Wednesday April 11, 2012 Issue 1031 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
coach:
Oxford City Council doubles daily coach parking fee to £20 p8
Operator:
Metrobus – unique among Go-Ahead subsidiaries p34
bus:
Stagecoach East Kent doubles ridership in under 10 years p6
Face-to-Face:
Alan Eatwell – over 40 years experience in the bus industy p40
focus on
David Brown – Go-Ahead CEO interviewed p22
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April 11, 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
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Polar opposites
T
he Quality Contract ‘debate’ in Tyne & Wear is becoming ever-more polarised, as you’ll read on p6. Les Warnerford’s comments, which were reported by ‘The Journal Live’, make interesting reading. Otherwise known in some quarters as ‘Uncle Les’, he is renowned for his no nonsense approach – and long may he be so. He is a man I would like to interview one day. Back to Tyne & Wear, Stagecoach has been joined by Go North East in threatening to withhold commercial data. When will Nexus and the ITA smell the coffee? Still, it’s almost certain there are other state-owned operators from mainland Europe waiting in the wings. Nexus is doubtless only too aware of this, being the sort of firms who’ll do as they’re told, rather than, dare I say it, feel the need to think creatively and commercially. A Stagecoach spokesman hit the nail on the head: “Instead of wasting hundreds
of thousands of pounds on pursuing a pointless and bureaucratic contracting system, Nexus and the ITA should be focusing on working in partnership with bus operators.” On that subject, Stagecoach’s quality bus partnership working with Kent County Council shows it is in favour of partnership working. It also serves as a prime example of the rewards this can bring – growth has doubled in under a decade. Nexus and the ITA – please take note. While I get on well with current Stagecoach North East Managing Director John Conroy, will his retirement represent a real opportunity for Nexus and the ITA? After all, John’s replacement, Phil Medlicott is the Managing Director responsible for the partnership in Kent. I am probably being too optimistic. Realistically, this seems to be more than a mere clash of personalities. It would appear Nexus and the ITA is after sole control of its local bus networks. Gareth Evans Editor
CONTENTS 4
22
40
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
10
Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive David Brown’s first CBW interview
26
Alan Eatwell discusses operations, regulation and engineering matters
What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus Events Diary
14
Go-Ahead’s use of MiX Telematics, Williams hybrid and smartcards
32
All the latest vehicle deliveries in operator’s yards across the country
Arriva NE H&S award & financial reports Nat Ex, Daimler and Volvo
16
A Brighton & Hove Scania Omnicity set against a Regency background
34
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Gareth’s Diary!
An overview of the Go-Ahead Group. Plus timeline
Metrobus talks about its formula for delivering a successful service
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Regional News
Business News
Go-Ahead Intro
Face to Face Technology
The Big Picture
Operator Profile
Face to Face
42
Deliveries
62
Last Stop
63
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
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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
news
briefly Coach & Bus Week would like to apologise to any readers who received last week’s issue late, or have not yet received it. The problem has been rectified. In a recent poll of SME business owners by Citation plc, 21% believed sickness and other unauthorised absence had the biggest impact on their business, bigger than disciplinary issues, grievances, redundancy and the economy. Citation, a CPT supplier member, provide health & safety & employment law services and members can access a free guide on the company’s website at www.citation.co.uk/free-guides Despite calls for better night-time services in Leeds, a report to Leeds City Council’s licensing committee has indicated little immediate prospect of extra night buses being introduced. The report states: “It is clear the options and opportunities for conventional bus services are limited commercially and hard to justify in terms of the significant levels of public subsidy needed for the level of coverage which would make a meaningful difference.” It does not, however, rule out the introduction of more night buses. The report continues: “The question is whether there are alternative modes [of] delivery not yet considered which may offer greater sustainability or whether the potential of bus services to meet the specific needs of users’ diverse travel patterns are an option.” Blind and visually-impaired people in West Norfolk who have not yet received their new 24-hour free bus passes are being urged to contact the Norfolk County Council to apply. County Hall has so far sent out about 700 passes across Norfolk after restoring the service from April 1, but it is feared some people may have been missed out. The authority was forced to withdraw the discretionary concession for all disabled people last year because of £4.5m government funding shortfall, but agreed to reinstate it for blind people after lobbying by the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind.
£1.8m for green buses in Scotland Grants awarded to Henderson’s Travel, National Express Dundee, Lothian Buses, MacEwan’s Coach Services and Deveron Coaches Ltd. Scottish Transport minister Keith Brown announced the successful bidders from the second round of the Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund (SGBF) on April 5. The five winning companies receive grants totalling just under £1.8m which will see 26 low carbon vehicles added to Scottish fleets. Brown announced the funding awards during a visit to Henderson’s Travel depot in Hamilton Lanarkshire. The firm is one of those set to benefit from the investment along with National Express Dundee, Lothian Buses, MacEwan’s Coach Services and Deveron Coaches Ltd. Brown said: “The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to public transport in Scotland and to our ambitious climate change target of reducing carbon emissions by 42% by 2020. Early indications from the use of vehicles bought in the first phase are showing substantial fuel savings and reduced emissions. This round of investment will build on these successes and commits further funding to help our bus industry
invest in the latest emissionreducing technology.” John Henderson of Henderson’s Travel said: “We are very pleased to have received a grant from the SGBF, which will allow us to purchase another hybrid vehicle. This will bring our number of hybrid buses to seven in our fleet of 52 vehicles. These hybrid vehicles are central to our policy of operating economical, environmentally friendly vehicles which is particularly important during these times of high fuel prices.” The SGBF took the form of a Challenge Fund where bids were assessed against a published set of criteria. The fund opened for applications in mid-January and closed at the end of February. All successful applicants had to place their orders by March 31, 2012. Manufacturers receiving the orders from SGBF are Alexander Dennis Ltd which received an order from National Express Dundee, Volvo will supply Lothian Buses Ltd, whilst Optare will manufacture the vehicles for MacEwen’s Coach Services, Deveron Coaches Ltd and Henderson Travel. Lothian Buses has confirmed it is the first bus operator in Scotland to order the new Volvo 7900 hybrid single decker bus. The operator had 10 of the vehicles delivered at a
Lothian has ordered 10 Volvo 7900 hybrids. The above is pictured at Busworld Kortrijk 2011
cost of approximately £2.5m. Manufactured in Poland, the vehicles are 12m long, with a capacity for 76 passengers. They will also be the first in Lothian Buses’ 650-strong fleet to feature an energy saving engine-off-at-idle device. This means the bus, the first operated by Lothian Buses with a Euro VI standard rating, will emit lower levels of air and noise pollution at bus stops and traffic lights. Ian Craig, managing director of Lothian Buses, said: “With grant aid from the Green Bus Fund, Lothian Buses is proud to be the first public transport provider in Scotland to order a Volvo 7900 hybrid bus. “We know our passengers want environmentally friendly buses and we wish to help Scotland meet its carbon reduction targets. Our decision to invest further in a low carbon bus fleet underlines Lothian Buses’ commitment to introduce industry leading, practical measures which firmly establish us as the operator of one of the most modern and ‘greenest’ bus fleets in the country.” Steve Dewhurst, managing director for Volvo Bus UK and Ireland, added: “This is a very important order for Volvo Bus and represents a milestone in our history because it marks the first order taken to supply a complete Volvo Bus in to the UK market.” Money from last year’s fund saw five bus operators introduce 48 new low carbon buses. Lothian Buses confirmed the Double Deck Hybrids they bought in the first SGBF is producing a fuel efficiency of 56.7% improvement over the standard diesel vehicles previously used.
FUNDING OVERVIEW: National Express Dundee, 10 double deckers, £508,180 Lothian Buses, 10 single deckers, £750,000 MacEwan’s Coach Services, 3 single deckers, £261,000 Deveron Coaches Ltd, 3 single deckers, £174,100 Henderson’s Travel, 1 single decker, £87,200
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“I believe in empowered local management, but sharing ideas and best practice are important elements of the Go-Ahead approach.” David Brown Go-Ahead
April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5
Face to Face p22
Working time legislation passed
SNP proposes fuel duty regulator
The government has passed legislation to enact the EU Directive which requires self employed drivers to limit their working time. The Directive 2002/15/EC on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile transport activities will require from May 11, all self employed drivers to keep a record of all their working time and limit themselves to an average of 48 hours work per week. Simon Posner, chief executive at the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), said: “This latest news that the Government will have to legislate for a directive which was opposed by the majority of EU members’ states is not good for our members who operate a small business. In a time when the economy is tough, this can only restrict the ability of our smaller members, particularly family run businesses, to operate effectively. This will only add further red tape and cost. “CPT agrees with UK ministers that this is a most unwelcome move. People whose businesses are under pressure will find it difficult
The SNP has proposed an amendment to George Osbourne’s Budget, calling for a planned 3p p/l rise in duty to be dropped and the introduction of a fuel duty regulator. The SNP said the level of duty could be held down when fuel prices rise and compensated for by the increased VAT revenue on fuel. SNP MP Angus MacNeil suggested that if Westminster fails to act on the proposal, powers should be passed to the Scottish Parliament. He said: “If Scotland had control of fuel duty, the SNP government would introduce a fuel duty regulator to lower prices now.” SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie said: “We urgently need not just a cut in duty, but the a regulator to permanently bring prices under control. “With much of the pump price made up of tax, the Treasury must stop the highway robbery, as fuel prices prevent economic recovery. “With record North Sea oil and gas revenues flowing to the Treasury, we need to see some of that money used to bring fuel prices down - and to keep them stable through a fuel duty regulator.”
DVLA advises on faulty tachograph cards
The DVLA has issued further advice to operators and drivers after it admitted a considerable 175,000 faulty tachograph cards were issued between March 24, 2007 and August 31, 2008. When inserted, the cards display a series of error codes on the vehicle unit. The DVLA says it has negotiated with VOSA to ensure no enforcement action is taken against drivers with one of the malfunctioning cards, as long as they continue to follow the usual rules. VOSA said it has contacted its enforcement counterparts in Europe to ask that the same
News4,5.indd 5
Drivers will be limited to an average of 48 hours work per week to pay other people to do jobs that they are used to doing themselves. We do welcome the commitment by Government to ensure the proposed changes are implemented in the least burdensome way possible.” The Directive requires anyone who drives under EC hours rules, on more than 10 days in a 26 week reference period (or 15 days in a longer reference period) to limit themselves to 48 hours of all types of work, on average, per week. They must also follow the other provisions on periods of ability which apply to employed drivers. This is on top of the requirements to take breaks, and daily and weekly rests, under drivers’ hours
rules. After May 11 it will make no difference from being self employed or an employee. The only effective difference for self employed people is in the field of paid annual leave. This is a right for employees, but there is no obligation for anyone to take it. The only way to legally carry on working longer hours is to limit the amount of driving under EU hours done so it is below one of the above thresholds. Drivers will then fall under the rules for non-mobile workers, which do not apply to self employed entrepreneurs. VOSA will be the enforcing agency, and has committed itself to taking an advisory approach for the first six months.
No action will be taken against drivers with a malfunctioning card arrangements be put in place for UK drivers holding these cards. The DVLA also issued the following advice: “If you have already reported the driver or company card(s) as malfunctioning to DVLA, either by telephone or by applying for a
replacement you should receive a new card(s) soon. You do not need to take any further action. “If you have not applied for a replacement driver or company card(s) you do not need to take any action. DVLA will automatically issue a new card(s) to the address
shown on their records. If you need to update your address, please see www.direct.gov.uk/ changemyaddress. Replacement cards will be issued as soon as possible. DVLA will include a letter with the replacement card(s) explaining what you need to do with your old card. “If your card is due to expire you will still receive a reminder to renew the card and you should do so in the normal way. You will then receive a new card. Drivers should continue to complete manual records until the start date of that card.” Karen Crispe, MD of Tachodisc, says: “We recommend that sufficient supplies of print rolls are issued to drivers. Recommended procedure is for a driver to carry at least one spare roll and one in the machine.” For further information, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
news › BUSeS
£1.8m
Amount granted by Scottish Green Bus Fund for low carbon buses
briefly The late-night operation route 464 in East Lancashire has been temporarily saved. After Rossendale Council withdrew subsidies in February it set up temporary funding for the service, which runs from Haslingden to Rochdale through Bacup, Rawtenstall and Accrington, but this expired at the end of March. Rossendale Bus has confirmed it will operate two of the affected journeys (2123 and 2138hrs) on a commercial basis, while the council has decided to approve a six-month trial subsidy of £4,820 for the 2140 and 2240hrs. An initial review of numbers on the two subsidised services show there are around 23 passengers per journey, bringing in around £7,220 in revenue. Weston-Super-Mare-based Crosville Motor Services has announced it is taking entries for its 2012 open day on August 26. Crosville welcomes stall holders and vehicles wishing to take part in its static display of vintage and modern vehicles. It is expected to have over 50 vehicles on display at the WSM depot grounds, with a free bus service connecting the town and depot in operation. Anyone wishing to attend, send an email to jon@crosvillemotorservices.co.uk or ring 01934 527710 with vehicle or stall holder details. First-operated City Sightseeing Chester open top tours are now running for the season following the winter break. The tour offers customers a chance to explore the city using open top buses with live guides or full recorded commentary. The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours from purchase, allowing passengers to hop on and hop off the bus as often as they please. Tours depart every 20-30 minutes and the service operates daily until October 28. Ticket prices: for a 24 hour ticket – £9 adult, £7.50 seniors/students, £3 child, £18 family ticket; for a 48 hour ticket – £12 adult, £10 senior/ students, £4.50 child, £25 family ticket. Jeff Clayton, area operations manager, said: “The open tops were very popular last year and we’re delighted to offer some great value prices and also some new tickets in 2012.” www.coachandbusweek.com
BusNews6,7.indd 6
Stagecoach doubles East Kent passenger numbers Council partnership and operator marketing helps double ridership in less than a decade Bus use in East Kent has doubled in less than a decade on Stagecoach services, according to new figures. Figures compiled by the operator show more than 28.6m passenger trips were made on its services in East Kent in 2011 – up from 14.3m in 2003. More than 550,000 bus trips are now taken on Stagecoach services in East Kent every week, up from just over 275,000 seven years ago, and the growth is three times higher than seen on buses in London over the same period. Nearly 270 jobs have been created by Stagecoach in the last 10 years. Many bus routes, particularly those linking the area’s main towns, run twice as frequently as before. The statistics collated by Stagecoach show: Bus growth in Kent between 2003 and 2011 was more than 100% - compared to 34% in London over the same period. The scale of the switch to bus travel in East Kent is nearly eight times that in England and around 10 times the rate in Great Britain. The extra bus passengers on Stagecoach services equates to cutting a total of 8.75m car trips
Operators in uproar over Nexus QC plans
Nexus’ plan to introduce Quality Contracts (QCs) to the North East has been met with more resistance during talks between bus operators, Nexus and councillors on the Tyne and Wear ITA. The controversial QCs proposed by Nexus would see it set up routes, times and fares. Nexus claims current operators are “carving up” the region with limited competition. Les Warneford, MD of Stagecoach
from Kent’s roads over the past seven years. Bus growth in East Kent has been boosted by a strong partnership between Stagecoach and Kent County Council (KCC), as well as continued investment in improving the quality of bus travel. Stagecoach ran a number of initiatives to increase numbers, including telesales and door-todoor delivery marketing, improved bus stop information and ensuring a real term reduction in some fares. KCC introduced some pro-bus measures, such as technology support for smartcards and real time information provision, increasing bus stop accessibility and the ‘Freedom’ scheme, offering county-wide bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds for under £2 per week. Stagecoach Group chief executive Sir Brian Souter said: “This is an incredible public transport success story and Kent’s forward-looking approach is a great example to the rest of the country. It also shows the wider benefits of buses in supporting economic growth, meeting our big environmental challenges, and cutting congestion which is such a wasteful drain on our economy and blight on our local communities. “In Kent, we have strong partnerships with the County Council and other authorities. This
Stagecoast North East MD John Conroy UK Bus, said he “would not see his buses taken away by some foreign train operator”, a reference to the Metro rail network having been won by Germany’s state-owned rail operator DB, adding “Nexus and the ITA were operating in the same
has produced a winning package of easy-to-use bus networks, long-term investment, good value fares, and effective policies. With the same initiatives and support elsewhere in the UK, the prospects for buses are really exciting.” Bryan Sweetland, KCC’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “This is a really good story. Our quality partnerships between KCC, the District Councils and Stagecoach have contributed towards the greatest increase in bus travel seen anywhere in Britain during the past decade. “KCC is committed to our partnership working with Stagecoach, so we can ensure continued modal shift from car to bus, less traffic congestion and fewer CO2 emissions.” In Canterbury, bus use has also benefitted from the relocation of Whitefriars parking to a new bus park and ride site and the City Council’s decision to focus education in the city centre. The Westwood Cross retail centre in Thanet has been developed in a location that ensures integration with the bus network. In Folkestone, when car parking was reduced, regular commuters benefitted from cheaper bus fares to access the town centre containing the new Bouverie Place shopping centre. camp as Marx, Lenin and Trotsky”. He added: “If the ITA were successful in the European Court, they would need to be prepared to take over services straight away as we would immediately cease operations. We would not hand over any depots to Nexus; we would move buses elsewhere and make all staff redundant.” Go North East warned the QCs could “threaten investment in the region and made it less likely it would hand over commercial data for any other purposes.” Stagecoach North East MD John Conroy added he would refuse to hand to Nexus any further commercial information to help the development of a QC, and did not want information previously
10/04/2012 23:11
April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
1987 28.6m The year the Go-Ahead Group was formed, after deregulation
SHARE WATCH
The number of passenger trips made in East Kent every week
New Citaros for the Isle of Man
Bus Vannin, the Isle of Man’s municipal operator, has placed an order for Mercedes-Benz Citaros for the second consecutive year. Ian Longworth, director of public transport at Isle of Man government, said: “The Citaro offers a better passenger experience, they are more economical and meet the latest Euro 5 Emission Standards”. The buses come with a Mercedes-Benz OM 906 hLA 210kw Euro 5 engine and a 6-speed gear with a ZF Ecolife automatic transmission. There ares 42 seats plus room for 28 standees. The bus is fitted with a CCTV system and destination equipment. “EvoBus is delighted to receive an additional order for a further 12 vehicles. The previous 12 vehicles have proven to be so successful with the drivers and passengers Bus Vannin is looking to standardise on the Citaro product. The vehicles are due to go into service in May,” said Andy Greenway, EvoBus area sales manager, Mercedes-Benz.
Bus Vannin Mercedes-Benz Citaros handed over to be used. Cllr Greg Stone, Lib Dem, sitting on the ITA, said: “I hope that in what seems to be a Nexus v bus company turf war, the needs of the passenger come first.” Nexus director general Bernard Garner said: “The ITA has asked Nexus to look into options for improving bus services. Although no decision has yet been taken over the best way forward, we are looking at both franchising and closer partnership working. “The initial reaction of some bus companies to this work has been quite hostile, but we hope to have more positive discussions over the next few weeks. We intend to report our findings to the ITA later this year.”
BusNews6,7.indd 7
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, March 26. No listed firms saw a rise while Optare experienced the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
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New luxury InterConnect 6 buses lined up at the recent launch
InterConnect 6 service �leet upgrade Stagecoach East Midland’s InterConnect 6 service between Skegness, Horncastle and Lincoln has been upgraded with five new ADL Enviro400-bodied Scanias in a £700,000 investment. The buses, which feature leather seats and Euro 5 engines, were officially launched by the Mayor of Skegness Steve Kirk and Gary Nolan, Stagecoach East Midlands MD, on March 29. Four of the buses, each liveried with local scenes, were lined up on the seafront for the ceremony which took place in the warm weather. Cllr William Webb, portfolio holder for transport at the County
Council, praised the collaboration between Stagecoach and Lincolnshire CC, which over 15 years has seen the route go from six times a day with mid-life vehicles to hourly frequency with new buses. Nolan said: “InterConnect 6 is one of our real success stories, the new luxury buses complete with leather seats, a dedicated team of drivers and more room for buggies will take this to the next level.” After a town tour on which the dignitaries were impressed by the legroom and top-deck views, the first of the buses was driven to Skegness Interchange for passengers on the 1300hrs departure to enjoy. Acting operations manager Mark Mageean and engineering manager Karl Vernon were joined by operations manager David Conway, on a break from his secondment to Stagecoach UK Bus Events, in welcoming the passengers with drinks and cakes.
Search for new operator to �ill hole left by First A proposed council-run service, aiming to replace routes lost after First Scotland East’s (FSE’s) decision to rationalise operations in Lothian (CBW1030), has been dropped. Over 200 hundred jobs may be lost and many residents left without services. Council leader Derek Milligan held talks with First, but was told the decision was irreversible. East Lothian Council considered setting up its own state-run links to serve isolated villages called East Lothian Transport. However,
Cllr Milligan said Midlothian would not follow suit and would instead seek other operators to take over the routes, stating the timescale to set up a network was too short and it would put other bus firms off coming forward. He said: “We couldn’t do it in the timescale required. The time it would take to arrange this would take us way beyond the point at which services disappear. We would then have nothing to fill the void.” He said negotiations would open with other transport firms in the next few days.
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10/04/2012 23:12
8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
news › coaches
“It’s easy to grow a fleet of buses but the key is having a fleet which makes money...” Alan Eatwell Metrobus
briefly A £425,000 resurfacing scheme has started along the A1M at Bradbury in County Durham. Almost two miles of the northbound carriageway north of Junction 60 are being resurfaced across all three lanes. The work is due to be completed by Sunday, April 22. All of the work will take place overnight and require the northbound carriageway to be closed from Junction 60 every night between 2000 and 0600hrs, with an overnight closure from 1900 to 0900hrs on April 13 and 14. Diversions will be signposted with northbound traffic being diverted off at Junction 60, sent east along the A689 and then onto the A177 and A688 past Durham Services to rejoin the A1(M) at Junction 61. A contraflow system will be installed along the A66 dual carriageway at Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria from Saturday, April 14. The work, due to finish by Sunday April 22, requires closure of the westbound carriageway, using a lane of the eastbound carriageway to carry westbound traffic, installed for the duration of the project. A temporary speed limit of 50mph is in place throughout the works which are taking place along a two mile stretch of the carriageway between Dubwath and Beck Wythop. Some right turns, carriageway gaps and two laybys are closed to traffic during the work with appropriate signage for drivers in place. Overnight work along a 3.5 mile section of the westbound carriageway of the A590 between its junctions with the M6 and A591 at Brettargh Holt roundabout gets underway on Saturday, April 14. The work is in preparation for a project later this year and should end on Saturday, April 21. There will be occasional single lane closures on the northbound exit slip road of the M6 at Junction 36 as well as on the westbound A590 itself. From Monday to Friday, the whole of the westbound carriageway between the M6 and Brettargh Holt roundabout will be closed overnight with only the diversion from Junction 36 suitable for vehicles higher than 16 feet. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Face to Face p40
CPT meets council over parking price double Council claims economic climate and additional staffing costs have forced its hand The CPT has entered discussions with Oxford City Council about a recent increase in coach parking charges at the Oxpen Coach Park from £10 to £20 for 24 hours. Karen Tiley, CPT regional manager for London and the South East, has met with Roy Summers, deputy head of direct services, and Jason Munrow, parking manager (both of Oxford City Council) along with CPT member John Jamieson of Premium Coaches to discuss the 100% increase. Karen said: “We explained that many coach operators who regularly bring visitors to Oxford were outraged by the increase in cost and felt it was unfair we were unable to put a case forward against the increase. “We argued the cost of the
New Oxford Bus Company X90 livery Oxford Bus Company has unveiled a new look for the X90 London coach service. The coaches have improved legroom due to a seat reduction from 48 to 44, are fully accessible for wheelchair users and are also fitted with Wi-Fi and charging points. Louisa Weeks, operations director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “We believe, along with our airline service to Gatwick and Heathrow, the X90 has the most legroom available on any scheduled coach service in Britain. It offers the most comfortable way of travelling by public transport between Oxford and London.” The X90 links Oxford City Centre, Headington and Thornhill with London. Louisa explained: “We run directly between Thornhill and Hillingdon in London and our stop at Baker Street provides a popular connection with the Underground
increase was not in line with any other coach parks in the country and the council was not improving facilities to include the likes of additional toilets, driver’s room, toilet drop and wash facilities. We could not see how Oxford City Council justified the increase. “Operators who have already put tours together and included the old cost into the package will lose out on profit. Many of the coach operators drop visitors off for a couple of hours and do not want to pay £20. Why can’t we have an hourly tariff? One of the main problems the council will now have is coach operators using alternative roads or the industrial estate to park for a couple of hours.” The Council stated the Coach and Lorry Park has very limited availability and is mostly utilised by coaches rather than lorries. This can create challenges for operators within the peak operating periods,
as many struggle to find suitable parking within the city centre. Accommodating for additional coaches entering the city has resulted in the need for extra traffic management staff to be employed. The Council said it could not continue to absorb the additional costs and had no option but to look at increasing the charge for the majority of users. The hourly tariff is not to be implemented as the council want to encourage coach parties to stay for longer in the city. Karen added: “The council has agreed to monitor the coach park for British operators; having been over to the park after the meeting, it was full of foreign coaches apart from two. “I have agreed to get the views of operators who regularly use Oxford for tours and whether the increase in the parking charge will deter you from going there. If this is the case, please let me know.”
The new livery adopts the X90 route number as a main theme network. The X90 then stops again at Marble Arch and at Victoria rail and coach stations. “Many people still refer to our London service by its route number, the X90, and so we decided to adopt it as the main theme of the revamp. The new look colours of metallic silver and grey really make the coaches look distinctive.” The changes are part of a £4.6m project to upgrade the operator’s coach fleet. The 19 vehicles were
used on the airline service until the start of the year when a new fleet of coaches was introduced on the airline services to Heathrow and Gatwick. They have been given a six figure facelift and revamp to accompany the new livery. Journeys can be booked in advance through the Oxford Bus website. For more information visit www.x90London.co.uk
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New jobs to follow strong fresh start for A C Williams
A 53-seater Tourliner will soon join the two 49-seaters seen here
Maynes of Buckie expands Neoplan Tourliner fleet Maynes of Buckie has received two new Neoplan Tourliner 49-seater executive coaches, while awaiting delivery of a 53-seater Tourliner. Currently the first two are to be used on David Urquhart Holidays, with the 53-seater expected to see use with Newmarket Holidays. All three coaches will partake in Maynes’ own private hire work. The new additions take the number of Tourliners in its fleet to 11, all of which are under two years old. Maynes’ total fleet of MAN coaches is now at 17, which it says is due to both the product and back
Arrow Coach Travel triumph
Arrow Coach Travel has been awarded the prize of Small to Mediumsized Business of the Year at the Brighouse Echo Business Awards. Judges were looking for sound financial performance and an understanding of the importance of social responsibility to the surrounding community. After being highly commended runners up in 2011, managing director Richard Jessop was pleased with this years result. He told CBW: “We are delighted we won the award. We are very proud and we feel we have gone from strength to strength.” Richard believes the award has helped raise the company profile in the area. He added: “I believe in the time we have held the award
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up being good. The operator has all its Neoplan and MAN warranty work done by Elgin Truck and Van. This is Maynes’ 65th year in operation. The coach operating business was established by James Mayne in 1947, purchasing a 29seat Duple bodied Bedford OB as its first coach. The company has expanded greatly over the years with Maynes now operating a maximum of 30 coaches in depots in Buckie, Elgin and Orkney.
More information on Maynes of Buckie can be found online at www.maynes.co.uk we have seen extra enquiries from local groups so it has created an awareness. “We constantly try to exceed our customers’ expectations by delivering a cost effective, quality service from the minute they contact the office to the end of their special day.” The judges were impressed with the way the firm has made progress over the past 12 months, building on its early success. Arrow Coach Travel was set up by Richard and Julie Jessop in 2008.
Following the successful take-over of A C Williams Coaches, the new management is bringing ahead major investment and increased staffing to cope with a surge in bookings recorded during the first two weeks of operation. Under the new ownership, total sales for the two weeks to March 31 are 30% ahead of already ambitious targets set for the company. Bookings for future trips are running at more than four times typical rates recorded during the same period last year and there has been a big increase in private hire and contract enquiries. Now, it will be hiring two new employees to help cater for the demand for bus and coach services.
It will also be extending its schedules for excursions in July and August and later in the year to cater for the demand. The team wants to expand the coach holiday market and is tripling the number of longer holidays to at least 30 next year, including the Rhine Valley and Italy. The firm has already committed over £25,000 of investment in the maintenance workshop and the coaches, including a new compressor and sophisticated diagnostic software for its flagship Scania executive coaches. The new owner, executive chairman Glen Pratt, said: “We have taken well over £40,000 worth of new bookings in the first two weeks of new ownership and actual sales are running well ahead of budget. The bookings are from both existing and new customers, and we now need to add to our schedules, with half of day trips and a quarter of holidays already sold out. We have not even released our brochure yet, which usually creates a big spike in bookings.”
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Tel: 07538 218194 Richard and Julie Jessop (outside) receive their award from sponsors Peter Sleigh and Debbie Story (middle)
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www.coachandbusweek.com
10/04/2012 18:38
10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
news › REGIONAL
SCOTLAND
Parents running a campaign to reinstate free school travel for children living more than two miles from school were given a boost last week when Anas Sarwar, deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, backed the cause. Sarwar joined parents to walk across the flyover at Barochan Road in Johnstone last Tuesday (April 3) as they took their children to St Benedict’s High in Linwood. Renfrewshire Council rubberstamped plans to remove the free school bus travel for secondary school pupils who live less than three miles from their schools in January 2010. Previously, children qualified for free travel if they lived at least two miles away. The move saved the council £274,000 but affected more than 900 pupils. Labour has promised to reinstate the school buses if it regains control of Renfrewshire in next month’s local authority elections.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar is publishing new laws to overhaul the testing regime for commercial vehicles such as buses and lorries. The Road Safety Bill 2012, passed by Cabinet this week, proposes new spot checks for testing centres and random roadside checks for light and heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches. For the first time, commercial vehicle testing centres across Eire will have to comply with a uniform nationwide standard, which will be enforced by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The transfer of this responsibility from local authorities to the RSA is expected to save around €4.5m. In Ireland, around one in five fatal collisions involve commercial vehicles, yet the existing system has been largely unchanged since 1982. The Bill was drafted to take into account key recommendations from a review of the bus crashes in Kentstown, Co Meath and Clara, Co Offaly. The Bill proposes that the RSA will take over centralised supervision and licensing of private testing centres for commercial vehicles. The new roadside inspections programme aims to ensure continuous compliance with roadworthiness standards. ”
EAST
Stagecoach East Midlands and Lincolnshire County
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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. Lincolnshire County Council, said: “What we will look at is getting a good spread of minibuses across the county.”
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Council reached an agreement over the continuation of daytime services between Lincoln, Market Rasen and Grimsby as of April 2. The bus operator informed the County Council it planned to make changes to the ‘less well used’ off peak journeys on Service 3 route. Following discussions between the Council and Stagecoach, along with analysis of travel demands, an agreement was reached which frees up funding to support the off peak daytime trips. Gary Nolan, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “Following our meeting with the County Council I am pleased we have been able to agree on a package which will see the timetable for service 3 improved from one which would otherwise have been impossible. Our ongoing excellent partnership with the County Council, along with good feedback from our customers, has ensured we will continue to provide as many transport links as possible for passengers in the area.” Executive member for highways and transportation, councillor William Webb, said: “I’m delighted by working together with Stagecoach we’ve managed to find a solution allowing people to travel between Lincoln and Grimsby throughout the day. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Students with home-to-school transport entitlement can still get to and from school in a timely way and residents
SOUTH WEST
can make full use of the range of bus services available to them. This has been achieved while generating no additional cost to the county council.” Lincolnshire community groups with their own transport are being encouraged to share it with other non-profit organisations. The county council has set up a system where those who have a minibus but do not use it all the time can loan it to nearby groups without vehicles. To compensate for additional costs and organisation, the authority is offering two £25,000 grants with preference being given to areas with the most need. Tina Mellors who runs the charity Alive and Kicking and is already a part of the scheme, said their 12-year-old vehicle was used by three neighbouring groups but rising maintenance costs could force it off the road. “We only use our minibus twice a week in the evenings and once at weekends, so it is stood on my driveway a considerable amount of time. It costs a lot in repairs and spare parts are getting hard to get hold of, so a little extra money coming back is good. The other clubs who use it pay for the diesel and make a contribution to Alive and Kicking but to secure the grant would mean we could buy a new minibus.” Elizabeth Hanger, from
Go-Ahead Group-owned Citybus is withdrawing the subsidised Plymouth school bus service as of July due to its funding from the city council being cut in response to increasing fuel prices. The company has informed the council there will be adequate capacity on its public service routes after the school transport finishes. The council stated while it was disappointed, it understood the financial pressures Citybus was under. A council statement said: “In previous years the council has paid a “top-up” to the bus company which allowed students to pay a lower fare, but this subsidy was withdrawn gradually between September 2003 and July 2011, as it was no longer financially sustainable.” Citybus said a total of 12 school services will be withdrawn and it has already advised schools in writing to ensure head teachers, parents and pupils have advance warning. Routes to be withdrawn are 101, 102, 104, 109, 110, 112, 118, 142, 61S, 116, 103 and 29S. Rural grammar school buses to Callington, Tavistock and Kingsbridge are unaffected. Until November 2009, Citybus was owned and operated by the city council, but it was sold for £20m to the Go-Ahead Group. Part of the purchase agreement was a commitment to provide a school service for three years. Peter Oliver, commercial manager for Citybus, said a “phased withdrawal programme” of school buses had begun before the council sold the company. He said: “The process began as far back as 2004 and each year as the funding was scaled back, the school network was being reduced accordingly.” New community bus services have started running in North Somerset to replace routes cut due to funding pressures. The new routes are being run by community transport groups from Westonsuper-Mare and Nailsea. Funding of £40,000 to kick start the scheme was secured by North Somerset Council from the DfT. Recently the authority has been forced to cut back on its subsidies for a number of bus
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news › REGIONAL
routes to save £47m from its budget over the next four years. A new community minibus for residents of Clapton-in-Gordano is providing regular journeys to Portishead on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Those living in Kingston Seymour benefit from a new service between the village and Clevedon on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. A £2 flat fare is being charged for a single journey. Diamond Travelcards are not valid on the services. North Somerset Council executive member for transport, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, said: “We see community transport as playing an increasing role to connect rural communities with town centres and major transport hubs.” Details of the services can be found online at www.n-somerset. gov.uk/communitytransport First has increased the number of services between Bath city centre and Whiteway, but cut another route in the city. The number of buses per hour on route 5, which runs between Bath bus station and Whiteway, has been increased from four to five, to run
every 12 minutes during the day from Monday to Friday. The firm says there has been an increase in passengers using the service. However, its route 8 from Kingsway to the University of Bath has been withdrawn, with First pointing people towards service 18 instead. Other changes include route 12A journeys being renumbered as service 12, and alterations to SPA1 and SPA2 services between Bath Spa University and the city centre. First regional route development manager Simon Newport said: “We are pleased to improve the operating frequency of service 5 in Bath. Over recent months we noted an increase in passenger usage on this service and so these changes reflect the change, providing an extra travel opportunity once an hour for those who wish to use it. Elsewhere the other changes being made are intended to further improve the punctuality and reliability of buses, and where necessary match our resources against the actual demand for services.” For more information go to www. firstgroup.com/bath
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2012 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 April 21-22 UK Coach Rally. East of England Showground, Peterborough. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk n April 24-26 CV Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01634 261262. www.cvshow.com 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 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
Ten employees the Stockton office of charity organisation Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities (DISC) won a day’s luxury pampering from the comfort of their own desks, which included massages and manicures, courtesy of Stagecoach North East after entering the operator’s corporate travel competition. DISC placement officer Jenny Cooke said: “Our treatments were fantastic; we’re a very busy team so a little relaxation is just what we needed. Our thanks go to Stagecoach for the prize.” The competition was launched to inform businesses of the benefits of the Stagecoach North East corporate travel scheme. The corporate tickets can be purchased as either daily or weekly vouchers or as annual tickets, and can be used on all Stagecoach North East services within their specified zones including Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland, Teesside and Hartlepool.
Reading Transport will hold its popular annual open day at its Great Knollys Street depot on Sunday July 1 between 11 and 1600hrs n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n September 6 Association of Trainers AGM. Steele Road, Wembley Julia@asot.org.uk 01797 344251 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 June 22 CILT Wales National Transport Awards lunch. Cardiff City Hall. 01446 451227. www.ciltuk. org.uk/pages/regions/wales
n November 20 UK Bus Awards London Hilton Park Lane. www.ukbusawards.org.uk
n July 1 Reading Transport Great Knollys Street Open Day. 11 – 1600hrs. 0118 959 4000. www.
reading-buses.co.uk
n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. Venue to be confirmed, but will be in Central London. www.ukbusawards.org.uk
n July 15 Alton Bus Rally & Running Day. Mid Hants Railway, Alton, Hampshire.
n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition Palexpo, Geneva. www. uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610
www.watercressline.co.uk
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/
2013
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
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MICHELIN Q&A
Ask the Michelin Man What is grip? If there was no such thing as grip, vehicles would not be able to move at all. The wheels would spin and the driver would not be able to move the vehicle. Even on a straight road and at steady speed, there is no alternative to grip. This is because a moving vehicle has to deal with natural forces, such as the camber, the slope or unevenness of the road, or rolling resistance, which are all constantly trying to slow the vehicle down or push it off its path. However, it is only during cornering or braking that a driver or passenger is really aware of grip, because the vehicle has to be steered or speed has to be reduced without skidding, even on a wet road. In all circumstances, grip and safety go together. As the only contact point between the vehicle and the road, the tyre has two fundamental functions. It gives the vehicle its directional stability, which the driver needs to steer it. The tyre also acts as a transmission component for brake and drive torque.
Does Michelin invest in eco-friendly (or biodiversity) projects and if so what are you doing in the UK? Globally, Michelin does indeed invest in such projects. Since 2001, when the Group formalised its traditional values in a corporate responsibility initiative (PRM), Michelin has continued its commitment to the environment by not only producing fuel-ef9icient tyres, but by reducing the environmental footprint of production sites and developing new ways to recover and reuse end-of-life tyres. As an integral part of Company action plans, eco-friendly projects are ongoing globally. Here in the UK, for instance, our Dundee plant in 2006 was the 9irst Michelin factory in the world to embrace wind energy with two wind turbine generators. In addition, our Northern Ireland factory is working on a similar project and hopes to become the 9irst commercial organisation in the Ballymena area to have wind power as an on-site renewable energy source.
How can I ensure that I get the most from my tyres? To get the best in terms of value for money and reliability from your tyres you should consider the following: • Have a written tyre policy and review it regularly • Choose the most suitable tyre for your type of operation • Ensure that you know the correct tyre pressures for each vehicle • Check the pressures of tyres on new vehicles before they go into service • Check your tyre pressures regularly • Regroove tyres • Remould your tyres once the regrooved tyre has worn to approximately 2 – 3mm remaining tread depth pattern • Ensure that your tyre policy is adhered to throughout the 9leet and on new vehicles Visit Michelin UK website or call the technical helpline for more speci9ic information relating to your application.
0845 366 1535 www.michelin.co.uk/atmm
14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
656.6m
news › BUSINESS
The number of passenger journeys made with National Express in 2011
briefly The Government has extended the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from one year to two. Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy DirectorGeneral, said: “This will give employers, especially smaller ones, confidence to take on more staff. It will be a particular boon for young people and those who’ve been out of work, as it will give them longer to demonstrate their value to employers. But this is the only concrete step the Government has taken to encourage job creation so far. As we approach the halfway point in this Parliament, we’ve heard plenty of talk, but seen little action. Employers want to see the Government doing more to create a pro-employment landscape.” Each bank holiday costs the UK economy £2.3bn and scrapping them would boost annual output by £19bn, economists claim. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) think tank wants them to be more spread out over the year to stop businesses “losing momentum”. This year’s extra bank holiday for the Diamond Jubilee means there are five in April, May and June outside Scotland, where Easter Monday is not a holiday. Wales and England usually have eight, Scotland nine and Northern Ireland 10. European stocks fell in morning trading as investors reacted to figures released on Friday by the US Labor Department showing the smallest growth in employment in five months. France’s Cac 40 index fell 1.5%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 and Germany’s Dax lost about 1%. Italian shares fell by almost 3% on media reports the government was about to cut its growth forecast. Investors also had an eye on mixed Chinese data showing a rise in exports but a sharp fall in imports. A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also gave mixed messages. It identified a “potential turning point in economic activity in the euro area and regained momentum in other major economies”, particularly the US and Japan. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Arriva North East receives its fifth H&S accolade The RoSPA awards provide recognition and help ensure companies remain committed to health and safety regulations Arriva North East has been recognised for its health and safety initiatives for the fifth consecutive year in the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2012. The company is set to receive the Gold Medal award at a ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Hotel, at the National Exhibition Centre, on Thursday May 17. Founded in 1956, the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards scheme is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. It recognises commitment to accident and ill health prevention and is open to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas. The scheme looks at accident records, entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including
Arriva has won the RoSPA Gold Award for five consecutive years
Record year for Volvo Buses The Volvo Group saw an increase in sales for all regions in the fourth quarter of 2011. Profitability was improved and cash flow was described as strong overall. During the fourth quarter, the European bus market remained at the same low levels as in 2010. In North America, the total bus market remained weak, while the coach market increased by 25%. In South America, demand remained strong, with approximately 30% higher volumes in heavy buses, compared with 2010. The market for heavy buses in China grew 13% in 2011, compared
with the year-earlier period. Deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2011 were 4,172 buses, up 29% compared with 3,230 in the yearearlier quarter. South America accounted for the largest increase. Order intake for the fourth quarter amounted to 3,941 buses, up 7% compared with 3,677 in the year-earlier period. During the quarter, Volvo Buses signed its largest order ever in Columbia, 688 buses for Bogota. A new passenger transport range, consisting of one citybus and two coaches, was launched in India in anticipation of sector growth. Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 19% to SEK 6,680m. Adjusted for currency fluctuations, net sales rose 22%. Operating income improved to SEK 295m and the operating margin increased to 4.4%.
important practices such as strong leadership and workforce involvement. The majority of RoSPA’s awards are non-competitive, marking achievement at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels. Organisations maintaining high standards can win gold medals, president’s awards and orders of distinction. Competitive awards are presented in more than 20 sectors, and specialist awards recognise excellence in specific areas. David Rawlins, awards manager at RoSPA, said: “The RoSPA Awards programme provides well-deserved recognition for the winners and spurs on other organisations to raise their standards of accident and ill health prevention. We congratulate Arriva North East on its success and encourage it, and all our other winners, to remain committed to safety and health.” Nigel Featham, managing director for Arriva North East, said: “Safety is at the heart of our business and we are delighted to have won this award. It’s great to be recognised for our continued efforts, and the dedication of our employees in this area has been outstanding.”
SMMT registrations show growth
The bus and coach sector grew significantly in Q1 of 2012, up 56.5% to 2,343 registrations, with March up 71.8%, posting 1,340 registrations. On the back of a challenging 2011, all sectors saw a welcome lift in performance in Q1 of 2012: Purpose-built bus registrations rose 87.5% in the first three months of the year, and were up 75.8% in March. Coach volumes were up 50% for the year-to-date to 279 registrations. Converted bus registrations were up 40.5% in Q1 2012, and 65.3% in the month.
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25% 39,741 The increase in Volvo’s North American coach market
April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15
The number of vehicles sold by Daimler Buses in 2011 to global markets
The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro, pictured at Busworld Kortrijk 2011
Daimler Buses announces increased unit sales Daimler Buses’ 2011 annual report revealed increased vehicle sales and investment in property, plant and equipment. However, Daimler also reports “structural shifts in unit sales had an adverse impact on revenue and earnings.” Financial highlights included; Earnings before tax fell by 25% to Euro 162m (2010: Euro 215m) Revenue down 3% to Euro 4,418m (2010: Euro 4,558m) Investment up 8% to Euro 103m (2010: Euro 95m) Production up 3% to 40,391 units (2010: 39,405) Unit sales up 2% to 39,741 units (2010: 39,118) Employment also up by 2% to 17,495 (2010: 17,134)
The company stated higher unit sales were due to increased demand in Latin America, where tightening emission legislation saw sales increase by 8% to 25,048 from 23,215 in 2010. Daimler cited the popularity of the MercedesBenz chassis in Latin America and Mexico coupled with demand for complete buses in Turkey as mainc contributors to the increase in sales. However unit sales were weaker in Western Europe with a decrease of 17% to 5,943 from 7,168 in 2010. The company also restated its commitment to hybridisation, citing its introduction of economical and low-emission BlueTec V engine technology in the Brazilian market and its continued adherence to Euro emissions standards.
Positive financial report for National Express National Express Group PLC has published its Annual Report and Accounts 2011. Highlights for the company in 2011 included; Record statutory profit before tax and amortisation of £180.2m (2010: £97.3m) Revenue growth of 5.3% to £2,238.0m (2010: £2,125.9m) Operating profit increased by 10.3% to £225.2m (2010: £204.2m) Revenue and profit growth in every division. Record profits in UK Coach business of £34.9m Industry leading operating margins in Spain, North America, UK Coach and Rail – North America achieved 10% margin; Group margin has almost doubled since 2009 Passenger journeys rose by 5.4 million to 656.6m Strong balance sheet with long-term funding maturity.
Gearing ratio further improved to 1.9x (2010: 2.1x) Return on capital (before tax) increased to 14.1% (2010: 13.2%) Basic EPS increased 14.4% to 27.0 pence (2010: 23.6p); 20.3 pence delivered from nonrail earnings (2010: 17.9p) Final dividend increased 8.3% to 6.5 pence John Devaney, chairman of National Express said: “I am delighted to report in 2011 National Express has delivered another successful year of business turnaround and improvement. With our turnaround complete, we are implementing the next stage of our strategy to continue to improve margin in our existing businesses, to take advantage of the growth opportunities in our current markets, and to identify and develop exciting new market potential.”
National Express experienced an unprecedented profit turnaround in 2011
www.coachandbusweek.com
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OPERATOR PROFILE › GO-AHEAD
An introduction to the Go-Ahead Group Coach & Bus Week’s Editor Gareth Evans sets the scene for an in-depth look at Go-Ahead Group which begins a series of similar articles encompassing all the major bus groups
W
e’re breaking new ground here at Coach & Bus Week by profiling the Go-Ahead Group (GAG) over two issues. While the group’s operating companies and its people are no strangers to the pages of the UK’s longest established weekly road passenger transport magazine, it is believed none of the so-called ‘Big Five’ operators have ever been profiled and examined in-depth. We thought it was about time to put that right. Turning to the feature itself, we’ve attempted to look at elements and people who have not hitherto been in the limelight. A prime example is Metrobus managing director Alan Eatwell, who has been a significant cog in the GAG story. I always feel engineers enjoy far too low a profile in our industry – and Alan is no exception. He’s also a career busman who contributes to the success of Metrobus from a vast bank of knowledge from his days at the fondly-remembered Midland Red and Southdown. Also enjoying his inaugural ‘Face to Face’ interview in CBW is David Brown, who at 51, ranks as the youngest chief executive of any of the so-called ‘Big Five’ operators. Having spent his lifetime in the industry, he’s experienced life on both sides of the fence, as it were, during his time at TfL and at depot managerial level. Metrobus was selected as this issue’s ‘Operator Profile’ as not only does it seemingly fail to enjoy the media profile of some of its fellow GAG operating companies but in business terms it comprises a mixture of London and provincial work and thus provides an www.coachandbusweek.com
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of local identities and brands. It continues to be voluntary to even include the branding ‘part of the Go-Ahead Group’ on the side of respective operating companies’ vehicles. The culture of devolving decisions to local management owes much to one of its founders, Chris Moyes, the group’s late chief executive who sadly passed away in 2006. Perhaps Roger French, MD of Brighton & Hove summed things up: “It was fascinating to watch Chris and Martin Ballinger work as a team. Their gentle light touch approach with a keen eye on just a few key indicators was characteristic of both men. Chris had this knack of absorbing the detail from a discreet distance and always being available to offer helpful advice and guidance and sharing his highly valued experience. “Chris’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry and relaxed, approachable style made him hugely popular. Board meetings with him were always a pleasure. His effective communication style was characterised by few but highly pertinent words.
Left: This type of branding is optional. Below: London General
interesting bridge between the two regulatory models. Metrobus also has a track record of turning somewhat ailing operating territory into successful networks, which are tailored to the needs of the travelling public. We’ve also looked at GAG’s technology, including its aptlynamed smartcard ‘the key’, its use of the renowned MiX Telematics system and briefly, the all-new Williams Hybrid Power system, which it is hoped to examine in greater depth in a future issue. The second part of the GAG story will include among other sections, an interview with another of the group’s leading lights, a look at the vehicle fleet and the group’s operating companies.
Local from the beginning
Long before ‘localism’ became a political buzzword, local management and a lean head office structure have been among the hallmarks of Go-Ahead. Indeed, there remains no such thing as a Go-Ahead livery – rather a plethora
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“His legacy lives on in both the bus and rail industries, which he loved so much. His passion for quality, attention to detail and service has become firmly embedded throughout Go-Ahead and equally respected across the industry.” A further loss to the group was the tragic and untimely death in February 2012 of Peter Huntley. The former Go North East MD was a driving force of the industry, who was a real fountain of knowledge and a character to boot. An advocate of the deregulated bus industry, as editor of CBW, I was privileged to carry a two-page article authored by Peter on giving the other side to Nexus’ highly-trumpeted plans for a Quality Contract for Tune & Wear. Peter’s charismatic yet informative style was all too clear to be seen. Like Chris Moyes, Peter’s loss will be felt throughout the industry for many years to come. Go-Ahead became a plc in 1994 and today is both the largest of the London bus operators and the largest UK train operator. Now headquartered in London, it employs 22,000 staff and is a British success, still expanding. I’d like to thank everyone there for letting us have access and time to prepare this super-feature. I hope you enjoy it.
Go-Ahead:
a brief history
The Go-Ahead Group formed in 1987, after the deregulation and privatisation of the UK bus industry as Go-Ahead Northern. The company, based in Gateshead, was led by a management team headed by Martin Ballinger and Chris Moyes. During early expansion a number of smaller competing operators were acquired, including Gypsey Queen and Low Fell Coaches. At the same time, a number of pubs were purchased which traded under the name Go-Ahead Leisure. The company’s first major acquisition was Brighton & Hove Bus Company in 1993. This was followed by Oxford Bus Company in 1994. Following the privatisation of London Buses, GoAhead Group acquired London Central in November 1994. In the same year the company was floated on the London Stock Exchange for the first time. Go-Ahead Leisure was disbanded in 1996 and the pubs were sold. However, the company was able to enter the rail market with the Thames Trains/ Thameslink franchise following the privatisation of the UK rail industry. Bus operator London General also joined the Group in this year. In 1997, the Brighton bus business was expanded with the acquisition of the former municipal operator Brighton Blue Buses. 1998 saw Go-Ahead Group enter the aviation services market by purchasing Gatwick Handling, which was subsequently renamed Aviance, while in 1999 Crawley-based Metrobus was acquired. The early naughties saw a number of new developments, including acquisition of the last two
1987
Formation of the Go-Ahead Group.
1993
Purchased the Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company.
1994
Purchased the City of Oxford Bus Company and London Central. Flotation on London Stock Market.
1996
Purchased London General.
1997
Successful in the rail privatisation process by winning the franchises to operate Thames Trains and Thameslink through joint ventures.
1998
Purchased Gatwick Handling which was subsequently renamed Aviance following the acquisition of further airport ground handling operations in the UK.
1999
Purchased Metrobus Ltd.
years of the Connex South Central franchise in 2001, subsequently winning the Southern rail franchise in 2003 and entering the bus market along the south coast in the same year. This was branded Go South Coast in 2005 following the acquisition of Southern Vectis, and combined with its 2003 acquisition Wilts & Dorset. In 2002 the firm also entered the car park market with the acquisition of Meteor. 2006 was a busy year in which the company lost the Thameslink rail franchise after Govia, its joint rail venture with Keolis, was not selected as a prequalified bidder in 2005. There was expansion through winning the Southeastern rail franchise, entering the Birmingham bus market as Go West Midlands and acquiring London operator Docklands Minibuses. In November 2007 Govia started running the West Midlands rail franchise, London Midland. Go-Ahead Group also acquired London-based bus operator Blue Triangle in June that year. In March 2008, loss-making Go West Midlands was sold to Rotala plc. 2009 was a much busier year however. The company retained the Southern franchise, formed a yellow school bus joint venture in North America with Cook-Illinois, acquired East Thames Buses, Plymouth CityBus and Arriva’s Horsham bus operations, and sold the majority of its aviation ground handling and cargo operations. In March 2010 the firm acquired Norwich-based konectbus In September the same year it sold its Meteor operations to Vinci Park Services. Last year the company acquired Oxfordshire-based Thames Travel, while so far in 2012, Carousel Buses and Hedingham Omnibuses have joined the Group. Furthermore, in March Go-Ahead Group announced the acquisition of First London East’s Northumberland Park depot in Tottenham.
2001
Took over the operation of the South Central train franchise from Connex in advance of being awarded a longer-term franchise.
2002
Purchased Meteor Parking Ltd, operators of airport parking services.
2003
Awarded seven-year franchise for South Central rail franchise, branded Southern. Purchased Wilts & Dorset Bus Co Ltd.
2005
Purchased Isle of Wight-based Southern Vectis which also includes Eastleigh-based Solent Blue Line. Purchased Birmingham Passenger Transport Services Ltd (t/a Diamond Bus). Wins new joint venture with Keolis SA for New Kent Rail Franchise (will trade as Southeastern). Purchased West Midlands-based Probus Management (t/a People’s Express). Both Midlands bus operations merged to form Go West Midlands.
2006
Southeastern contract commences. Purchased Docklands Minibuses Ltd. and Eastleigh-based Hants & Dorset Trim acquired by Wilts & Dorset.
2007
Purchased Blue Triangle Ltd. London Midland franchise starts.
2008
Go West Midlands sold to Rotala.
2009
Acquired Plymouth Citybus from local authority ownership.
2010
Acquired konectbus.
2011
Acquired Oxfordshire-based Thames Travel.
2012
Acquired Carousel Buses, Hedingham Omnibuses and London’s Northumberland Park depot from FirstGroup. www.coachandbusweek.com
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KEY DATA
F
A Southern Vectis Citaro demonstrates Go-Ahead’s ‘localism’ policy where an aquisition need not impact on passengers through a sudden livery change
Corporate Governance
Coach & Bus Week’s Alex Tyler looks at the corporate make up of the GoAhead Group, including its board members and facts and figures www.coachandbusweek.com
GA.CorporateGovernance.indd 18
rom its company headquarters in London and registered office in Newcastle, Go-Ahead Group’s transport infrastructure spans the country. However, the importance of local business autonomy remains integral to the company’s operational strategy. The touted devolved management style employed by the firm provides board members with a high level of visibility and flexibility when it comes to the affairs of the individual operating companies. Local management throughout the group is encouraged to operate as autonomous business units, while working together and passing information to the board to facilitate the sharing of experience and best practice across the group. Executive directors meet regularly with the managing directors and sit on the board of each operating
company, meeting with local senior management on a monthly basis. In addition to this, a number of group forums are held regularly in regards to finance, engineering, health and safety and emergency matters. These forums, which also report directly to the executive directors, enable representatives from all operating companies to inform the board on emerging and current affairs within the business. This structure means board members are well informed about employees, passengers and stakeholders and, as such, are able to respond efficiently to the changing dynamics of the business. As part of this close working relationship, corporate responsibility is accommodated into the everyday running of the organisation and focused around five key issues; safety, environment, passengers, employees and community. To ensure corporate responsibility is prioritised, internal
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Sir Patrick Brown
Rupert Pennant-Rea
Andrew Allner safety and energy targets for each operating company are set at the beginning of each financial year. Progress against these targets is linked to both operating company senior managers’ and executive directors’ remuneration. In addition, there is an annual health and safety audit for each business undertaken by an external consultant. These schemes are outlined in the annual Corporate Responsibility Report published by the company. The Board is responsible for corporate responsibility across the group and as such, GoAhead does not have corporate responsibility or health and safety committees at board level as all members are encouraged to take a more immediate involvement in these areas. Furthermore, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are closely monitored and reviewed every month at operating company board meetings, chaired by the executive directors.
GA.CorporateGovernance.indd 19
Katherine Innes Ker
Nick Horler
Recently the board underwent two changes. Group chief executive, Keith Ludeman, retired July 2, 2011. He was replaced by David Brown, then deputy chief executive, on July 3. On March 7, 2011, Keith Down replaced Nick Swift as group finance director. All board members face regular re-election before the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The board is currently comprised of:
SIR PATRICK BROWN company chairman Sir Patrick Brown joined the Board in January 1999 as non-executive director, becoming company chairman in October 2002. He previously spent ten years in industry and management consultancy before joining the Civil Service and was initially involved in privatisation in the DfT during the 1980’s. He then moved to the Department of the Environment, before returning to the DfT as permanent secretary from 1991 to 1997. Sir Patrick is also chairman of the nomination committee and member of the remuneration committee. He regularly attends audit committee by invitation. Sir Parick is a non-executive director of Camelot UK Lotteries Ltd and Camelot Global Services Ltd and chairman of the UK Advisory Board of Alexander Proudfoot Ltd.
RUPERT PENNANT-REA non executive director Rupert Pennant-Rea joined the board in October 2002. Having served on the board for nine years Rupert must now be considered as not independent, however he will continue to serve as a nonexecutive director while being a member of the remuneration, audit and nomination committees. Before joining Go-Ahead, Rupert was deputy governor of the Bank of England from 1993 to 1995, prior to which he was editor of The Economist. He has held a large variety of non-executive directorships over the last 15 years. Externally, Rupert is appointed non-executive chairman of PGI Group Ltd, Defaqto Group Ltd, The Economist Newspaper Limited and Henderson Group plc (chairman of the nomination committee). Nonexecutive director of Henderson UK Finance plc, Times Newspapers Holdings Ltd, Specialist Waste Recycling Ltd, The Economist Group Trustee Company Ltd, Gold Fields Ltd (member of the nomination &
governance committee and audit committee) and Hochschild Mining plc (member of the remuneration committee).
ANDREW ALLNER senior independent non-executive director Andrew Allner joined the Board in October 2008 and was appointed senior independent non-executive director in October 2011. Andrew is also chairman of the audit committee and a member of the remuneration and nomination committees. Andrew is a chartered accountant and a former partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was previously group finance director of RHM plc between 2004 and 2007, and chief executive of Enodis plc prior to this. He was also a non-executive director of Moss Bros Group plc and chairman of its Audit Committee until 2005. Andrew additionally holds the positions of non-executive chairman at Marshalls plc (chairman of the nomination committee); non-executive director at CSR plc (chairman of the audit committee and member of the nomination and remuneration committees); nonexecutive director at Northgate plc (chairman of the audit committee and member of the nomination and remuneration committees); nonexecutive director of AZ Electronics Materials S.A. (chairman of the audit committee). KATHERINE INNES KER non-executive director Katherine Innes Ker joined the Board in July 2010. She is also chairman of the remuneration committee and member of the audit and nomination committees. Katherine’s previous nonexecutive directorships include Taylor Wimpey plc, Marine Farms ASA, Taylor Woodrow plc, The Television Corporation plc, Fibernet plc, Williams Lea plc, The Ordnance Survey, Shed Media plc and Gyrus Group plc. Katherine has also spent a decade working in the City. She is senior independent director of Tribal Group plc (chairman of the remuneration committee and member of the audit and nomination commitees) and non-executive director of St Modwen Properties plc. NICK HORLER non-executive director Nick Horler was appointed as non-executive director
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KEY DATA
on November 14, 2011 and is a member of the remuneration, audit and nomination Committees. He will stand for election before shareholders at the 2012 AGM. Nick is the former chief executive officer of Scottish Power and managing director of E.On Retail. He began his career with Phillips Petroleum, working in the UK and USA in sales and marketing roles. Alongside his position at GoAhead Nick is a non-executive director of Royal Mail Holdings plc and Secure Electricians Limited.
DAVID BROWN group chief executive David Brown was appointed as deputy group chief executive on April 1, 2011 before his accession to group chief executive on July 3, 2011. He is a member of the nomination committee and attends audit committee and remuneration committee by invitation. David was previously managing director of Surface Transport at Transport for London (TfL). Before joining TfL, David was chief executive of Go-Ahead’s London bus business, from 2003 to 2006, and was a Main Board adviser. Prior to this he held the positions of managing director from 1999 and operations director for London General/London Central. His 28 year transport career began with London Transport. KEITH DOWN group finance director Keith Down was appointed to the board in his current capacity in March 2011 and attends audit committee by invitation. Prior to joining Go-Ahead, Keith worked for JD Wetherspoon plc as finance director and company secretary. Before joining JD Wetherspoon plc in 2007 he served as commercial finance director of Tesco plc. Keith is also a chartered accountant.
CAROLYN SEPHTON group company secretary Carolyn Sephton was appointed as group company secretary in July 2006 and is secretary to the audit, remuneration and nomination committees. Carolyn spent 12 years working for Northern Electric, predominantly in the field of pensions, before joining Go-Ahead in 2001. Carolyn is a chartered secretary and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. Prior to her www.coachandbusweek.com
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Facts & Figures: HEADQUARTERS: The Go-Ahead Group plc, 6th Floor, 1 Warwick Row, London SW1E 5ER REGISTERED OFFICE: The Go-Ahead Group plc, 3rd Floor, 41-51 Grey St, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6EE David Brown
LISTING: London Stock Exchange, FTSE 250
£2,297m £642.4m £1,654.6m 22,201 3,942 841 1.7m 1m £115.1m £67.1m £48.0m Revenue
Bus Revenue
Keith Down
Rail Revenue
Employees
Buses
Trains
Carolyn Sephton appointment as group company secretary she was assistant company secretary for the group with responsibility for non-rail pensions and a wide range of company secretariat functions including share schemes, legislative compliance, corporate governance and codes of conduct specific to the group’s business activities.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS Major Shareholders in the company include U.S financial planning company Ameriprise Financial Inc (4,284,959- 9.6%); Investment arm of JPMorgan Chase & Co, JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Ltd (2,563, 958- 5.96%); D Ballinger (2,525,580- 5.87%); J Moyes, (2,317,698- 5.39%); USB AG London Branch Wealth Management Division (2,128,7464.95%); Newton Investment Management Ltd (1,665,2033.87%); Legal and General Group plc (1,488,712- 3.48%).
Daily Bus Passengers
Daily Rail Passengers
Operating Profit
Bus Operating Profit
Rail Operating Profit
GROUP REVENUE (%)
15% 13% 72%
Regulated Bus
Deregulated Bus Rail
OPERATING PROFIT (%)
29% 29% 42%
Regulated Bus Deregulated Bus Rail
Bus operations are 100% owned by Go-Ahead Rail operation, Govia, is 65% owned by Go-Ahead and 35% by Keolis OPERATING COSTS FOR 2011: Bus vehicles: £14.2m Non rail properties: £1.6m Other non rail: £0.1m Rail rolling stock: £284.5m Rail access charges £384.2m Depreciation of property, plant and equipment: £49.2m Audit of financial statements: £0.6m Taxation services: £0.1m Other services: £0.1m ENERGY COSTS FOR 2011: Bus Fuel: £64.7m Rail diesel fuel: £6.6m Rail electricity (EC4T): £68.3m Cost of site energy: £11.2m Government grants: (£2.7m) Costs expense relating to franchise bidding activities: £0.8m STAFF COSTS FOR 2011:
£690.1m £59.8m £43.0m £0.4m Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share based payments charge Total: £793.3m ■ CEO David Brown: £251k per annum ■ Group finance director, Keith Down: £207k per annum. ■ Non-executive chairman, Patrick Brown: £150k per annum. All data relevant to 2011 and compiled from www.go-ahead.com
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FACE TO FACE › DAVID BROWN
NAME: David Brown AGE: 51 POSITION: Chief Executive, the Go-Ahead Group CONTACT: 0207 8213928 www.go-ahead.com
The view from the top Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans and Jonathan Taylor talk to Go-Ahead Group chief executive David Brown about his views on a cross-section of subjects – from the acquisition strategy to the whole bus travel experience
A
s head of one of Britain’s top five bus and coach groups, David Brown is a busy man. He’s clearly up to his eyes when we meet him at the firm’s head office, minutes away from London Victoria station. Despite his hectic schedule, David is a friendly gentleman who is easy to talk to as we chat over a freshly made filter coffee, served in a white cup and saucer. As outlined elsewhere in this issue, Go-Ahead Group has a lean head office structure, with only the necessary group functions happening here and local decisions firmly delegated to local companies. Perhaps reflecting that, David’s office is far from cramped but at the same time is not outlandishly spacious. It may be the heart of the empire, but it doesn’t pretend to be a palace.
CBW: How was your childhood experience of buses? David Brown: Growing up in West London, I always used buses to get around. If you were a teenager in London, it’s what you did. I was a RedRover aficionado, travelling around the city. I’m not an enthusiast but I certainly did get to know the buses across London. Later in my life, I managed a lot of West London depots – my area knowledge certainly helped. Indeed, some of the drivers I managed had driven the buses I went to school on and some of my school classmates became bus drivers working for me! www.coachandbusweek.com
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CBW: Do you travel by public transport? DB: I certainly do. I think it’s important to practice what you preach and sample your own product as well as other operators’ offerings. I sometimes use the Tube in London but I always use public transport to visit our subsidiary companies – I never use the car. That’s a consequence of living in London. I’d like to not have a car at all. If you fancy my 11-year old, low mileage Audi 4, you’re welcome to it... CBW: What gets you annoyed about public transport? DB: Where a lack of customer care is shown. Operational aspects can usually be delivered with ease whichever company you’re in. We can get buses out in the morning but I get frustrated when there is a lack of customer care and attention to detail, such as displaying the correct destination blinds or carrying out of date notices on board or not going that extra mile for customers. It’s the little details. Across the public transport sector, we generally do a good job and at Go-Ahead we are really keen to understand what our passengers think of us. That’s why we now do an annual passenger survey with Passenger Focus so we can identify areas where we can improve.
CBW: Would you say drivers are the face of Go-Ahead? DB: We’ve been fortunate to have some fabulous staff across the board. The BBC’s recent documentary about the Tube in London, for example, demonstrates
that the majority of staff in public transport are dedicated to their jobs. Our operations are first class in terms of quality – we operate with 91% satisfaction ratings, pretty high for any industry. What I really focus on are issues which are important to our passengers - value for money, connections, ease of use and so on. I am also keen that our staff are customer focused and are helpful towards our passengers. As an organisation we still need to be less ‘operation’ and more ‘retail’.
CBW: As a passenger, where do you feel we should be going with bus design? DB: There are obvious constraints in bus design – which include the need to fit in stairs, fuel tank, engine, transmission and so on. What I’d like to see is an increased focus on lower fuel consumption. How do you reduce it? It’s all very well going through the Euro phases but that doesn’t deal with fuel consumption, just particulate matter. We’ve added vehicle weight over time, which while not always being a bad thing is nevertheless an issue. The other thing I want reduced is noise. Rattling buses whilst the engine is idling is an intrusion. It doesn’t need to be like that. One of the benefits of hybrids is not just the reduction of CO2 emissions but also reduction in noise. My experience of being involved in the New Bus for London shows that with imagination and challenge you can produce a different kind of bus. Everything else is great – there are no worries about drivers, and
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travelling by bus allows you to view the scenery from the top deck. What we need to be mindful of is the impact on non-users. Hybrids are less noisy and it helps to win favour with the public at large. I still get annoyed by the roar of the fan noise on certain vehicle types – it can be overridden with ease but that does require attention to detail. It’s an engineering issue but it reflects badly on the company and the industry as a whole.
David Brown was no stranger to travelling by bus as a teenager and went on to manage a number of depots in West London
CBW: What would you say to bus users who complain about harsh braking? DB: Our use of Mix Telematics means we can monitor harsh braking and start eliminating it. Thanks to the Mix system, we can geo map it too, so we can find out exactly where it occurs. Part of our customer care training aims to ensure drivers are considerate in waiting for people to sit down.
CBW: Guide Dogs for the Blind is currently running a campaign calling for the fitment of AudioVisual (AV) technology to buses. What do you think of next stop announcements? DB: London did it at huge cost, and initially had a lot of complaints about AV but it was the right thing to do to make people feel secure and confident in where they were going. The real issue is having a GPS-based vehicle location system in place and working to which audiovisual equipment can be added.
CBW: Can you summarise Go-Ahead as a business? DB: We are very UK focused in a market we know and understand, and predominately in the southeast of England. We provide high quality services and are customer focused with good marketing skills. We also recognise that buses serve local markets and therefore decisions should be made locally. I believe in empowered local management with each operating company having the freedom to develop and deliver its services at a local level – I won’t be making decisions on individual routes from the centre. It is still essential, however, to have group synergies and consistently applied standards, to be innovative and work with all stakeholders and ensure their views are respected. I don’t believe companies work best
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FACE TO FACE › DAVID BROWN
3km
The average length of a car and bus journey in Great Britain
working in silos: sharing ideas and best practice and working together are all important elements of the Go-Ahead approach.
CBW: What are your views on regulation vs deregulation? DB: Go-Ahead is a UK public transport operator so we will work in whatever markets we are given. In rail we operate three passenger franchises which as everybody knows are heavily regulated by the UK Government. In bus, we are one of the biggest operators of buses in the London regulated market but have an equal number of buses running outside London in the deregulated sector. So the first thing to say is we can operate successfully in a range of regulatory environments. You won’t be surprised to hear me say, as a former custodian of the operation, I think the current regulatory regime for bus in London works well. The increases in patronage since 2000 have been astonishing and the enhancements to the networks and quality aspects nothing short of transformational. However, those seeking to export this model elsewhere should be aware of the uniqueness of the London situation. It has a unique set up in terms of delivery mechanisms - it has congestion charging in the centre which nobody else has tackled in the same manner and its position at the centre of the UK economy gives it growth potential. It also benefits from sources of central Government funding for transport which is not evident elsewhere. So outside London, my opinion is the deregulated model serves other major urban areas very well. In the Tyne and Wear conurbation for example, our local operator Go North East has invested in networks, smart ticketing, in co-operation with other operators, its fleet and, in the next few years, a brand new ‘super depot’. All this has been achieved with satisfaction ratings in the 90% range and at virtually no cost to the public purse. If local authorities have areas of concern about bus networks, these can be solved through partnership working rather than regulation. CBW: How do you feel the economy is working at the moment? DB: Our deregulated bus operations have benefited from a 3.6% growth in patronage – and we’re still seeing growth in London too. We have anecdotal evidence that modal www.coachandbusweek.com
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11
The age of David Brown’s low mileage Audi A4 car
Like his predecessors, David is an advocate of devolved management
David Brown: a brief history
David Brown was previously managing director of Surface Transport at Transport for London (TfL). Before joining TfL, David was chief executive of Go-Ahead’s London bus business, from 2003 to 2006, and was a main board adviser. Prior to this he held the positions of managing director from 1999 and operations director for London General/London Central. His 29-year transport career began with London Transport. David Brown was appointed as deputy group chief executive on April 1, 2011 before his ascension to group chief executive on July 3, 2011. Following his appointment, he was elected by shareholders at the AGM in October 2011.
“The smartcard is the best technology because of its potential to drive demand and the knowledge it enables us to gain about our customers. The other great technology is the buses themselves. We’ve bought 198 great new vehicles in recent months.” David Brown
David feels the current regulatory regime works well in London shift is taking place driven by facts such as the cost of commuting by car rose 21% in 2011. For young people, an important market segment for us, car insurance premiums for 17-20 year olds have risen 68% on average over the last five years, to £2,590, while the number of 17 to 22 year-olds taking their driving test has fallen by 19% since 2005 - a drop of more than 200,000 people. All these aspects create the impetus to modal shift. While there has definitely been modal shift, we still need to run fast to stay ahead. We’ve experienced levels of growth in our bus operations which are over and above those seen nationally, partly as a consequence of where we operate and the quality of our operations. Our passenger growth numbers are not from acquisition – they are measured like for like. Of course, we are alive to the impact of both the BSOG reduction as well as local authority budget cuts. The negative views about public transport largely come from nonusers. Once you get people to try it,
they realise it’s pretty good and will keep using it. However, I’d rather have a vibrant economy driving more bus travel by choice than have people using the bus because they can’t afford anything else. There are complex push and pull factors which decide whether people use public transport. For example, in the north east, Go North East has recognised this by introducing its Lifestyle package which brings together discounts on bus travel with car and bike hire deals. The package saves passengers money and also encourages people to scrap their cars in exchange for unlimited bus travel.
CBW: Can you tell us about your overseas operations? DB: Our US operation is small. It’s a contracted business – just like our work in London, only 4,000 miles further west!
CBW: Do you envisage expanding overseas? DB: I’m not fixated by overseas markets. We’ll only go if we can add something different – we’re not in
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91%
April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25
The percentage customer satisfaction rating across the Go-Ahead Group bus operating companies
STEVE HODGSON
the business of planting a flag in the ground. You’ve got to understand a market before you enter it.
CBW: Go-Ahead is currently focused on the South East of England. With the acquisition of Hedingham, assuming you can’t get into more cities, will the future be more High Wycombe-type operations? DB: Thames Travel and Carousel work well together. We can strip out back office costs, such as purchasing, IT, fuel and management accounting costs, while retaining local managers with their knowledge and keep local branding. We then add marketing and commercial skills, and you get a great little business. One of the dangers of a plc is you can easily add costs to a business. We don’t do that. Hedingham is similar to Konectbus. Konectbus is also a good example of where you can achieve growth on commuter corridors such as those into Norwich. We are able to offer a competitive alternative to the car and it has led to modal shift. That’s the sort
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of thing we are looking for in non-urban areas – good commuter flows. Some 30% of bus companies are still in non-plc hands so there is further scope for us to grow.
CBW: Is there much scope to grow passenger numbers? DB: A smartcard is an important enabler to find out what customers want, where they want to get to and how often. A smartcard works well in itself as it speeds boarding times and makes the travelling experience easier and simpler. Sometimes it leads to changes in yield but it certainly encourages loyalty. Although at the early stages of development, all Go-Ahead companies are now up and running with smartcards. In the space of 10 months, we’ve gone from 60,000 to 160,000 smartcards in active use. They give us a huge amount of sometimes surprising information and provide the opportunity to grow passenger numbers. CBW: Should OAPs pay to travel? DB: OAPs paying to travel is like a dirty word. It shows the issues of politics – it’s easy to give but difficult to take away. You always have to look at the economics. There’s no point in having a free ticket for a service which doesn’t operate because a route is no longer economically viable. To date, we’re fortunate to have entered into arrangements with our local authorities. The English National Concessionary Fares Scheme has also helped the impetus towards the ITSO smartcard project. CBW: How price sensitive is the bus industry? If every fare goes up by a penny, what would it
do to your revenue? DB: Our fares are not set centrally. Our local managers decide fares, sometimes on a route by route basis. You’ve got to be cleverer than just raising all fares by say 5% on January 5. We always take into account local market needs, sometimes even down to the route level.
CBW: How do taxi rates compare vs bus fares? DB: For me, the private car is our biggest competitor. We have run fare promotions for families, and we do need to be smarter in promoting the benefits of the bus. People unfortunately don’t always take into account the true costs of running a car - costs like vehicle depreciation, insurance, parking plus the time “lost” while driving, as well as issues such as congestion and emissions. CBW: Do you market your services directly to the public? DB: Yes - on the railways. For example, we’ve achieved an 11.4% increase in patronage on London Midland through doing just that. Perhaps there is an opportunity to do more in our bus companies. We need to attract new passengers by encouraging them to leave their cars at home and use the bus more often. It is the competition with the car which is most important. I’m more than happy if there is growth on our competitors’ bus routes. CBW: What does the bus bring to the economy? DB: It’s often perceived that motorists bring economic benefits to town centres. We need to get the message across that buses
Go North East saw a local need for strongly identifiable route branding
can also drive economic growth. There are great examples of buses supporting businesses and getting people to work - just look at Cobalt Park in Newcastle where Go North East operates. Greener journeys is currently undertaking work which I am sure will show the benefits bus services bring to the economy. Bus services enable access to goods, services and jobs, especially for the lower paid. Job vacancies won’t be filled if people can’t get to them.
CBW: What is the best technology you’ve invested in recently? DB: The smartcard is easily the the best technology because of its potential to drive demand and the knowledge it enables us to gain about our customers. We’re not dependent on one technology and are trying to offer several different retail channels. We are trialling M-ticketing in the north east. We also do ENVs. The only limiter is interoperability between modes and operators. The other great technology of course is the buses themselves. We bought 198 new buses in the first six months of our current financial year.
CBW: Have your hybrid buses achieved the promised fuel savings? Will you order hybrids in bulk? DB: You’ll find it’s variable. Generally, you should be a getting 30% fuel saving and we always evaluate how the buses perform. Government financial support through the Green Bus Fund is still necessary. Manufacturers need to get their production costs down significantly.
CBW: What are your fuel preferences? DB: I don’t agree with people who say hybrids are wrong. Gas buses are not currently available in volume but hybrids are, so we’ll purchase with the right incentives. We recently announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop a flywheel energy storage application for buses with Williams Hybrid Power.
CBW: Your recent half-year result appeared to show Go-Ahead was moving away from fuel hedging. Is that correct? DB: We still hedge 100% but we’re now doing it on a more regular basis rather than annually. At some point the actual price catches you up. It’s best to do it at regular intervals.
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TECHNOLOGY
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Smart (card) thinking from Go-Ahead This advert on the rear of a Metrobus double decker says it all –the key is certainly the smarter way to travel
Coach and Bus Week’s Andrew Cream and James Day explore the main ways in which the operator has embraced state-of-the-art technology, from smartcards to vehicle tracking
THE KEY The ‘key’ was initially introduced by Go-Ahead to the Oxford Bus Company (OBC) in 2007. However it wasn’t until 2010 when the smartcard scheme really took off, after the adoption of ITSO (Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation) technology. The ITSO-compliant ‘key’ card was first launched on the London Midland rail service in February 2010, with OBC following suit shortly after. Most of us are now aware of smartcard technology, but to put it simply, the key is a card which simplifies paying for travel through advanced online payments and eliminating the need for cash. During the past couple of years Go-Ahead has really embraced smartcard ticketing across its bus and rail operations and has achieved a number of industry firsts along the way, such as the introduction of a multi-operator smartcard in Oxford. David Brown, Group chief executive, said: “The key has proved a brilliant success for Go-Ahead. The number of key smartcard holders is rising every day and is now in the hundreds of thousands. By the end of 2012 we expect over half a million of our customers to be using the key as more and more new customers embrace the technology. “We have already launched in Oxford, with fellow operator Stagecoach, a multi-operator scheme, the first of its kind in the country. It is called The Smartzone and it’s been really effective in
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making it possible for passengers to use different operators’ services in the city.” In October 2011 the key was recognised at the National Transport Awards, picking up the Excellence in Technology Award. Judges commended the way in which the smartcard’s introduction had contributed to the growing acceptance of ITSO technology. Go-Ahead states the benefits of the key include: Easy to buy - Purchase online 24-hours a day Easy to renew - Top up online, on-bus and in travel centres Easy to use - No need to carry cash or take out of your wallet to use Secure - If your card is lost or stolen it is cancelled and a new one is sent with remaining credit still on it Money saving - Range of tickets available giving complete flexibility Environmentally friendly - No more paper tickets Agreements have also been set up with some companies to offer additional discounts to users of the key. OBC key holders can benefit from offers from Subway, Oxford Playhouse and Le Petit Pain to name a few. Go-Ahead plans to increase the number of lifestyle offers available in the coming months. Since its inception, the key has been launched on many of Go-Ahead’s subsidiaries, including Go North East in
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TECHNOLOGY
May 2011, Plymouth Citybus in August 2011, and Go South Coast (GSC) in January 2012, with Wilts & Dorset – a subsidiary of GSC - in February this year. Gillian Singh, Group marketing director, said: “Each company has its own strong local brand which fits the area it operates, so our marketing challenge was to develop a national smartcard brand which would still work well at a local level. As a result each of our companies has a unique key which uses their own distinct local colours. “The two wheels on the card represent some of the sights our passengers see and experience when they travel with us – iconic buildings such as Arundel Castle in West Sussex or The Bullring in Birmingham, and local landmarks like Stonehenge in Salisbury. They also represent local events and activities too, such as the Great North Run in Newcastle, the fireworks at Hoe and boating in Oxford. It is also important for us to involve our passengers in selecting their favourite landmarks. We did this using Facebook and Twitter sites. As a result we now have a design which fits locally but has a strong national identity. The key represents our future aspirations to make travel easier for our passengers with one single card they can use across all of our services.” Dave Lynch, group technology and procurement director for Go-Ahead, helped develop the key scheme. He said: “The rationale for the key is to work across bus and rail companies. It’s distinctive and recognisable and able to connect with the customers on an individual level, with landmarks of the local area on the card.” Nick Hill, commercial manager of Go-Ahead Group-owned Metrobus, also highlighted that while there is a nationwide identity to the key, there are differences on a local level: “We’re fortunate OBC and Go North East were effectively the guinea pigs, but as operating companies we require individual things. The tickets we sell are our own decisions – we’ve got a lot of commercial freedom. It’s hard work but it’s great fun and really interesting.” Not only has the key won critical acclaim, it has also been recognised by Norman Baker MP. Brown explained: “We are so pleased to have government support for this initiative. On Southern the key was www.coachandbusweek.com
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Brighton & Hove and Southern are also in the early stages of setting integrated bus/rail smartcard technology. Preliminary talks are currently underway, with a trial penciled in for summer, or September at the latest.
Peter Oliver, commercial manager at Plymouth Citybus, proudly shows an enlarged mock-up of a smartcard during its launch in the city launched by transport minister Norman Baker. The key fits well with the minister’s vision of a transport system where passengers can enjoy seamless travel on one smartcard.” Smartcards used for travel are certainly taking off. The Oyster card, used on transport in Greater London, boasts a 98% share of all journey payments. Go-Ahead isn’t at this stage yet, but the signs are there. Over 40% of OBC’s bus passengers already use the key, and more than 140,000 passengers actively use the card nationwide. The company hopes this number to reach 500,000 by 2013. Smartcard machines are installed on all of Go-Ahead’s 2,000 buses outside London and there are currently around 60,000 key transactions a day. Metrobus marketing manager Charlotte Bruce shared her experience of the smartcard: “Now we’ve got our full range of tickets on the key. It’s moved fares off bus, which is great. “You can top up online but the problem is it can take up to 48 hours to go through the back office system. However, if you go through the travel shop it can be done instantaneously. “We plan to move to GPRS in due course, so it will be almost instant within the hour.” A union representative for Metrobus drivers commented: “From a driver perspective, the key will be great when everyone’s got a card but they’re still slower than an Oyster card. From the word go I’ve been supportive of the key – it’s brilliant. It reduces cash handling and it’s a massive leap in the right direction.”
The system that makes up the key is provided by a number of suppliers, due to the number of different components. Hill explained: “No one supplier knows enough about ITSO to offer a package at the moment, so it’s getting all these people to work together. It’s been a steep learning curve but it’s greatly improved the experience for both us and our customers. “If problems arise, we ensure passengers are compensated – you’ve always got to look after people.” The key suppliers include: ACT (Applied Card Technologies), who manage the HOPS (Host Operator Processing System) and back office systems VIX Technologies (formerly ERG), who supply the ticket machines ESP, who supply the cards and printers Imaginenet, who manage the website portal The future of the key is naturally to increase its userbase through rolling it out across more of GoAhead’s subsidiaries and adopting more schemes similar to the Oxford Smartzone. There are also plans to integrate bus and rail travel. Lynch said: “We are talking to Centro who have done a hell of a lot in the bus area in the Midlands so we can integrate, allowing people to hop on and hop off on different modes of transport.” “I do think the word ‘smart’ has come alive but it has been with bloody hard work. You have to put a lot of work in with the supplier base to get a lot of the nuances,” he added.
WILLIAMS HYBRID Go-Ahead Group has recently signed a ground-breaking agreement with Williams Hybrid Power, a subsidiary of Williams Grand Prix Engineering. The two companies have teamed up to develop a flywheel energy storage application which will involve producing six prototype buses with a retrofitted hybrid flywheel system, providing electro-mechanical energy to drive the bus and deliver substantial improvements to fuel economy and reductions in CO2 emissions. Williams Hybrid Power has been at the forefront of developing hybrid flywheel systems for motor racing, originally for the Williams Formula One car. It also provides systems to Porsche for the 911 GT3 Hybrid and more recently, to Audi for the R18 e-tron Quattro, which will compete at this year’s Le Mans 24 hour race. The company is now making the technology available to applications such as hybrid buses, hybrid passenger vehicles, electric trains, rapid transit systems and smart grid infrastructure to meet their high power energy storage needs, save fuel and reduce emissions. Phil Margrave, Go-Ahead’s Group engineering director, commented: “In the on-going quest to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the Go-Ahead Group we are very excited to be working with Williams Hybrid Power, a British technology company at the cutting edge of alternative energy solutions. We are convinced the experience and expertise they have gained from developing and using the flywheel technology in motorsport will migrate to the bus market and deliver a ground-breaking solution to the issue of fuel efficiency.” Ian Foley, managing director of Williams Hybrid Power, added: “I am delighted we have signed this agreement with a forward-thinking company like Go-Ahead. From the very beginning we identified public transport as an ideal customer for our flywheel technology and I am excited about meeting the challenge of delivering this innovative solution for the bus industry.”
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NO TELEMATICS COMPANY CAN DELIVER WHAT THEY SAY. At MiX Telematics if we make a promise, we stick to it. So when we promise to make your business run more efficiently and cut costs, that’s exactly what we’ll do – whatever it takes. In fact, our solutions are proven to deliver more because we’re trusted and we’re a strong global business with a dedicated team at our core. Working with us, you’ll soon realise the difference. It’s time to think again about the power of telematics
Talk to us today on +44 (0) 121 717 5385 or visit www.mixtelematics.co.uk
Time to think again.
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TECHNOLOGY
WHP’s flywheels are based on an electrically powered integral motor flywheel delivering the high power and long cycle life required commercially. Benefits include: ■ Very high continuous symmetric power density ■ Sufficient energy capacity ■ Long charge/discharge cycle life ■ Insensitive to ambient temperature ■ Manufactured using mature mass-production processes ■Non-toxic construction resulting in low-cost recycling at end of life
MIX TELEMATICS MiX Telematics (MiX), provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management systems, serves customers in over 110 countries across six continents. Claiming to be first to develop the commercial telematics market in the UK in 1985, MiX now manage more than 700,000 mobile assets. The group has offices in South Africa, the UK, the USA, the UAE and Australia, as well as a global
dealer network. MiX listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (under the short code MIX) in November 2007. The four key focuses for MiX products are vehicle tracking, fleet management, stolen vehicle recovery and service management. Go-Ahead Group’s fleet management partnership with MiX was extended for a further four years in January 2012, following a fuel efficiency increase of 12% and accident reduction of 17.6% since 2007/8. Speaking about the extension in January, Phil Margrave, GoAhead Group engineering director, commented: “Ours was the first large-scale deployment of a fleet management system within the bus industry and the long-term results generated, achieved in combination with our other efficiency-enhancing activities, have certainly been impressive. “Since its introduction, the MiX Telematics team has proved itself to be the perfect partner. The
Mix Telematics’ RiBAS traffic light in-cab performance indicator members understand our business, deliver on their promises and have worked alongside us every step of the way to continuously improve and develop our use of the system. They have also proven themselves to be more than capable of facilitating major change within a large organisation such as ours. The results speak for themselves and today fleet management is very much an integral part of our operation.” MiX was also cited as being helpful to Go-Ahead Group in other ways - training being one
example - where the system is used to identify training needs and monitor individual driver progress. It has enabled Go-Ahead to create the Go-Green Drivers Club, which drivers gain entry to by achieving an agreed level of fuel efficiency. Alongside is the annual “500 Challenge,” an incentive scheme for Go-Ahead’s top performing drivers, as determined by the system, who compete to win a new Fiat 500. MiX originally covered 3,500 Go-Ahead Group buses nationwide, including 1,500 in London. It now monitors the performance of 4,000 vehicles for the operator. MiX Telematics’ marketing & operations director, Steve Coffin, said: “We are naturally delighted Go-Ahead Group has decided to extend its fleet management contract with us. The close working relationship we have developed over the years demonstrates what can be achieved when best practice is shared, promoted and supported by two organisations with a common goal.”
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THE BIG PICTURE
Brighton & Hove Scania Omnicity CN270UD ‘YP58UGE’ entered service with the renowned GoAhead Group operator in 2008. Fleet number 705, as it is otherwise known, is branded for the Metro 5 service, which links Hangleton with Pathcham or Hollingbury, via Hove and Brighton city centre. With the attractive Regency background, the bus makes a fine sight as it works a journey to Patcham, as pictured here by Coach & Bus Week Editor Gareth Evans. Like many other buses in the UK Bus Awards-winning fleet, 705 is named after an individual – in this case John Connor. Appropriately, he lived in Hangleton. One of the best known journalists in Brighton in the post war era, John Connor became Editor of the Brighton and Hove Herald in 1963. Born in London, he moved to Brighton and Hove, starting work on the Herald in 1941. He then bought the local news agency which still operates under his name. Connor’s work was his life and, appropriately, he died in harness. His eye for a news story was legendary. His memory was remarkable and his devotion to accuracy scrupulous.
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OPERATOR PROFILE › METROBUS
OPERATOR: Metrobus LOCATION: Crawley, West Sussex FLEET: 446 CONTACT: 01293 449191 www.metrobus.co.uk
A winning growth formula Gareth Evans visits renowned Go-Ahead Group bus operator Metrobus, which runs an interesting mix of services across the south east of England and in London on behalf of Transport for London
M
etrobus is without doubt one of the jewels in the Go-Ahead Group crown. It benefits from an experienced team of industry professionals at the helm, whose knowledge and enthusiasm is all too apparent where it matters – out on the road. Their attention to detail ensures high levels of service can be delivered, which assists in growing the business - a prime example being Horsham, as outlined later. Acquired by Go-Ahead Group in 1999, the firm’s 450-vehicle fleet operates out of three depots – Crawley, Croydon and Orpington, and employs over 1,400 people. A large proportion of Metrobus’ fleet is run on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), the remainder of its services being concentrated in Crawley, Horsham, East Grinstead, Redhill and Reigate. The firm also runs more rural services across to Kent and as far south as Brighton.
Delivering the service
CBW caught up with commercial manager Nick Hill and marketing manager Charlotte Bruce, both of whom are acclaimed, enthusiastic and experienced professionals in their field, yet at the same time, easy to talk to. “75% of Metrobus’ operations are in London, but of course it doesn’t take up 75% of management time, as so many elements of London’s network are managed by TfL, whereas, outside London we have to do almost all of it ourselves,” explained Nick. “TfL’s iBus system is now an invaluable tool in operating. If you run your London buses well, you get a www.coachandbusweek.com
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Nick Hill and Charlotte Bruce (above); and passengers board a Metrobus Dart in Crawley (right) bonus and if not, you get fined and there is a risk you can lose the contract. We’ve consolidated our TfL operations into two depots – Orpington and Croydon.” In common with other London operators, Metrobus buys and leases its vehicles. “Fleet changes can lead to some going off lease and others refurbished and reallocated to Crawley. We find two-door buses work particularly well in Crawley,” continued Nick. “I strongly believe London has the best bus service it’s ever had. Reliability is the key. Everyone in London is in a rush and if they don’t get there quickly, they’re unhappy. That’s where high frequencies come into their own.” The other 25% of Metrobus operates in Sussex and Kent. Nick then turned to a project which he and Charlotte appear to be rightly proud – the key smartcard (see p26). Asked about inter-availability with other Go-Ahead compnies, Nick said: “You can already use a Brighton & Hove (B&H) key card with a saver ticket on it on our service in Brighton. “Indeed, just after going live with
staff passes, I spotted a B&H pass being used around Crawley. I spoke to B&H and it turned out it was the son of a member of staff who was on work experience.” Charlotte took up the story: “There are questions in the next Passenger Focus survey about the key. We were delighted last year when we achieved a satisfaction rate of 93%, but at the risk of sounding over confident, perhaps we weren’t surprised either. “You don’t hear a lot about Metrobus because we don’t shout from the rooftops – we tend to get on with running buses. As a company we’re looking at the whole passenger experience. Drivers are a vital part of that. They’re really good at answering questions but not so good at greeting people. You don’t get that at Sainsburys. I’d love to know who does Sainsbury’s training.” Nick added: “We’ve started using a new mystery traveller to give us more detaled feedback. They’ve reported we’re good at running a reliable service, providing information and things like waiting for passengers to sit down before leaving a stop, which is obviously good news. “The big change for us in recent years has been a shift in recruiting people who are customer-focused, rather than those who have driven an HGV for example.” Metrobus has invested in a RealTime Information (RTI) system which works in two local authority areas. The firm was also a pioneer among UK bus companies in being one of the first to use Facebook as an extra tool to communicate with passengers. As previously featured in CBW, the company’s page now has in excess of 12,000 ‘fans’. Perhaps a prime example
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OPERATOR PROFILE › METROBUS
of delivering the service with a personal touch is James White, 33, who is the bus station controller in Crawley town centre. He started his career in the bus industry with Stagecoach in Ashford as a driver, before moving to Crawley, where he drove for Metrobus. He was a driver for five years until taking up his current role. “There are differences between Stagecoach and Metrobus,” he said. “Stagecoach do some things better, while Metrobus works better in other ways.” Asked what the best part of job is, James replied: “I enjoy the variety of my job. It’s all well and good being a driver but by moving up the ladder, not only have you got to be responsible for yourself, you’ve also got to look after everyone else. I’m the laid back sort but at the same time I’m not afraid to say something if it needs to be said.” The Metrobus’ Travel Shop is conveniently located at Crawley bus station. In addition to a team of friendly staff on hand to answer queries and ticket sales, facilities inside include a waiting room equipped with comfortable leather sofas, plants, reading materials, a drinks machine and a real time information screen. It’s certainly a comfortable place to wait for the bus – something the firm is to be commended for.
The fleet includes double and single decker Scanias (above); Friendly team inside Crawley traffic office (below)
Turning round Horsham
Metrobus acquired the network in West Sussex town of Horsham from Arriva in October 2009. “We purchased Arriva’s 11-strong provincial fleet but ensured Metrobus branding was applied overnight to vehicles and roadside information,” explained Nick. Almost in an instant the network benefited from a ‘Metrobus makeover’, as it were. Indeed, it’s no exaggeration to say on the first day of Metrobus operation, the network was fully re-branded including all buses and bus stops. Real time information was installed on all routes from day one with roadside displays subsequently added, with information being made available through all the usual channels such as internet, SMS and iPhone apps. Some newer buses were drafted in and some former Arriva vehicles were extensively refurbished. Other early improvements included the replacement of bus stop flags and the provision of timetables and other information at almost every stop in the town. An inspector was www.coachandbusweek.com
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also deployed at Horsham Bus Station to control services and provide passenger information. Nick continued: “Then, in May 2010 we introduced a recast network. Horsham Town Service route 98 remained unchanged as it worked but we introduced a commercial Sunday service. “Other routes started with a clean sheet. We put in some fairly controversial changes. For example, a housing estate had expanded but the new part was not served by bus at all. We doubled the frequency of route 65 to the Oakhill district of Horsham to half hourly, which led to a significant patronage increase – some 55%. This was largely as a result of an improved timetable and changes to the route which saw it cover a wider area and pick up people in a newer part of the estate which didn’t previously have a service. The change was
controversial as it involved removing the service from some streets but it put everyone in the area within a short walk from the route.” Other changes in the second phase of improvements in May 2010, included: More journeys on inter-urban routes to Worthing, Dorking and Gatwick; More journeys on local services in Horsham giving one estate its first peak hour operation in decades and doubling the frequency to another; Better co-ordination between routes on joint corridors – North Heath now benefits from regular clockface 15-minute service to and from town centre, rather than at odd intervals; Particular attention was paid to making new schedules reliable, using evidence from RTI data;
Re-allocation of stands in Horsham Bus Station to group services more logically by destination; and Fares were also simplified and new quarterly and annual tickets were introduced. Charlotte added: “Bespoke local bus guides were also delivered to households throughout the town. PlusBus was also introduced.” “Attention to detail is vital,” continued Nick. “Take route 93 to Dorking as an example. We ensured the service connected with peak hour trains. Such changes make a real difference to increasing the attractiveness of buses. You make positive changes and initially you upset people but they soon come around.” Charlotte added: “We also promoted it locally with a house leaflet drop and a voucher for local residents to trial the service. Charlotte concluded: “Overall, our network in Horsham has seen 18% passenger growth in two years. It goes without saying we’re very proud of that achievement.” Latest developments include six new 12-registered ADL Enviro 200s. Of interest, these are built to Whole Vehicle Type Approval, which means their off-side door is located in the low-floor central section rather than at the more traditional rear. They are allocated to route 98, which also serves the town’s park and ride site. “The council is ending subsidy for park and ride but we’re taking it on commercially,” explained
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Nick. “Instead of people having to use car parking ticket machines, we’re going to offer a full range of smartcards and give it a brand and makeover. We need to get the signage right too. In the past I’ve been cynical about park and ride because you risk stealing people who otherwise would have caught the bus all the way. But this P&R site has a wide catchment of rural areas without frequent services, so it is better to get them on the bus for some of their journey than none of it. The council is to maintain the car park, CCTV and so on but they’ve told us we can promote the service as we see fit.”
Roadside information
Metrobus is introducing a new style of roadside information at stops, which will include QR code and NFC (Near Field Communications) providing real time information for each stop. “QR codes are free to produce and NFC tags cost well under £1 per stop. Users can bookmark their regular stops or use iPhone or Android Apps,” explained Nick. Roadside infrastructure officer, Luke Taylor, took up the story: “I feel the problem is stop information as a rule is currently unfriendly to non-regular users. Generally it’s about getting more information on there and making it more colourful. “Even in the internet age, the place non-regular users go is their bus stop. If the information is out of date or non-existent, you’ve lost them. It’s not revolutionary.” Asked how he got into the industry, Luke replied: “I previously worked in banking but I followed my passion to the bus industry. I joined Metrobus in August 2011.”
Fastway
Metrobus operates the acclaimed Fastway bus rapid transit service which connects Gatwick airport, with Crawley, Horley and Redhill through a network of dedicated bus lanes and guideways, shortening journey times and avoiding traffic hotspots. The dedicated fleet of Scania OmniCity buses is fitted with CCTV and Global Positioning System technology (GPS) for realtime information which is available on-line or at bus stops. The service is run as a Quality Bus Partnership involving West Sussex CC, Surrey CC, Crawley Borough Council and Gatwick airport. www.coachandbusweek.com
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One of the routes, Fastway 10, is believed to be one of the most successful night services outside a major city. It is a commercial 24-hour service to Gatwick airport, offering an alternative to the car whenever people travel and thus meeting the project’s objective of reducing car trips.
Maintaining the momentum
Clockwise from above: Part of the workshop at Crawley; Promoting mobile app; and Luke Taylor with one of the new-style stop information boards
Metrobus:
a brief history
In February 1981 the Orpington & District bus company collapsed due to financial difficulties, and the Tillingbourne Bus Company based in West Surrey took over their operations, setting up Tillingbourne (Metropolitan) Ltd. On 24 September 1983, Metrobus Ltd was formed. The newly-formed company acquired the former Orpington & District garage at Green Street Green, Orpington, along with six employees and half a dozen vehicles. In October 1991, two coach operators, Southland Travel and RB Coaches, were taken over by Metrobus, along with the ten vehicles originally owned by the companies. These coaches were used on the existing private hire and European day tour work. Coach operations subsequently disposed of. Throughout the late 1990s, Metrobus introduced other commercial routes run under Section 3(2) of the London Regional Transport Act 1984 (later to become London Local Service Agreements), all of which transferred to TfL at the dawn of the new millennium. In 1999 the firm was purchased by the Go-Ahead Group. Two years later, Metrobus acquired Arriva’s operations in Crawley and most of East Surrey and West Sussex. Metrobus also moved its headquarters, along with all non-London routes, to Crawley and began to develop a commercial bus network in the town. On December 8 2007 Metrobus took over the operations of First Centrewest’s Orpington garage. All the staff and all 35 vehicles were also transferred to Metrobus, although the garage itself was closed. The most recent phase of expansion came in October 2009 when Metrobus acquired Arriva’s Horsham operations. Metrobus purchased 19 buses as part of the sale and moved operations away from Arriva’s site at Warnham to the existing depot in Crawley.
In the current climate the challenge is to maintain momentum and make best use of resources. Nick added: “Metrobus is even now seeing a 1-2% growth. Gatwick airport has seen a bit of a decline in recent years but it’s enjoying something of a renaissance under its new owners, so we expect to see an increase in custom on our services. “Also, Nestle’s head office is moving to Crawley from Croydon, which presents further new opportunities for us. “The challenges for us include local authority funding. The bulk of what we do outside TfL is commercial. We’re fortunate to enjoy a great relationship with public transport team at West Sussex County Council. They understand it from all angles and give us a lot of freedom – we do the bus stop information ourselves for example. It’s a mature relationship. “Surrey CC has been fabulous in coping with £4m budget savings over three years. It’s been a true network review, which has seen elements tweaked which aren’t quite commercial. “As a result Surrey is now operating more buses on a Sunday. Savings have been reinvested in Sunday services – they’re relatively cheap to operate. Effectively the number of buses covering the same area has been reduced but passenger numbers have held up. It’s a good model for others to follow and been given the seal of approval by Passenger Focus too. “So far where cuts have been made, we’ve grown the commercial side of the business successfully through enhancements and evolution of the business. There are some risks in September but by making the business less reliant on supported services, we’re reducing the financial risks over the longer term.” Asked about expansion for the future, Nick replied: “We’re keen to expand commercially but it’s got to be economically viable.”
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FACE TO FACE › ALAN EATWELL
From Fitters’ Boy to MD Gareth Evans talks to Alan Eatwell, managing director of Metrobus who has to deal with regulated and deregulated operating markets www.coachandbusweek.com
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A
lan Eatwell, MD of Metrobus since 2001 and previously GoAhead’s Group Engineering Director, has 43 years experience in the bus industry - commencing in 1969 as a fitters’ boy and subsequently elevated to apprentice fitter at BMMO’s (Midland Red) Carlyle Works. From career progression at Midland Red to Engineering Superintendent at Shrewsbury, he was appointed Divisional Engineer at Portsmouth for Southdown in 1978 and a few years later while Assistant Chief Engineer he
successfully participated in the management buy-out of Brighton & Hove. Plaques mounted on his office wall bear testament to his career – they include those from Midland Red, Brighton Hove & District Omnibus Co. and Southdown Motor Services. While friendly and approachable, Alan comes across as a man who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. It is reasonable to assume this stems from his background in engineering – with the need to deliver results under pressure within permitted tolerances. He clearly enjoys what he does – which is only too evident as he talks about his work and his long career in this industry.
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NAME: Alan Eatwell AGE: 59 POSITION: Managing director, Metrobus CONTACT: 01293 449191 www.metrobus.co.uk
Engineering matters
Plaques on his office wall bear testament to Alan’s proud career in the bus industry
Again, perhaps indicative of an engineering background, he now presides over a business regarded as one of the jewels in the Go-Ahead crown, but does not shout from the rooftops about what it does. Metrobus is a neat, successful business, which benefits from an experienced and highly enthusiastic team. The company is unique among Go-Ahead Group operating companies and much of the industry, in running regulated London services and having cultivated its own deregulated market in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. What therefore does the man at the top have to say about the two environments?
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While he still enjoys engineering, Alan says: “I leave that to Les Bishop our Engineering Director while at work. There’s no point two of us doing the same job, though outside of work is a different matter.” What are his views on so-called ‘green’ buses: “We have none; my philosophy is: we’re a vehicle operator not a developer. No matter how hard the manufacturers try, in reality development only happens when a vehicle enters service. Our workshops are lean and targeted towards high quality essential maintenance; we don’t have resources to take on additional technical demands. “When bidding for TfL work, we submit alternative proposals for the operation of green buses as we are required, so far however; most hybrid routes have been awarded in central London, an area we have no inclination to reach.” On fleet acquisition, Alan says: “Procurement has unavoidably and sensibly become much more centralised in recent times. Our new vehicle needs are generally reactive to our London tender wins and we’re fortunate to be able to cascade our own ex-London buses, some only five years old, to Crawley for provincial use. However, we do put new buses into our provincial fleet in order to maintain age compliance on our Gatwick ‘Fastway’ voluntary quality agreement and have only recently invested in new buses for our work in Horsham. “Go-Ahead Group is moving towards standardisation. Our recent needs have been for Dartsized vehicles, so to all intents and purposes it’s been a one-
Alan Eatwell: a brief history
Alan Eatwell has been Managing Director of Metrobus since 2001, having previously been the Go-Ahead Group’s Engineering Director. Alan has almost 40 years experience in the bus industry. Starting as an apprentice fitter at BMMO’s (Birmingham and Midlands Motor Omnibus Company - Midland Red) Carlyle Works, he transferred to Southdown in 1978 and successfully participated in the management buy-out of Brighton & Hove.
horse race. We’ve previously had loyalty to Scania, who’ve delivered fantastic reliability with excellent service support from two Scania dealerships within our reach, but we’ve not had recent need for heavyweight single or doubledeckers and can’t forecast such needs as they depend on TfL tender wins. “We have today received separate invitations to bid from both TfL and Surrey CC. The former will take about one year from this point to the route contract commencing with whichever bidder, while the position with local authorities is often only a matter of weeks – a very different set of circumstances.”
TUPE
Vehicle requirements are one thing, but another vital ingredient of bus operation is people. “In the scheme of things vehicles tend to be the least of our worries. If they’re delivered late its frustrating, yet it’s a problem which can generally be overcome with the goodwill of other operators, despite them having sometimes lost the route to their competitor who’s now in trouble. “The impact of TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) legislation has become a significant issue for bus operation in London. The laudable intention of the legislation is to protect terms and conditions of employees when businesses changed hands despite them, yet it was never really drafted around a London bus contract and it’s principally drivers who become the real victims. Their jobs and terms are guaranteed if they want them, but not actually from the same place of work. “If as an employer you’re on the receiving end, you’re bound to provide the work and terms to those staff who qualify and you can have a year’s notice before a contract begins, yet the employees and their present employer only have to confirm 14 days before the actual transfer, what those terms are, how many staff are compliant and how many actually intend to come. “You can assume everyone will come and not recruit at all, or that none will come and fully recruit and train in anticipation of a seamless start. The reality is inevitably somewhere between the two however, but where between on say a seventy or more driver route? “TUPE legislation was unarguably introduced with
factories or other static workplaces in mind rather than our own industry. As an operator, you can end up with multiple terms and conditions, all sorts of agreements and ‘Spanish customs’ on canteen facilities, rest intervals and so on, yet if employees transferring to you can establish what they’ve previously enjoyed is contractual, then that’s their entitlement.” While Alan is too discreet to say, it’s no secret TUPE is clearly a matter increasingly giving London bus operators headaches, as is evidenced by recent court cases. Perhaps Alan sums it up when he observes: “TUPE can be divisive in terms of employee relationships. I’m not being critical of the staff because as an employer you need to be fair and recognise they can be the victims. I’m critical of the law.”
Regulation v deregulation in London? Asked for his views on regulation v deregulation in London, Alan replies: “From a user perspective there’s an unarguable advantage to having buses co-ordinated by TfL and if that market was deregulated, London would come to a standstill.” Turning to the firm’s deregulated operations, Alan says: “We’re unusual as we operate buses both in and out of London. We share best practice and discipline from both. The business we acquired at Crawley in 2001 provided work for 120 drivers and 40 buses – it now engages some 450 drivers with 150 buses. It’s easy to grow a fleet of buses but the key is having a fleet which makes money. An obvious difference between both sides of our operation is that with TfL we’ve only got security of tenure for between five and seven years, whereas within the our provincial operations we’ve got security all the time we’re still doing a good job and satisfying our passengers’ aspirations.” Where does Metrobus go from here? “We serve East Grinstead in the east, beyond which there are fields, a couple of years ago we bought Horsham. Further west, Guildford is well served by incumbent operators. South is Brighton & Hove and north is TfL. We maintain awareness of our options for expansion but for the time being our efforts are better spent consolidating what we have and continuing to hone our costs to arrive at competitive bids for London contracts.”
www.coachandbusweek.com
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DELIVERIES
Phil Fletcher, Volvo Bus sales manager, and Andrew Wickham, Plymouth Citybus MD, at the handover
PLYMOUTH CITYBUS Plymouth Citybus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, has taken delivery of ten new Volvo Euro 5 B7RLE buses with Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodywork, following the £1.6m order announcement earlier this year. Volvo’s Bus Sales
manager, Phil Fletcher, met with Andrew Wickham, MD of Plymouth Citybus, to complete the handover. “We’re delighted as this is our largest number of new buses for at least five years,” said Andrew Wickham. “They look superb and are going into service later this week.” Phil Fletcher said: “We’ve worked alongside Wrightbus for a long time, which is
clearly demonstrated in the quality and popularity of the combination. Regionally this is a big delivery for Volvo and hopefully a platform for further growth in the area.” The buses feature 41 passenger seats with red and cream leather trim and ample internal space for pushchairs and wheelchair users. They will run on Plymouth Citybus route 43 which connects Plymouth City centre with Ernesettle.
Evo Travel Evo Travel has taken delivery of a 53-seat Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. Based in Shepherds Bush, West London, Evo Travel will use the coach for private hire, UK tours and airport transfers. The 12.2-metre Tourismo features cruise control and
FACT FILE
Chassis/body Volvo B7RLE
Wrightbus
Engine D7E 7.1 litre in-line Transmission 6-speed ZF
Ecolife
Seats 41 Spec Plymouth Citybus Supplied by
Volvo 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/en-gb
Area sales Manager Andrew Nixon and managing director, Pedro Fecheira with the new purchase
STOTTS OF HUDDERSFIELD Stotts of Huddersfield has chosen two Plaxton Elites as the latest additions to its coach fleet. The Volvo B9R-based Elites are the first for the company, joining a fleet comprised mostly of Plaxton Panther and Paragon models which now includes five B9Rs. Director Carl Stott commented: “We like the Plaxton-Volvo combination, it works for us and choosing the Elite adds value to the business. We continually reinvest in a modern fleet and the strikingly different look of the Elite clearly demonstrates this to our customers - they have the ‘wow’ factor! “We have received great comments from the drivers
a range of safety features including ESP, Brake Assist and EBS. Durabrite alloy wheels were also fitted. Travel Star Xtra seats have two point seatbelts, armrests, leather headrests and aisle-side lateral adjustment. Other specification includes double glazing, Webasto pre-heater, roof mounted air conditioning, driver’s area climate control and a Coach
by a Blaupunkt CD/Radio/PA system enhanced with a DVD player and monitor. Stotts applied its own distinctive graphics with a compass pattern to the Elite’s white base while Alcoa Durabrite alloy wheels embellish the vehicles’ appearance. ‘Road Angel’ live tracking has been installed by Stotts to monitor the vehicles’ progress 24 hours a day. FACT FILE
and we are very pleased with Plaxton’s build quality.” Stotts’ new Elites are 12.6m long featuring 51/53 Politechnica GTV reclining seats incorporating three point all age seat belts and drinks holders are upholstered in dark red
moquette with cream leather piping and headrest inserts. The interior includes red moquette trimmed aircraft style overhead lockers, grey roof linings, cream curtains and a courier seat. Climate control is delivered via an integrated Thermo-
King roof-mounted air conditioning unit together with strongly tinted windows. The specification also includes a sunken toilet/ washroom with servery area above, fridge and offside continental door. Entertainment is provided
Chassis/body Plaxton Elite Volvo B9R Engine Volvo 9 Litre D9B 380bhp Euro 5 Transmission Volvo I-Shift Seats 51/53 Spec Touring Supplied by
Plaxton Coach Sales 01909 551166 http://plaxtoncoachsales.co.uk
For all the latest industry news and information, register with us online at:
www.coachandbusweek.com
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Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? Email all the details and pictures to cbwinbox@ rouncymedia.co.uk
2000 multi-media system with DVD/CD/PA and two 15’’ flat screen monitors, reverse camera and a fridge. Managing director, Pedro Fecheira, started the business nine years ago working for tourism companies from Spain and Portugal. “Evo Travel, formerly, Executive Travel, has been a loyal EvoBus customer, purchasing a new vehicle every year for the last five years,” area sales manager Andrew Nixon commented. FACT FILE
Chassis/body Mercedes-Benz
Tourismo (Integral) Engine OM 457 LA 260 kW Euro 5 Transmission ZF Ecolife 6 speed fully automatic Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by
Evo Bus 02476 626000 www.evobus.co.uk
Doig’s of Glasgow Doig’s of Glasgow has purchased a new high specification Volvo B9R coach with Sunsundegui bodywork for its Platinum Service. The 13-metre, two-axle coach has been brought in to supplement the existing fleet, working across a range of high-end private hire contracts. Specified with Volvo’s D9 9.4-litre engine, rated at 380hp, coupled to the I-Shift gearbox, it was fitted with Alcoa Durabright wheels to enhance its appearance. It has been liveried with a special Platinum Service design which marks the 21st anniversary of Doig’s. Featuring 53 full leather seats, with three point safety belts, air-conditioning, demountable toilet and four
TV screens linked to an onboard DVD player, the coach boasts a luxurious interior. The operator also has the option to transform the coach into a 45 seater by deploying the full size table layout option. The new vehicle is also specified with built-in reversing camera to support the driver and on-board CCTV cameras to provide added security for passengers.
Over half of the Doig’s fleet of 20 vehicles are based on Volvo chassis, demonstrating the strong relationship between Doig’s and the manufacturer. “When the requirement came about to purchase a new coach for our Platinum Service the Volvo B9R seemed the obvious choice,” explained Doig’s director, Iain Forsyth. “We like the Volvo Sunsundegui combination
on the B9R and we have a great relationship with Volvo Bus and its regional sales manager, Duncan Crosby. “We particularly liked the high specification nature of this vehicle and especially the increased flexibility allowing us to adjust the seating - enabling use of full size tables if required. Also the aftermarket support we get with Volvo is important, because it gives us the reassurance we need on our private hire contracts.” FACT FILE
Chassis/body Volvo B9R Sunsundegui Engine Volvo D9 9.4 litre Transmission Volvo I-Shift Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by
Volvo 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/en-gb
www.coachandbusweek.com
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COACH&BUSMARKET – the place to buy and sell
To advertise on these pages for as little as £30 just call 01733 293247 2008 DAF Marco Polo
Very low mileage (70,000km), in excellent condition, 53 seats, rear engine mount, automatic transmission, A/C, PA, CD/radio, TV/video/DVD, fridge, ABS, cruise control, reclining seats, seat belts, luggage storage, side locker, wheel trims. Price: €140,000 Contact: Andrew Treacy, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland Phone: 00353 96 22563 • Mob: 00353 86 2558947 • Email: treacycoaches@eircom.net
2005 (55) Caetano Optimo V
DAF MB230 • Van Hool Bodywork, • 1989 • 53 belted seats • rear toilet • MoT until 12/04/2013
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
£6,000 + VAT Tel: 01209 717 152 Mobile: 07885 298 383
...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.
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
2004 (54) Neoplan Starliner Tri-Axle Corporate/Team Coach
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
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
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk
553368-1030-Pembridge
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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
(06) Peugeot Boxer 17 seat 3.5ton minibus 2.2 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, rear row of seats on tracking, 14,500 miles only £9,995
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%
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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.
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.
1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LEDʼs, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.
2000 DAF SB120
2004/5 SCANIA K114 AND 124’S
ZF automatics, Irizar PB bodies, 49 leather seats, toilets, air-con, £53,500.
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.
2006 OPTARE SOLO’S
1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS
ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 350, air-con, 57 seats.
1998 DAF SB3000
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
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nbus ER SPECIALIST 1998 MERCEDES 814
Manual, Plaxton Cheetah, 25 seats, long MOT.
GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!
2001 Y REG DENNIS DART MPD’s
Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 29 seats, LEZ compliant post 2012 with traps, DDA compliant, long MOTʼs.
1998/9 R and T reg Dart SLFʼs with Plaxton or Alexander bodies, 35 seats, single door, long tests.
Hanover LEDʼs, East Lancs Myllenium body, 39 seats.
2003 MAN 14220
Euro 3, ZF automatics, 35 seats, East Lancs Myllenium bodies.
2003 MAN 11.2220’S
Euro 4, Wrights Gemini bodies, dual door, 68 seats.
Cummins Euro 3 ISB engines, Allison gearboxes, Caetano Nimbus bodies, 10.7m, 37 seats, full DDA.
£7000 just spend on recon engine, MCV Evolution body, 40 seats, DDA, Hanover LEDʼs.
2002 DENNIS DART SLF’S
1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats or 70 when converted to single door.
1997/98 P/R/S REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Alexander RL low height bodies, LWB, 87 seats.
2007 VOLVO B9TL’S
2007 MAN 14.220
Voith automatic, East Lancs body, 49 dual purpose seats just retrimmed, supplied with new MOT.
1995 N REG SCANIA L113
ZF automatic, SLF, Wrights body.
2000 X REG VOLVO B6
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com
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HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN 01942 864222 THE NORTH WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, SUPPLYING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS
05 BMC PROBUS 850
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
READY TO WORK
PSV’d 57 FORD TRANSIT MWB, covered 64,000 miles, factory spec minibus, 8/11 passenger seats, twin SLDs, full electric pack, choice of 2, excellent value £8,995
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
03 MERCEDES SPRINTER 208 CDI covered only 17,000 and 24,000 miles, lots of Unwin tracking, 8/11 highback passenger seats, SLD with cassette step, external Ratcliffe cassette tailift, air conditioning, totally immaculate and give excellent value for money, choice of 2 £8,995
READY TO WORK
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
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
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
LEZ
PSV’d
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
PSV’d
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
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
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 £14,995
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
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50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
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
COACH&BUSMARKET
“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.
Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Buy 3 weeks get a 4th week
FREE!
Contact Jade Cassidy now for details of our current offers : 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk
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
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
BUS & CO A CH S A LE S
2010 2010 2006 2006 2005
MAN Panther DDA 49 seats A/C front w/chair lift Volvo B12B Prestige 49/51 sts A/C Mercedes Touro 49 seats A/C MAN Plaxton 49 seats A/C Iveco Beulas 49 seats A/C
2004 2004 2004 2003 2003
MAN Marco Polo 70 seats A/C Volvo B12B Caetano Enigma 49 sts A/C MAN Noge Catalan 51 seats A/C MAN Marco Polo 70 seats Volvo B12M Caetano Enigma 49 seats A/C
2003 2000 1998 1998 1996
Volvo B12B Caetano 48 seats A/C Iveco Beulas 49 seats A/C Volvo B10M Excalibur 49 seats Merc Beaver 27 seats Volvo Strider 49 seats
TO VIEW CALL 07979 295668
555016-1031-Pickrell
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H.W. PICKRELL MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES
Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951
Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk
Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.
WH E E LCH AIR ACCE S S IBL E MI NI BUS E S
PART EXCHANGE - V REG M ERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
56 REG IVECO DAILY 40c12 IRIS BUS 2.3 TURBO DIESEL
Manual gearbox, LWB, PAS, side loading door, AVS electric step, 12 high back removable seats, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex-local charity, COIFʼd, tacho fitted, 47,827 kms only.
Auto gearbox, UVG Treka bus conversion, power entry door with low entry step, 8-16 x high back removable seats, Eberspacher air con, ex local authority, COIF'd, tacho fitted, non LEZ, choice of 6.
09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI
Manual 5 speed gearbox, PAS, CD player, air con, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, double passenger seat front, cut out floor, fold down ramp, blue metallic silver, alloy wheels, 14,932 miles.
56 REG RENAULT MASTER LM 35 2.5TD
58 REG FORD TRANSIT TOURNEO CONNECT 1.8 HDI
2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD
06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD
Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 8 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 41,225 miles.
Manual gearbox, CD, electric windows & mirrors, A/C, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, single passenger seat front, cut out floor, air suspension, fold down ramp, high spec, 24,000 miles.
Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, modified low floor, electric winch & fold out ramp, 15,491 miles.
Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 21253.441 miles.
2010 10 REG RENAULT MASTER LM 35 2.5TD
07 REG RENAULT MASTER LH35 2.5TD
2008 57 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO LH28 2.0 TD
60 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.5TD
Manual, LWB, O & H (NICU) ambulance conversion, 3 rear seats, all wipe clean, Ricon stretcher lift, a/c, Eberspacher, storage units, Unwin tracking, ex NHS, low miles 6,700 miles only (NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
LWB, hi roof, multi purpose office/comms unit, PAS, SLD with AVS side step, awning, 3 x workstations, amber light, bars front and rear, overhead storage lockers, heating, generator, microwave, tv, only 1,500 miles.
Manual gearbox, hi roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 30,280 miles only.
Manual gearbox, high roof, Advance conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 2,060 miles only.
54 REG M ERCEDES SPRINT ER 411 CDI
06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD
2004/05 54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI AMBULANCE
07 REG F ORD TRANSIT 350 2.4TD
Tiptronic gearbox, Euromotive PSC bus conversion, front entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back removable seats, Eberspacher, ex local authority, COIF'd, tacho fitted, only 66,780 kms.
Manual gearbox, high roof, Widnes conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Portaramp & winch, 8,947 miles.
LWB, Macneillie van conversion, SLD, 2 rear high back seats, Ferno Falcon stretcher & locks, stretcher lift, blue light bars and siren, very high spec, low miles 65-85,000 miles only, choice of 8.
Long wheelbase, high roof, 6 seater crew van, PAS, SLD, rear partion for storage & tools in rear, Eberspacher heater, overhead storage, microwave, hot water box, wash facilties, 27,000 miles only.
2008 57 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD
06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD
07 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 313CDI 2.2
2004 54 REG IVECO 50c13 IRIS BUS 2.8 TURBO DIESEL
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, new conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 14 high back seats, AMF m2 fully tracked floor, new Ricon tail lift, tacho fitted, only 62,794kms (39,020 miles).
Automatic gearbox, high roof, SCW conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 7 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 11,831 miles.
6 speed manual, a/c, Frank Guy crew van, side loading door, 8 x high back Cogent reclining removable seats, tracked floor, large storage area ideal airport shuttle bus, 34,500 miles only, choice of two.
Manual, LWB, PAS, factory conversion, electric windows, cruise control, low front entry slam door, 16 high back seats with all age seat belts, full air con, exlocal authority, COIF, new PSV MOT, only 80,341 kms.
06 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD
Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 17,491 miles.
2012 UN-REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, new conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 11 high back CT seats, m2 tested fully tracked floor, roof vent, new AMF tail lift.
53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416 CDI
4x4 ambulance, LWB, Wilker box body conversion, full air con/climate, side loading door, 3 high back seats, Falcon stretcher, PLS stretcher lift, very high spec, one owner ex Air Force, only 25,950 kms.
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52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
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Southdown PSV Bus Sales 01342 711 840
www.southdownpsv.co.uk
2006 (56) ADL ENVIRO 200 SLF 8.9m 29 Seats - choice of 2 Mo phot re os web on site
• Cummins ISBe 3.9 Euro 3 engines • Allison 2100 gearboxes • 29 seats/22 standees • Fully DDA compliant • MOT to March 2013 • 2012 Repaints • £45,000 each + VAT
Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN
2005 (55) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS 115PS COIF/PSV IN WHITE 77,500MLS TACHO £9,495
2011 (11) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS SILVER METALLIC 115PS TACHO 1,450MLS COIF/PSV £20,995
2006 (55) LDV CONVOY ELWB MINI COACH 17 SEATS 90PS EXCEL CONVERSION COIF/PSV TACHO £11,995
2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS 140PS COIF/PSVWHITE 35,960KMS (22,350MLS) £17,995
2006 (06) MERCEDES SPRINTER 311CDI MWB W/CHAIR ACCESS 14,000MLS COIF/PSV £17,495
2010 (60) RENAULT TRAFFIC 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE DELIVERY MILEAGE £24,995
VANFIT & LDV PARTS STOCKIST
(PONTYPOOL) LTD
NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 516CDI ALTAS CONVERSION 17 SEAT MINICOACH £65,995 NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock
07 (07) LDV MAXUS W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE 4 SEAT INBOARD LIFT UNWIN TRACKING £12,495
16:09
08 (58) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS WHITE 115PS 56,000MLS DIGI TACHO COIF/PSV £14,995
10/4/12
2007 (56) MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 CDi 14 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS SPRINTSHIFT STANFORD CONVERSION 68,000 MILES COIF/PSV £17,995
p53_CBW_1031 Page 1
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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 2012
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. 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
MAYPOLE COACHES COACH OPERATORS FOR OVER 50 YEARS DUE TO RESTRUCTURING HAVE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES FOR SALE: Belted, S/D con, tacho, Eminox, Euro 4, driver air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT £16,000 + VAT
81 SEATS VOLVO OLYMPIAN
Eminox exhaust, air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT, £11,500 + VAT
74 SEAT BELTED
As above £10,000 + VAT
74 SEATS WITHOUT BELTS
1994 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE
Retrimmed 2 yr ago, 12 mths MOT, 51 seats with belts, toilet, DVD/monitor £12,500 + VAT
1993 VOLVO B10M VANHOOL T8 BODYWORK
12 mths MOT, toilet, DVD/monitor, 49 seats with belts £11,000 + VAT 63 seats, ZF auto, 3 point belts, 12 mths MOT, tacho £5,500 + VAT
1992 LEYLAND LYNX
60 coach seats 3 point belts,Cummins/ Allison, 12 mths MOT, tacho, radio £5,900 + VAT
1996 BLUEBIRD BUS
Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778
554445-1031-Connaught
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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 REG MERCEDES UNVI RIADA 29 high back reclining seats, AC/DG, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot, LEZ compliant.
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
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SDRC0ACHhelp
56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 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 10% discount until the end of April
Bus and Coach
Open Days 25th & 26th April 2012 You are welcome to call in and view
New & Used Coaches and Buses 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 10% discount until the end of April
D L O S
Lodge Garage, Whitehall Road West Gomersal, Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BD19 4BJ
01274 681144
Email: busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk
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 10% discount until the end of April
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... 10% discount until the end of April
Merc V8/AsTronic box, 75str, white ext/blue int, air con, drinks, fridge, ski box, 160,000 miles since factory engine, MoT Oct 2012, Eminox fitted to Euro 4, RPC for reduced road tax (£190 P/A), very good condition, low mileage coach. Ideal people mover for the Olympics. £103,000 + VAT ono £95,000 + VAT ono
NEOPLAN SKYLINER 2003
1 - 7.8SE 23str with seat belts and semi coach seats, digi tacho, radio, approx 142,000 miles. MoT June 2012 £46,500 + VAT ono 2 - 7.1SE 23str approx 195,000 miles, MoT May 2012 £44,500 + VAT ono £42,500 + VAT ono Both vehicles Euro 4 Mercedes engines, white exterior/blue interior, Hanover destination, vgc.
2 OPTARE SOLOS 2007
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
SOLD
Tel: 01296 398300 Motts Travel, Buckinghamshire
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April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57
58 Plate Volvo Sunsundegui B9R 49/53 seat coach, interior blue cloth with leather head rests, I Shift gearbox, 2 screens, colour light blue metallic.
57 Plate Volvo Alizee B12B Euro 4, T9 Alicron 12.15M, cloth seats with leather head rests, 2 screens, I Shift gearbox, colour blue.
No deposit finance lease available up to 5 years subject to underwriting
Close Asset Finance
For all enquiries please contact Jim Bentley 07786 986600 or Marie Duffy 01355 572366
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
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COACH&BUSMARKET
T F E L 1 Y L N O
Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Advertisements from as little as £30 per week
OFFERS INVITED
Contact Jade Cassidy now for details of our current offers : 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
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April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED 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
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
CHECKPOINTS
HEATING
# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #
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
HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
BUSESWANTED WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED
AUDIO &VIDEO
# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #
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
FUEL
Don’t forget to say that you saw it in
TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:
Tel: 01524 271200 www.checkpoint-safety.com
‘Stop Fuel Theft’ Prevents access to tank, while allowing unrestricted filling Prevents trash being put into tank Wide range to suit most coach and bus fuel tanks
Contact JBL Mechanical Engineers Green Fields • Stanton • Shrewsbury • Shropshire SY4 4LR
ENGINES
Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS
WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES
Direct from the UK’s No.1 since 1975
Tel: 01939 251 351• Fax: 01939 251 051 Mobile: 07831 332 913 GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Commercial Garage Equipment Brake Testers
Inspection Pits
Commercial Lifts
Mobile Lifts
Tel: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk
Call now for a quote or more information
01270 526333
Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers
www.creweengines.co.uk
VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES
REGISTRATIONS G £750 22 TXA 50 PXP 80 HXE ALZ 303 AXZ 88 ECR 767 IIG 62 JUI 808 RXI 85
SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’
£350 £99 £99 £50 JBZ 484 HIG 5651 MNZ 1195 AXZ 5648 MKZ 686 HIG 5652 ONZ 1180 CXZ 4470 NUI 636 IIG 7764 REZ 3369 CXZ 4471 PDZ 818 IIG 7765 RUI 2119 DRZ 7321 PXI 494 JIG 1575 SEZ 8950 DRZ 7322 RBZ 868 JIG 1576 SUI 2171 IFZ 8428 SCZ 878 KIG 1902 SUI 2172 IFZ 8429 YIB 303 KIG 1903 TJZ 1116 JFZ 3260 YIL 696 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 JFZ 3261 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
£50 JFZ 3262 JIG 9765 JIG 9766 KIG 4214 KIG 4215 RNZ 2144 RNZ 2145 TUI 5711 TUI 5712
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COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED TRAINING
TICKETING
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED Looking for a great deal to promote your products and services? Contact Jade Cassidy now for our current offers: 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
TYRES
• Tyre fitting machine now available •
APRIL 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
www.tdtyres.com
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
r e b m u N w e N 01684 560029 Adam : 07841 239411 Mark : 07545 735303 All prices subject to VAT and availability.
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April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED TRIM
VEHICLE SPARES
New Van & Minibus Parts 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.
Transit bodyshell
Leyland GB397,390
Master side doors
Sprinter 906 new model doors
Sprinter 616 axle
Sprinter LT old model doors
Mercedes drivers seat
Nissan 2.7 TD engine
Renault 1.9 CDI engine
Transit 17 seater
Transit Millenium doors
Transit Tourneo seats
Sharan Galaxy 1.9 CDI
ZF 16S-109
ZA Astronic 12-AS-1920-TD
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229 VEHICLE INSPECTION/TRAINING
• HGV & PCV inspections • Maintenance audits • HGV & PCV training courses • Due diligence inspections and reports info@viats.com www.viats.com 077 0234 9080
www.cabmasters.com 01706 211 838
VEHICLE SPARES
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •
Recovery
•
Testing
• • • • • • • •
Refurbishment Repairs
Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding
Buying & selling vehicles
DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •
Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows
Windscreens Seats
Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd
TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY
Export to foreign markets Repairs
Finance repossession and storage
CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ
Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
www.twigley.com
62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 11, 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
Bizarre Autoglass calls Autoglass has revealed its top 10 bizarre calls from UK motorists in 2011. The well-known vehicle glass repair and replacement firm says dangers on the road last year included a kamikaze duck, an “evil pheasant” and…Susan Boyle. Matthew Mycock, Autoglass managing director, said: “Our technicians are always ready to deal with the unexpected but even they are sometimes surprised by the calls they receive.” The top wacky reasons for callouts to Autoglass for 2011 were: duck – a marauding 1 Suicidal mallard flew clean through the windscreen of one car it – a motorist 2 Blast accidentally fired his shotgun inside his vehicle pheasant – an 3 Unpleasant “evil” bird hovered above a car before swooping for the kill strikes – a driver needed 4 SuBo assistance after reporting he had cracked his windscreen using a Susan Boyle CD to scrape away ice balls – a man parked his 5 Golf car in front of a golf course wrong – a rattling 6 Smells windscreen was actually an air freshener hitting the glass sunroof – a leaky 7 Open windscreen was blamed for a soaked interior when the sunroof had been left open car – a motorist called 8 Wrong for a repair only to realise it’s for somebody else’s car it a chip? - a customer 9 Is called for a repair but her son had stuck a sweet to the screen joke – a snowball 10 Snow shattered a side window.
Dilbert
Monday: Press day. It’s a particularly stressful day. As ever, my sense of humour comes into play – it’s always best to laugh. Thanks to a sterling team effort, finish much earlier than I anticipated, due in no small part to art director Keith. Tuesday: To mitigate a shorter working week, all of us on the editorial team start in the office mid morning. We steam through the mountain of work. I am, however, on semi-autopilot – I keep making stupid spelling mistakes. Ah the joys of tiredness… Wednesday: A hectic day in the office but I decide I mustn’t let things and people get to me. It’s time for me to practice what I preach: ‘you’re not paid to get stressed’, as I used to tell former colleagues at Travel West Midlands. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, is now home to this peculiar looking vehicle. The famous Knight bus, known from the Harry Potter films and books, is on display at the studio just outside Watford, which opened its doors to the public on March 31. An AEC Regent III RT was literally ‘decked out’ in a purple livery and extra floor for the successful film series – as pictured here by CTC CEO Chris Wales. As the story goes, the Knight bus assists stranded individuals of the wizarding community. It operates at a very fast speed and obstacles will jump out of its way. To hail the bus, a witch or wizard must stick their wand hand in the air in the same way a taxi is hailed. The bus probably wouldn’t pass a VOSA check-up, as it apparently lacks many safety features. During journeys both passengers and luggage are thrown around the inside of the bus during its haphazard manoeuvres, which famously include being able to squeeze between very tight gaps. It’s not known for certain where the bus got its name, but it is thought it is named after London’s night buses. Harry Potter fans can find out more about the studio tour at www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Thursday: Another hectic day but one where I ensure we all enjoy a steady stream of laughs. Finalising the flat plan is akin to a tough jigsaw – the pieces are there, the task is to squeeze them all into logical spaces, while maintaining the happy medium between editorial and advertising. Escape ‘back home’ to my native Welsh borderland. Depart Peterborough at 2000hrs and enjoy a smooth 150-mile drive along a congestionfree A14, M6 and M54 – even if kamikazes who overtake trucks on the A605 near Oundle are out in force. With snow on the fields, the weather is noticeably colder at my parents. Good Friday: Take my fiancée and mother to the Moreton Park Garden Centre near Chirk. While there, I snap some pics of Dudley’s Coaches and Sim’s Travel. After lunch, my fiancée takes her first steps across Pontcysyllte, the world-famous aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal. It’s certainly not for the fainthearted but my mum managed to cure her fear of heights while crossing it some four years ago.
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RECRUITMENT
Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
April 11, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63
Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484
ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk
NCT engineering director retires after 50 years
Phil Medlicott begins a month long handover in June as John Conroy retires
UK Bus management appointments for Stagecoach Stagecoach has announced a number of senior management appointments in its UK Bus division. Stagecoach North East MD John Conroy has announced his intention to retire at the end of June. His replacement Phil Medlicott, current managing director, Stagecoach South East, begins a month-long handover on June 1, 2012, with Stagecoach UK Bus commercial manager Paul Southgate replacing him from June 1. Stagecoach also made two changes to its UK Bus marketing team. Current Stagecoach NE
marketing manager Jodine Milne is appointed to a new role of Stagecoach UK Bus marketing manager, effective from May 1. Helen Martin, marketing manager at Stagecoach South and Stagecoach South East, switches to the NE role from June 1. Les Warneford, managing director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “I would like to thank John for his loyalty and commitment to Stagecoach for many years. His knowledge and experience has been invaluable and we wish him all the best in his retirement. I would also like to congratulate Phil and Paul on their appointments and look forward to continuing to work with them to make further improvements for bus passengers in north east and south east. “Congratulations also go to Jodine and Helen on their new roles.”
The Go-Ahead Group has appointed Richard Stevens as the new managing director of Plymouth Citybus. Richard is currently operations and commercial director for Stagecoach South West. He joins Go-Ahead on May 1, succeeding Andrew Wickham, who was appointed managing director of Go South Coast at the end of last year. David Brown, group chief executive for Go-Ahead, said: “I am delighted Richard is joining Go-Ahead to lead Plymouth Citybus. He has more than 10 years’ senior experience working in the South West and significant
knowledge of the industry. He will play a key role in further developing Plymouth Citybus’ reputation as the community’s customer-focused, local bus operator.” Before joining Stagecoach in 2004, Richard was operations director for First Devon and Cornwall. He has held several managerial roles in Devon and Cornwall, starting his transport career in 1990 as a driver. Richard said: “I look forward to my new appointment with great enthusiasm and to working with the Plymouth Citybus team and local stakeholders to deliver improvements to passengers.”
Nottingham City Transport’s engineering director, Barry Baxter, retires this month after 10 years with the company and an impressive 50 years in the industry. Barry’s career began in 1962 when he took on the role of apprentice fitter for National Bus Company in Wakefield aged 15. Working his way up through the ranks, at 23 he became one of the youngest engineering managers in the company, overseeing two depots in Liverpool. “I must have had an old head on young shoulders in those days and I don’t think the fitters and drivers realised just how young I was!” said Barry. “I’m not sure how they would feel about the boss being a 23-yearold back then, but they never asked, I never told, and I spent the next few years juggling two roles – being a manager, and being a dad to three
young daughters.” In 1976, Barry applied for a role at United Transport Overseas. He got the job and moved his whole family to Malawi in Africa, where they happily spent the next 15 years.
Barry Baxter retires after a career spanning continents and decades
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New managing director for Plymouth Citybus
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Coach & Bus Week’s well-established recruitment portfolio attracts candidates across sales, marketing and management, delivering not just quantity but quality candidates, providing exceptional value for money. In addition to our unrivalled print-based product, at no extra cost recruitment adverts are also automatically placed online at www.coachandbusweek.com, where they remain on view until a position’s closing date. Coach & Bus Week and www.coachandbusweek.com combine to create the ultimate recruitment solution, guaranteeing your vacancy is seen by every jobseeker that matters from sales agents to board level. To get your vacancy seen by quality candidates, call Ian Gillis on 01733 293484 or email ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
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