Wednesday August 29, 2012 Issue 1051 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
CPT calls for high level government coach tourism meeting p8
WEDDING:
How Norfolk Green helped a bus couple renew their vows p32
BUS:
Reading Transport orders 19 Scania ADL E300 gas buses p6
PEOPLE:
Sir Brian Souter steps down as Stagecoach CEO to be Chairman p4
for recruitm
JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK
Barnes: from coal to coaches
RECRUIT N
OW
p20
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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
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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.
Sir Brian will be missed
I
t seemed to come out of the blue. When I asked him about succession planning during my interview with him at the end of June, Sir Brian replied: “Do I look that worn out? I’m 58. Ask me again when I’m, 64. No one complains about my energy levels.” It could be said that answer was more of a reference to retirement as a whole rather than stepping down as CEO, but as Chairman, Sir Brian will remain involved with the business. His enthusiasm and creativity are unmistakeable – as is his eye for detail down to individual route level. On that note, I recall an MD telling me that shortly after he joined Stagecoach from another group, Sir Brian advised him to divert a route as it would improve reliability and lead to additional custom. Such grassroots knowledge was something of an alien concept in the senior management team at his former place of work. Turning to his successor, CBW’s
James Day interviewed Martin Griffiths in part 1 of our Stagecoach superfeature (issue 1042). Being much more than a ‘mere’ Finance Director, it became apparent Martin was to some extent involved in many aspects of Stagecoach Group. Indeed, in the CBW office the consensus is Martin has been something of a CEO in waiting. He’s also worked closely with Sir Brian for years. On a final note, I’ve arranged to interview Kevin Rooney, Traffic Commissioner for the North Eastern Region in the middle part of next week. As some of you may know, prior to his appointment this year, he worked for VOSA, so he’s something of a poacher turned gamekeeper. If his involvement with the UK Coach Rally as a judge is anything to go by, he’s also got an interest in our industry. Therefore, if you’ve got anything you’d like me to ask him, please drop me a line. Gareth Evans Editor
CONTENTS 4
20
32
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
14
Wiltshire family-run Barnes Coaches looks forward to the future
24
How Norfolk Green kindly helped a couple renewing their vows
What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus events diary
16
All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators’ yards across the country
36
A selection of readers’ letters and emails about current issues
Torotrak attracts investment after proving its technological prowess
18
A London United double-decker seen from the IAM’s bay window
38
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Gareth’s Diary!
...From tourists attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits
Midland Classic gives a career busman a retirement send off
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Regional News
Technology News Tour News
Oprator Profile Deliveries
Big Picture Drivers
Wedding Bus
34
Inbox
51
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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news
“We found our tours were up a lot last year and it’s remained the same this year. However, uncertainty is creeping in.” Luke Barnes Barnes of Swindon
Operator Profile p20
briefly Due to changes at CBW’s distribution hub, the magazine will now be available at WHSmith and other independent local newsagents on a Friday rather than a Thursday. Readers can however, still receive it on a Wednesday to their home address or by registering for digital access via www.coachandbusweek.com . National Express is celebrating its 40th birthday this September, marking four decades since the first national coach guide was issued in 1972. The guide, entitled “Britain’s Express coach Guide”, brought together National Bus Company (NBC) services from across the country for the first time - offering passengers a complete overview of routes and prices. It cost 40p and was valid from late summer 1972. Carly O’Donnell from National Express said: “The first NBC guide was issued forty years ago and marks the start of modern day National Express. We want to mark our anniversary by celebrating the heritage, highlights and personal stories behind 40 years of coach travel.” National Express is appealing for people’s travel tales, photos and memorabilia relating to the company from the past four decades. Contact Carly O’Donnell on 0121 460 8611 or carly.odonnell@ nationalexpress.com to be part of the celebration.
According to The Telegraph, Transport Secretary Justine Greening may be moved to another cabinet position in a reshuffle. Westminster sources said David Cameron was considering moving Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt to the transport department before a major shift in aviation policy. Greening has led the campaign against the expansion of Heathrow and is unlikely to consider allowing a third runway. The Conservative manifesto ruled out expanding the airport but business leaders are demanding it to help kickstart the economy. A consultation is expected to be announced in the autumn on Britain’s airport capacity. It is thought the Government may begin planning for a third runway immediately after the next election. www.coachandbusweek.com
News4,5.indd 4
Sir Brian pictured in his office at Stagecoach Head Office in Perth after his interview with CBW on June 28
Sir Brian Souter steps down as Stagecoach CEO Stagecoach co-founder to take role of chairman and be replaced by Finance Director Martin Griffiths Sir Brian Souter is stepping down as CEO of Stagecoach Group, taking up the role of Chairman. Stagecoach Group announced several changes to its Board of Directors with effect from May 1, 2013: n Sir George Mathewson, Chairman, to retire as a director; n Sir Brian Souter, Chief Executive, to be appointed as Chairman; n Garry Watts, to continue as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and in addition, to be appointed as Deputy Chairman; n Martin Griffiths, Finance Director, to be appointed as Chief Executive; n Ross Paterson, Director of Finance and Company Secretary, to be appointed to the Board as Finance Director. In addition, the Board intends to appoint a further independent NonExecutive Director, who will chair the Audit Committee. Sir Brian Souter, Chief Executive, said: “I remain committed to the success of Stagecoach and consider now to be an appropriate time to
take a step back from the day-today management of the business. “I fully support the Board’s decisions to appoint Martin and Ross to their new roles. With a combined shareholding of over 25%, my family and I remain committed shareholders in Stagecoach and I will devote whatever time is necessary to effectively discharge my responsibilities as Chairman when that time comes.” Sir George Mathewson, Chairman, commented: “I have been delighted to be associated with a company as strong and as successful as Stagecoach and I am confident the changes to the Board will mean the Company remains in good hands when I retire in April.” Commenting on the changes, Martin Griffiths, Finance Director said, “I am honoured and delighted to be taking on the position of Chief Executive. I am proud to be part of the Stagecoach success story, working closely with Sir Brian. “I would like to congratulate Ross Paterson on his planned appointment as Finance Director - he has made a great contribution to the Group over the last thirteen years.”
Martin Griffiths’ role has developed significantly during his 12 years as the Company’s Finance Director and he is now involved in all aspects of the management and strategy of Stagecoach Group, while Ross Paterson has had a senior role in the financial management of Stagecoach Group over the last 13 years. The UK Corporate Governance Code recommends that the chief executive of a company should not become that company’s chairman. The Stagecoach board addressed this concern, stating that in light of Sir Brian Souter’s unique association with the company as its co-founder and the “architect of its success,” and his deep knowledge and understanding of the global ground transportation industry, it believed retaining his talent and knowledge in the role of Chairman will be to the benefit of the company. Following the planned changes, the Board will comprise the Chairman, six independent nonexecutive directors and three other directors. Accordingly, excluding the Chairman, two-thirds of the Board will be independent non-executive directors.
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Cheaper and more efficient diesel catalysts proposed A group of research scientists at University of Texas, Dallas, assisted by researchers from University of Kentucky and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, have synthesized a version of a common oxide, mullite, which it claims can reduce pollution by up to 45% when replacing platinum in a diesel catalytic converter. Mullite is said to be far cheaper to produce than platinum and does not have limited availability.
Only 18% of PCV drivers have finished CPC training
With only 12 months to go for professional bus and coach drivers to complete the required 35 hours training for Driver CPC (DCPC), worrying figures have emerged following a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The figures show only 18% of UK drivers (56,981) with a full PCV entitlement have been issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) to date. Karen Crispe, Tachodisc’s MD, said: “According to the DVLA there are 315,171 full PCV licence holders in the UK, which leaves 258,190 drivers still to complete DCPC. We thought there was a problem, but nowhere near this scale. “Granted, these figures do not tell us how far through the process the
Dr Kyeongjae Cho, a professor of materials science, engineering and physics at the university, is also a co-founder of Nanostellar, a company developed to find catalysts through material design which could replace platinum in reducing diesel exhaust pollutants. He said: “There isn’t enough platinum to supply the millions of automobiles driven in the world. Mullite is not only easier to produce than platinum but also better at
reducing diesel engine pollution.” Dr Cho said Nanostellar had designed a platinum-gold alloy catalyst as a viable alternative to platinum alone but, until the experiment with mullite, had not found a catalyst made of materials which were cheaper to produce. His team suspected the oxygenbased composition of mullite might prove to be a suitable alternative and both synthesised mullite and used advanced computer modelling techniques to analyse how different forms of the mineral interacted with oxygen and nitrogen oxide. Computer modelling confirmed
Tachodisc says demand for courses will be high in the last 12 months remaining 82% are. We also have to consider drivers who are planning to retire next year and those who will be leaving the industry because of DCPC, but still, there are going to be tens of thousands of drivers needing to cram in the required hours before the deadline. “Demand for courses is going to be high and drivers face competing for spaces, having a limited choice available based on their schedule, or worse, not even be able to book
onto their preferred courses. This huge uptake will also serve to fuel rumours about price increases. “More seriously, if drivers do not complete the required hours in the time, they will not receive their DQC and will not be able to drive professionally - and, if drivers do not carry their DQC while driving professionally after September 10, 2013 they, as well as their operator, risk being fined up to £1000 each.” Tachodisc says its Driver CPC
the efficiency of mullite in consuming nitrogen oxide so researchers used the oxide catalyst to replace platinum in diesel-engine experiments. “Our goal to move away from precious metals and replace them with oxides found commonly in the environment has been achieved,” Cho said. “We’ve found new ways to create renewable, clean-energy technology by designing new materials without being limited by the supply of precious metals.” The mullite alternative is being commercialised under the trademark name Noxicat. Training Loyalty Scheme can help drivers combat this potential availability issue over the next 12 months. The scheme offers drivers and companies the option to spread the cost with easy payment terms, fixed discounted prices during the agreement period plus the ability to schedule and priority book courses. Tachodisc offers a range of approved open courses from its Warrington training school. These include courses on Drivers’ Hours and Tachograph Records, Digital Tachographs, Working Time Regulations, Safety Controls, Economical Driving, Accident Awareness, Vehicle Evacuation, Driver Wellbeing and more. All of these courses can also be held at operators’ premises. For further information visit www.tachodisc.co.uk or email sales@tachodisc.co.uk. Alternatively call Tachodisc on 01925 283328. For further advice about Driver CPC legislation you can also visit www.asktachodisc.co.uk
www.coachandbusweek.com
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news › BUSeS
776
The number of coaches which travelled on Eurotunnel in the week up to August 12
briefly Bus drivers working for Abellio’s Byfleet depot in Surrey have overwhelmingly accepted a pay offer. The deal, brokered with Acas, resulted in a 2.35% pay rise, effective from January 5, 2013. The 120 drivers, members of Unite, took one day of strike action earlier this month. They provide services in Guildford, Kingston, Staines, West Byfleet and Woking. Unite regional officer Dave Weeks said: “Our members have accepted this pay offer for this year which would not have been forthcoming from the company, if our members had not taken successful industrial action.” Centro, the West Midlands PTE, has been awarded a Gold accreditation in the Investors in People scheme. The achievement sees it join a small number of elite businesses considered to be the best employers in the UK. Centro’s Chief Executive Geoff Inskip said: “We had already secured Bronze, but 12 months ago we set ourselves the ambitious task of going for Gold. We never underestimated the scale of this challenge so to achieve our goal is an enormous credit to everyone across the business. It is also a key milestone in our journey towards a world class public transport system delivered by a best in class organisation.” Investors in People’s Martin Smith, who carried out the assessment, said: “It is clear Centro’s staff take great pride in focusing on the customer and on delivering outcomes which make a real difference to the people of the West Midlands.” A 50-strong team of Lothian Buses drivers, management and IT staff are taking part in Scotland’s biggest charity bike ride on September 9 to raise money for Prostate Cancer and the Lothian Autistic Society. Last year, Lothian Buses raised £3600 towards worthy causes when 38 of its staff took to the roads. This year the company hopes to increase the sponsorship to over £5000. For more information or to sponsor, visit www.lothianbuses. com, www.justgiving.com/ Lothianautisticsociety; www. justgiving.com/Lothianbuses www.coachandbusweek.com
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19 Scania/ADL CNG buses for Reading £3.5m investment marks first Scania-ADL gas buses to enter service in the UK Reading Buses is investing £3.5m in a fleet of 19 gas-fuelled buses developed jointly by Scania and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL). The move will significantly reduce Reading Buses’ carbon footprint. The new intake will mark the first Scania-ADL gas buses to enter service in the UK. They are to operate on a variety of services in and around the Reading area, including a major contract serving Green Park, Madjeski Stadium and Kennet Island.
Based on the 12m Scania KUB 4x2 chassis, they are powered by Scania’s 270bhp, EEV, 9.3-litre, five-cylinder, energy efficient lean burn gas engine, which is capable of operating on either Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Bio Natural Gas (BNG). The engine offers high efficiency and low fuel consumption with no need for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). It is based on the same platform as Scania’s modular-build 9.3-litre diesel engine, which limits the number of new components required for the low entry gas chassis to around 40 items. The bodywork specification
A Scania-bodied ADL Enviro300 NG was displayed at this summer’s ALBUM conference, the same model which will join Reading Buses’ fleet
Your Bus to take on 50 apprentice drivers Derbyshire operator Your Bus is set to employ 50 new bus drivers as part of its on-going expansion. Your Bus is seeking more drivers as part of plans to add a further 20 buses to its fleet of over 100 vehicles. It joined forces with the National Apprenticeship Service, Jobcentre Plus and Vision Apprentices – part of Mansfield-
based West Nottinghamshire College – to recruit the new employees, who will start out as apprentices. A recruitment event at Heanor Town Hall on Friday, August 17, was held to find the first 20 drivers and saw candidates complete various exercises as part of the next stage of the application process. The candidates, many of whom are unemployed, also learned more about what the job and apprenticeship programme involves. Successful applicants will undergo a six-week training programme leading to a PCV licence. They will also combine
calls for single-deck 40-seat Enviro E300NG bodywork, designed and engineered by ADL, Scania’s gas bus development partner. A third company closely involved in the project is Gas Bus Alliance (GBA), which is providing infrastructure and fuel supply to Reading Buses. Under Reading Buses’ contract with the GBA, a kilogramme of bio-methane will be injected into the national gas grid for every kilogramme of gas used by each vehicle in the company’s new fleet. As such, the entire operation qualifies for carbon-neutral status. James Freeman, CEO of Reading Buses, said: “Our business has a long history of innovation and has consistently sought to operate at the leading edge, both in terms of efficiency and with regard to environmental standards. The combination of stylish, proven, British-built bodywork with technology promising high performance, minimal running costs and a carbon-neutral fuel solution, ticks all the boxes for us. “Furthermore, we have a long track record of successful partnerships with both Scania and ADL and go into this initiative with the knowledge of the aftermarket support they offer. Additionally, the new gas vehicles will share a large number of common components with the 100-plus Scania vehicles already in our bus fleet.” their on-the-job training with working towards an NVQ Level 2 qualification in driving passenger vehicles which includes customer service, emergency first aid and vehicle maintenance. A second round of recruitment is set for January 2013, which will see a further 30 trainee drivers appointed by the company. Stephen Bryce, General Manager of Your Bus, said: “We started three years ago with just seven buses and ten drivers and now employ 250 people, managing a fleet of 101 vehicles. “As we continue to expand, we need more drivers to provide the safe and reliable bus services
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18%
The current percentage of drivers who have completed their Driver CPC training Scania’s Bus, Coach and Engine Sales Director Tony Tomsett added: “We are naturally delighted the UK’s first Scania-powered gas buses are going to such a high profile operator as Reading Buses. Bringing this project to fruition has seen a great collaborative effort between Scania, ADL and GBA and I would like to thank all concerned for the hard work put in to date to ensure the success of this ground-breaking venture.” Robert Davey, ADL’s Commercial Director, said: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do as a business and providing a raft of green, alternative solutions remains top of our agenda. This landmark partnership with Scania tackles the challenge of neutral emissions and improved air quality head-on and we are delighted to be working with them. Collaboration is the name of the game if we are to harness bestin-class technology and bring it to market in a way which makes sense for manufacturers and operators. As ever, Reading is in the vanguard of those pioneering new technology and operating excellence.” Scania has produced gaspowered vehicles for almost 100 years, with one of the earliest recorded examples being buses adapted to run on producer gas during the First World War. Scania first produced a dedicated gas bus engine in 1940. In more recent times the company has supplied in excess of 3,800 gas engines for various applications in a number of countries worldwide. These include fleets operating in the Swedish municipalities of Uppsala, Malmö and Helsingborg as well as vehicles in Madrid, Spain and Brisbane Australia. which our communities depend on. Investing in our workforce by taking on motivated apprentices will hopefully equip us for an even brighter future.” Roy Pearce, Associate Director of Vision Apprentices, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering the recruitment and training on behalf of this fast-growing, respected company. “There’s been a huge level of interest in these vacancies – with more than 190 candidates put forward by Jobcentre Plus – and it’s a fantastic opportunity for local people seeking a rewarding job with high-quality training and real prospects.”
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£1.2m
August 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
The cost of six new Volvo B9TLs for Go North East’s Tyne Tees Xpress service
SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Friday, August 24. Rotala saw the greatest proportional rise while Optare experienced the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
318.70p
Price: Year High: 334.50p Year Low: 248.95p
Go North East MD Kevin Carr joins the driving team at the launch
New buses for Go North East’s Tyne Tees Xpress Six brand new Volvo B9TLs entered service on August 18 on Go North East’s Tyne Tees Xpress service in a £1.2m investment, linking Middlesbrough, Stockton, Billingham and Peterlee with Gateshead and Newcastle. The new 73-seat buses with Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork feature high-backed coach-style seating, customer information screens, power sockets and free WiFi. The vehicles are equipped with Volvo D9 260hp engines and a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. Kevin Carr, Managing Director of Go North East, said: “These are just the first of a number of new vehicles Go North East will be
receiving in the next few weeks. A further seven Volvo B9TLs will see the X1 ‘Red Arrows’ service converted to full double-deck operation. In the early autumn we’ll take delivery of 15 Volvo B5H hybrid double deckers for the ‘Angel’ service between Durham and Newcastle, thanks to assistance from the Green Bus Fund announced in March. These should be followed at the turn of the year by 13 new vehicles for our service TEN between Newcastle and Hexham, allowing this busy route to be converted to double deck and the existing Mercedes Citaros to be cascaded elsewhere in Go North East.” Nearly £2.6m is being invested in the TEN service. Regarding the Newcastle-to-Hexham route, Kevin Carr said: “These new state-ofthe-art buses will see a dramatic increase in seating capacity being provided on this popular route and is a sign of our commitment to providing a quality service.”
239.95p
Price: Year High: 371.00p Year Low: 184.70p
1299.0p
Price: Year High: 1596.0p Year Low: 1074.0p
220.20p
Price: Year High: 256.20p Year Low: 176.50p
294.15p
Price: Year High: 300.00p Year Low: 227.90p
0.48p
Price: Year High: 2.61p Year Low: 0.20p
44.50p
Price: Year High: 44.69p Year Low: 36.00p
74.09p
Price: Year High: 80.57p Year Low: 62.29p
13.88p
Price: Year High: 20.00p Year Low: 10.25p
-1.60 on last week
-5.00 on last week
-34.00 on last week
-3.45 on last week
-4.25 on last week
-0.04 on last week
+0.50 on last week
-1.17 on last week
-0.12 on last week
FTSE 100
5,756
Left to right: Tony Jones of NAS, Stephen Bryce of Your Bus, Sue Bainborough of JCP and John Hennessey of Vision Apprentices
Index: Year High: 6,103 Year Low: 4,791
-76
on last week
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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 29, 2012
news › coaches
briefly A £500,000 project on the southbound M6 onto the M56 at Lymm Interchange in Cheshire will get underway soon. The interchange is at J20a of the M6 but due to the closeness of the two junctions much of the work will focus around J20, about a half a mile north of the interchange itself. Work is due to start on Saturday, September 8 and is due to finish by Friday, October 12. J20 is subject to full overnight closures alongside overnight lane closures on the main southbound carriageway ahead of J20a. Traffic wishing to leave the M6 at J20 will be directed onto the westbound M56 from J20a, turning at J10 to join the eastbound M56 and leaving at J9 for the A50. Work to improve access from the M66 onto the M62 in Greater Manchester is set to begin on Friday (August 31), with completition due a month later. Improvements are being made to the dedicated left lane access slip road onto the eastbound M62 from the southbound M66 at Simister Island Interchange – where the two motorways also meet the M60. During the work, the main carriageway of the M66 beyond J4 will remain open, but the southbound exit slip road, including the dedicated single lane link onto the eastbound M62 and two lanes onto the roundabout, will be subject to weekend and overnight closures between 2200 and 0500hrs during the week and 2200 and 0700 on Friday and Saturday nights. The dedicated left turn off the slip road onto the eastbound M62 will close between 1900hrs on Friday evenings until 0500hrs on Monday mornings. During the day for the first two weekends of working, access onto the roundabout is reduced to a single lane. The M4 Games Lane is now in operation for the duration of the Paralympics. The lane, between J3 and J2 the M4 into London is active between 0500 and 2200hrs and is clearly signed so drivers know when they cannot use it. Outside the operational periods, the Games Lane can be used by general traffic. www.coachandbusweek.com
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CPT requests meeting on coach industry Simon Posner asks for allowances for coaches to use London bus lanes and practical parking and drop off areas Simon Posner, Chief Executive of the CPT, has written to Jeremy Hunt, Culture Secretary, to request a meeting discussing the benefits of the coach industry to tourism. The letter reads: “I’m writing to ask if you would meet with a small delegation from the coach industry so we could highlight the importance of the sector to the UK’s tourism, the economy, environment and social inclusion, and identify what the Government can do to enable us provide greater benefit in these areas. “Further to your recent media statements that you are keen to build on the success of the 2012 Games by promoting and encouraging tourism, I would like to draw to your attention the opportunities which are available through tourism by coach. “The coach industry provided an excellent service during the Games providing spectator services and delivering specialist groups to see the various events as well as delivering tourists to London which meant thousands of private cars
were kept off the road network, thereby reducing congestion and improving overall air quality. “The industry already provides such a service on a daily basis, but we could do more. Nearly 300m journeys are made by nonscheduled coach services each year, with coach passengers injecting some £2.35bn into the economy. “We deliver thousands of tourists to towns/cities and tourist attractions, bringing much needed revenue to local businesses, theatres and hotels. In fact, many of these businesses would cease to exist if day trips and visits by touring coaches reduced with all the associated impacts on jobs and the local economy.
Simon Posner: more can be done
Eurotunnel sees record passengers
Le Shuttle, the road vehiclecarrying trains run by Eurotunnel through the Channel Tunnel, achieved a new record for traffic over recent weeks. In the seven days up to August 12, 74,292 vehicles (cars, motorcycles, caravans and camper vans) and 776 coaches travelled (in both directions) between Folkestone, Kent, and Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais. Eurtunnel said this is the heaviest traffic ever seen in a single week, since the end of Duty Free sales in 1999. To manage these historic traffic
Eurotunnel carried 776 coaches in the seven days up to August 12 levels, 838 Shuttle departures were needed, leaving at the equivalent to one departure every 12 minutes between the hours of 0700 and 2200hrs. At the same time, a new daily record was also achieved, with
“The CPT is keen to assist the Government in promoting the advantages and benefits which coach tourism can bring to the UK. “For the coach sector to play its full part, it requires Government support for the industry’s campaign to improve accessibility for coaches to our towns and cities by allowing them to use dedicated bus lanes (they are public transport after all), be able to pick up and set down passengers outside of hotels where practical, and provision of safe and secure coach parking spaces in towns/cities and at attractions. Unfortunately not all local government planning and highway officers recognise these benefits. “CPT agrees the UK will never have this opportunity again to revitalise its tourism industry and capitalise on the goodwill created by the Games. The coaching sector is the only one capable of delivering tourists in significant numbers without increasing congestion and causing deteriorating air quality which clearly need to be avoided. “We are ready and able to do more. We already try to engage with authorities on a local level, but believe with additional top down help from Central Government, a great deal more can be achieved.” 15,152 vehicles travelling across the Channel on Saturday, August 11 in both directions. This follows the increase in traffic seen as a result of the Olympics when Le Shuttle continental bookings increased by 16% for the period from July 23 to August 12. On top of this there were also 40 additional Eurostar departures during the Games. The Paralympic Games see this trend continue. Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Eurotunnel SA, said: “In a highly competitive market this new record demonstrates the efficiency and flexibility inherent to the Le Shuttle service, the professionalism of our staff and the attraction for the travelling public of a transport system which is both fast and environmentally friendly.”
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August 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9
“Having validated solutions supported by independent specialists accelerates commercialisation and gives confidence.” Jeremy Deering Torotrak
Crosskeys match sponsorship with sporting success Crosskeys of Folkestone, Kent, has sponsored the Brett Ashford Triathlon, which took place on Sunday August 19, for the second year running. The event took place in and around the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford. With over 200 entries, Alan Johnson – Crosskeys’ Managing Director, came an impressive 33rd in the Sprint Triathlon – 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run – and Team Crosskeys were the winners of the Standard Triathlon Team Event, a 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run, with one team member assigned to each event. Alan Johnson told CBW: “A number of us at the company go cycling regularly and we started participating in the triathlon last year. I took part in the Aquabike
event then – swimming and cycling only – but this year the event included the Sprint Triathlon which I took part in with a friend. “I decided to sponsor some kit for the 17 of us which go out cycling, which was made up three or four weeks ago. It’s really good quality, the sort of thing seen on the Olympic riders.”
News Focus p16 The Standard Triathlon includes both team and individual competitors. Crosskeys finished top out of the teams competing and fifth overall. The team is quite formidable, with its swimmer completing his 1500m in 20 minutes and two of its members having completed the Iron Man challenge.
The triumphant Team Crosskeys – John, Adam and Sam– receive their awards for being the first placed team in the Standard Triathlon
Excelsior Coaches staff in Great South Run
Kathy Tilbury, Managing Director of Excelsior Coaches in Bournemouth and Dave Bailey, Sally Fendley and John Davis of the Excelsior Team, are taking part in the 10-mile Great South Run on Sunday October 28 2012, for Rosie who is a local 14 year old girl suffering with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Rosie was diagnosed with ME four years ago following a virus. The neurologic illness leaves Rosie suffering from fatigue and muscle pain after minimal exertion. Rosie uses walking sticks when walking any distances and sometimes the fatigue symptoms of the illness are so bad she simply cannot get out of bed for long periods of time and enjoy a normal life that any teenager her age would. Rosie has had to give up a number of pastimes she enjoys as a result of her illness including
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Kathy Tilbury, Managing Director of Excelsior Coaches and Rosie dancing and Guides but she was determined to continue her drumming lessons at Clive’s Easy Learn Rock School, which she still enjoys, managing to perform in concerts twice a year raising money for local charities. AYME the charity that help young sufferers have been very helpful to Rosie and her family over the years, giving advice on benefits, school and medical issues and being able to talk to other young sufferers on their message board. Kathy Tilbury told CBW: “Rosie’s
family are close family friends of mine, I have known Rosie since she was very small, and have watched her struggle on a daily basis with this disability, since she was diagnosed with it four year ago following a virus. Over recent years I have taken part in some shorter distances races locally – The Bournemouth Bay 10k, The Holborn five mile and the New Forest Five Mile but the furthest being 10k – despite having Pneumonia myself three years ago! “I decided at the start of the year
Peel parking problems Concerns have been raised on the Isle of Man over coach parking in Peel. An unnamed coach operator contacted Geoff Corkish MHK, Department of Economic Development (DED), over fears the town is missing out on potential tourism business after coach parking was lost to the local Food Park. Geoff Corkish wrote to Peel Commissioners’ Clerk Peter Leadley: “I have been contacted by a coach company which explained that while there was ample coach parking in Peel at the fish yards, this is not so now. “As a result coach operators are by-passing Peel as a “stop off” visit for their passengers.” West News reported Mr Leadley argued there were enough ample spaces elsewhere, specifically three at the Creg Malin coach park at the northern end of the promenade. Mr Leadley suggested better signage to the promenade would prevent visiting drivers from getting stuck in Market Place. to do The Great South, told a few colleagues at work – who I thought would say I was Crazy but within a week three of the guys came forward to do it as well. “I have been working with a personal trainer who has developed a fitness plan for me to strengthen my core, and improve my running technique so hopefully not only will I finish the run in a good time I will enjoy it. “The other members of the team are also training hard as well as dieting, and we are already talking about our next escapade after The Great South Run.” The fast and flat 10 mile route takes in the iconic sites of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard including Portsmouth Cathedral, Spinnaker Tower and the HMS Victory- which in 2011 played host to the HM Band of Royal Marines, who performed for passing runners. For more information or to donate, visit www. justgiving.com/ExcelsiorCoaches . n For further information on AYME please visit their website www.ayme.org.uk/
www.coachandbusweek.com
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10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 29, 2012
news
First revamps Norwich network First’s operations in Norwich to be colour-coded to ‘simplify’ network for passengers First Bus’ Norwich network is set to be given a revamp next month. The new network, which will be operated by the newly-named First Norwich, has been colour-coded in an effort to ‘simplify’ the city’s network for passengers. On top of the network alterations, 16 Wright Volvo single-deckers formerly in Northampton have been added to the Norwich fleet. Some routes have also seen frequency increases, such as one dedicated route for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, 11/11a, running a service every 10 minutes. An improved frequency of 15 minutes in Wymondham and Hethersett was also highlighted, as were new Sunday services of Spixworth and Lakenham. Giles Fearnley, MD of First UK Bus, said Norfolk is “a very important part” of the company nationally, adding: “We have made the network more efficient in the way we have linked up each route. “Things such as drivers sitting idle waiting for their next trip, which is where we have been able to find some efficiencies by linking
Mixed fortunes for Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group has announced growth in its UK Bus (regional operations), UK Rail and North America operations, but a decline in its UK Bus (London) operations. Like-for-like revenue in provincial UK Bus in the 12 weeks to July 22 grew 4.1%. UK Rail grew 6.8%, while North America grew 10.4%. The latter includes Megabus but excludes the disposed Wisconsin school bus business. However, the London bus operation’s revenue declined by 5.7% in the 12 weeks to July 22. The firm said this is consistent with its previous expectation that some less profitable contracts would not www.coachandbusweek.com
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up different services.” First said it is hoping the new network will further improve punctuality, using the eight differently coloured routes, from Sunday, September 23. Last week’s launch event, held at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium, set out the company’s plans and saw First’s management team answer questions from stakeholders. Steve Wickers, Commercial Director for First South East and Midlands, said: “We’re at the stage
where performance is very good but to go the next step we needed this review.” Network Officer Chris Limbach said: “We carried out a lot of research, looked at ticket machine data, customer feedback, spoke to MPs, County Councillors and local bus groups because we want to see the network benefit the people of Norfolk for the years to come. “We want a network which is as simple as possible to operate and as simple as possible to use for passengers.”
A photoshopped impression of the new First branding for Norwich be retained as it restructured the acquired business and improved overall profitability. The statement continued: “The decline reflects the revenue lost from contracts which ended during the year to April 30, 2012. For the year as a whole to April 30, 2013, UK Bus (London) is well placed to maintain revenue with contract losses being offset by some contract wins and inflationary price increases on existing contracts. “The Group continues to maintain a strong financial position with investment grade credit ratings and appropriate headroom under its debt facilities. In July 2012, the Group completed the acquisition of Coach America. The transaction was financed from available, committed bank facilities. “Overall current trading remains good and we believe the prospects for the Group remain positive.” The joint venture, Virgin Rail Group, grew 0.6%.
John Peacock, spokesman for Norfolk Buswatch, said he expected a mixed reaction to the changes. He said: “I think route 24 no longer going to the hospital is going to cause a lot of problems as there are a lot of older and retired people who will lose that service. “The rest seems quite well thought out. There are some very useful links which will allow people to go to places they have perhaps not been able to go to before. “Giving the routes a colour should help to make things clearer. Anything to make things easier for the travelling public and make routes easier for people to identify has got to be a good thing.” Other details announced at the launch included the reduction in price of a day ticket between zones one to five, bringing adult fares down from £5 to £4 from Sunday, September 23. Cliff Hussey, former General Manager for First in North Essex and Suffolk, was also announced as the new General Manager for Norfolk and Lowestoft. A launch event will be held on Hayhill in Norwich city centre on September 24, where passengers can talk to staff about any concerns they have.
More StreeLites for Arriva Southern Counties Arriva Southern Counties has invested £660,000 in five extra DoorForward Wrightbus StreetLites. The buses were officially launched by the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Ann Allen, on Friday August 24 at Bluewater. The new buses are allocated to its Northfleet depot in Kent, for use on a long-established halfhourly service 477, which runs from Bluewater via Dartford and Swanley to Orpington; the southern end of the route being in the Transport for London area. Arriva has now introduced 54 new buses to services running out of its Northfleet depot over the past six years, including the fleet of Fastrack buses. The service is also getting a new look, with colourful graphics
proclaiming the route as ‘477 Shoppers’ Heaven’, to draw attention to the fact it serves Bluewater, one of Europe’s largest shopping and entertainment centres, as well as serving other town centres along its route. Arriva Southern Counties’ Managing Director Heath Williams said: “I’m delighted we have once again been able to make a major investment in new buses for our services in the Kent Thameside area. “These are the latest in an ongoing programme of upgrading our fleet and will offer new standards of comfort to our customers on the 477 route which provides important links to Darent Valley Hospital, Bluewater, town centres and rail stations along its route.”
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12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 29, 2012
news › international
BYD e-buses for Copenhagen Full-sized electric vehicles enter trials with Movia DENMARK Movia, the largest public transport company in Denmark, and BYD Europe are introducing the first full-size pure electric citybuses into Copenhagen. The two BYD electric buses will operate trial services on different routes with different loads in Copenhagen for two years. The project is being carried out in co-operation with the Municipality of Copenhagen, DONG Energy, CityTrafik and Arriva. The BYD electric bus is 12m long and is claimed to run for 250 km (155 miles) on a single charge in urban conditions. The Fe battery (Iron Phosphate) is said to offer the highest safety, longest service life and most environmentally-friendly rechargeable chemistry and contains no heavy metals or toxic electrolytes. BYD electric buses are now in regular service in several
cities in China, Europe and North America. Dorthe Nøhr Pedersen, CEO of Movia, said: “Movia’s buses used in the neighbourhood consume around 50m litres of diesel fuel per year. The introduction of the BYD electric buses allows for significant improvements to the environment and the overall noise level. If they can meet our requirements for reliability and can simultaneously improve the environment, we will
FINLAND VDL Bus & Coach delivered 56 Citea LLE (Light Low Entry) citybuses to Nobina in Finland at the beginning of August, completing its largest ever order from a Finnish operator. Destined for use in Helsinki, the buses are all 12m versions powered by Euro 5 EEV engines and equipped with 39+4+1 seating with provision for up to 40 standees.
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Sydney to reintroduce doubledeckers
Very long bus tested in Dresden
has a diesel electric hybrid drivetrain which can travel eight kilometres on pure battery power alone. Matthias Klingner, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute, said: “Thanks to this patented multiple axis steering, the vehicle can manoeuvre just as easily as a 12m bus in both directions.” “There’s no problem with the manoeuvrability and stability but we have to see how such a long bus affects normal city traffic.” He said the project had received a lot of interest from cities around the world looking for a cost-effective public transport system. “The basic problem is expense,” he said. “Building a tram from scratch nowadays, including all the necessary infrastructure, power lines and so on, costs around €10m per kilometre.” Klingner said there had been a lot of interest from cities in the developing world, Russia, and some German towns, including Würzburg and Ingolstadt. “But in Dresden itself it probably won’t be needed,” he added. “There is already a pretty well-developed tram system here.”
BYD electric buses
All 56 Citeas are destined for use in the Finnish capital Helsinki
Nobina Finland gets 56 VDL Citeas
consider introducing more.” The Transport Minister of Denmark Henrik Dam Kristensen said: “It’s an exciting project. We need new energy efficient transportation technologies to be a part of everyday life - electric buses are a good example of this.” Yong ping Chen, the business director of BYD, added: “Our electric bus has proven it not only significantly reduces pollution and noise in large cities, but it has also greatly reduced operating expenses versus natural-gas and diesel buses. Copenhagen is a landmark market for Denmark and even the whole of Northern Europe. We hope this pilot operation project will benefit the acceptance of our electric buses in other European countries.”
Juha Ketola, Technical Director Nobina Finland, said: “We are delighted the new vehicles have arrived ahead of the scheduled start of new services. The Citea LLE promises much better fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs, largely due to its lightweight construction. We felt the Citea would contribute significantly towards reducing our operating costs.” The Nobina Group operates in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark with a combined fleet of around 3,500 vehicles and 7,600 staff. It celebrated its centenary last year.
GERMANY Dresden has unveiled the Autotram Extra Grand, a seemingly unfeasibly long bus which it is hoped, can improve public transport systems. The 30m long bus is bi-articulated, and can carry 256 passengers. In addition the Autotram can be driven by any bus driver with no special license needed. Designed and built by the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI in Dresden and the Technical University Dresden, the bus is currently undergoing tests in special facilities outside the city, but is set to make its debut in Dresden traffic in October. The Autotram comes with a special steering system on its four regulated axles, which ensures the back sections of the bendy bus precisely follow the front section. It
AUSTRALIA Bustech double-decker buses are being reintroduced to Sydney, as part of a government trial to free road space across the city. Deckers ran in the city until they were phased out in 1986 due to reliability problems in the fleet of Atlanteans. The new buses entered service last Monday and ran routes between Blacktown and the northwest suburbs. Seven more are due in the new year, operating routes between the city, the north-west, and the northern beaches as part of the trial which will last until 2014. Each bus costs about $650,000. They are the first services run by the private operator, Busways. The later trial services will be run by CDC and Forest Coach Lines. Under the terms of Sydney’s private contracts, operators purchase the new vehicles but the government pays them back over the course of their operating life.
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news › REGIONAL
NORTHERN IRELAND
Translink has introduced a new smartcard for all young people aged 16 to 23 years, which will provide a third off travel on bus and rail services in Northern Ireland and up to 50% off cross border Enterprise fares. The new ‘yLink’ card which replaces the current Translink student card will be more inclusive with everyone from the ages of 16 to 23 eligible to apply whether they are in full-time education; serving an apprenticeship; just starting out in their career or otherwise. The card costs £8 with no annual renewal charge. Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development at Translink said: “yLink provides great savings on Metro, Ulsterbus, NI Railways, Goldline and our Enterprise services. For those who attend the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, we also offer special UniLink smartcard services where students can save up to £2.96 per journey when compared to travelling by private car. “Also, we’ve partnered with a number of outlets to offer discounts for our yLink users. The special offers include gym passes, styling and hairdressing sessions, cinema entrances, fashion stores discounts, coffee and pizza special offers and discounted entry into a host of activity centres so there should be plenty to suit everyone’s tastes.”
NORTH
Improved signage is being planned to help combat problems at Middlesbrough’s newly revamped bus station. The station opened its doors last week following a £1.5m redevelopment but was blighted by problems with its new automatic doors. Some of the 42 new doors failed to function properly, leaving travellers frustrated. Middlesbrough Council admitted there were a few “teething problems” on the station’s opening. There have also reportedly been issues with bus drivers and members of the public being “unfamiliar” with the new system. The doors have been designed to open once a bus passes a painted white line. The council is now looking to introduce better signage and line markings to address the problem. The refurbishment work was undertaken by Northallerton-based contractor Walter Thompson on www.coachandbusweek.com
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KEY
SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
behalf of Middlesbrough Council, and is part of the Department for Transport-funded Tees Valley Bus Network Improvement Scheme. Under the scheme £57m is being invested in infrastructure improvements across the Teesside area.
WALES
Newport Council plans to build two new bus stations to try to boost the number of city centre shoppers. The current 26-stand bus station is being demolished to make way for the planned Friars Walk shopping centre. The Council intends to re-site 15 stands at the new development while building a new nine-stand station near the indoor market. In a report to the local authority, consultants Arup said to meet transport demands and to “cater for a degree of future expansion” a second bus station was also needed. Arup said: “It has therefore been decided an area of land at Market Square, located to the rear of Newport Indoor Market is the ideal location to site this new bus station, as it is very close to the new Friars Walk development and is also centrally located for the rest of the city centre shops and services.” The proposed Market Square bus station would be built on the site of five existing bus shelters. If approved and once built, signs would link it to the proposed Friars
Walk bus station. Planners say the current bus terminus is deemed as unattractive and a barrier to attracting more bus users. Graham Morgan, Director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said it was important to invest in the transport infrastructure of Newport if it was to attract more shoppers. The proposals will be considered by Newport Council’s planning committee in the coming weeks.
MIDLANDS
Community groups, musicians and bus users are being invited to join in with trent barton’s ‘Big Weekend’ of charity fundraising. The operator is planning two days of activities starting on Saturday, September 8, to raise money for Rainbows Children’s Hospice, its charity for 2012. A Heritage Open Day at the former bus depot in Chilwell, the home of trent barton’s predecessor, Barton’s buses, takes place on Sunday, September 9, with free stands run by community groups to raise money or promote their activities. Alex Hornby, trent barton’s Commercial Director, explained: “As well as fundraising for our chosen charity, we want to offer other groups the chance to join in the festivities. We’ll even be setting up a stage where local bands and
musicians can show off their talent.” Alex went on to explain the event offers fun for all the family, with a vintage bus and car show, food stalls and a bar. There’ll also be a charity bus pull and visitors can enjoy viewing a selection of vintage buses. Over the weekend, trent barton will donate 5p from every fare sold across its network and many drivers will be getting into the spirit of things by putting on fancy dress. “There will also be collection tins on our buses over the Big Weekend so customers who can’t make it to the event can still show their support for a very worthy cause,” Alex added. The entrance to Stafford Hospital will be widened to encourage operators to maintain routes there. Arriva had warned it would withdraw services if access did not improve. Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust prepared the scheme to keep the public transport links with the hospital running. The proposal, which is now being considered, comes as MP Jeremy Lefroy ramps up pressure to restore the hospital’s overnight A&E service. It is hoped that by avoiding delays for drivers getting in and out of the site, there can be knockon benefits of shorter waits for patients – as the process of arriving for appointments is smoother. It is hoped plans will win backing as soon as possible, so the project can be completed before January. The overall cost of the scheme has not yet been revealed. Alex Luffman, who is in charge of capital development at the hospital, said: “Public access will be impinged if the bus companies refuse access due to the delays they incur during arrival and departure from the site.” The proposal is for the main entrance near the patient car parks with the access road being widened. Arriva spokesman Keith Myatt said the firm welcomed the planned work.
SOUTH EAST
Bikers could be using Brighton bus lanes from next summer. Brighton and Hove City Council is looking at running a trial scheme allowing motorcyclists to use the lanes on the A23 and A259. The trial would be on sections coming into the city but not within the busier central area. Campaigners said the funding
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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. needed for the scheme was “minimal” to cover administration costs, advertising the scheme and signage. The Council has responded to proposals put forward by Brighton Motorcycle Action Group (MAG). A study into the proposals looked into similar schemes which were running elsewhere in the country and studied the potential implications on road safety, air quality and congestion in Brighton and Hove. Following the report the Council concluded that opening up bus lanes to motorcycles is a possibility. It is expected the proposal will be taken to the November meeting of the council’s transport committee. Chris Cordell, the Brighton and Hove MAG rep, said: “We are happy with the dialogue with the council. “I just hope they find the funding, the trial goes ahead and we can demonstrate that the proposal is effective and distribute it on a wider level.” Ian Davey, the Chairman of the Council’s Transport Committee, said: “We welcome ideas to make travel easier for people but it’s important we consider the needs of all road users when exploring them in more detail. “This is an example of how we are willing to work with groups
to achieve the right combination of safe and sustainable transport measures.” Motorists using two of Oxford’s Park & Ride sites will have to pay if they want to leave their cars for more than 11 hours under new proposals. The County Council plans to introduce charges at the two sites it controls – Thornhill and Water Eaton. It expects to make about £150,000 a year from the changes. Drivers staying for between 11 and 24 hours will pay £3 with an additional £3 charge for each subsequent 24 hour period to a maximum of 72 hours. The City Council-run P&R sites of Peartree, Seacourt and Redbridge all currently charge £1.50 a day or £7.50 for seven days. Oxfordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader Rodney Rose said: “We want to safeguard the future of the County Council’s P&R sites. This is something we have committed to doing for some time now. “We’ve looked into this in some detail and think the 11-hour limit on free parking is about right, allowing for a normal working day with a fair bit of leeway either side. The sites affected are often used by people travelling to London.”
August 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Stagecoach London’s Open House event at Leyton and West Ham garages takes place on September 22
2012 n September 6 Association of Trainers AGM. Steele Road, Wembley Julia@asot.org.uk 01797 344251
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 September 8-9 UK Bus Driver of the Year, Blackpool. Call competition secretary Bill Holmes on 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk
n October 24-25 Trapeze UK User Conference 2012. Radisson Hotel, Manchester Airport. 08445 616771. www.trapezegroup.co.uk
n September 9 Amberley Bus Show. Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, West Sussex. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com
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 September 22 Open House event at Leyton and West Ham Garages. 020 7055 9600. pr.london@stagecoachbus.com n September 27 UK Bus Awards Shortlist Announcement. Canary Wharf, London. www.ukbusawards. org.uk
Wilts & Dorset offered one of their Red 1 single deck vehicles to provide a special service free of charge for bride Michelle Bryant. She made contact with the Go-Ahead subsidiary to provide travel for her wedding party from her home in Bemerton Heath to the United Reformed Church in Fisherton Street, Salisbury. Full-time mum Michelle, said she was delighted to have the opportunity to travel on the route she uses daily to reach the church where the groom, Richard Burrell, a care worker, would be waiting at the altar. Bob Crutchfield, Staff Manager at Wilts & Dorset, drove the special wedding bus and on arrival at the Westwood Road bus stop presented a bouquet to Michelle who boarded the bus with her bridesmaids and page boys, family and friends. The newlyweds held a reception at St Michael’s Hall in the city for over 140 guests and plan to honeymoon on a cruise in the autumn.
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 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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16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 29, 2012
news focus › Torotrak
Major financial support attracted to Torotrak technology Established transmission specialists are prepared to pay well for a slice of Torotrak’s gearbox and hybrid expertise A £2.5m advance licence payment from Allison Transmission Inc. led a package of business news presented to investors at Torotrak’s Annual General Meeting. Commercial and Finance Director Jeremy Deering confirmed Allison had now paid a cumulative £17.7m in pre-production licence fees over the last 40 months, showing its strong confidence in Torotrak’s fuel saving technologies. “Last year we told investors Torotrak was progressing from the innovation phase into the commercialisation phase, with significant restructuring to optimise our ability to focus resources on supporting our customers,” Deering told investors. “This strategy is paying off, with our ability to generate substantial pre production licence revenues and a growing list of licensees and partners helping to progress Torotrak commercialisation programmes.” Torotrak’s gearless traction drives comprise a scalable technology allowing very precise mechanical control of speed and torque. The company focuses on the automotive and commercial vehicles industries, where tightening global emissions regulations place a premium on green technologies, and is developing applications in four areas it believes offer strong opportunities. At the meeting, positive news was presented in each sector. Allison Transmission’s production-intent programme will receive additional development resources from Torotrak following the US transmission specialist’s payment of £2.5m. This is an advance payment against its 2013, £10.6m option to secure www.coachandbusweek.com
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Jeremy Deering Torotrak final exclusive rights to main drive transmission applications in heavy duty commercial vehicles and includes £1.25m for Torotrak specialist engineering support. The new funding will be used to enhance the design and analysis programme currently led from Allison’s headquarters in Indianapolis. Torotrak has already conducted more than 25,000 hours of testing specifically for Allison in the last 12 months. “This payment highlights the close and constructive working relationship that we have with Allison, as well as the company’s confidence in our progress towards full commercialisation,” commented Torotrak’s product director for commercial vehicle main drive transmissions, Steve Murray.
Flybrid and M-KERS Torotrak also reported it has completed a substantial test programme with a major European truck and bus manufacturer which also holds a licence for heavy duty applications. “A new investigation of performance in typical long-haul applications has delivered some very positive results,” said Murray. “We’ve previously shown fuel economy gains in city buses and
distribution trucks of around 20% are achievable. Now we can also report that meaningful fuel economy gains have been delivered in European long haul truck cycles. This means we have a broader market for our technology, which is an exciting new development.” A preliminary development programme with Ricardo, Allison and Optare has confirmed a Mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery System (M-KERS), using a flywheel controlled by Torotrak’s variable drive, can deliver attractive fuel economy and emissions benefits. Testing with first-stage prototypes has allowed the development of a full system specification suitable for fleet trials, which the engineering team’s mathematical models predict will deliver a fuel saving of up to 20% for urban buses and trucks. The Torotrak-equipped M-KERS is expected to cost around one fifth the price (80% cheaper) of comparable battery and supercapacitor hybrid systems and to be significantly lighter allowing additional passengers or cargo. “The results from this firststage prototype investigation have created enough interest from potential customers for us to take the lead with the development of a production-representative system which can be evaluated in fleet trials,” said Torotrak’s CEO, Dick Elsy. “We hope to have the system ready in a little over 12 months. This is looking like a commercially very attractive system which offers operators substantial fuel savings without the cost, weight and other issues associated with batterybased technologies.” Following the positive results generated by the FHSPV (Flywheel Hybrid Systems for Performance Vehicles) programme with partners that include Flybrid Automotive, Jaguar, Prodrive and Ford, Torotrak technology was selected for a
passenger car M-KERS research programme with Volvo. This programme has progressed well this year, moving to prototype vehicles trials. In a separate confirmation of the system’s potential, Torotrak has secured an additional £600,000 payment from Tata Motors to extend its licence to secure options on M-KERS (in heavy duty and passenger cars) and on V-Charge. “The relationship with Tata is re-energised across a range of potential applications,” Deering told investors. “V-Charge and
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August 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17
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Torotrak’s Continuously Variable Drive is the heart of mechanical flywheel hybrid technology
M-KERS in particular could provide substantial benefits for Tata’s target applications and we very much hope to be able to move from evaluation to development in at least one of those areas.” Torotrak has integrated its patented compact variable drive technology with a proven, lightweight supercharger to create a new type of forced induction system that eliminates many of the compromises associated with today’s systems. V-Charge can boost torque from zero to 95% in less than 400ms at any engine speed -
NewsFocus_Torotrak.indd 17
around one third the time required by the latest generation of heavilydownsized small turbocharged engines in the critical low-speed range where poor response is noticed by drivers. Independent testing on a demonstration vehicle has confirmed the performance of the system and its commercial potential. “These results show V-Charge currently provides a unique and cost-effective route to affordable downsized engines combining low CO2 with the driveability of a larger, naturally-aspirated
“Univance has committed substantial investment so that we can provide highquality, Torotrakbranded components for development programmes and low volume production.” Jeremy Deering
engine,” says Torotrak’s product director for V-Charge, Andrew de Freitas. “Several major vehicle manufacturers have recently driven the demonstrator and confirmed the performance, pricing and low noise relative to other solutions are all at levels that make V-Charge attractive for future model programmes. This has given us the confidence needed to begin discussions with potential supply partners to facilitate the next stage of development.” The relationship with Tata now also covers V-Charge, following the additional £600,000 payment to extend its licence.
Univance deal In May 2012, Torotrak signed a co-operation and non-exclusive licence agreement with Univance Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of high-quality transmissions and components. The deal follows almost two years of shared-cost research. “This is a major step forward in our ability to support our customers as they progress towards production,” said Deering. “Univance has committed substantial investment so we can provide high-quality, Torotrak-branded components for development programmes and low volume production. This relationship is a perfect complement to our in-house design, test and integration expertise.” Torotrak has also strengthened its mathematical modelling capability, dramatically reducing the time required for initial concept evaluation from six weeks to just three days. Modelling has recently been carried out with a major manufacturer of offhighway vehicles to explore the many additional benefits Torotrak technology brings to this sector. Other new relationships are focussed on the smaller drives currently used for automotive M-KERS and for V-Charge. “Our specialist partners are helping us ensure costcompetitive performance without compromising durability,” explained Deering. “We are looking in particular at traction fluids and the manufacture of the disks and rollers. Having validated solutions supported by independent specialist suppliers will accelerate commercialisation and give our customers confidence that they can progress quickly and easily towards cost-competitive production.”
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news › TOURISM
£7.22
Entry per head for the National Trust’s Corfe Castle Dorset
brIEfly Twycross Zoo is nearing its 50th year of business, having evolved from a comparatively small collection to become one of Britain’s major zoos with over 1,000 animals from more than 200 species. The zoo’s Himalaya Centre offers dining, shopping and impressive views into the snow leopard enclosure. In addition, Twycross has a new Uda Walawe Sri Lankan-themed elephant walkway and a host of daily animal feeds and talks. Situated five minutes from J11 of M42, the zoo has dedicated coach bays by its entrance and provides a free meal for the driver. Group rates apply for 20 people or more but pre-booking is essential. Family activities are available during school holidays. To book call 0844 474 1777. The village of Avebury, partially encompassed by Avebury Stone Circle, was witness to the excavations of archaeologist Alexander Keiller. Keiller opened a museum to display his findings in 1938 in the old stable at Avebury Manor. In re-erecting many of the stones, Keiller uncovered one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe. His fascinating finds are on display in the museum, still housed in the stables but now also in the 17th-century threshing barn, where interactive displays and activities for children bring the landscape to life. Coach parking available 500 yards from entrance and can be busy in summer so pre-booking is advised. Admission is free but entry to the museum is £3.80 per person. Call 01672 539250. St.George’s Distillery, home to the English Whisky Co., became operational in November 2006 producing its first spirit soon after. Open daily throughout the year (with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), regular tours of the working part of the distillery are operated. The gift and coffee shop is open from 1000 – 1730hrs serving a selection of refreshments and snacks. Wheelchairs cannot get onto the distilling floor, but with prior notice the distillery can arrange an alternative tour. For group bookings, call 01953 717939. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Historical experience on HMS Belfast Visitors are treated to the stories and experiences of the crew onboard this historic vessel HMS Belfast, launched in 1938, is a branch of Imperial War Museums and is now the only surviving example of the great fleets of big gun armoured warships built for the Royal Navy in the first half of the twentieth century. The ship is moored on the River Thames, with an idyllic location between London
Bridge and Tower Bridge. Visitors to the ship can now prebook private tours with one of the Ship’s Company and enjoy exclusive access as well as some of the quirky sailor’s stories of living and working on board including the time a reindeer joined the crew. Hear the unique stories of how sailors survived in freezing conditions during the Arctic Convoys and what it was like to be one of the first Ship’s firing on D-Day and its role as
HMS Belfast is moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge
Atmospheric abbey with extensive water gardens Set in the Skell Valley in Ripon, North Yorkshire, the atmospheric abbey ruins are accompanied by a beautiful Georgian water garden and numerous statues and follies. Groups of visitors have enjoyed the neo-classical temples since the 18th century, but this world heritage site has nearly 900 years of history behind it. Free coach parking is available 100 yards from the drop off point and at the visitor centre only. An introductory talk and guided tours are available for an additional cost. Pre-booked tours include: Abbey Tour, Garden Tour, Abbey & Garden
part of the United Nations forces in Korea from 1950 to 1952. Private tours last for one hour. The new Gun Turret Experience gives visitors a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the back of the ship, or Quarterdeck, is one of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the experience. HMS Belfast is open daily 10001800hrs (last admission 1700hrs). Due to the nature of the site numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 people. Coach parking is available nearby. Admission is £14 for adults, £11.20 for concessions and children under 16 are free. Special admission rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Please note entry prices include a voluntary donation, making a valuable contribution to the care and conservation of this historic site.
For group rates and further details on parking and booking, call 020 7940 6300 or visit www.iwm.org.uk/visits/ hms-belfast/
Majestic ruins in Dorset
A number of guided tours are available around the site Taster Tour, Mr Aislabie’s Garden Tour and St Mary’s Church Tour. Specialist and foreign language tours can also be arranged. For groups of 16+ admission is £7.70 per head while groups of 31+ are £7.45 per head. The average length of the visit is around 3 hours. For more information, and to enquire about group tours and bookings call 01765 643197.
Located in Wareham, Dorset, Corfe Castle was once a mighty stronghold during the time of William the conqueror and this medieval castle is now touted as one of Britain’s most majestic ruins. Unbooked guided tour numbers are restricted to 30, but tours can be pre-booked for larger groups. Coach parking is available for four coaches, 800 yards from the entrance. The castle itself is a 10-minute walk up a steep hill.
Group admission is £7.22 per person and the average length of the visit is 1 hour 30 minutes. For more details and catering information call 01929 481294. Visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/corfecastle/
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1938 25 The year the Royal Navy’s HMS Belfast was launched
The length in miles of the popular Welsh Highland Railway between Caernarfon and Porthmadog
diesel prices
Since its UK debut in 2006 the musical has played to sold out crowds
A seasonal musical for the upcoming festive season The stage musical based on the classic 1954 movie White Christmas is playing at The Lowry in Manchester from November 30, 2012 to January 5, 2013. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical was first staged in the UK in 2006 and since then has gone from strength to strength breaking box office records, gaining
accolades from critics and winning awards. It played to sold out houses at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway (outselling Wicked) for the holiday season 2008/09. With classic Irving Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean, Happy Holiday, Sisters and of course the unforgettable title song White Christmas, it tells the story of two friends putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn, and finding the perfect romance along the way. With an ensemble of over 30 and a dynamic 17-piece orchestra, this dazzling musical is full of tap dancing, comedy and arguably some of the most memorable songs ever written – Irving Berlin’s White
Christmas the Musical is described as a “merry and bright” theatrical experience. There are discounted theatre tickets on most performances with groups of 10+ getting £3.50 off, 50+ £5 off and 1 in 10 free. Special group catering and performance programme facilities are provided to avoid queues. In addition, free coach parking and convenient drop off points are available with refreshment vouchers provided for the driver.
For more information and the Box Office call 0843 208 6003 or email groups@thelowry. com. Visit www.thelowry.com .
DEALS OF THE WEEK Swan Lake, with Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky’s score, is playing in the Royal Opera House from October 8 until November 24. Its 1877 premiere was poorly received, but it has since become one of the most loved of all ballets. The twinned role of the pure White Swan and the scheming, duplicitous Black Swan tests the full range of a ballerina’s powers. Anthony Dowell’s production draws upon the opulent style of 1890s Russia with dramatic costumes and glowing lanterns, shimmering fabrics and designs create a magical setting. Groups can save up to 40% on tickets; the bigger the group, the greater the discount. Priority booking is available so visitors can
Swan Lake is known for the dual roles of the black and white swan take advantage of the best seats at the best prices. Tickets range from £6 to £120 depending on seating and there is a coach drop off and pick up point on Russell Street a brief walk from the theatre.
n For show times and bookings call 020 7304 4002 or visit www. roh.org.uk/productions/swan-lakeby-anthony-dowell Bournemouth Oceanarium offers visitors a journey
Cost per litre in pence: Great Britain Sweden Italy Ireland Belgium Hungary Greece France Netherlands Germany Czech Republic Portugal Austria Slovenia Spain Poland Luxembourg
140.40 139.45 132.75 120.30 120.07 119.69 118.97 116.78 116.78 115.13 113.14 110.75 109.26 108.24 107.30 107.07 98.61
holiday pound £1 will get you: Euro 1.26 Switzerland (Franc) 1.52 Norway (Kroner) 9.22 Hungary (Forint) 350.46 Czech Republic (Koruna) 31.41 Poland (Zloty) 5.17
around the waters of the world with 10 recreated environments which include the Amazon, Key West, the Mediterranean, Abyss and the Great Barrier Reef. In addition, it is home to the world’s first interactive dive cage, which submerges users in a 270-degree virtual view of the ocean. There is a coach drop-off point situated approximately a minute’s walk from the Oceanarium and the nearest coach park is at Queen’s Road Car Park – situated just off the Wessex Way (under a mile from the Oceanarium). All pre-booked groups of 10 or more people receive special discounted rates and the attraction offers one free leader/group organiser with every group of at least 10 paying people. Discounts also apply to disabled groups. n For full details of group rates and bookings, call 01202 311993. Visit www.oceanarium.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
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operator profile › barnes of swindon
Proud history, optimistic future Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans visits family-run operator Barnes of Swindon and learns about current developments, as well the firm’s history
T
he company’s distinctive green livery is unmissable and thanks to its policy of acquiring brand new coaches every year, Barnes Coaches is no stranger to CBW’s ‘Deliveries’ pages. Despite the livery, the conservative approach reigns supreme at Barnes. Put simply, like so many others in the coach industry, they don’t like to appear to be something they’re not. Modesty is the order of the day. Visitors to the modern premises on the leafy South Marston Park on the northern edge of Swindon will immediately be struck by what they find – a professional set up, which is far removed from a ‘back of a fag packet’ operation. Inside, the tours office is a hive of activity, with a seemingly endless stream of phone calls. It’s perhaps more akin to a call centre than a traditional coach office. A flick through the local newspaper will find a visually attractive and informative full-page advertisment. While some may regard the firm’s website as lacking the refinements of some other operators, Barnes is an enthusiastic user of social media for the promotion of its tours and interacting with its customers. Barnes is a vibrant business. It enjoys the sort of pedigree associated with having been trading for such a long period – but it also
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A cross-section of the fleet. WIB is due to be sold; WA58 remains a frontline coach; and the ex Birmingham Internationl double-decker
benefits from the involvement of Lionel’s two sons, Luke and Matt, who are clearly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what they do.
A family business
“Dad has a few more days off now – he enjoys cycling,” explained Luke. “Matt and I went to University. We both drove for the family firm in our holidays. “I studied Geography at Southampton and Matt gained a degree in Business Studies at Portsmouth. Matt did some parttime work for Lucketts, whilst I did the same for Angela Coaches and Coliseum. Lucketts is a great firm. When we first thought of installing Distinctive Systems’ Coach Manager, David Luckett was very helpful. They’re a nice welcoming crew who are very good at what they do. I drove mainly feeders at Angela. I gained invaluable experience and earned money as a student. “After graduation we both drove here for a while. It became apparent Dad needed some help in the business. Our Transport Manager retired seven years ago, so I took over this role and Matt took on the tours and excursions programme.” Luke mused: “I tell Matt I’ve got it a lot harder than he has – I manage the drivers and engineers. Seriously though, we’re fortunate to have a good team here.” Luke continued: “Our second cousin Russell Barnes administers the excursions
The latest addition to the fleet, a Daf Van Hool TX from Arriva Bus & Coach
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operator: Barnes Coaches location: Swindon, Wiltshire established: 1920 FLEET: 28 Contact: 01793 821303 www.barnestravel.co.uk
Friendly team of engineers – Ashley, Kev, Trevor and Shaun
Fleet presentation is vital. A coach is bladed after going through the wash www.coachandbusweek.com
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operator profile › barnes of swindon
and theatre trips, while my mum Sue does the accounts. My wife also worked on accounts but she’s currently on maternity leave. “My son Sebastian was born at the end of last year . Unfortunately he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis – so that’s become our dedicated charity. We’ve operated weekend breaks where the profits have been donated. The staff and the customers have been brilliant. When some are due refunds, they’ve donated them to charity.”
Fleet
Barnes runs a modern 28-strong coach fleet, supplemented by four eight-seater and one 14-seater Ford Transit minibuses for pickups. The full-size fleet includes nine Bova Futuras which are a mixture of 49 and 53-seaters; four tri-axle 61-seater Volvo Van Hools and 11 two-axle 49-seater Volvo Van Hools. A 1999-registered 49-seater Van Hool Volvo and a 2002 example are due to be disposed of shortly. Not to be forgotten is the 09-plate corporate specification 37-seater tabled Van Hool, better known as the Swindon Town FC team coach, which carries a white-based livery branded with the club’s sponsors. “From 2009 onwards we’ve been trying to buy three to four new coaches per annum – and we still never seem to have enough vehicles,” mused Luke. “Seriously though, it’s hard to get the balance right. We don’t want our operation to get too big.” Why has Barnes largely standardised on Bovas and the Volvo Van Hool combination? “The Volvo Van Hool combination is the best coach you can get in terms of reliability and build quality. Bovas are cheaper on fuel yet they’re not so good on build, but the fuel economy cancels out that. We buy from Moseley in the South as they’ve always been helpful to us – they bend over backwards to help us,” replied Luke. Lionel was keen to stress: “Allan Vaulter at Moseley in the South has been a true gent – he’s always been great to deal with. The backup is excellent – any issues, should they arise, have been promptly ironed out. Allan fully understands the coach industry.” Luke continued: “We’ve recently bought two new coaches, the first of which is a DAF Van Hool. We had to move away from 12-metre Van Hool Volvos as they’re unable to supply us with a two-axle combination due www.coachandbusweek.com
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to weight, so we understand. We want to stick with Volvo and DAF.” The other new coach is to be a 53-seater Jonckheere Volvo B9, which is due for delivery on September 3, and is expected to be registered ‘BX62BCO’. “This will be our first B9 full-size coach, although we do operate B9 buses,” said Luke. “We bought a 100-seater Optarebodied Volvo from Birmingham International Coaches and a 102-seater East Lancs example from Weavaway. The problem is we can’t get them anymore. “I’m sure if a bus manufacturer decided to make a 100-seater with high-back coach seats, there would be demand. They’re certainly very popular with our customers.” “Once we’ve sold our oldest two, we’ll only have seven coaches which can’t go to London,” continued Luke. “London trips are a big part of our business. There are not many nights we don’t go to a theatre. Assuming we have a good run, we can be there in a couple of hours.” Asked for his thoughts on the oft-criticised issue of coach parking London, Luke replied: “I think people go a bit over the top. Don’t get me wrong we get the odd ticket for dropping off and picking up. “We recently had six coaches and a dozen drivers employed on a high profile sporting event. It ended up being very successful – and the drivers loved it. To be honest the biggest problem with the Olympics was our private hires – it was a bit of a palaver. Permits were issued for 10-minute windows, which is almost impossible in London traffic. There also seemed to be a lack of pick-up and drop-off points. “I’ve noticed it’s become harder to appeal against tickets more recently. That said, because our drivers go so often they get to know places to drop off, pick up and park.”
Business Mix
Above: The smart interior of tri-axle Van Hool ‘WA11HXO’, which is pictured undergoing routine maintenance in the workshop (right)
Above left: Luke’s son Sebastian pictured on his father’s knee. Above right: On the day of CBW’s visit, Istobal were on site to service the coachwash
Above: The ex Weavaway East Lancs-bodied Volvo 102-seater. Below: Alongside a Futura, the TX is unbranded after working at the Olympics
In common with many other coach operators, Luke said the firm does “a bit of everything – school private hires, school contracts and other private hire.” “In addition to our own tour and day trip programme, we do a lot of work for group organisers. We pride ourselves on offering a personal service. We try to allocate the same drivers to the same groups each year. Relationships are vital.” Luke continued: “We’ve recently joined BUSK’s (Belt Up School Kids) Simply Safe scheme. Initiatives like that are about increasing quality
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Historical Perspective:
coal merchant to coach operator The story of Barnes Coaches has its roots deep in a service which for centuries was the lifeline for the Wiltshire village of Aldbourne – the carriers. These were men who frequently had another occupation such as farmer or saddler, but who also owned a horse and cart and were prepared to use them to fetch and carry between isolated settlements and the main towns. Thomas Dixon Barnes, better known as Tommy, ran for the Aldbourne carriers as a youngster and grew up around them. His childhood sweetheart was Ada, a strict Methodist. Much of their early courtship took place while making house-to-house collections. When the relationship blossomed, Ada was only allowed out if chaperoned by one of her elder brothers. Her parents were not to know that in return for turning a blind eye to her innocent dalliances with Tommy, Ada was obliged to ensure her brothers’ shoes were polished. As the driving force in the couple, she ran two associated businesses – a B&B lodging house and a small café. At the age of 33 in 1920, Tommy Barnes became the village carrier to Hungerford and Newbury. Until
the goods yard closed in the 1960s, Tommy collected coal from the sidings at Hungerford station. The first motor vehicle was acquired in 1924, a brand new 50cwt closed Ford Model T van. The vehicle was used to deliver coal in the morning, swept out at lunchtime and then converted into a passenger vehicle for the afternoon. Outside work Tommy’s interests included being a linesman in the Swindon & District League and he was also an ardent supporter of the town’s football club. It may come as no surprise to learn their members were often conveyed in his transport. Ada and Tommy’s offspring included two sons, Jim and Bob. Following their return from WW2, they joined the business. Responding to the changing market which resulted from the post-war rise of car ownership, Tommy and his two sons upgraded their vehicles and entered the coach hire business. By the mid 1950s Jim’s son LioneI helped out on the carrier runs in the school holidays. His reward for a good morning’s work was a jam doughnut when he and Bob
reached Hungerford Bakery. In 1951 the business was named T.D. Barnes & Sons. Lionel joined the firm’s coal team in 1963. From 1968 he gradually increased his role in the coach side of the business. The house-to-house carrier’s service ceased and became a parcel delivery service. In 1976 Barnes became the official coach operator to Swindon Town FC. The coal business was retained until 1983 when it was sold to Cawoods of Swindon – nine years after Tommy’s death at the age of 87. The first coach brochure was published in 1986. Four years later it ran its inaugural day excursion. “I used to clean the coaches in the evenings and weekends as a child,” recalled Lionel. “I left school not knowing what to do. One of the coalmen was on holiday and I’ve been in the business ever since. “Coal kept us busy in the in winter and coaches kept us working in the summer. Today I do the pricing/ quoting. I also do bits of driving.” Indeed, on the morning of CBW’s visit Lionel had been out to drive an emergency rail replacement job.
and demonstrating the fact it’s not all about price. Like all schemes, it’s got to be worthwhile. It can’t be a money making scheme and then not be that rigorous with checks, which in turn devalues the concept. We feel Simply Safe is a great tool.” Asked whether he’s noticed a fall in the popularity of day trips, Luke replied: “We found our tours were up a lot last year and it’s remained the same this year. However, uncertainty is creeping in. Theatre trips are not cheap. If you take a couple, it’s over £100. As others in this industry have observed, we’ve noticed customers are booking at the last minute. Operationally, you can think at the beginning of a week a trip won’t run yet a couple of days beforehand it can be full.” Turning to school contracts, Luke said: “Councils need to look hard at who they’re awarding to and whether operators are charging sustainable rates for the course of the tender period. Doing so would go some way to reducing the risk of re-tendering part way through, and all the cost and hassle it causes hard-pressed local authority staff. It would also give operators an incentive to invest and hence improve quality and safety. “Personally, I would advise local authorities to steer clear of mass tendering as short-term savings can evaporate in the medium term after the removal of competition.”
Depot
As discussed earlier, the depot is located on an industrial estate site on which trees are certainly not in short supply. Litter and ‘burger vans’ seem to be notable by their absence. Barnes moved to the site five years ago. “We ran from our original home in Aldbourne. We gradually bought land around it. Ideally we we’d have stayed in the village on a new site but trying to find somewhere suitable was a non-starter,” explained Lionel. Facilities include a purpose-built fuelling and coach washing facility. The latter was supplied by Istobal, while the former is a Datatrack system. A separate toilet drop is also on site. The yard is hard standing throughout. Alongside the gated yard is a twostorey office block and workshop. Designed for three coaches, the garage now accommodates two as vehicle lengths have increased. There are no pits – Somerstotalkare lifts are used. www.coachandbusweek.com
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DELIVERIES
CHANDLERS Chandlers Coach Travel of Westbury, Wiltshire, has recently taken delivery of a new Volvo B13R tri-axle coach with Prestige Plus 9700 bodywork. The new vehicle is the operator’s first new B13R and the fourth coach specified with the Prestige Plus 9700
bodywork and the sixth Volvo overall. “We already have 07, 08 and 09-plate Volvos which we are delighted with,” explained Chandlers’ Margaret l’Anson. “Our satisfaction with those vehicles played a huge part in our decision to purchase this latest coach.” Chandlers’ new coach is being used on the operator’s popular international tour
programme with visits to Austria and Switzerland already scheduled in. “It’s an ideal specification for tour work with 46 seats and optimised leg room,” continued Margaret. “It has a busy schedule lined-up so we’re looking forward to seeing how it performs.” The vehicle’s seats feature stylish leather trim, while two TV monitors, a demountable toilet, a servery and a CD/ DVD player. The vehicle is also equipped with a Volvo RS
CENTRAL BUSES West Midlands independent Central Buses has taken delivery of four new ADL Enviro200s. Geoff Cross, the company’s owner and MD, said: “We pride ourselves in providing high quality, value-for-money services and this latest investment in Enviro200s is a further
FACT FILE
Chassis/body Volvo
B13R/9700
Engine Volvo D13C Euro 5 Transmission Volvo I-Shift Seats 46 Spec Luxury touring Supplied by
Volvo 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/en-gb
SHAWS OF WHITELY East Yorkshire coach operator Shaw’s of Whitley has added its first ComfortClass Setra S416 GT-HD to its fleet, which was supplied by Setra Coach Sales at EvoBus UK. Having been impressed with the it’s Setra S415 GT-HD ComfortClass coach, the tri-axle S416 GT-HD model proved to be obvious choice when it came to to upgrading the fleet. Owner Marjorie Shaw, commented: “We have a long and successful history with Setra and our customers have become accustomed to the ride quality, reliability and comfort associated with our this premium brand. We have found Setra to be first in class for whole life costs,
demonstration of our business philosophy. We’re committed to providing modern buses which will entice customers out of their cars and provide a pleasant travel experience. “These latest Enviro200s join 15 other ADL buses in our fleet, all of which have provided excellent service. The support and back-up we have received from ADL over the years has been superb, so all-round we are delighted
the driver area. Bob Mcgarry, EvoBus Regional Manager Setra, said: “We are delighted to have received the order from owner Marjorie and son Philip. We won their order by fulfilling all their requirements and against some very determined opposition. We now look forward to building on what was already a very happy and succesful partnership”. FACT FILE
Chassis/body Setra S416GT-HD Engine Mercedes-Benz OM
fuel economy and safety. It’s a tough sector at the moment so we need the first class service provision which we get from EvoBus and the unrivalled reliability and excellent fuel consumption
which we get from our Setras.” The new coach is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 457 LA engine, coupled to Mercedes-Benz GO 240-8 eight-speed PowerShift
gearbox. The internal specification includes 53 passenger seats and two 19-inch LCD monitors. Also, a reversing camera mounted on the inside of the vehicle is linked to a monitor located in
457 LA
Transmission Mercedes-
Benz PowerShift Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by
Evobus 024 7662 6000. www.evobus.co.uk
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Deliveries.indd 24
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Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? Email all the details and pictures to james.day@ coachandbusweek.com
with the relationship.” The new vehicles include one 10.8m 39-seater example and three 8.9m models with 29 seats. All are powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 140PS EEV engines and have Allison S2100 five-speed automatic transmissions. All four have Centrad destination displays and Centrad eightcamera CCTV. The new buses have been acquired to upgrade routes 74a and 459 in the Black Country and routes 78 and 88 in North Birmingham. FACT FILE
Chassis/body ADL Enviro 200 Engine Cummins ISBe Transmission Allison S2100 Seats 29 Spec Centrad destination gear
& CCTV
Supplied by
Supplied by ADL 01483 571271 www.alexander-dennis.com
STEWART’S COACHES Stewart’s Coaches of Reading has taken delivery of its first VIP coach – a DAF-powered integral Irizar i6. The tri-axle coach measures 14.37m in length and carries a Paccar MX 300 engine coupled to a ZF 12-speed AS-Tronic gearbox. This acquisition follows earlier deliveries of a 12.2m long, 3.9m super high Irizar i6, first seen on the Irizar stand at the NEC show, plus a pair of 12.9m long, 3.7m high models. Upon arrival in the UK it underwent a major transformation at AD Coach Systems. Its revised specification includes 37 full leather seats, a powered physio table, extra tint applied to all passenger windows, LED mood lighting,
Sky TV, Bose sound system, Playstation3, rear lounge, fully fitted galley with drinks machine, three ovens, fridges and ice makers. All four front tables have been supplied with 240v power sockets, independent selectable monitors, computer connections, WiFi and iPod docks. Andy Cotton, Managing Director of Stewarts,
commented: “The whole process has been very easy for me. While we demanded a substantial specification, Irizar UK delivered everything it committed to and did this with skill and precision. Our new coach is wonderful and I can’t thank everyone enough for delivering on their promises and more – it’s an absolute credit to them.” The vehicle will be used
to transport Reading Football Club, which was promoted into the Premier League once again for this season. Andy Cotton, with Reading FC Manager Brian McDermott, was delighted to show off the new Team Coach at Reading FC’s training grounds. “As a long term supporter of the Club, it was a very proud moment for both Stewarts and myself personally and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Brian and the team every success for the coming season,” Andy said. FACT FILE
Chassis/body Irizar i6 (integral) Engine Paccar MX 300 Transmission 12-speed
AS-Tronic
Seats 37 Spec VIP Supplied by
Irizar UK 01909 500514 www.irizar.co.uk
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technology › fuel saving tyres
Hankook tyres top-ranked for fuel efficiency German engineers complete independent test on tyres from Hankook at the DEKRA test centre
R
ecent testing at the DEKRA Automobile Test Centre in Klettwitz, Germany, undertaken by DEKRA engineers, has certified Hankook’s ‘e-cube’ energy efficient tyres can provide up to 5% lower fuel consumption and rank alongside Michelin X-Energy tyres in terms of performance. Average daily fuel consumption over the test was 29.4 litres/100 km. For the test set-up, three identical towing vehicles, Scania, G420LA4x 2MNA and three new Schmitz SCS 24/L-13.62 E B trailers were used. The vehicle combinations were fully loaded with a combination weight of 40.250 kg. The test procedure took place between April 23 and May 8, 2012, covering approximately 670 km per day per vehicle. The distance was driven on the DEKRA Test Oval with a continuous drive (use of speed limiter 80km/h). For the determination of the fuel masses, the fuel tank was filled up with a defined mass before the test and weighed with precision scales after the test. Tyres were changed every day. Hankook e-cube tyres AL10 (All Position Long Haul) were used on the steering axle, DL10 (Drive Axle Long Haul) on the drive axle, (315/80 R 22s), as well as the TL10 (Trailer Long Haul) 385/65 R 22.5s on the trailer. The competing comparison tyres were Hankook standard truck tyres AL02, DL02 and TH02, plus models XZA 2, XDA 2+ and XTA 2+ from the Michelin X Energy line in corresponding sizes on the respective axle positions. All tyres were tested under the same controlled conditions over a total of
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Top: Hankook’s all-position e-cube AL10. Centre: Stiffened tread blocks aid fuel economy as less movement delivers lower rolling resistance. Bottom: The layered construction of an e-cube casing
more than 6,000km each over nine days on the oval course at DEKRA. “The e-cube concept not only focuses on the aspect of efficiency which is of utmost importance in the transportation business but also on the increasingly important aspects environmental friendliness and sustainability,” said Jin-Wook Choi, Hankook President and CEO Hankook Tire Europe. “We continuously invest in further development of our quality products to make sure Hankook clients profit from the very latest in optimal tyre solutions. We are happy to see this confirmed from an independent and renowned testing authority such as DEKRA.” The basic compound of all three e-cube treads has consistently been optimised for efficiency during tyre development. Through the increase of low dampening compounds used in the tread, a significant reduction in visco-elastic power loss was achieved, that as a principle is inherent to the tyre tread: Less energy is lost and the tyres’ fuel efficiency improved. In addition, the innovative Hankook mixture process IMS (Innovative Mixing System) allows for a much more consistent distribution of soot particles and rubber molecules within the mixtures. In combination with extended mixing periods at reduced temperatures this results in a significant increase in the connection rate between the soot and rubber molecules. As a result e-cube tyres produce less warmth, which also has positive effects on the tyres’ fuel efficiency by reducing consumption. Also the e-cube series tread designs, customised to fit the respective axle positions, reduces fuel consumption without affecting mileage or performance. The patented Hankook design technology ‘Stiffness Control Contour Theory’ (SCCT) provides more stability and less movement by ensuring balanced pressure distribution within the tyres. Compared to its predecessor this results in considerably increased carcase durability and promises excellent re-treadability and cost efficiency. All e-cube tyres are classified ‘low-noise’ and are therefore in principle eligible for funding. Upcoming regulations with regard to rolling resistance and noise, which will become stricter in the future, have already been taken into consideration in the development of all three tyre types.
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THE BIG PICTURE
This unusual angle was caught on camera by CBW Editor Gareth Evans while awaiting his next coffee at the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) on Wednesday July 18. Never one to miss a photo opportunity, Gareth noticed the bay window in the first floor meeting room provided an ideal vantage point. RATP-owned London United ‘YN55NHD’, otherwise known as ‘SLE10’ in London, pulls away from the stop on Chiswick High Road. It is pictured working TfL route 267 from Fulwell towards Hammersmith, via Chiswick, Turnham Green, Brentford and Isleworth. It may therefore come as no surprise to learn this East Lancs Scania OmniDekka, which was new in 2005, is allocated to Fulwell Garage. About to pull up behind on to the stop is Metroline’s Wrightbodied Volvo B9TL ‘LK60BEO’, or ‘VW1067’. This vehicle is working route 237 to Turnham Green, which links Hounslow Heath with White City, via Hounslow, Brentford, Kew Bridge, Turnham Green and Chiswick.
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DRIVERS
In association with
DriveTech
Send your driver news and stories to alex.tyler@coachandbusweek. com or call 01733 293 244.
Retiring driver treated to Midland Red send off Leo Gayle may continue on casual basis after 47 years conducting and driving buses A popular Midland Classic driver was treated to a trip down memory lane to celebrate his retirement after 47 years working on the buses. Leo Gayle was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers at Swadlincote Bus Station, and had the chance to ride a Midland Red bus of the type he started his working life on. Having emigrated from Kingston, Jamaica, he came to Swadlincote in 1965 and started as a conductor. He worked for Midland Red, before joining Stevensons which later
Driver fined for jumping red light
A bus driver who jumped a red light in Bolton has been fined by magistrates following a trial. Bolton Magistrates heard William Nugent, aged 60 of St Helens, had turned his bus from Derby Street into University Way 2.2 seconds after the lights turned to red. Nugent, who is now unemployed, argued the volume of traffic due to roadworks on University Way meant it was difficult to get through the lights on January 26. He pleaded not guilty to going through a red light. Nugent told the court he had not seen the red light until he had taken off the handbrake and started moving. Magistrates said they did not find his evidence credible. They fined him £80 and ordered him to pay £200 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge as well as endorsing his licence with three penalty points.
became Arriva. The 65-year-old then moved to Midland Classic in April 2011. He said: “I just had a fascination with going from place to place, village to village and meeting people.” Mr Gayle is hoping to travel to Scotland to celebrate his retirement. “I want to visit Scotland because I am fascinated by the landscape. One of my interests is soil erosion so that’s why I want to go, walking about the farmlands.” Mr Gayle was taken off his shift early to receive a gold clock from Midland Classic and was greeted by a Midland Red bus parked proudly in the bus station. He said: “I am very surprised about
what everyone has done – and surprised they have managed to keep it a secret. Being on a Midland Red brought back memories.” Keith West, Communications Manager for Midland Classic, said: “Leo was a very good worker, he always turned up and did a good job and he was very popular with the passengers. He had been doing it for a long time. “We took him off his shift early to have a ride around the town.” The Midland Red bus was donated for the occasion by The Transport Museum in Wythall. Although Mr Gayle is now officially retired, he may continue to work ‘on a casual basis.’
Network Warrington (Warrington Borough Transport) drivers Rob MacDonald (left) and Dave Morley are celebrating getting through to the finals of the 2012 UK Bus Driver of the Year. This year’s event it to be held on Sunday, September 9 in Blackpool. Dave Morley is attending his second finals, having competed in 2011 where he came 48th out of 116. Both have stated they are slightly nervous but looking forward to this year’s event. “We wish them both well,” said David Squire, Managing Director of the municipally-owned operator.
NXWM driver fined after hitting pedestrian The driver of a National Express West Midlands (NXWM)bus has been fined by magistrates after hitting a pedestrian using a zebra crossing near Wednesbury Bus Station. Driver Gregory Edwards, 30, knocked William Malcolm to the floor as he used the crossing n Sandwell Magistrates heard on August 16 that Edwards has been allowed to keep his job. Prosecutor Lauranne Middleton said Malcolm, 51, was hit by the front nearside corner of the bus. “The pedestrian sustained slight injuries as a result of the collision, having cuts and grazes to his right side and pain and discomfort to his left, for which he was prescribed painkillers at hospital,” she said. The court heard the bus, which was working route 79, was pulling into the Bus Station from Holyhead Road when the accident happened at about 0800hrs on May 26. “CCTV confirms the driver was at fault,” added Middleton. Edwards pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to accord precedence to a pedestrian who was on the carriageway within the limits of an uncontrolled zebra crossing. Magistrates fined him £80 and ordered him to pay £80 costs as well as a £15 victim surcharge. Three penalty points were added to his licence. Chairman of the bench Glenise Edwards said: “We’ve taken into account your early guilty plea and the fact your employer has decided only to give you a caution.” After the case, Edwards, who represented himself, and has worked for NXWM for the past five years, told the Express & Star there were about 10 people on board the bus at the time of the crash. He added: “The bus has a massive blind spot and I just didn’t see him.”
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Insight › wedding bus
Darren Haynes tells the touching story of his mother and father’s Ruby Wedding celebrations which featured the services of award-winning King’s Lynn-based operator Norfolk Green www.coachandbusweek.com
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B
A shared passion
Carol and Colin Haynes met 44 years earlier, back in 1968. After a courtship of four years they decided to seal their union by way of marriage. Unfortunately at the time funds did not stretch to a very elaborate occasion, with a quick trip to the registrar’s office on a Thursday morning and Colin back to work in the afternoon. There was certainly no big white dress, bridesmaids, pageboys or elaborately iced cake to be seen. Even before they met, although Colin drove a car, any opportunity to travel on a bus or coach was jumped at. This passion has stayed with him to this day and was soon
adopted by Carol too. The 39 years following that trip to the registrar’s office saw three children, 12 grandchildren and endless miles of happy bus and coach travel under their belts – and ironically two bus driver sons-inlaw to boot!
Plans on hold
It was at this point that son Darren and daughter Tina had the idea of marking Carol and Colin’s ruby wedding anniversary the following year with a service renewing their parent’s marriage vows, but this time with the wedding dress, bridesmaids, pageboys and wedding cake they regrettably missed out on all those years before. The thought was to announce the idea to Carol and Colin over Christmas 2011 allowing time to prepare for the proposed big day on June 4, 2012, what would be their Ruby Wedding Weekend. Unfortunately, July 2011 saw a cruel twist of fate when Colin was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and given an uncertain prognosis.
©2012 – WWW.DAVEASON.CO.UK
Carol and Colin’s Ruby day goes Green
ank Holiday Monday, June 4, 2012 saw parties and celebrations taking place in all corners of the world to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. But for one couple in the small village of Sutton Bridge, South Lincolnshire, another special occasion of its own was taking place.
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The whole family was devastated and obviously all plans were put on hold. The following weeks brought many tests, courses of chemotherapy, hospital stays and numerous complications culminating in an 11-hour operation on December 1, 2011. During the week leading up to Christmas Colin suffered two minor strokes and on Christmas Eve received the news that the operation had not been quite the success which had been hoped for and the future was uncertain. However, the next three to four months saw Colin’s recovery from what had been hugely invasive surgery prove nothing short of remarkable and with no treatment planned for the short term, Darren and Tina’s thoughts once again turned to bringing the wedding day plans back on track.
Above: The smile on Colin’s face says it all as he stands in front of ‘his’ bus. Left: Optare Tempo ‘YJ59NNZ ‘, numbered 107 in the Norfolk Green fleet. Right: The bridesmaids and pageboys
Race against time
©2012 – WWW.DAVEASON.CO.UK
Above: The decorated interior of the bus. Left: Colin, Carol, Darren, Ede, Tina and Matt pose for a commemorative photograph
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By now though, if they were going to hit the June 4 target they would only have five weeks to pull everything together. The idea was duly put to Carol and Colin who were elated at the thought and when asked if they had any particular wishes for the day their only request was that if possible all 12 grandchildren play a part as either bridesmaids, pageboys or ushers. It was agreed all other arrangements were to be kept secret from them until the big day and the occasion would be Darren and Tina’s Ruby Wedding Anniversary gift to their parents. Five frantic weeks followed purchasing, altering and re-altering nine bridesmaids’ dresses; hiring suits; arranging venues and catering for a reception; booking a vicar, a photographer and a chimney sweep; ordering flowers, stationary and a wedding cake; and generally organising all the things most people would normally have two years to plan for. Whilst doing all of this, thoughts also turned to transport for the big day.
A question of transport As Darren owns a funeral directing business, the company limousine adorned with ribbons and bows was the obvious choice for Carol’s transport to the church. In an inspirational moment Darren thought an equally obvious and fitting ride to church for his Dad would be on a bus. Who better to
suggest this to than Norfolk Green bus driver Matt, Tina’s husband. Aware of the fact Norfolk Green’s vehicles are not available for private hire, the ‘wedding planners’ were elated when Ben Colson, Managing Director, and Dick Pengelly, Operations Manager of the company, kindly and generously agreed to donate a bus to transport Colin on the day. This lead to a very smart Optare Tempo, complete with wood-effect floor and leather seats, being selected due to its size and suitability. By now it had been decided it would not only be used to take Colin to the church but also to take the wedding guests to and from the reception after the service.
The big day
On the morning of the big day the bus was collected from Norfolk Green’s King’s Lynn depot and taken to Darren’s home where suitably sized bows and ribbons were attached to the front of the bus and its mirrors. Themed banners and bows were also used to decorate the inside of the bus. To complete the makeover, an extra-special touch was created by Norfolk Green’s Rob Bennett in the form of a personalised display on the destination screen congratulating Carol and Colin on their special day. Colin’s face was a delight and a sight to behold on first viewing his personalised and decorated mode of transport, as were the faces of many of the guests and general public as the cortege passed them by. Considering the hiccups and headaches experienced in those five frantic weeks the day ran effortlessly and to perfection. It was enjoyed by everyone involved, none more than Carol and Colin themselves. With regard to guests who travelled on the bus to and from the reception, many commented on its cleanliness, quality, condition and smooth ride – a testament to Matt’s ability and expertise.
Thanks…
Carol, Colin, Darren, Tina, Matt and Ede sincerely wish to thank all those who assisted in making the day such a memorable one. Our special thanks to Ben Colson, Dick Pengelly, Rob Bennett and all others concerned at Norfolk Green for their kindness and generosity and for allowing Norfolk Green to turn just a little Norfolk Ruby for our special day.
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inbox
LETTER of the week
Olympic Transport ‘Gold’
Dear Sirs, Given there wasn’t going to be any driver CPC or health & safety work during the Olympics, I decided to volunteer for driving on the Olympic Transport operation, basically ‘to keep my hand in.’ Having done some initial training in May, I was eventually dispatched on July 11 with 12 other drivers to complete the training programme and receive my accreditation for access to the Olympic venues. We were then allocated to BDA (Bus Depot Athletes) situated next to West Ham Bus Depot where we completed our route learning, which was more about the detailed arrangements at each venue rather than where the venues were located. We were then allocated to the ‘Panthers’ team. The main operation lasted around five weeks and, if you throw a huge amount of resource at a problem, it’s unlikely to fail. To everyone’s credit, including Andrew Thompson, the man in charge of bus operations, the road transport element went very well. Fortunately, there were only a couple of newsworthy incidents and it had to be an Irish driver and his guide who got badly lost in the first week, whilst the bicycle rider fatality was very sad. However, I thought Bradley Wiggins’ comments about cyclists wearing helmets, not listening to iPods whilst riding
No automatic assumption
Dear Sirs, I particularly enjoyed the Operator Profile on Peelings Coaches (issue 1048) of your excellent magazine. It is wonderful to hear about small family businesses surviving in this tough economic climate. It is also nice to see some older vehicles still in regular service. Unfortunately my enjoyment of the article was spoiled by a comment you quoted Jonathan Joplin as saying: “Frankly, I believe if you can’t change gear, you shouldn’t be driving.” In my opinion, the art of driving doesn’t rely on the ability to change gear. In my 20 plus years experience I have driven a variety of vehicles with both transmissions. My latest vehicle (a Mercedes) has an automatic transmission and I would not swap back to a manual gearbox. The modern design of these transmissions mean they are reliable, most are super smooth and, in some cases, more fuel efficient than there manual cousins. In my opinion the people who usually criticise these automatics are: www.coachandbusweek.com
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and abiding by ‘the rules’ were useful. Bradley is a ‘personality’ who might be useful to get on board for improving cyclists’ safety and awareness. Certainly I found the worst thing about driving in London was dealing with a small but significant minority of rude and aggressive cyclists who had little respect for other road users, including buses and coaches, and no idea of the Highway Code and the rules applicable to them. The Olympic Games Lanes were generally very useful and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to drive a coach from Stratford to Wimbledon or Wembley during the evening peak in 50 minutes ever again. However, the nearside games lanes weren’t worth the white paint due to the cyclists. The best aspect of the operation was the forces, who were so professional, smart and polite. I’ve never had so many ‘thank you, sirs’ in my life! Also the camaraderie of the bus and coaches drivers was very good, with drivers from all over the country, including a large contingent from Northern Ireland, all being so friendly and jovial and working together as a team. I think overall the 2012 Games were a great success, not only for Team GB, but also in the support which the bus and coach industry provided so professionally. The industry should be proud of the part we were able to play. Certainly no-one can point fingers at any significant transport problems. Well done everyone – we deserve another ‘gold medal’ for our industry. Alec Horner, Minimise your Risk, Brighton
people who have never driven one or who have driven a very early example from a long time ago. who have a sporty B people attitude to driving, i.e. motoring journalists, ex racing drivers (Tiff Needel), boy racers, etc. I am sure Mr Joplin you are a very careful and conscientious driver but please reconsider your outdated opinion and drive one of these modern marvels, you will be surprised how well they perform. You will also be more relaxed and your ability to drive the vehicle will be enhanced by being able to concentrate on the “art of driving” and maneuvering the vehicle without having to worry about being in the correct gear. I hope you will publish this letter in your excellent magazine. Keep up the good work and don’t drink too much coffee. Garry Shoobridge, via email
Dear Sirs, Just a few comments on CBW1044. In your Editorial you referred to the BBC4 programme ‘The Modern Age of Coach Travel’. Having been involved with part of the making of the
Editor’s note: Despite the similar name, Knockin Heath is about 2.5 miles East along the B4396 from the village of Knockin itself, just off the A5. I believe the former Vaggs yard was located there.
Great Central BRT?
A
The Model Age of Coach Travel
programme, through the Model Bus Forum, with several of my models featured, I was pleased the whole programme did at least show our industry in a positive light. The producer was very keen to have the ‘surreal’ effect of fingers pushing models around layouts, which seemed odd to me, but it obviously achieved his desired effect within the story. At the other end of the magazine, in ‘Last Stop’ you featured The Knockin Shop, making a tenuous link to coaches and buses. You could have cemented that link by referring to an old and long-gone operator who many will remember, as Vaggs Motors operated from Knockin Heath, with their distinctive fleet of red and green vehicles. Terry Jones, by email
a bus! Sort of...
Drop us a line and if your letter is chosen as our Letter of the Week, you’ll receive a top-notch coach or bus model courtesy of our friends at Corgi. Please try to keep your letters concise. The editor’s decision is final.
Send your letters to james.day@ coachandbusweek.com, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Inbox, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
Dear Sirs, Referring to your feature regarding the success of the guided bus route in Cambridgeshire, I forsee the potential between Rugby – Lutterworth – Leicester using the trackbed of the former Great Central Railway for a rapid transit or guided system exclusive for buses. The new route would gain the original trackbed heading North. The first major obstacle is the M6 motorway which sits on an embankment. Therefore a bridge would need to be installed allowing buses to pass below. Unfortunately we do not have a bus station in Rugby but there is a possible site next to the shopping mall directly opposite the town hall. Currently Centrebus operate an hourly service during the day (Monday – Saturday) with the overall journey taking 80 minutes. This could be reduced to 30-40 minutes by my estimate if population growth along this corridor ever makes it become a reality. Ronald Woodfield, Rugby
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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 Due to fleet replacement, we have the following vehicles for sale: Dennis Plaxton R Series Cummins 420 2004: 5 x 53 seats 2005: 2 x 53 seats Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon: 2006: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC 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 £47,000 (04 reg), £57,000 (05 reg) and £92,000 (06 reg) plus VAT. 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
There are currently 50 vehicles available, all stored at our site for viewing. Although mainly Volvo, Scania and Optare single deck, there are some double deck buses also available. All will be sold with 12 months MOT and repaint if required. Please call for more details. Finance and rental packages available.
Volant PVS Ltd, Beecham Business Park, Northgate, Aldridge WS9 8TZ T: +44 (0)1922 457003 volantpvs.co.uk
2003 Mercedes Sprinter 413CDI
1998 Mercedes Sprinter 410D
16 seats, manual tacho, forced air, parcel shelves, reading lights, boot space, MOT til April 2013 £8,500 + VAT
16 seats, manual tacho, parcel shelves, tow bar £4,500 + VAT
TE LEPHONE CRAIG – 0 1 3 8 2 55 3 9 5 9
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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
Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LED’s, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.
2000 DAF SB120
1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S
Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.
ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 320 Interurban body, 53 seats.
1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 78 seats.
1993 L REG VOLVO B10M
1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGON
1997/8 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS
Cummins/Voith gearbox, Duple Metsec body, recent floor and 92 coach seats. LAST ONE
Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Alexander low height 13 feet 8 bodies, 87 seats.
2005 BMC FALCON
Cummins ISB Euro 3 engine, Voith gearbox, 40 seats, full DDA, MOT 05/13, £13,000 plus VAT.
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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K 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
2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DART
Plaxton Pointer 2 dual door body, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate trap fitted, LEZ 2012 compliant, only £6,500 plus tyres (£400). LAST ONE
ZF automatic, Ikarus body, 44 seats, MOT March 2013.
1999 T REG DAF SB220 SLF
Euro 3, ZF automatics, East Lancs bodies, 37 seats, full DDA, Hanover LED’s, long MOT’s.
2002 VOLVO B6BLE’S
Cummins 160 engines, Voith gearboxes, 35 seats as dual door, or 43 seats as single door.
Euro 4, Wrights Gemini body, dual door, 68 seats. LAST ONE
2007 VOLVO B9TL
1988 SUPER METROBUS OPEN TOPS
1988 VOLVO D10M’S
ZF auto’s, Alexander bodies, 84 seats.
Re-engined with Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, Voith gearboxes, 63 seats upstairs.
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 MOT’s.
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
SOLD
(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat M/R 140PS with air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £17,995 (59) 2009 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, tacho, air-con, 15,000km only £17,495 (
SOLD
(56) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, high back seats, electric windows, central locking, 66,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,995
LDV MINIBUSES
(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts £7,495
OTHER MAKES
New Renault Master 17 seat LM35/ 2.2di 125ps, six speed, satnav, tacho, fully tracked floor with removable seats £21,995
New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £23,500 + VAT (07) Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, 2.2 diesel with three point seat belts, 28,000 miles, COIF/PSV £10,495 2006 (55) Vauxhall Vivaro, 7 seat, wheelchair tracking, inboard electric lift, easy clean floor, 55,000 miles £7,995 2003 (53) Peugeot Expert Taxi 7 seat 2.0ltr diesel, tracking for one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, easy clean floor, 50,000 miles only £4,495 no VAT
SOLD
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
(09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650
(57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995
New Renault Master 17 seat LWB LM39dci 126 Minibus, tacho ONLY £20,350
(03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495
(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
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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Mini Coach Sales
BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI TORO 28/32 high back seats, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.
2010 60 REG VOLKSWAGON T-PORTER T30 SE140 TDI LW 8 seats, air con, cruise control, PAS, Power windows, 5 speed manual diesel, metallic paint.
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.
BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI SOROCO 16/19 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: www.connaughtpsv.co.uk
2005 55 REG MERCEDES 614 VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.
BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.
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 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, re-trimmed interior, large boot, LEZ compliant.
D L SO 2005 05 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, auto gearbox, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door and 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 V REG MERCEDES 814 BEAVER 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, power door.
Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk www.connaughtpsv.co.uk
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AVAILABLE NOW
COACH&BUSMARKET Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles?
BERKHOF AXIAL 50 DAF powered, ZF automatic gearbox 57 seats with 3 point belts Executive coach 12.9mtr
01274 681144
Gomersal, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4BJ Email: busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk Bus and Coach
take a test drive today
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!
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August 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45
Beulas Stergio Spica
COACH&BUSMARKET
Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles?
2011 registered, 10 months MOT, 57 seats, side entry wheelchair lift, 8 w/c spaces, LEZ compliant, climate control, TV, hydraulic lockers, towbar, 70,000km only. Plain white livery, available now.
Contact Jade Cassidy now on :
Please contact on 07921 290 544
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
This vehicle is like new and sold due to loss of contract must go a.s.a.p. – offers invited for a huge saving on new
01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
MAYPOLE COACHES COACH OPERATORS FOR OVER 50 YEARS DUE TO RESTRUCTURING HAVE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES FOR SALE: Eminox exhaust, air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT, £11,500 + VAT
74 SEAT BELTED
1996 Volvo B10 Plaxton Premiere 350
74 SEATS WITHOUT BELTS As above £10,000 + VAT
1994 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE
Retrimmed 2 yr ago, 12 mths MOT, 51 seats with belts, toilet, DVD/monitor £12,500 + VAT
1993 VOLVO B10M VANHOOL T8 BODYWORK
12 mths MOT, toilet, DVD/monitor, 49 seats with belts £11,000 + VAT 60 coach seats 3 point belts,Cummins/ Allison, 12 mths MOT, tacho, radio £5,900 + VAT
1996 BLUEBIRD BUS
Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778
53/49 exec, centre toilet (demounted but all parts available to remount), MOT till July 2013, LEZ Euro 4 Eminox system (discount if not required), Sutrak aircon, manual, recent retrim, superb condition, maintained to a very high standard (ex Woods of Leicester). £17,950.00 plus VAT
Contact Steve on 07795 347476 or 01492 640320 (North Wales)
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COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED AUDIO &VIDEO
CHECKPOINTS
ENGINEERING SUPPORT
TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/ DUSTITE
loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:
Tel: 01524 271200
www.checkpoint-safety.com Email: info@checkpoint-safety.com
COACHTRIMMING BUILDINGS HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
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.
Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229
HEATING
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381
REGISTRATIONS 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
G £690 AXZ 88 JFZ 40 KNZ 24 PBZ 16 TBZ 19 TJZ 44 TJZ 50 TUI 20 UXI 70
SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’
£350 £99 £99 £50 AJZ 262 DXZ 1150 MJZ 6749 CXZ 4470 DNZ 969 HIG 5338 MNZ 1195 CXZ 4471 IBZ 484 HIG 5339 ONZ 1180 DFZ 4693 KBZ 505 IIG 2278 REZ 3369 DRZ 8551 RBZ 696 IIG 2279 RUI 2118 DRZ 8552 RDZ 989 JIG 9298 SUI 8836 ERZ 1643 SBZ 171 JIG 9299 SUI 8837 JFZ 8393 VIW 979 KIG 5113 TJZ 1116 JFZ 8394 XJI 474 KIG 5114 TJZ 1119 JIG 6726 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
£50 JIG 6728 KFZ 3733 KFZ 3734 KIG 6631 KIG 6632 RNZ 2144 RNZ 2145 TUI 7074 TUI 7075
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
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
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50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 29, 2012
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED TICKETING
VEHICLE SPARES
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •
Recovery
•
Testing
• • • • • • • •
DISMANTLING/SPARES:
Refurbishment Repairs
Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding
Buying & selling vehicles
• •
Reconditioned engines
Reconditioned gearboxes
•
Engine spares
•
Windscreens
• •
Windows 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
TRAINING 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
GEARBOX REQUIRED
TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY
WANTED
Comfort shift gearbox 7 speed GR801R (retarder) or repairable one for a Scania T9 year 2000
Contact Eric on 07733 914035 anytime
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
www.twigley.com
August 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 51
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. The usual; hectic day but manage to finish much earlier than normal.
Ee bye gum, a taste of Yorkshire Wenselydale…
More cheese… Michelle Cooper from Arriva Yorkshire’s ever-professional marketing team sent this in to our Gareth: “I swear we had this planned before we met you recently, but couldn’t resist sending you this seen as you told us about your ‘cheese’ competition in your office when you see photos – we’ve got to take first place for this promotion! It was only a small promotion in Dewsbury to give the Eastern Dalesman bus a little push but we thought you would find it amusing.” So here goes: Yorkshire decided to give the people of Dewsbury a taste of the Dales to encourage
Dilbert
them to jump aboard the Dales Bus and head out for a lovely weekend. The Arriva Angels were out in the town centre offering passers by a delicious chunk of Wensleydale cheese and service information. The Dales bus 818 operates from Dewsbury and Bradford and heads up to the beautiful areas of Pately Bridge and Aysgarth, amongst many others. The Dales bus has been described as one of the most spectacular bus services in England. Nigel Featham, Managing Director at Arriva Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be operating the Dales Bus and we hope we can attract more and more passengers to this special service. I know our drivers really enjoy taking their passengers across this beautiful and scenic countryside.” The service has been made
possible through funding from Metro, from Bradford-based Sovereign Health Care Trust and from the Yorkshire Dales Society. Colin Speakman, Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales Society said: “Thanks to our partnership with Arriva Yorkshire, people from West Yorkshire can now enjoy a wonderful day out in some of England’s finest countryside at a fraction of the cost of taking the car.” In the CBW office, we couldn’t help but conclude Wallace and Gromit would approve of Arriva’s initiative. Fans of the animated characters will no doubt be familiar with this catchphrase from ‘A Grand Day Out’: “Gromit, that’s it! Cheese! We’ll go somewhere where there’s cheese!” All good fun.
Tuesday: Drive from Peterborough to Barnes of Swindon for an ‘Operator Profile’ (see p20) via Northampton and Oxford. Much to my annoyance, the A43 south of its junction with the M1 to Brackley seems to be full of potholes – the sort which can do serious damage to your vehicle if you fail to spot them. I’m not disappointed at the warm welcome when I meet the crew at Barnes. Lionel maybe quietly spoken but he’s a true gent. The engineers seem to be a jolly crew, as do a couple of the drivers I meet in the yard. Stop for a late lunch at a farm shop. Despite me being my chirpy self, the girl behind the counter only speaks when she tells me the amount for a ham sandwich. Please and thank you are alien words. As a result decide not to bother buying any vegetables. Wednesday: With my earphones in, keep my head down and focus on writing up my Barnes feature. Frankly, I don’t want anyone saying anything to wind me up and hence throw me off flow – I have to be in the mood to write features. As an editorial team, we agree a set of questions for David Martin tommorrow. Thursday: Andrew and Jonathan are excited as they head to London to interview Arriva CEO David Martin. I finish my feature. A friend calls about a work-related matter and tells me I sound “knackered.” By early afternoon I’ve got a splitting headache and feel sick. Take two ibuprofen after paracetamol fails to dent it. Perk myself up with caffeine and it works. Friday: The second press day of the week. Rise at 0550hrs and work on CBW at home. It’s my last day in the office for over a week. Shock horror, I’m having a break. www.coachandbusweek.com
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“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! CBW is the only paid-for weekly publication serving the coach and bus industry; read by directors, managers, engineers and drivers alike. 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 www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets Search LinkedIn Groups for ‘Coach and Bus Week (CBW)’
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RECRUITMENT
Operations Manager
Up to £40k
As one of the UK’s fastest growing holiday companies we are looking for an experienced industry professional to lead our busy operations team which encompasses a growing UK and European holiday programme by coach, air and cruise.
Based in the Glasgow office you be responsible for all aspects of the busy operations team which will include all aspects of strategic planning, day to day operational activity and customer service delivery. This challenging position is a newly created role and will involve collaborating with other managers to measure and deliver a quality service whilst managing / deploying systems to ensure the efficient running of entire operation.
Duncan Cameron
Cameron appointed Director & GM at First Aberdeen First Aberdeen has appointed Duncan Cameron as Director and General Manager. Duncan, who was born in the city and is a former pupil at Cults Academy, accepted the position at the end of last week. Regional Managing Director of FirstGroup’s bus division in Scotland, Neil Barker, confirmed the appointment and said it was: “good news for customers.” “As Operations Director, Duncan delivered a more reliable and punctual bus service for customers. In his new role at the helm of First Aberdeen, I expect those improvements to continue and in addition provide further incentives for passengers to travel with us. “Duncan’s flair, attention to detail and business acumen combined with his local knowledge of the city made him the obvious candidate for the job. I’m delighted he has accepted.” Commenting on his appointment, Duncan said: “To have been given the opportunity and responsibility of leading First Aberdeen is the highlight of my career. I’m supported by a wealth of talent within the business and can assure customers that my aim is to improve bus services and encourage more people to travel by bus more often.” Duncan provided details of a number of initiatives he has planned over the next few months designed to improve services:
People1.indd 53
“Firstly, our new network begins September 16, which will improve services for the majority of our customers. “We will be investing in brand new buses; we hope to unveil details of a new showcase route soon; we are considering introducing initiatives such as a ‘customer promise’ whereby customers unhappy with a particular service can be compensated. Customers can also expect more incentives to travel by bus, such as partnerships with local retailers, special promotional offers on season tickets and so on.” He added: “I’m also keen to have a look at speeding up journey times, if we can, without it affecting our ability to run a punctual and reliable service. The road network is often congested but despite this we will look at how we might make our services quicker. “I’m already relishing the new role and the responsibilities it brings. My focus will be on our customers and I hope they will welcome the improvements we have planned.” Duncan Cameron was born in Aberdeen in 1978 and attended Cults Academy before gaining a degree at Robert Gordon University. He joined FirstGroup’s graduate scheme in 2001 and was appointed Operations Director of First’s bus operations in Essex in 2007, before accepting the same role in his home city in 2009.
The ideal candidate will have the minimum of five years experience within a tour operational environment and be fully customer focused, have the ability to lead and motivate a growing team and be able to work effectively under pressure bringing solutions to sometimes difficult daily operational challenges.
To apply for this position please send your CV with a covering letter by e-mail to harriet.boyle@glentonholidays.com or post your application to: Harriet Boyle, Glenton, 30 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3PU
Service Quality Supervisors Based in London & Surrey Attractive Salary and Benefits package We are currently advertising a number of vacancies for Service Quality Supervisors across the London network. The successful applicants will assist the Operations department to deliver an efficient and smooth running of the Company’s bus services in accordance with company, TfL and customer expectations. A key part of the position will be to provide a flexible and fast response at times of service disruption. Manage driving staff on a day to day basis, providing leadership and guidance to motivate staff to achieve the highest standards. You will monitor quality standards in respect of driver and vehicle presentation, ensuring that Company rules and regulations are adhered to and appropriate action is taken as required. You will also have a duty of care for health and safety including a duty to report any unsafe acts or omissions to safety. You will need to have experience of working within the bus industry and have a good knowledge of the bus industry legal requirements relating to vehicle specifications and driving hour’s regulations. Further details of the role are included in the role profile / job description which can be obtained from Pauline McLymont, HR Co-ordinator by calling 0207-788-8722. Applications by way of a C.V. and covering letter clearly detailing your experience, knowledge and suitability for the role are to be forwarded by email to pauline.mclymont@abellio.co.uk or post to: Pauline Mclymont - HR Co-ordinator, Silverthorne Road, Battersea, London, SW8 3HE Closing date for applications: 29th August 2012 Abellio is an equal opportunities employer
www.abellio.co.uk
Join the team where your skills and experience will be respected.
www.coachandbusweek.com
24/08/2012 17:20
54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 29, 2012
RECRUITMENT
Colleagues celebrate Neville’s 60 year service A celebratory lunch has been held at Stagecoach South’s Winchester Garage for 75 year old Neville Gosling to mark his 60 years of service on the city’s bus services. Neville joined what was then Hants & Dorset in 1952 as a Junior Clerk and over the first 45 years covered many of the administrative roles within the operation, through changes to the company which was taken over in 1983 by Hampshire Bus and then Stagecoach in 1987. Neville has spent the last 15 years working with the engineering team as a cleaner. Andrew Dyer, MD of Stagecoach South, and Engineering Director Richard Alexander organised for a 1972 Bristol RE bus in Hants &
New ops director at Go North East
Richard Alexander, Neville Gosling and Andrew Dyer join the engineers Dorset livery to be a background for photos as the engineering team at Winchester congratulated Neville. Team members created a broom painted in Stagecoach colours for the hardworking cleaner. “We discovered five years ago that Neville is the longest serving
member of staff in the Stagecoach group and we believe he now holds the long service record for the entire UK bus industry,” said Andrew Dyer. Sir Brian Souter interrupted business in Bahrain to add his own congratulations to Neville.
David Curry has been appointed as Operations Director at Go North East (GNE). David joined the company in 1987 and quickly progressed to the role of Operations Coordinator, then Depot Manager at Washington and Stanley depots. In 1998 he became Divisional Manager North with responsibility for five depots, rising to Operations Manager in May 2007. David will now be responsible for the day-to-day operation of GNE. Kevin Carr, Managing Director of GNE, said: “David has a wealth of valuable industry experience and in his previous role has introduced many innovations and business improvements. Clearly, he will be an asset to the senior management team.”
Senior Transport Officer - Local Bus Network
DCC/12/3617 Grade 10 £25,480 - £28,279 per annum County Hall, Matlock We are seeking an experienced transport planner to join the Council's Public Transport Unit, initially on a two year fixed term contract. You will have responsibility for assessing and reviewing public transport demands and the efficient design of contracts to meet these needs, including integration with other Council procured transport. Working as part of a dedicated team you will help shape the future transport network for Derbyshire, maintaining high levels of accessibility whilst meeting savings targets and seeking opportunities to grow services in partnership with commercial bus operators. Applicants should have an understanding of public transport operations, including experience of specifying, tendering and awarding contracts. Application packs for all vacancies are available online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/jobs or from Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 Closing date: 16 September 2012 We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from everyone.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
August 15, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55
Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484
ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
CT Plus Jersey appoints Kevin Hart as General Manager CT Plus Jersey has appointed Kevin Hart as General Manager of its Jersey operations. Kevin will be responsible for the overall performance of the company’s operations, ensuring bus services meet the needs of Islanders. Kevin joins CT Plus Jersey from FirstGroup, where he is the General Manager for First in South Wales.
Kevin Hart
He currently manages the bus operations in an area stretching from Cardiff to Haverfordwest and is responsible for a fleet of approximately 350 vehicles and around 1,000 staff. Kevin has worked his way up in the bus industry, starting out at as a school leaver. He has developed a wealth of practical bus operations management expertise at increasingly senior levels during a career encompassing over 20 years of industry experience. Kevin said: “It is a real honour to be appointed to manage the bus service in Jersey. It’s a fantastic place with a real sense of community – and I believe passionately bus services should exist to serve their communities for the benefit of all.� Kevin takes up his post in Jersey in the early autumn.
“I honestly couldn’t believe the response from the job advertisement we put in CBW. We had nine great CVs sent in and are in the process of interviewing all of them for the two roles. The service I received from Ian in the sales department and June, who designed our ad, was second to none. I wouldn’t hesitate to use CBW again and would recommend the magazine to anyone looking to ďż˝ill their own vacancies.â€? Keith Sanzo, Director, Eurotaxis
RECRUITNOW www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs
Yellow Buses is a successful award winning Bus Company operating in a competitive market in an attractive location on the South Coast. We are now seeking to develop our Commercial Team by recruiting the following positions:
Schedules Officer
Reporting to the Planning and Schedules Manager this role requires a suitably experienced person to create and maintain efficient and cost-effective Bus and Crew Duty Schedules, and to ensure all changes to timetables, Crew Duties and Rota’s are implemented in a timely manner. The successful candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of Road Passenger Transport legislation and scheduling for both domestic and EU regulations. Experience of the Omni Scheduling System is an advantage.
Network Planning and Schedules Manager
Reporting to the Finance Director the successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the direction of this successful local business. Previous experience of a computerised scheduling package and Network Planning is essential, as is a full knowledge of relevant transport legislation. Key responsibilities include: Ţ ‰–šÂ?‡‰ ”Â?Â…Â’Â’Â?’‹ …’ˆ ˜Â?‘‰˜…†Â?Â?’‹ Ţ –‰› …’ˆ ‰ŒÂ?‡Â?‰ —‡Œ‰ˆ™Â?Â?’‹ĺ ™—Â?’‹ ‘’Â?†™— computer suite for both domestic and EU regulations Ţ ‰’ˆ‰–Â?’‹ Ţ ‰Â?Â?…†Â?Â?Â?˜Â? ‘“’Â?˜“–Â?’‹ Ţ “‡…Â? ™˜Œ“–Â?˜Â? Â?Â?Â…Â?—“’ Ţ …‡Â? ŠŠÂ?‡‰ ‰…Â? Â?‘‰ ’Š“–‘…˜Â?“’ —Â?—˜‰‘— Ţ …‡Â? ŠŠÂ?‡‰ —Â?—˜‰‘— Ţ Â?Â?‰…‹‰ –‰‡“–ˆÂ?’‹ …’ˆ –‰˜™–’— ™—Â?’‹ “––Â?— —Â?—˜‰‘— Ţ ˜…˜™˜“–Â? …’ˆ “‡…Â? ™˜Œ“–Â?˜Â? …——‰’‹‰– …’ˆ Â?Â?‰…‹‰ ‰˜™–’— With a strong eye for detail and accuracy, and the ability to develop solutions, the successful candidate ›Â?Â?Â? †‰ Â… Â?‰Â? ‘‰‘†‰– “Š ˜Œ‰ …’…‹‰‘‰’˜ ‰…‘Ľ ””Â?Â?‡…˜Â?“’ Â?‰˜˜‰– ›Â?˜Œ —Œ“™Â?ˆ †‰ —‰’˜ ˜“ Christina Ging …˜ “™–’‰‘“™˜Œ –…’—”“–˜ Â?‘Â?Â˜Â‰ÂˆÄş ‰“‘…’— Â…Â?Äş “™–’‰‘“™˜Œ Ć? Ć— . e: cging@yellowbuses.co.uk | t: 01202 636011 | w: www.bybus.co.uk Closing date for applications is Friday 31st ™‹™—˜ Ć‰Ć‡ĆˆĆ‰
smart ideas from the brighter bus company www.coachandbusweek.com
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