements.

The futuristic bodies are equipped with powerful airconditioning systems suitable for hot climates and are manufactured locally in Israel by the Ha´argaz company.

Michael Nagar, chairman of DAN and Shmuel Rafaeli, general www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsIntl.indd 14

does for each operator monitored by the agency. Selecting the first one, related to ‘Unsafe Driving,’ you discover the DOT’s “intervention threshold” is 50% and Megabus’s ‘on-road performance’ number is 4.5% - which is actually quite good – if you understand the system.

Some sort of explanation is provided if you read the first of three footnotes delineating the “percentiles range” of the agency’s Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASIC).

Evans said: “You have to come up with some kind of headline which says, ‘Compared to everyone else, they’re doing really well or really poorly’. You have to have the context without cluttering it with endlessly footnoted explanations.”

He suggests a simpler rating system like the five stars found on user-friendly ratings on countless consumer websites.

Information via the SaferBus app comes from records held by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

A spokesman for the agency said it is restrained by regulation from presenting its safety data in a way which clearly compares carriers.

“Unfortunately we can’t rate. If the passenger wants to know good or bad, that’s not where the agency is yet.”

By contrast, the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA) does not design its own apps using data such as train and bus schedules. Instead, NYMTA opens the code to third-party developers, who have created dozens of apps which tend to be user-friendly because, in the world of mobile data, user-friendly makes more money. There are now 51 apps in the authority’s App Center.

DOT communications director Candice Tolliver said the agency plans to eventually follow NYMTA’s lead and later this year it will participate in a federal government Challenge programme which gives app developers access to the raw data used to make SaferBus an effective safety tool.

One of the Ha’ argaz-bodied MAN BRT artics for operation in Israel manager, opted for EEV as well as separate bus lanes and a very special product design: “The new bus networks, ´Metronit´ in Haifa and ´Red Line´ in Tel Aviv, enable us to introduce highly modern transport systems into these built-up metropolitan areas in a short space of time. The design of the buses communicates we are making innovative ideas for local public transport a reality.”

The MAN chassis combine low

floors throughout with a vehicle length of 18.75 metres. This construction, together with the body’s four double doors, allows especially time-saving boarding and alighting, a vital feature for efficient BRT systems.

MAN is the market leader for citybuses in Israel and has over thirty years history of co-operation with DAN. Almost every one of DAN’s fleet of 1,200 buses is built on an MAN chassis.

New Flyer builds its 4,000th CNG bus CANADA Canadian-based manufacturer New Flyer Industries Inc. achieved a new milestone recently with the delivery of its 4,000th CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) bus.

“This achievement comes for us at a pivotal point in the industry,” said Paul Soubry, New Flyer’s president and chief executive officer. “Our customers are experiencing both economic and environmental pressures, and the interest in alternative fuels continues to grow. This milestone is not only an opportunity to celebrate our success, but it reinforces our leadership in CNG bus manufacturing at a critical time when the industry needs it the most.”

New Flyer has been building CNG buses since 1994, longer than any other heavy-duty bus manufacturer in Canada or the USA. Over the past two decades, the company has developed a wealth of expertise, resulting in a CNG system recognised as being incredibly robust which is supported by demonstrated success in revenue service. More than 60 transit systems successfully operating these buses.

The manufacturer also claims its CNG buses offer many benefits not available from other bus manufacturers. The fuel storage and delivery system is specifically designed for New Flyer buses; it is not purchased from another supplier, which means it is integral to the overall design and not an add-on.

While the system purports to exceed current CNG standards and safety requirements it additionally, although not required by law, includes a fire detection system.

The buses are designed for a 350 to 400 mile range and their tanks are certified for 20 years instead of the standard 15 years.

New Flyer says its overall plumbing system is very robust, yet simple in its design and execution, which results in fewer connections and fewer parts which minimizes leaks and failures, and hence reliability.

26/03/2012 19:24

p15_CBW_1029

26/3/12

18:53

Page 1

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15

TOUGH TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS LAUNCH NEW DRILL BITS FOR DRILLING HARDENED METALS

Commercial Garage Equipment Suppliers of a wide range of commercial vehicle equipment for the smaller, independent garages to the largest commercial vehicle fleet workshops.

Brake Testers

Inspection Pits

Commercial Lifts

Mobile Lifts

Delivery & Installation

Bradbury commercial brake testers approved

by Vosa for ATF lanes Steel fabricated commercial workshop pits

TTP ʻHARDʼ drill bits have been designed for the Easy and Effective drilling of Metals including the Harder Alloys. Manufactured from Tungsten and Molybdenum for increased Hardness and with Cobalt added to ensure superior heat resistance these drill bits are Guaranteed to perform in the most demanding of Applications.

Features: • 135 Degree Split Point - Makes entire point of the bit one long cutting edge.

• Superior Hardness due to Tungsten and Molybdenum base • High Temperature Resistance due to addition of Cobalt • Can be Re-Sharpened several times • Impressive Guaranteed results when drilling hard alloys

Scissor lifts 8 - 40 tonne lifting capacity

Log on to www.ttp-hard-drills.com for more information and to see ʻHARDʼ drills drill through Hardened Steel, Stainless Steel, Chromed Pins and even Hardox …….”

3.5 - 80 tonne lifting capacity

Two lucky winners will receive a set of ‘Hard’ drill bits 1mm-10mm x 0.5mm (19 piece set) Free Draw - email entries to sales@ttproducts.com

Refurbished commercial brake testers

Tel: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Commercial Garage Equipment (Midlands) Ltd, 5 Hanley Terrace, Malvern, Worcs WR14 4PF

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news › REGIONAL

NORTH

Leeds City Council is considering increasing the number of bus lane cameras following the success of installations in the city centre.

Bus lane offences have been cut by 80% since they were set up last summer. A survey conducted before the scheme started revealed 6,146 motorists breaking the law in one week. Since the cameras went live the figure has dropped to 1,157.

Richard Lewis, the council’s executive member for development, says: “We are delighted with how effective the cameras have been in cutting down abuse of bus lanes. They appear to be a real deterrent to drivers dodging traffic queues as these figures show.

“Clamping down on rogue motorists results in fewer hold-ups for buses which should ease the flow of traffic through the city.

We’ve had positive feedback from Metro and operators about this and by expanding this scheme we could spread the benefits of reduced congestion further across Leeds.”

wales

A new bus route through Wrexham town centre has been launched.

Wrexham’s 101 service came into use on March 26 on a pilot basis which is set to last until December.

Operated by GHA, the ‘Siopa 101 Shoppa’ bus runs every half hour from Wrexham General General Station to King Street bus station, Hope Street, High Street, Eagles Meadow, Market Street, Queens Square and returns via the bus station to the railway station.

It operates Monday to Saturday as a normal bus service and as a “hail and ride”.

Councillor David Bithell, Wrexham’s lead member for the environment and transport, said: “The introduction of this pilot bus service Siopa 101 Shoppa is in direct response requests to bring buses back to the High Street.”

Swansea Council has announced plans to offer another free bus travel scheme similar to the one which operated during the Christmas holidays in December last year.

The initiative will give children aged between five and 16 the opportunity to use buses in Swansea for free from March 31 to April 15. Every child within the age group and who lives in Swansea will qualify for a bus pass. Schools in www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 16

KEY

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

the city will distribute the passes to children before the Easter holidays.

The previous scheme received praise from Keith Towler, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

Local bus operator, First Cymru, said there was a noticeable uplift in the number of young people using public transport over Christmas.

Jonathan Atter, headteacher of Gwyrosydd Primary School, also praised the scheme. He said: “The free bus tickets initiative for children has been brilliant for the children at our school. At a time when money is tight in the home it has meant parents don’t have to worry about transport costs and it has given children the opportunity to go to organised events around the city or to meet their friends in town.

“All in all it’s made leisure time and family time more affordable.

We are really pleased to see the initiative being run again at Easter.”

John Hague, cabinet member for the environment at Swansea Council, said: “We are delighted to be in a position to offer free travel to young people living in Swansea once again.

“Our intention during the last Christmas holidays was to boost the use of public transport, reduce the cost to families and to encourage more people into the city centre so that retailers could also benefit.

This was all achieved and our plan is to make it happen again.”

For the Christmas holidays in

2011, figures supplied by First Cymru showed that patronage on their Swansea services rose significantly as a result. More than 26,000 passenger journeys were made during the offer period, almost double the number for the same period in 2010.

MIDLANDS

A new bus route linking Derby, Uttoxeter and Stokeon-Trent will be introduced on April 2. Arriva-owned Wardle Transport’s Travel X50 service will use the A50 in a bid to speed up the journey.

The service is set to run every 60 minutes during the day from Monday to Saturday and calls at several villages on the route, as well as Royal Derby Hospital.

Customers can collect timetable leaflets along with a range of promotional items at the Wardle Transport road show event on Friday, March 30. This will run from 1000 until 1400hrs in St Peter’s Street, outside HSBC Bank in Derby.

Travelling from Derby to Stokeon-Trent will cost adults £5 for a single trip and £8 for a return ticket, while a Derby to Uttoxeter journey will cost £3 and £5 respectively.

Keith Myatt, communications manager of Wardle Transport, said: “Feedback received from members of the public has highlighted the need for a bus service linking Hanley and Stoke with towns and villages along the A50 corridor through to Derby – X50 opens

up new links which are ideal for commuters, students, shoppers, and hospital visitors.”

Over 17,000 additional people caught the bus in the first two weeks of National Express Coventry’s revamped network.

The city’s largest bus operator has revealed an average 2% increase in patronage since the new routes launched on February 26.

Jack Kelly, spokesman for National Express Coventry, said: “Working in partnership with Centro we spoke to thousands of customers across the city to ensure our routes were providing people with the connections they wanted, when they wanted them. As a result of what local people told us we have made widespread improvements which have led to extra 17,000 in Coventry catching the bus.”

The new network has been designed to provide a more efficient and punctual service - which better matches the city’s modern travel patterns. National Express Coventry worked in partnership with Centro, Coventry City Council and other bus operators to conduct the comprehensive overhaul.

Staffordshire’s Cabinet has approved plans to continue subsidising travel for school and college students from low income families or with disabilities.

Other students will be encouraged to move over to the award-winning Your Staffordshire Card (YSC) which allows 11-19 year olds to start or end any journey within the county for £1.

The YSC was launched last June and the number of young people taking up the existing student travel scheme dropped by 55% from 2,900 to 1,300. It is thought this is a direct result of the YSC. Cabinet member for Education and Skills, Liz Staples, said the YSC represented the best deal for most young people and the post-16 travel scheme had needed a review.

She said: “The majority of post16 students make their own travel arrangements, with around only 10% of young people using the post-16 transport scheme. The YSC is free to sign up to and enables young people to travel to and from school or college from as little as £2 per day. It also has the added bonus of offering cheap travel during the evenings and weekends so provides an all-round package which the majority of students would find beneficial.”

Young people from low income

26/03/2012 21:15

families who live between three and 15 miles away from the closest school or college offering the course will pay £380 per year for a travel pass.

Students with learning difficulties and disabilities who need special transport will pay £500 per year, or £380 if they are on a low income.

The new rules will come into effect in September 2012 for students moving into year 12. The existing policy will continue for students going into year 13 and above in September 2012.

A range of groups including Staffordshire schools and colleges, Staffordshire Youth Parliament, Staffordshire Young People’s Service and Young People’s Learning Agency were consulted.

A policy of providing bus services to rural areas in Leicestershire is set to be dropped in an effort to save £750,000.

The county council had maintained an hourly day time service within an 800-metre walk of 95% of residents, however some low-use routes cost the equivalent of £12 per passenger in subsidies.

The local authority plans to replace these services with pre-

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you would like us to cover, contact James Day at james.day@rouncymedia.co.uk.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

booked taxis, as officials state the extended use of demand responsive transport (DRT) makes financial sense.

Lesley Pendleton, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We have some tough savings to make - £74m over a four-year period - and need to ensure the residents of Leicestershire are getting good value for money.

“In order to address this, we are looking to review our current bus policy and will consider other ways of enabling residents who live in the areas where bus usage is low to access essential services.

“There are a number of DRT schemes already running in the county and the response we have had from residents who use them has been good.”

The council provides around 15% of the county’s bus network with the rest being covered by commercial firms. The council said the cost of DRT to the user would be comparable with commercial bus fares.

The exact number of routes affected will be considered by the council’s cabinet on April 3 followed by a consultation.

2012 n March 31 ‘M&D and EK 60’.

Kent Showground on the A249 near Maidstone. www.arrivabus.co.uk/ MDEK60, contact mdekbusclub@ gmail.com n April 14 Paul S Winson Coaches Running Day. Loughborough and local area. www.busrunningday. co.uk, contact info@busrunningday. co.uk n April 19, 2012 UK Coach Awards. Ramada Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester, 0870 900 1450. www.ukcoachawards.co.uk n April 19-21 Busworld Turkey.

Istanbul Expo Center, Turkey. www.busworldturkey.com/en/ index.html

n August 3-5 Bedford OB GetTogether. South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, GL7 5QB. Contact the organiser Tim Wootton by email on tim@tjcs.freeserve.co.uk. Visit http://www.bedfordob.com/

n April 21-22 UK Coach Rally.

East of England Showground, Peterborough. 01753 631170.

n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk

n April 24-26 CV Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01634 261262. www.cvshow.com

n September 6 Association of Trainers AGM. Steele Road, Wembley Julia@asot.org.uk 01797 344251

www.coachdisplays.co.uk

n May 5 – 7 Llandudno Festival of Transport. Bodafon Fields, Llandudno, North Wales. 01492 545053. www.llantransfest.co.uk n May 6 Roselyn Coaches Open Day. Middleway Garage, Par, Cornwall. 01726 813737. www. roselyncoaches.co.uk n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference.

– Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire.

www.albumconference.co.uk

n June 4 Imberbus’ service, using Routemaster buses from Warminster, across rarely-seen parts of Salisbury Plain. warminstervbrd. zxq.net/v/imber.htm

Bus drivers, engineering and administration staff at Stagecoach in Hampshire, are responding positively to the company’s introduction of the income tax beneficial Cycle To Work scheme. Since its launch in January over 70 employees in the region have adopted the initiative, permitting staff to lease a bicycle for around £8 per week which is allowed against income tax by the inland revenue. The rider can also purchase the cycle at the end of the lease.

Dave Fulford, assistant operations manager and ‘Green Champion’ at Stagecoach South, who oversees many of the green projects in the firm, said that the scheme has also been backed by the introduction of improved cycle parking and security at the depots.

“It encourages staff and drivers who are seated through their working day to routinely get exercise, whilst saving money by commuting free, and reduces carbon emissions if they were driving to work,” said Dave. “Our depot cycle racks are getting fuller every month and some depots have created their own cycle clubs.”

The UK Coach Rally is taking place on April 21 and 22 at the Peterborough Showground. Above is a Plaxton Cheetah negotiating last year’s driving course.

n June 5 – 7 Transports Publics 2012. The European Mobility Exhibition, Paris. www. transportspublics-expo.com n June 10 Barry Festival of Transport. Organised by Cardiff Transport Preservation Group, Barry, South Wales. postmaster@-ctpg. co.uk. www.ctpg.co.uk n June 22 CILT Wales National Transport Awards lunch. Cardiff City Hall. 01446 451227. www.ciltuk.

org.uk/pages/regions/wales

n July 15 Alton Bus Rally & Running Day. Mid Hants Railway, Alton, Hampshire. www. watercressline.co.uk

n September 8-9 UK Bus Driver of the Year, Blackpool. Call competition secretary Bill Holmes on 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n September 16 Showbus.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. www.showbus.com n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n October 18 CILT Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner. London.

01536 740104. www.ciltuk.org.uk n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo.

NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n November 20 UK Bus Awards – provisional date. www.ukbusawards.org.uk

2013 n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 6100. n October 18-23 Busworld Kortrijk. www.busworld.org

Do you have an event to promote? Send details to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 17

26/03/2012 21:15

18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news › TOURISM

300

Acreage of the deer park in which Dunham Massey is set

Dunham Massey in Altrincham, Cheshire, is a Georgian house set in a magnificent 300-acre deer park which tells the story of the owners and servants who lived there. Visitors can take a stroll in one of the North’s great gardens, including Britain’s largest winter garden. There is parking for two coaches, 200 yards from the entrance. Drivers are advised to avoid the SatNav route due to a low bridge. Group admission is £9.35 per person or £5.95 for the garden only. Introductory talks and guided tours are available, but groups are not admitted on Sundays. The house is open until November 4, Monday to Wednesday and Saturdays, 1100 to 1700hrs.

For more information email dunhammassey@nationaltrust. org.uk or ring 0161 9411025.

Entry to Glamis Castle, Blair Athol Castle and Scone Palace is inclusive when booking a stay with dinner bed and breakfast at the 3-star campus-style West Park Hotel. It is situated in Dundee’s suburban west-end and ideally located for visiting Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Perthshire through June, July and August.

Other nearby royal attractions include the Royal Yacht Britannia, Balmoral, Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. Prices start from £47 per person per night with further discounts for groups and concessions. Ring 01382 647171 or email jennifer.anderson@ westpark.co.uk The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank.

Historical displays include material from the Bank’s own collections of books, documents, silver, prints, paintings, banknotes, coins and photographs. There is a display of gold, including Roman and modern gold bars, alongside pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank. Located in the Bank of England, the museum offers a variety of talks and presentations for groups of between 15 and 50 visitors. Admission is free and talks must be pre-booked. For more information visit www. bankofengland.co.uk/museum www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 18

Famous paintings and stunning gardens Find out how millionaires in the 1930s partied and take a tour of a Grade II-listed garden Upton House, near Banbury in Warwickshire, lets visitors experience a weekend house party of a 1930s millionaire.

While surrounded by its internationally important art and porcelain collections, there is a chance to learn about family life, feel the party atmosphere and get close to art works by Hogarth, Stubbs and Bosch.

The house was built in the late

17th century on the site of the former hamlet of Upton.

The garden’s sweeping lawn gives way to a series of terraces and herbaceous borders leading to a kitchen garden, tranquil water garden and spring bulb displays. A special interest tour of the gardens can be arranged for £50 per group.

The tour takes in the highlights and historical development of the Grade II-listed gardens. Colour is abundant throughout the year, although groups wishing to view the National Collection of asters in bloom should visit in late

The house was built in the late 17th century on the site of the former

Experience the Canterbury Tales coming to life The Canterbury Tales visitor attraction is one of Kent’s most popular attractions. With its stunning reconstruction of 14th century England, visitors step back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era.

Inside St. Margaret’s Church, travel back over 500 years to join Geoffrey Chaucer and his characters on their pilgrimage from London to the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.

Discounted admission prices apply to pre-booked groups of 15 or more. Prices are £7.25 adults, £5.60 children and £6.25 seniors and students.

Groups get priority admissions, a free familiarisation visit is available for the organiser, drivers gain free

entry and one adult is admitted free for every 10 children/students.

The attraction opens daily and only closes on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Visit www.canterburytales. org.uk for more details.

There is priority admission for groups at the Canterbury Tales visitor attraction

September/early October.

Group admission is £8.30 per person or £5 in winter. Admission to the gardens only is £5 or £3.75 in winter.

Parking is available for two coaches at a time, 300 yards from the entrance and there is a drop-off point outside. On-board coach welcomes are available.

Catering is provided at the Pavilion Restaurant. Open-air seating and set menus are available. To help visitor flow, groups are asked to stagger entry to the restaurant. Out of hours catering as part of a private tour can be booked.

Along with the gardens tour, there are two tours of Upton House, giving a brief overview of the property and some of the treasures within. The first tour gives an insight into the history of the house while the second tour focuses on four particular paintings in the collection and their background.

The house is open between 1300 and 1700hrs.

For more information email uptonhouse@ nationaltrust.org.uk or ring 01295 670266.

NTPL RUPERT TRUMAN

brIEfly

Meet the animals of the Amazon Amazon World Zoo Park is located between Newport and Sandown on the Isle of Wight.

It mostly features exotic animals from South America, including marmosets, giant anteaters, armadillos and tamarins.

There are daily Meet the Animal sessions and the site includes a café, gift shop and a large Jurassicthemed adventure playground.

Groups of 20 plus receive a 10% discount on the following prices: adults £8.99, children (3-14 years) £6.99 and seniors £7.99.

Coach parking is free.

Visit www.amazonworld. co.uk for more information.

26/03/2012 19:29

Price for a full group to experience a tour of Upton House gardens

Upcoming exhibition at Holburne Museum

ANDREW PM WRIGHT

NTPL RUPERT TRUMAN

£50

The award-winning Holburne Museum of Art is the official museum of the University of Bath and is located in Sydney Pleasure Gardens in the Bathwick area of the city.

It is open seven days a week, 1000 to 1700hrs Monday to Saturday and 1100 to 1700hrs on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Entrance is free, although there is a charge for the temporary exhibitions.

Groups of 10 plus gain access to exhibitions for £5.50 per person.

The upcoming Portrait Sculpture exhibition runs from May 26 to September 2, 2012, and brings together some of the most striking sculpted portraits from the ancient world to the modern day.

The Garden Cafe is open during museum opening hours serving fresh, local cakes, coffee and tea and freshly prepared dishes throughout the day.

The nearest parking is the Riverside Coach and Lorry Park, located on Avon Street (BA1 1UE).

The collection is home to over 6,500 objects.

For more information visit www.holburne.org

DEALS OF THE WEEK Dickens World is a multisensory interactive experience where visitors can leave behind the modern world and immerse themselves in 19thcentury England. Some of Dickens’ most familiar and best-loved characters are brought to life by a host of shows and state-of-the-art effects. The indoor visitor complex is located at Chatham Dockyard in Kent, and is open 1000 to 1630hrs Tuesday to Friday and 1000 to 1730hrs Saturday and Sunday.

Pre-booked groups of 15 plus enjoy discounted admission prices, priority entrance, free familiarisation visit for the group leader and free entry and refreshments for drivers.

There is a coach drop-off

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

1944

The year The British Music Experience starts its retrospective look at the British music industry

diesel prices

There are special packages available for groups

Exciting events calendar for Swanage Railway Company Swanage Railway Company is hosting a number of events in 2012.

From September 7–9 the Grand Steam Gala & Classic Transport Rally features visiting steam locomotives running alongside Swanage-based locomotives in intensive all-steam action.

Alongside the Grand Steam Gala is a Vintage Transport Rally at Harmans Cross. The event also runs for three days and is accompanied by evening entertainment, bar and refreshments.

From October 27 - November 4 it hosts a week of half-term fun on and around the railway with steam

point behind Dickens World, approximately 200 metres from the entrance. Free coach parking is available nearby. Estimated visit time is four hours. There is a themed bar and restaurant on-site. n For more information and to download a booking form visit www.dickensworld.co.uk The Talyllyn Railway is a historic narrow-gauge steam railway, set in the beautiful mid-Wales countryside. Running from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, the line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. Reduced rates are available for bookings on all regular timetabled trains subject to a minimum of 15 paying passengers. Compartments are reserved for all group bookings and groups are asked to travel together in the seats reserved for them.

Rates start at £5.50 for an adult

trains and entertainment.

Attractions include regular steam and diesel train services, exciting brake van rides at Swanage, colourful face painting at Corfe Castle and on-train entertainment.

There is a coach pick-up point by Swanage station and special packages are available for group visits.

Book in advance online for special events. For SatNav information, use BH19 1HB for Swanage Station and BH20 5DW for Norden Park & Ride.

For more information visit www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Talyllyn Railway is set in the midWales countryside single, £2.75 for a child single or £8.50 for an adult return and £4.25 for a child return, with free travel for coach drivers.

As well as numerous walks around the railway line, groups can visit the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and Talyllyn Lake. A tea room, which is highly rated by CBW’’s editor, is also on hand at the railway’s Tywyn terminus. n For details email enquiries@ talyllyn.co.uk or ring 01654 710472.

Cost per litre in pence: Great Britain Italy Sweden Greece Ireland Hungary Belgium France Netherlands Czech Republic Germany Portugal Austria Poland Spain Slovenia Luxembourg

142.80 142.21 140.93 133.35 130.31 127.58 126.51 125.83 123.72 123.67 121.52 121.52 117.98 116.74 112.32 111.81 104.21

holiday pound £1 will get you: Euro 1.20 Switzerland (Franc) 1.44 Norway (Kroner) 9.01 Hungary (Forint) 349.25 Czech Republic (Koruna) 29.42 Poland (Zloty) 4.94

The British Music Experience, an exhibition at The O2 Bubble in Greenwich, was opened in March 2009 and features a retrospective look at the British music industry since 1944. Visitors can enjoy wide-ranging content using a range of interactive media.

Group admission, for 10 plus, is £8.50 adults, £5.50 children up to 17 (under fives go free) and £6.50 concessions (seniors, students and unemployed). UK schools and colleges pay £5.75 per person. It is open every day (except December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1), from 1100 to 1930hrs.

The whole scope of British music is covered, from the classic era-defining sounds of The Beatles and Rolling Stones, to The Who and Queen, to anarchic bands like The Specials and Sex Pistols to Spice Girls, Oasis and Coldplay. n For more information visit www. britishmusicexperience.com www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 19

26/03/2012 19:30

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news focus › dealer open weekend

1

Cautiously optimistic Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans reports on the open weekends which took place at Plaxton’s Anston premises and Irizar UK in nearby Workshop Perhaps the weather mirrored the mood in the coach sales market – cautiously optimistic.

Saturday dawned to a blanket of fog. The gloom hung over the South Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire border until lunchtime, when sunshine and a bright blue sky lifted spirits.

Visitors to Plaxton’s Anston premises, which is conveniently located on the A57 between the M1 and A1, enjoyed a warm welcome, with bacon rolls and hot drinks on hand, not to mention the friendly yet professional service one has come to expect from Plaxton.

“It’s tough for everyone out there at the moment no matter what business you’re in,” explained www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFocus.indd 20

Plaxton’s Andy Warrender.

“In terms of numbers, since the start of January we’ve sold 21 retail full-size coaches compared to 12 in the same period last year. Fleet business is comparable.

“Across the board we’re close to 100 now. However, the concern is it’s very difficult to predict demand.

The seasonality no longer exists.

People will only buy when they need to. Used has been better this year than last, when it was very poor. We’ve been able to manage used better this year by scheduling part-exchanges, which is critical.

“Overall, we don’t have too many complaints. The encouraging thing is many operators are cautiously optimistic.”

On the bus front, Andy said the market is “Very, very buoyant – in fact we can’t really keep capacity up with demand. The beauty of our business is the flexibility of

doing things in more than one place. Scarborough will make over 1,000 vehicles this year, spread over Cheetah, E200 (both chassis and body), E400 and the traditional coaches. Export markets are opening up now, which inevitably is critical.”

New Cheetah Plaxton’s new Cheetah made its public debut over the weekend.

Visually there are no apparent differences, but beneath the skin, it’s a different matter, as Andy explained: “The structure is now all stainless steel, a development from Panther, which completes the coach range shift to stainless steel.

The rest is internal, with changes including increased legroom and all reclining seats. Previously it was not possible to recline in the rear row. It’s also 200kgs lighter.

“It’s gone well so far. We’re selling two per week which considering we’re only building one a week means it will soon catch us up.”

As of Saturday morning, nine had been sold. The first vehicle will be going to Stephen Offord, with others going to D&E Coaches, Weavaway and Motts of Aylesbury.

“There’s a lot of latent demand for the Cheetah,” explained Andy.

“With hindsight we should have built more pre Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA). We would easily have sold an extra 15 once operators realised they would be the last of the 33-seaters. However, we had to make the decision at some point. We had an order to fulfil for E200s and the choice we faced was whether to build those buses which we had firm orders for or Cheetah on spec.”

Other Plaxton coach developments “Losing the 33-seater Cheetah was a factor we were concerned about.

Further down the line we’re looking at the 33 to 41-seater segment – watch this space,” enthused Andy.

“The overdeck coach is very much in vogue at the moment. It’s our first completely new structure in 12 years, albeit a development of the Panther and Elite. Our 15-metre coach model has been very successful, with 150 or so now in service. Under WVTA the problem was the need for a reduction in seating capacity. Parks of Hamilton and Stagecoach needed a minimum of 65-seats, so the overdeck allows us to meet that demand. A lift is an expensive piece of equipment, so

26/03/2012 21:12

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

2

3

4 losing that mitigates the cost.

“Our target is to finish the overdeck for a launch at Euro Bus Expo (EBE). From the sign off to delivery we’ve got seven months.

The first coach is going into build in August but putting them together is the easy part. The hard bit is the engineering, which includes ensuring each component part works. It’s an exciting project.

It’s ambitious but we’ll get there.

It’s allowing us to maintain our position in the 15-metre segment.

We’ve grown our fleet business significantly thanks to that.

“There are two further potential projects, probably only one of which will make it to market. Further work is required but we expect to make an announcement at EBE. WVTA was a ball ache for everyone, including the authorities, yet we’ve had no hitches in getting vehicles on the road,” concluded Andy.

Plaxton Weekend Verdict “The weekend went very well for us,” commented Andy. “We sold two new Cheetahs and at least six used vehicles. Saturday was the busiest in terms of sales but visitor numbers were spread evenly. It was a reasonable result in the end.

NewsFocus.indd 21

Further orders will be confirmed this coming week and we’ve also got part-exchanges to view.

“We welcomed a good spread of operators in geographical terms, with two from Ireland, one from Northern Ireland, three Scotsmen and one each from Somerset, Kent and Sussex.”

Vehicles on sale ranged from competitively-priced ex Stagecoach coaches to late used touring coaches.

“LEZ is becoming increasingly important. Two deals we’ve done include LEZ kits to be fitted,” concluded Andy.

Irizar Weekend Verdict Irizar UK, which is conveniently located a short distance away in Worksop, also opened its doors over the weekend.

Asked for this verdict about the weekend’s event, Steve O’Neill, commercial director at Irizar UK, told CBW: “It was a little quieter than expected but we lack the used stock compared to other dealers.

Some good operators visited us however. We sold two used vehicles on Sunday and received several inquiries on new coaches. Overall it was slow and steady. We’re just a small time player at the moment.”

1: Used vehicles on sale at Plaxton ranged from late touring coaches to competitively-priced ex Stagecoach coaches; 2: The new Cheetah retains its stylish look; 3: Interior of the new Cheetah; 4: Irizar UK’s Ian Hall talks to two customers inside the impressive showroom; 5: Scania’s Worksop premises, located around the corner from Irizar UK, was also open; 6: Two customers take a look at an Irizar i6 coach, which was available for test drives; and 7: Used coaches at Plaxton includes this Irizar and Van Hool

5

6

7 www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 21:13

22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

eg

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› engines & transmissions

Transitioning with the times With the planned increase in fuel duty going ahead, fuel efficient driving is as important as ever. While there are a number of options available to train drivers to travel economically, a very important factor in fuel management is the drivetrain itself. This week’s Essential Guide looks at a number of suppliers of engines and transmissions all tailored to help keep the ever increasing diesel and maintenance bills down

W

ith the threatened 3% fuel duty rise, operators need to be buying as little diesel as possible. Investing in the latest engines, transmissions, technology and services is sure to give a fleet the best fuel efficiency possible, while keeping up with the ever increasing LEZ restrictions which are gradually being imposed across the UK and Europe. An older vehicle can be given a second or third life, be that with an engine, exhaust system or transmission upgrade.

Voith’s DIWA823 midibus automatic transmission technology is capable of adjusting to the driving style of individual drivers, lessening the need for training. The new “Smartnet” feature also makes diagnosing faults easier and helps to reduce operating costs.

Energenics Europe’s new Envirox DPF Assist has been developed to address the issues surrounding Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which have become common since the latest LEZ requirements.

Ecodrive Transmissions has a wealth of experience maintaining and repairing automatic, manual and automated manual transmissions for all types of vehicles from trucks and commercial vehicles to PSV and off highway applications.

Allison has the broadest and most advanced range of fully automatic powershifting transmissions for on and off-road

www.coachandbusweek.com

EG.EnginesTransmissions.indd 22

Ecodrive provides nationa support for ZF’s prodoucts, including the Ecolife (pictured)

applications. Its success in Japan comes from its six-speed fullyautomatic transmission with an integrated torque converter.

The ZF-Ecolife is replacing its Ecomat, with 2,000 of its sixspeed torque convertor automatic transmissions in service. It is said the ZF-Ecolife’s increased torque capacity will lead to greater reliability and durability.

ECODRIVE TRANSMISSIONS

As an authorised ZF DriveCentre, Ecodrive Transmissions Limited provide a national gearbox and driveline support service from their head office near Bolton, and their operations centre at Glasgow.

These are augmented by a fleet of fully-equipped mobile workshops, manned by a factory-trained technician.

Ecodrive support services include on-site service support, mobile diagnostics, removal and refit service, gearbox repairs, overhaul, remanufacturing and genuine ZF parts supply.

As bus fleets operate with only a small contingency to cover vehicle failures, it is imperative to return a failed vehicle to service in the fastest possible time. Ecodrive understand the importance of rapid response and fast turnaround, and supply off-the-shelf service exchange components from transmissions to GS3 actuators.

All exchange transmissions are remanufactured to the highest quality and latest technical specifications. They are fully tested prior to delivery.

Ecodrive stock the most common applications including the latest ZF Ecomat and AS-Tronic, Iveco’s Eurotronic and MAN’s Tiptronic, automatic and automated manual transmissions. All transmissions are supplied to the original OEM specification and include all peripheral valves. Manual gear change transmissions are supplied complete with fully remanufactured turrets. AS-Tronic, Eurotronic and Tiptronic transmissions include the GS3. Ecomat exchange transmissions are supplied complete with all peripheral components including oil coolers (with the exclusion of Behr side mount coolers).

Ecodrive offer a VOR repair service from a basic repair to the failed area, to a full repair to the latest standards. This is useful where the unit is uncommon or a highly specific build specification. It is unlikely a unit would be available and a quick turnaround of the customers unit is the fastest and most cost effective way of getting the vehicle back into service. All VOR repairs are rig tested and backed by comprehensive warranty support.

Although automatic transmissions enhance driver capabilities and reduce wear and tear, if the electronic system controls fail or register an error code, most operators are not equipped to rectify the situation. Ecodrive offer technical advice over the phone and if necessary will despatch a field service engineer to solve your problem. Once on site, he uses the latest diagnostic software to locate and rectify the fault.

Ecodrive Transmissions also provide an all makes exchange steering unit service. These are remanufactured to the highest standards and include the latest technical specifications. All units are fully rig tested prior to delivery, and carry a full 12-month warranty.

Ecodrive offer a service exchange axles from older, but still common, Leyland and Volvo Albion axles through to the latest ZF products and stock common differential assemblies. All exchange axles and differentials are remanufactured to the highest quality standards using genuine parts and include the latest technical specifications. Ecodrive also offer a remove and refit service

26/03/2012 21:03

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23

along with full axle dressing if required. All axles are fully tested prior to being delivered.

Ecodrive are pleased to supply oil and filter products, and will offer discounts for bulk purchases.

T: 01204 701 812 W: www.ecodrive.co.uk

ZF-ECOLIFE In the British bus and coach market, ZF is the leading supplier of automatic transmissions, with around 2,000 of its ZF-Ecolife six-speed torque convertor automatic transmissions in service.

Applications include the ADL Enviro 400, Mercedes Tourismo and Citaro and Volvo B9TL and B7RLE. Ecolife is rapidly replacing the familiar Ecomat, of which more than 14,000 units are in service.

The new epicyclic gear compounding, hydraulic actuation and electronic control of ZF-Ecolife compared to the ZF-Ecomat – which itself became the industry

benchmark for heavy bus automatics – has led to operators seeing improvements in shift comfort and fuel consumption. Continuous improvement in fuel efficiency is foremost in ZF’s product optimisation programmes, which will see ZF-Ecolife helping bus operators to control their fuel costs.

As the power output of coaches in the UK has increased, there has been a move from powershift automatics to high torque automated mechanical transmissions (AMTs) such as ZF’s AS-Tronic. There is however a resurgence in demand for conventional automatics in other specialist coaching applications such as commuter and city tour operations, where heavy traffic congestion is encountered and torque convertor powershift autos are better suited than dry clutch AMTs. To meet this demand, ZF offers Ecolife for coach applications up to at least 2100 Nm, and significant numbers of Mercedes Tourismos equipped with this

transmission are already in service with well-known operators.

The increased torque capacity of the ZF-Ecolife compared to its predecessor will lead to greater reliability and durability. However, due to the increasing number of applications for Ecolife, ZF’s Nottingham-based subsidiary ZF Services UK Limited has also established remanufacturing capability for this transmission.

This supports OEM warranty schemes, and also satisfies the needs of the commercial aftermarket as vehicles progressively leave warranty. Remanufacturing enables the improvement of long-term operational reliability, a reduction in whole life costs and brings environmental benefits. Genuine ZF parts are used throughout, by technicians trained by the ZF factory in failure diagnostics, component inspection, assembly and testing.

T: +49 7541 770 W: www.zf.com

ALLISON TRANSMISSION Late last year Japanese operator Tohnoh Tetsudou Co., Ltd. (Tohtetsu Bus) adopted the Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star bus featuring an Allison transmission as standard for its high speed route. This was the first usage in Japan of an automatic transmission bus on a high speed duty cycle. The route connects Nagoya with Kani, a nearby commuter city. Kani is located in Gifu Prefecture and is 30km from Nagoya. The bus is used by Kani residents as a means of commuting, providing transport to roughly 1,100 passengers each day.

The Kani – Nagoya route covers a distance of some 55km with over 70% of the route highway driving. A long, hilly road with 6% gradient is encountered between Tajimi IC and the Utsutsu Mountain Pass. It’s a difficult section that, in the previous manual bus, required a driver to pay particular attention to avoid jolting the passengers during gear changes. In an effort to

www.coachandbusweek.com

EG.EnginesTransmissions.indd 23

26/03/2012 21:03

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

eg

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› engines & transmissions

improve ride comfort and reduce the risk of accidents inside the bus, Tohtetsu Bus introduced three fullyautomatic Aero Star route buses from Mitsubishi Fuso.

All Aero Star buses are equipped with an Allison six-speed fullyautomatic transmission and come with an integrated torque converter to enhance driving performance. The torque converter multiplies engine torque and with full powershifting, the result is the smooth transfer of power to the drive wheels and greater efficiency between the engine and transmission.

The maximum output of the Aero Star is just 199 kW, but the Allison transmission makes the most of the power available providing both torque and good fuel efficiency as well as ensuring a smooth ride throughout the speed range. “The biggest reason for introducing the automatic transmission buses as high-speed buses was to improve ride comfort,” says Keiichi Sato, manager of the Kani office responsible for operating this route. Naoyuki

forward to automatic transmission buses playing an active role in the future as well.”

The Tohtetsu bus follows another recent Japanese order with Hakone Tozan Bus. In the Hakone area outside Tokyo, automatic buses are now used on the steep mountain roads that pass through narrow streets in historical towns.

Again, automatics are making the difference, helping operators achieve performance, economy and enhancing ride comfort on even the toughest routes.

Aero Star buses operated by Japan’s Tohtetsu use Allison gearboxes Miura, a supervisor at the Kani Office, concurred with the improvements in service and safety: “When you accelerate on a flat road, the Allison transmission automatically shifts up to sixth gear when the driver accelerates and during that time, no shock is generated.”

The benefits of the transmission

were not only being felt by the passengers but by the drivers too.

“If you actually drive the automatic transmission bus, you’ll find that it’s easier to drive because there’s no need to operate a clutch,” adds Sato. “As a result, driver fatigue is reduced and we are able to provide a safe, comfortable ride. I look

T: 01525 408600 W: www.allison transmission.com

VOITH TURBO Voith’s DIWA823 midibus automatic transmission technology is now becoming more widespread in UK applications thanks to its exclusive inclusion in the Wrightbus Streetlite – both wheel back and wheel forward versions. The same

www.coachandbusweek.com

EG.EnginesTransmissions.indd 24

26/03/2012 21:03

March 28, 2012| COACH & BUS WEEK | 25

unit is also available as an option in ADL Enviro200s and is the preferred option for Stagecoach.

For heavier full-sized single deck buses or double deckers, Voith’s larger DIWA 5 is the most recent development and like the 823 model offers high reliability and therefore low operating costs.

In addition to integrated diagnostics capability, through Voith’s ALADIN system, these transmission systems can now benefit from SensoTop technology which allows them to adjust to driving styles and local topography in order to achieve higher levels of efficiency.

SensoTop is a gear-shifting programme which allows all gear-shifting points to be adapted automatically to the prevailing route and current load condition.

The software continually monitors and manages all the transmission’s functions, the load on those systems, demand from the driver etc. An accelerationdependent gear-shifting program

(BASP) monitors a simple and maintenance-free topography sensor in the electronic control unit. This combination quickly and accurately provides the information needed for the stepless adaptation of the gear-shifting speeds to the topography. Voith believes the system has potential for reducing fuel consumption by a further 7%.

In order to save more fuel, DIWA transmissions also feature ANS which automatically shifts into neutral when the bus is at standstill.

With the development of the topography-dependent gearshifting program SensoTop, Voith is taking one significant step further: under consideration of the load condition, SensoTop optimally adapts the gear-shifting speeds to the prevailing topography – on ascending routes to precisely the power needed by the driver, on descending routes to the technically possible minimum. And this is indeed an area, where potentials can be opened up that had previously been closed to existing

gear-shifting programs.

Another feature now available from Voith is the transmission monitoring system DIWA “Smartnet.”

The DIWA Smartnet incorporates an additional hardware module connected as an independent unit to the diagnosis interface of the transmission control unit.

Regular data transmission via GPRS to an internet server allows standardised data evaluation providing an overview of the transmissions condition and operating conditions.

The “Smartnet” system can provide SMS messages to the field service team of any fault codes registered in the transmission ECU and allow for early intervention.

The key to the system is to provide a preventative maintenance approach to transmission operation thus reducing operating costs.

The operational data for the bus is also captured and a complete overview of the time share in each gear, operating temperature, time at standstill and driver behaviour are

just some of the features available for interrogation within the system.

DIWA SmartNet is already in use in daily operation in more than 1200 buses in RTA Dubai, DOT Abu Dhabi.

Operators in Spain, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, UK, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Czech and the UK are currently being developed.

At Voiths workshop in Croydon they continue to provide a complete service exchange program, using 100% OEM parts and incorporating all the latest upgrades and modifications.

Every transmission is built and tested by fully-trained Voith technicians, and supported in the field by an experienced mobile service team who provide on site diagnosis and repair as well as a remove and refit service for exchange transmissions.

T: 0208 6673021 E: road.uk@voith.com W: www.voith.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

EG.EnginesTransmissions.indd 25

26/03/2012 21:04

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

eg

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› engines & transmissions

ENERGENICS EUROPE Envirox DPF Assist is a new offering from Energenics Europe, the Oxford-based producer of the well-known nanotechnology fuel additive Envirox. This has had a high profile in the UK since Stagecoach adopted it nationally in 2005, followed more recently by EYMS and others. Regular Envirox is mainly targeted at saving fuel and is usually supplied in drum quantities to bus depots where it is injected into bulk diesel fuel.

However, at higher dose levels the active cerium oxide nanocatalyst in Envirox will perform as an effective Fuel Borne Catalyst (FBC) in assisting the regeneration of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). It works by significantly lowering the temperature the exhaust gases need to reach to burn off the trapped soot particles in the DPF. Operational problems with DPFs related to premature blocking continue to be reported in industry circles, particularly in slow urban

driving cycles like London where the exhaust gases do not reach the necessary temperature for a sufficient part of the operating cycle to regenerate the filter. Coach operators who have purchased DPFs to comply with the latest LEZ requirements can be in a difficult situation. Even in the absence of actual blocking problems, fuel economy tends to worsen because the engine has to work against the back pressure caused by soot build up in the exhaust system.

Envirox DPF Assist is a new formulation which has been developed specifically to address these issues. As well as the core nanocatalyst it includes a strong dose of the detergent additive chemistry used by premium fuel retailers to clean fuel injectors and preserve optimal spray patterns. It is supplied in a convenient 500ml bottle with a 25ml dispensing chamber which is matched to the dosing recommendations. As such, it is affordable and can be used to selectively treat the vehicles in the

fleet that will benefit most. There are two main ways of using it; On an occasional basis to assist with a DPF which is already showing signs of blockage – this requires 2 x 25ml measures for 50 litres of diesel fuel; All the time to combat potential future blockages and achieve enhanced fuel economy – this requires one 25 ml measure for 50 litres of diesel fuel.

As the producer of the additive technology, Energenics are able to offer it in this concentrated form which represents excellent value.

Several DPF Cleaner products have begun to appear in the retail trade but these are ‘single shot’ treatments for one tank where the active FBC ingredient has been diluted with solvent. If used all the time, a 500ml bottle of Envirox DPF Assist will treat 1000 litres of diesel and pay for itself by delivering fuel savings equal to double its cost.

T: 01865 233010 E: info@energenics.co.uk W: www.energenics.co.uk

QUEENSBRIDGE PSV Ossett-based Queensbridge PSV Ltd is an engine and transmission rebuilder which specialises in remanufacturing engines, transmissions, driveline products, and axles for coaches and buses.

The firm has been in the industry for over 20 years and includes Stagecoach, First and Arriva as clients. Its objective is to meet or exceed the original makers specification and performance, and to minimise vehicle down time.

As part of its rigorous rebuilding process, units are stripped down, cleaned and inspected. Parts not up to OEM standard are replaced.

Indeed, many parts are replaced as standard. Units are tested to ensure engineering performance standards are met. Delivery is usually within two to three working days after an order is received.

T: 01924 281871 W: www.queensbridgeltd.

co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

EG.EnginesTransmissions.indd 26

26/03/2012 21:58

554763-1029-Voith

23/3/12

12:42

Page 1

28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news focus › man

MAN Bus Days 2012 MAN presents the highlights of its current range including the recently incorporated Volksbus products from Brazil – but the UK loses some as well as gains some. Martin Cole reports MAN’s marketing strategy for the various global regions it covers has been impacted upon through Volkswagen taking a controlling share. The UK market is one being affected as a result – although there are new products entering the current line-up, a distinct gap in the market is being created as a collective decision has been made prohibiting the production of the Skyliner double deck coach in righthand drive form.

While the UK market for double deck coaches is not huge, the Skyliner had always been a www.coachandbusweek.com

MANBusDays.indd 28

dominant force in it. It’s withdrawal will undoubtedly be seen as ‘encouraging’ to competitors like Van Hool, VDL, Ayats and BASE Coach Sales with its new Beulas Glory and Jewel offerings which were highlighted in last week’s CBW.

New for the UK New for the UK is a low-entry version of Caetano-bodied EcoCity CNG bus. This provides MAN Truck & Bus UK with citybus and interurban/suburban gas fuelled buses.

It is built on the A69 chassis and features MAN’s 310bhp, 12.8 litre E2876 LUH 03 CNG engine. With four roof-mounted gas cylinders it has a capacity of 1,176 litres which provides sufficient fuel for a full day’s work. The vehicle features full OBD2 and delivers emissions lower than those set for EEV compliance.

Unfortunately the new lowentry model was for static display purposes only but there will be a UK launch of it later this year. The display example was equipped with a Voith DIWA D863 automatic gearbox but can also be supplied with a ZF EcoLife. The only significant difference between EcoCity and the Low-Entry model is the latter not utilising a portal rear axle and having revised flooring and seat heights from the mid-section of the bus through to the rear.

It’s wide entry, complete with a boarding ramp, allows easy boarding for either ambulant passengers or those with buggies or in wheelchairs. The lowfloor area at the front of the bus includes single seats mounted ahead of the wheel boxes and a designated wheelchair/ buggy bay on the nearside complete

with tip-up seats. A similar sized bay is opposite to accommodate more standee passengers and also has tip-up seats.

Rows of seating at the back of the bus are raised up from what is now a sunken gangway. Instead of the portal axle on the EcoCity allowing a low flat gangway throughout but creating a steep climb for passengers to access rear seats, the Low-Entry model has two shallow steps just ahead of the rear axle and another step at the rear to access the back row of seats. It means passengers wanting to access the rear saloon seats don’t face a climb into the seat from a low gangway aisle – they access the seating from almost the same level.

Total seating capacity for the vehicle is 39 plus 30 standees allowing one wheelchair. Without a wheelchair aboard the standee capacity rises to 31.

Also new for the UK is a 10.5m midibus also with Caetano bodywork which is due to gain its first public airing at the Album Conference in May. A left-hand drive

26/03/2012 18:05

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek incorporate a wide-angle section for greater awareness.

Recent chassis/body modifications mean the Lion’s City M is now prepared for Euro 6 with the necessary space and facilities to accommodate additional cooling and exhaust aftertreatment equipment.

In current form it exceeds Euro 5 and meets EEV requirements.

The electronics system on the chassis has been adapted to meet FMS requirements to simplify the addition or inclusion of electronic devices chosen by customers.

Left: New Low-Entry EcoCity CNG for the UK. Top: Raised rear seats and gangway instead of portal axle. Middle: Wheelchair bay with tip-up seats and backrest. Bottom: MAN’s 12.8 litre CNG engine example of the chassis with MAN’s Lion’s City M was available for ride and drive purposes. Instead of the usual MAN 12.8 litre engine it has the 6.87 litre D0836 unit rated at either 220 or 290bhp. Again there are ZF or Voith gearbox options and the body (Lion’s City) can be specified with dual or three-door formats. Due to the lighter weight of the engine, saving at least 500kg, passenger capacity is boosted and even in its 22-seat three-door guise it can carry up to 83 passengers.

Its short 4.39m wheelbase gives it a turning circle of 18m which means it is extremely agile in traffic and easy to manoeuvre. The engine is quiet and it’s now a toss-up as to which makes the most noise, the engine or the transmission.

The demonstration unit had a Voith gearbox fitted which gave smooth and well-timed changes. In combination with the power unit it provided a lively performance and is no slouch in terms of keeping up with urban traffic flow. There is extremely good vision from the driver’s position and the mirrors

MANBusDays.indd 29

Hybrid vs. CNG While MAN has no plans to market its Lion’s City Hybrid in the UK it has seen some encouraging results and received positive feedback from the markets it does serve. It features the 250bhp rated D0836 engine to drive the generator and six super-capacitors (super-caps) to store the power. Electricity is fed to two asynchronous 75kW electric drive motors – each of which can deliver up to 3,000 Nm of torque.

The serial hybrid system, despite having no batteries, makes frequent use of engine stop/ start. The engine will not run while the super-caps retain their charge so the vehicle frequently travels under electric power alone. Typically, it is engineered so stored power from the generator

or regenerative braking process is used to accelerate the bus from a standstill. It will continue to operate on electricity alone until a certain power level is reached and then the engine is automatically restarted to top up the level of stored power.

In urban traffic around Munich it performed very well. It has sufficient acceleration to keep with the flow but if used gently it can travel much further before it requires the engine to restart. It cuts in and out as required during longer spells between stops. Initial acceleration from a stop is virtually silent. The engine is not particularly noisy when it is running, but when it is stopped and the demand for power is high the on-board system generates a whine. While the whining sound is not particularly ‘loud’ it has an irritating pitch some might find rather annoying – such as those who flinch when chalk is scraped across a blackboard.

MAN believes if the market is

“When you consider the alternative forms of propulsion, CNG offers the most return for the least investment.”

MAN spokesman

going to turn increasingly towards hybrids the choice of super-caps makes far greater economic sense - unlike the pursuit of battery supported systems which may need replacement every five years and add substantially to the operating cost of each vehicle. Test results, according to MAN, are consistently showing an average reduction in fuel consumption of around 30% against an equivalent dieselpowered citybus. Testing has shown the regenerative braking system is able to recover over 90% brake energy used.

However, MAN also strongly believes the high cost of hybrids will never generate sufficient order sizes in order to drop unit costs substantially. It firmly believes gas bus technology offers a better way forward as it is already cost effective and affordable. The buses are currently more expensive than a diesel bus but they offer significant cost saving through lower priced fuel and environmental benefits because they can be run on biogas from renewable sources considerably reducing the carbon footprint and bringing far greater environmental benefits.

The manufacturer is pleased to have already gained a great deal of positive feedback from gas bus trials held in the UK and is preparing to develop similar

One of the MAN Lion’s City Hybrid demonstrators available for ride and drive opportunities in Munich www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 18:06

30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

news focus › MAN

Above: MAN Euro 6 engine.

Top: The Euro 6 SCR exhaust aftertreatment system developed for the unit pictured above

Top: The Lion’s City G articulated European Bus of the Future and strong contender for BRT operations. Bottom left: EBSF interior. Centre: The Lion’s City M has the same 10.5m Midi chassis as the Caetano-bodied version shortly to be on sale in the UK. Right: Driver station in the Lion’s City M potential it has recognised from the developing Russian market.

A spokesman for MAN said: “When you consider the alternative forms of propulsion, CNG offers the most return for the least investment. Other technologies have had high initial costs which we may see coming down over time.

Diesel buses have been traditionally low-cost but the increasing pressure on developing diesel technology to meet the continual barrage of emissions legislation will only see them become increasingly expensive to produce and to operate.”

Euro 6 A clear case in point is the move to Euro 6 which incurs a considerable financial penalty in capital www.coachandbusweek.com

MANBusDays.indd 30

expenditure. Most manufacturers have Euro 6 engines already and some are running alongside Euro 5s in daily operation with selected partners. MAN says in terms of running cost, fuel consumption is no greater than today’s EEV standard and there is less expenditure on AdBlue due to the combination of SCR and EGR technologies. A Euro 6 powered Lion’s City, in daily operation with a Munich-based operator, was available for demonstration.

In terms of performance it is not discernibly different to a Euro 5, but the additional weight of the required cooling capacity and aftertreatment system has meant all chassis builders have been desperately trying to shed up

to 500kg from their products in order to maintain levels of seating capacity.

Most people seem to think the additional cost of a Euro 6 will add around 10,000 euro to the asking price. Asking operators to pay this and face a reduction in seating is likely to have but one effect. It is expected sales of new buses and coaches will increase dramatically towards the end of 2013 in order to keep fleets as modern as possible.

After the mandatory introduction of Euro 6 it is expected sales will ‘fall off the cliff’ and operators will cease to renew as they fear becoming uncompetitive against those who don’t adopt the standard for a year, or some years, after the implementation date. Tendering

authorities believing they can stipulate Euro 6 compliance in contracts may find themselves either seriously out of pocket to sustain them or seriously out of buses and operators to run their services.

Without substantial increases in fares and/or subsidies Euro 6 is going to squeeze the life out of operating profits.

Neoplan coaches With no Tourliner on display at the event, any coaching relevance was really related to a conceptual development of the Neoplan Starliner. A very tidy Lion’s Coach was on static display too, but it is not for UK consumption. A pair of Skyliner double deckers were

26/03/2012 18:07

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31

used to ferry visitors around but Skyliner is no longer to be produced in right-hand drive so they have become largely irrelevant. Ride quality, in what is now the fifth incarnation of the model, has been enhanced in the new Skyliners due to the adoption of Comfort Drive suspension and there are now separate zones for the air conditioning on upper and lower decks.

Externally, the familiar but ‘sharper’ styling gives the Skyliner its lowest ever drag coefficient which means its aerodynamic form will assist in reducing its fuel consumption.

The latest Starliner bore a deep red and white livery bearing the name ‘Travelution.’ This is the specialised design from ‘Neoplan Individual’ for a travel concept aimed at meeting the most demanding requirements of passengers. The leather upholstered Kiel Avance seating is not only appealing, it is as comfortable as it looks. Seat spacing for the 32 passenger places is generous with four sets of seats positioned around tables and a really substantial kitchen and catering facility at the rear which occupies four square metres.

The thinking behind this is for passengers not only to be given the best in touring satisfaction, but to offer them a culinary experience at the same time. A new flooring material ‘Projectline Black Metalstone’ with a matt, non-slip texture, had been used throughout and it seemed to go very well with the interior colour scheme.

Vertical surfaces in the kitchen area were finished in something called ‘Resopal Pearl White’ while the worktop surfaces are ‘Sea Oat Quartz.’

Either side of the centre entrance stepwell are glass-fronted storage cabinets containing bottles of wine, still and sparkling water.

Storage drawers are also positioned between the back-to-back seating.

The kitchen area has a main ‘island’ separating it from the seating area. It has a slide-out worktop to give additional space – allowing cooking to coincide with washing up. An induction plate forms the hob (230v/2,200 – 3,600W). There is an integrated air extractor to keep cooking smells to a minimum and aircraft-style ‘Atlas’ storage to enable efficient serving of passengers. There is a combination fridge/freezer which can serve as a

MANBusDays.indd 31

double refrigerator and an inbuilt dishwasher. Power requirements are met by a 5kW inverter and 6kW diesel generator.

As can be expected – the on-board infotainment is also top-notch – with DVB-T capability for watching DVD, broadcast TV or vehicle location via the navigation system. All seats are equipped with a 230v power socket to allow use of personal laptops or other electronic devices.

Summary MAN appears to be making an unusual number of positive steps in rapid succession – a new direction for the sleeping giant, undoubtedly under the influence of Volkswagen’s position as majority shareholder.

What was on show in Munich for the Bus Days 2012 event or things under development regarding European markets are just a small part of a much larger picture.

Last year the Group launched its Sitrak brand in China and will begin marketing TGA truck technology which is built in China.

The current joint venture with Force India is ending with MAN taking over as 100% shareholder in the business and its production facilities for buses and trucks. There are also plans to open up a new bus production plant at St Petersburg to cater for growing demand from the Russian market.

Interest in CNG buses is coming from many of MAN’s regional markets. During his welcoming speech, Dr Frank Hiller confirmed the sale of 250 Lion’s City CNG buses to the Turkish city of Ankara and also 143 for operators in the Arnhem/Nijmegan area of the Netherlands. He also noted growing demand from Abu Dhabi.

Despite its feelings about where Euro 6 will lead the market, MAN says the first coach examples may be on view at the IAA in Hanover this September but it is unlikely they will enter production before mid-late 2013. It also plans a retrofitting campaign for Euro 6.

With 75 of its Lion’s City Hybrids now in service, the manufacturer now offers hybrid driver courses through its ProfiDrive division.

ProfiDrive is celebrating its 30th year in 2012 and was established to train driving staff to the highest standards. It aims to ensure drivers fully understand the principles behind hybrid propulsion and to maximise its benefits to minimise fuel consumption.

Above and below left: Neoplan’s flagship Starliner with a conceptual layout to give a ‘Travel Experience.’ Below right: Real crockery!

Above left: Comprehensive kitchen for the culinary experience. Right: Leather upholstered Kiel Avance seats. Below: Attractive dining area

www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 18:08

32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

FACTORY VISIT › tata hispano

Tata Hispano: What it can offer the UK market

Tata Hispano’s Xerus body is available on a range of chassis, including MercedesBenz, Volvo and MAN, although only the latter is currently available in the UK

www.coachandbusweek.com

TataHispano1.indd 32

26/03/2012 17:14

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 33

Leyland-based dealership BASE has forged a new partnership with bodybuilders Tata Hispano. Coach & Bus Week’s Andrew Cream learns more about the Spanish company and its product range

T

ata Hispano is based on the outskirts of Zaragoza, a city well-placed between Barcelona and Madrid in northern Spain. In fact, Spain’s renowned high-speed rail service, AVE, passes through Zaragoza when travelling between the country’s two most famous cities.

Despite the visit only being brief, it was clear that Zaragoza has not been hit as hard as other parts of Spain, economy-wise. The city benefits from a large university, some stunning architecture and the high levels of industry and manufacturing associated with the north of the country.

Background

The Tata brand is incredibly well-known throughout the globe.

Unsurprising really, considering Tata Group is the world’s 30th biggest company, operates in 80 different countries and last year revenue was $83bn.

Tata Hispano is a subsidiary of Tata Motors, Tata Group’s second largest operating company. The bodybuilder has changed hands a number of times in its history, with Chrysler, Van Hool and Grupo Capre each previously having ownership.

Tata Motors acquired 21% of Hispano in 2005 before taking full control in 2009.

As well as the manufacturer’s Zaragoza plant which employes around 450 staff, there is a second production facility in Casablanca, Morocco, with roughly 150 workers. This is the base of the company’s North African market.

www.coachandbusweek.com

TataHispano1.indd 33

26/03/2012 17:15

34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

FACTORY VISIT › tata hispano

BASE has been working with Tata Hispano since 2011. The partnership is still relatively fresh but the team see a lot of potential in the company, which is number two in the Spanish market.

Mark Aspinall, director of BASE, said: “In a few years time I think Tata Hispano will be big players in Europe.”

In 2011 60 buses, 170 suburban vehicles and 100 coaches were built at Zaragoza. In the last three years the company has supplied 500 units to Madrid.

The factory

Tata Hispano’s current headquarters were built in 1992, and span 112,000m2. It can produce a maximum of 1,200 units per year.

The factory works from 0630 to 1430hrs, although during peak times there is a second shift between 1430 and 2100hrs.

The build process is very systematic, with step-by-step protection in place throughout the course of production. Examples of the stringent steps the factory follows include pre-priming side panels to prevent corrosion and extra resistance added to vehicles’ front plates to give the driver extra protection, which was shown to CBW on a Mercedes-Benz 15-metre Xerus 380. Furthermore, each of Tata Hispano’s vehicles come with patented roof corner joints. Pedro Cotera Usúa, commercial director, explained: “The whole roof behaves like a complete structure. In case of a rollover, the complete roof is working as one. This system is applied on all of our vehicles.”

There are 34 stations on the production line, with vehicles moving every four hours. Between five and eight people work on each station.

Control checks are carried out at every station by a station chief.

Pedro was keen to highlight how strict the company was with control checks, and said the chiefs have the power to stop a vehicle if it is not compliant. There is then an eighthour window for issues to be solved.

In addition to Tata Hispano’s patented roof joints, Pedro also stated the company was the first bodybuilder in Spain to introduce bonding, which takes place in acclimatised cabins. Before priming, the vehicles are cleaned by hand with paper – no water or chemicals are used. “This part is very simple but very important,” added Pedro.

He explained the precise nature of www.coachandbusweek.com

TataHispano1.indd 34

Early stages of production for a Mercedes-Benz 15m Xerus (above); and a MAN Xerus ready for delivery (below) by employing the Kaizen method, which was introduced by Tata when it took control of the company.

The Zaragoza site has its own Research & Development (R&D) department. During a tour, Victoria Vreeland Navarro, Tata Hispano’s international business project manager, told CBW: “That’s our R&D. If you look inside I’ll have to kill you…”

The site at Casablanca recently benefitted from a new 25,000m2 plant. Vehicles are made to the same quality levels at the Moroccan counterparts, except engines are built to Euro 3 standards. the priming process: “Too much primer will affect bonding strength, while too little will lead to rust and corrosion.”

Moreover, the company were the first Spanish bodybuilder to lower the thickness of its galvanised steel plating to less than 1.5mm.

It currently measures at 0.8mm, reducing the weight of the vehicles.

All of the hinges are made from stainless steel.

The factory’s biggest investment has been its painting building, the only motorised area of the factory.

Due to the complexity of some of the paint designs, vehicles can be at this stage for as long as five days.

The factory warehouse is organised and easy to navigate. This is helped

“For the UK we want to grow. We want to compete with ADL. It’s a dream – I feel there’s a slot for us.

Making right-hand vehicles is not a problem.”

M V Raja Rao chief executive officer, Tata Hispano

The product range

Tata Hispano’s product range is split into four sectors: intercity and long distance coaches, suburban and regional vehicles, urban buses and midibuses.

The premium long distance coach offered by Tata Hispano is the Naya.

It is used by football teams such as Athletico Madrid and Malaga, and is available in 12.26-, 12.98-, 13.86and 15-metre variants.

The firm’s coach range for the European market is completed by the Xerus and the Scala – their newest model.

The Xerus is available in two heights, 3.7 metres and 3.8 metres and “can come with all the trimmings.”

Pedro explained it was important

26/03/2012 17:15

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek forced air system (with optional air conditioning) and a three-year manufacturer warranty. A DDAcompliant option is also available.

Mark believes the Intea is ideal for customers looking for a coach quality school vehicle.

Nick Dodgson, general manager, added: “This is a class leading product which can offer ‘two bites of the cherry’ for BASE. It offers both public sector operators and councils a value-lead proposition for 70 seats with dual door easy access and option of wheelchair lift and DDA compliance.

“On the other side an operator can simply raise the spec and have a very capable and practical 57-seat private hire model with leather head rests/piping, soft trim and tinted double glazing all for under £159,000.00 + VAT.”

Looking to the future An Intea intercity on its way to BASE (above); and a child seat installed in a Tata Hispano bus (below right) to have a good and varied portfolio, which is one of the reasons why the Scala was developed. However, he said essentially the idea for the new product came from customers.

The Scala has been designed for intensive use – and can be doubled up as a school and a tour coach thanks to a device which covers up the ticket machine. The school transport screen also comes down on a roller mechanism so can be easily hidden.

The vehicle features easy to clean surfaces and a straightforward steps design, also making them easy to maintain.

The Scala is currently enjoying good market reception. So far Tata Hispano has sold 15 of these vehicles and is presently tendering on 80.

The company intends to carry out improvements throughout the year based on customers’ suggestions.

Development of the vehicle focused on lowering consumption and better performance, meaning the Scala is lighter than the Xerus, with a lower ceiling, less glass and thin plating.

Pedro believes both the Xerus and the Scala have their own market, and is hoping for 50 to 60 sales of the Scala this year.

The capacity for luggage space on Tata Hispano’s range is utilised by eliminating the need for crosssectional supports in the luggage area.

There are three seat choices

TataHispano1.indd 35

for the Scala, each sourced from Turkey. Tata Hispano is an advocate of global sourcing, and also imports parts from India and Morocco.

The Intea intercity was introduced by BASE to the UK market in the middle of last year.

There are already a couple of Intea vehicles being operated in the UK and BASE has recently completed the sale of another. It comes on a MAN A91 chassis with ZF automatic gearbox and due to offset rails, it has the option of 57 (2+2) or 70 (3+2) seats. The Intea has twin nearside power doors, double glazing (with an optional tinted version), PA and stereo system, a

“In a few years time I think Tata Hispano will be big players in Europe.”

Mark Aspinall director, BASE

The company has invested heavily into painting facilities at the factory

Tata Hispano has some big goals.

M V Raja Rao, the chief executive officer, said: “Our mission is to be number two in Europe, if not number one. Last year we made a lot of progress. We have the right product and we have invested a lot of money; when the recession is over we should come out well.

“For the UK we want to grow. We want to compete with ADL. It’s a dream – I feel there’s a slot for us.

Making right-hand vehicles is not a problem.”

Regarding the relationship with its parent company, Tata Motors, he added: “We support India with designs and ideas. There is synergy between the two companies.”

Tata Hispano suits BASE as a manufacturer as it fills the gaps Beulas doesn’t offer. The BASE team are enthusiastic about the scope of Tata Hispano’s product range.

Nick said: “We are very pleased to broaden our UK dealership with the strength of a global player in TATA Hispano. They share a common value of offering products which are well designed and offer UK operators value for money.

“The TATA management team are focused on growing a strong European market brand and are keen to support the UK with extended body warranties and a willingness to jointly develop new products to exceed the ‘end users’ expectation. BASE has always demonstrated a willingness to also go the extra mile for our clients and believe this is long term common ground to build on for the future.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 17:16

36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

THE BIG PICTURE

This weeks Big Picture might not look like anything special, but it is – according to photographer David Barrow. The Nottingham City Transport (NCT) Optare-bodied Scania N230UD Omnidekka fleet number 931 ‘YT61FFU’ is actually the last bus built at the former East Lancashire Coachbuilder factory in Blackburn, now Optare Blackburn.

The first bus built at the Lancashire plant in 1938, a Leyland Titan TD5, was supplied to Bolton Corporation Transport. All Optare buses are now built across the Pennines at Sherburn in Elmet and are only integrals, which means the end of body on chassis. The vehicle pictured here joined the NCT fleet in November 2011 and is seen working the 89 purple line service, which links the city centre with Rise Park, via Sherwood, the city hospital and Bestwood Park.

www.coachandbusweek.com

BigPicture.indd 36

26/03/2012 16:51

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 37

www.coachandbusweek.com

BigPicture.indd 37

26/03/2012 16:51

553101-1018-Q'straint

5/1/12

13:24

Page 1

minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

March 2012

p40 p42

p44

Making life more complicated?

E

very month we get a set of figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) which provide an accurate picture of the vehicle registrations for the month. SMMT puts a lot of work into categorising the data and its historic database, stretching back many years, can be analysed to show peaks and troughs or times of steady increase or decrease in market trends. However, minibuses have caused the SMMT a headache. Manufacturers traditionally wanted them all registered as vans – because the van market is very large and they all treasure their market share. SMMT recognises our plight and appreciates we want to know about how many minibuses are being registered – so figures are never quite 100%. Sustained pressure on the manufacturing industry now

MB.Opener.indd 39

allows us much more accurate data but the terminology adds confusion. Figures related to ‘Converted Bus’ don’t necessarily mean it is a van conversion. The ‘Purpose Built Bus’ category may seem straightforward but what about the manufacturer-built minibuses? – aren’t they essentially vans first – even though they have not been registered as such? The change in representation of the categories clouds our once clear perception of minibuses or coaches being either conversions or coachbuilts – because now you can acquire a ‘purpose-built’ which isn’t a coachbuilt vehicle but a converted van.

Martin Cole Editor

CONTENTS 40

News

Mercedes-Benz begins Sprinter production in Argentina: 16 Bluebird Orion Plus for Barking & Dagenham - plus a selection of the latest minibus deliveries around the country

42

Ford Torneo

The Geneva Show saw the launch of the Tourneo Custom Concept - clearly showing what the new Transit range could look like later this year

44

Operator Profile

Warwickshire-based minicoach operator Coachlinks tells the story behind its establishment and development to Gareth Evans and Andrew Cream

www.coachandbusweek.com

26/03/2012 18:12

40 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | March 28, 2012

news

50

The number of countries the MercedesBenz Sprinter is currently exported to

£1.50

The return fare on Dorset County Council’s Bothenhampton and Bridport community bus

Mercedes begins Sprinter production in Argentina European model Sprinter forms part of Daimler’s aim of increasing van sales by 30% over the next five years Production of the European model of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has begun in Argentina by Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A. It is being built at the Centro Industrial Juan Manuel Fangio plant near Buenos Aires.

The plant started to switch production to the Sprinter model in January. Manufacturing operations are being carried out in two shifts and are proceeding at almost full capacity. The Sprinter is primarily offered as a bus model in Latin America in order to benefit from the rapidly growing demand for passenger transporton. The market launch of the Sprinter is scheduled for May this year. The Sprinter is the flagship model for Mercedes-Benz

Last UNVI Classics go to MCH

MCH of Uxbridge, has further increased its compliment of UNVI manufactured coaches by taking delivery of the last two new UNVI 33 seat Classic air conditioned models. Based on Mercedes Benz 816 Euro 5 chassis, the new vehicles feature six-speed manual gearboxes, Diavia air conditioning, convection heating, double glazing, full length parcel racks with individual service units, Blaupunkt radio cd/pa and reverse camera. At the rear is a large boot complemented by a nearside locker.

One is fitted with Politecnica Rally seats and the other with Fainsa Stel.

Both vehicles will be used on the company’s corporate shuttle and private hire duties.

Vans and currently exported to about 50 countries, including Brazil, South Africa, and Australia.

Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: “Mercedes-Benz Vans is one of the

driving forces at Daimler within sales, revenues and earnings worldwide. We have full confidence in on our global growth strategy `Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global´.

In Latin America, we want to

The Sprinter is primarily offered as a bus model in Latin America Paul Webber, director of MCH commented: “The 33 seat Classic has proved to be a very useful model for us and being able to acquire the last two available was an opportunity too good to miss.”

The Classic is now superseded by the Classic R. The new coaches were supplied by Minis to Midis, UNVI’s authorised dealer for the south and east of England.

For details contact Alan White on 01302 833203

One of the last two 33-seater UNVI Classics delivered to MCH

increase our van sales by 30% over the next five years. The current generation of Sprinter models will lay the foundation for this development.”

Roland Zey, Head of MercedesBenz Argentina S.A., emphasizes the company’s regional strategy, saying: “the Sprinter is an essential part of our product range. For many years now, it has been the very epitome of quality, efficiency, and top performance. This makes our plant in Buenos Aires a very significant location. Furthermore, as Argentina’s biggest commercial vehicle facility, the plant is an important employer for the entire region. We’re delighted the successor model of the Sprinter will open up a new chapter in this success story.”

Daimler is investing more than €70 million in Argentina, with part of this investment being used to switch over production to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model currently available in Europe. In this manner, the company is underlining the importance of the production facility in Buenos Aires, which bears the name of five-time Formula 1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

JMP helps improve accessible transport in Darlington Transport consultancy JMP has been appointed by Darlington Borough Council to undertake a feasibility study to look at the gaps in the provision of and demand for accessible taxi and community transport services in Darlington and surrounding rural communities, in light of the changing landscape of transport provision across the area.

Reductions in bus services and a lack of accessible taxis are among the reasons some communities have transport needs which are not being met. JMP is consulting with groups across the Borough to discuss these needs and understand precisely what gaps exist. Different ways of meeting these needs will be developed,

ranging from enhancements of existing services through to the introduction of new types of services, which might include taxi or community transport solutions.

The feasibility of the various options will be examined.

The funding awarded to Darlington Borough Council under the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) and Community Transport Initiative, will provide the means for the Council, in partnership with local communities, to introduce the most feasible solutions over the next couple of years.

In line with the government’s localism agenda, the intention is for solutions to be community-led wherever possible.

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.News.indd 40

26/03/2012 17:11

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 41

16

The number of Bluebird Orion Plus minibus supplied to London Borough of Barking & Dagenham

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

Dorset launches new community service Dorset County Council (DCC) launched a new community service on March 16 aimed at serving residents of Bothenhampton. It is to run for a six-month trial period and provide a link to shopping and services in Bridport for those who have difficulty in accessing the recently re-routed 44 bus service .

The minibus running the service is wheelchair accessible. Passengers intending to use the service need to register and book their seat through Dorset Direct. Initial registration costs £1 and the return trip is £1.50 for adults or £1 for children.

Concessionary passes can be used.

Peter Finney, DCC cabinet member for transport, said: “This Bothenhampton Community Bus is a welcome new development for residents who have mobility problems or who cannot access the existing public bus service which was re-routed.”

The Passenger Transport team with the new buses at Thames View depot

Barking & Dagenham take 16 Bluebird Orion Plus Scarborough-based Bluebird Vehicles has supplied a new fleet of 16 Orion Plus lowfloor minibuses to provide transport for special needs children and vulnerable adults in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.

The council’s Passenger Transport team recently took

Southampton-based Angela Coaches has replaced a ten year-old Indcar Maxim with a new Maxim 2 model which the company hopes will be entering service very soon under the Angela Holidays programme.

Supplied by BASE, the Maxim is built on an Iveco chassis. It is equipped with 24 Fainsa seats, air conditioning and DVD system. It is pictured here

by CBW’’s Andrew Cream at the Indcar factory in Arbúcies, while on a tour of BASE’s Spanish bodybuilder partners on March 16.

delivery of the new vehicles at the depot in Thames View. The new buses offer a more spacious interior, making them more comfortable and easier to board and alight. The interior layout also allows for greater flexibility which makes it easier for the operator to organise daily routes, leading to

Stort Bus aims to support the community A new 15-seat minibus is being acquired by Bishop’s Stortford Minibus Trust and a paid driver is being sought in order to restore some of the local services axed by local bus operators.

Chairman of the trust, councillor Philip Demonti, said the plans were to run scheduled services, four days a week on two alternating routes. Stort Bus is being funded

by Hertfordshire County Council but will have to make ends meet.

The service will charge users, including those with bus passes but will restrict fares to minimum levels. A proposed fare of £1.50 will apply. It is hoped the services will begin operating from early in May. The trust is also aiming to attract

shorter journey times.

The accessibility of the vehicle has been well received by wheelchair users who find the ramp at the rear much easier and quicker to get wheelchairs on and off the bus. The lower, flat floor also allows for better access. Travelling passengers have found the larger interior to be more comfortable than previous vehicles, yet the vehicle itself is still small enough to negotiate the Borough’s back roads.

The council says from the driver’s perspective, feedback on the Orion Plus indicates the buses are safer to drive due to their large windows which increase visibility and allow more natural light into the bus. The new fleet also emits much lower emissions which in turn makes the vehicles more environmentally friendly and low fuel consumption makes the fleet more economical to run.

Cllr Rocky Gill, cabinet member for finance and education, said: “We’re proud to unveil this new fleet. Passengers and drivers have given positive feedback about the new buses. Having seen them myself I’m impressed by how spacious and comfortable they are.” financial support with sponsorship from local businesses.

There is currently much local concern over a lack of services in the area. Traditional routes have been steadily eroded over recent years and most were withdrawn,

by Arriva, Excel Coaches and SM Coaches, due to a lack of viability.

This removed links from Bishop Stortford town centre and the Herts & Essex Community Hospital with outlying suburbs including Thorley Park, Havers and Parsonage. The situation has worsened due to recent cutbacks in local authority bus service funding compounded by cuts in BSOG.

Initially, Stort Bus is planning to centre its operation on Herts & Essex Community Hospital and will run weekdays, except for Wednesday, from 0800 to 1745 hrs serving the Havers and Parsonage areas.

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.News.indd 41

26/03/2012 17:12

42 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | March 28, 2012

preview › ford torneo

New Tourneo from Ford Includes many new and exciting features which give the vehicle strong car-like appeal for an impoved passenger experience

F

ord launched a new version of its popular Tourneo as a ‘Custom Concept’ at the recent 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Its appearance pre-empts the introduction of a new range of people movers with commercial minibuses to follow.

“One look at the Tourneo Custom Concept is enough to tell you it will inject an exciting new spirit into the personal use segment,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “Our forthcoming new range gives us the opportunity to appeal to new customers with a fresh new direction and we have seized that opportunity with both hands.”

The Tourneo Custom Concept previews a host of exciting new features which give the vehicle strong car-like appeal. They include an all-new interior design with driver-focused cockpit, and a luxurious, fully trimmed cabin which has the ambience and highquality materials of a modern multiseat saloon car. Innovative additions to the specification include multi-adjustable and removable rear seating, advanced SYNC voiceactivated, in-vehicle connectivity system and the latest Ford low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologies.

The Tourneo Custom Concept clearly shows the direction of development and styling being undertaken by Ford for its new Transit range - to be launched later this year. Ford is certain to adopt elements of its ‘Kinetic Design’ which has already been rolled out

across the car range – essentially aiming to generate a sense of movement, even when the vehicle is at a standstill.

“We set out to create a design with clean, futuristic lines and with a real sense of occasion,” explained Paul Campbell, chief designer, Ford of Europe. “With its sportier stance, bold rising shoulder line and flush glazing, the Tourneo Custom Concept brings something fresh and exciting to this class of people mover. By applying the latest Kinetic Design principles, the design has a completely new style and drama.”

Signature Kinetic Design features prominent on the Tourneo include a bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line, prominent wheel lips and window lines with the distinctive kick at the rear.

Given the nature of its dual-purpose application for commercial or private motoring it also sports visually enhancing touches like a chrome grille surround, striking LED lighting at the front-end and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Tourneo Custom Concept features an all-new interior design.

“We wanted to give the driver, and the rear seat passengers, an interior with the same standards of design and quality they would experience in a modern multi-seat saloon car, but with ample space for people and luggage,” explained Campbell.

“From its modern, driver-focused cockpit, to the luxurious rear cabin finished in leather, the Tourneo Custom Concept shows interiors in this class can be both functional and attractive.”

The stylish, sculpted instrument panel is orientated around the driver, and features technologies which are closely-related to those in Ford’s car range.

Occupants in the rear are surrounded by space and luxury, with a fully-trimmed cabin which incorporates bold Kinetic Design detailing on the side panels which are linked to the graphical themes from the front.

The rear seats are a new design, which can be easily folded into multiple configurations, or removed completely. This enables the interior to be easily tailored to suit

business or leisure pursuits.

In the concept vehicle, the luxurious and spacious feel of the interior is further enhanced by an exclusive two-tone colour scheme, featuring hand-stitched leather seats with attractive cloth inserts.

Among the smart, innovative features included on the concept are: ECOnetic Technologies – Ford’s advanced low-CO2 features including Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging Syncvoice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and controlled using voice control Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information Advanced restraint system – including driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags Rear-view camera – integrated into the rear view mirror Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features to alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel.

Ford’s new Tourneo Custom Concept - taster for the new 2012 Transit

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.FordTorneo.indd 42

26/03/2012 21:09

554784-1029-EberspacherFP

23/3/12

12:49

Page 1

44 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | March 28, 2012

operator profile › coachlinks

Much of Warwickshire was covered in a blanket of fog during CBW’’s visit – as seen here at the Heritage Motor Museum

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.CoachLinks.indd 44

26/03/2012 18:33

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 45

operator: CoachLinks location: Leamington Spa, Warks fleet: 5 Contact: 01926 613255 www.coach-links.co.uk

Changing gear

Professional service with a smile: Tom and Elaine Dunn

Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans and Andrew Cream visit Warwickshire minicoach operator CoachLinks and meet the friendly couple behind it

C

oachLinks is a small family-run minicoach operator based in the heart of Warwickshire.

The five-vehicle fleet benefits from having a couple at the helm who are passionate about what they do.

We caught up with Elaine and Tom Dunn, the company’s owners, over coffee at the Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon. Tom and Elaine are firm advocates of social media and their business benefits from an active Facebook presence. It was though this presence CBW first learnt of their company – after they joined the magazine’s Facebook page.

History

The couple’s story may strike a chord with some in the current economic climate. Tom was a manager at another small coach firm, which he purchased when the owners retired.

Elaine took up the story: “I worked for Tom in the year 2000, before moving to Derby for three years, where I spent time at university. While there I also did some work for Cox’s of Belper for a year. I got to know Tom again when I brought my daughter back

to Warwickshire at weekends to see her dad. At that point Tom had his business. I did some driving but didn’t want to get involved in the management side as I wanted to continue my university course.

“We ended up with quite a nice fleet of 16 to 33 seaters. We didn’t want to go any bigger. The operators who are well established now will survive – there’s no point in trying to rival them. The key is to be different. Johnsons and Catteralls know their businesses and they’re good, well-known companies with enviable reputations.”

Elaine continued: “Back in 2009, competition was particularly tough.

Promises from banks at the time came to nothing. They didn’t want to know. Unfortunately – and it was with a huge amount of regret – we had to close the doors. We lost a lot of our own personal funds too.

“We’d got four vehicles on Private Hire licences, which were working Warwickshire County Council contracts. We decided we would continue running them. Our only other intention was to run 16-seaters on a restricted O-licence.

“We applied for a new O-licence.

Catteralls took over all our contracts, so there was no

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.CoachLinks.indd 45

26/03/2012 18:34

46 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | March 28, 2012

operator profile › coachlinks

disruption to the public and hence a smooth transition.”

Tom said: “When we told the council we’d informed Catteralls the day before, there was a sigh of relief – we’d done it all above board. Paul Catterall and his team have been very good to us.”

Elaine added: “We were called to a Public Inquiry (PI) on July 1, 2010 on the basis of financial standing.

It’s enough to say our case had been so thoroughly prepared by OLMC of Wakefield that the traffic commissioner seemed to know everything and the result was the PI lasted a mere 13 minutes. The PI enabled one company to be closed down a new O-licence granted for our present business. The traffic commissioner allowed the two vehicles we applied for to be increased to a third on the day.

“At the time we had no intention of operating more than a couple of vehicles. We’re currently running five after we successfully applied for an increase of two on our authorisation last year.”

Tom added: “We definitely don’t want to go any bigger as we’ll have to recruit more drivers and there is a danger is could become less manageable. If we spend too much time out of the office, it’s when things can go wrong.”

In recent weeks the couple have gone through the process of changing from a sole trader to a limited company, which of course, has included the requirement for a new O-license to be applied for.

After submitting this in November, the new O-licence was granted in the first week of this month.

Perhaps Elaine summed up the position: “We are officially able to trade now as CoachLinks Limited and include the coach operation into the new company alongside the PHV operation. I would like to thank Lee Betts at the Leeds office and of course to the Nick Jones the traffic commissioner himself. Sadly, my name will come off the side of the vehicles, but I won’t be any less proud of them.”

Business Mix

The firm undertakes what might be regarded as a traditional variety of

work, ranging from school contracts to private hire.

“Our original intention was to stay with local authority contracts.

However, two weeks after our PI we were given notice on our contracts and at that point we decided it would be unwise to put all our eggs in one basket,” explained Elaine.

“We currently operate two school contracts, which keeps our LDVs running. It’s a very competitive market place. Warwickshire County Council has embraced e-tendering.

As a result, we decided we had to do something different with our company.”

A marketing specialist has been hired for a period of six months, which includes establishing relationships with hotels, conference venues and businesses to drive CoachLinks forward.

“This year is very important as it’s probably a case of make or break to move the company

forward into the corporate market, while still maintaining our important contract and private hire work,” Elaine continued. “We’ve never done much in the way of weddings. The vehicles which have recently joined our fleet lend themselves to that sort of use.”

Perhaps Tom was not wrong when he said: “We’re constantly evolving. We’ll always look at any opportunity which comes our way.”

A prime example is the firm’s ability to offer MIDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) training.

Elaine is a qualified trainer.

“My background is in training and test driving for LDV,” she said.

“I’m all for promoting better driving.

I’ve been an advanced instructor with the IAM and I also used to teach test procedures at MIRA. There is quite a market for training – it’s an added aspect of our business.”

“I loved working at MIRA but I’ve now got more to lose if something

Above: Vito is a versatile vehicle. Below Simple, informative rear branding.

went wrong,” continued Elaine.

“I’ve also been a trucker, which was something I ended up doing rather than wanted to do. The same goes for PCV – I paid for myself to do it.”

The couple have recently changed company structure. Elaine now spends nearly all her time in the office, while Tom spends a minimum of three days a week in the office.

“As much as we’d like to introduce another member of the team, I feel this is a business you evolve into. We’re both CPC holders,” added Elaine.

Fleet

“We didn’t plan to acquire a more upmarket coach this early on,” observed Elaine. “One of our LDVs was damaged when a driver reversed it into a wall. We were told it would be off the road for three weeks, which we couldn’t afford, so I spoke to George Steele at Blythswood. He’s been very good to us.”

Tom added: “George likes to do business with people who are straight and honest with him. We certainly don’t mess him around.”

Elaine continued: “I called him and booked my flight up there.

I chose my vehicle and drove it back. We could have had any stock vehicle at the time, including an LDV. However, we decided to go more up market with an Onyxconverted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which we bought in March 2010.

“It’s been a popular and reliable vehicle and it’s lovely to drive. No customers have come back to us with a bad word – and it’s got a large boot too.”

Also in the fleet is a 33-seater Plaxton Cheetah. “We didn’t intend to go that big but after much soul searching – it is after all, a big outlay – we took the plunge,” said Elaine.

“We bought it from Blythswood at the end of 2010. That was our fourth PCV. “Because we keep staffing levels low, we’re unlikely ever to have all our vehicles out at once. It’s proved to be reliable. I must admit the Cheetah is not the roomiest vehicle but it’s great for what we bought it for, i.e. school groups and

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.CoachLinks.indd 46

26/03/2012 18:34

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 47

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

Interior of the Onyx Sprinter (above); The smart line of the Onyx Sprinter (above right); and a side-on view of the Onyx Sprinter (lower right) local private hire. It is however, the largest size we’ll go in terms of seating capacity.”

A pair of LDVs are allocated to school contracts and some taxi work, as is a 60-plate Vauxhall Astra taxi.

Not to be forgotten is the eightseater Mercedes-Benz Vito, which Tom described as “an extremely versatile minibus,” thanks to the facility to remove all the rear seats and be configured in a number of ways, “which proves invaluable when carrying golf clubs or skis on an airport transfer.”

Due to enter the fleet imminently is a 16-seater Excel-converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which has been bought specifically for use in a ‘world famous sporting event taking place this summer’.

“Excel offer a three-year warranty and will collect a vehicle

“If you buy new, you can get three to four years of good quality work out of a vehicle and then decide whether you want to cascade it to school work. If you buy used you can end up with buying someone else’s problems.”

Elaine Dunn

if or when something does happen,” explained Tom. “They’ve been great to deal with throughout the conversion process.”

Indeed, CBW hopes to tell the story of the vehicle’s conversion in a future issue.

Turning to the issue of maintenance, Tom said “no corners are cut”.

“Touch wood we’ve always had a good VOSA record,” added Elaine.

“There has never been a reason for them to take action. We’re open with them and we’re not afraid to ask them for advice. I believe in being open. I find when you need to speak to VOSA they’re there on the end of the phone.”

Current issues

Elaine issued a cautionary note about fuel cards. “You’ve got to

watch out with fuel cards as you can end up paying more. When we set up this business we went to FuelGenie. You get a monthly bill, whereas some other fuel cards tend to be weekly. However, FuelGenie is limited to Tesco or Morrisons.”

Turning to the Driver CPC, Elaine pleaded: “Please can someone make elements of it relevant to PCV drivers? There doesn’t seem to be anything to help a coach driver deal with a situation such as boozers on board.”

On a final note, she talked about her philosophy on vehicle acquisition: “If you buy new, you can get three to four years of good quality work out of a vehicle and then decide whether you want to cascade it to school work. If you buy used you can end up with buying someone else’s problems.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.CoachLinks.indd 47

26/03/2012 18:35

Beauty and Brains...

They call me: Slide ‘N Click.

And I’m more than just curvy, all-around good looks.

Once you get to know me, you’ll see I have quite the ‘well-rounded’ personality.

I feature a complete 360° rotation that allows easy one-handed operation.

I may be posing here with my friend QRT Deluxe but don’t get too jealous, I play just as nice with any of the QRT Series Retractors.

Want to see more? Check me out at: Qstraint.com

MB.Q'Straint.indd 40

26/03/2012 18:29

About Me: 360 Degree Rotation:

Provides flexibility in attachment

Single Bolt Installation:

Eliminates complicated installs and alignments

Durable & Low Maintenance:

Cast stainless steel for maximum strength and durability

Low Profile and Compact:

Reduces potential interference with wheelchair components

t: +44 (0) 1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com

MB.Q'Straint.indd 41

26/03/2012 18:30

p50_CBW_1029

26/3/12

19:05

Page 1

50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

COACH&BUSMARKET – the place to buy and sell

To advertise on these pages for as little as £30 just call 01733 293247

...then 50 come along at once.

Due to a major influx of new vehicles, we are selling a number of ex-TWM service buses.

They’re in great condition for their age and have been maintained to a very high standard.

There are currently 50 vehicles available, all stored at our site for viewing.

Although mainly Volvo, Scania and Optare single deck, there are some double deck buses also available.

All will be sold with 12 months MOT and repaint if required.

Please call for more details. Finance and rental packages available.

Volant PVS Ltd, Beecham Business Park, Northgate, Aldridge WS9 8TZ T: +44 (0)1922 457003 volantpvs.co.uk

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 100 All spares available - includes engine, gearboxes, seats, etc.

Call: 01226 727769 Mobile: 07912 103497 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com

2010 MAN VanHool Alicron 400bhp engine, Astronic gearbox, 51 seats with centre sunken toilet, air con, fully loaded, low mileage, 1 year’s MoT £180,000.00 + VAT 1995 Volvo B10M Caetano Algarve just been converted to a 70 seater using Cogent seats, 1 year’s MoT, good condition £25,000.00 + VAT Telephone West of Scotland 01290 550365 or 07736 490200 Registration Numbers for sale:

PFK 473 YRK 631 On retention documents transfer paid.

£1,000 each no VAT Potters Bar Coach Hire 01707 652706 anytime

2002 - Setra 315 GTHD

48 seat executive, MOT due Feb 2013, tow bar, good condition, Euro 3, used mainly on tours, coach hoover system

1994 - Bova Futura 70 seats school conversion MOT due February 2013 £28,000.00 plus VAT ono

£65,000.00 plus VAT ono

01672 562238 info@pewseyvalecoaches.co.uk

2005 (55) Caetano Optimo V

Registration Number for sale:

C4 STS Luxury 26 seats + courier, white, manual, tacho, 3 point seatbelts, CD + PA, forced air, power door, Euroliners. Very good condition, new MOT, 194,000 miles. £34,000 + VAT ono

01494 532 777

On retention document transfer paid.

£5,000 no VAT Potters Bar Coach Hire 01707 652706 anytime

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk

p51_CBW_1029

26/3/12

18:28

Page 1

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 51

To advertise on these pages for as little as £30 just call 01733 293247 Optare Toro

UNVI GT

Mercedes-Benz 0815 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 28 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts, powered entry door, air conditioning, double glazed windows, luggage racks with individual passenger reading lights and adjustable air flow blowers, radio/CD & PA system.

Mercedes-Benz 0816 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 29 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts and leather headrest inserts, courier seat, dark tint double glazed windows, air con radio/CD & PA system, DVD player and monitor, grammer luxury heated driver seat, full draw curtains, large boot space and side lockers.

£45,500 +VAT NOW £41,000 +VAT

£69,950 +VAT NOW £66,950 +VAT

Call Dougie at Haggis Adventures on 0131 554 9192 2004 (54) Neoplan Starliner Tri-Axle Corporate/Team Coach

32 leather seats around 8 tables, full rear servery with fridges, ice machine, hot water, microwave and airline style food warmers, 3 extra fridges throughout coach, airline style overhead lockers, 240v inverter and onboard generator, Blaupunkt sound system with DVD & SKY TV (2 screens), extra mini screens on a separate channel on both front tables, ASTronic gearbox, A/C, WC, fully carpeted, removable ski box, spare seats.

£114,995 + VAT o.n.o.

For more details call Patrick or Murray 01787 477701/ 07730 671064

Don’t forget to mention that you saw it advertised in

Leyland Olympian, Northern Counties bodywork, 1988, 73 seats with belts, tachograph, MOT until 06/04/2013. £3,000 + VAT DAF MB230, Van Hool Bodywork, 1989, 53 belted seats, rear toilet, MoT until 12/04/2013. £6,000 + VAT 1 Set of Briton Column Lifts (7.5 Tonnes). Regularly serviced and in good condition. £4,500

Tel: 01209 717 152 Mobile: 07885 298 383

Ford Transit 2005

16 seats plus driver, diesel Mini Bus, 3 point seat belts, analogue tachograph, CD player, electric front windows and mirrors, COIF, MOT till August 2012, taxed and ready for work.

£6500 plus VAT ONO.

Call Drew 01698 351442 m:07803242585

SHELTON MOTORS – RAMSEY, CAMBS

WANTED ALL TYPES OF BUSES AND COACHES FULLY LICENSED ELV SITE # WANTED FOR BREAKING AND EXPORT ORDERS # IMMEDIATE PAY AND COLLECTION # SINGLE OR FLEET PURCHASES Tel: 01487 813156 (9 until 5 Mon - Fri only) Mobile: 07831 349760 Email: sales@shelton-motors.co.uk

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

FREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOURFREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOUR

553180-1029-Ensign:Layout 1

26/3/12

13:29

Page 1

Ensig DOUBLE DECK 1997/8 VOLVO OLYMPIANS Seatbe exampleslted no available w

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Volvo engines, Euro 2, 78 seats, converted to single door, new COIF, tyres included, UK registered ready to work.

2004/5 SCANIA K114 AND 124’S

1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

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

2000 DAF SB120

ZF automatics, Irizar PB bodies, 49 leather seats, toilets, air-con, £53,500. (pic YN04GPX)

Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LEDʼs, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.

2006 OPTARE SOLO’S

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

Slimline, Mercedes engines, 23 seats, long MOTʼs.

ZF automatic, 74 seats, dual door, CONVERTIBLE open topper, so can still be used in the Winter! One only.

1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS

1998 DAF SB3000

ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 350, air-con, 57 seats.

Cummins/Voith gearboxes, Duple Metsec bodies, recent floors and 92 coach seats.

2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DARTS

Plaxton Pointer 2 dual door bodies, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ 2012 compliant, only £6,500 each plus tyres (£375)

2001 Y REG DART SLF’S

Cummins/Allison, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX200 bodies with either 30 seats and 2 doors or 34 seats converted to single door, ramps, DDA certified and compliant. 10.8m 37 seaters now available.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

553180-1029-Ensign:Layout 1

26/3/12

13:29

Page 2

nbus ER SPECIALIST 1998 MERCEDES 814

GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!

Manual, Plaxton Cheetah, 25 seats, long MOT.

2001 Y REG DENNIS DART MPD’s

Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 29 seats, LEZ compliant post 2012 with traps, DDA compliant, long MOTʼs.

1998-2000 S / V / W reg Darts with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 31 seats, dual door, DDA compliant, exhaust traps fitted so reduced tax, huge choice at an unbelievable £4,500 each plus VAT and tyres (£400).

2003 MAN 14220

Hanover LEDʼs, East Lancs Myllenium body, 39 seats.

2003 MAN 11.2220’S

1995 VOLVO B10M

Euro 3, ZF automatics, 35 seats, East Lancs Myllenium bodies.

ZF 6 speed manual, starts and drives, Plaxton Premiere 350 body past its best, £4,000 spares or repair.

2007 VOLVO B9TL’S

£7000 just spend on recon engine, MCV Evolution body, 40 seats, DDA, Hanover LEDʼs.

Euro 4, Wrights Gemini bodies, dual door, 68 seats.

1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats or 70 when converted to single door.

1998 DENNIS DART

Cummins/Allison, East Lancs body, 33 seats.

2007 MAN 14.220

1995 N REG SCANIA L113

Voith automatic, East Lancs body, 49 dual purpose seats just retrimmed, supplied with new MOT.

2006 VOLVO B6’S

ZF automatic, SLF, Wrights bodies.

- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com

p54_CBW_1029

26/3/12

18:04

Page 1

553368-1029-Pembridge

26/3/12

18:00

Page 1

NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT

OTHER MAKES

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES

(11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995

(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat M/R 140PS with air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £17,995 (08) 2008 Ford Transit 3.5ton 15 seat 2.4tdi, 115ps, high back seats with three point belts, tacho £13,800 (05) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.5 diesel 115ps, high back seats with three point belts 25,000 miles only £8,750 (53) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 td minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, air-con, COIF/PSV £6,995 (03) Ford Transit 3.5 ton 15 seat minibus, 2.4 tdi, high back seats with three point belts £2,995 (52) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi, tacho, towbar, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV £6,495

LDV MINIBUSES

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts £7,495

(03) 2003 LDV Convoy Maxi XLWB 17 seat mini-coach, 2.4 Tdi, front entry drop step, luggage racks, rear heating, wide aisle, rear row of seats removable, New PSV £6,495

OTHER MAKES

New Renault Master 17 seat LM35/ 2.2di 125ps, six speed, satnav, tacho, fully tracked floor with removable seats £21,995

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox, LEZ COMPLIANT from £23,500 + VAT (09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650

(07) 2007 Peugeot Boxer 17 seat 3.5 ton minibus, 2.2 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, rear row of seats on tracking, 18,000 miles only £10,495

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(08) Renault Master LWB 3.5 ton, 2.5 tdi, six seats, fully tracked floor, inboard Ricon Clearway lift, one owner from new, 40,000 miles £16,750 (07) 2007 Renault Trafic LH29, 7 seats, tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 43,000 miles £8,995

(57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995

(54) 2005 Renault Master 13 seat wheelchair access minibus, inboard Ricon lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, electric side step, 56,000 miles £8,995

(03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495 (53) 2003 Mercedes Vito 108 cdi 2.2 diesel, 6 seats, low floor with lightweight ramp, tracking for two wheelchairs £5,995 Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £7,750

Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

554114-1023-Eastwoods

6/2/12

19:20

Page 1

2003 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PROFILE Registered Dec 2003, double glazed tinted glass, Cummins 275 engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, 49 seats, toilet & washroom, ready for immediate use, MoT tested, 120,000 miles, choice of two. £P.O.A

Straight from MOD

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

Dec 07, low mileage, 7 seats, quick release tracking for wheelchair use. £12,500 + VAT

MERCEDES VARIO 612

1998, 20 new seats, wheelchair lift on wheel tracking, 20 new seats.

Choice of 6.

TRADE SALE OR SEPARATE

06 MAN EVOLUTION

14/220, 37 seats, SLF automatic, wheelchair ramp, superb condition throughout, fully MoT’d. £45,500 Part exchange considered

1995 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIER HIGHLINER 53 recliner seats, 290 Cummins, automatic, continental door, toilet, full years MoT, must be seen. £POA + VAT £19,500

BERKOF RADIAL 1998

53 seats, seats, Cummins 53 Cummins 300 300 engine, ex ex council, engine, council, manual box, box, air cond, manual cond, MoT, veryMoT, low mileage, full years very low mileage, super condition. super condition. £POA £19,500

02 LDV

Minibus with 12 seats, long MOT, wheelchair lift and very clean.

£P.O.A.

CAETANO (SALVADOR) 1998

57 seats, in white, Cummins 245 engine, MoT Sept 2012, very clean vehicle. £19,500 + VAT

1996 DENNIS JAVELIN

10 metre, new MoT, 41/47 seats, 220 Cummins, 6 speed box, new stretch panels, repainted.

Choice of 2. £POA + VAT

BMC AIRPORT BUS

32 seats, 220 Cummins, new MoT this week.

QUICK SALE WANTED.

£15,000

1996 VOLVO PLAXTON PREMIER HIGH LINER

B10 engine, 14 months test, 70 seats, tinted double glazing with curtains & continental door, must be seen. £POA

554114-1023-Eastwoods

6/2/12

19:21

Page 2

IVECO SERVICE BUS

67 seats (moquet), new 2006, only 12,000 miles since new, Vihixel body, auto gearbox, air-con, MOT full year, LEZ, must be seen, superb condition.

£65,000 + VAT PX considered.

PLAXTON PARAGON 48 reclining seats plus courier seat, air-con.

£49,500 + VAT

03 MERCEDES VARIO

With wheelchair lift, 13 seats, low mileage.

£12,000 + VAT

1995 PLAXTON PREMIER

B10 engine In excellent condition throughout MOT

£16,000 +VAT

02 SETRA

Model S-315 GT HD, 6 cylinder MAN engine, manual 6 speed gearbox, 49 seater, full air conditioning, many extras, full year MOT

£45,000 + VAT

Part exchange considered

554840-1029-Heatons

26/3/12

16:36

Page 1

HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN 01942 864222 THE NORTH WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, SUPPLYING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS

05 BMC PROBUS 850 Covered 81,000 miles, council owned from new, 35 highback reclining coach seats with 3 point belts, full air conditioning, luggage racks, blown air, music system, tv, fridge, aircraft style lockers, generous underfloor storage, Cummins engine, automatic Voith gearbox, choice of 2 excellent cost effective luxury coaches £29,995 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

READY TO WORK

READY TO WORK

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d

PSV’d 54 MERCEDES VARIO 614 with 15 highback passenger seats, complete flat floor, powerdoor front entry, external PLS tailift, analogue tacho, fully colour coded, totally immaculate in every way. low miles, excellent value £10,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

06 RENAULT MASTER MWB, covered 64,000 miles, totally unmarked silver metallic, SLD with cassette step, lots of Unwin tracking, 7 /8 highback passenger seats £10,495

54 PLATE IVECO 50C13 IRIS BUS 16 highback passenger seats, 3 point belts, full air conditioning, panoramic tinted windows, front low step entry, one owner, looks excellent, excellent drive, excellent value, 12 months PSV test, ready to work From £9,995

LEZ

LEZ

PSV’d

COMPLIANT

COMPLIANT

56 RENAULT MASTER MM33 covered 25,000 miles, Ricon fully automatic internal Clearway tailift, 6 high back passenger seats plus wheelchair spaces or would up seat, SLD with electric cassette step, totally showroom condition inside and out £12,995

LEZ

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

COMPLIANT

PSV’d

READY TO WORK

03 MERCEDES VARIO 814 Coachbuilt with 16 highback seats or would up-seat to 24, low miles, complete flatfloor, powerdoor front entry, external PLS fully automatic tailift, totally immaculate and excellent value for money, choice of 2 £10,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

56 IVECO coachbuilt with 14 highback coach seats, complete flat floor, external cassette tailift, Powerdoor front entry, saloon heater, sound system, lots of Unwin tracking, COIF, low miles, this must give excellent value £11,995 compare this for value

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

05 RENAULT MASTER MWB, covered 41,000 miles, lots of Unwin tracking, Ricon internal tailift, SLD with cassette step, totally showroom condition inside and out, excellent value From £9,495

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

06 FIAT DUCATO SWB, 6 highback seats, Unwin tracking, Rolac ramp, covered 52,000 miles, SLD with cassette step, stunning silver metallic, showroom condition £7,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

LEZ

PSV’d

PSV’d

COMPLIANT

03 MERCEDES VARIO 814 Mellor Coachcraft coachbuilt, covered 71,000 miles, one council owner, automatic transmission, 32 high back passenger seats all on Unwin tracking, 3 point belts, powerdoor front entry, external PLS cassette tailift, very very clean and original, PSV tested. Where do you find these ultra low mileage buses, choice of 3 from £13,995

08 IVECO 40C12 good quality Iris Bus conversion, covered 60,000 miles, one local authority plant on, panoramic windows, 16 highback passenger seats, 3 point belts, full air conditioning, Euroliners, totally showroom condition inside and out £15,995

56 MERCEDES VARIO 614 Mellor coachbuilt, 16 highback coach seats, 3 point belts, complete flat floor, lots of Unwin tracking, Powerdoor front entry, external cassette tailift, covered 80,000 miles, totally immaculate inside and out, excellent value £14,995

WERE DO YOU FIND THESE 07 MERCEDES VARIO 616 Mellor Coachcraft coachbuilt, 15 high back seats all on Unwin tracking, complete flat floor, Ricon fully automatic internal tailift, powerdoor front low step entry, a good quality bus, LEZ compliant, will come with 12 months PSV test, excellent value £14,995

Let us take the stress out of the purchase of your next minibus, leaving you to concentrate on running your business.

1, PSV tested. 2, Tacho fitted. 3, Finance options if required – 36, 48, 60 months low deposits, etc. Details on request. 4, Delivered to your premises. 5, Tail lift certificates.

Where can you find one of the largest stock of wheelchair accessible/conventional minibuses? Ready to work, combining this with over 50 years of experience in the industry. Just one friendly phone call to Wayne or Philip will simplify your job.

HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN

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 Bickershaw Lane, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 5PL

Tel: 01942 864222

SEE ALL OUR STOCK ON OUR WEBSITE www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk

554731-1029-Dawsons

26/3/12

16:51

Page 1

p60_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:31

Page 1

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

2010 MAN Plaxton Panther

For further details and viewing in Chertsey, please call Mark or Danny on 07979 295668

554445-1029-Connaught

23/3/12

15:43

Page 2

Mini Coach Sales

BRAND NEW MERCEDES OPTARE TORO 32 high back seats, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

2010 10 REG IVECO 50c15 IRISBUS 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks, power door and under-floor wheelchair lift.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES OPTARE SOROCO 19 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT OUR B RA N D N E W WE B S IT E : www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

2008 58 REG MERCEDES BENZ 1022L SITCAR MARLIN 33 high back reclining seats incorporating leather headrest inserts, armrests and seat back tables, A/C, double glazing, fridge and power door.

2007 07 REG FORD TRANSIT 14 seats, 3 point belts.

2006 06 MERCEDES 814D PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights D/G, power door.

2006 06 REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, large luggage boot.

2006 06 REG IVECO 40c12 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights and power door.

2003 03 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks.

1999 V REG MERCEDES 814 BEAVER 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, power door, 12 months test.

Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk

p62_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:59

Page 1

62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

Dennis Trident Alexander ALX 400 Choice of 1999/2000 (V & X reg)

All long wheelbase and Euro 4 Can be upseated/single door converted to 78/80 Seat belted for DDA certification

Phone for details or see our website

View all stock online: www.staffordbuscentre.com Email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com

Tel: 01782 791774

Mobile: 07803 222552

Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk

Look! Great choice of Low Floor Mini Enviros and Darts – ideal replacements for step entrance Minibuses 2006 ADL ENVIRO 200 SLF 29 seats. £POA

Choice of two

2004 DENNIS DART MPD SLF 29 seats. £POA

2000 DENNIS DART MPD SLF 29 seats. £POA

Choice of two

Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN

Choice of three

p63_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:32

Page 1

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

!

"

*

)

0

3

)

8

+

%

+

%

%

@

5

>

%

&

5

7

#

7

5

%

%

/

%

5

5

%

(

$

%

/

,

%

)

4

%

%

6

:

,

)

3

#

9

%

#

(

+

$

#

.

'

-

'

&

;

,

#

2

2

'

%

$

7

5

2

$

%

-

%

?

-

$

1

7

2

&

5

5

,

%

)

>

2

&

#

=

*

%

%

$

+

4

(

8

#

'

<

#

2

?

A

2

%

5

B

p64_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:33

Page 1

SDRC0ACHhelp

64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

“Assisting the Coaching Industry”

2 x 1990 Volvo B10M Manual Plaxton Paramount 3500 57 Seaters With Courier Seat, Long Test, Brand New Re-Trim & NEW Sprayed White £8,500.00 + VAT

COACHES & BUSES WANTED FOR AUCTION for our UK & Commonwealth buyers Our main interest is equipment available due to Retirement or Fleet Reorganisation.

All equipment would be marketed worldwide through our Special Auction Events Team.

1996 Dennis Javelin Manual Berkhof Excellence 2000 53 Seater With Courier Seat, Tested Till June, But Will Supply New Test & NEW Spray White £7,500.00 + VAT

See our website history for people we have worked for.

For further information please call Malcolm Harrison on 01630 674326 or email malcolm@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS 2008 Mercedes 613D Oynx Manual, LEZ 4, Minicoach 24 Seats, AIR CON, Long MOT & London LEZ Euro 4 £38,000.00 + VAT

1995 Volvo B10M Auto Plaxton Premier 350 53 Seat Standard Exec, Level Floor, Mounted Toilet, NEW Retrim & Spray, Long MOT, Mint! £16,000.00 + VAT

READY FOR START OF SEASON Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier 320 Automatics Brand New Converted 70 Seat Coaches, New Seats & Spray, Certified And Ready To Go……

www.SDRcoachhelp.com 24 Hrs 0844 576 3300 1 x 1993, £18,500.00 + VAT 1 x 1994, £22,500.00 + VAT

1 x 1995, £26,500.00 + VAT 2 x 1997, £29,500.00 + VAT

Hunnable Industrial Estate, Toppesfield Road, Gt Yeldham, Essex CO9 4HD

p65_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:33

Page 1

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65

1998 VOLVO B10M PLAXTON PREMIERE 350

T F E L 2 Y L N O

OFFERS INVITED

70 SEATS NEW CONVERSION including 3 point belts, new flooring, full interior retrim including racks, sides, roof etc. New MOT till March 2013. ZF manual gearbox, newly repainted 2 pack white. Looks and drives superb.

A credit to any fleet.

£29,950 + VAT o.v.n.o.

Contact Steve on 07795 347476 or 01492 640320 (North Wales)

MINICOACHES Albion House, 16-18 Albion Street, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 1NJ

sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

www.ukminicoaches.co.uk

Tel: 01902 631507

Fax: 01902 630791

“57” 2007 Toyota Optimo 22 seat Midicoach

A superb all round Midicoach, the Optimo that we have here has Mt Silver paint, 22 high back full sized reclining coach seats with 3 pt seat belts, curtains, electric entry door, rear heating, luggage racks with integrated blown air and reading lights and a courier seat. Only 23,800 miles.

Price £38,995 + V.A.T.

Choice of “54-06” LDV Convoy Minibuses

Available from stock, 54 reg 12 seat LR MWB, 54 reg 16 seat HR LWB and 06 reg 16 seat HR LWB minibuses. All in excellent condition.

All seats fitted with 3 point seat belts with all age adjustment, side entry door for rear passengers, dual front passenger seat,

Price from £2,995 + V.A.T.

“55” 2005 Renault Master 8 seat Ambulance

A stunning example of this versatile vehicle. Built for local authority use for the purpose of patient transfers, this particular model features lowering rear suspension, fold out ramp for wheelchair access, 6 forward facing and 2 rear facing passenger seats and easy clean interior.

Price £6,495 + V.A.T.

OPENING HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9,00 AM TO 5.00 PM All Commercial Trading Ltd T/A UK Minicoaches

p66_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:34

Page 1

66 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES AUDIO &VIDEO

BUILDINGS

BUSESWANTED

SHELTON MOTORS RAMSEY, CAMBS LICENSED ELV CENTRE

ALL BUSES & COACHES WANTED Tel: 01487 813156 (9 - 5, Mon - Fri) Mobile: 07831 349760 Email: sales@shelton-motors.co.uk

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshere foraslittleas£30.00 aweek!

CHECKPOINTS

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone

TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

www.checkpoint-safety.com

Tel: 01524 271200

ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

COIN DISPENSERS

C oi n D is pe n s e r s

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES

Direct from the UK’s No.1 since 1975 Call now for a quote or more information

01270 526333

Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers

Quick change coin dispensers Buy direct from manufacturer Also spares and repairs T T S

RANSPORT

ICKET

ERVICES

Phone: 01600 750650 Email: ttservices@tiscali.co.uk www.ticket-machines.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention that you saw it advertised in

www.creweengines.co.uk

VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES

SPECIAL OFFERS

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Specialists in Used Commercial Garage Equipment

BWS 0117 953 0381 www.bwsequip.co.uk

email: bwsequip@hotmail.com

HEATING

Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors • Radiators Silicone Hose • Ducting Wiper Equipment • Gas Struts

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920 Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG

p67_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:35

Page 1

March 28, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES TICKETING

GARAGE EQUIPMNT

Commercial Garage Equipment Brake Testers

Inspection Pits

Commercial Lifts

Mobile Lifts

Tel: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk

GLAZING Email: sales@reglaze.co.uk Tel: 01274 870919 www.reglaze.co.uk

For all your glass replacement needs • PLEASE CALL TODAY FOR A QUOTE OR EXPERT ADVICE • OUR PHONES ARE MANAGED 24 HOURS, 365 DAYS A YEAR • NO CALL CENTRES • • • • • • • • • •

24 hours, 265 days, fast & friendly service UK & European Quality workmanship Cover 24 hours access to large glass supply No call centres – straight through to experienced staff member e rvice first tim Competitive pricing Quality & Se ise?

Customer accounts upon request om pr m co – why Repairs & filming ys!

24x7 - 365 da Insurance work covered Over 50 years combined experience Replacing glass on coaches, buses, trains, horse boxes, boats, trams, motorhomes, plant and agricultural equipment & much more

TRAINING

REGISTRATIONS G £750 20 HXT 44 NXA ALZ 303 AXZ 88 ECR 767 IIG 62 IIL 36 JUI 808 RXI 85

SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’

£350 £99 £99 £50 AJZ 459 HIG 5651 MNZ 1195 AXZ 5648 JBZ 484 HIG 5652 ONZ 1180 CXZ 4470 JHZ 939 IIG 7764 REZ 3379 CXZ 4471 LLZ 949 IIG 7765 RUI 2119 DRZ 7321 MKZ 686 JIG 1575 SEZ 4324 DRZ 7322 PDZ 818 JIG 1576 SUI 2171 IFZ 8428 PXI 494 KIG 1902 SUI 2172 IFZ 8429 RBZ 131 KIG 1903 TJZ 1116 JFZ 3260 YIB 303 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 JFZ 3261 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£99 JFZ 3262 JIG 2903 JIG 2904 KIG 2285 KIG 2286 RNZ 1127 RNZ 1128 TUI 5717 TUI 5718

Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ

SEATING

TRIM

53 Fainsa Seats • Removed from Jonckheere • Approx 6 years old • VGC £1,750 ovno

Contact 07860 492911

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

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

p68_CBW_1029

26/3/12

17:35

Page 1

68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES TYRES

• Tyre fitting machine now available •

MARCH SPECIALS 205/75R 205/75R 215/75R 215/75R 245/70R 265/70R 265/70R 275/70R

17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER

£102.00 £132.00 £99.00 £132.00 £128.00 £136.00 £185.00 £175.00

Remould and premium tyres price on request Free delivery on 4 tyres or more We have more tyres in stock – please give us a call for quotes

275/70R 275/80R 295/80R 295/80R 315/80R 315/80R 11R22.5 305/75R

22.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE BUDGET STEER 24.5 GOODYEAR NEW

£245.00 £190.00 £178.00 from £245.00 £198.00 from £255.00 £175.00 £550.00

ew Number N 01684 560029 Adam : 07841 239411 Mark : 07545 735303

www.tdtyres.com

All prices subject to VAT and availability.

VEHICLE SPARES

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

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •

Recovery

•

Testing

• • • • • • • •

Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com

www.twigley.com

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

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

Filler NEW copy

10/3/12

09:30

Page 1

3 WEEKS 4 WEEK FREE

BUY GET A

PRICES INCLUDE :

TH

• Design Service • Web Advert • Full Colour

WHEN YOU ADVERTISE IN

COACH&BUSMARKET T E K R A M S U B & nd sell a H y u C b o A t e CO – the plac

7 1733 29324 0 ll a c t s ju £30 as little as r o f s e g a p e on these To advertis

l £90 o c 4 x m 5c co 5cm x 1

TO BOOK YOUR ADVERTISEMENT CONTACT:

JADE CASSIDY

£30

col 10cm x 2

£90

col 15cm x 1

£70

10cm x 1

col

£50

01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk

l

l £50 o c 2 x 5cm

.co.uk uncymedia ro @ y id ss ail jade.ca 3247 or em 9 2 3 3 7 1 0 y on Jade Cassid Telephone

VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES

70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 28, 2012

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

Monday: Press day. As ever in the CBW office, friendly banter is alive and well. Laughter is by far the best stress buster. Martin is away in Germany with MAN, but we manage fine, thanks to James and Andrew’s experience and recent recruit Alex’s growing confidence working on this magazine.

Tuesday: Forge on with a feature and deal with admin tasks. Enjoy a catch up with an industry friend, who fills me in on developments to watch out for in the coming weeks. Don’t leave the office until 1900hrs.

This ex-London trolleybus was spotted by Andrew during his trip to Spain a couple of weeks ago. The preserved vehicle is on display at the TUZSA (Transportes Urbanos de Zaragoza, S.A) depot, Zaragoza’s urban bus network.

The website www.trolleybus.net states this particular trolleybus is an ex-Zaragoza 75, Class Q1 HYM 839. It adds: “The heighten booms give the appearance of the trolleybus being ready to enter into service.” Zaragoza’s trolleybus network opened in 1950 and closed on October 9, 1975. The London trolleybus system served London between May 16, 1931 and May 8, 1962. For much of its life, the London system was the largest trolleybus system in the world. It had a total of 68 routes, and a maximum fleet of 1,811 trolleybuses. 125 ex London Transport type Q1 trolleybuses were acquired by different Spanish operators in 1962 after cessation of operations in London.

12 ended up in Saragossa, and were numbered 51 to 56 and 71 to 76.

Wednesday: Another hectic day in the office. I work away on features and discuss some ideas with a contributor. With extreme reluctance, decide at 2200hrs my workload is too great and I’ve simply not got enough hours this week to complete all I need to do, so have to back out of Young Bus Managers conference.

Driver commended for handling dif�icult customer

Thursday: James is enjoying a well-earned long weekend off. I’m up against it in the office. Feel all in but have to forge on regardless.

East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) has commended one of its drivers after he went out of his way to diffuse a potentially volatile situation.

While working the 180 service, driver S Parry noticed an 18-monthold child was not having the most enjoyable bus experience and, in

Dilbert

the mother’s words, “was being a nightmare”. Mr Parry decided to stop the bus, go to a bakery and bring back three gingerbread men for the child and two siblings.

The husband applauded the driver in a tweet to Victoria Brown, EYMS’s customer relations officer.

He said: “They behaved after that.

Wow. If that doesn’t restore your faith in human nature, nothing will!

That’s made my day.”

Victoria sent a memo to Mr Parry saying: “It is very pleasing to receive such correspondence and certainly made me smile. It is such feedback that enhances our reputation for being a quality operator and it encourages people to continue using us.

“Therefore, on behalf of the company, I would like to express our appreciation for your excellent

Friday: Spring is officially here – I’ve started wearing ankle socks.

Manage to get production to a decent stage.

Saturday: Rise early to a blanket of fog. The speed cops are out in force in unmarked cars on the A1 around Grantham. Arrive at Plaxton’s Anston premises by 0900hrs.

I’m greeted with the usual warm welcome. “You’ll find plenty of banter and coffee here,” the sales team joke. Head to Irizar UK via a particularly rough section of the A57. Steve O’Neill is his usual welcoming, friendly self. While there, also enjoy a catch up with friendly Welsh coach operators Tony Strafford and Mark and Keith from Pat’s Coaches. Much to my amusement, spot a couple of meerkats in the Worksop area.

www.coachandbusweek.com

LastStop.indd 70

26/03/2012 22:55

RECRUITMENT

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

Schedules Manager Lord Levene joins Eurotunnel Board Lord Peter Levene has been appointed independent director of Groupe Eurotunnel SA, on the recommendation of its nominations and remuneration committee.

Lord Levene replaces Henri Rouanet, who has stepped down.

Jacques Gounon, chairman and CEO of Groupe Eurotunnel SA, stated: “I welcome the arrival of Lord Peter Levene, a foundation shareholder of Eurotunnel, who through his extensive experience and his personality will bring to the Group a significant contribution in terms of competence, experience and public profile. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Henri Rouanet for his valuable contribution. We are very grateful for the excellent work he has achieved as chairman of the safety and security committee on which he has presided up to now.”

Peter Levene joined the defence group United Scientific Holdings in 1963. He was then Permanent Secretary as chief of defence procurement. He then became advisor to the Secretary of State for the Environment, President of the Board of Trade and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was appointed as advisor to the Prime Minister on Efficiency and Effectiveness from 1992 to 1997. He also served as chairman of the Docklands Light Railway and then chairman and chief executive of Canary Wharf Ltd. He is currently chairman of NBNK Investments plc and chairman of General Dynamics UK. He is an Alderman of the City of London and served as Sheriff of London from 1995-96, Lord Mayor of London 1998-99, received a knighthood in 1989 and became a Life Peer in July 1997 as Lord Levene of Portsoken.

Abellio London & Surrey We currently have a vacancy for the position of Schedules Manager within the Performance department based at Twickenham.

The successful applicant will be responsible for effectively managing a team in the planning and internal delivery of efficient, robust and cost effective crew schedules. This key role will work closely with the Performance Director and Commercial Manager in the production and preparation of tender submissions and service proposals.

A key part of this position is to ensure that all scheduling, rostering, duty development and tender preparations are undertaken accurately and efficiently in accordance with deadlines and legal requirements.

You will be required to lead by example in managing, monitoring and motivating a team. You will need to have a detailed knowledge of scheduling procedures to ensure that priorities are managed effectively.

Further details of the role are included in the role profile / job description which can be obtained from Jackee Adamson, HR Advisor by calling 0207 788 8722.

Applications by way of a C.V. and covering letter clearly detailing your experience, knowledge and suitability for the role are to be forwarded by email to jackee.adamson@abellio.co.uk or post to: Jackee Adamson - HR Advisor, Silverthorne Road, Battersea, London, SW8 3HE Closing date for applications: 16th April 2012 Abellio is an equal opportunities employer

www.abellio.co.uk

Join the team where your skills and experience will be respected.

SYPTE is updating its list of operators who are interested in tendering for the operation of subsidised local bus services (including some which cater primarily for hometo-school transport).

Operators who would like to be included on the SYPTE’s tender list and do not currently receive copies of invitations to tender should apply in writing to : A Wright Team Leader, Bus Services South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive 11 Broad Street West Sheffield S1 2BQ Applications can also be made online by emailing andy.wright@sypte.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

People.indd 71

26/03/2012 19:25

553890-1029-Dawsons

26/3/12

17:25

Page 1