Wednesday August 1, 2012 Issue 1047 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
Tributes paid to popular operator Stephen Mayne p8
FOCUS:
BUS:
Satisfaction survey Royal blue livery shows gains for Centro for First's BRT-style and NXWM p14 Streetcar unveiled p6
PEOPLE:
Interview with retired Arriva Midlands MD Bob Hind p26
for recruitm
JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK
Ensign Bus: heritage hire in vogue
RECRUIT N
OW
p20
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August 1, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3
THIS WEEK
Coach & Bus Week, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard 01733 293240 Fax 0845 280 2927 Web www.coachandbusweek.com Distributed by COMAG
EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com Features Editor Andrew Cream 01733 293482 andrew.cream@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter Alex Tyler 01733 293240 alex.tyler@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Tim Deakin, Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling
ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Sales Executive Victoria Marshall 01733 293248 victoria.marshall@coachandbusweek.com Classified Sales Executive Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk
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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2012 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.
A second chance for ftr
S
treetcar (otherwise known as ‘ftr’) is being given a second chance following a complete makeover and redeployment in October in a BRT-style operation with bus priority linking Leeds and Bradford. First is promising an initial daytime frequency of seven minutes coupled with comfortable seating and on-board WiFi in a bid to woo customers from their cars on what have been termed the seventhbusiest roads in Europe and the busiest in the UK. Maybe this time Streetcar will gel with busy commuters where it somehow failed to capture the hearts of people in York. The idea of bendy-buses in an ancient city never quite hit the mark with local politicians either. It’s an ambitious plan with a serious intention to relieve some of the congestion on the route yet one can’t help but feel the operation will be woefully underfunded. To breed the level of success achieved by the Cambridgeshire
Guided Busway you need a dedicated busway with the accompanying major investment in infrastructure to support such a scheme. Priority schemes for this new Streetcar operation may help but it’s unlikely they will be sufficient given the high volumes of existing traffic with which it is expected to travel. Stealing existing roadspace from other users by creating bus-only lanes will only generate ill-feeling towards the industry in general. What passengers can look forward to is a comfortable environment and a relatively stress-free journey (as long as it doesn’t run late). If the scheme is successful and growth maximises its capacity, it may trigger investment funding for vastly improved infrastructure to provide some dedicated lanes. BRT works well where it’s properly implemented – investment is the vital ingredient. Martin Cole Technical Editor
CONTENTS 4
16
28
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
10
...From tourist attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits
18
An unusual, artisic take on Plaxton’s Spring Open Event at Anston
Van Hool explains low-cost plant. 500 BYD electric buses for Uruguay
12
Stagecoach NE drivers’ exceptional accumulated years of service
20
A look at suppliers of specialist PSV security and insurance
Stagecoach Hull extends discounted travel to include 16-18 year-olds
14
Sales, conversions, local bus and now growth in heritage fleet hires
26
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Gareth’s Diary!
Passenger Focus survey: increased satisfaction in Centro and NXWM
An interview with career busman Bob Hind, who retired on Friday
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
International News Regional News News Focus
Tour News
Drivers’ News
Operator Update Face to Face
The Big Picture
30
Essential Guide
53
Last Stop
54
People
The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach and Bus Week Ltd.
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 | August 1, 2012
news
“If we get an inquiry, we invite customers here which seems to impress them. It gives customers confidence – we don’t run out of a farm...” Peter Newman Ensign Bus
briefly A £50,000 scheme to upgrade Cannock bus station got underway on Monday (July 30). The work includes safety improvements following the death of 74-year-old coach passenger Ann Draper in an accident at the station in July 2010. Bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, kerb areas and entrance and exits will be upgraded. Information boards and signs are also due to be improved and a new shelter for coach parties is to be created. Funding for the works comes from the £300,000 Town Centre Improvement Fund and is being carried out by Staffordshire County Council on behalf of Cannock Chase Council. A reader has contacted the CBW office asking us to help him get in touch with an old friend. John Coates Farrow is looking to contact Michael Dennison and has supplied us with some information which might help jog our readers’ memories. They met at Gateshead Technical College on a Vehicle Technicians Course. Michael served his apprenticeship with Tyneside Omnibus Company in Newcastle and the last time John spoke to Michael, he was Senior Engineer at the London Bus Company. John is now living in Thailand and said: “I would like to get back in touch with Michael as we were good friends and now at 63 years old the clock is ticking.” If anyone has any information which might help John locate his colleague, please email us at kirstyn.hunt@ coachandbusweek.com Nottingham City Transport has become the first local bus company to launch a specific ‘mobile-friendly’ version of its website, making its extensive online content available for smart phone and Blackberry users. Nottingham City Transport Marketing Manager Anthony Carver-Smith commented: “Our new mobile website has been specifically designed to be used on a smaller mobile screen and to work with common smart phone menus – including Blackberries. It means that our passengers now have yet another way they can easily plan their bus journeys in and around the city.” www.coachandbusweek.com
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Operator Update p20
Arriva shines at IRTE Skills Challenge Operator takes home seven awards including Outstanding Achievement Professionals from the bus and coach industry gathered at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon to name the winners of the IRTE Skills Challenge at a winners’ ceremony on July 25. The competition is organised by the IRTE, a professional sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), and is aimed at technicians who maintain and repair the country’s buses and coaches. The competition took place over three days at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol, with a series of mechanical, electrical and bodywork tests designed to focus on areas affecting transport reliability and safety. Operator Arriva was the big winner this year, taking home seven of the awards, including the IRTE Award for Outstanding Achievement.
IRTE Skills Challenge 2012 Winners: n Top Scoring Mechanical Technician (sponsored by Allison Transmission): Ian Challoner – Wilts & Dorset Bus Company, Salisbury n Top Scoring Electrical Technician (sponsored by Shell): Colin Harris – Arriva (Technician team) n Top Scoring Bodywork Technician (sponsored by Delphi): Charlie
Stagecoach announces expanded bus network in Devon
Stagecoach announced on July 25 it is introducing an expanded bus network in Devon, providing new services and creating a small number of additional jobs. The new registered services largely mirror the services previously operated
Devlin – Arriva (Technician team) n Electrical, Mechanical & Bodywork Combined Award (sponsored by Knorr-Bremse): Wilts & Dorset Bus Company Salisbury – Ian Challoner, Paul Read, Bill Tinsley n Mechanical & Electrical Award (sponsored by Bridgestone): Translink – William Scott & Adam McGrath n IRTE Award for Outstanding Achievement: Arriva (Technician team) – Glenn Cooke, Colin Harris, Charlie Devlin n Top Scoring Mechanical Apprentice: Tom Hubbard – Arriva (Apprentice team) n Top Scoring Electrical Apprentice: Ross Moffatt – Arriva (Apprentice team) n Top Scoring Bodywork
The IRTE Skills Challenge took place at S&B Academy in Bristol by First. From Monday September 24, the new and expanded services will be operated out of the company’s depot in Barnstaple, which currently employs around 120 staff and runs around 50 buses. Around 12 extra vehicles will be added to the fleet and Stagecoach is recruiting new drivers. New services will include: n Service X7, an express direct service, will run hourly between South Molton and Barnstaple Bus Station n Service X9 will provide a link between Bude, Holswothy, Okehampton and Exeter, with
Apprentice: Wayne Stanton – Arriva (Apprentice team) Lloyd Mason, Engineer Trainer with Arriva said: “It’s been a good day for Arriva. We prepared for the competition with a series of internal challenges and the competing teams were based on the best performers from this. We’re pleased it’s paid dividends here today and we’ll most definitely be back at the Skills Challenge next year.” Technical Engineer David Carson from Translink was also delighted with his team’s win: “This is the second year in a row that Translink has won an award at the Skills Challenge. Bring on 2013!” Chief executive of VOSA, Alastair Peoples, presented the awards, donated by Halfords Trade, at the ceremony, calling the competition a ‘benchmark’ against which individuals and companies can measure themselves: “The Skills Challenge both acknowledges and rewards technicians and apprentices who demonstrate excellence in their fields, recognising and raising the profile of the operators who employ them.” “It’s really inspiring to be standing here in front of a room of bus industry professionals saying that the future of the bus and coach industry is in good hands.” Other operators competing in the 2012 IRTE Skills Challenge included Ipswich Buses, London Borough of Redbridge, MoD, Bluestar, Go-Ahead and trent barton. services running approximately every two hours. n Service 21 will now operate between Westward Ho!, Bideford, Instow Quay, Fremington, Barnstaple, Braunton, and Ilfracombe. n Service 21A will now operate between Appledore, Bideford, East the Water, Fremington, Barnstaple and Braunton. The expanded network will bring a boost to people in North Devon, whose services are currently under threat after First announced the closure of its Barnstaple depot. Stagecoach will provide:
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August 1, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5
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First Aberdeen network shake-up Following a three week consultation with customers, politicians and other stakeholders, First Aberdeen revealed it has submitted final plans to the Traffic Commissioner detailing changes to its bus network. The revised network will begin September 16 and includes; n Increasing the number of buses running on Service 3 so they run every 10 minutes instead of every 12. n Service 23 will run every ten minutes, from every 12. n Service 13 will run every 20 minutes, from every 30. n Service 19 will run every 12 minutes, from every 15. n Standardising services 1 and 2, providing more journeys for students and Garthdee residents and increasing the number of buses stopping at Robert Gordon University. n Almost doubling the number of buses stopping at Aberdeen Royal Hospital bus port. n Extending the Park and Ride to Dubford. n Introducing new evening and Sunday services linking Charleston with the city centre. First also confirmed some services will be reduced or removed as follows: n The Sunday Dubford service will be removed and regular services to Aberdeen Royal Hospital from Dubford will run every 60 minutes, from 30. n The evening services in n A 20min daytime service from Westward Ho! Bideford and Barnstaple to Ilfracombe with a 30min evening and Sunday service. n More links from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple Rail Station, particularly during the evening and on Sundays. n A 10min service between Northam, Bideford, Barnstaple and Braunton, with a 30min evening and Sunday service. n A 20min daytime service from Westward Ho! Bideford, Barnstaple and Ilfracombe to Instow Quay and hourly during the evening and on Sundays. n A 20min daytime service from
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New Scania CKD factory for India
First Aberdeen is planning to reduce and remove many of its services Craigiebuckler, Airyhall and Balnagask and services 25 and 6 will be removed. Following the consultation period, the company announced the following additions: n Service 4 will now operate via Cornhill Road to serve Aberdeen Maternity Unit n Airyhall will receive a Sunday service with an extension of Service 15 from Craigiebuckler. n Service 11 Northfield to city centre will operate along the existing Service 16 route. n Service 11 in Kingswells will now operate via Fairley Road in both directions. Duncan Cameron, Operations Director at First Aberdeen said: “The consultation period was the most comprehensive undertaken in recent years. We wanted to be open and transparent about our plans, explain the challenges we face as a commercial operator, and ultimately put in place a network that meets the needs of the majority of our customers. “I’d like to thank our customers Braunton, Barnstaple and Bideford to Appledore and a new hourly evening and Sunday service which extends to Ilfracombe. n A 20min daytime service from Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Instow and Bideford to Westward Ho! plus an hourly evening and Sunday service. n A 20min daytime service from Appledore, Bideford, East the Water and Barnstaple to Braunton and West Meadow Road. The X9 service will run in competition with Western Greyhounds extended 599, which the company registered extended journeys on last week.
for getting in touch with us. We’ve reviewed all their comments, listened closely to their concerns and I’m pleased we’ve been able to revise some of our plans to take account of the feedback. We will be responding to stakeholders to explain the reasons behind the changes.”
Scania Commercial Vehicles India held a ceremony last week at a new manufacturing site in Narasapura (20 km from Hosakote). The plant will house a completely knockeddown (CKD) assembly unit for truck and bus chassis, along with planned bodybuilding of citybuses and coaches. The new plant demonstrates Scania’s commitment to development in India alongside plans to invest INR 2.5bn (SEK 322m) in the new production facility over the next year. It is expected it will employ up to 800 people over the next five years. The CKD plant is being constructed on an area of about 140,000 m2 and the first completed trucks and buses are expected to leave the factory early next year.
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30/07/2012 22:43
6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 1, 2012
1968
news › BUSeS
The year Bob Hind started his career in the bus industry – as a parcel boy with Crosville
briefly First Devon & Cornwall is reducing the price of its FirstDay Southwest Family ticket to £10 for the summer. Normally priced at £18.70, from now until September 1, a family of five (max. two adults) can travel as much as they like on one day on First buses in Devon & Cornwall for £10. Network Warrington’s annual survey, carried out by Bestchart, shows: Overall satisfaction with service 96%, satisfaction with frequency of services 90%, satisfaction with reliability 90%, satisfaction with journey times 99%, satisfaction with fares charged 98%, satisfaction with bus quality 98% and satisfaction with driver attitude 97%. MD David Squire said: “These results are fantastic – they are an endorsement of the policies put in place last year.” The ‘700’ Sunderland Connect bus service began its summer timetable on July 28, linking Harbour View and Marine Walk to the city centre. Sunderland Connect, operating with hybrids, is a partnership between the City Council, Sunderland University and Nexus. The service is extended to the coast for six weeks. Sunderland City Cllr James Blackburn said: “We are keen to work with our partners to encourage more people to use public transport. I’m sure the service will be popular.” Buses run every 30 minutes, with an all-day hop-on-hop-off ticket costing £2 for adults and £1 for under 16s.
First unveils Leeds – Bradford BRTstyle Steetcar livery Future phases of the project will look at bus priority schemes for the rapid transit style service The new Leeds/Bradford Streetcar livery has been unveiled. The vehicle will be the centerpiece of a rapid transit style service between Leeds and Bradford, to be implemented at the end of October this year. First is working in partnership with West Yorkshire ITA (WYITA), Metro, Leeds City Council and Bradford Council, to establish the new transport project. The service aims to help ease car congestion on roads between Leeds and Bradford, after they
were recently labelled the most congested in the UK and the seventh most congested in Europe as part of a major study by TomTom. The new livery is supplemented by branding which First said signifies the economic and social importance of the two West Yorkshire cities. On-board facilities will include free WiFi and leather seating. Other benefits will include a seven-minute frequency during the Monday to Saturday daytime period and enhanced customer service training for staff will also take place to ensure the highest standards of
The streetcar service will include WiFi and leather seating
customer service are met. The local authorities are also supporting the project and at a recent West Yorkshire ITA meeting an initial £74,000 was earmarked for improvements to street infrastructure on the route. Future phases of the project will consider the feasibility of new bus priority schemes to speed up and reduce the variability of journey times on the corridor. First said it has committed to reinvest any surplus resources as a result of these developments into further frequency and network enhancements. Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First in the North of England, said: “We are excited to see the first images of the Streetcar and its striking royal blue livery, which will certainly catch the eye of existing and new bus customers. “On the run up to the launch in three months time, we will continue to keep our customers up to date with key information about this strategically important project which will bring significant economic and social benefits to Leeds and Bradford.”
Follow First West Yorkshire on its new Twitter feed at @FirstWYorks_bus
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30/07/2012 22:26
700
The number of vehicles Ensign Bus typically sells each year
Arson attack at Paignton destroys three vehicles Three buses have been destroyed in a suspected arson attack at Paignton bus station in South Devon. Police and fire service staff were called to the station at about 0425hrs after reports of a loud explosion. Two double-decker buses and one single-decker were destroyed at the site in Dartmouth Road, according to information from Devon and Cornwall Police. Nearby roads were closed, which reopened later in the day, and Stagecoach brought in replacement vehicles from Exeter. The incident caused damage estimated at about £120,000 and was being treated as suspected arson. Police and fire officers have begun a joint investigation into the cause, with the operator supplying CCTV footage. Stagecoach said while the vehicles were completely burnt out, the facility itself remained undamaged and nobody is believed to have been harmed. The operator said the incident was unlikely to impact on bus services around Torbay.
Arriva Fuel Calculator reaches awards �inal
Arriva Bus UK’s Fuel Calculator campaign has reached the final of this year’s DADIs – The Drum Awards for the Digital Industries. The campaign, which compares the cost of travelling by car with bus journeys and highlights savings wherever possible has been shortlisted in the Travel/Leisure/ Sports Website or Campaign category. The Fuel Calculator invites people to calculate how much they could save by travelling with Arriva by entering their commute details at www.arrivabus.co.uk/fuel/ . It has shown the average person clocks up 497 miles every four
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August 1, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
54%
The percentage of West Midlands passengers who said they used the bus as they had no other option
SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, July 30. FirstGroup saw the greatest proportional rise while 21st Century experienced the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
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Pictured in front of Stephensons’ 1964 “Queen Mary” traditional double decker at Witham depot are (left to right) Paul Smith of Talisman Coachlines, Peter Hennessey, fund raiser for Essex Air Ambulance and Richard Delahoy and Steven Hughes (seated), Running Day Organisers
Stephensons present charity cheque Following the fifth “Heritage Bus Running Day” in Southend on January 1, Stephensons of Essex presented a cheque for £1,250 to Essex Air Ambulance. Stephensons, assisted by other bus operators, organised special bus services on New Year’s Day when the regular First and Arriva
The fuel calculator is accessible from the Arriva website weeks. But by switching from car to bus travel, individuals can save an average of over £76 per month. The campaign, which ran from March 1 to 31 this year, received more than 35,000 page views, 980 hours of engagement and nearly 4,000 online submissions through email, mobile, Facebook and display marketing. Head of marketing for Arriva UK Bus Cora Robinson said: “We
services were not running in Southend. Using a mix of modern and heritage buses, all crewed by volunteers, over 1,500 passenger trips were made and the profits donated to charities supported by the operators and their drivers. Most of the donations went to Essex Air Ambulance, who received £1,000. Other charities were Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, Help for Heroes and the Wickford War Memorial Association. Supporting Stephensons were Talisman Coachlines, Fords Coaches, Ensign Bus, Regal Busways, Carters Coaches and Panther Travel. are delighted our Fuel Calculator campaign has been recognised by the judges. We have beaten off stiff competition to make it through to this year’s final and are looking forward to the presentation night in November. “Fuel Calculator is an extremely successful campaign, which has proved popular with people of all ages, so much so, we have kept it on the homepage of our website for people to access and share with their friends, families and colleagues. More than 7,000 people have so far used our calculator and, with 58% of them finding the bus cheaper than the car, this has identified more than £300,000 savings to date.” Arriva Bus UK is shortlisted alongside six other companies, including Visit Scotland and Auto Trader. The winner will be announced at an event at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 8.
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FTSE 100
5,701
Index: Year High: 6,103 Year Low: 4,791
+168 on last week
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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 1, 2012
news › coaches
briefly Resurfacing works on a 1.5mile stretch of the A49 in both directions between Moreton-on-Lugg and Wellington began August 1. The work will take approximately eight weeks to complete. To minimise disruption for drivers, all work is to be undertaken overnight between 2000 and 0600hrs. During the works the A49 closes overnight in both directions between Hereford and the junction with the A417. Diversions are clearly signposted, with Southbound traffic redirected eastwards using the A417 towards the signalised junction at Newtown. Traffic is then directed onto the A4103 towards the roundabout junction with the A49 at Hereford; and Northbound traffic is redirected on to the A4103 at the junction with the A49 across Hereford to the A417 at Newtown prior to rejoining the A49. An £814,000 project to boost safety along the M61 near Bolton begins Monday, August 14 and should be completed by Friday, October 5. A 500-yard section of steel barrier in the central reservation between Junction 4 at Farnworth and Junction 5 at Westhoughton will be replaced by a concrete central reservation barrier. Concrete barriers are stronger and more robust than steel barriers reducing the risk of vehicles involved in accidents crossing from one side of the motorway to the other and improving the safety of road users and road workers. The barriers are also unlikely to require repairs after vehicle impact. The steel safety barriers in the hard shoulder verge will also be replaced by new steel barriers. Drivers are being warned to be extra vigilant when parking, after a spate of fuel thefts from coaches recently. Gangs are using a van with a tank and an electric pump to remove fuel from coaches – which takes only a few minutes. Although this is a countrywide problem drivers should take extra care when visiting Yarmouth, Isle of White, where five such thefts have taken place this year. www.coachandbusweek.com
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National Express sees bus margins grow UK and North America grow and even Spain remains stable National Express Group’s half year results for the six months ended June 30, 2012 show the Group’s non-rail profitability maintained despite the “considerable headwinds” of the previously anticipated loss of UK Government subsidy for coach concessions and the onset of recession in Spain. Rail profits have fallen following the hand back of East Anglia as the Group anticipated. Operating margin increased to 11.3% (2011: 10.5%) with UK bus margin and profit continuing to grow. The Group claimed strong operating cash generation, with 125% conversion of operating
profit. National Express said profit in Spain was stable, despite a challenging economic environment and localised industrial action, with excellent cash collection. The Group saw expansion of bus operations in Morocco, renewal of the Granada bus station concession and acquisition of a concession in Bilbao. National Express’ North American operation has grown profit and enjoyed a successful bid season with a retention rate of 97% and new bid wins of 1,300 buses (2011: 1,000). Dean Finch, National Express Group Chief Executive, commented: “The first half of 2012 has seen a resilient underlying performance across the Group, considering
Profits increase despite concerns over removal of coach concessions Obituary
Stephen Mayne Stephen Mayne, owner of Warrington and Manchester-based Mayne Coaches, passed away on Saturday July 28, aged 62. Stephen, a long standing and active member of CPT and its predecessors, took over the familyrun Mayne Coaches from his father who had inherited it from his father before him. He made a significant contribution as a member of the CPT North West’s regional committee. The funeral service is at
1430hrs on Friday (August 3) at St Matthews Church, Stretton Road, Stretton, Warrington, opposite the Park Royal Hotel. All are welcome at the church and Walton Lea Crematorium at 1540hrs. Diane Mayne, Stephen’s widow, invites all to the wake which she hopes will be at the Park Royal Hotel. Parking facilities exist along the lane by the church and at the hotel. Anyone planning on attending the funeral is asked to e-mail Phillipa Kirby-Girdlestone, CPT NW Regional Manager, at phillipakg@ cpt-uk.org so she can help give an idea of industry attendee numbers to the family.
the headwinds we have faced. This reflects a reassuringly stable performance in Spain, accompanied by good growth in UK Bus and North America, with lower profits in our Rail and UK Coach businesses, as expected. “This trend is expected to continue in the second half, with further progress from UK Bus and our recent North America acquisitions. UK Coach still faces headwinds but should progressively mitigate concession funding changes. ALSA’s flexible operating model and experienced management team is best placed to cope with the uncertainties presented by the economic crisis in Spain. Across the Group, we continue to drive operational efficiency, cost control and incremental revenue growth, focusing on improving returns on invested capital and creating long term economic value for shareholders. “Looking ahead, we have a pipeline of emerging opportunities across the portfolio of businesses, building on organic growth, as well as new contract bid prospects in rail, bus and school bus services. Our new North American transit business and emerging opportunities in Continental Europe will support this. National Express owns and operates some high quality assets and is well placed to exploit opportunities.” Cards of condolence may be sent to Diane Mayne, c/o Mayne Coaches Limited, Marsh House Lane, Warrington WA1 3QU. The family asks those wishing to make a donation in memory of Stephen send it to Martin Mann, Wheels-4Wheels, Catton Hall, Bradley Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7EX. Cheques payable to the charity: Wheels-4-Wheels or payment direct to its bank account - Sort Code: 40-21-28; Acc No: 9142737. The CBW team would like to echo Phillipa’s words when she said: “Thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Diane and the family at this very sad time.”
30/07/2012 22:19
“Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts have been overhyped. These agreements only work if the partners work together.” Bob Hinds
August 1, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9
Face to Face p26
Beer drinkers go red instead
EDL event at Bradford and Keighley
trent barton’s red arrow coach service has had a locally brewed beer named after it. Launched before the Derby Beer Festival which took place between July 11 and 15, ‘red instead’ is a tribute to the express service which connects Derby with Nottingham and Chesterfield. It’s described by Derby Brewing Company as a speciality beer with a citrus hop start and a fruity finish. Thanks to its red tinge, the tipple is a fitting tribute to the popular service. Sarah Taylor, trent barton’s Marketing Manager, said: “Our bright red coaches have become a familiar sight for anyone travelling on the A52 or up to Chesterfield and we’re delighted they now have a beer named after them.
West Yorkshire Police say on Saturday, August 4, 2012, the English Defence League (EDL) plans a demonstration in Keighley, West Yorkshire. To assist police, coach operators with bookings or enquiries for transport to Bradford or Keighley on August 4 are asked to forward details to intelligence officers preferrably by email to wyp.cato@ westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Information necessary is: Company name and contact details; vehicle reg no., make, model, colour and number of passenger seats; driver’s name and mobile number. details of route, including pick up locations and times; name and address of the person making the booking: details of groups travelling e.g.: EDL or UAF.
Derby Brewing Company’s ‘red instead’ beer is a tribute to trent barton’s coach service having a distinct hint of red coloration “The name suggests our services offer a great way to get out to enjoy a good pint. Rather than travel by car, take the bus instead!” The red instead beer was on tap throughout the festival at Derby’s Assembly Rooms. The 4.3% ABV brew is available at all Derby Brewing Company pubs, including
the Brewery Tap in Derwent Street, The Greyhound in Friar Gate and the Queen’s Head, Little Eaton. Trevor Harris, Head Brewer of Derby Brewing Company, added: “As Derby’s multi-award winning brewer and pub operator we are thrilled to brew a beer to celebrate a local icon.”
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news › international
Maceconia plant ‘necessary’ for Van Hool’s low-cost USA Van Hool’s ‘low-cost’ facility required to srengthen its North American market USA Further to last week’s announcement from Van Hool, disclosing it had begun construction of a new bus and coach production plant in Macedonia, the company has outlined its intentions. Van Hool NV has won two orders from ABC, its American distributor, for the production and delivery of a total of 510 vehicles. Specifically, the two orders are for 300 ‘low-cost’ vehicles and 210 coaches. To manufacture these 300 ‘low-cost’ vehicles over a period of three years the company approved significant investment in the new project involving the establishment of a foreign manufacturing plant. As a result, Van Hool has also won a second American order, this
Volvo takes a stand for the environment
GERMANY The central theme for Volvo’s exhibits at this year’s IAA exhibition is ‘buses and associated services which save fuel, money and the environment’, with the main focus on the company’s 7900 hybrid bus which is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 37%. Since serial production of hybrids commenced in 2010, Volvo has sold more than 760 hybrid buses to 20 countries. The body of the Volvo 7900 Hybrid is built largely of aluminium and GRP for low weight to promote low fuel consumption while increasing passenger carrying capacity. The parallel hybrid technology uses a smaller five-cylinder diesel engine and an electric motor. Regeneration of brake energy and the engine stop system, which cuts the engine when the vehicle is at a bus stop, and throughout the pulling away/ acceleration phase, are the key elements to its design. It also means it can travel emission free over www.coachandbusweek.com
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time for the manufacture of 210 coaches at its Koningshooikt plant in Belgium. Van Hool said in order to retain and expand its current important position within the American market, it was necessary, at the request of ABC (in which Van Hool has a 35% participating interest), to also be present in the growing ‘low-cost’ vehicle segment which has been sparked by increasingly successful local production from Mexico and imports from China, among others. Van Hool admits manufacture of this type of product in Belgium is impossible due to much higher labour costs. The negotiations with ABC which led to Van Hool successfully obtaining the second important order for 210 Belgian-built coaches required the investment in a new plant as a low cost production
centre. Without it Van Hool would never have won this order. Filip Van Hool, Van Hool’s Executive Director, said: “Thanks to the efforts of our experienced and flexible employees and the fact we custom-build vehicles to suit our customers’ needs, we have acquired a unique position on the world market. Our products are recognised as being highly innovative. We sell vehicles which have more to offer than others and, as a result, are very labourintensive. In America the ‘low-cost’ vehicle segment is growing very quickly. Our very healthy ambition is to play a significant role in this and thus retain and even expand our position on the global American market. Without this important foreign investment Van Hool’s position on the American market was under threat.”
Volvo Buses has sold more than 760 hybrid buses in 20 countries parts of its route and with reduced noise during electric-only running. Volvo is also introducing its new 8.0-litre Euro 6 diesel engine, the MD 8. It is the first in a new line of Euro 6 engines and is available in three different variants, from 280 up to 350 hp. The middle 320 hp variant will also be compatible with biodiesel. The new engines combine SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) technology. In addition, a completely new range of coach seats is being exhibited which feature a new design, higher comfort and lower
weight. The weight saving is around 120kg which contributes to lower fuel consumption. The seats are manufactured in four different designs for Volvo 9500, 9700 and 9900 coaches, as well as the Volvo 8900 intercity buses. Volvo’s recently announced telematic services will also be on display. The system is designed to allow operators to reduce fuel consumption and increase availability of their vehicles. Volvo vehicle exhibits include the 7900 Hybrid, 9900 (tri-axle) coach, 9500 (two-axle) coach and the 8900 (intercity bus).
The BYD GreenCity buses are able to run 250 km on a single charge in urban conditions
500 electric buses for Uruguay URUGUAY The Uruguayan President José Mujica recently signed a contract with Chinese manufacturer BYD and Buquebus to begin bringing 500 electric buses to Uruguay. Buquebus is the largest tourism transport company in Uruguay, carrying more than 2m passengers in Argentina and Uruguay each year by boat and bus. The first vehicles are due to be delivered before end of the year with a target of having over 500 buses on the road by 2015. Speaking at a signing ceremony in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, President Muijca said: “I’m delighed Uruguay will have this environmentally friendly technology. I’m looking forward to seeing electric buses in this country as we are very devoted to the protection of the environment.” Carlos Lopez Mena, President of Buquebus, added: “I am ready to invest heavily in a natural Uruguay – I will replace my whole tourism fleet with new energy buses.” BYD’s Senior Business Director Stanley Lin Tang said: “Uruguay is an important tourism market yet it imports all of its petroleum. Promoting electric buses not only contributes to environmental protection and economic recovery, but it also improves Uruguay’s energy security.” The BYD GreenCity buses which Buquebus and its partner CTS are purchasing are able to run 250 km (155 miles) on a single charge in urban conditions, with an energy consumption of less than 130 kWh per 100 km. BYD buses have been in service in four Chinese cities and had accumulated over 7.4m kilometres (or 4.56m miles) by the end of June 2012.
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news › REGIONAL
NORTH
Stagecoach has extended its unlimited discount travel scheme in Hull. The HolidayRider programme, run in partnership with Hull City Council’s Youth Development Service, offers young people a discount on a full day’s unlimited travel around Hull and Cottingham during the school holidays. A Stagecoach spokesman said: “We think it is important to recognise the fact young people aged 16 to 18 are not necessarily financially better off than those younger than 16. Therefore, offering this discount to those aged 18 or younger should help them with their travel costs in the holidays. The education system is changing over the next couple of years, with full-time education or training up to the age of 18 becoming compulsory. This will also change the way we calculate fares for teenagers.” The extended scheme allows those aged 18 or younger to buy a HolidayRider pass for £1.50, saving up to 45% on normal travel costs. Children younger than 16 with a Futurecard pass can buy a ticket in the holidays for £1. Children aged 11 or younger who are with an adult can buy a £1 ticket without a FutureCard. Bus journeys have been boosted for passengers in Runcorn, thanks to a fleet of brand new buses being unveiled by Arriva Merseyside. The five VDL Pulsar 200s are operating across Arriva’s X1 route, which runs from Runcorn to Speke and on to Liverpool. John Rimmer, Managing Director for Arriva Manchester, said: “The introduction of these new vehicles means that all of the buses along our X1 route now have low floor access, making it easier and more comfortable for passengers to travel with us, and an improved journey experience overall.
MIDLANDS
Henley-in-Arden-based Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel has launched a bus service from the newly opened Waitrose store in the Rosebird Centre to Stratford town centre. The new route which started on Thursday (July 26) enables shoppers to leave their car at Waitrose and easily commute to the town centre. The new Park & Ride service departs every half an www.coachandbusweek.com
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KEY
SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
hour from 0730 to 1830hrs and is operated using an Optare Solo. Peter Johnson, Operations Director at Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Waitrose and The Bird Group to offer this service. The route will be serviced by one of our modern fleet of buses and aims to help reduce the traffic and congestion around the town centre. Johnsons operate many bus services in the Stratford-Upon-Avon area including the Park & Ride to the north of the town and we are excited to increase our park & ride services to the south of the town”.
EAST
An event to mark the 90th anniversary of independent bus operator Morley’s of Whittlesey takes place this Sunday (August 4) at Whittlesey Market Place and at the former Morley’s premises in the town. The event includes free rides on former Morley’s vehicles plus a host of visiting buses and coaches, many with Fenland connections. A regular service will operate to Thorney with its historic abbey, museum and teashop. Morley’s former 701 service from Peterborough to Coates is now operated by Emblings/Judds of Guyhirn, which plans to use open top former Maidstone & District Bristol BR ‘BKE 861T’ all day. The route provides a direct service from Peterborough bus and rail stations to the event.
There will also be a special journey to a ‘location of Morley’s interest’ as well as a trip to renowned Morley’s destination The Three Horseshoes, Turves. Morley’s was set up by John Morley in 1922, when he bought a coach for £12. The company ceased trading in 2005. Nick Larkin, of the Eastern Bus Enthusiasts, said: “Morley’s was an independent operator of true character with a unique place in the community. A Morley’s 80 event 10 years ago proved a huge success so we’re staging Morley’s 90 as a tribute.”
SOUTH EAST
Nearly 45% of people using the A259 are doing so by bus, according to the Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company. This encouraging statistic comes out of a recent survey during the morning peak period involving a count of people travelling in each vehicle heading west towards the city centre passing through the Longridge Avenue junction. 835 people were counted on 17 buses which represented just 2% of the traffic yet an impressive 45% of the total people. This result is up from 36% travelling by bus who were counted in the previous survey undertaken a year after the bus lanes opened. At that time buses represented 0.7% of the traffic. The higher figure of 2% shows the increase in frequency
of buses introduced over the last two years to keep improving the service and ensure all the extra passengers now travelling by bus can be carried. Overall there were 1,867 people travelling in 734 cars and vans, 12 motorcycles, four cycles, two lorries as well as the 17 buses. The observations were taken between 0730 and 0830hrs. “This result shows incredible growth in the number of people travelling by bus and wholly justifies the implementation of bus lanes in 2008,” said Roger French Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Bus Company. “They have been a huge success. We are still seeing growth in bus use and will continue to increase service frequencies to meet this.” A year after it was introduced, Oxford’s joint ticketing system ‘SmartZone’ has been hailed a success by operators Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company and passengers alike. The £10m scheme allows passengers to get on any bus on the same route and, along with shared timetables, this has reduced congestion on the city’s streets, with the introduction of more double deckers. The project was the first of its kind in the UK and was made possible by a 2008 relaxation in competition laws by the Government. In a joint statement, Stagecoach MD Martin Sutton and Oxford Bus Company MD Philip Kirk said: “We believe it’s gone very well and bus users in Oxford have benefited from the flexibility it offers.” They said about half the journeys are being made using a SmartZone card, adding: “Feedback and research shows it has proved extremely popular with passengers. With so many passengers now using pre-paid smartcards the boarding time at stops has been significantly reduced.” Hugh Jaeger, Chairman of the Oxford branch of passenger group Bus Users UK, said: “I think it has worked very well. I get the impression it has got more people on to the buses.” However, he added the introduction of double deckers in 2010 created extra seats which, were cut as joint ticketing went live, leaving some journeys “squeezed” for seats. Oxfordshire County Council helped establish the scheme. Deputy Leader Rodney Rose said
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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’d like us to cover, contact James Day on james. day@coachandbusweek.com. it had “gone from strength to strength.” “It’s clear bus users have really taken to joint-ticketing and have helped make the scheme a success,” he added. Bluestar was presented the Excellence Through Innovation trophy at South Coast Business Awards Bluestar’s successful launch of its key smartcard in February this year caught the eye of the judges at the South Coast Business Awards. Bluestar’s former Commercial Manager Nikki Honer, who has since moved to sister company Wilts & Dorset, accepted the Excellence Through Innovation trophy and certificate after judges concluded that the criteria including excellence in market research and development, forward thinking for business success and the benefits to both the business and customers, were all achieved by the key launch. Nikki, who accepted the award from Olympian Sharron Davis at the black tie presentation evening held in Southampton said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to be the winners of this award and will continue to offer innovative ways of using the bus and making bus
August 1, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
travel attractive for everyone in and around Southampton.”
SOUTH WEST
A multi operator travelcard, dubbed the Avon Rider, is set to be unveiled in the West of England and will be available to buy on bus from Sunday September 2. The scheme was developed by the operators working as part of the West of England Bus Operators Association (WEBOA). Other operators can join the scheme should they wish to. The card allows unlimited travel on a number of different operators’ services, including those provided by (in alphabetical order): Abus, Bath Bus Company, Bakers-Dolphin, Crosville Motor Services, Faresaver, First, North Somerset Coaches, Somerbus, Webber Bus and Wessex Connect. At £7.20 per day for an introductory period (and £7.50 thereafter) the ticket offers unlimited travel for customers in the region, enabling the user to travel in and around Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset using multiple services for one set fare.
The national final for the UK Bus Driver of the Year takes place in Blackpool over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday September 8-9
2012 n August 3-5 Bedford OB GetTogether. South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, GL7 5QB. Contact the organiser Tim Wootton by email on tim@tjcs.freeserve.co.uk.
Visit http://www.bedfordob.com/
n August 8-9 Plaxton Sporting Challenge Open Day. Anston, Sheffield. 01909 551166 n August 25-26 Llangollen Railway Classic Transport Weekend. Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8SN. 01978 860979. www. llangollen-railway.co.uk 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 9 Amberley Bus Show. Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, West Sussex. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Arriva Yorkshire is launching an awareness campaign this week, prompted by passenger John Roberts (pictured) who was irritated by a lack of respect for the firm’s seats. Backed by Arriva, the campaign aims to remind passengers not to put their feet up on the seats. In addition Arriva will be placing stickers on all its buses with facing seats and will be sending the Arriva Angels, who are bus drivers turned hosts, out on services to remind people that although tempting, it is important to wait until you get home to put your feet up. Nigel Featham, Managing Director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “By the end of this year we will have invested some £12m in new buses for the people of Yorkshire. Our customers are very happy with the new vehicles and are extremely pleased with the benefits they have brought to their overall journey experience. Of course we realise that the bus is a relaxing environment however we all agree that our passengers’ feet should stay on the floor. Many of our customers are passionate about this.”
n September 10-11 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire, PH7 3LQ. Call CPT Scotland on 0131 2722150 or email conference2012@cpt-uk.org 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 October 21 The Very Best of London Buses. Brooklands, Surrey. Featuring 50 years of Routemaster buses. London Bus Museum. www.londonbusmuseum.com n October 23 CPT Coaching Conference. Volvo HQ, Warwick. Further details will be published in due course. Call CPT on 020 7240 3131. www.cpt-uk.org n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n November 15 CPT Northern Bus Summit. Manchester Conference Centre. Details from contact CPT NW Regional Manager Phillipa Sudlow on phillipas@cpt-uk.org. n November 20 UK Bus Awards London Hilton Park Lane. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n November 20-21 ATCO Winter Conference 2012. Local Government Association House, London, SW1. Will include AGM. www.atco.org.uk
2013 n January 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n January 1 Annual King Alfred Running Day, Winchester. Further information from www.fokab.org.uk n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. Sir Brian Souter has accepted our invitation to speak at the conference dinner. Venue to be confirmed, but will be in Central London. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610
Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com
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14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 1, 2012
news focus › PASSENGER FOCUS
It will be interesting to see whether the closure of Corporation Street to buses will effect the next survey
NXWM enjoys rise in customer satisfaction Andrew Cream reports on Passenger Focus’ survey results detailing passenger satisfaction in Centro’s vicinity, focusing on National Express bus routes Independent watchdog Passenger Focus has released results from a survey it has conducted concerning National Express (NX) routes within Centro. The results detail passengers’ experiences on bus routes across the whole Centro area. Fieldwork was conducted between May 6 and June 2 of this year. The majority of the results can be compared to the survey conducted in autumn 2011. By and large, the scores are encouraging, with overall satisfaction up 4% from autumn 2011, on both Centro as a whole and NX. Centro scored 85% (81% 2011) and NX scored 84% (80% 2011). Geoff Inskip, Chief Executive of Centro, commented: “This survey is excellent news for passengers using www.coachandbusweek.com
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buses in the West Midlands. The increase in customer satisfaction on National Express services is a reflection of our partnership working which has focused on improving the passenger experience. “The findings also send out a clear message to people that bus travel in the West Midlands is safe, fast, and reliable and a viable alternative to the car.” The region’s fare-paying customers recorded a 5% increase in satisfaction to 83%, with NX farepaying passengers scoring 82%. As expected, passengers entitled to free travel recorded a higher satisfaction score of 92%, both across Centro and within NX. Commuters recorded the highest jump in satisfaction levels – a 6% rise to 83% for Centro overall and the same level of increase for NX passengers to 82%. Splitting bus users into two age categories, West Midlands’ 16-34-year-olds are 7% more
satisfied with their overall travel experience, at 82%. NX enjoyed a 5% increase to 80%. However, 35 to 59-year-olds were only slightly more satisfied overall, with Centro recording a 1% increase to 83% and NX recording a 3% rise to 84%. Both Centro and NX experienced improvements to customer satisfaction in a number of specific areas too, like bus cleanliness and punctuality. Peter Coates, Managing Director of NXWM, said: “We are delighted our customer satisfaction score is increasing and that these improvements are coming in the areas we have worked hard to make better. “The cleanliness, safety, punctuality and journey times of our services are important to our customers. That is why we have spent millions of pounds investing in new vehicles, better route management and driver training. “The large investment we have
made has been matched with very hard work by our 5,400 staff across the region who are constantly striving to make our services even better.”
Value for money Fares seems to be an issue customers are not happy with UKwide, so the low ‘value for money’ scores recorded by Passenger Focus come as no surprise. What also will not shock readers is that the already low satisfaction score has decreased slightly. At a time when operators are facing cutbacks in funding, an increase in fares is often seen as the easiest or only way to help make up the shortfall. Across the region, value for money satisfaction was 47%, down 4% from autumn 2011. NX also recorded a 4% drop, from 49% to 45%. Split into two age groups, 16-34year-olds were significantly less satisfied than the older age bracket, recording a 3% drop to 40% for Centro and a 6% drop to 37% for NX customers.
Bus stop facilities Satisfaction with the region’s bus stop facilities has risen considerably since the last survey. Overall, 77% of passengers were satisfied, up from 68%. Breaking down the results,
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However, passengers are 5% less satisfied with the temperature inside buses. Centro scored 65% while NX scored 63%. Bus drivers received a mixture of scores from the survey. Top results came in the categories ‘nearness to kerb/stop’ (Centro 88%, NX 87%), ‘driver’s appearance’ (Centro 83%, NX 82%) and ‘safety of driving’ (Centro 82%, NX 80%). Drivers however did not score so well in the ‘greeting/welcome’ (Centro 52%, NX 48%) or ‘helpfulness/attitude’ (Centro 53%, NX 50%) categories. Passengers are also feeling less worried about fellow bus users. Centro scored 15% in passengers’ cause to worry/feel uncomfortable by other passengers, a 3% drop (NX 16%). NX believes this reduction is due to it doubling the number of inspectors on its buses as well as the recruitment of two dedicated Police Constables.
87% were satisfied with bus stop convenience/accessibility of location and 81% were satisfied were the distance from journey start. On the other side of the coin, a lower percentage of 62% were satisfied with the bus stops’ freedom from litter.
Bus wait time Satisfaction scores regarding wait times have all increased since last Autumn’s survey. Centro has enjoyed a 6% rise in wait-time satisfaction to 72% (NX 71%). Satisfaction in punctuality across the region has increased 6% to 70% (NX 69%) while ‘ability to board first bus’ satisfaction has increased 3% to 95% for both Centro and NX within Centro. On-bus factors Generally, passengers are happier with their bus travel experience, with most factors receiving higher satisfaction scores. Increased satisfaction came in bus cleanliness/condition, length of time to board, comfort of seats and personal security. NXWM recently appointed a new cleaning contractor which has introduced a more efficient, audited cleaning system as well as installing new bus wash machines at several of the firm’s garages.
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Journey purpose The three main reasons passengers take the bus in the West Midlands is for work, for shopping and for
getting to school/college, scoring 39%, 22% and 13% respectively. Other categories were ‘visiting friends or relatives’, ‘leisure trip (e.g. day out)’ and ‘other’.
Why the bus? A result which may be of particular value to operators across the country, is why people choose the bus over other means transport. An overwhelming majority (54%) of passengers said they used the bus because they had no other option. This means bus travel is a lifeline for a significant amount of people in the area. Other reasons were ‘cheaper/ more convenient than other forms of public transport’ (11%), ‘preferred to cycling/walking’ (11%), ‘more convenient than car’ (10%), ‘cheaper than car’ (7%) and ‘other’ (7%). Tickets How passengers are buying their bus tickets is changing. Not only are paper tickets becoming less commonplace, but different types of ticket formats are being trialled. Also, how passengers buy their tickets is shifting. Passenger Focus’
Cleanliness has improved thanks to a new cleaning contractor
results reflect these changes. The second-most common ticket used in the area is an OAP pass, making up 19% of Centro’s share and 16% within NX. Standard single tickets make up just 9%, of both Centro and NX within Centro, while standard return tickets have a 2% share. Single-operator season or longer period passes are the most common form of ticket. 32% of Centro passengers and 35% of NX passengers use this method. Multi-operator and multi-mode travel passes are being rolled out more nationwide, but they still only hold small segments of the share in the West Midlands. Results are as follows (scores same for both Centro and NX in each case): multi-operator day pass 4%, multi-transport day pass 1%, multioperator season/longer periods 6% and multi-mode travel pass 4%. Buying tickets from the driver on the day is still the most popular form of paying for travel in Centro’s vicinity with 30% of the share (NX 29%). 23% of customers are purchasing their tickets from a local shop or post office while 21% of customers are buying from a travel centre, bus station or booking office. Other significant results include 9% of bus users buying directly from a bus firm (via website or phone) and 9% of Centro’s passengers (NX 8%) paying using direct debit through work/college. Looking at the format of tickets used in the area, 36% of Centro users (NX 35%) used a standard paper ticket or pass. Photo cards and passes which are shown to the driver make up 62% of the share (NX 63%). Newer ticket formats like smartcards and mobile tickets showed to the driver both had 0% of the share.
Journey planning With information on bus journeys becoming more readily available, especially through the internet and RTI, users are finding more ways of planning their travel. Despite this, but perhaps not surprisingly, the most popular method people found to plan their journeys was simply from experience (59%). Bus stop information took 30% of the share. Other formats include the Centro/ Network West Midlands website (4%), Traveline, both website and phone (2%), travel shops (2%), direct from the operator’s website (2%) and phoning Centro (1%).
www.coachandbusweek.com
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114
news › TOURISM
The number of acres surrounding Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge
Join an expert guide to tour the 1930s house at Eltham Palace and view its stunning interiors and furnishings, reflecting the high fashion of the 1930s. Visitors will learn more about Art Deco as well as Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house. Tours last around one hour and are regularly over subscribed so advance booking is recommended. The stunning entrance hall, panelled dining room, luxurious bathroom and the medieval Great Hall are just some of the highlights. Groups visits must consist of 11-25 people and be arranged at least two weeks in advance. For booking and pricing details call 0208 2942548. Traquair House in Peebleshire, Scotland has extensive grounds, a maze, craft workshops and a 1745 Cottage Restaurant. It also maintains the famous Traquair House Brewery which is housed in the 18th century wing and produces the renowned Traquair House Ales. Group prices are £6.70 for adults, £6.20 for seniors and £3.70 per child. A range of tour packages, which include ale tasting and ghost hunting, are on offer and guided tours can be arranged outside of normal opening hours. For more information email enquiries@traquair.co.uk or call 01896 830323. Rock of Ages is playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London until February 17, 2013. The musical features a nostalgic mix of 80s tunes including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive and I Want To Know What Love Is. Whatsonstage.com is offering discounts on tickets bought between Tuesday and Friday until August 31, 2012. For discounted tickets visit www.whatsonstage. com and for group bookings and parking details, call the box office direct on 020 7379 5399.
Famous waterfall and industrial site with tin workers’ exhibition Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall is self sufficient in renewable energy Set in a steep gorge near Neath Port Talbot, the well-known Aberdulais waterfall has provided energy to drive the wheels of industry for over 400 years. An early water-powered tinplate works was the last of many industries pioneered here. Today the waters of the River Dulais are used to make Aberdulais Tin Works
and Waterfall self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy. It has what is claimed to be the largest electricity-generating waterwheel in Europe. Lifts enable visitors to access the cinema and the upper levels for excellent views of the falls, where the film ‘Reflections on Tin’ traces the history of the site from past to present. There is also a tinplate exhibition which depicts life in the 1850s. There is a drop off point 20
For more information call 013639 636674 or email aberdulais@nationaltrust.org
Evening batwatch walks are available in the late autumn
Restoration comedy set in 17th century high society At the Royal Theatre Exchange, The Country Wife is playing from September 12 to October 20, 2012. William Wycherley’s subversive comedy of sex and seduction was so scandalous, it was banned for 200 years, but is now brought to the stage by Olivier Award-winning Director Polly Findlay, whose recent
yards from the entrance with coach parking available outside the property, which is subject to availability. Booking is appreciated for coach parties but is not essential unless catering is required. The attraction provides an on-board coach welcome, an introductory talk and a guided tour which altogether lasts for an hour and a half. Out of hours tours are available upon request. Several species of bat inhabit the site and evening batwatch walks are available in late autumn for normal admission charge. Tours last for two hours and are popular so pre-booking is advised. Groups are limited to between 10 and 25. The Friends of Aberdulais Falls serve refreshments in the Old Works Library and Victorian schoolroom. Catering for groups must be pre-booked. Seperate facilities are available for larger groups.
productions include Good at the Royal Exchange last Autumn and Antigone at the National Theatre. The comedy tells the story of Jack Pinchwife, who is newly arrived in London with his ‘country wife’ Margery. Jack is jealous to the core and strains to keep his innocent spouse away from trouble. But she is desperate to savour all the pleasures of the big city. The show runs Monday to Friday evenings, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Groups between 10 and 40 receive £2.50 off each seat whilst groups of 41 plus enjoy £3.50 off each seat. In addition, the theatre
JOHN MILLAR
brIEfly
offers one free ticket per 20 seats. Early booking is recommended for matinee performances as they are subject to availability and certain restrictions may apply. Coach parking is available locally in Manchester and can be organised via the bookings office. Behind the scenes tours for groups up to 20 are also available at the additional cost of £5 per head, including refreshments. Multiple tours can be arranged for larger groups but pre-booking is essential. Book via Box Office on 0161 833 9833 or email group. bookings@royalexchange.co.uk
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£7.22 400 Group admission, per person, to Corfe Castle in Dorset
The number of years Dulais river has driven industrial endeavours
diesel prices
Anglesey Abbey, the impressive front of house
Jacobean-style house with working watermill
ROBERT MORRIS
JOHN MILLAR
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Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge is an example of 1930s luxury living, placed in 114 acres of rolling lawns, formal gardens and wildlife habitats, which also has a working watermill within its grounds. Inside is no less impressive and plays host to sumptuous furnishings and a collection of books and paintings, along with a treasure trove of silver and rare clocks. Visitors are also given the opportunity to transform themselves into a country
gentleman with dressing up clothes. There are a number of special interest tours available which include a walk around one the National Trust’s finest collections of garden statuary and a walking tour of the gardens accompanied by one of the Abbey’s gardeners. Both tours come at the additional cost of £3 per person, and where the garden tour runs all year round, the statue walk is only available between April and October. Groups are limited to five a day
DEALS OF THE WEEK Queen Victoria’s private beach at Osborne, her seaside home on the Isle of Wight, will open to the public for the first time from July 27. It was here the Queen regularly bathed and where her children learned to swim. English Heritage has returned to the beach the original wooden bathing machine (pictured) which ran down a ramp into the sea and from which Victoria would emerge in her swimming suit. English
Queen Victoria’s wooden bathing machine, recently returned after being used as a chicken shed Heritage has also restored the small covered seat – The Queen’s Alcove – where she sat and is said to have sketched the coastal views.
and admission is £9.35, but for just the garden and mill it is only £5.55. Pre-booking is advised. Coach parking is provided 50 yards from the entrance, for a maximum of five coaches per day. An on-board coach welcome is provided and the average length of visit is three hours. For a full day’s itinerary in the area the trip can be combined with a visit to the Wimpole Estate and Wimpole Home Farm near Newmarket. For further details call 01223 810081 or email heather.bowers@nationaltrust. org.uk
There is a 15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together and free entry for coach driver and tour leader. n For a booking form and details on coach facilities and group prices, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ctwm8ga East Anglia Transport Museum is offering season tickets which can be used for free return visits anytime over the following 12 months when visitors turn their admission fee into a donation which the museum can claim gift aid. In order to take advantage of this offer, claimants must be UK tax payers. The museum offers travel on
Cost per litre in pence: Great Britain Italy Sweden Greece Ireland Portugal Czech Republic Belgium France Hungary Netherlands Germany Austria Poland Spain Slovenia Luxembourg
139.30 134.65 130.92 129.15 127.93 119.67 118.92 118.78 118.13 117.62 116.84 115.30 111.66 106.75 106.07 105.99 96.92
holiday pound £1 will get you: Euro 1.28 Switzerland (Franc) 1.54 Norway (Kroner) 9.48 Hungary (Forint) 356.01 Czech Republic (Koruna) 32.28 Poland (Zloty) 5.27
heritage vehicles and visitors are free to wander around the museum site. Admission for adults is £7.50, OAPs £6.50 and children five-15 £5.50. For groups of 10 or more admission is reduced by £1 each. The museum is unable to take group visits on Mondays or Fridays or just before, during or just after special event days. Confirmation of group visits must be received at least 14 days prior to visit. n Full details and a booking form are available from the museum by email eastanglia transportmuseum@live.co.uk or by phone 01502 518459.
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Stagecoach North East celebrates 2,685 years of long service Some staff have worked within the industry for over 45 years Stagecoach North East is celebrating the achievements of long serving members of staff after they each reached significant milestones at the company. 97 individuals employed at the firm’s depots across Newcastle, Sunderland, Stockton, Hartlepool and South Shields, attended the awards ceremony which celebrated their long service at the company, which collectively equates to a staggering 2,685 years. Each member of staff who received an award attended the presentation ceremony at The Hilton Newcastle
First’s ‘Superstar’ Bus driver
First Glasgow driver Alastair Richardson has been nominated for a ‘Superstar’ award by the company after passengers were impressed when he went out of his way to help passengers with mobility issues. Customers wrote to the company to commend Alastair’s actions and his success was recognised by an advert being dedicated to him on the city’s buses. First’s Superstar scheme is designed to recognise outstanding behaviour by its staff. Nominations are received from colleagues and customers each month and the winner is presented with £100 shopping vouchers. Alastair, who works from First’s Larkfield depot in the south side of Glasgow, said: “I was stunned to be nominated and I would
Gateshead. Geoffrey Taylor, a bus driver from Walkergate depot, was recognised for an impressive 35 years service with the firm. Geoffrey said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stagecoach and it has been a privilege to be able to work for the company for so long; they’ve looked after me through thick and thin. The staff are a great bunch and we’re more like brothers and sisters than colleagues. “Starting as a conductor, I later trained to be a bus driver after one person operations began, and since then I have remained on the same line, which is great as I have serviced the same customers on
my bus for decades. After 35 years I am still looking forward to seeing where my future takes me.” Mike Watson, Operations Director, Stagecoach North East, commented: “All staff play a pivotal role in ensuring Stagecoach North East delivers the best possible standards of service and to acknowledge them for the dedication and commitment is important. “I am proud of all members of staff for this reason, and in particular those loyal members of staff whose tenure has in some notable cases reached an astonishing 45 years. My sincere thanks to each of them.”
Alastair Richardson, who is based at Larkfield depot, has had his ‘Superstar’ status marked with an advert on First’s Glasgow buses like to thank the customers who nominated me. I thoroughly enjoy my job and having a laugh with some of the customers.” First Glasgow’s Commercial Director, Alex Shearer said:
“Delivering excellent customer service is extremely important to us and our Superstars reward and recognition programme helps us to identify those employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.”
Driver in school parking row A school bus driver in Cornwall claims he was forced to put the lives of his passengers at risk after he was given no alternative other than to park illegally outside a St Austell school. The Cornish Guardian reported Clive Thomas who works for Group Travel, said it started when he arrived at the school to park in a designated bus bay and found a member of staff was parked there. Clive said: “On this occasion it rendered two of the four bays (used by five bus drivers) useless so I pulled the bus forward to the exit so the other buses could park in a line.” The situation worsened when a member of staff asked him to move so they could leave the car park, which he refused to do. A senior member of staff was called and they demanded he move immediately. “I had nowhere else to go and there were children running around everywhere,” Clive continued. He alleges his only option was to load the 46 passengers onto the 12-metre vehicle while parked illegally on the yellow zigzag lines outside the school. He said: “I felt so bad for but there was nothing I could do. My first priority is the children.” David Benney, one of the owners of Bodmin-based Group Travel said: “Our driver is very conscientious about what he does and would not put people at risk unnecessarily. We need to speak to both parties to hear the problem was and who was at fault. In fairness to our driver he is good at his job. At the end of the day I am sure it will be resolved quite amicably.” In a statement, the school said: “The safety of our students is of paramount importance and we have procedures in place to ensure this. On this occasion, there were exceptional circumstances which meant a member of staff was unable to move their car before the buses arrived. “
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operator UPDATE › ensign bus
Ensign Update: conversions, sales & heritage fleet
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operator: Ensign Bus location: Purfleet, Essex established: 1972 Contact: 01708 86 56 56 www.ensignbus.com
The colourful collection of heritage vehicles is understandably an attraction to customers
Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans visits operator-dealer Ensign Bus and learns about the latest used vehicle trends and current developments with heritage and local bus fleets
E
nsign Bus is the sort of business where there is constant development – things don’t stand still. Therefore, it was decided a CBW visit was in order to hear the latest. In Spring 2011, Ensign Bus sold 100% of its share capital in City Sightseeing Ltd to City Sightseeing Worldwide S.L of Spain, for an undisclosed amount. Since then Steve Newman, who previously presided over the operation, has taken over the running of the heritage vehicle fleet. His father Peter and brother Ross continue to head up the sales, hire and stagecarriage operations.
College Bus
A recent development is the creation of ‘CollegeBus’, a partnership between Ensign Bus and First to serve Palmers College and South Essex College in Grays. “With funding for 16-19 year olds being withdrawn, we looked at it and thought let’s make it workable,” explained Peter. “About 20 buses serve the college, from as far away as Benfleet and Rainham. With the college in the middle, First come from one end and we come from the other. I approached Nigel Barrett and suggested we created ‘CollegeBus’, which for a fixed rate per calendar month would allow unlimited travel for students on the services of both operators. “It’s really taken off – to the extent First has had to doubledeck one route and we’re adding a couple of extra journeys in September. We’ve both seen increased usage outside college times. Put simply,
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operator UPDATE › ensign bus
‘Freddie’ boards the bus for ‘free’ and his little brother ‘George’ pays to go to Lakeside (shopping centre).” Perhaps illustrating the success of the initiative, Peter said: “Of the 2,000 students at the college, we estimate that by September we’ll be carrying 12 to 1,300. Other colleges have now asked for ‘CollegeBus’ to be introduced there too. For us, it’s marginal cost – we’re filling empty buses.”
Growth on local bus services
Turning to the company’s stagecarriage operations, a new service is due to start on September 1. “We’re resurrecting the former Arriva route 5 from Lakeside to Grays, Chadwell St Marys, Basildon Hospital and Basildon Bus Station,” explained Peter. “We’re going to operate every half an hour throughout the day. Getting from Basildon to Lakeside is a funny journey at present. First’s route 100 goes round the houses. “I think we can grow this Basildon to Lakeside corridor. We’re not in direct competition with First – only at either end. First’s traffic is all local, which they do very well, but end to end, the journey takes and hour and a quarter, whereas we’ll do it in 43 minutes.” Ensign Bus has grown all its routes. The firm started operating local bus services in Thurrock in 2006, initially carrying 300 passengers a day – yet it now transports 11,000 passengers each day. Referring to what is without doubt a more exciting development, Peter said he is “looking forward” to the introduction of six Wrightbodied Volvo B5L Hybrids in October. It is worth noting that
these are a different type to the ex demonstrator bus which recently caught fire.
Vehicle Sales
The firm’s big seller is without doubt ex London Dennis Tridents, principally former Stagecoach Alexander Alx400 ex Metroline Plaxton President-bodied examples. “We’ve had lots of Tridents, we’ve still got lots of Tridents and we’re selling lots of Tridents,” enthused Peter. “An interesting trait in the market at the moment is that operators are trading in late model single and double-deckers, 2005 to 2009 plated, for 2001 to 2002 models. “I’m not naming names, but it means operators can increase the size of their fleets. One operator part-exchanged three buses for 15 – with a bit of cash of course. I’ve never seen that trait previously.” Peter said this can be attributed to three reasons: need to increase service 1 The levels and capacity. Whereas new buses may be out of the reach of operators, they can afford mid life vehicles. to that is finance. Part2 Allied exchanges mean little or no finance. Euro 2 engine is far more fuel 3 Aefficient compared to Euro 3. “It’s been the case with not just one operator, but several,” added Peter. “Operators are now getting rather concerned about the 2014 DDA deadline. We’re selling a lot of DDA-compliant vehicles at the moment. Many operators do not seem aware of the fact that any bus with an unladen weight of 7.5 tonnes or less not meeting the DDA regulations will not be legal for bus service work after January 2014, and this covers many early SLF buses.”
The Trident conversion ‘production line’
“It takes us about a week to convert a [Trident]. We typically do five per week. We’re currently taking orders for August.” Ross Newman
Asked whether running leased vehicles makes much difference to buying, Peter replied: “Operators know the end cost with leasing but they pay for it of course. It makes sense for Stagecoach because of the volume. A lot of finance companies believe in parking buses up in a field because they can earn more money than selling them. It’s good news for us of course as it means the market is not saturated. “However, modern vehicles don’t like sitting around in airfields. Some have been sat there for over two years. When you do try to do something with them, it costs a lot.” With the firm having recently sold a number of used coaches, is this an area Ensign Bus is keen to expand into? “We’ve never really got into coaches because the prices
Above left: Buses from the early years of the new millennium are currently popular. Above right: Interior view of the bottom deck on a converted Trident www.coachandbusweek.com
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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek replied: “Step entrance Olympians still sell well as they’re high capacity 80 plus seaters. Clearly, they’re only for school work – they’ve got until 2017 to comply with the DDA, by which time they’ll be old vehicles. “We’ve sold the last of the 240 ex Dublin Bus Olympians. They’ve done extremely well – those buses have literally gone all over the world.” Peter remarked that step entrance Darts can be “given away with Green Shield stamps”. “The SLFs still sell but DDA is what everyone’s mindful of,” he added. “We’ve been refurbishing nonDDA Darts to DDA spec. These are 1998 to 2000-registered Darts. When you think the Dart was only meant to have a seven-year lifespan, yet they’re now into 15 years. The beauty of a Dart is it’s a nice, easy and simple bus, which just goes and goes.”
Operation Trident are very volatile,” replied Peter. “When Veolia packed up, we did an inclusive deal. Also, on the same vehicles we did a deal with Crystal Business Finance, which worked well for all. Veolia sold the vehicles; Crystal arranged the finance and the prices were right. “Would we go into coaches in a big way? No. I don’t mind older coaches but not the bells and whistles. We don’t have the facilities for the spit and polish brigade that some other dealers do. We don’t have an army of cleaners like they do. “We sell 700 buses per annum. An average coach dealer might sell 70. Selling buses is a whole different ball game – it’s Tesco vs. Fortnam & Mason.” Asked what the state of the market is for step entrance vs. low floors double-decker buses, Peter
Far from being an on-going Police investigation, ‘Operation Trident’ (as CBW will call it) is Ensign’s programme to convert and refurbish ex London Tridents for further service. “We’re working seven days a week, which is something we’ve never had to do until now,” enthused Peter. According to Ross, Tridents are popular principally because of the capacity which can be offered. To this end, Ensign Bus offers them as 80 seaters minus a wheelchair bay or 77 with a DDA-compliant wheelchair bay. “It takes us about a week to covert a bus,” explained Ross. “We typically do five per week. We’re currently taking orders for August. The certifying officers visit our premises every other Friday, so 10 VTP5 (notifiable alteration) forms get done per fortnight.”
All Trdients refurbished by Ensign Bus are retrofitted with Eminox traps to bring them up to Euro 4 on PM (Particulate Matter) – although the NOx is still Euro 2. “While ex London buses carry lots of passengers, they don’t get thrashed as they very rarely go over 30 mph,” added Ross. “The 80-seaters have no side-facing seats because a lot of councils don’t like them. Most of the Tridents we sell have also benefited from a mid life refurbishment, which included flooring, and seats recovered in the new Stagecoach corporate balls in place of the chevrons.”
Rail replacement
The firm’s rail replacement business remains as active as ever. A key attraction from a customer’s perspective is Ensign’s ability to respond rapidly to an incident. “We can get buses out in 15 minutes. We (office-based staff) start it off and traffic get drivers in to relieve us,” explained Peter. “We never, ever close. Particularly at Christmas at times of bad weather for example, we do a lot of airline diversion work. We probably do 5-600 rail replacement call outs per annum.”
Heritage Fleet Update
“We’ve seen about a 40% increase in vintage work this year,” enthused Steve. “If we get an inquiry, we invite customers here which seems to impress them. It gives customers confidence – we don’t run out of a farm for example. “People will hone in on vehicles which look really nice – they like the pretty ones. In that respect, RT8 is a popular choice thanks to the chrome and period adverts. “We stay in central London and Essex. We don’t send them too far.
How you deal with problems is critical. It’s rare for all our vehicles to be out at once, but we’ve had days where we’ve run 15 vehicles at the same time.” On the day of CBW’s visit, several, Routemasters were outside in the sunshine being prepared for a private hire. “We like to get them ready in good time – we don’t rush,” explained Steve. Exploring the cavernous covered vehicle storage area, Steve said the 1951-built ex Jersey Transport 31-seater Leyland Tiger PS1 is “very popular for Proms. People like the different colours.” Inside the nearby restoration workshop, two members of the heritage fleet were being rebuilt. One of these was the 1935-built Tiger Cub C4. “Being a 20-seater means we intend to target this vehicle at small parties, which will be something different for us. It will differ from our regular wedding work, which typically involves transporting the whole party from church to the reception. The C4 will enable the bridal party for example, to travel separately.” Restoration of the Cub has taken two and a half years to date. Work has included re-framing from the chassis up. Also under restoration is the firm’s 1937-built former Southdown Tiger TS7. “It’s had a full re-frame on one side and part re-frame on the other,” continued Steve. “We’re reinstating the retractable roof, which will be an attraction in itself. We could have bodged the vehicle to get it through another MOT but we decided to bite the bullet. Bodging would have been a false economy – it’s far better to do it properly. We’ve got five months or so of work to
Above left: An ex Stagecoach London Trident converted to single door. Above right: The 20-seater Leyland Tiger Cub C4 is nearing completion www.coachandbusweek.com
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operator UPDATE › ensign bus
Caption for pic above as est Uga. Cus sum nobis aut dolo quaspel is etum
Ensign Bus has open top, partially open tops and fully closed buses available to hire. Indeed, they’re no strangers to film and TV work complete it – we’re hoping to have it ready for Christmas. We overhauled the mechanical parts before we started on the body.” Steve turned to what is likely to be the next restoration candidate – or has he perhaps more aptly described it: “The basket case in the corner.” The Leyland TD1 was new in 1931 to Maidstone & District, before becoming part of London Transport with the takeover of Gravesend. “We expect this to be next in the overhaul queue – although dad, Ross and I always have our personal favourites. With the Cub almost finished, it’s time to choose which vehicle to restore next. The TD1 is certainly a one off vehicle. Taking it apart is going to be akin to an archaeological dig.” The latest addition to the heritage collection is a former Eastern National ECW-bodied Bristol LS coach, registered ‘7017HK’. Reflecting on the collection, Steve said: “We are proud to not only operate but also to restore many of the buses we own, in many cases having saved them from an uncertain future. In recent years we’ve repatriated a number of www.coachandbusweek.com
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Ensign Bus:
wartime London sightseeing tour
Not to be forgotten is Ensign Bus’ recent partnership with Evan Evans Tours and After the Battle publications to offer a tour around London focusing on the wartime period. Ensign’s pool of immaculately restored heritage vehicles help to provide an authentic atmosphere – from the 1930s or 40s – while the services of a professional tour guide are also employed. The two sightseeing tours cover Westminster and the City of London. Asked how the tours are performing, Peter replied: “The Wartime London tour had a slow start but is picking up.”
This 1931-built Leyland TD1 is likely to be the next restoration project
buses from Australia, Canada and the USA and are always seeking out rarities, whatever the condition. Vehicles such as RT8, which was found derelict in the USA, took over four years and approx 15,000 manhours to bring ‘back from the dead’. “At any time we can have up to three major projects being worked on, as well as undertaking all our own routine maintenance and MOT management which a fleet of this size requires. We also acquire vehicles that are derelict but historically interesting and at risk and if we are not able to plan the work into our already hectic schedules we will often endeavour to find these vehicles a home that offers them a secure future. “We are very proud of what we do and the number of historic vehicles we have and will continue to save, and believe this pride shows in not only the detail on the vehicles themselves but also in our detail in making every hire a special one. The fact our vehicles are returned to the highest condition for the road and thus allowed to carry fare paying passengers enables us to continue to restore other vehicles which would otherwise be lost.”
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ADVERTORIAL
From one man with a van to a multi-million pound business
Bristol-based Mobile Windscreens is the largest independent award winning vehicle glass supplier in the UK and over the forty years they have been in business has seen them grow from being one man with a van to become a multi million pound business offering a 24 hour, 7 day service to the bus and coach, plant and agricultural, fleet transport, leasing and contract hire industry in the UK offering the highest standard of workmanship at unbeatable prices. They still remain the ʻlocalʼ company with national coverage. National Mobile Windscreens has been awarded the Fleet Supplier of the Year Award, a headline and most prestigious of the Fleet News awards which recognise the supplier which has gone the extra mile in providing exceptional service to fleet customers. In 2010, they won the coveted Fleet News Customer Service award. Mobile Windscreens has 36 branches from the Midlands through the South East,
South West and South Wales with branches being restocked on a daily basis. The network includes a coach and bus division, which has a dedicated 20strong team of highly trained engineers who have gained their NVQ 2 in automotive glazing and a total of 300 yearsʼ experience supplying and fitting the bus and coach industry, as well as motor homes. Mobile Windscreens deals with customers on a personal basis at every stage, from the first call to final job completion, whether off-site or on client premises where work can be arranged to suit fleet schedules. Paul Bluett of Edwards Coaches Ltd, Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd said: “We have been using National Mobile Windscreens for many years and the service received has always been excellent. Specialist glazing contact centre staff are friendly and always do their best to make sure our vehicles are
back on the road – especially ʻout of hoursʼ. They understand the nature of our business and if any issues arise they are rectified with the minimum of fuss. Fitting staff knowledge is excellent and repairs are to a high standard.” They have the on-site facility to cut flat laminated glass and polycarbonate and have also just completed a major investment in Sumo lifting equipment, which enables technicians to lift the largest and heaviest screens. Operations Manager Martin Golding said: “We manage work for clients with a repair-first policy to help keep costs down, and provide a reliable local mobile service by local people around the clock throughout the year,” he said. “We can direct bill insurance companies and we are so confident of our craftsmanship that we can fit brand new double glazed units, at refurbished prices with a lifetime warranty for the ownership of the vehicle.”
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FACE TO FACE › bob hind
Leaving the industry: B. Hind Andrew Cream speaks to Arriva Midlands Managing Director Bob Hind days before his retirement to find out about his role as MD, his career highlights and his thoughts on the industry’s future www.coachandbusweek.com
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A
mid the hustle and bustle of Arriva Midlands’ Shrewsbury depot opening, Bob Hind was able to take 20 minutes out to answer some final questions for CBW before hanging up his hi-vis vest for the last time. Bob said goodbye to his role of Managing Director of Arriva Midlands on Friday. He had held the role since June 2007. Previous to that he worked at Arriva North West, but during the 1980s he worked for a number of companies in the Midlands, including Midland Red, Leicester City Transport and Derby City Transport. “I know the patch pretty well,” he mused. “I was 17 when I joined the industry,” he said. “And after 44 years, I am ready to retire. I have a lot of friends and colleagues here who I will miss, however.” His impending retirement was common knowledge for some time. The news was made public in February this year, but the company was made aware last summer,
meaning he and Arriva have had a lot of time to put things in place. “I have had time to tie up the loose ends,” he agreed. “It’s nice to end like this though; opening a new depot.” In response to whether the business will be run differently following his departure, Bob said: “As a company it will be pretty much the same. Managing Directors are leaders. Yes, a Managing Director can mould a company into his way of thinking but it’s more about the people below the MD. I don’t think there will be significant changes.”
Importance of relationships
A key role of a Managing Director, Bob explained, is forming and maintaining healthy relationships with a host of external bodies, including trade unions and local authorities. “When I started at Arriva Midlands, trade union relationships weren’t good,” he said. “I have worked hard on that. The relationships have very much improved.” “It’s very important to work with
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Bob Hind:
a brief history
Bob believes the mix of urban and rural services makes the job more interesting (above); and Arriva Midlands’ new Shrewsbury depot (below)
Unite,” Bob added. “This is a people business. The unions represent our workforce and have their part to play in ensuring standards are maintained. “Arriva is seen as a good employer – we value our employees.” He continued: “One of the MD’s functions is dealing with local authorities and politicians. In fact, I think you have to be a bit of a politician to do this job.” As with most regional divisions of UK-wide companies, Arriva Midlands covers a variety of different settings for operations. “Arriva Midlands is good because of the different locations, it makes it more interesting,” Bob explained. “You have that mix. The challenges in Leicester and Derby are often based around congestion while the rural challenge is more financial. “What’s more, [the operation in] Leicester and Derby is more commercial. In Shropshire half the network is subsidised. That means the relationship with local authorities is very important. We have to make sure we get the best value for money for what we provide – that’s possibly been the
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main challenge.” Continuing on the role he has just relinquished, he added: “The Managing Director is a bit of a bridge between the operating side of the business and the senior management side of the business. Ultimately, however, I am responsible for the business as a whole.” While Bob believes relationships between operators and local authorities is important, he thinks Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts are unnecessary. He said: “Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts have been overhyped. These agreements only work if the partners work together. “They are successful if we want the same thing, but contractual, legally binding contracts shouldn’t be necessary – these things should be a given. “I think it is all a nuisance and an unnecessary distraction.” Coincidentally, or perhaps not so much, Bob has similar views on the Competition Commission’s latest report, ‘Competition in the local bus market’. “A lot of time and money has
Bob Hind started his career in the industry as a parcel boy with Crosville in 1968. His most enjoyable job was his time as a bus conductor at Llandudno Junction, but his career progressed, and in 1976 he was working for Leicesterbased Midlands Red. In 1981 Bob moved into municipal operations with Leicester City Transport. He then led the employee buy-out of Derby City Transport (DCT) in 1989. Bob returned to the North West following the British Bus acquisition of DCT in 1994, and after Arriva’s acquisition of MTL in 2000, he merged the MTL bus business into Arriva North West and also took control of Merseyrail for two years. In 2007 he returned to his home in the Midlands, leading Arriva’s operations across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Bob oversaw the acquisition of Wardle Transport in 2010 and its subsequent expansion taking in the Staffordshire operations of D&G Coach and Bus. Bob’s last day at Arriva Midlands was Friday, July 27.
been invested into the report,” Bob said. “People’s time which should be spent on improving businesses.”
Highlights
Speaking about his career highlights, Bob said: “This industry has been a joy to work in. I particularly get a kick out of new depots. It shows everybody we mean business. “I had 13 years in Merseyside which I enjoyed immensely. I developed the company from 30m to 150m passengers which was extremely satisfying.” Briefly moving onto his time in the north, Bob added: “Liverpool was different [to Arriva Midlands] as essentially I was dealing with different people. We dealt with a few PTEs whereas our involvement with PTEs in the Midlands is much less. Also, Merseyside was a much bigger operation.” While in charge of Arriva North West, Bob was also the chairman of GMTL (Greater Manchester Travelcards Ltd), which he found “very interesting”. GMTL is an organisation which operates under the moniker of System One. It offers saver tickets for unlimited use on any bus in Greater Manchester. Bob’s top career highlight however came towards the start of his life in the industry, working as a conductor at Llandudno Junction.
The future
Congestion is a big challenge in urban areas like Leicester
“There is always going to be a demand for public transport, but it’s facing difficult times. An example of the tough climate is the fact that the average time in office for the Secretary of State is just 22 months.” Bob Hind
While Bob is leaving the industry, his 44 years of experience mean he’s well-placed to offer some thoughts on the upcoming months and years. “There is always going to be a demand for public transport,” he said. “But it’s facing difficult times. An example of the tough climate is the fact that the average time in office for the Secretary of State is just 22 months. “To be honest, recent governments have been disappointing; priority has not been given to public transport. Bus users are treated as second-class citizens.” “There are challenging times ahead,” Bob concluded. “People need to recognise that to provide a good transport system we need to invest in it. It’s never been an easy industry but it won’t get any easier.” Alex Perry, former Operations Director for the UK Coach division of National Express, will take up the role of Managing Director of Arriva Midlands on September 3, 2012, following Bob Hind’s departure.
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THE BIG PICTURE
This unusual take on a yard of used dealer white-coloured coaches was taken at Plaxton’s Spring Open Event in Anston, South Yokshire on Saturday March 24. The low level view was snapped with ease by CBW Editor Gareth Evans using his own Canon EOS 600D digital SLR camera. Gareth admits it’s a different angle, even by his ‘standards’. Taken at 0930hrs, when the yard was still shrouded in mist, an anonymous coach operator is seen chatting on his mobile phone. The gentleman is flanked by an eclectic mix of coaches, which include a Setra S415GT-HD, a Beulas-bodied Iribus and of course, a pair of trusted Scarboroughbuilt machines. Plaxton’s next open event is due to be held next Wednesday and Thursday on August 8–9. In keeping with the current sporting theme and the dealership’s move across the road, the event is baing hailed as the ‘Plaxton Sporting Challenge.’
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ESSENTIAL GUIDE
› security & insurance
CCTV can gather vital evidence for a post incident investigation, which can impact on an operator’s insurance claims history
Peace of mind In this week’s Essential Guide Coach & Bus Week examines specialist public transport security and insurance suppliers, which can help save you money
S
ecurity and insurance are two things, which in the ideal world, no operator would need. However, in reality both are some of the most important aspects of an operation outside of the garage. On-board vehicle security, predominantly in the form of CCTV, helps ensure the safety of passengers and drivers alike. The presence of the system can discourage anti-social behaviour and help bring to
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ESSENTIAL GUIDE
› SECURITY & INSURANCE
justice those responsible. Insurance itself is vital for when things go wrong and a specialist insurance broker can help obtain the best possible deal for transport operators.
CENTRAD
Centrad offers a range of high specification CCTV systems which have been designed specifically for the bus and coach industry. Renowned for their reliability and user-friendliness, Centrad’s CCTV systems are also competitively priced with a four-channel recording system costing around £390, including four cameras. Lower cost systems are available for simpler one and two camera digital recording requirements aswell as top end systems which can deliver live remote viewing and GPS tracking. An installation service is available, but many operators install the units themselves, following the illustrated instructions supplied by
Centrad, which shares its premises with sister company, Central Buses can offer a practical demonstration of the product range the company. Centrad keeps its costs down by operating from shared premises with its sister company Central Buses and by not employing expensive sales people. A showroom has been set up at their new 15,000 sq ft premises in central Birmingham with customers invited to visit to test out
the equipment. Options including GPS tracking, shock sensors, alarm inputs and interfaces to CANbus/ OPD engine management systems are also available. WiFi is available for end of day downloads. This is in addition to the standard facility to download via a standard memory key. For the ultimate in security an option is available to stream video live over a mobile phone (3G) link. Centrad said its systems have proved extremely successful in promoting a safer working environment by deterring crime including theft, fraud, vandalism and crimes against individuals. The presence of CCTV also assists in discouraging delinquent and anti-social behaviour and has become a vital aid in combating bogus insurance claims therefore reducing insurance costs. All of Centrad’s systems are supplied with a full warranty. T: 0845 299 0663 E: email@centrad.co.uk W: www.centrad.co.uk
BACKHOUSE JONES
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An increasingly popular option for operators who wish to manage their claims record and insurance costs is to go “self-insured”. In practice, for most operators this simply means having a large
insurance policy excess, for example on motor claims. There are many different variations available to fit an operator’s particular need. The effect of the deductible (say £50,000) is that because it is the operator’s own money settling the vast majority of claims, the operator works hard to avoid claims through risk management and to defend claims through active claims handling. It is very important therefore to obtain professional broking advice in what is a non-conventional insurance market. Also critical is the issue of claims handling / management. There is not a clear advantage to this type of insurance unless at the same time you develop, either within your organisation or by using an out-sourced company, a focused claims handling division which will actively manage any claims which do arise and as importantly, feedback and develop risk management strategies to reduce the risk and scale of future claims. The use of CCTV, black box technology and accurate on-scene information recovery from employees are all important tools in combating exaggerated/fraudulent claims. Backhouse Jones has a trading arm called Nineteen 23 (N23) which provides a complete outsourcing facility dedicated solely to the commercial road transport industry. N23 allows operators to cut insurance premiums and retain input and control, without having to pay for and manage an in-house facility. This leaves operators to concentrate on their core business of transport and greater operating efficiency leading to greater profitability. Every client and each case is allocated a
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ESSENTIAL GUIDE
› security & insurance
It’s important to obtain professional advice for handling insurance claims dedicated and experienced claims handler who will deal with the case from start to finish. Backhouse Jones believes most accidents occur when a person’s eyes are taken off the road. The same is true for claims. T: 08450 575 111 E: enquiries@ backhouses.co.uk W: www.backhousejones.co.uk
Giles Insurance Brokers
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Insurance in the bus and coach sector is very different today, compared to few years ago. Despite Government promises to amend the law, there have been major increases in ‘No win No fee’ injury claims. Coupled with a profusion of new ‘Credit Hire’ companies, this has resulted in increased costs for insurers. The market for coach and bus insurance business has contracted as insurers struggle to make a profit. There are currently four less insurers willing to underwrite this class of business than there were some 18 months ago. It is now more important than ever for operators to work alongside a professional insurance broker, who can assist in obtaining the best overall package of covers, by presenting the business directly
to the market and providing it with specialist advice and service. Giles Insurance Brokers (which purchased transport insurance brokers Spencer Moray and Chapman Stevens three years ago) are able to offer free insurance reviews and risk audits. Its impartial review will highlight any gaps in cover and give clients peace of mind that they are adequately covered, going forward. The organisation’s in-house claims team have over 30 years’ experience of looking after over 1200 coach, bus and minibus businesses UK-wide. The company believes this gives it the experience and ability to deal with the insurance needs of all operators. Giles’ direct dealing with insurers and close working relationships with the people that matter help to demonstrate its unique expertise, experience and knowledge of the coach and bus sector. Giles has recently negotiated a new direct authority arrangement with a well-known insurer, which has proven beneficial to a number of customers new and old, providing improvements in policy cover and savings in premiums. T: 0845 643 3598 E: busandcoach@ gilesinsurance.co.uk W: www.gilesinsurance.co.uk
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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 For Sale: Due to fleet replacement, we need to sell up to 5 of the following and don’t mind which 5! Dennis Plaxton R Series Cummins 420 2003: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 3 x 53 seats 2004: 5 x 53 seats 2005: 2 x 53 seats Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon: 2006: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 1 x 53 seats All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approximately 62,000km per annum) with long MoT, air conditioning and AStronic/Easyshift gearboxes. Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream. Priced to sell at £37,000 (03 reg), £48,000 (04 reg), £59,000 (05 reg) and £89,000 (06 reg) plus VAT (£3,000 premium for WC). Sorry no part exchange facilities!
To view contact Tom Smith, Operations Manager, Alfa Travel on 08451 305777
...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.
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales
Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 130 All spares available - includes engine, gearboxes, seats, etc.
Call: 01226 727769 Mobile: 07912 103497 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com
1996 Volvo B10M
2010 Tourneo Trend 115
Manual, 50 seats+crew with lap belts, A/C, rear W/C, full CCTV system, continental door, DVD & monitor, taxed and MOT, double glazed windows.
£23,000 +VAT ono Contact Ron Hoskins Select Bus & Coach Services 41 Mary Street, Neath, West Glamorgan SA11 1PN
Tel: 07980 618419 Email: select_services@mail.com
9 seats, 58k miles, full Ford service history, manufacturers warranty March 13/100k, 1 owner driver, school run use only, any inspection welcome. £12,250 no VAT Please call Dougie on 07770 726746
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.
COACH&BUSMARKET
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
2000 OPTARE SOLO
9.2 mtr with Mercedes engine, 33 seats with wheelchair and buggy space plus 20 standing with 31 newly installed seatbelts (forward facing), full repaint in any fleet colour, ready for schools, good choice.
£13,950.00
Order now for September
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Buy 3 weeks get a 4th week
FREE!
Contact Jade Cassidy now on : 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
LEZ
COMPLIANT
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door (£13,000) or 70 when converted to single door (£16,000).
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
1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S
Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps, £7000 each plus tyres.
Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LEDʼs, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.
1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 78 seats.
Van Hool Alizee body, 53 seats, six speed ZF manual.
1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS
2000 X REG VOLVO B7LA ARTIC
2000 DAF SB120
1990 VOLVO B10M
Cummins/Voith gearboxes, Duple Metsec bodies, recent floors and 92 coach seats.
120 capacity, new MOT on sale, last one remaining.
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 (£400)
1999 DENNIS TRIDENTS
Cummins/Voith, Alexander ALX 400 bodies, 63 seats or 70 as single door.
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 ZF automatics, Plaxton Premiere 320 bodies, 53 seats, exhaust traps fitted, LEZ compliant.
1998 R REG DAF SB3000’S
2000/2001 X REG DENNIS SUPER POINTER DARTS
2006 MAN NEOPLAN EUROLINER
ZF automatic, 49 seat exec, air-con, toilet, only one available.
Van Hool Alizee body, 49 seats with centre toilet, 6 speed manual.
1994 DAF SB3000
Euro 3, ZF automatics, East Lancs bodies, 37 seats, full DDA, Hanover LEDʼs, long MOTʼs.
2002 VOLVO B6BLE’S
Cummins 160 engines, Allison World Series gearboxes, 35 seats as dual door, or 43 seats as single door.
Euro 4, Wrights Gemini bodies, dual door, 68 seats.
2007 VOLVO B9TL’S
1997/98 P/R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS
2005 DENNIS DART MPD
Cummins Euro 3 engine, Allison gearbox, 8.8m long, 29 seats, long MOTʼs.
Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Alexander RL low height bodies, 80 / 87 seaters
ZF automatic, Plaxton Excalibur body , 49 seats with rear toilet, air-con.
2000 W REG VOLVO B10M
1999 S REG SUPER POINTER DART
2001 X REG DENNIS DART MPD’S
1994 M REG DENNIS JAVLIN
25 seats, ramps, good MOTʼs.
11.3m, uprated engine and Allison World Series gearbox, 41 seats.
6 speed ZF manual gearbox, Plaxton Premiere 320 body, 70 seats with 3 point belts.
- 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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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 (11) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 3.5 ton, 2.4tdi engine 115ps, tacho, 10,000 km £17,500
(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat M/R 140PS with air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £17,995 (
(56) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, high back seats, electric windows, central locking, 66,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,995
SOLD SOLD
(53) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 td minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, air-con, COIF/PSV £6,995 (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
OTHER MAKES
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 (07) 2007 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, high back seats, rear two rows of seats on tracking, 33,000 miles COIF/PSV £9,500 (07) Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, 2.2 diesel with three point seat belts, 28,000 miles, COIF/PSV £10,495
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
(08) Renault Master LWB 3.5 ton, 2.5 tdi, six seats, fully tracked floor, inboard Ricon Clearway lift, one owner from new, 40,000 miles £16,750 (57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995
SOLD
New Renault Master 17 seat LM35/ 2.2di 125ps, six speed, satnav, tacho, fully tracked floor with removable seats £21,995
(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
(09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650
(03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495
New Renault Master 17 seat LWB LM39dci 126 Minibus, tacho ONLY £20,350
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 £6,495
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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DUE TO ILLNESS OF THE MD, MASSIVE SALE WITH HUGE REDUCTIONS – ALL MUST BE SOLD! 2003 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PROFILE Registered Dec 2003, double glazed tinted glass, Cummins 275 engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, 49 seats, toilet & washroom, ready for immediate use, MoT tested, 120,000 miles, choice of two. Straight from MOD.
£P.O.A
Straight from MOD
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Dec 07, low mileage, 7 seats, quick release tracking for wheelchair use.
£12,500 + VAT
06 MAN EVOLUTION
14/220, 37 seats, SLF automatic, wheelchair ramp, superb condition throughout, fully MoT’d.
£45,500
Part exchange considered
BERKOF RADIAL 1998
53 seats, Cummins 300 engine, ex council, manual box, air cond, MoT, very low mileage, super condition.
£19,500
CAETANO (SALVADOR) 1998
57 seats, in white, Cummins 245 engine, MoT Sept 2012, very clean vehicle.
£19,500 + VAT
BMC AIRPORT BUS
32 seats, 220 Cummins, new MoT this week. QUICK SALE WANTED.
£15,000
1995 PLAXTON PREMIER MERCEDES VARIO 612
1998, 20 new seats, wheelchair lift on wheel tracking, 20 new seats. Choice of 6. TRADE SALE OR SEPARATE
1995 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIER HIGHLINER
53 recliner seats, 290 Cummins, automatic, continental door, toilet, full years MoT, must be seen.
£POA + VAT
02 LDV
Minibus with 12 seats, long MOT, wheelchair lift and very clean.
£P.O.A.
1996 DENNIS JAVELIN
10 metre, new MoT, 41/47 seats, 220 Cummins, 6 speed box, new stretch panels, repainted. Choice of 2.
£POA + VAT
B10 engine In excellent condition throughout MOT
£16,000 +VAT
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IVECO SERVICE BUS
67 seats (moquet), new 2006, only 12,000 miles since new,Vihixel body, auto gearbox, air-con, MOT full year, LEZ, must be seen, superb condition.
£65,000 + VAT PX considered
PLAXTON PARAGON
48 reclining seats plus courier seat, air-con.
£49,500 + VAT
03 MERCEDES VARIO
With wheelchair lift, 13 seats, low mileage.
£12,000 + VAT
02 SETRA
1996 VOLVO PLAXTON PREMIER HIGH LINER
B10 engine, 14 months test, 70 seats, tinted double glazing, curtains, continental door, must be seen.
£POA
Model S-315 GT HD, 6 cylinder MAN engine, manual 6 speed gearbox, 49 seater, full air conditioning, many extras, full year MOT
£45,000 + VAT
Part exchange considered
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Mini Coach Sales
BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI 32 high back seats, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.
BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI 19 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.
MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:
BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.
2009 09 REG MERCEDES 613 VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.
2010 10 REG IVECO 50c15 IRISBUS 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks, power door and under-floor wheelchair lift.
www.connaughtpsv.co.uk
2006 55 REG MERCEDES 814 PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door and boot, in silver.
2008 08 MERCEDES BENZ 311D SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, brand new conversion LEZ compliant.
2005 05 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 25 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.
2001 51 REG TOYOTA CATEANO OPTIMO 5 22 high back seats plus courier, lap belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door and boot.
1999 MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door and boot.
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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Kinglong Scotland KINGLONG 2012
1 x 57 Volvo Vanhool 1987 Tested Mar 2013 Taxed Sept 2012 1 x 53 Volvo Vanhool 1993 (Toilet) Tested Feb 2013 Taxed Nov 2012 1 x 32 Plaxton Cheetah 1998 Tested Jan 2013 Taxed Feb 2013 1 x 32 Plaxton Cheetah 1998 Tested Apr 2013 Taxed Jan 2013 1 x 27 Beluga 2001 Tested Apr 2013 Taxed Dec 2012 1 x 16 Ford Transit 2005 Tested Dec 2012 Taxed Sept 2012 1 x 16 Ford Transit 2002 Tested Aug 2013 Taxed Mar 2013 1 x 14 Ford Transit 2005 Tested Mar 2013 Taxed Feb 2013 1 x 8 Ford Transit 2003 Tested Oct 2012 Taxed Nov 2012 1 x 8 Volkswagen Caravelle 2003 (D) Tested Mar 2013 Taxed Mar 2013 1 x 8 Volkswagen Caravelle (D) Wheelchair Accessb 1997 Tested Nov 2012 Taxed July 2012 1 x 6 Vauxhall Safira (D) 2001 Tested Sept 2012 Taxed July 2012
XMQ 6127 53/49 luxury recliners, DVD, Flatscreens, W/C, A/C, many extras as standard From £179,950 + VAT
XMQ 6900 35 leather recliners or 31 with W/C, DVD, Flatscreen, many extras £134,950 + VAT
XMQ 6800 8 metres of luxury mini coach, 31/29 recliners, DVD, Flatscreen, A/C £99,950 + VAT Manual £109,950 + VAT Auto XMQ 6130Y TRI AXLE!! Ultimate coach, 55/59 seats @ 13 metre, D/G, A/C, W/C, MP3, 3 flatscreens, drivers bunk!!! £229,950 + VAT secures 13 metre
AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW!!!!
XMQ 6127J Ultimate City Bus, Low floor entry with tilt, LEZ compliant, Euro 5 Cummins, LED as standard, CCTV, 12 metre gives 37 + 3 + 34 standees only £134k + VAT 9 metre gives 24 + 3 + 17 standees only £109k + VAT All the above come with 2 year warranty!!!!
Used, nearly new stock available!!
Authorised stockist Kinglong parts and glass.
For prices telephone: 01779 480480 or mobile contact Ewan Mowat: 07768 432111 Email: info@victoriacoaches.co.uk www.victoriacoaches.co.uk
01651 872864 Office 07769719252 Mobile 24/7 kinglongscotland@yahoo.co.uk
Station Yard, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0EZ
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August 1, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45
DENNIS DART PLAXTON POINTER SLF
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
P reg with 29/32 seats, recent retrim, metallic silver, new test.
£5,950
Eminox exhaust, air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT, £11,500 + VAT
74 SEAT BELTED
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
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
Mercedes 612 Vario • Whitaker conversion • Wheelchair lift • 14 seats • Tracking • First Reg - June 1998 3 point seatbelts MOT - 7th December 2012 Price:
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
£4,999 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778
COACH&BUSMARKET Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Photos and
FULL COLOUR
as standard on all vehicle for sale advertisements! Contact Jade Cassidy now on :
01733 293247
jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
55/57 str from £4950+VAT
68 seats £9950+VAT
£3500+VAT
57 seat B10M
37 seats £18950+VAT
£66950+VAT
COACHES 05-54 Iveco Beulas Eurorider, 49 seat exec, 6 speed man, centre sunken toilet, low mileage, MOT May 2013 ...............................................................................................................................................£66,950 93 K Scania Cetano, 8 speed manual, 51 seat exec, centre sunken toilet, MOT July 2013 ......£10,950 92-J Volvo B10M VanHool, manual, 57 seat, MOT Feb 2013 ......................................................£9,950 91-J Dennis Javelin, Cummins diesel, manual, 68 seats, MOT Feb 2013 ...................................£9,950 90-H Scania VanHool, manual, 49 seat exec, centre sunken toilet, MOT ....................................£7,500 1988 Scania VanHool, manual, 55 seat, MOT May 2013 .............................................................£4,950 1987 Daf VanHool, manual, 57 seat, choice of two, .....................................................................£7,950 1987 Daf VanHool, manual, 55 seat, MOT Dec 2012 ...................................................................£7,950
MINI-COACHES & BUSES 99-V Optare Solo, auto, 37 seat/15 standing, low floor, 2 owners .............................................£18,950 97-P Merc 814 Nouvelle, 6 speed, 33 seat, MOT 1 year, ............................................................£11,950 97-P Merc 711, manual, 29 seat, MOT 1 year, 2 owners ..............................................................£8,500 97-P Merc 709, Auto, 24 seat, MOT 1 year, 2 owners ..................................................................£4,950 91-J Merc 811, Auto, 31 seat Carlyle body, MOT Nov, 2 owners .................................................£3,500 91-J Merc 709, manual, 25 seat Alexander body, MOT 1 year .....................................................£3,950 03-03 LDV Convoy Hi-roof LWB, 8 seat (Private Hire) MOT March 2013 ...................................£1,350 All prices - PLUS VAT • All vehicles can be painted in colour at cost.
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
Tel 01768 892727 Fax 01768 899680 Email: sales@nbmtravel.co.uk NBM Travel, Cromwell Road, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7JW
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46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 1, 2012
MERCEDES BENZ 0404 • Registration date: 1/03/01 • 48+1+1 with WC • Fainsa blue & multi colour pattern Moquette • Automatic • Fully air-conditioned
• 2 monitors, DVD, coffee machine, electric lockers • 940,000kms
Price: £29,950 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
2005 Ford Transit 410
Factory minibus, fitted with 14 moquette h/b coach seats, COIF, tacho and new PSV, 120,000 miles
£5950
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
LD O S ALL
ADL ENVIRO 200 58/09 REG 29 seats Choice of 4
From £59,950
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
Iveco Maxim II • Registration date – 1/12/05 • 29+1+1 • Blue/grey leather & moquette seats • Manual • 410,000km
• Test – 22/2/13 Tax – 31/8/12 Price: £29,950 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
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2000 OPTARE SOLO
9.2 mtr with Mercedes engine, 33 seats with wheelchair and buggy space plus 20 standing with 31 newly installed seatbelts (forward facing), full repaint in any fleet colour, ready for schools, good choice.
£13,950.00
Order now for September
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
2005 MAN 14.240 MCV EVOLUTION SERVICE BUS
40 seats, NEW MOT TO MAY 2013, repanelled and repainted 2 pack white, engine overhauled, Hanover LED destination gear, drives fantastic, superb condition.
£26,500 + VAT o.v.n.o.
Contact Steve on 07795 347476 or 01492 640320 (North Wales)
MAN Marco Polo Triaxle • Reg – 1st April 2001 • 49+1+1 plus WC • Fainsa grey/multi moquette seats + lap belts • Manual gearbox • 2,812,122km • MOT – 25/00/2013
Price: £25,000 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
06 BMC ProBus • 35 seats • Aircon • Immaculate condition • Less than 100,000kms • MOT – 03/05/2013 Price:
£29,950 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
2006 MAN NEOPLAN EUROLINER
I 49 seat exec I Air con I Centre toilet I Long MoT
I Auto
OFFERS INVITED Finance Packages Available. Vehicles for sale on behalf of operator or finance house Call Mike Austin for more information
07834 810907 or 0121 711 7237
1999/2000 Dennis Trident Alexander ALX 400 V and X reg, long wheelbase, EURO 4
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
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48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 1, 2012
2009 09 REG FORD TRANSIT
15 seat factory bus with only 9K miles, tacho, COIF applied for
£14,250
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
Mercedes 612 Vario • Whitaker conversion • Wheelchair lift • 14 seats • Tracking • First Reg - June 1998 3 point seatbelts MOT - 22nd August 2012 Price:
2 x DAF SB3000 WS Plaxton Prima 320
ZF auto, 53 reclining seats, with Eminiox Euro 4 kits, short MOT, can supply new test, excellent condition £18,000.00 ONO + VAT
£4,499 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
COACH&BUSMARKET
1995 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier 350
ZF Auto, 49/53 exec certified, plain white, new trim, really nice coach £15,000.00 ONO + VAT
1992 Volvo B10M Manual Plaxton Premier 350
57 seater, brand new trim, 7 upseat, sprayed white, ready to go £13,000.00 ONO + VAT
2 x 1996 70 Seater Plaxton Premier 320
Volvo B10M ZF chassis, available September 2012 £28,000.00 + VAT CALL FOR DETAILS
01268 795763
Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Contact Jade Cassidy now on :
01733 293247
jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
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Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk
2007 (57) ADL ENVIRO 200 10.8m - 37 SEATS • • • • • • •
SLF 10.8m. 37 seats Cummins Euro 4. Alison auto g/box Fully DDA compliant for 2016+ Hanover LED destination Repainted June 2012 MOT April 2013 £52,000 + VAT
Finance available – subject to status
Many more quality buses available – please call 01342 711840 or visit our website
www.southdownpsv.co.uk
Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN
Toyota Optimo 4 • Manual - 5 speed • Seatbelts • 16 seats • First Reg – April 1998 • MOT – March 2013
OPTARE SOLO 2000 reg, Mercedes engine, 31 seats with new belt installation, DDA spec, new paint and test. Order now for September
£13,950
Price:
£4,999 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
2000 OPTARE SOLO
9.2 mtr with Mercedes engine, 33 seats with wheelchair and buggy space plus 20 standing with 31 newly installed seatbelts (forward facing), full repaint in any fleet colour, ready for schools, good choice.
£13,950.00
Order now for September
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
Mercedes 612 Vario • Long wheel base • Wheelchair lift • 16 seats • Tracking MOT – 15th April 2012 Price:
£6,999 ONO TELEPHONE 02476 363 004 • SALES@KINGLONGUK.COM WWW.KINGLONGUK.COM Kinglong Direct Limited, Three Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Coventry CV6 6JR
Out of Hours call Ray McNally: 07827 894446
Filler NEW copy
2/7/12
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Page 1
3 WEEKS 4 WEEK FREE
BUY GET A
PRICES INCLUDE :
TH
• Design Service • Web Advert • Full Colour
WHEN YOU ADVERTISE IN
COACH&BUSMARKET T E K R A M S U B & nd sell a H y u C b o A t e CO – the plac
7 1733 29324 0 ll a c t s ju £30 as little as r o f s e g a p e on these To advertis
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TO BOOK YOUR ADVERTISEMENT CONTACT:
JADE CASSIDY
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col 10cm x 2
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10cm x 1
col
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01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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l £50 o c 2 x 5cm
.co.uk uncymedia ro @ y id ss ail jade.ca 3247 or em 9 2 3 3 7 1 0 y on Jade Cassid Telephone
VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES
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COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED BUSINESS FOR SALE
CHECKPOINTS
DUE TO RETIREMENT
Special needs company for sale With attached Marine Business (service, repairs and parts). Established over 20 years. Turnover over £300,000 per annum with at least 20% net profit. The Company is debt free with prompt payments from clientele. Would suit an engineering minded person or to tag on to existing company. Possible 50% partnership. Also would consider splitting Company into two. For initial contact write to Box No 28, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Forder Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:
Tel: 01524 271200 www.checkpoint-safety.com
HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
BUILDINGS
• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage
• Supplied any width, any length
• Building to BS5590
• Doors high enough for Double Deckers
• Finance available Phone for further information
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime AUDIO &VIDEO
Don’t forget to say that you saw it in
HEATING
GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381
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
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Mobile Column Lifts FREE
Set of Axle Stands when you purchase your Mobile Columns JHM Butt & Company Limited Sales: 01302 718226
www.buttsequipment.com equipment.com REGISTRATIONS G
SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’
£690 CXZ 50 JFZ 40 PBZ 16 RNZ 10 TBZ 19 TJZ 44 TJZ 50 TUI 20 UXI 70
£350 £99 £99 £50 AJZ 646 DXZ 1150 MJZ 6749 CXZ 4471 KBZ 404 HIG 5338 MNZ 1195 CXZ 4472 KBZ 505 HIG 5339 ONZ 1180 DFZ 4694 LBZ 121 IIG 7764 REZ 3255 DRZ 8551 RBZ 696 IIG 7765 RUI 2117 DRZ 8552 RDZ 989 JIG 8894 SUI 8836 ERZ 1643 SBZ 171 JIG 8895 SUI 8837 JFZ 8393 VIW 242 KIG 5113 TJZ 1116 JFZ 8394 XJI 474 KIG 5114 TJZ 1119 JIG 8491 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
TICKETING
£99 JIG 8492 KFZ 3733 KFZ 3734 KIG 6631 KIG 6632 RNZ 2144 RNZ 2145 TUI 7074 TUI 7075
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52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 1, 2012
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED VEHICLE SPARES
TRAINING
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •
Recovery
•
Testing
• • • • • • •
Now taking bookings for driver CPC training at our centre in Lincolnshire. Companies and individuals catered for. For information contact Jemma: Call 01529 414242 / 303333 or visit: www.sleafordian.co.uk
PVC DRIVER CPC TRAINING CREATED BY A COACH COMPANY FOR THE COACHING INDUSTRY
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@coachandbusweek.com
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
•
DISMANTLING/SPARES:
Refurbishment Repairs
Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding
Buying & selling vehicles
• • • • • •
Reconditioned engines
Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows
Windscreens Seats
Export to foreign markets Repairs
Finance repossession and storage
CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ
Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com
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
TRIM
COACH TRIMMERS LTD
Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment. Full floors re-laid and centre gangways. Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
www.twigley.com
August 1, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 53
Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
Monday: Press day. Start off confident all is in under control and we’ll be out in good time. However, production is hampered by a variety of things, including the fact news pages keep having to be re-jigged as stories continue to break throughout the day. Finish later than intended. Tuesday: As much as is possible on the ever-changing demands of a weekly magazine, plan forthcoming issues with my colleagues. Wednesday: Spend the day writing up a feature for a forthcoming issue. Have a much needed hair cut, ensuring I look half decent for Saturday. Not so much in the dog or hen house for that matter…
Chicken fun in the sun Just when you think you’ve seen and heard it all, we at Coach & Bus Week bring you something out of the ordinary. This week we bring you sunbathing hens. What has this got to do with coaches and buses? In the best tradition of this page, nothing at all really – we just thought it sufficiently out of the ordinary (cute perhaps?) to meet the criteria for ‘Last Stop’. The tenuous connection to the industry is that this sight was recorded for posterity by
Dilbert
CBW Editor Gareth Evans on the afternoon of Sunday, July 8 on his grandparents’ smallholding, west of Welshpool in Montgomeryshire. Nain (Welsh for grandmother) assures us it’s a regular occurrence. For those of you who are interested in poultry, Nain said the brood go their separate ways while outside during the day – this pair enjoys being in the garden and near the house, while others prefer the hay in the barn or the field alongside the hen house. Snuggled up together on the doorstep, this pair didn’t need any egging on – they do it naturally. While they’ve thankfully yet to enter the house, Nain said she keeps expecting to find an egg on
the sofa one day. What’s more, their presence is tolerated by both the Labrador ‘Nel’ and the black and white house cat ‘Smwt’. Don’t you just love animals…
Simmonds’ shovel
Tweeted by Simmonds Coaches (@simmonds_bus) of Iver, Buckinghamshire was this joke, which gave us a chuckle or two in the CBW office: “A revolutionary shovel was introduced on the market today. It was pretty groundbreaking!”
Thursday: Enjoy a day out to the heart of Norfolk to see the ever-friendly crew at Peelings Coaches for an ‘Operator Profile’. With the notable exception of hills, the rural terrain is akin to my native Welsh borderland – I love it – and I switch off from the daily stresses of life. It’s one of those jobs where I’m truly in my element. We talk as friends and I can relate to the Joplin family, their operation being reminiscent of my time at Tanat Valley Coaches. Friday: I feel rubbish for most of the day, thinking about my late grandfather (Taid). Thankfully, my colleagues are very understanding. With my head really not on the job, I leave early. See him for the last time in the chapel of rest in Welshpool. He’s very much at peace. Saturday: Taid gets the send off he wanted – a traditional, simple Welsh funeral, with no church or chapel service, no fuss. It’s my second time as a bearer, which is a true honour. Dad, who’s normally an expert at such matters, estimates 200 mourners are present. The occasion is of course poignant, but we support each other as a close-knit family. www.coachandbusweek.com
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RECRUITMENT
New Regional Marketing Manager for Stagecoach South East Divene Anderson has joined Stagecoach South East as Regional Marketing Manager. A former Sales and Marketing Manager of a small IT firm, Divene joined Stagecoach in 2009 as Marketing Assistant for Stagecoach West and Stagecoach in South Wales, based in Gloucester. Paul Southgate, Managing Director for Stagecoach South East, said: “Stagecoach has become renowned in Kent and East Sussex for brightening up the exterior of its buses and taking significant involvement in community issues. I am pleased to welcome Divene to lead our team and am sure the
Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484
ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
wealth of experience she has in public transport will enable us to further enhance our reputation in the region.” Divene said she looks forward to the new challenge: “South East is one of the fastest growing Stagecoach operating companies so this is a great opportunity. Being new to the area will hopefully mean I will bring fresh ideas to help us grow even further.”
Divene Anderson joined Stagecoach in 2009
Operations Manager Based in London & Surrey Attractive Salary and Benefits package We currently have a vacancy for the position of Operations Manager based at our Beddington depot. The main responsibilities of the position are to effectively, plan and manage all aspects of the operational and administrative provision at the depot, in order to deliver a consistently reliable, safe, high quality and punctual service in line with specified targets, contractual obligations and commercial objectives. The Operations Manager will oversee all operational staff to ensure they work together in consistently providing the required level and quality of service to both internal and external customers. The successful applicant will be required to lead by example, and work as part of a team in monitoring staff performance and motivating staff to deliver an effective and efficient service. You will also ensure that all customer and Stakeholder feedback is promptly and professionally received, investigated and responded to, and that this information is used as a management tool to drive continuous improvement. A collaboration approach with colleagues in all departments is also required. You will deliver all aspects of the people strategy at local level; ensuring all employees receive appropriate training, induction, and personal development. You will ensure that action plans are implemented and followed up, that individuals with high potential are retained and that all parts of the workforce are engaged and high performing. Applications by way of a C.V. and covering letter clearly detailing your experience, knowledge and suitability for the role are to be forwarded by email to jackee.adamson@abellio.co.uk or post to: Jackee Adamson - HR Advisor, Silverthorne Road, Battersea, London, SW8 3HE Abellio is an equal opportunities employer
Deadline for applications: 15th August 2012 www.abellio.co.uk
Join the team where your skills and experience will be respected.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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Service Quality Supervisors Admin Clerk Service Quality Supervisors – Surrey – c£26k We are looking for three suitable candidates to join the Operational team based at our Surrey Depot in Byfleet. As part of the local supervisory team, the successful applicant will provide the General Manager with a high level of support to ensure the quality of service provided to Surrey County Council and our customers in terms of reliability and safety. The successful candidates will be expected to show that they can assist in managing the network of services and our staff, whilst maintaining the cost effective use of resources to meet contractual requirements, ensuring customer satisfaction is achieved. We are looking for team players that are committed, confident, highly motivated and reliable, who will provide support to the Operations Department.
Admin Clerk – Surrey – c£20k We are looking for a suitable candidate to join the Operational team based at our Surrey Depot in Byfleet. As part of the local team, the successful applicant will provide the General Manager with a high level of support in administrative services and support for the local Management Team, utilising I.T. packages (including staff allocations software) as appropriate. The successful candidate will be expected to show that they can assist in collating statistics for weekly and monthly reports for submission to the General Manager, local Management Team and/or Board of Directors. We are looking for a team player that is committed, confident, highly motivated and reliable, who will provide support to the Operations Department. Applicants do not need to have a thorough understanding of working in the bus industry, as training will be provided if required. Any relevant experience will of course be beneficial. Further details of the roles are included in the role profiles / job descriptions which can be obtained from Jackee Adamson by calling 0207 788 8722.
Abellio is an equal opportunities employer
Applications by way of a C.V. and covering letter clearly detailing your experience, knowledge and suitability for the role should be sent to: Jackee Adamson, Human Resources Dept, Battersea Depot, Silverthorne Road, London SW8 3HE. Email: adamsonj@abellio.co.uk
“Advertise all your recruitment vacancies the affordable way; book a series of three adverts; buy one week, get the second week half price and have a third week on us… yes, that’s free! Your vacancy will be seen in the print and digital editions, and online at www.coachandbusweek.com/ jobs. This amazing offer ends on September 28, 2012, so don’t delay, contact me, Ian Gillis, on 01733 293 484, or via email: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com”
RECRUITNOW
WITH
Closing date for applications: Friday 10th August 2012
Join the team where your skills and experience will be respected.
CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF INDEPENDENT TRANSPORT OPERATIONS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF CHILDREN, ADULTS, THE ELDERLY AND STAFF
Harrow Council and Barnet Council invite suitably qualified and experienced contractors to tender for the provision of passenger transportation services within a four year framework agreement. This framework agreement is commissioned by the London Borough of Harrow and the London Borough of Barnet (The ʻAuthorities”) for the provision of door-to-door passenger and ad-hoc transport services for vulnerable adults, young people and for other public bodies across London that may wish to make use of these services. The scope of the services involve the following:
• Vulnerable Adults requiring travel assistance to and from Day Centres and or other establishments; • Children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who are assessed as requiring travel assistance to and from schools, colleges or other destinations; • Families and service users, who may have specific medical or physical needs and require assisted travel; • The Authoritiesʼ staff or other authorised individuals and groups travelling in the course of their duties; • Non-SEN and Social Care service users to school and other destinations; • Service users requiring secure transport to and from court and secure facilities; • The Authoritiesʼ requirements to deliver goods to various locations and facilities and undertake courier services using vans and/or other suitable vehicles.
The Council intends to let a four-year contract from 5th November 2012 to 4th November 2016.
To express an interest in providing this service and to access the tender documents, please register by logging in to Bravo our E-tendering portal https://harrow.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml The closing date for returned submissions is Wednesday 29th August 2012, 12 noon.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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Introducing our new Mix & Match range that lets you create the perfect tested solution every time.