Wednesday September 12, 2012 Issue 1053 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
Redwing orders seven extra Irizar i6-bodied Scania coaches p9
FOCUS ON
OPERATOR:
The rundown on Arriva-owned Tellings Golden Miller p44
BUS:
FACE TO FACE:
Compass Bus invests Arriva CEO David £1.7m in 15 new buses Martin on life under for Brighton routes p6 Deutsche Bahn p22
PART TWO
Engineering reliability & profit
for recruitm
JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK
RECRUIT N
OW
p32
Cover3.indd 1
10/09/2012 22:01
556136-1053-Quartix
17/8/12
10:14
Page 1
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3
this week
Coach & Bus Week, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard 01733 293240 Fax 0845 280 2927 Web www.coachandbusweek.com Distributed by COMAG
EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com Features Editor Andrew Cream 01733 293482 andrew.cream@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter Alex Tyler 01733 293240 alex.tyler@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Tim Deakin, Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling
ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Sales Executive Victoria Schult 01733 293248 victoria.schult@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Sales Executive Christopher Woodley 01733 293483 chris.woodley@coachandbusweek.com Classified Sales Executive Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk
SUBSCRIPTIONS & circulation Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Samantha Noble 01733 293480 samantha.noble@coachandbusweek.com Annual subscription rate for 51 issues: UK £85, Europe/Eire £140, USA and RoW £295 ONLINE £44.95
www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 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.
Legal instructions
A
s an operator, Transport Manager or driver, being called to appear before a Traffic Commissioner (TC) in a Public Inquiry (PI) is clearly a nightmare. On Thursday I listened with interest as Richard Godson was asked to explain a number of operator issues to TC Kevin Rooney. Aside from the details of the case, one thing which stood out, was the matter of legal representation. Richard, who came across as a decent enough bloke in the hearing, said he’d been advised by a VOSA member of staff to steer clear of “a cheap solicitor”. If another comment he made in the hearing is anything to go by, Richard accepted the advice in good faith. However, I didn’t see it that way. It’s the equivalent of finding yourself on the wrong side of the law and the police advising against the presence of your own solicitor. Frankly I wouldn’t do it. Being a born cynic, I wouldn’t trust them. Of course, legal representation can come at a price. It’s
a family joke for a cousin who’s in property law that he charges for the air we breathe in his presence. Seriously though, while I commend Richard’s efforts at representing himself – it’s no mean feat – it’s a world away from when a specialist is present. Perhaps VOSA’s man used a bad choice of words. While he was without doubt correct to advise Richard not to be represented by a non-specialist transport legal professional, he should have added that Richard ought to at least seek some external advice. This could range from a consultant to industry law firms such as Backhouse Jones or Pellys, to name but two. The nearest equivalent I’ve experienced on a personal level is a Land Registry Tribunal, i.e. a non-criminal case. My family successfully fought a couple of Brummies who tried to illegally block access to the family home. Dad remains adamant hiring a barrister is the best £6,500 he’s ever spent. Gareth Evans Editor
CONTENTS 4
26
48
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
14
A catch up with MD Nigel Featham and the renowned marketing team
32
Partnerships and operating challenges in Milton Keynes
What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus events diary
18
UK Bus Engineering Director Ian Tarran on fleet and maintenance
40
A look at Arriva’s 5,893-strong fleet of buses and coaches in the UK
Part 2 of our Arriva coverage with the group’s regional history
22
An Arriva Yorkshire East Lancs DAF double-decker in Leeds city centre
44
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Gareth’s Diary!
A rare face to face interview with Arriva Group CEO David Martin
Airport and Olympic transport delivered by Tellings Golden Miller
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Regional News Arriva Intro
View from the top
Arriva Yorkshire Face to Face
The Big Picture
Operator Profile
Arriva MK
54
Fleet Analysis
75
Last Stop
76
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
Contents.indd 3
10/09/2012 21:56
4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
news
“In South America we are looking at one operation in Brazil in particular. We looked at China and said ‘No’ while India is a ‘Maybe’.” David Martin Arriva
briefly The Welsh Government’s flagship free bus travel scheme celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Introduced in 2002, the concessionary bus pass, which is currently used by approximately 700,000 people, allows free travel on registered local bus services at any time of the day for residents of Wales aged 60 and over and to the disabled of any age. Welsh Government Minister for Transport Carl Sargeant said: “The scheme has made a great difference throughout the country for the last 10 years. It is a model of best practice in how it was developed through a real partnership between the Welsh Government, local authorities and the bus industry.” Since its introduction, it is estimated more than 400m journeys have been taken by concessionary fare holders in Wales. Translink has announced that Lisburn bus and rail stations will participate in a TIDY Northern Ireland initiative designed to improve the cleanliness and environmental performance of passenger transport facilities. The ‘TIDY Translink Awards’ recognise the efforts of employees who help create a more attractive network. Stations are rigorously assessed by TIDY Northern Ireland in their bid to achieve a bronze, silver, gold or platinum TIDY award standard. Translink Group Environmental Manager Andy Bate said: ”We’ve seen a big improvement in facilities across the network since the Awards first took place in 2007. Last year was our best-ever set of results.” Bus Éireann has announced a revised Limerick City bus network, including higher frequencies and a simplified network. The changes come into effect from September 16. Key features include improved journeys to Mid-Western Regional Hospital, better access to employment areas, industrial estates and residential areas and improved connections to and from the Rail/Bus Station. The routings and areas served by all routes have changed to ensure a simplified, customer-focused network of services in Limerick. www.coachandbusweek.com
News4,5.indd 4
Face to Face p22
Ministerial launch for The Green Bus Birmingham-based school transport operator expands to Guildford following on from its Reading operations On Tuesday, September 4, starting year seven students at St Peter’s Catholic School, Guildford, became the school’s first students to use its new The Green Bus service. The firm has 10 vehicles available for the network, which are refurbished Dennis Tridents, providing eight services with two buses kept as spares when required. Transport Minister Norman Baker officially launched The Green Bus at St Peter’s services. He said: “For young people in
particular, buses are a cheap and easy means of travelling to school and – in the future – for connecting to new opportunities in training and employment. The service will provide modern, safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transport reducing many unnecessary car journeys each year and I congratulate St Peter’s for being so forward thinking in their approach.” In July 2011, Surrey County Council made the decision to withdraw the funding to all schools for coaches. The Green Bus was then recommended to St Peter’s. As previously featured in CBW, the operator’s services are planned by working with schools to plot where pupils live and designing bus
The Green Bus was fortunate to have Transport Minister Norman Baker present to launch the service, which was tried out by year 7 pupils
West of England multioperator day ticket launched An unlimited daily travel card is now available for bus passengers in Bath, Bristol and North Somerset. The Avon Rider card enables adult travellers to hop on and off all major buses in the former Avon area without being restricted to a single operator. The new travel card was developed by the area’s bus companies in partnership. Cards cost £7.20 per day as an introductory price, which will rise to £7.50 and can be purchased from drivers.
John Burch, spokesman for the West of England Bus Operators’ Association, the organisation behind the roll-out of the new ticket, said: “The development of this multi-operator travelcard is significant. It is something the operators have worked on together for the benefit of customers. “It will mean a customer can travel throughout the entire West of England region, using multiple different operators’ services for one set price.
services which connect their home areas with school. The Green Bus also offers vehicle safety checks and enhanced CRB checks, along with live vehicle tracking by smartphone or through the firm’s technologically-advanced website. Ian Mack, Managing Director, said: “The Green Bus is all about modal shift: transforming unnecessary car journeys into bus trips. St Peter’s is now accessible from almost every part of Surrey and pupils will travel safely in buses which are independently safetychecked, where the drivers go through enhanced CRB vetting and which offer free WiFi on board. “The network is already successful commercially and we look forward to developing it over the coming years. We see Surrey and south-west London as very fertile ground for future expansion.” Robert Guinea, Headteacher of St. Peter’s, said: “Every Green Bus will bring up to 70 students by public transport. This makes great sense for the environment and will go a long way to preventing gridlock on the local roads. I am delighted we are working closely with a company which has a genuine vision for school transport and I hope many other schools follow our example.” Visit: www.thegreenbus. co.uk. Call: 0845 234 2222
“The travelcard can be bought on any of the operators’ services making the process of getting one really simple for the customer. This will ultimately save time and money and make travelling by bus much easier for everyone.” Mr Burch said the tickets were mainly aimed at commuters who use more than one bus to get to and from work, often from different operators and tourists in the region who may want to visit a number of attractions in a single day. Perhaps Dave Fricker of North Somerset Coaches summed it up when he said: “It shows we can all work together and do things for the benefit of passengers.”
10/09/2012 22:06
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek
Optare Solo at IAA for the first time
turbo diesel engine which develops 150kW/201bhp. The transmission is an Allison 2100 series, five-speed fully automatic, with an electromagnetic retarder automatically actuated through the brake pedal.
Optare is to exhibit its Solo midibus on the Ashok Leyland stand at IAA Hannover from September 20 – 27. While the UK-based manufacturer had a stand at Busworld Kortrijk in 2007, this is the first time Optare has displayed its wares at the high-profile European Commercial Vehicle Show. Stand A21 in hall 11 also showcases: AVIA, Ashok Leyland’s Czech truck and bus chassis operation, which will exhibit four models from its range; and Russian associate Volgabus, with its new concept medium duty bus models. The Solo exhibit is a 9.5m left-hand drive variant, with front entrance and centre exit. It is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins ISBe, six-cylinder
Optare exhibited a left-hand drive Tempo at Busworld Kortrijk in 2007
Four new hybrids for Preston Bus
Commission forced Stagecoach to disvest the business. “It is not just about the cost savings which bringing in this technology delivers to us as a business, it is about doing the right thing,” explained Mr Dunn. “I recognise our passengers can choose a lot of different ways to get where they are going, so we want to do everything we can to make them feel good about travelling with us. “We have already brought in seven new Optare hybrids in the current year and now we are bringing in a further four ‘green’ buses.” The new vehicles are set to be rolled out on Preston Bus’ routes
Preston Bus is planning to invest £1.2m in new buses on its routes around the city. Managing Director Bob Dunn said Preston Bus is rolling out four new as yet undisclosed hybrid double-deckers at the end of the December, at a cost of £300,000 each. Mr Dunn is a Director of Rotala, which took over Preston Bus 18 months ago after the Competition
£750
UDIT
IANCE A
COMPL
It has seating for 26 plus a wheelchair and has a fully integral low-weight, high-strength stainless steel structure, with a combination of modular aluminium alloy and glass fibre exterior panels. Full air suspension with front end kneeling
AT PLUS V
tel: 08450 575 111
22 and 23, one of the firm’s most popular corridors. Telematics technology has also been fitted into some of the operator’s vehicles, enabling it to reward drivers who were using fuel-efficient practices and offer extra training to those who do not. Mr Dunn added: “It is not about hammering drivers, it is about making sure they are being the best they can be and, if they are not, helping them to become better. “My ambition when we took over was to make this a bus company which the people of Preston could be proud of and that remains my ambition today.” The news follows Preston being
and air disc brakes are standard features of the Solo range. Optare’s unique demountable driveline concept, with the engine, gearbox, cooling and exhaust system fitted to a demountable frame, can be specified in several alternative low-carbon mechanical packages, such as diesel electric hybrid or zero emission full electric, within the same physical space. This feature is expected to draw particular attention. Jim Sumner, Optare CEO, said: “This is the first time an Optare has appeared on this prestigious European stage and is a direct result of our association with Ashok Leyland. With the challenging economic environment being faced across Europe, our fuel efficient products offer hard pressed operators a serious alternative to more traditional buses.” For more about on the IAA show, or to purchase tickets, visit www.iaa.de/en/
named Green Business of the Year at the annual Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs). The awards – which are presented annually by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce in a number of categories – were attended by over 1,200 people. Mr Dunn said: “To receive this accolade with so many competing nominations over a large geographical area is truly amazing. “Preston Bus has committed huge resources in time and money to Green Technology over the past 18 months and it’s great to be acknowledged for our contribution.”
Contains 100% compliance Long lasting protection L
email: julia.davies@backhouses.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
News4,5.indd 15
10/09/2012 22:06
6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
200
news › BUSeS
The number of drivers working at Arriva’s Milton Keynes depot
briefly A record number of Reading Buses employees were nominated for the operator’s latest ‘Star of the Month’ award for August. The latest winners are Deveron Robinson and Wayne Stewart. Deveron was nominated for the “professional and calm way” he dealt with a potentially dangerous situation when a car drove head-on into his bus. HR Director Caroline Anscombe said: “With nowhere to go, Dev could not take any avoiding action and managed the post-incident situation with his first thoughts for the customers and any potential injuries.” Wayne was nominated for the way he responded to – and managed – a ’technical incident’ on his vehicle. His “prompt actions” prevented further damage. Lothain Buses claims its ADL E400 Hybrids have saved over 600 tonnes in CO2 emissions and an estimated £200,000 in running costs after a year of operating them. The 15 buses were introduced after an investment of £5m, which included £1m from the Scottish Government’s GBF. Dr Steve Johnson, Environmental and CSR Manager at Lothian Buses, said: “They’re 55 % more fuel-efficient than the buses they replaced. It means we as a firm are taking our responsibility to help meet carbon reduction targets very seriously.” Edinburgh City Council is removing stretches of the city’s 40-mile bus lane network as part of a review into enforcement of the so-called Greenways. Two bus lanes which are in operation 24-hours a day are also being considered for rushhour enforcement only. A review confirmed there were a number of flaws in the enforcement system, including some drivers being charged before cameras were meant to be operational. Mark Turley, Director of the Communities Department at the council, wrote: “Traffic levels and patterns have clearly changed since many of the 65km of bus lanes were first introduced and ineffective bus lanes, where buses get marginal or gain no advantage and which also cause localised congestion, will be removed.” www.coachandbusweek.com
News6,7.indd 6
Compass Travel makes £1.7m investment The new vehicles were launched at a ceremony attended by Transport Minister Norman Baker Worthing-based Compass Travel has invested over £1.7m in 15 new buses following the expansion of its network. The company was recently awarded a contract in East Sussex to operate a number of routes, for which six new Optare Solo SRs have entered service. Compass has seven older Solos in the fleet, but this is the first time it has purchased the non-belted version. A further seven new ADL Enviro200s enter service later this month in Brighton, when Compass
takes over five contracted routes in the city. Five of these are the 8.8m versions, ideal for some of the congested estates where they will operate, and two are the longer 10.8m version as the service has been timed to connect with the shortened service 52 operated by the Big Lemon. Compass has also invested in two door-forward Wrightbus StreetLites to operate another new service between Cranleigh and Guildford. This is Compass’ first dealing with Wrightbus and follows a successful trial of the wheel-forward version when first launched. Compass Managing Director Chris Chatfield said: “We needed a high capacity vehicle which was
John Horn, Mark Prior, Norman Baker, Chris Chatfield, Cllr Jenny Cooke, Barry Marlowe, Hailsham Bus Alliance and Optare’s David Cheeseman
bakerbus takes ticketing online Biddulph-based operator bakerbus has launched an online ticketing service utilising My Mobile Tickets. To use the facility customers must first sign up to the My Mobile Tickets web service. After registration they can then select and purchase tickets at their convenience. Tickets are paid for
electronically either by a credit or debit card or via PayPal. On completion of the transaction, tickets are downloaded as an electronic image to the customer’s mobile phone for immediate use. On boarding the bus, the customer presents a screen image to the driver. There is no on screen barcode to be scanned. The My Mobile Tickets service is designed to work with all modern mobile hand sets, with no need for users to install any special apps. MD Phil Baker said: “Pre-paid tickets reduce stop dwell time in loading at the bus stops. Customers can purchase their tickets online
compact enough to operate easily on this route and this vehicle fitted the bill. We were also impressed by the build quality and felt this was ideally suited to the roads this route operates on. This is primarily a commercially operated route and we believe the StreetLites will encourage more passengers to travel on this route. “Compass Travel has bucked the trend by investing while others are cutting back.” A ceremony to launch these buses was held at the company’s depot in Durrington on Sunday, September 2. Speaking before cutting the ribbon, Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “To spend £1.7m is a real vote of confidence by Compass in the bus network. Some of these buses benefit my constituency and the public is already very grateful for them. This is very useful for driving up passenger numbers. “These buses are British made, which is very good for British manufacturing and the bus industry.” Representatives from the councils involved were present, as well as the bus manufacturers. Mark Prior, Lead Commissioner, City Regulation & Infrastructure, added: “I am pleased Compass has extended one of our routes commercially, meaning some areas of Brighton will have a Sunday service for the first time.” whenever it is convenient. Other benefits include opportunities to offer season tickets and specific travel discounts for students.” Tickets currently available include; All Day tickets, single journey tickets on bakerbus services 94/94A, Nines, the X1 and X75 serving Staffordshire and Keele Universities (with student discounts) and a special annual season ticket for Keele University at £299.
bakerbus can be contacted on 01782 522101. The My Mobile Tickets service is found at www.mymobiletickets.com
10/09/2012 21:57
1953 140k The year A W Easton’s Coaches was founded by Alfred Easton
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
The number of passengers TGM take from Heathrow to Central London hotels each year
SHARE WATCH
Mobile ticketing for Go South Coast’s ‘more’ network
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, September 10. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise while Rotala saw no change in share price over the week. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
Following the success of Go North East’s mobile bus ticketing scheme powered by Corethree’s innovative Core Engine platform, Go South Coast company ‘more’ has launched mobile ticketing services for the iPhone and Android devices. The mobile ticketing service from ‘more’ covers Poole, Wimbourne and Bournemouth and allows passengers to browse and buy bus tickets using their smartphone, with a one-time registration of payment details. On-screen tickets can then be used within seconds of purchase. Pre-purchased mobile tickets are discounted. The app was launched on September 1. Nikki Honer, Commercial Manager at more from Wilts & Dorset, said: “We know from the recent launch of our key smartcard that many of our customers are happy to embrace pre purchasing tickets. With the new mobile app, your phone becomes the ticket and the system reminds the traveller how many days they have left on their ticket. “A cash ticket purchaser could be paying up to 40% more for the same journey as someone on board
Price: Year High: 334.50p Year Low: 248.95p
328.70p 256.60p
Price: Year High: 371.00p Year Low: 184.70p
News6,7.indd 7
on last week
+11.50 on last week
Nikki Honer shows pre-paid ticketless ticket choice available from the app who has pre-paid with a period ticket. We believe the incentive to pre-pay will encourage more people to save time and money for their commuting and leisure travel. “The app will also hold other ticket types such as dayrider tickets which will appeal to the region’s holiday makers or occasional bus users. It’s thought with pensioners already using cards for their right to travel free through the government’s concessionary scheme and with more paying passengers adopting the key or app systems, time spent at bus stops as people pay the driver with cash will be reduced by as much as 50%.” More’s mobile service is free to download and use, with a simple
The country’s largest electric bus �leet for Nottingham Transport Minister Norman Baker has launched the country’s largest fleet of electric buses in Nottingham. Nottingham City Council has spent more than £1.6m on eight electric buses, four of which will replace existing diesel buses on centrelink, the free city centre shuttle operated by trent barton. The remaining four are to be phased in at a later date. The Optare Solos were partfunded with a grant of £760,320 from the DfT’s Green Bus Fund, with the remainder coming from the council’s own coffers. They have a capacity for 37 passengers. Norman Baker said:
+4.85
The first four of the eight electric buses will run on trent barton’s centrelink route “Nottingham’s dedication to providing a sustainable and accessible public transport network has really impressed me. “I have visited the city on a
sign-up which takes a matter of seconds. It is available for all major smartphones from the App Store, Google Play and via www.getcore. mobi/more . Corethree’s CEO Ashley Murdoch said: “Mobile ticketing and live services information are becoming increasingly popular with UK transport operators as they realise the benefits of operational efficiencies and provide a more enhanced customer experience. Corethree is at the cutting edge of this technology and proud to be supporting More. We will continue to provide product innovation and look forward to the next phase of enhancing these mobile services across the More network.” number of occasions and I am pleased to be back to launch the city’s new green bus fleet.” The new buses will help the city council meet its target of reducing the city’s carbon emissions by 26% by 2020. Jeff Counsell, trent barton Managing Director, said: “trent barton is proud to be part of yet another ground-breaking development in Nottingham’s World Class public transport city.” Last month, the Campaign for Better Transport voted Nottingham as one of the country’s least car-dependent cities for a second successive year. In 2008 Nottingham was the first city in the UK to trial ethanolfuelled buses on its Ecolink service. Electric and hybrid buses are soon to be introduced on the council-run Medilink service.
1319.5p
Price: Year High: 1596.0p Year Low: 1074.0p
220.10p
Price: Year High: 256.20p Year Low: 176.50p
292.15p
Price: Year High: 300.00p Year Low: 227.90p
0.53p
Price: Year High: 2.61p Year Low: 0.20p
45.00p
Price: Year High: 45.00p Year Low: 36.00p
77.68p
Price: Year High: 80.57p Year Low: 62.29p
11.12p
Price: Year High: 20.00p Year Low: 10.25p
+22.50 on last week
+3.55 on last week
+1.85 on last week
+0.05 on last week
+0.00 on last week
+2.59 on last week
+0.24 on last week
FTSE 100
5,797
Index: Year High: 6,103 Year Low: 4,791
+42 on last week
www.coachandbusweek.com
10/09/2012 21:58
8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
NEWS › COACHES
BRIEFLY French authorities will begin imposing fines on international drivers found not to be carrying breathalysers in their cabs from November 1. The law changed in July, requiring that all drivers travelling through France carry at least one government approved breathalyser. A grace period will come to an end in a matter of weeks, and anyone found not to be carrying one will face an €11 (£8.70) fine. Breathalyser producer AlcoSense has warned that only kits with the blue NF logo, showing they conform to the French standards, will be accepted by the Gendarmerie. Disposable kits can be bought for around £2. Sections of the northbound and southbound carriageway along a seven-mile stretch of the M66 between the end of the motorway where it meets the A56 at Edenfield and further south at junction 3 at Hollins will benefit from targeted resurfacing to remove potholes. The project will also tackle other surface defects, renew road studs and skid resistance and upgrade road markings. All the work will take place overnight - between 2200 and 0500 or 0700hrs at weekends - and in four phases to minimise inconvenience to motorway users. The scheme will start on Tuesday September, 18 and be completed by Friday, October 5. Charges for the Dartford Crossing are set to change from Sunday October 7, 2012. From 0600hrs, cash payments will increase from £1.50 to £2.00 for cars, from £2.00 to £2.50 for twoaxle large vehicles and from £3.70 to £5.00 for heavy goods vehicles. The crossing will remain free for motorcycle users and discounts will continue for local residents and DART-Tag account holders who pay in advance. Any vehicle using the Dartford Crossing between 2200 and 0600hrs can continue to do so free of charge. A second increase is being implemented when free-flow charging is introduced meaning the cost to travel by car will increase to £2.50, by two-axle vehicles to £3.00 and by heavy goods vehicles to £6.00. www.coachandbusweek.com
News8,9.indd 8
New website for Eastons Holidays The launch of the new site coincides with the release of the firm’s latest brochure Renowned Norfolk-based Eastons Holidays launched its brandnew online booking site on Friday (September 7). The new site, designed by Norwich-based web design company Media Jelly, is powered by Roeville’s WebRes system. It showcases all of the firm’s holidays, excursions and live concert trips. The company is also developing its social media presence with Facebook and Twitter integration. A W Easton’s Coaches was founded in 1953 by Alfred Easton. Derek and Robert Easton joined the business at the age of 21 and following the death of Alfred, became joint directors of the family company. Claire Easton, Derek’s daughter joined the business having completed a BA in Business Management.
The new site has been designed by Norwich-based Media Jelly
Claire told CBW: “Our old website was very old fashioned. I have a friend who designs websites so they put together a concept for me and we got a few quotes from web design companies, so I decided to splurge! We sent it across to
Roeville, who provide our booking system and here we are really. I’m 99% happy with the new website, there’s been a few teething problems, but it looks a damn sight better than it did. We launched the website to coincide with our new brochure and we’re increasing our use of Facebook and Twitter to get into the younger market.” A spokespesman for Roeville told CBW: “Roeville is the proud supplier of reservation software to Eastons Coaches - including its t28 coach tour reservation system and now its new WebRes online booking site. Working with t28 and WebRes, Eastons can ensure that all of its latest tours are available to book online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. t28 and WebRes are now crucial to Eastons’ operating procedures, with reporting facilities which allow the company to more closely monitor how the business is running, as well as being able to analyse its customer base and ensure it can deliver a quality service.” The new site can be viewed at www.eastonsholidays.
A smartly-presented Eastons Van Hool Alizee is pictured at Showbus 2011 Obituary
Bill Craven Tributes have been paid to Bells Coaches of Stamfordham driver Bill Craven, 74, who died of a heart attack while driving his coach on the A1 near Gateshead. Bill was able to keep control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop at the roadside. He was rushed
to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead but later died. Thanks to his actions, none of the 46 passengers on board were injured. Bells Coaches Managing Director Michael Bell said: “Bill’s actions while he was suffering his heart attack were heroic - he drove the bus away from the carriageway, brought it to a halt and stopped the engine - putting the safety of his passengers before his own.
co.uk “We will always be incredibly proud of Bill for what he did that day and for the way he represented our business every day he worked for us. “We were privileged to have Bill work for us for over 16 years. Throughout that time, he was a first-class colleague and employee.” Bills funeral was held on Thursday, September 6, at West Road Crematorium Chapel.
10/09/2012 19:28
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9
“It’s important that it is not just about ‘buses,’ it is about people, the community and the journeys they make. One of our strongest messages this year was...” Chloe Leach-O’Connell Arriva Yorkshire
Operator Update p26
The Kings Ferry provides day of Adventure for children The Kings Ferry teamed up with Merlin Entertainments to offer the children at Demelza House, which supports young people who are not expected to reach adulthood and their families, a fantastic day out at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. On Sunday September 2, 20 families set off for an action packed day at Chessington, aboard a Caetano Levante coach supplied by the UK Coach Award-winning Gillingham-based operator and with free entrance tickets, kindly donated by Merlin Entertainments. The families had the opportunity to explore the theme park, which includes the new SEA LIFE Centre experience, featuring sharks, rays and parrot fish, and the exciting ‘Trail of the Kings’ with lions, tigers and gorillas. Rollercoaster rides and fast-moving attractions were described as the highlight of
New Coaches for Redwing
Redwing Coaches has placed a £1.6m order for seven brand new Scania Irizar i6 executive coaches, due for delivery in March 2013. Supplied by Scania (Great Britain), the new vehicles, a mix of 49 and 53 seaters, are being built to the company’s own specification. The firm follows a policy of regular planned fleet renewal which Redwing claims has resulted in one of the youngest and most
the day. Danny Elford, Commercial Director at National Express Group-owned The Kings Ferry, said: “Offering parents and carers a bit of respite and seeing so many happy faces at the end of the day made it
an extremely rewarding experience. We’re proud to have played a part in this wonderful event.” Suzie Gildon, Business Development Manager from Merlin Entertainments, said: “Providing these children and their families with a fun-filled day out at one of our premier theme parks is something we’re extremely proud of – it really was a great day for all of us.”
The children from Demelza House queue up to board The Kings Ferry coach technologically advanced large fleets of luxury coaches in Europe. MD Paul Hockley told CBW: “The vehicles are replacing seven Setras; three S415GT-HDs and four tri-axle S416GT-HDs. We part exchanged these with Scania as part of our fleet replacement programme. I ordered 12 Scanias earlier this year and we’re impressed with them.” Gravesend-based Reliance Travel, part of the same group as Redwing, took delivery of its first 12 Scania Irizar i6 coaches in July. The vehicles are operating primarily on the company’s commuter services between Kent and central London.
Fatal accident inquiry confirmed A fatal accident inquiry into the death of a teenage girl who died in a coach crash on a school trip to Alton Towers theme park is to start in November. Natasha Paton, 17, was killed on March 31, 2010 after a coach operated by Lanarkshire-based company Photoflash, carrying 39 pupils and five staff from Lanark Grammar School crashed during a snowstorm. The driver lost control on a bend on the A73 at Wiston in South Lanarkshire, causing the coach to hit a bridge and enter a river. The Crown Office confirmed the hearing will be held at Lanark Sheriff Court where one of the main lines of the inquiry will be the decision to proceed with the journey despite such bad weather. No prosecutions are being sought over the case.
Reliance Travel took delivery of its first 12 Scania Irizar i6s in July this year
www.coachandbusweek.com
News8,9.indd 9
10/09/2012 19:28
10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
news
Optares for CT Plus Jersey LibertyBus service New name wins vote by tiny margin as HCT Group order 33 Solo SRs for the island Optare has received an order for 33 of its Solo SR model, to be used on the Island of Jersey. Hackney-based social enterprise company HCT Group is taking the vehicles to form the backbone of a new bus fleet on Jersey, following its successful win of a competitive tendering process from the island’s government. Operating as CT Plus, it already provides transport on neighbouring Guernsey and begins its Jersey services on January 1. The CT Plus buses are the Slimline version of the Solo SR, which at 2.35 metres wide will be well- suited to the island’s narrow roads. At 9.7 metres in length, the buses are equipped with Lazzerini 3840 Pratico seating and feature Actia CCTV and Mobitec destination equipment. Optare Sales Director John Horn said: “HCT’s choice of the Solo SR
is based on good experience with the model in its operations in mainland Britain and will provide a first-class service to the Islanders. Furthermore, its use on Jersey will allow the bus to be showcased to the many thousands of holiday makers who visit the island each year. “I am delighted to win this business from such a highly respected operator. Along with many other orders this year for our Solo SR they prove what an unrivalled lead the model has in the midibus sector.” In a separate development, CT Plus Jersey revealed the name the islanders have chosen for Jersey’s new bus service as LibertyBus, after a very close vote. The company received dozens of outstanding ideas from the local community which it reduced to a shortlist of four and polled the Jersey public on its preferred option. The final result was very close with LibertyBus just beating
Avanchi – one of two Jèrriais names on the shortlist – by a handful of votes. LibertyBus becomes the brand name for Jersey’s bus service from the beginning of 2013. It will appear on each vehicle, the bus service website, brochures and timetables. Dai Powell, HCT Group Chief Executive, said: “The Jersey public has now decided what their buses will look like and what their bus service will be called. We’ve been delighted with the response. We think it’s really important we continue to engage with islanders about how we plan to develop the LibertyBus service.” LibertyBus received 41.98% of the public votes. Avanchi (advance move forward) received 41.23%. The other two options were Jersey Clipper which was favoured by 9.16% of the votes cast and Douze Vailes (Twelve Sails) which polled 7.63%.
Reacting to its increasing fleet size, Epsom Fleetcare, the engineering division of Epsom Coaches Group, introduced full 24-hour cover on Monday, September 3, headed up by Senior Engineer Steve Clarke. Fleetcare Service Manager Steve Appleby commented: “We have until now operated 22 out of 24 hours, but the time is right to extend our operations across a full 24-hour period. We will be able to improve still further the high quality of our engineering operations, preparing vehicles overnight ready for the next day’s work. With bus and contract services operating from 0400 to 0300hrs the next day, the wheels never stop turning here, and we look forward to ensuring that they turn even more smoothly.” www.coachandbusweek.com
News10.indd 10
Go-Ahead Group has acquired several businesses in the financial year, including Anglian Bus
Go-Ahead sees record passenger numbers Go-Ahead Group has released its full year results for the 12 months ending June 30, 2012. The company claims it has produced a strong performance, with results in line with management expectations. It saw the highest ever passenger levels across both bus and rail and record profits in deregulated bus. The group has posted revenues of £2.42bn compared with the £2.3bn for last year. Pre-tax profits fell to £94.2m from £97.6m, affected by the £13m one-off rail contract management benefits last year. Earnings per share increased from 135.2p to 141.9p. The company also recorded its largest ever bus fleet investment of £80m. CEO David Brown said: “Over the last year, Go-Ahead has made significant progress in building a stronger Group and delivering on our strategic goals. Most recently, I am really proud of the key role our staff played in helping to deliver a highly successful transport network for the London 2012 Olympic Games. “The year saw the Group’s largest ever investment in our bus fleet and the roll-out of “the key” across our bus operations outside London. “Our deregulated bus business performed exceptionally well in the year, delivering record operating profit and sector leading passenger growth and our London bus operations remain best in class. We acquired four valueenhancing deregulated businesses, strengthening our portfolio of operations in the South. In our regulated business, we moved into North London with the acquisition of the Northumberland Park depot.”
10/09/2012 17:59
p11_CBW_1053
10/9/12
14:52
Page 11
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11
Bus and coach ƃQDQFH up to 100% LTV.
12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
news › international
ZF features strongly in Russian orders ZF to supply transmission & steering for 1,400 Russian buses Russia ZF is to supply transmission and steering systems for 1,400 buses earmarked for Russia and the Ukraine. Mosgortrans, Moscow’s largest public transport authority, has ordered 1,100 buses with ZF driveline and chassis technology and Kiev’s Kyivpastrans public transport authority specified ZF Lenksysteme steering (jointly owned by ZF and Bosch) for 300 new vehicles. Mosgortrans, Europe’s biggest urban public transport authority, ordered a total of 1,083 lowfloor buses for which ZF will supply 820 buses. These comprise 170 Volzhanin articulated buses equipped with the EcoLife six-speed automatic transmission with TopoDyne Life shift program; and 650 LiAZ vehicles with six-speed
Ecomat automatic gearboxes. The remaining 263 buses are from Trolza and will also feature ZF steer, drive and trailed axles plus damper systems Kyivpastrans, Kiev’s public transport authority, has specified
The Mosgortrans public transport authority places trust in ZF technology
Pegaco takes 50% stake in Omnitek
Peru Pegaco Bus Company of Peru, a Lima-based bus operator, importer of King Long buses and a retailer of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelled buses, has acquired 50% ownership of Omnitek Peru S.A.C. Omnitek is a joint venture company established by its parent Omnitek Engineering Corporation along with local partners in August 2009 to offer conversion services for diesel engines to operate on natural gas. It also provides repower services for diesel trucks and buses utilising Omnitek’s natural gas engines. In addition, Pegaco has received a new order for conversion kits and related components to meet increased demand in Peru. Omnitek Engineering Corp. develops and sells new natural gas engines, as well as proprietary diesel-to-natural gas conversion systems – providing global customers with alternative www.coachandbusweek.com
NewsIntl.indd 12
axle and steering systems for 296 lowfloor trolley buses. The order includes RL 75 EC independent suspension, RL 85 A front and AV 132 portal drive axles. ZF Steering Systems supplies the ZF Servocom ball-and-nut power steering.
Pegaco is a Lima-based operator and importer of Chinese-made King Long coaches and buses energy and emissions control. The company will retain its current 20% stake in the joint venture conversion operation in Peru and realise 100% of the conversion kit sales to Omnitek Peru. “Peru, with an excellent natural gas infrastructure and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, continues to represent an important growth market for our company. Peruvian bank
loans are readily available to fleet operators for conversions and diesel engine re-powering is receiving strong interest from fleet operators – especially with a less than a one year return on investment,” said Werner Funk, president and chief executive officer of Omnitek Engineering Corporation. “The additional liquidity provided by Pegaco’s investment will enable the joint venture to take advantage of an incredibly large market for truck and bus conversions in Peru — a market industry sources estimate will reach at least 20,000 bus conversions and 50,000 truck conversions in the next few years,” said Javier Ojeda, general manager of Omnitek Peru. In September 2009, Omnitek Peru made history by driving a natural gas powered heavy-duty commercial truck to a record altitude of 4,814 meters (15,800 feet) over the Ticlio Pass high in the Peruvian Andes, the highest road in the world. Pegaco Bus is said to be one of the fastest growing companies in Peru.
Aukland pushing for new ticketing technology New Zealand Auckland Transport has announced some bus firms are taking up its new ticketing technology. Thales hardware systems are being installed on Ritchie’s, Howick and Eastern, Urban Express, Bayes and Birkenhead Transport bus fleets from April. This takes the industry another step towards creating an integarated ticketing system across Auckland’s bus, train and ferry systems. Director of Ritchie’s Transport, Andrew Ritchie, said the move gives greater customer choice. “I think it’s really positive and a good step forward. We’ve got some clear direction now and we’re all looking forward to it and confident we’re going to have good delivery.” However, Auckland Transport’s CEO Greg Edmonds can’t confirm exactly when the new system will be fully installed. He said: “It’s a difficult question to answer but I hope by August we’ll have it completely concluded.” NZ Bus will run on the Snapper system until the final introduction of ‘AT HOP’ when it will be phased out.
Israel orders 700 BYD electric buses
Israel BYD has recently received an order to export 700 electric buses to the Israeli transit company Dan Bus, according to reports in the Chinese press. The order, which has already been signed by BYD and Dan Bus, is estimated to bring in around 1.5 billion yuan ($236.86m) for the manufacturer. The BYD electric buses will replace about half of Dan’s current fleet. The order marks the first time an Israeli company has imported full-size electric buses to the country. BYD’s K9 pure electric bus carries a price tag of over 2.1 million yuan ($331,601). Deliveries are to be phased although no time period was specified.
10/09/2012 17:59
p13_CBW_1053
10/9/12
14:49
Page 13
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13
Mobile ticketing made simple...
Zero Capital Investment No Equipment Required Increase Customers
Reduce Paper and Litter Reduce Queues
Minimise Cash Handling
Up and Running Within Days Tel: +44 (0) 8432 899 897
www.mobileonboard.com
@mymobiletickets /mymobiletickets
14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
news › REGIONAL
NORTH
KEY
www.coachandbusweek.com
both Network Rail and East Coast, which operates the station and also a consultation with the local taxi trade. “Such an interchange could have benefits for bus services coming into the city which currently don’t go to the station, partly because of turning difficulties,” said Cllr Merret. “For example, the Easingwold service turns round at Exhibition Square, which makes it more difficult for us to make better use of the area for pedestrians. “And the Selby bus stops at Piccadilly and then goes through Coppergate and Clifford Street - an interchange would give such buses the opportunity to go through to the railway station.” Cllr Merrett added original proposals to build a new access road from the Queen Street bridge into the proposed York Central redevelopment site had been abandoned some time ago. Stagecoach Yorkshire is in the running for another environmental award. It has been shortlisted in the Environmental category of The Star’s Business Awards for the second year running. This comes after the company recently won the Change category in The Yorkshire Post Environmental Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, in Sheffield, on September 27 2012 with Lord Lamont as guest speaker.
Transdev Lancashire United has announced “new and improved” bus services in Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn. The firm believes the changes will mean a more frequent and reliable service with better connections, simple route numbering, and more journeys running near destinations such as the hospital and shops. Some buses will now terminate in Blackburn town centre rather than running across the town. Passengers can then catch a connecting bus to travel further afield, improving reliability and punctuality and reducing the chances of delays in one part of town affecting another on what would have previously been a longer route. Other changes include simplifying route numbers for buses running from Blackburn to Darwen and Clitheroe, Blackburn to Accrington and Blackburn to Bolton. Nigel Eggleton, Director of Sales and Marketing said: “We are constantly reviewing our network to reflect the changes in people’s travel patterns and demands. “We have taken the difficult decision to reduce the number of buses in the evening because they are simply not being used by enough people and we cannot justify running them.” A new bus interchange may be built in York under proposals to demolish Queen Street bridge, between York Railway Station and Micklegate Bar. Passengers coming from the railway station would only have to walk a short distance to catch buses to most destinations in York and further afield. Traffic which currently uses the bridge to progress along the inner ring road would use a new road at the lower level, with a junction allowing buses to access the interchange. Cllr Dave Merrett, City of York Council’s transport cabinet member, stressed the multi-million pound proposal was at a very early stage, with officers having started a detailed examination of its feasibility and the potential cost benefits only a month or two ago. He said the scheme might form part of a major capital programme bid for funding from a devolved transport fund which the Government was proposing to set up. Such a development would also need the agreement of
RegionalNews.indd 14
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.
SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
A dedicated Green Team directs Stagecoach Yorkshire’s environmental objectives and is tasked with identifying opportunities to cut waste and reduce the carbon footprint. Rupert Cox, Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted our green credentials are being recognised so widely. We acknowledge our public transport services have an impact on the environment and we see it as a very serious responsibility to reduce this as much as possible.”
WALES
Cardiff commuters are being asked to give their views on new bus lanes being planned along the A470 and the city’s Western Bus Corridor. The next phase of the proposals is for a new southbound lane, heading towards the city centre between Gabalfa roundabout and Parkfield Place. On the Western Bus Corridor, which will also be developed in phases, the council is looking for views on the next stage of the works which would see an inbound bus lane put in place on Cowbridge Road West, on the approach to Ely Roundabout and heading towards the city centre. The local authority also wants to turn two pedestrian crossings into toucan crossings, and carry out some work to the footway on the western side of Cowbridge Road East so it can be used by both
pedestrians and cyclists. A public consultation on the plans runs until September 20. Cllr Ralph Cook, Cabinet Member for Highways, Traffic and Transport, said it was hoped work to this route between the city centre and the Bay would help reduce bus journey times, improve the reliability of services, and encourage more people to use public transport. Cllr Cook added: “To achieve this goal and encourage people to leave their cars at home we must ensure the public transport we have in place meets the needs of the general public, is reliable and rapidly delivers passengers to their destinations. Time is precious to everyone and nobody wants to be waiting for buses which fail to run on time due to traffic congestion.” “The work proposed between the Gabalfa Roundabout and Parkfield Place will provide a bus priority lane along this busy stretch of road into the city.”
MIDLANDS
The former home of Aston Manor Transport Museum (AMRTM) in Birmingham is to become the venue for a new market despite concerns over its suitability. Planners at Birmingham City Council thought a market was an ideal use for the cavernous Victorian building across the road from Villa Park ffotball ground in Witton Lane, Aston. According to the Birmingham Mail, they heard the temporary stalls would not harm the cobbles, tram tracks, maintenance pits and other historic features which enjoy legal protection under a Grade II English Heritage listing. As reported extensively in CBW at the time, AMRTM was controversially evicted from the City Council-owned former tram depot. It could not afford the revised £45,000-a-year rent, and its offer of £300,000 to buy the premises fell well short of the Council’s asking price. AMTRM has since moved to a new site alongside Volant PVS in Aldridge. Criticising the plans, Aston Heritage Network spokesman Nigel Cripps said the building was a rare example of a Victorian tram shed which has not been altered or modernised which is why it is protected by English Heritage. “The market will suffer the same operational difficulties as the museum. It will require substantial alteration to make
10/09/2012 12:41
p15_CBW_1053
10/9/12
14:54
Page 15
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15
Vital skills for success
Courses on Network and Timetable Planning Bus and Crew Scheduling
QV Associates
New Alphabet House Carden Street Worcester WR1 2AT Phone 01905-613527 Fax 01905-767509 e-mail courses@qv-associates.co.uk
16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
news › REGIONAL
it fit for purpose,” he added. However, the committee insisted no “gaudy signs” should be allowed to spoil the appearance of the depot.
EAST
Abellio-run train operating company Greater Anglia has teamed up with Norfolk Green and Stagecoach to introduce PlusBus for Ely, Cambridgeshire. An Ely PlusBus ticket will be valid for unlimited travel on both the ‘absolutELY’ (sic) city bus service run by Norfolk Green, and Stagecoach routes 9 and 12, from just £6.75 a week. Commenting on the introduction of the new ticket, Norfolk Green Managing Director Ben Colson said: “We’ve had an excellent response from local people to our new service, but we felt we needed to offer something more to make the bus attractive to rail commuters. PlusBus fits the bill, and we’ll be changing our route to provide new stops in the Kings Avenue area of the city, as well as adjusting our times to give better connections with the important trains. Greater Anglia’s Partnerships Manager, Geraint Hughes said: “By working together with County
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
and District Councils and funders Sainsbury’s, the bus service is now running and the addition of an easy to purchase through ticket for regular travellers is an important breakthrough.”
SOUTH EAST
Reading Buses claims the improvements it planned to assist in coping with demand over the Reading Festival made this year’s operation even more successful than at previous events. Special night buses were provided on three routes direct from the Festival site beginning the shuttle service at 0230hrs on the Monday which contributed to the success. Over 21,000 Festivalgoers were carried between the Wednesday and Monday – the highest-ever total. Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer James Freeman said: “The Festival team can be very proud of our achievement and if anyone has any feedback on how we did this year and how we can improve the operation for next year we shall be pleased to hear from them. “A special thanks also goes to the whole team at Reading Buses for keeping our main services running throughout the event.”
Hanover Messe hosts the IAA European Commercial Vehicle show from September 20-27. The event brings together the PCV and HGV sectors
2012 n September 16 Showbus. Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. www.showbus.com n September 20 Wales National Transport Conference Cardiff County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff Bay, Call CILT on 02920 630561 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 n September 30 Leyland National 40th, commemorative rally and running day. Based at North West Museum of Road Transport, St. Helens 01744 451681 n October 7 Warminster Vintage Bus Running Day. West Wiltshire. At least 16 routes and 25 buses in service, sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group. www.warminstervbrd. connectfree.co.uk n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham.
www.wythall.org.uk
A photo of an impressive sea view taken by 80 year old Jocelyn Underwood from Shoreham by Sea is now being displayed inside two of Stagecoach’s Coastliner 700 buses. One day in the Spring, the former teacher and special needs drama coach was travelling between Brighton and her home when she captured a sunset over the sea on her camera. Proud of the image, Jocelyn made contact with Stagecoach South’s head office in Chichester where members of the marketing team and Managing Director Andrew Dyer, agreed the photo deserved to be enjoyed by Coastliner’s other 700 customers. “We have adapted the photo to be used inside the lower deck of two of our Coastliner double deck buses,” said Andrew Dyer. “It’s a great example of what can be viewed on the popular scenic route which operates between Brighton and Portsmouth.”
n October 18 CILT Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner. London. 01536 740104. www.ciltuk.org.uk n October 21 The Very Best of London Buses. Brooklands, Surrey. Featuring 50 years of Routemaster buses. London Bus Museum. www.londonbusmuseum.com n October 23 CPT Coaching Conference. Volvo HQ, Warwick. Further details will be published in due course. Call CPT on 020 7240 3131. www.cpt-uk.org
n October 24-25 Trapeze UK User Conference 2012. Radisson Hotel, Manchester Airport. 08445 616771. www.trapezegroup.co.uk n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n November 15 CPT Northern Bus Summit. Manchester Conference Centre. Details from contact CPT NW Regional Manager Phillipa Sudlow on phillipas@cpt-uk.org. n November 20 UK Bus Awards London Hilton Park Lane. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n November 20-21 ATCO Winter Conference 2012. Local Government Association House, London, SW1. Will include AGM. www.atco.org.uk
2013 n January 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n January 1 Annual King Alfred Running Day, Winchester. Further information from www.fokab.org.uk n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. Sir Brian Souter has accepted our invitation to speak at the conference dinner. Venue to be confirmed, but will be in Central London. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n April 6 South East Bus Festival 2013, Kent Showground, near Maidstone, Kent, brought to you by the organisers of ‘M&D 100’ and ‘M&D and EK 60’ www.facebook. com/southeastbusfestival 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
RegionalNews.indd 16
10/09/2012 12:41
p17_CBW_1053
10/9/12
14:56
Page 17
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17
18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
GROUP PROFILE › ARRIVA
Arriva Part 2 Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans sets the scene for the second part of the in-depth look at Arriva, which includes an interview with CEO David Martin and a look at operations in Milton Keyes and Yorkshire, not to mention the rarely-reported TGM business at Heathrow
Arriva:
a brief history
W
elcome to the second part of the in-depth look at Arriva. Yet again, we’ve aimed to cover fresh ground. To this end, we’ve been fortunate to secure an interview with CEO David Martin. With the greatest of respects, he’s not an industry ‘celebrity’ – more a highlyrespected figurehead who gets on with his work with minimal fuss. While his accountancy training is well-known, he seems to have buses in his blood, for he admits he had a collection of models as a youngster and was interested in Portsmouth’s trolleybuses. Back to this issue, we’ve also been fortunate to gain an insight into the workings of Tellings Golden Miller, which in recent in times at least, has preferred to maintain a rather more low-key presence in the industry. After all, this largely
PART TWO
NORTH EAST The area covered by Arriva North East used to be serviced by United Automobile Services. After privatisation, the sizeable region covered by United was split in two. The northern part was sold to its management team as Northumbria Motor Services. Its managementowned holding company, Proudmutual, then passed to British Bus in 1994. Operations in County Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire were sold initially to Caldaire Holdings in 1987. What had then become North East Bus passed to the Westcourt Group in 1992 after some local reorganisations. In 1995 this passed to National Express and then to British Bus in 1996. British Bus was then acquired by the Cowie Group (soon to be renamed Arriva). Today the operator provides services across the North East from depots in Alnwick, Blyth, Ashington, Newcastle, Hexham, Peterlee, Durham, Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Whitby. YORKSHIRE Arriva Yorkshire’s roots can be traced back to Yorkshire
A West Riding Leyland National works route 174 to Garforth in NBC days (West Riding) Electric Tramways which began tram services in the Wakefield area in 1904 and then around Castleford two years later. The West Riding Automobile Company was formed in November 1923 to run motorbus services. The company almost doubled in size in 1950 when it bought out a local rival operator J Bullock and Sons. Separately, the Yorkshire Woollen District Transport company developed bus services in the Dewsbury area. Both West Riding and Yorkshire Woollen became nationalised, latterly under common management. When the National Bus Company (NBC) was privatised the management team, as Caldaire, bought West Riding (later West Riding Buses) and Yorkshire
Woollen (later Yorkshire Buses). Caldaire also acquired longestablished independent operator South Yorkshire Road Transport of Pontefract in 1994. The group was then sold to British Bus in 1995. Today all operations are under a common ‘Yorkshire’ banner and run from depots in Wakefield, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Castleford and Selby. NORTH WEST In preparation for privatisation, NBC subsidiary Ribble Motor Services was split into smaller divisions. Ribble’s routes in Merseyside, West Lancashire and Wigan were grouped under a new operation which was given the old North Western name. This was bought by Drawlane,
the predecessor of British Bus, in 1988. Drawlane then merged the operation with its Bee Line Buzz business in Greater Manchester. In February 2000 Arriva North West acquired the operations of Merseyside Transport. These had originated as municipal operations in Liverpool, Wallasey, Birkenhead, St Helens and Southport, which had merged to form the former Passenger Transport Executive business. This acquisition more than doubled the size of the business in the north west of England. Arriva North West and Arriva Cymru, its Welsh neighbour, were merged in 2002, to form Arriva North West and Wales. Responsibility was then taken for the Crewe, Winsford and Macclesfield operations of Arriva Midlands North in 2003. Blue Bus of Bolton was acquired in 2005, almost doubling the company’s presence in Greater Manchester. The Welsh operations separated again in January 2009. Today Arriva North West provides services from depots in Liverpool, Speke, Bootle, Birkenhead, St Helens, Southport, Skelmersdale, Bolton, Manchester, Wythenshawe, Winsford and Runcorn. WALES Arriva Cymru’s history starts with Crosville, a former NBC
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.Intro2.indd 18
10/09/2012 21:18
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19
coaching business has been part of Arriva for the last four years. As ever here at CBW, we’re keen to trumpet the efforts of people. To this end we’ve interviewed UK Bus Engineering Director Ian Tarran, who in addition to his career, talks about ways of becoming ‘leaner and meaner’. We’ve also spoken to Kim Purcell, a veteran of Arriva’s Graduate Programme and who is now Interim Operations Director in Malta. In a similar vane, we’ve caught up with the ever-friendly yet professional crew from Arriva Yorkshire. In addition to the cheesy yet effective PR generated by the marketing team, we’ve looked at ‘Polish & Promote’, which does what it says on the tin in terms of fleet presentation. MD Nigel Featham also talks about the hotly-debated matter of Quality
Contracts. In stark contrast, the mood at Arriva the Shires is about the successful partnership working with Milton Keynes Council. In a further example of partnership working, albeit on the supply side of the industry, we’ve talked to 21st Century CCTV about how the renowned supplier has grown alongside Arriva. Last but by no means least, we’ve attempted to compile a ‘Fleet Profile’. While hardcore cranks may find fault, frankly we’ve done the best we can with the supplied data. On a final note, I would like to thank everyone at Arriva for their help. At the risk of upsetting folk, I would particularly like to single out Nick Gordon, Chloe Leach and Linsey Frostick, who have gone out of their way to assist us. Not to be forgotten is loyal CBW contributor Steve Hodgson, who has supplied us with a number of photos of the Arriva North East fleet.
operations in Crewe, Macclesfield and Winsford pass to Arriva North West. Arriva Midlands North, Arriva Derby and Arriva Fox County merged to become Arriva Midlands. The purchase of Chase Coaches in 2007 reintroduced the company to Walsall. Today the company operates from depots in Shrewsbury,
Oswestry, Wellington, Shifnal, Cannock, Stafford, Burton-onTrent, Tamworth, Coalville, Derby, Thurmaston, Leicester and Wigston.
An Arriva Buses Wales Wrightbodied VDL at Blaenau Ffestiniog subsidiary, which provided services over a huge area of North and midWest Wales and Cheshire. Crosville Wales was bought by its management team in 1987. It then passed to the National Express group in 1989. Drawlane, subsequently to become British Bus, bought it in 1991. Oswestry depot and Abermule outstation were sold to Midland Red North in 1992. Arriva Cymru merged with Arriva North West in 2002, but was demerged again in January 2009 as Arriva Buses Wales. The company’s services run from depots in Aberystwyth, Bangor, Llandudno Junction, Rhyl, Wrexham and Chester. MIDLANDS The origins of the core of Arriva Midlands lie with the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company, better known as Midland Red. It was split into smaller regional businesses prior to the privatisation of the National Bus Company. Midland Red East, based in Leicester, changed its name to Midland Fox in 1984. It was sold to its management team in 1987. Several smaller operators were taken over and in 1989 the business was bought by British Bus predecessor Drawlane. It acquired the Loughborough Bus and Coach Company in the same year.
Municipally-owned Derby City Transport was sold to its employees in 1989 and subsequently passed to British Bus in 1994. Midland Red North, based in Cannock, was bought by Drawlane in 1988. Stevensons of Uttoxeter acquired a controlling interest in the East Staffordshire District Council’s operations in Burton-on-Trent in 1985. In 1987 it became involved in the management buy-out of Midland Red East. This included the purchase of Midland Red East’s depot in Swadlincote depot. Growth followed in the Potteries and the West Midlands. Stevenson passed to British Bus in 1995 and it subsequently came under the management of Midland Red North. In 2003, a reorganisation saw
A Luton & Dustable Northern Counties single-decker
Two P-plate Darts at a Green Line launch in Guildford in the mid 1990s
SOUTH EAST Arriva’s operations in the south east of England were grouped together in 2010, combining Arriva the Shires and Essex and Arriva Southern Counties. Both developed from an amalgamation of several sections of former National Bus Company subsidiaries. Luton and District Transport was formed in 1986 from the Aylesbury, Luton and Hitchin depots of United Counties. The United Counties operation grew rapidly when the former Luton Corporation municipal operation was taken over in 1970. There was further growth when it took over the collapsed Court Line business in 1973. In 1987 Luton and District became the first National Bus Company subsidiary to be sold to its employees. A year later it acquired Red Rover in Aylesbury. Two significant additions in 1990 were two-thirds of the Stevenage operations of Sovereign and all of London Country North West. London Country Bus Services had been divided into smaller units in readiness for privatisation, just like United Counties. London Country was the former ‘country area’ operations of www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.Intro2.indd 19
10/09/2012 21:18
20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
GROUP PROFILE › ARRIVA
How times have changed: local identies once reigned supreme London Transport which formed a ring around central London. The western part of the North East sector of London Country became Sovereign. The former London Country North West Slough depot was sold to Bee Line in 1993. The Luton and District business was bought by British Bus in 1994. Further smaller acquisitions followed and in 1995 a new identity - The Shires - was introduced. The former North East sector of London Country was privatised as County Bus and Coach in a management buy-out in 1990. It was sold to what became part of the National Express group in 1998. This business passed to Cowies in 1996 as East Herts and Essex. Arriva Southern Counties grew from a diverse background, with the bulk of the former operations of Maidstone and District Motor Services at its core. Maidstone and District was sold to its management team in 1986. The business was expanded with the purchase of New Enterprise in Tonbridge (still operating under its separate identity) and Maidstone Boro’line, the former municipal operation in Maidstone. It was sold to British Bus in 1995. The south-eastern sector of the former London Country operation became Kentish Bus and Coach. It was based in Northfleet, and was sold to Proudmutual in
1988. Proudmutual was formed as the holding company for the Northumbria Motor Services buy-out. Kentish Bus and Coach expanded successfully by providing tendered bus services in London, and passed to British Bus in 1994. London Country’s south-western sector, based in Reigate, became London & Country. This was bought by Drawlane at privatisation in 1988. It too expanded into the London tendered market. It added the former Alder Valley operations in Guildford, Woking and Cranleigh in 1990. The municipal operations in Southend and Colchester were bought in 1993. There was significant reorganisation once all had come under British Bus ownership. The businesses were amalgamated as the Invictaway Group. Later this became Arriva Southern Counties, based at the former municipal bus operator offices in Maidstone. After Cowie’s transformation into Arriva a reorganisation took place. An Arriva the Shires and Essex management team took responsibility for the operations of The Shires, East Herts and Essex and the former municipal operations in Southend and Colchester. Those in Grays, Southend and Colchester passed to Southern Counties in 2003 and Colchester was subsequently sold. The Wycombe Bus operation of Go-Ahead Group was acquired
in 2000. MK Metro was acquired in 2006. This had once been the Milton Keynes section of the former United Counties company. LONDON Arriva’s journey in the capital started in 1980 when the Cowie Group acquired Stamford Hill-based Grey-Green. The company primarily operated in the commuter coach and private hire markets. In 1986 London Transport Buses started to tender bus services in London and Grey-Green was awarded the 173 service in February 1987, followed by the 125 and 24 in November 1987. Route 24 was the first major central London route to be awarded to a private operator under London Transport’s tendering programme. In 1994 the Cowie Group bought Leaside Buses as part of the London Buses Privatisation plan. Leaside operated from six garages at Clapton, Enfield, Tottenham, Stamford Hill, Wood Green and Palmers Green.
South London Transport was the last of the London Bus subsidiaries to be sold to the Cowie Group, in 1995. Cowie made further acquisitions in 1996 including County Bus, Kentish Bus and Londonlinks Bus Company. In 1997, with Cowie Group changing to Arriva, the company split its London operations into Arriva London North, Arriva London South and Arriva London North East. In 2004 Arriva London won its first Bendy Bus contract on route 149 between London Bridge and Edmonton Green. On December 9, 2005, Arriva operated London’s last regular Routemaster in service on route 159. For many years Arriva was London’s largest Routemaster operator with over 180 buses. After this the operator established ‘The Arriva Heritage Fleet’ to ensure the much-loved vehicles would be available for hire and could still be seen in and around London. In March 2007, Arriva joined forces with TfL to trial the world’s first hybrid double-decker bus. Also in 2007, the company began to roll out driver and controller training for iBus. Tottenham and Lee Valley were the first garages to switch to the new system. Earlier this year Arriva London was the chosen partner of TfL to run the first New Bus for London on route 38.
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.Intro2.indd 20
10/09/2012 21:20
553167-1016-GuideDogs
9/12/11
10:30
Page 1
22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FACE TO FACE › DAVID MARTIN
NAME: David Martin AGE: 60 POSITION: Chief Executive Officer, Arriva Group CONTACT: 0191 5204000 www.arriva.co.uk
A trip across the continent Coach & Bus Week’s Andrew Cream talks to David Martin, CEO of Arriva Group, about the firm’s journey into mainland Europe, its philosophies and Arriva’s plans for the future, including a possible debut in Brazil
D
espite not being quite as wellknown as some other ‘celebrity’ transport heads, Arriva Group Chief Executive David Martin is one of the most important and influential personalities within public transport. He heads up a company which has significant presence in 12 different European countries, from Hungary to Sweden, and which has 47,500 employees. I met David at Arriva’s London offices just a short walk from Kings Cross. As I detailed in the feature on UK Bus Managing Director Mike Cooper, Arriva’s London headquarters are not particularly Arriva-y. One might expect to see the odd bus or train photo on display, or maybe some corporate slogans adorning the walls. Instead there is inconspicuous natural decoration – but that by no means makes it an unwelcoming environment. For the reasons detailed in the first paragraph, I don’t think it was unreasonable to assume my time with David would be short and sweet, being someone who is obviously kept very busy. However, he was happy to answer our questions at a steady pace and with plenty of detail.
CBW: What is your personal experience of buses and public transport? Both growing up and in more recent times. David Martin: Growing up I was an archetypical bus user; I mainly used www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.DavidMartin1.indd 22
buses to get to school. However, I did have a collection of model buses and I used to love the trolleybuses which ran in Portsmouth. Nowadays, I get the bus in London and I also use the tube and trains. What has really annoyed me over the years is that, as a country, we think the UK rail industry is dire compared to mainland Europe. But in terms of growth, quality and reliability, Europe is not really as good as people think. I believe the industry is infinitely better in the UK than people give credit. Transport is massively subsidised in Europe and that breeds unproductivity, until true competition is introduced. I would put UK bus and rail up against any other country in terms of delivery. In some parts of Europe satisfaction levels are actually only 30 to 35%. I think the stereotypical complaining which happens in this country provides a competitive instinct for transport companies.
CBW: What are the most important aspects of Arriva? What does Arriva stand for? DM: Arriva works on entrepreneurial leadership styles and short management reporting lines. That philosophy applies all the way through the DNA of Arriva. We are about investing in people – delegating and letting them manage. For example, I don’t get too involved in the running of our UK Bus business. The brand is extremely strong across Europe. It’s dependable, reliable and part
10/09/2012 17:57
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23
David is “very confident” that Arriva will double in size within three to four years
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.DavidMartin1.indd 23
10/09/2012 17:57
24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FACE TO FACE › DAVID MARTIN
of the local community. Our people reflect their local community. We make promises and we deliver and we don’t let people down. Finally, we have fun. People rarely leave Arriva – it’s fun working here, trying new things and growing the company.
CBW: How do you feel Arriva is performing in the current economic climate? DM: I am quite pleased with the robustness of the company. It’s not all positive, Spain and Portugal is between 15 and 20% down year on year but across the board it is good – we are performing in accordance with our own expectations. We have kept investing across the board; I am a believer that now is the time to invest so we can get ahead while at the bottom of the cycle and be in a strong position for the upturn when it comes. Of course, with pressure on local authorities’ budgets we are having to reduce mileage in some areas.
CBW: How is Arriva trying to increase passenger numbers and revenue? DM: People will always look for value, quality and reliability. We are also increasing the information available to customers. Customer relationship management is very important. We have to work on that as there is a lot of scope. Our Ice loyalty scheme is also important. It’s a programme which rewards users for making environmentally-friendly purchases by giving them money off Arriva tickets. We were the first bus company to get on board with this scheme. CBW: Can buses drive economic growth? DM: Absolutely. Mobility is a key driver of GDP. As I said, it helps to invest while at the bottom of the cycle. You need buses to provide the mobility options to get people to work, to help generate growth and provide access to a wider pool of potential employees when companies are looking to expand.
CBW: What was the general industry feeling when Arriva entered Europe for the first time? DM: There were huge amounts of scepticism; everyone was waiting for me to fall on my face. It was a case of putting together little jigsaws through acquisitions and winning tenders. We had no competition in Europe from UK companies for 10 or 12 years, www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.DavidMartin1.indd 24
David Martin: a brief history
David qualified as an accountant in 1977 after graduating in business studies although he admitted he “fell into accountancy”. He held a variety of general management positions before joining the bus industry in 1986. “I fell into transport,” David said. “But it’s an amazing industry; it’s frighteningly sexy.” In 1987 he led a management buy-out of Leicester-based Midland Fox. This was financed by a local bank. David added: “We had the opportunity here to build and develop the business; I loved it straight away.” He was then involved in the acquisition of National Express and subsequent management buy-outs leading to the creation of British Bus Group Limited. David joined the Arriva group in 1996 on the acquisition of British Bus, becoming a member of the Arriva board in February 1998 with specific responsibility for the group’s international operations and development. From March 2005 he was Group Managing Director - Operations and Deputy Chief Executive, and since April 2006 Chief Executive.
although now National Express is looking at the German market. Our only real competition, on a Europewide scale, is the French companies. We’ve taken our experience of the UK market and applied it to Europe, although it’s a different financial climate and each subsidiary is different. We have learnt some hard lessons along the way and apply that learning in other markets. Europe is a huge community and the market is still growing bigger. Our business is a lot larger outside the UK and the potential is enormous.
CBW: As you are the CEO of a multinational company, can you speak other languages? Is that an important skill? DM: I did Spanish at school so I’m quite fluent. Our acquisition of two bus companies in Galicia, north-west Spain, were some of our first on the mainland and no one spoke English, which made my knowledge of Spanish very useful. I also can get by in Portuguese and Italian. You do need to speak the language, especially when it comes to understanding presentations.
CBW: Do you have plans to go further afield than Europe? DM: I am always looking at what’s going on around the world. There is a massive amount of growth in Europe but we are also looking at the Middle East at the moment. In South America, we are looking at one operation in Brazil in particular. We looked at China and said “no”, while India is a maybe. Closer to home we’re looking at Turkey and Romania with much interest. Arriva runs bus and rail franchises across Europe (left). David said he can ”get by” in Portugese (below)
CBW: What do you look for when acquiring a new business? DM: There are metrics we will use but I also go on instinct and gut feel. I often think, “you know, we can do something with this”. People laugh at me! I put a figure on the back of a fag packet for what I think the company is worth. After my team have done all their calculations and come to an answer, we compare figures – I’m never too far out. Our growth over the last 10 years has been half through acquisition and half organic through contract wins. CBW: What difference has the takeover by Deutsche Bahn (DB) made to your job? DM: My job has changed quite significantly. As we are no longer listed on the stock market I don’t make presentations to the City, and I do actually miss that! But it means I’m now getting more involved with new territories and our new investor DB. I’m the link-man between DB and Arriva. But essentially they leave us to managa ourselves. We have got a nice balance as they appreciate what we do. It’s a two-way thing,
10/09/2012 17:57
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25
there are disparate organisations with different priorities. If you want to put a bus lane in for example, different local authority departments have different views. It could be a case of giving Traffic Commissioners more power. We need to get local authority departmental heads all in a room to make it happen. Local authorities often fail to deliver because they are not joined-up. I would like to see more investment in roads and infrastructure too to benefit bus companies. Speeding up bus journey times is a great leveller and in turn attracts more people onto the bus.
Above: David said investing in the business now will put it in a strong position when the economic climate improves – a prime example being Speke Garage. Below: He led the management buy-out of Midland Fox learning from each other. We influence them as well; they are adapting leadership styles based on what they see at Arrivd. Plus, Arriva’s way of doing things has been recognised across DB through the most recent DB Awards in which we won five or six awards.
CBW: What technology gets you excited? DM: Our EcoManager system which we built with 21st Century. It all started with them with CCTV and the relationship has built up over the years. What I want is contactless smartcards using NFC (near field communication). That is a game changer. It allows us to understand our travel movements and helps us understand our customers while improving the speed of boarding. It’s already working well in places like Hong Kong and Singapore. Hopefully Arriva will be using NFC more widely in the next 12 months. CBW: What are your thoughts on multimode ticketing? DM: Multimode ticketing is
Arriva.DavidMartin1.indd 25
something which we back and we are increasingly implementing outside the UK, in Holland and Denmark for example. It creates significant value for money. In the UK we need to win more rail franchises for us to be able to implement it here. We also support multi-operator ticketing.
CBW: You work in both regulated and deregulated markets, which do you prefer?
DM: I don’t really have a preference. Deregulation works well; I don’t see the need for Quality Contracts at all. The issue is of interest in the UK bus market at the moment more than ever but I’m firmly convinced a collaborative partnership approach provides better value for the passengers and taxpayere. CBW: What would you like to see the government do to help the industry? DM: To have an integrated transport strategy. At the moment
CBW: What do you think of Guide Dogs’ Talking Buses campaign, with its aim to get audio-visual announcements on all buses? DM: I would support it as it is part of making bus transport more accessible to more people. It’s all part of the passenger experience. It’s not something that can be achieved overnight but by working with all stakeholders it should be something the industry is working towards. The technology has moved forwards and with that in place and working it should improve things for passenger with limited eyesight or hearing. CBW: Do you have any plans to introduce long-distance coaches? DM: It is not a fundamental part of our strategic view. We wouldn’t go out of our way to run long distance coaches.
CBW: What is a typical week for you? DM: I tend to be out of the country on a regular basis, around two to three days a week. This week however we have had budget reviews for each individual division so I haven’t been away. We have also been going through our five-year plan. When I’m in the UK I base myself here [at Arriva’s London office]. CBW: What are Arriva’s plans for the future? DM: In three or four years we want to be double the size we are now. I am very confident about that. It’s exciting and it’s still fun. We want more tenders and growth. We’re also looking at operating in Turin which is a massive opportunity. I am utterly immensely proud of what we have delivered in 25 years. We will continue to invest in people and in passenger transport.
www.coachandbusweek.com
10/09/2012 17:58
26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
OPERATOR UPDATE › ARRIVA YORKSHIRE
57
The number buses allocated to Heckmondwike
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.YorksNEW.indd 26
10/09/2012 12:37
1939 4.54 The year Arriva Yorkshire’s Heckmondwike depot opened
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27
The average age of the modern bus fleet at Heckmondwike depot
Arriva Yorkshire’s cheesy marketing in action: The bus love in, passengers help spread the word in City Square, Leeds
Polish & Promote Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans visits Arriva Yorkshire and learns about the company’s initiative to improve its operations and the hot topic of Quality Contracts – not to mention its industry-renowned marketing team
P
olitically at least, West Yorkshire is now a challenging environment thanks to the apparent headstrong determination of the conurbation’s Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) Metro to introduce Quality Contracts. Put simply, this would remove the familiar model of competition in the market in favour of competition for the market. Despite this, the positive and successful work of Arriva Yorkshire’s award-winning marketing team continues unabated. After all, Metro’s plans are by no means set in stone yet. With this in mind, it seemed timely for CBW to hear the latest developments.
Marketing Matters
Marketing features heavily at Arriva Yorkshire and it’s a constant which helps create a stream of positive and creative activity. The marketing team is made up of Chloe Leach-O’Connell, Head of Regional Marketing and Communications for Arriva Yorkshire and North East, David Newton, Regional Publicity Officer, Michelle Cooper, Marketing Coordinator for Arriva Yorkshire. Chloe’s enthusiasm and drive is clearly infectious. While David was unfortunately not present on the day of CBW’s visit, Michelle is also rightly passionate and modestly proud about what she does. Thankfully the team’s efforts
Arriva.YorksNEW.indd 27
have not gone entirely unnoticed for the firm won the ‘The CBS Outdoor Bus Marketing Campaign of the Year’ at the UK Bus Awards 2010 for its ‘The Arriva 110 ‘takes off’ campaign. The latest campaign, which promotes local bus services 254 255 and 229 in Heckmondwike, saw Arriva Yorkshire take to the streets to help convince local residents to give the car a rest and jump on board their local bus services. Following an appeal on Facebook and Twitter, passengers were invited to take part in the bus ‘love in’ to encourage more people to consider the bus. Local Heckmondwike resident Tracey Bedford King was chosen to be the star. Chloe explained: “We had a fabulous time. We took to the streets in Heckmondwike and later that day in Leeds to try and encourage people to start considering the bus. We even had some help from a local gymnast group who performed an amazing routine as people ate their lunch in City Square.” The marketing team claim it is essential for customers understand they are at the heart of everything the company does. “It’s important that it is not just about ‘buses’, it is about the people, the community and the journeys they make. One of our strongest messages this year following the launch of our 43 new vehicles was about investing in the communities we serve and ensuring people’s ‘everyday’ just happened,” added Chloe.
www.coachandbusweek.com
10/09/2012 12:38
28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
OPERATOR UPDATE › ARRIVA YORKSHIRE
Since 2008/9 Arriva Yorkshire has invested more than it’s made in profit. A prime example is the fact 83 new buses have entered the fleet this year She continued: “We produced a brochure entitled ‘We are Yorkshire’ which shows photographs of people in our community appearing alongside some of their own words endorsing their support for buses making their day simply happen. We hoped to underline the role of buses in the everyday life of the community.” Stars of the brochure included Andrew, a volunteer at The Hepworth in Wakefield, Janette, a Personnel Clerk for Morrison’s supermarket in Heckmondwike and Idrees, a pupil at St Joseph’s Catholic primary school in Dewsbury. As can be seen with the recent campaign in Heckmondwike, the marketing team is passionate about social media. The initial business case for developing a strong social media presence revolved around meeting passenger expectations which they should be able to access up-to-date information about services 24 hours a day. However, the advantages have been massive. Chloe continued: “It goes well beyond simply allowing people to access digital information; www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.YorksNEW.indd 28
“[Using social media] goes well beyond simply allowing people to access digital information; passengers can ask questions, offer feedback and receive a personalised reply quickly. It has proved extremely popular and we have built up a large community of online users.” Chloe Leach-O’Connell Head of Regional Marketing and Communications, Arriva Yorkshire and North East
passengers can ask questions, offer feedback and receive a personalised reply quickly. It’s proved extremely popular and we’ve built up a large community of online users.” A huge range of activities take place on the social media sites including, discussion, competitions, real-time feedback from customers and ideas testing. However one of the most powerful uses is the fact people like Tracey can themselves take part in marketing campaigns. Chloe concluded: “Open and honest discussion to an audience of fans and followers has proved a great way to build up customer support for the company.”
The MD’s View
Nigel Featham took up his role as Managing Director of Arriva Yorkshire in may 2008. He joined the firm from municipally-owned Warrington Borough Transport (now perhaps better known as Network Warrington) where he successfully led the business as MD for almost nine years. Prior to that Nigel was Operations Director at Preston Bus.
One of the initiatives introduced under Nigel’s tenure has the aptlynamed ‘Polish & Promote’. “In late 2008 we started looking at the company under an initiative which was publicly called ‘Putting Pride into Motion’,” explained Nigel. There were three aspects to this: 1 – Increase passenger numbers 2 – Managing costs really well 3 – Engaging and involving people Nigel continued: “On the first aspect, we took Heckmondwike as a depot. It did and still does benefit from a strong management team with very good people. This involved two basic approaches – the first of which was to work hard on the product itself. That’s where we get the polish in. It also meant improving punctuality, which was helped by the use of our VIX real-time information system. We operated 99.7% of mileage. A number of new buses joined the fleet, while older vehicles were refurbished. “Instead of spare rosters, drivers were involved in topside checks such as ensuring leaflet racks were up to date and replacing
10/09/2012 12:38
554593-1049-TBF
9/8/12
10:27
Page 1
30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
OPERATOR UPDATE › ARRIVA YORKSHIRE
internal vinyl notices if they were damaged or redundant. We created a standard for each vehicle type, which included putting in air fresheners.” Nigel added: “We then promoted our services vigorously, which included the use of route branding. We also used telemarketing, house to house leafleting. We gave free taster tickets too, which we followed up with phone calls to see if the recipients had used them, which served as a prime opportunity to gain feedback. We were also fortunate to have the newspapers on side.” On that note, Chloe observed: “If you’ve got a good strong story, the media will take an interest.” Nigel continued: ‘Polish & Promote’ (P&P) was a term we used internally only. The public face was ‘Your Buses Just Get Better’. It did cost us money but it paid for itself. “At the time, year-on-year, Heckmondwike was the poorest performing depot in terms of passenger numbers and it was experiencing a small decline. We moved it to the point it became the strongest in terms of growth. It moved quickly to 2-3% and it got to the stage where growth reached 5%. This led to a big leap forward in passenger satisfaction of 11%. Each October a national passenger survey is completed by GFK-NOP. We also saw a leap forward in employee satisfaction. “At the time we also saw a big improvement in the relationship with our local authority and WY Metro PTE. We involved them in network changes. The bottom line is depot profitability increased, which meant it paid for itself. On the back of that, P&P was gradually introduced to the other four depots in Arriva Yorkshire. “Since 2008/9 recession we’ve seen passenger numbers increase, despite being in difficult financial times. We work to maintain that.” Turning to the controversial issue of Quality Contracts, Nigel said: “I’ve just talked about Heckmondwike but to be fair to everyone across Arriva Yorkshire, we’ve now got a customer satisfaction rate of 92%.” Quoting another statistic, Nigel was proud to say “91% would recommend our services to a friend.” “83 brand new vehicles have entered the fleet this year. We’ve spent more on capital investment since 2008 than we’ve made in profit. We could perhaps understand Metro’s plans if we’d www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.YorksNEW.indd 30
been in collapse,” continued Nigel. “I think we can say we’ve done a good job in recent years, as illustrated by our awards. It seems incongruous a PTE could come along and take that away. I find it difficult to applaud Metro for taking the stance they have. “All operators across West Yorkshire came together for the Partnership Offer. It’s widely held as the best offer made to a PTE. It should be remembered that the District Councils were prepared to come on board with partnerships. The Partnership Board, which brings together the District Councils and operators, has a neutral Chairman – Nigel Foster of ARUP.
“What I would say to those who back QCs is what are you hoping to achieve – increased satisfaction and ridership, network stability and a higher level of investment? We can deliver all those things through a Statutory Quality Bus Partnership.” Nigel Featham MD, Arriva Yorkshire
Above: The marketing team – Chloe, David and Michelle. Below: MD Nigel Featham is an experienced busman who clearly enjoys his work
“We felt that was real progress. We were confident we’d got the PTE on board after they attended three meetings – yet they’ve pulled the plug on it. “These weren’t small commitments – they involved millions of pounds. I really can’t understand what’s caused them to turn their backs on it. On top of that Metro has said there is no Plan B. That means they will have to go through the QC Board, and there will be a requirement to demonstrate the public interest. They’ll also need to show they can increase the market even better than is achieved by the status quo and they’ll need to show they can do it within a reasonable time frame. “Today we’ve got a track record yet we now face years of uncertainty. We’re not saying we’ll no longer invest but it’s harder. Imagine what we could do in a partnership. It seems to me this path is incredibly risky. “I’m confident of the ability of the team at Arriva Yorkshire. I’ve not long been with the company but I believe Arriva is committed to West Yorkshire. I hope in due course we can persuade Metro there is a Plan B. There’s still time for them to accept the Partnership Offer.” Asked about the position the local MPs, Nigel replied: “As far as we can see this is being led by local councillors and PTA members. “What I would say to those who back QCs is what are you hoping to achieve? Increased satisfaction and ridership, network stability and a higher level of investment? We can deliver all those things through a Statutory Quality Bus Partnership. “I’ve got no issues with MPs who are pro QCs as I think we want the same things ultimately.” Are there any threats for Arriva to scorch the earth? Nigel replied firmly: “No. My message is a Voluntary Quality Partnership is the way ahead but it could also be delivered by an SQBP.” On the subject of Metro’s modern day trolley scheme, which is branded ‘New Generation Transport’ or ‘NGT’ for short, Nigel said: “Metro is determined to add something for public transport and we’re with them on that, but we feel it could be done more efficiently.” Concluding, Nigel said: “Sometimes it seems people imagine because we’re a plc we’re not locally focussed. We’re proud of the fact this business is locally managed.”
10/09/2012 12:39
551796-1051-Eleather FP
23/8/12
13:13
Page 1
32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FACE TO FACE › IAN TARRAN
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.IanTarran.indd 32
10/09/2012 19:13
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 33
NAME: Ian Tarran AGE: 55 POSITION: Engineering Director, Arriva UK Bus CONTACT: 0191 520 4000 www.arriva.co.uk
Arriva goes leaner and meaner
Ian has worked in various roles in engineering, as well as a couple in operations
Coach & Bus Week’s Andrew Cream talks to Ian Tarran, Arriva UK Bus Engineering Director, about Arriva’s approach to servicing, the future of engine technology and how he worked his way up to his current position
I
an is certainly a driven character. Right from when he joined the industry in 1973 as a trainee at the age of 16 he knew he wanted to work right at the top. His ambition was supplemented by the fact that he knew he didn’t want to be in a labour-intensive job for the whole of his life. “Being a mechanic was very dirty,” Ian said. “And I used to come home every day with chunks out of my knuckles.” On his road to the present day, Ian spent some time on the operations side of the industry as Operations Manager of Kentish Bus. He explained: “Operations was a new challenge for me as I hadn’t done much before, but dealing with trade union problems were right up my street. I have always enjoyed negotiating with staff. “I actually recreated an agreement at Kentish Bus which benefitted both the company and drivers. The previous Managing Director, following privatisation, had thrown out the agreements – there can be no structure if there are no agreements to work to.” While Ian seemed to enjoy his time working in operations, he soon went back to his true calling. “The company had reached a point where it needed someone with a marketing flair which I did not have,” he added. “So I went back to the engineering side.”
Fingers in many pies
Predictably, heading up such a large division leads to a varied working life. Ian explained: “As Engineering Director of Arriva UK Bus you have lots of different roles. My main
Arriva.IanTarran.indd 33
Arriva looks at what engine units are used when procuring new vehicles role is that I advise the leadership team on engineering matters and I am tasked with looking for new innovations. I also look after the company’s maintenance manual – the Engineering Quality and Standards manual. I am the custodian of that book; it’s what we consult to maintain our fleet. “I also advise the procurement department. They don’t necessarily understand the engineering side when sourcing things. With buying fuel for example the department may look to buy the cheapest fuel, however when it comes to safety-critical items and things where reliability really matter I can advise them on what’s best for the vehicles.” Ian is also responsible for monitoring health and safety for UK Bus, as well as having a number of energy-saving projects currently on the go. “It’s about reducing our buildings’ carbon footprint,” he explained. “We are investing around £1.2m in energy-saving lights with
automatic controls, ones which only turn on when someone is in the area. “We have also invested in heating systems to make them more efficient and have reduced the pressure in our compressors. Furthermore, we have automatic meter reading equipment so we know what we are spending.” Ian’s roles don’t end there – he also advises on new technology.
Developing the department
When taking over an important role in a large nationwide company, some people jump in and try to change too much too quickly. “I am one of those people who like to see what’s going on before changing anything,” Ian said. “In my first year as UK Bus Engineering Director I spent a lot of time at our companies seeing what their practices were.” After settling into the role and finding his feet, Ian went about starting up a number of
www.coachandbusweek.com
10/09/2012 19:13
34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FACE TO FACE › IAN TARRAN
projects. “The aim of these projects was to make us leaner and meaner as a company,” Ian explained. “Our target over the next five years is to get spare vehicles down to 10% and have a leaner workforce which more closely matches the number of buses.” “We have also looked at our servicing regime,” he continued. “Over a year ago now we changed servicing from four-weekly intervals to five-weekly across Arriva UK Bus without any detriment to service delivery or number of breakdowns. Vehicles are becoming more reliable so the work on them is now less intense. “We are currently looking at implementing six-weekly servicing on vehicles with less arduous workings. The key to this is having a very robust driver’s defect reporting system in place which is proactive and includes a positive nil defect section. “It helps contain the cost of maintaining the buses. With fuel and national insurance going up we are having to find ways of controlling costs in order to maintain good value service. “Vehicles aren’t as rigid as they used to be, leaf springs and other suspension parts used to break when buses went over potholes. Also, these days we buy parts built to do the job, not those which are cheapest.” As part of a multinational company, Ian gets to pick the brains of Engineering Directors across Europe. This happens at Arriva’s European Engineering Directors forum. “In other countries they have servicing regimes which are completely different to the UK,” he added. “If they can do it in Europe why can’t we do it in the UK?”
Regulated days
“I did enjoy working for the National Bus Company,” Ian said. “Although I didn’t hold a senior role – there were three layers between me as Assistant Area Engineer to the Chief Engineer. I was responsible for the maintenance of 300 vehicles. Within engineering I feel there were opportunities for people who were good at their job and willing to work hard.” There are of course a fair amount of differences between pre- and post-deregulation. Having experienced life on both sides of the fence, Ian is in a perfect position to detail some of the differences. “Pre-deregulation everything www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.IanTarran.indd 34
Above: Ian is aiming to make the company leaner and meaner. Below: Ian presenting an apprenticeship award
was set in stone, no one was willing to change things,” he explained. “There was a specific number of buses per fitter and no one wanted it to change. “With the NBC you were not expected to make a difference and not expected to push the boundaries.” So what makes working at Arriva better? “The whole of Arriva has a can-do attitude,” Ian enthused. “We like to find new ways of doing things. We have a good engineering practice.”
Vehicle procurement
At Arriva, vehicles are procured by the Procurement Team Category Manager. Each year the company tenders to the major manufacturers, negotiating prices. Mark Bowd, Arriva Group Engineering Director, and Ian get involved in the decisionmaking process.
“We base the decision on vehicle cost and what we project as wholelife costs of the vehicles,” Ian said. “We also look at fuel consumption. One mile per gallon difference can end up costing us tens of thousands of pounds over the 15-year life of the vehicle. We look at that in a great deal of detail.” Arriva also looks at its history with certain manufacturers; how they treat warranties, for example. Another key feature is what engine and transmission units are used. “Often though, it’s horses for courses,” he added. When a new product comes into the company, Arriva engineers visit the manufacturer, be it Wrightbus or ADL for example, to look at how to maintain the vehicle, getting access to specific areas and any changes which have been made. Of course, Ian must throw his two pennies worth in when it comes to vehicle procurement, so what are his favourites? “For single deckers, it’s the VDL SB200 with a Wrights body – we’ve got plenty of experience with that model,” he explained. “When it comes to double deckers, there are two excellent products on the market, Wrightbus DB300 and the ADL E400. We’ve bought more Wrightbus DB300s, although both
do the job. Both companies are very proactive with helping us.” “With smaller buses,” he continued, “Optare Solos are very stylish and fuel-efficient, while Wrightbus StreetLights are performing as we would expect. “Our preferred hybrids are Volvo B5s with a Wrightbus body. We trialled two different hybrids in London and the Volvo had a better fuel consumption, at 30% better than a standard Euro 3 diesel bus. We are actually the company with the largest number of Volvo hybrids in the country – we recently ordered 77 for regional operations and 75 for our TfL work. They are very reliable.” On the topic of hybrids, Ian gave his opinion on the importance of the Green Bus Fund (GBF) and TfL to the operation of hybrids in the UK. “I don’t believe hybrids would have taken off – without TfL there would not be hybrids in the UK, while the GBF helped it get out to the regions.”
The future of technology Arriva UK Bus has recently ordered 21 MAN gas buses, while the Group also has large gas bus operations in Scandinavia. “With MAN’s new gas vehicle, we attained good incentives
10/09/2012 19:21
679738-1052-Smiles
3/9/12
12:08
Page 1
SPECIALIST ENGINE REPOWER AND RE-MANUFACTURE Engine Repowers Engine Re-Manufacture Emission Systems Filter Cleaning Chassis Repower Fuel Economy Improving Engine Repower Applications
Award Winning
“
Engine and Emission Control System expertise to help you find
Solution to Pollution
”
Tel: Fax:
0191 236 5296 0191 236 1207
Web: www.smilesengineering.co.uk Smiles Engineering (North East) Ltd Unit 1, Brunswick Park, Brunswick Industrial Estate, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BA
36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FACE TO FACE › IAN TARRAN
Ian Tarran:
a brief history
The company is looking at introducing six-weekly servicing on vehicles with less arduous workings on gas prices,” Ian said. “We took advantage of that very early on. The gas buses are equivalent to Euro 6 engines in terms of emissions and will run on 100% biogas. The vehicles were completely different for us, something new and exciting. “But it wasn’t much of a gamble as we did some fairly extensive trials.” Having said that, Ian doesn’t think gas buses are the ultimate way forward. He added: “I believe we have got to push towards electric buses – that’s where we will end up, once it’s ready for us. I don’t think the battery technology is there yet, but battery technology is moving forward by the month. “In five to 10 years electric vehicles will be the norm. I am currently having a close look at electric buses. “We are also in negotiations with Milton Keynes Council and Wrightbus over an electric bus project. If we get our agreement sorted it’s something we would be happy to be involved in. We’re looking at 2014 for that to get off the ground.” “I think hybrids are a stepping stone,” he concluded. “Really we need to get right into the heart of the population with emission-free vehicles.”
Above: Ian spent nine years as Engineering Director of Arriva London. Below: He held various roles at Kentish Bus including Chief Engineer
Ian started in the industry in 1973 as a garage trainee for London Country Bus Services, based at Harlow Bus Garage. “I progressed through virtually every job in the engineering department and even a couple in operations,” Ian explained. At the break up of the National Bus Company he was an Assistant Area Engineer at Northfleet in Kent. He then gained the role of Senior Engineering Officer at National Travel London, a coach company based in Catford. After that Ian spent some time at Kentish Bus in various positions. His job titles included Local Manager, District Manager, Engineering Manager and Operations Manager. He became Chief Engineer at Kentish Bus in 1989. Post-deregulation there were many developments within the industry. One of the most significant was the rise of British Bus. Kentish Bus joined the likes of Maidstone & District and London & Country under British Bus ownership. In 1995 these three companies were put under control of a holding company named Invictaway, and it was at this company that Ian first held the role of Engineering Director. When Cowie was rebranded as Arriva, Invictaway became Arriva Southern Counties. Ian was Engineering Director of Arriva Southern Counties until 2001, when he transferred to the same role at Arriva London. He made the step up to Arriva UK Bus Engineering Director in January 2010.
“I believe we have got to push towards electric buses – that’s where we will end up, once it’s ready for us. I don’t think the battery technology is there yet, but it’s moving forward by the month.” Ian Tarran
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.IanTarran.indd 36
10/09/2012 19:21
p37_CBW_1053
10/9/12
17:47
Page 37
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 37
VOSA Authorised Testing Facility
APPROVED
Commercial Garage Equipment are one of the main providers of ATF Lanes (VOSA Authorised Testing Facility) to the Commercial Vehicle, Lorry and Bus market in the UK.
G Pre-Fabricated Steel Pits G Commercial Brake Testers G Pit Jacks G Headlight Testing G Play Detectors G Gas & Smoke Emission Testing
COMMERCIAL GARAGE EQUIPMENT (MIDLANDS) LTD 01386 244 758 or 07538 218 194 EMAIL:
sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk
14A Goodwood Road, Keytec 7 Business Park, Pershore, Worcs WR10 7JL
38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
YOUNG MANAGERS
Going places with Arriva Coach & Bus Week’s Alex Tyler provides an overview of the graduate schemes provided by Arriva and talks to Kim Purcell about her experience with the programme
G
raduate management schemes are becoming increasingly popular in the transport industry, and for many young people, it’s a career path they hadn’t initially considered. Arriva’s General and Engineering management schemes aim to provide the complete Arriva experience, exposing applicants to both the administrative and technical side of the business. Starting in either UK Bus, UK Trains or Mainland Europe, the chosen graduates spend 18 months in their preferred vocation. Through a mixture of on-the-job training as well as more formal courses, individuals work through a Personal Development Plan, supported by a Mentor from their assigned division for the duration of the programme. The company encourages its applicants to work in different parts of the business, whether it’s in a different Arriva division or even with a competitor. The placements are designed to teach people about everything from scheduling, employment law, maintenance and management, to accounting, procurement and marketing. These skills get put into practice when applicants shadow a Bus Depot Manager, which provides graduates a springboard for their first major role and beyond. One such graduate is Kim Purcell who is currently Interim Operations Director in Malta, after progressing through Arriva’s General Management programme. After studying at Newcastle University, she joined the Arriva UK www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.Graduate.indd 38
Above: After graduating in 2006, Kim spent 18 months on the scheme Bus division in 2006. “I saw the General Management scheme advertised online,” said Kim. “Geographically it suited me well because I was living in the area at the time, and it was a general scheme, not boxed in a particular specialisation. I didn’t initially think I would end up in the bus industry, I’m not a bus spotter!”
Training
Arriva encourages an understanding of the business at all levels, so for many graduates, this means earning a PCV licence. “In the first month or so, I learnt to drive a bus and every function of a bus at the Blyth depot,” said Kim. “It was challenging but was very useful because it gave me a driver’s perspective on things and I got to see how the business works for the people on the floor, which is important for a manager.” “I worked on a three-month
“The idea behind the scheme is to bring new people in or otherwise it may reach a point where there are no upcoming people within the business. It’s vital to encourage new people, new ideas. It’s good to get new ideas.” Kim Purcell
project on Driver CPC training courses and how they are implemented,” she continued. “I also did a few financial awareness and fleet management courses and for my European placement I went to the Netherlands. This all gave me a good grounding, so when I went into a depot, I understood how the business operated.” “I was based in Teesside but moved all around the North East. I got really hands on with the depots there – it is a really good business and everyone was very helpful. I had full access and they were very open,” enthused Kim. The programme also involves a placement in a contrasting business area, which places graduates firmly out of their comfort zone. “Learning other disciplines was quite intimidating,” explained Kim. “There were a lot of middle aged men who didn’t initially like being told what to do by a young
10/09/2012 12:35
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39
educate and use experience from across the business. We are trying to incorporate as many local people as possible; Arriva prefers to have local people for local businesses.” New low-floor Euro 5 King Long buses, along with a few Mercedes-Benz Citaro G articulated buses from Arriva London, were introduced and service and fare structures altered. Asked what the Maltese made of the changes, Kim said: “There’s mixed views, most of the fleet is less than a year old and there’s still some resistance from the previous operators who we have replaced.” In regards to living away from home, having spent a lot of her training in and around the North East, Kim seemed unfazed by the move. “Since I had moved to Scotland I don’t find it hard living away from home,” she said. “Also it’s not really that far, the flight is only three hours so I can come home at the weekend if need be. With technology the way it is, it isn’t hard to stay in touch. Furthermore, everyone is really friendly here.” Commenting on her current position, Interim Operations Director, Kim said: “Usually I work toward establishing correct ways of doing things, regulations both on bus and in depots. I’m just trying to keep things running as usual really.”
Above: Kim is currently Interim Operations Director in Malta. Below: King Longs replaced the famous heritage fleet girl. They had a lot of appreciation though when they realised I actually knew what I was talking about.” Kim progressed through a number of management positions within the company, including Deputy Depot Manager where she covered several garages. She was able to help standardise approaches across the group and soon became a Depot Manager. She was also Head of Service Delivery at Arriva Scotland West, which unintentionally, paved the way for her current position in Malta.
Malta
“Well I was with the Scotland West business which was sold, and I had a number of options open to me,” said Kim. “Malta was one of those, and I thought it would be good exposure to our European operations as well as challenging; a new opportunity really.” A major restructure of bus
Arriva.Graduate.indd 39
services in Malta took place on July 3, 2011, as the network was taken over by Arriva. “I initially came in as a business improvement manager, as they were having a bit of a change around when I got here,” explained Kim. “It’s a different
culture, there were previously a lot of independent operators on the island and we are trying to implement proper procedures and policies and explain the reasoning behind them. Overall there is a lack of experience with corporate travel firms, so we have had to
The future
Asked if she would consider remaining in Europe, Kim said: “I’m very open and flexible. Having worked in Malta I’m happy to consider other countries, so it’s definitely a possibility.” The scheme is encouraging some fresh talent in Arriva’s management structure and this is important for the future of the business. “As an industry, we generally have older figures in senior management,” said Kim. “The idea behind the scheme is to bring new people in or otherwise it may reach a point where there are no upcoming people within the business. It’s vital to encourage new people, new ideas. It’s good to get new ideas.” As for her experiences with Arriva, Kim is full of praise. “I really enjoy the variety, no two days are the same and the company is very open, their approach is basically, if you are capable, then why not? They are good at developing people.”
www.coachandbusweek.com
10/09/2012 12:35
40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
THE BIG PICTURE
Arriva Yorkshire’s East Lancs Lowlander-bodied VDL DB250 is pictured here by Coach & Bus Week Editor Gareth Evans in Leeds city centre on the morning of Thursday August 9, 2012. With the attractive City Square in the background, fleet number 1607 (‘YJ06MWG’) is seen joining Park Row from Infirmary Street. Above the door, the bus carries the name ‘Pride of Kirklees’ in small letters. It is seen working route 255, which links Halifax with Leeds, via Hipperholme, Wyke, Scholes, Cleckheaton, Gomersal, Birkenshaw and Drighlington. This photo quite literally serves as a shining example of Arriva Yorkshire’s high standard of fleet presentation. In addition to its smart paintwork and lack of dented body panels, the bus is equipped with unobtrusive wheeltrims, better known as nutrings, which help to enhance the vehicle’s appearance. The latter appears to be common practice across the Arriva Yorkshire fleet. On p26 of this issue, you’ll see more about the aptly-named and highly successful ‘Polish & Promote’ scheme.
www.coachandbusweek.com
BigPicture.indd 40
10/09/2012 12:40
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41
www.coachandbusweek.com
BigPicture.indd 41
10/09/2012 12:40
42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
SUPPLIER PROFILE › 21st CENTURY
21st Century technology Coach & Bus Week’s Alex Tyler talks to 21st Century’s Sales and Marketing Director Paul Rogers about the public transport monitoring systems provider and its relationship with Arriva
W
hat would later become 21st Century Technology plc began in 1993 as Toad plc and was originally focused on the distribution of in-car entertainment systems and vehicle security products. The company has since repositioned itself in order to enter markets with better growth potential while establishing a nationwide field force of vehicle electrical engineers, call
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.21stCentury1.indd 42
centres and distribution facilities. In 2005 the company took a controlling stake in 21st Century Crime Prevention Services (CPS) Limited which later merged with fellow subsidiary, Toad (UK) Limited, to form 21st Century Technology Solutions Limited. The holding company was renamed “TG21 plc” in 2005 and, following the acquisition of the entire share capital of CPS and to reflect the repositioning of the group, changed this name to its current in June 2009.
21st Century has rapidly established itself a strong reputation for high quality CCTV with a whole range of add-ons to suit all transport operations. Notably, 21st Century began developing specialist systems in 1999, allowing its clients to develop systems in line with changing demands, a fact which Sales and Marketing Director Paul Rogers believes sets the company apart from the rest. “As a company we use all available database and server technology; we aren’t restricted to certain suppliers or models,” explained Paul. “We provide innovative technology and we’re very flexible when it comes to mobile surveillance and fleet management. We look at what a company needs and how they would like to go about it. We then supply and install the necessary equipment. Since we are not tied to one brand, we are very open when it comes to what we can provide. “In addition we are the only supplier with a full support network, and we supply maintenance contracts on top of this.”
Starting with Arriva
21st Century first started dealing with Arriva in 1998, supplying the firm’s London operations with tape recording systems. These were
upgraded to digital systems in 2000 and from then on were introduced to other Arriva operating companies. “In 2001 the firm was looking to provide Arriva North West with surveillance technology, something a bit different, to give Arriva a technological edge,” explained Paul. “The systems available at the time were a bit hit and miss, especially where the standard of the video was concerned, so we paid particular attention to image quality. One of the comments we receive most is on the sharpness of our cameras. “Arriva had a lot of vandalism problems, window etching and graffiti as well as other antisocial crime, and increasingly, ‘no win no fee’ claims and ‘crash for cash’ scams. It can be over £2.000 for each claim. So Arriva wanted to defend itself and it was about finding the most efficient technology to do that. “Arriva is very proactive in announcing successes against this sort of behaviour, it’s a good publicised deterrent.” “Our relationship with Arriva developed from there,” he continued. “Arriva took on the first wireless systems in 2003 in the North West, and then throughout the entire fleet. We worked with them on a programme, which took
10/09/2012 12:33
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43
“Arriva is very good at liaising. We have a long established relationship with them now and it’s very friendly and open, with new ideas exchanged and new needs discussed. Regular meetings involving directors and staff are common place, so it’s a good working relationship.” Paul Rogers Sales and Marketing Director, 21st Century
Clockwise from left: EcoManager fits neatly on the dashboard display; The CCTV system is more than a camera due to its ability to detect interference; A snapshot of the data generated by EcoManager place over about three years to provide depot-sized WiFi networks, and wireless technology across 4,500 vehicles. This was a massive technical undertaking, as the system is extremely bandwidth hungry. Also, our system was unique in that there was no need to remove the hard disk drive to retrieve the data as the CCTV system reports directly to the server due to our ‘Heartbeat’ system.” The latter is part of the system’s management software and minimises the manpower required to operate the monitoring process. It features an automated status server which monitors all a customer’s systems and will detect any camera failures, attempts to mask cameras and check on the WiFi infrastructure. In addition, following a successful trial, in April 2009, Arriva UK Bus committed to install EcoManager on all its new buses and to retrofit a large proportion of its existing fleet. The EcoManager black-box system is aimed at reducing fuel and maintenance costs as well as improving safety by monitoring individual driving styles. “Thanks to Arriva, the product is now available to a wider market. We work closely with them to provide further training and monitoring,” added Paul. In November 2009 Arriva North
Arriva.21stCentury1.indd 43
West (ANW) and Merseytravel won the industry-recognised Alexander Dennis Award for Innovation at the UK Bus Awards following the firm’s installation of the EcoManager system. This yielded fuel savings of up to 12%, associated CO2 emission reductions and a 62% reduction in accidents. It was followed in 2010 with a driver safety award for EcoManager presented by the road safety charity, Brake and in 2011, ANW was presented with the Environmental Award by Wirral Investment Network in recognition of the environmental benefits achieved by the company as a result of the installation of EcoManager to its fleet of buses.
Prefered supplier
“We supply Arriva with digital video recorders, cameras, monitors, installation and support services, Heartbeat systems management software and WiFi for remote status monitoring, downloading and asset management,” added Paul. “Arriva is also is very interested in our infrared passenger counting technology. It’s really helping the company build a clearer picture on performance.” “The technology has dramatically changed the business, and its ability to monitor its systems,” enthused Paul. “It’s been a benefit too, as Arriva has posted regular
fuel savings following launch of EcoManager.” Asked about the company’s preferred supplier status with Arriva, Paul said: “Arriva used 21st Century exclusively for a number of years, until the contract was put out for tender to ensure the firm was still obtaining optimum value for money and we’re glad to have proven ourselves.” In regards to working with the operator, he said: “As a business, Arriva is very good at liaising. We have a long established relationship with the firm now and it’s very friendly and open, with new ideas exchanged and new needs discussed. Regular meetings involving directors and staff are common place, so it’s a good working relationship.” “21st Century’s success in the wider market is due to its technology development with Arriva,” he added.
Europe and the future
Recently, 21st Century was awarded a contract totalling £3.3m by Arriva in Sweden to supply on board CCTV, passenger counting systems, depot infrastructure, related maintenance and software hosting for a substantial part of a fleet of public transport vehicles operated by in Stockholm. Asked if the company would be expanding on this, Paul
replied: “We’d love to. We have some good relationships outside the UK and our ambition would be to expand our relationship with Deutsche Bahn, who we are currently in talks with. We also work with Keolis and have systems on 1,600 vehicles in Sweden. Relationships with these hopefully put us in a good position to expand. We are one of the largest companies in the technology market at the moment and currently CCTV systems are our most popular products in Europe.” Recently 21st Century announced its current CEO Nick Grimond is leaving his position on September 28. Paul said the company is thankful for his efforts said: “Nick steered our company through acquisition and development and has grown the business. He was instrumental in technology and markets using Arriva as a springboard. It will very much be business as usual for us though but he will certainly be missed.” The company is hosting a stand at the Euro Bus Expo this year, and will be providing a free WiFi hotspot area – reportedly the first time a WiFi seating area has been made available at the show. Also its stand will have interactive demos with touch screen presentations on each of its products.
www.coachandbusweek.com
10/09/2012 12:33
44 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
PROFILE › TELLINGS GOLDEN MILLER
The Gold Standard at Heathrow James Day visits Tellings Golden Miller Managing Director Paul Churchman at the Arriva-owned operator’s Heathrow coach and bus depot to gain some insight on the airport transport specialist company
A
fter travelling down to the Tellings Golden Miller (TGM) depot near Heathrow, I’m beginning to wonder what all the fuss is about with the M25. Every time I’ve driven on it, traffic has been moving just fine and as a result I was able to reach the premises promptly without any of the nightmare delays I had allowed for. Still, I’ve never lived in London I suppose – perhaps I’m just outrageously lucky. The TGM depot was as busy as ever. It was the day of the Paralympics’ opening ceremony so there are a number of London 2012 branded vehicles around, along with many luxury minibuses on hire from Dawson Rentals, preparing for the second round of TGM’s support for the Games. It’s clear straight away that it is a nonstop business. I’m met by the current Managing Director Paul Churchman, who took up the position after owner Steve Telling retired last year. TGM’s head office is just down the road, with a 10 bay commercial engineering workshop, which maintains 70% of the airports catering trucks, but Paul tells me he prefers the handson feel of being at the depot where TGM maintains its coach and bus fleet. Also, the offices at the depot have windows. He is certainly a man unafraid to say it like it is. “I joined the industry when I www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.TGM.indd 44
was 17 as a Traffic Clark, but I had actually trained as a chef in college,” Paul said. “The coach and bus industry was the last industry I was ever going to be in, as my parents owned a coach company, Guards of London, but being a chef wasn’t for me in the end. The hours were very long and pay wasn’t right. “I started in admin. My job was to look after the mileage database, fare charts and so on. I was taught how to schedule and went from there. “I got myself a PCV licence too. I wanted one and it was good for overtime. I’ve subsequently done quite a lot of driving even though I don’t really like it – not even in my car. I’ll always use public transport when I can. “I do love cars though, paradoxically.” Paul has been involved with TGM since June 2007 having worked for OFJ Connections, which was purchased by TGM in October 2007. The company is now part of TGM’s Heathrow business. TGM itself was acquired by Arriva in 2008, but it is not branded as Arriva.
Elements of the business
TGM deals predominantly with airport transport, moving passengers and crew to and from accommodation, car parks and around the airports themselves. The operator also runs some contract bus services and offers coach hire.
10/09/2012 21:54
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45
“We ran the coach side of the Olympic transport... From where I was sitting I treated it as just another large event we had to deliver for” Paul Churchman MD, Tellings Golden Miller
Left: A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on hire Dawson Rentals. Above: A cross section of the TGM fleet. Right: The workshop at the TGM Heathrow Depot.
“We run anything which is different from the norm and not covered by usual bus services,” Paul explained. “We look at all opportunities but we want to bring in more contracted revenue and have reduced our reliance on adhoc revenue. A lot of tenders are on the go at the moment and we do a lot of work without our brand on it.” TGM’s primary operating centres are located in Heathrow, Harlseden, Gatwick, Stansted, Colchester, East Midlands, Manchester and County Durham. “Our management structure is quite lean and mean,” Paul said. “Our depots are localised and work quite independently.” TGM has a versatile flight delay service in Manchester, which Paul said is moving to focus on corporate travel and cater for passenger groups ranging in size from one to 300. The company also runs some long distance bus services to airports, including the 133 Airport by Bus service from Colchester to Stansted and the 510 between Harlow and Stansted. “The 133 is part BAA funded and replaced a route which was pulled by First,” Paul explained. “We already had a route which ran halfway using Scania Omnicities, so we just extended the route and added luggage racks to the vehicles. It runs hourly for 24 hours a day. “The 510 runs every 20 minutes and hourly at night. We also run six National Express contracts at Stansted Airport but our primary focus is on Heathrow and Gatwick.” Heathrow and Gatwick airports are where TGM has the most significant presence. At Gatwick, TGM runs 100% of airport public car park services, utilising 30 vehicles, while its hotel network around the airport covers the highest number of hotels of any operator in the area. TGM also runs Virgin Atlantic’s crew shuttle service. TGM’s Gatwick services also include commercial engineering and the company has its own Authorised Test Facility (ATF) lanes. At Heathrow, TGM operates all of the airport’s car park bussing and has 30 vehicles, including several Plaxton Cheetahs, dedicated to moving aircrew from the airport to their hotels. ‘Hotel by Bus,’ formerly the National Express Dot-to-Dot service, carries 140,000 passengers per year to central London hotels and has a desk located in every Heathrow terminal. A further 30 vehicles are
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.TGM.indd 45
10/09/2012 21:54
46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
PROFILE › TELLINGS GOLDEN MILLER
TGM operates a modern and varied frontline coach fleet, used on private hire and contracts, for customers ranging from schools to airlines based airside, where TGM operates all off-pier coaching, with the exception of British Airways which operates its own. “We have a ‘depot’ airside, which essentially consists of a car park and some portaloos,” Paul said. “It’s simply not practical to be moving vehicles in and out of the airport all the time and to be constantly having to go through security. It’s much easier to keep them airside.” Other elements of the business include 15 private hire coaches and several services away from the airport which also use vehicles from TGM’s Heathrow operations, including some London University campus buses. TGM also operate some 38 and 16-seater vehicles to a private American school in the area.
preparation as we could. “I think we delivered it successfully, which was partly due to so many people staying away from London.” Paul stated that while TGM’s Olympic services performed well, it did have an impact on the operators other work. “The Olympics did have a major impact on our other services. There were nine days of road closures to contend with during cycle races and marathons, which resulted in massive diversions. “While people staying away from London helped Olympic transport run smoothly, it also meant our Hotel by Bus services were down by 60% during the event.”
The Team
Olympics
During London 2012, TGM supplied 80% of the coaches needed to transport marketing partners and sponsors. A total of 434 vehicles were supplied for the Olympics and 23 for the Paralympics, using 128 coach companies and 1,200 drivers from as far afield as Ireland. “We ran the coach side of the Olympic transport, supplying some buses to the bus side also,” Paul explained. “Operating such a major event in a capital city was never going to be easy and it had its challenges. From where I was sitting I treated it as just another large event we had to deliver for. “We had a temporary depot set up down the road with a number of vehicles ready to go. It was very daunting. You cannot bring so many drivers into London who have only been once or twice and expect everything to go perfectly. I’ve lived in London my whole life and I’m still unsure at times. We just gave them as much training and www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.TGM.indd 46
Heathrow:
a third runway?
The debate has been raging in recent weeks about the possibility of a new runway at Heathrow. It was agreed by the coalition government that this would not be constructed and would breach the Conservative Party manifesto if it did. However, pressure from business leaders has been mounting and a cabinet reshuffle has just taken place, which saw Justine Greening, famously opposed to the third runway at Heathrow, moved out of her role as Transport Secretary. Paul supports the notion of an additional runway, but also seems to believe the expansion should be pursued with a greater sense of urgency. “My corporate view is that it would be great to see Heathrow expanded,” Paul said. “Business would be improved but it’s down to the politicians. “In my own view, the new runway must be built if London is going to remain as a financial capital. Other airports in Europe have had extensions and may start to replace Heathrow as an aviation hub. “Airlines can be quite stubborn and like to stay together, which means Heathrow should be fine for a while, but once a few airlines begin to prioritise a different airport, we could see a lot of business leave Heathrow as other airlines follow suit. “33% of passengers at Heathrow use it for connecting flights only, so the airport’s status as a preferred transport hub is very important. The airport also employs 80,000 people directly and supports as many as 400,000 more through supply lines and services. It’s really important to keep it competitive.”
“TGM is only good because of the team within it, it’s not about me,” Paul said. “I sit at the top of the pyramid because someone needs to sit at the top. I lead but it wouldn’t work if everyone else didn’t follow. The business is not about one person. “The staff we have here are fantastic. It makes it fun to come to work, which is good since you spend the second longest amount of time in your life at work – after being dead!” Paul was very positive about the industry as a whole as well. “As an industry we have faced more challenges in the last 26 years than any other industry, especially with funding, yet quality of bus operation in the UK at the moment is very good. They do it right, right down to the small operators. “Elements of any industry aren’t so good but in the main this one is good. If you wrote a book on the daily goings on in this industry nobody would believe you.”
10/09/2012 21:55
p47_CBW_1053
10/9/12
18:24
Page 47
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47
48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
OPERATOR UPDATE › ARRIVA MILTON KEYNES
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.MK.indd 48
10/09/2012 19:24
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49
Arriva’s fleet in Milton Keynes is primarily made up of single deckers apart from one double decker
An unusual operating climate Andrew Cream visits Arriva’s Milton Keynes depot to find out about the operator’s relationship with the council, how the town differs from other areas and the associated challenges this brings
T
he unique makeup of Milton Keynes would provide a headache for the most experienced of transport managers. With an unusual road network linking the area’s many estates, serving the 240,000+ residents must be no easy task. Since 2006, this responsibility has been on Arriva’s shoulders. I spoke with members of the team based in Wolverton about how they are dealing with the challenge and the company’s partnership with the local authority.
A quality partnership
Arriva is the major bus operator in Milton Keynes. Until 2010 however, it used the branding of the previous operator, MK Metro. The commercial network is primarily operated by the company, with Stagecoach also running some interurban services. There are currently six operators running buses in MK. The firm prides itself on its strong relationship with Milton Keynes Council. Maq Alibhai, Arriva The Shires’ Head of Business – West, explained: “In the last two to three years we have built up a pretty good relationship with the local authority. We fully recognised there would be monetary constraints and understood it was imperative to work closely with them to identify what they needed to put out on tender. We consult
Arriva.MK.indd 49
with them on most things.” Arriva has developed a number of Quality Partnerships with the council, including a Punctuality Improvement Partnership. This involves both parties monitoring journeys, with Arriva monitoring 5% and MK Council monitoring 2.5% of journeys, ensuring there is an independent view. Andrew Coleman, Passenger Transport Manager for Milton Keynes Council, said: “The relationship [between the council and Arriva] has improved in recent years. It is more pragmatic, with give and take on both sides. We are aiming to work together as much as possible. “Arriva has helped us in a number of ways, a good example being how they have helped to commercialise a lot of our tendered networks. The company is also working to lower margins. “I would like the company to be less risk averse, however, and it would be good to see them do something with interurban services.” As part of the arrangement, along with attempting to improve punctuality, Arriva provides loss mileage statistics to the council. In turn, the authority looks at junction improvements, bus priority measures and the quality of bus stops. Arriva and the council also managed to resolve an issue regarding concessionary fares. Like many other authorities across the country, MK Council withdrew the non-statutory provision of ‘free’ journeys for the elderly
www.coachandbusweek.com
10/09/2012 19:24
50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
OPERATOR UPDATE › ARRIVA MILTON KEYNES
The company has 78 buses with 68 of these operational. It runs seven core services – the 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 300 – with some marginal routes to Buckinghamshire and some tendered. It also introduced an all night service on July 24 on its 5/5A route.
Branded travel shop
Above: Maq Alibhai, Arriva The Shires’ Head of Business – West. Below: The MKube, situated in the heart of MK and disabled before 0930hrs. Arriva decided a compromise was needed and introduced a flat 50p fare for concessionary pass holders. “We are very clear with the council on what our plans are over the next three years so they can plan their budgeting process,” said Maq. “We both know what to expect.” “We are also looking at resource sharing,” he added. “We both produce similar timetables so we are looking to save money by producing just one comprehensive timetable. This is currently in the planning process.”
A platinum service
Another example of a working partnership, this time between Arriva, the council and the HCA (Homes and Communities Agency), is the Platinum service. Much like Stagecoach’s Gold service, the Platinum is a high-quality operation with high spec vehicles. The service, which uses MercedesBenz Citaros, runs on route 300 which goes past some of Milton Keynes’ more affluent estates. “It had to look different to attract a different kind of bus user,” Maq explained. Amongst other features, the buses are kitted out with free WiFi and air conditioning. The operator has a unique agreement with MK Council on this route. It is primarily subsidised by the council, but as the service grows in popularity, Arriva will pay www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.MK.indd 50
In the centre of Milton Keynes lies the MKube, a one stop information centre for travel in and around the city and beyond. The building, which actually used to be a fast food takeaway, is branded in a distinctive Arriva theme. Maq explained: “MKube showed we were here to stay and promoted our good value. The public realised we were prepared to offer a good service in partnership with the council. “There used to be a travel shop but it wasn’t in a prime location – it was more of an admin office. “The location of MKube is where all buses go in and out of the city centre.” The shop is open six days a week and supplements over 100 information display outlets which are dotted around the town. It was officially opened by Gillian Merron who chairs Bus Users UK. She was quoted saying she wanted one in every town in the country.
A unique town
the authority money back, until it becomes completely commercial. The Platinum initiative was conceived by the council and put out to tender. Arriva, however, developed the branding and set up travel schemes with the John Lewis and River Island distribution centres which lie on the route.
Tough decisions
Rebranding a whole network at a time when multiple cuts are hitting the industry is certainly a bold move, and Arriva had to deal with the consequences. Despite operating the network since 2006, passengers would have naturally associated the cut backs with a seemingly new operator. Maq said: “Some unpopular decisions were made and it was quite a hard slog to get the
company in a positive light. “However, we knew the potential was there and we knew we could make something of it. We simplified the network and re-evaluated some of the service.” While some initial changes weren’t popular, Arriva was able to explain its decisions to the recognised bus user group in Milton Keynes, who in turn were able to filter out their understanding to the general public. “We often consult with the group which gives us an avenue for feedback,” said Maq. “There’s a better flow of information, with clear understanding from the customers’ point of view. “We have had a significant improvement in customer numbers over the last two years with 9.5% growth.”
Milton Keynes is a typical conurbation for a number of reasons. It was formally designated a ‘new town’ in 1967 and has been expanding ever since. The town has a centre which is surrounded by a number of suburbs, each with a mini centre themselves. These areas are all connected by a series of grid roads and roundabouts. Arriva’s services run from east to west and from north to south, with the town centre almost always at the middle of a route. Bus drivers are faced with two challenges which may differ from your usual network, one being the number of roundabouts. The other is that a high percentage of the bus stops are on the grid roads, which mostly have 70mph speed limits, making it challenging to pull out of the stops. Maq said: “Drivers are required to have different kinds of skills. They undergo a different level of training but it’s not anymore rigorous than usual. “The unique conditions also affect servicing; we have
10/09/2012 19:24
679818-1053-Texa
10/9/12
15:40
Page 1
52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
OPERATOR UPDATE › ARRIVA MILTON KEYNES
different maintenance regimes. We go through more brake pads and tyres, for example.” The Arriva team also has to decide whether to go into each individual estate to pick up customers or to pick up from the grid roads. The company carried out a series of surveys earlier this year to determine the demographic makeup of the areas in which it operates. It has used this information to establish what kind of people live on each estate which has influenced the decision whether to run services into them or not.
Evolving roles
Maq joined the bus industry in 1986 as a driver. He has worked for four of the ‘big five’ in different roles. His current position has him seeing over three garages – MK, High Wycombe and Aylesbury, a step up from his previous role of General Manager at Milton Keynes. “Each location brings its different challenges,” Maq explained. “High Wycombe and Aylesbury are longestablished Arriva depots, while we only entered MK in 2006, so here it is crucial to engage with customers. “I spend more time at Aylesbury and High Wycombe as I put the changes in place at Milton Keynes when I was General Manager. “I need to spend more time at Aylesbury and High Wycombe as well because I’m in a learning process myself. My role is now more supportive – you have got to allow people to develop by giving them responsibility and letting them do things without having to ask permission. However, I’ve been managing since 1993 so it’s difficult to take a step away from it. “Arriva has a strong sense of local ownership. The margin of error is greater than elsewhere so you can develop ideas. People feel part of the team which encourages further ideas.”
Bus maintenance
Arriva Milton Keynes’ engineering side is headed up by Engineering Manager Cliff Ward. He explained that the company uses a mix of pits and lifts. The pits are used for general servicing while the lifts are used for maintaining particular parts such as springs, axles and gearboxes. Vehicles are given an A service every five weeks. Every 15 weeks an A+ service is carried out while every 30 weeks vehicles undergo a B service which includes checking www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.MK.indd 52
it is more structured. “We tried to future-proof it by increasing the number of stops from six to 12. It is now a valued gateway to Milton Keynes. “There was 12 months of construction but the site remained operational for buses. A lot of consultation took place between us and Arriva.”
Improvements through funding
Above: A Platinum bus pictured at Milton Keynes Coachway station. Below: An example of an at-stop display at Station Square hard to know when apprentices would be needed. “We try to take on an Apprentice every year but it depends on people retiring,” he explained. “It’s a bit hard to plan and you have to be quite frank with people to find out how long they plan to stay at the company.”
Station Square
gearboxes and oil features. A C service is carried out every 60 weeks which includes testing valve pumps. The fleet is made up of all single deckers apart from one doubledeck bus. When carrying out customer surveys, the firm found passenger security is an important feature. Single deckers are seen as safer for passengers and there is also less vandalism. The firm operates around 20 Optares, nine Enviro300s, 11 SB120s, five Citaros (on the Platinum route) and 11 Darts, amongst other vehicles. When asked about the technology the engineering department utilises, Cliff said: “I’m impressed with the Texa diagnostics programme we use. Our head electrician Colin has embraced that fully. “We can diagnose vehicles without stripping them out. It is a universal kit so you only need one test – the computer can work with most of our vehicles.” The garage also trains Apprentices when it is required and has just recently taken on someone new. Cliff admitted it was sometimes
As part of Milton Keynes’ ongoing expansion, the council has redeveloped Station Square, the transport hub of the town. It is the major stop for buses and is located in front of the entrance to Milton Keynes Central railway station. The square, which opened in July, was funded partly through council investment and partly through GAF (Growth Area Funding). Andrew Coleman explained how the area has been revamped: “The layout has changed in the sense that there is more space, improved access and more stops for buses. Cars and taxis have also been segregated. “There is a modern feel to it, previously it was looking tired, and
Arriva and MK Council’s extensive partnership work and good working relationship has paid dividends, as they were successful in securing some Better Bus Area (BBA) funding from the government. The area won all £2.23m that it originally bid for and Andrew and Arriva believe their partnership played a key role in securing the money. The funding includes: £870,000 – Real-time information – Onboard displays, web and mobile apps and displays at Station Square; £100,000 – Smart ticket devises; £340,000 – Way-finding for residential areas – helping people find their way from the estates to the bus stops on the grid roads with signage, footpaths and maps; and £575,000 – Personalised travel planning packs to 65,000 households, over half of the households in the city, on four key routes – 2, 4, 5, 300. Maq also detailed some other exciting projects coming up for Arriva in Milton Keynes. Unfortunately they are under wraps for now but expect to find out in a future issue.
Arriva uses a combination of pits and lifts at it’s Milton Keynes garage
10/09/2012 19:25
p53_CBW_1053
10/9/12
18:25
Page 53
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 53
54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FLEET PROFILE
An ADL E400 works Arriva the Shires’ route 280 from Oxford to Aylesbury
Arriva London runs a 33-strong fleet of Wright Gemini2 Volvo B5L Hybrids
Wright Pulsar-bodied VDL SB200s are common at Arriva North East
In 2009, three brand new Optare Solo SRs entered service in Derby
Arriva’s uniform bus and coach �leet James Day compiles a fleet profile for the entirety of Arriva’s bus and coach operations in the UK, according to information supplied by the company. Most of the Arriva fleet consists of similar vehicles, with some heritage Park Royal AEC Routemasters still part of the Arriva London fleet www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.FleetNEW.indd 54
R
eflecting the history of the company, after Cowie acquired Briitsh Bus and its history of uniform fleet procurement, Arriva’s fleet is very standardised. The most common vehicles in the fleet are Wrightbus or ADL/Alexander-bodied, with a significant number of Plaxton and Optare-bodied vehicles also included. Darts and Alexander variants are more common than the newer Enviro models, while many of Arriva’s Wrightbus vehicles were manufactured recently.
27 ADL Enviro200 (2012)
1730 vehicles
49 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2004)
65 ADL Enviro400 (2008) 18 ADL Enviro400 (2009) 111 ADL Enviro400 (2010) 78 ADL Enviro400 (2012) 27 ADL Pointer II Dart SLF (2005) 13 ADL Pointer II Dart SLF (2006) 15 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (1998) 19 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (2000) 55 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2003) 18 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2004) 94 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2005) 41 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (1999) 75 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (2000) 61 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (2001)
ARRIVA LONDON
68 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (2003)
9 Dart SLF (2006) 23 ADL Enviro200 (2007) 24 ADL Enviro200 (2008) 28 ADL Enviro200 (2009) 25 ADL Enviro200 (2010) 8 ADL Enviro200 (2011)
13 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2005) 2 Park Royal AEC Routemaster (1959) 3 Park Royal AEC Routemaster (1962) 1 Park Royal AEC Routemaster (1963) 2 Park Royal AEC Routemaster (1965) 4 Plaxton Pointer MK2 ADL Dart SLF (2000)
10/09/2012 14:07
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55
TOP BODY MANUFACTURERS:
1 2
Wrightbus 2027 ADL/Alexander 1713
3 4
Plaxton 993 Optare 437
Mercedes-Benz/ East Lancs/ Northern Counties 152
5
STEVE HODGSON
One of 42 Optare Spectras in the Arriva Yorkshire fleet is seen in Leeds
Van Hool Alizee T9 in Arriva the Shires’ Green Line fleet 11 Plaxton Pointer MPD ADL Dart SLF (2001)
49 Wright Gemini DAF DB250 (2003)
24 Plaxton Pointer MPD ADL Dart SLF (2002)
52 Wright Gemini DAF DB250 (2004)
10 Plaxton President DAF DB250 (2001)
31 Wright Gemini DAF DB250 (2005)
25 Plaxton President DAF DB250 (2002) 10 Plaxton President DAF DB250 (2003) 21 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2001) 12 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2002) 25 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2003) 1 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2004) 15 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7TL (2001) 43 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7TL (2002) 99 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7TL (2003) 3 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2001) 7 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2002)
ARRIVA MIDLANDS 749 Vehicles
1 Dart SLF (1999) 1 Dart SLF (2002) 1 Dart SLF (2004) 7 ADL Enviro200 (N/A) 4 ADL Enviro200 (2012) 3 ADL Leyland Olympian (1993) 1 ADL Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2004) 5 ADL Pointer II Dart SLF (2002) 1 ADL Pointer II Dart SLF (2004)
20 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2003)
9 ADL Pointer II Dart SLF (2005)
4 Wright Eclipse Gemini Wright Hybrid (2009)
3 ADL Super Pointer II Dart SLF
63 Wright Gemini DB300 (2009)
4 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (1997)
74 Wright Gemini DB300 (2010)
13 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (2000)
98 Wright Gemini DB300 (2011)
11 Alexander ALX300 Volvo B10BLE (2000)
6 Wright Gemini Volvo B5L Hybrid (2009)
11 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (1998)
7 Wright Gemini Volvo B5L Hybrid (2010)
6 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (1999)
33 Wright Gemini Volvo B5L Hybrid (2011)
4 Alexander ALX400 Trident (1999)
8 Wright Hybrid (2012)
1 Berkhof Axial Volvo B10M (1999)
1 Bova Futura (2000) 2 Caetano ADL Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2003) 3 East Lancs European Scania L113CRL (1996) 15 East Lancs Lowlander DAF DB250 (2001) 28 East Lancs Lowlander DAF DB250 (2002) 1 East Lancs Pyoneer Volvo Olympian (1998) 1 East Lancs Volvo Olympian (1996) 1 East Lancs Spryte ADL Dart SLF (1996) 2 East Lancs Spryte ADL Dart SLF (1999) 1 East Lancs Spryte ADL Mini Pointer Dart SLF (1996) 1 Jonckheere Mistral Volvo B10M (1999) 1 Jonckheere Deauville Volvo B10M (1995) 1 Marshall ADL Dart (1994) 1 Marshall ADL Dart (1995) 2 Marshall ADL Dart (1998) 1 Marshall ADL Dart SLF (1997) 1 Marshall ADL Dart SLF (1998) 1 Marshall ADL Dart SLF (1999) 1 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (N/A) 5 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2004) 19 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2012) 3 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1998) 1 Optare Solo (2000) 1 Optare Solo (2001) 11 Optare Solo (2003) 5 Optare Solo (2004) 6 Optare Solo (2005) 5 Optare Solo (2007) 17 Optare Solo (2009) 4 Optare Solo (2011) 8 Optare Solo SR (2008) 3 Optare Solo SR (2009) 1 Optare Tempo (2006) 1 Optare Versa (2007) 5 Optare Versa (2008) 22 Optare Versa (2009) 33 Optare Versa (2011) 5 Optare Versa (2012) 4 Plaxton MK1 Dennis Dart SLF (2002) 3 Plaxton Beaver MK2 Mercedes-Benz 814D (2006) 8 Plaxton Centro DAF SB200 (2007) 10 NC Paladin Scania L113CRL (1998) 2 Plaxton Pointer MK1 ADL Dart SLF (1996) 3 Plaxton Pointer MK1 ADL Dart SLF (1997) 3 Plaxton Pointer MK1 ADL Dart SLF (1998) 2 Plaxton Pointer MK1 ADL Dart SLF (1999) 16 Plaxton Pointer MK2 ADL Dart SLF (1998) 9 Plaxton Pointer MK2 ADL Dart SLF (1999) 2 Plaxton Pointer MK2 ADL Dart SLF (2000) 15 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (1999) 18 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2000) 25 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2001) 12 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2002) 6 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2003) 1 Scania Omnicity Integral (2004) 2 Scania Omnicity Integral (2005)
13 Scania Omnicity Integral (2008) 10 Scania Omnicity Integral (2009) 15 Scania Omnilink Integral (2008) 1 Scania Omnilink Integral (2009) 1 Scania single decker (undefined) (2004) 3 UVG ADL Dart (1998) 3 UVG ADL Dart SLF (1997) 1 Van Hool Alizee DAF SB3000 (1999) 2 Wadham Stringer ADL Dart SLF (2001) 20 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2001) 13 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2002) 7 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2003) 6 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2004) 14 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2002) 4 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2003) 8 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2006) 2 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2007) 9 Wright Crusader Volvo B6BLE (1999) 21 Wright Crusader Volvo B6BLE (2000) 3 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2001) 14 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2006) 8 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B9TL (2008) 17 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B9TL (2009) 14 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2008) 1 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7TL (2001) 5 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2007) 2 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2009) 12 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2010) 11 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2011) 32 Wright Pulsar Gemini DAF DB250 (2006)
ARRIVA NORTH EAST 551 Vehicles
1 Alexander Dash Dart (1995) 1 Alexander Dash Dart (1996) 8 ADL Enviro400 (2007) 5 ADL Enviro400 (2008) 8 ADL Enviro400 (2009) 2 Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2000) 3 Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2001) 1 Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2003) 1 Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2004) 19 Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2005) 2 Mini Pointer II Dart SLF (2006) 2 Alexander Strider Volvo B10B (1994) 8 Alexander ALX300 Volvo B10BLE (2000) 6 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (1999) 4 Alexander ALX400 Trident (2000) 2 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2005) 2 East Lancs E-Type Scania N113DRB (1994) 5 East Lancs E-Type Scania N113DRB (1995) 9 East Lancs Lowlander DAF DB250 (2001) 4 East Lancs Lowlander DAF DB250 (2008) 6 Ikarus DAF SB220 (1999) 6 Northern Counties DAF DB250 (1998) 1 Northern Counties Palatine Scania N113DRB (1996) 5 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1997)
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.FleetNEW.indd 55
10/09/2012 14:07
56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FLEET PROFILE
10 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1998) 1 Optare Prisma Mercedez-Benz 405 (1995) 1 Optare Solo (2001) 50 Optare Solo (2008) 10 Optare Solo (2009) 12 Optare Solo (2011) 1 Optare Solo (2012) 2 Plaxton Centro DAF SB120 (2007) 33 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (1999) 8 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2000) 1 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2003) 1 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2004) 1 Plaxton Paladin DAF SB220 (1997) 9 Plaxton Pointer MK1 ADL Dart (1998) 5 Plaxton Pointer MK1 ADL Dart (1999) 10 Plaxton Pointer MK1 ADL Dart SLF (1997) 13 Plaxton Pointer MK2 ADL Dart SLF (2000) 4 Plaxton Premiere DAF SB3000 (1997) 1 Plaxton Premiere DAF SB3000 (1998) 8 Plaxton Premiere DAF SB3000 (1999) 1 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1997) 20 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1998) 10 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1999) 1 Reeves Burgess Dennis Dart (1992) 17 Scania Omnicity Integral (2005) 5 Scania Omnicity Integral (2007) 18 Temsa Avenue (2010) 19 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2000) 3 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2003) 15 Wright DB300 Gemini (2009) 12 Wright DB300 Gemini (2012) 25 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2009) 32 Wright Pulsar VDL SB200 (2010) 37 Wright Pulsar VDL SB200 (2011) 8 Wright Pulsar VDL SB200 (2012) 14 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (1999)
ARRIVA NORTH WEST AND WALES 1217 Vehicles
4 ADL Enviro200 (2008) 10 ADL Enviro300 (2008) 36 ADL Enviro400 (2009) 2 Alexander RL Leyland Olympian (1988) 11 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (1998) 1 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (1999) 4 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (2000) 5 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (2001) 11 Alexander ALX300 DAF SB220 (2000) 9 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (1998) 48 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (1999) 30 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2006) 3 ECW Leyland Olympian (1986) 1 ECW Leyland Olympian (1987) 1 East Lancs EL2000 DAF SB220 (2000) 24 East Lancs EL2000 DAF SB220 (2001) 4 East Lancs EL2000 MAN 14.220LF (2002) 3 East Lancs Pyoneer Volvo Olympian (1998)
www.coachandbusweek.com
1 East Lancs Pyoneer Volvo Olympian (1999) 2 Ikarus Citibus 481 DAF SB220 (1999) 1 Ikarus Citibus 481 DAF SB220 (2000) 3 Ikarus Polaris 489 DAF SB220 (2001) 4 Ikarus Polaris 489 DAF SB220 (2002) 52 Marshall Capital ADL Dart SLF (1999) 11 Marshall Capital ADL Dart SLF (2000) 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2004) 4 Northern Counties Palatine DAF DB250 (1998) 1 Northern Counties Palatine DAF DB250 (1999) 11 Northern Counties Scania L113CRL (1997) 1 Northern Counties Scania N113DRB (1990) 5 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1997) 26 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1998) 9 Optare Solo (2007) 5 Optare Solo (2008) 22 Optare Solo (2009) 26 Optare Solo SR (2012) 2 Optare Versa (2011) 12 Plaxton Centro DAF SB120 (2006) 3 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (1998) 15 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (1999) 27 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2000) 33 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2001) 6 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2002) 1 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart SLF (1996) 4 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart SLF (1997) 21 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart SLF (1998) 4 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart SLF (1999) 7 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (1997) 5 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (1998) 14 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (1999) 69 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (2000) 3 Plaxton President Trident (2001) 3 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1998) 3 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1999) 1 VanHool Alizee DH DAF SB4000 (2003) 1 VanHool Alizee DH DAF SB4000 (2004) 12 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2000) 21 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2001) 21 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2004) 17 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2005) 28 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2006) 13 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2007) 10 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2005) 34 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2006) 8 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2007) 1 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7L (2001) 3 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2004) 2 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2005) 1 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2006) 1 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2007) 6 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7TL (2001) 1 Wright Endurance Volvo B10B (1994) 45 Wright Gemini DB300 (2011)
A trusty Wright Renown-bodied Volvo B10BLE at Arriva North East
Arriva North East is unique in that it runs a fleet of Temsa Avenues 12 Wright Gemini DB300 (2012)
6 ADL Super Pointer II Dart SLF (1998)
21 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2007)
7 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (1999)
41 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2008)
7 Alexander ALX400 Trident (2000)
130 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2009)
48 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2004)
29 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2010)
11 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2005)
45 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2011)
1 Caetano Enigma Volvo (2004)
40 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2012)
1 Caetano Enigma Volvo B10M (2002)
1 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (1999)
2 Caetano Levante ADL Dart (1999)
1 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (2000)
1 Caetano Levante Scania K340 (2008)
30 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (2001)
1 East Lancs ADL Super Pointer Dart SLF (2005)
ARRIVA SOUTHERN COUNTIES
2 East Lancs ADL Dominator (1996) 4 East Lancs DAF DB250 (2007)
653 Vehicles
8 East Lancs Spryte ADL Dart SLF (1996)
11 Alexander DAF DB250 (2001)
3 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2006)
3 ADL Dart SLF (2006)
3 Northern Counties Palatine DAF DB250 (1998)
23 ADL Enviro200 (2007) 30 ADL Enviro200 (2008) 46 ADL Enviro200 (2009) 12 ADL Enviro200 (2010) 8 ADL Enviro400 (2008) 13 ADL Enviro400 Trident (2012) 1 ADL Mini Pointer Dart (2006) 2 ADL Pointer II Dart SLF (2005)
2 Northern Counties Palatine Leyland Olympian (1993) 9 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1994) 3 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1995) 3 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1996)
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57
Arriva North East-bodied Volvo works route X27
Arriva Midlands operates no fewer than 65 Optare Versas
This East Lancs-bodied Scania moved to Arriva North East from Midlands
12 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1997) 3 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1998) 6 Northern Counties Volvo B10M City Bus (1989) 3 Optare Solo (1999) 4 Optare Solo (2000) 1 Optare Solo (2003) 3 Optare Solo (2007) 3 Optare Solo SR (2008) 3 Optare Solo SR (2009) 1 Optare Versa (2007) 17 Optare Versa (2011) 1 Optare Versa (2012) 1 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (1997) 1 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (1998) 5 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2000) 1 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2003) 12 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2004) 6 Plaxton Mini Pointer ADL Dart SLF (2005) 12 Plaxton Pointer Mk1 ADL Dart SLF (1996) 93 Plaxton Pointer Mk1 ADL Dart SLF (1997) 12 Plaxton Pointer Mk1 ADL Dart SLF (1998) 28 Plaxton Pointer Mk1 ADL Dart SLF (1999)
ARRIVA THE SHIRES
BEN MORROLL
A 55-plate Alx 400 Volvo in the Arriva London fleet is seen at Marble Arch
12 Plaxton Pointer Mk1 ADL Dart SLF (2001) 1 Plaxton Premiere DAF SB3000 (1997) 6 Plaxton Premiere DAF SB3000 (1998) 9 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1999) 1 Plaxton Profile Dennis Javelin (2004) 2 Plaxton Profile Volvo B7R (2004) 1 Scania Irizar K114IBW (2004) 1 Setra S415HD (2003) 2 VanHool Alizee DAF SB3000 (1999) 1 VanHool Alizee DAF SB3000 (2000) 1 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2001) 28 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2002) 2 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2003) 16 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2004) 4 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2006) 9 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2004) 5 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2004) 14 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2006) 12 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2007) 11 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2008) 7 Wright Pulsar Gemini DAF DB250 (2004) 1 Wright Solar Scania L94 (1998) 5 Wright Street Lite (2012)
632 Vehicles
2 ADL DAF DB250 (2001) 1 ADL Dart (1997) 7 ADL Dart (2004) 2 ADL Dart SLF (2006) 2 ADL Trident (2000) 15 ADL Enviro 400 (2008) 29 ADL Enviro300 (2009) 1 ADL Enviro300 (2012) 4 Pointer II Dart (2001) 2 Alexander RL Leyland Olympian (1988) 8 Alexander RL Leyland Olympian (1989) 5 Alexander ALX300 Volvo B10BLE (2000) 11 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (2001) 22 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (2002) 3 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (2003) 1 Alexander ALX400 DAF DB250 (2004) 15 Alexander ALX400 Trident (2000) 1 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2005) 1 Caetano Compass Dart (1997) 7 Caetano Compass ADL Dart (1999) 2 Caetano Compass ADL Dart (2000) 1 Caetano Compass ADL Dart (2001)
2 Caetano Levante Scania K340 (2006) 3 Caetano Levante Scania K340 (2007) 2 Caetano Levante Scania K340 (2008) 7 Caetano Levante Scania K340 (2009) 2 East Lancs Flyte Dart SLF (1996) 1 Leyland Olympian (1991) 2 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2006) 14 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2008) 5 Mercedes-Benz Citaro (2010) 1 Northern Counties Leyland Olympian (1989) 11 Northern Counties Scania L113CRL (1997) 10 Northern Counties Volvo Olympian (1996) 16 Northern Counties Volvo Olympian (1998) 2 Optare Excel (1999) 7 Optare Solo (1999) 4 Optare Solo (2000) 3 Optare Solo (2001) 2 Optare Solo (2002) 1 Optare Solo (2003) 1 Optare Solo (2004) 8 Optare Solo (2005) 5 Optare Solo (2006) 16 Optare Solo (2007) 16 Optare Solo (2008)
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.FleetNEW.indd 57
10/09/2012 14:09
58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
FLEET PROFILE
An Arriva London Wright Gemini-bodied DAF at Marble Arch
One of 21 Mercedes-Benz Citaros in the fleet of Arriva the Shires
Arriva Yorkshire operates 13 Optare Tempos, a rare vehicle type in Arriva
An Arriva Midlands Wright-bodied VDL seen at Oswestry Bus Station
2 Optare Solo (2009) 1 Optare Solo (2010) 1 Optare Vecta (2007) 3 Optare Vecta (2008) 1 Plaxton Beaver MK1 Mercedes Benz 709D (1995) 6 Plaxton Centro DAF SB200 (2007) 1 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart SLF (1996) 7 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart SLF (1997) 2 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart SLF (2003) 6 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (1996) 14 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (1997) 10 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (1998) 5 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (1999) 2 Plaxton Pointer MK2 Dart SLF (2003) 1 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart (1997) 7 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart (1998) 14 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart (1999) 28 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart (2000) 1 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart (2003) 9 Plaxton Premiere DAF SB3000 (2000) 6 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1997) 14 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1999) 2 Plaxton Prima DAF SB3000 (1997) 13 VanHool Acron (2008) 3 VanHool Acron (2009)
10 Wright Pulsar Gemini DAF DB250 (2006) 22 Wright Renown Scania L94 (2005) 5 Wright Renown Scania L94 (2006) 2 Wright Renown Scania Omnilink (2009) 1 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (1998) 8 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (1999) 9 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (2000) 6 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (2002)
1 VanHool Alizee DAF SB4000 (2003) 2 VanHool Alizee DAF SB4000 (2004) 7 VanHool Alizee DAF SB4000 (2005) 1 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2001) 10 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2002) 8 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2003) 4 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2004) 3 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2005) 25 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2006) 7 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2007) 4 Wright Crusader Volvo B6BLE (1998) 3 Wright Crusader Volvo B6BLE (1999) 1 Wright Eclipse DAF SB120 (2004) 1 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7L (2002) 7 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2005) 5 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2007) 1 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2009) 20 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2011) 1 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2012) 4 Wright Endurance Volvo B10B (1998) 2 Wright Gemini DAF DB300 (2009) 1 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2008) 5 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2009) 1 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2010) 1 Wright Pulsar Gemini DAF DB250 (2001) 1 Wright Pulsar Gemini DAF DB250 (2005)
ARRIVA YORKSHIRE 361 Vehicles
1 ADL Dart SLF (2006) 17 ADL Enviro200 (2009) 14 ADL Enviro400 (2008) 1 Alexander ALX200 Dart (2006) 21 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (1997) 3 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (2000) 1 Alexander ALX200 Dart SLF (2006) 45 Alexander ALX300 DAF SB220 (1998) 20 Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL (2000) 2 East Lancs Volvo B9TL (2008) 14 East Lancs Lowlander DAF DB250 (2006) 14 East Lancs Olympus Volvo B9TL (2008) 1 Ikarus DAF SB220 (1996) 1 Ikarus DAF SB220 (1997) 1 Ikarus DAF SB220 (1998)
2 Ikarus DAF SB220 (2002) 3 Optare Solo (2006) 1 Optare Solo (2007) 18 Optare Spectra DAF DB250 (1999) 24 Optare Spectra DAF DB250 (2002) 13 Optare Tempo (2009) 29 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart SLF (2000) 1 Plaxton Pointer MK1 Dart (1996) 9 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL (2000) 11 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL (2001) 1 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220 (1997) 1 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2004) 9 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2006) 7 Wright Commander DAF SB200 (2007) 13 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2008) 8 Wright Eclipse Gemini DB300 (2009) 1 Wright Gemini DB300 (2011) 40 Wright Gemini DB300 (2012) 2 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2009) 3 Wright Pulsar DAF SB200 (2012) 2 Wright Pulsar Gemini DAF SB200 (2009) 7 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (2000)
Note: All figures supplied by Arriva Group and accurate as of August 2012.
www.coachandbusweek.com
Arriva.FleetNEW.indd 58
10/09/2012 14:09
p59_CBW_1053
10/9/12
16:55
Page 59
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59
COACH&BUSMARKET – the place to buy and sell
To advertise on these pages for as little as £30 just call 01733 293247
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
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 All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approximately 62,000km per annum) with Cummins 420 engine, air conditioning and AStronic gearboxes. Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream. Prices include new MoT. Priced to sell at £47,000 (04 reg) and £57,000 (05 reg) plus VAT. Sorry no part exchange facilities!
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
TEL EPHONE CRAI G – 0 1 3 82 5 5 3 9 5 9
...then 50 come along at once. Due to a major influx of new vehicles, we are selling a number of ex-TWM service buses. They’re in great condition for their age and have been maintained to a very high standard. There are currently 50 vehicles available, all stored at our site for viewing. Although mainly Volvo, Scania and Optare single deck, there are some double deck buses also available. All will be sold with 12 months MOT and repaint if required. Please call for more details. Finance and rental packages available.
Volant PVS Ltd, Beecham Business Park, Northgate, Aldridge WS9 8TZ T: +44 (0)1922 457003 volantpvs.co.uk
To view contact Tom Smith, Operations Manager, Alfa Travel on 08451 305777
1995 Mercedes 709
COACH&BUSMARKET
Looking for a great deal to sell your buses and coaches? 29 seats, Alexander body, lap belts, MoT till April 2013. Excellent runner, good condition – £3,100 + VAT Ticket machine A90 if required £400+VAT
For all enquiries call 01227 742909
Contact Jade Cassidy now for our current offers: 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
553180-1053-Ensign:Layout 1
10/9/12
10:30
Page 1
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.
1993 L REG VOLVO B10M
Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 78 seats.
1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
1997/8 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS
Euro 4 Cummins, 8.9M, 29 seats, DDA, Hanover LED’s.
2008 ENVIRO 200
Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Alexander low height 13 feet 8 bodies, 87 seats.
2000 W REG DENNIS DARTS
1999 DENNIS TRIDENTS
LEZ
COMPLIANT
Cummins / Allison, Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, LEZ compliant, 2 door, CCTV, large choice, £4500 each plus tyres (£400).
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
553180-1053-Ensign:Layout 1
10/9/12
10:30
Page 2
nbus
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
ZF auto’s, Alexander bodies, 84 seats.
1988 VOLVO D10M’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
Re-engined with Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, Voith gearboxes, 63 seats upstairs.
1994 M REG VOLVO B10M
1999 S REG SUPER POINTER DART
Euro 3 Cummins, Plaxton body, single door, 67 seats, DDA, Hanover LED’s.
Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 bodies, 9.2m, 27 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.
ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 320 body, 53 seats, from a very good home.
2002 DENNIS TRIDENT
11.3m, uprated engine and Allison World Series gearbox, 41 seats.
2001 Y REG DARTS
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com
553368-1053-Pembridge
10/9/12
15:41
Page 1
NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS
New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT
OTHER MAKES
FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES
(11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995 (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
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 2006 (55) Vauxhall Vivaro, 7 seat, wheelchair tracking, inboard electric lift, easy clean floor, 55,000 miles £7,995
SOLD
(53) 2003 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
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
(57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995
(09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650
(06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995
New Renault Master 17 seat LWB LM39dci 126 Minibus, tacho ONLY £20,350
(55) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9cdi, 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 55,000 miles £8,795
(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
(03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495
(07) Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, 2.2 diesel with three point seat belts, 28,000 miles, COIF/PSV £10,495
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%
679713-1052-Ventura
31/8/12
08:50
Page 1
2002 Volvo B12M Plaxton Panther
2005 Volvo B12B Jonckheere Mistral
2006 Mercedes Benz 413cdi Plaxton Pronto
49 seats, automatic gearbox, air =->,(&(->(>? %>, @AB *&&$,/ *+$, toilet, curtains and tinted windows. Coffee/tea dispenser, fridge and TV. Plain white. Viewing recommended.
! #$%&# '(&) % *+$, &-(.$&/ %(0 conditioning, automatic gearbox and destination gear. In plain white with a choice of two.
16 seats, automatic gearbox, power door and air conditioning. Is LEZ compliant, room for 6 wheelchairs, 300kg tail lift capacity. In excellent condition.
2003 Volvo Plaxton Panther 53 seats, automatic, ABS and air conditioning. Aircraft racks, low driver position, power door, side lockers and tinted, double glazed windows. Comes with radio/CD, PA system, lap belts and demountable toilet. LEZ compliant. Well worth a look.
1999 MAN Neoplan Transliner
1999 Volvo B7R Plaxton Premier Accessible Coach
2005 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 413cdi
49 seats, manual with ABS and air conditioning. Side lockers, toilet and tinted windows. Just repainted.
55 seats or 47 seater with 5 wheelchairs. Comes with wheelchair lift, ABS, air conditioning and radio/ CD. Curtains and tinted windows. Plain white. Viewing recommended.
14 seats, automatic gearbox, ABS and radio. Tinted windows and bus style seats. LEZ compliant. Well worth a look.
2005 Mercedes 413cdi Treka
2004 Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer SLF 9.3m
2005 Mercedes Benz 413cdi Plaxton Pronto
1999 Volvo Plaxton Excalibur
2004 Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther
16 seats, automatic gearbox rear tail lift and removable seats giving you the capacity for 6 wheelchairs. Plain white with choice available.
31 seats with single door and front entrance ramp, automatic gearbox and manual destination equipment. Plain white and choice of two.
16 seats, sprintshift gearbox, individual high back seats, ABS and air conditioning, tinted windows and capacity for 6 wheelchairs. Plain white.
49 seats, with automatic gearbox, ABS, air conditioning, aircraft racks. Curtains, courier seat and seat belts, toilet, radio, TV monitor and DVD/ Video. Comes with a webasto heater and low driver’s position.
49 seats, I-shift gearbox and air conditioning. Destination equipment, ABS, aircraft racks. Power door, radio/CD PA, side lockers, double glazed, tinted windows, curtains and *+$, &-(.$&1 234 &(.. 5$607%08 9:;<1
2003 Mercedes Benz 311cdi Sprinter 8 seats, automatic gearbox and air conditioning, three point inertia seat belts. Two passenger doors and luggage racks. Plain white.
2004 Mercedes 413cdi Treka Accessible Minibus 16 seats with rear tail lift, automatic and three point inertia seat belts. Capacity for 4 wheelchairs. Plain white, choice of three.
2008 Renault Master dci 120 luxury minicoach 16 seats, manual gearbox, ABS, tea and coffee dispenser, fridge, TV monitor and video. Plain white with a grey interior, viewing recommended.
2003 Mercedes Vario 614D 21 seat minibus with manual gearbox, ABS, lap belts and double glazed windows. In plain white perfect for school transport.
2011 Volkswagen Caddy Diesel van with side loading doors, radio/CD, ABS, driver’s air bag and air conditioning. Has power assisted steering, remote central locking and an immobiliser. In excellent condition. Choice available
1998 Volvo Van Hool T9 Alizee 46 seats, automatic gearbox, aircraft racks Double glazed windows, driver’s bunk, side locker, retarder, and tinted windows. Fixed toilet, TV monitor, water boiler, seat belts, radio CD/ PA system and fridge. Continental door and courier seat. Well worth a browse!
2011 Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van Diesel, comes with ABS, power steering, alarm, airbags, electric windows and heated mirrors. Has an electronic immobiliser and in excellent condition. Well worth a look. Choice available.
2005 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 413cdi Minicoach ;H #$%&#/ F%>7%. '(&) @AB/ *&&$, &)0$$ I-(>& (>$0&(% seat belts, curtains and tinted windows. Two roof lights and coach boot. LEZ compliant. Plain white, viewing highly recommended.
2011 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 313cdi Comes with on-board computer, airbags, alarm, central locking and CD player. Has high roof and side load doors. Viewing recommended. Choice available.
2005 MAN East Lancs Myllenium Empty shell with dual doors, automatic, air conditioning %>, @AB1 C,$%. D-0 =->E$0#(-> -0 -D*=$ 7#$1
2002 Mercedes 0814D Plaxton Beaver << #$%&#/ %7&-F%&(= ?$%06-+ %>, @AB *&&$,1 G%>7%. destination gear. Plain white. Viewing recommended.
Vans for sale!
679609-1051-Rotala
24/8/12
12:55
Page 1
679547-1053-Connaught
10/9/12
16:39
Page 1
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.
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
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.
D L SO 2006 06 REG IVECO 40C12 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks incorporating forced air and reading lights, power door.
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.
2005 55 REG MERCEDES 614 VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.
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.
D L SO 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.
Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk www.connaughtpsv.co.uk
p66_CBW_1053
10/9/12
17:00
Page 66
66 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
COA CH E S FO R S A LE
2006 MAN Panther 49 seats W/C A/C £79,000.00 2004 Volvo B12B Caetano Enigma W/C £49,000.00 2009 Mercdes Rhinobus 25 seats A/C 2008 Iveco RS 2000 Irisbus 16 seats rear lift
For further details or to arrange viewing call 07767 757930
COACH&BUSMARKET Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Buy 3 weeks get a 4th week
FREE!
Contact Jade Cassidy now on :
01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
1999 V REG DENNIS TRIDENT ALEXANDER ALX400
Single door, 78 seats, new belts, euro4 and repainted.
Phone for details.
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
2000 W REG DENNIS DART CAETANO 44 seats, 38 with belts, repainted and long test. Phone for details.
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
p67_CBW_1053
10/9/12
17:10
Page 67
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67
2001 (Y) LDV CONVOY 12 seats, PSV test expired, tail lift & floor tracking, choice of 2.
ÂŁ1,500.00 each
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
BARGAINS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MUST GO DUE TO RESTRUCTURING MAYPOLE COACHES HAVE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES FOR SALE: 74 bus seats, Eminox exhaust, 12 months MOT, air-con, choice of 4 ÂŁ9,550 + VAT each
1997 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
Retrimmed 2 yr ago, 12 mths MOT, 51 seats with belts, toilet, DVD/monitor ÂŁ11,250 + VAT
1994 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE
12 mths MOT, toilet, DVD/monitor, 49 seats with belts ÂŁ10,250 + VAT
1993 VOLVO B10M VANHOOL T8 BODYWORK
ZF gearbox, Cummins engine, 63 seats with 3 point seat belts, 12 months MOT, 3 point belts, tacho, choice of 2 ÂŁ5,500 + VAT each
1992 LEYLAND LYNX
Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778
!
!
"
!
!
#
$
%
&
#
'
(
)
*
+
$
*
,
-
'
.
2005 FORD TRANSIT 410
Factory minibus, fitted with 14 moquette h/b coach seats, COIF, tacho and new PSV, 120,000 miles.
ÂŁ5,950
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
/
0
!
!
!
1999/2000 Dennis Trident Alexander ALX 400 V and X reg, long wheelbase, EURO 4
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
679458-1053-Pickrell
H. W. PICKRELL
10/9/12
16:44
Page 1
MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES
Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951
Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrel
07 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD
60 REG FORD TRANSIT T430 JUMBO 2.4TD
06 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD
06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, sat nav, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Webasto, Unwin innotrax floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.
Manual gearbox, high roof, factory bus conversion, side entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back seats plus driver, ex local authority, only 6,900 miles.
Manual, PAS, LWB, PTS ambulance conversion, SLD, 6 rear high back seats, Ferno stretcher locks, Ricon stretcher lift , Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracking, exNHS, 36,100 miles only.
Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, Frank Guy conversion, n/s full height electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF’d, 103,080 kms.
2008 57 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO LH28 2.0 TD
09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI
2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD
60 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.5TD
Manual gearbox, hi roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 5 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 30,280 miles only.
Manual 5 speed gearbox, PAS, CD player, air con, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, double passenger seat front, cut out floor, fold down ramp, blue metallic silver, alloy wheels, 14,932 miles.
Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, modified low floor, electric winch & fold out ramp, 15,491 miles.
Manual gearbox, high roof, Advance conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 2,060 miles only.
09 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD
06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM 33 2.2TD
07 REG RENAULT MASTER LH35 2.5TD
56 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD
Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 7 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, full air con, Webasto, Unwin Innotrax floor, Braun tail lift, 27,087 miles only.
Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 21253.441 miles.
LWB, hi roof, multi purpose office/comms unit, PAS, SLD with AVS side step, awning, 3 x workstations, amber light, bars front and rear, overhead storage lockers, heating, generator, microwave, tv, only 1,500 miles.
6 speed gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, twin side loading doors, side step, 8 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher air con & heater, Innotrax Unwin floor, Ricon tail lift, 31,813 miles.
09 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM35 2.5TD
57 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35
07 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD
56 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD
Manual, semi high roof factory bus conversion, side entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back seats plus driver, ex local authority, tacho, only 23,469 kms.
LWB, semi high roof, BC conversion, PAS, SLD, side step, 11 rear high back seats, front storage area or double passenger, air con, Unwin tracked floor, space for 2 x w/chairs, PLS internal tail lift, choice of two.
Auto gearbox, coach built body, KFS conversion, PAS, side loading door, low side step, 15 high back seats plus driver, full air con, Webasto, Unwin tracked floor, lowering air suspension and ramp, 44,087 miles only.
Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, sat nav, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, air con, Unwin Innotrax floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.
2008 58 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD
53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416 CDI
56 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD
06 REG RENAULT M ASTER SL33 2.2TD
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats + driver, Unwin tracked floor, stretcher, Ricon tail lift, piped oxygen, Eberspacher heater, 48,441 miles.
4x4 ambulance, LWB, Wilker box body conversion, full air con/climate, side loading door, 3 high back seats, Falcon stretcher, PLS stretcher lift, very high spec, one owner ex Air Force, only 25,950 kms.
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Atlas conversion, twin side loading door, aVS side step, 10 high back seats plus driver, Unwin tracked floor, heater, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority.
Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 17,491 miles.
08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI
2008 57 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD
55 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA
54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, electric side step, 11 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor at rear, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, 34,954 miles.
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, SCW conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 10 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 27,478 miles.
Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF’d, 83,180 kms.
Tiptronic gearbox, Euromotive PSC bus conversion, front entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back removable seats, Eberspacher, ex local authority, COIF'd, tacho fitted, only 66,780 kms.
p69_CBW_1053
10/9/12
17:06
Page 69
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69
2009 09 REG FORD TRANSIT
15 seat factory bus with only 9K miles, tacho, COIF applied for
£14,250
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552 2008 (57) FORD TRANSIT FACTORY MINIBUS
17 seats, 50K miles, tacho, etc.
£12,450.00
COACH&BUSMARKET
Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Contact Jade Cassidy now on :
01733 293247 For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk
2007 ADL SLF ENVIRO 200 10.8m. 37 seats. £52,000
2008 PLAXTON PRIMO 7.9m 29 seats. £42,500 ea - choice
2006 ADL SLF ENVIRO 200 8.9m 29 seats. £45,000 ea - choice
2004 DENNIS DART SLF MPD 8.8m 29 seats. £34,000
2000 DENNIS DART SLF MPD 8.8m 29 seats £8,950 ea - choice
2000 VOLVO B7 SLF PLAXTON 72/74/belts. £POA
SOLD
SOLD
Refurbished
Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN Prices plus VAT @ 20%
p70_CBW_1053
10/9/12
17:48
Page 70
70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
2000 OPTARE SOLO
9.2 mtr with Mercedes engine, 33 seats with wheelchair and buggy space plus 20 standing with 31 newly installed seatbelts (forward facing), full repaint in any fleet colour, ready for schools, good choice.
MCV EVOLUTION 10.3mtr, 36 seats 11.1mtr, 40 seats
Light Weight Excellent Fuel Economy
Light Weight Excellent Fuel Economy
WRIGHTBUS PULSAR 2
£13,950.00
Order now for September
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
1996 Volvo B10 Plaxton Premiere 350
11.9mtr, 44 seats
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
Beulas Stergio Spica 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) 2000 OPTARE SOLO
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.
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
Please contact on 07921 290 544
9.2 mtr with Mercedes engine, 33 seats with wheelchair and buggy space plus 20 standing with 31 newly installed seatbelts (forward facing), full repaint in any fleet colour, ready for schools, good choice.
£13,950.00
Order now for September
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
p56_CBW_1048
6/8/12
16:36
Page 1
3 WEEKS 4 WEEK FREE
BUY GET A
PRICES INCLUDE :
TH
• Design Service • Web Advert • Full Colour
WHEN YOU ADVERTISE IN
COACH&BUSMARKET T E K R A M S U B & nd sell a H y u C b o A t e CO – the plac
7 1733 29324 0 ll a c t s ju £30 as little as r o f s e g a p e on these To advertis
l £90 o c 4 x m 5c co 5cm x 1
TO BOOK YOUR ADVERTISEMENT CONTACT:
JADE CASSIDY
£30
col 10cm x 2
£90
col 15cm x 1
£70
10cm x 1
col
£50
01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
l
l £50 o c 2 x 5cm
ek.com andbuswe ch a co @ y jade.cassid 47 or email 2 3 9 2 3 3 7 1 y on 0 Jade Cassid Telephone
VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES
p72_CBW_1053
10/9/12
16:10
Page 72
72 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED AUDIO &VIDEO
GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Mobile Column Lifts
Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381
HEATING
BUILDINGS HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
FREE
Set of Axle Stands when you purchase your Mobile Columns JHM Butt & Company Limited Sales: 01302 718226
www.buttsequipment.com equipment.com
Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors Radiators • Silicone Hose Ducting • Wiper Equipment Gas Struts
Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920
Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone
Email: sales@thhs.co.uk
www.thhs.co.uk
UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
CHECKPOINTS
REGISTRATIONS G
TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:
Don’t forget to say that you saw it in
£690 AXZ 70 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 CEZ 838 HIG 5338 MNZ 1195 CXZ 4471 CJZ 737 HIG 5339 ONZ 1180 DFZ 4676 KBZ 505 IIG 2278 REZ 3369 DRZ 8551 RBZ 696 IIG 2279 RUI 2117 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 3734 KFZ 3735 KIG 6631 KIG 6632 RNZ 2144 RNZ 2145 TUI 7068 TUI 7069
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Tel: 01524 271200
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
www.checkpoint-safety.com
REPLACEMENT LEZ EXHAUSTS
CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned
ENGINES
Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316 Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk
Moorfields Industrial Estate Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY
DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC
Direct Replacement LEZ Exhaust Systems Typical 2-4 Hour Install 2 Year Standard Warranty Unique Maintenance Modules - Keep your Vehicle on the Road Passive and Active Systems available - Suitable for all Drive Cycles For your Regional Agent or Further Information, Contact Tom or Brian on :- 01768 480111 or sales@greenurban.co.uk
p73_CBW_1053
10/9/12
16:12
Page 73
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 73
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED TICKETING
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED
Looking for a great deal to promote your products and services? Contact Jade Cassidy now for details of our current offers : 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
p74_CBW_1053
10/9/12
16:14
Page 74
74 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED TRAINING
VEHICLE SPARES
Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd
TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE
TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY
Now taking bookings for driver CPC training at our centre in Lincolnshire. Companies and individuals catered for. For information contact Jemma: Call 01529 414242 / 303333 or visit: www.sleafordian.co.uk
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
PVC DRIVER CPC TRAINING CREATED BY A COACH COMPANY FOR THE COACHING INDUSTRY
www.twigley.com
TRIM
COACH TRIMMERS LTD
Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment. Full floors re-laid and centre gangways. Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
GEARBOX REQUIRED
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229 WANTED
Comfort shift gearbox 7 speed GR801R (retarder) or repairable one for a Scania T9 year 2000 Contact Willie on 07733 914050 or Eric on 07733 914035 anytime
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •
Recovery
•
Testing
• • • • • • • •
Refurbishment Repairs
Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding
Buying & selling vehicles
DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •
Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows
Windscreens Seats
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
September 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 75
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
Arriva spreads its wings even further Following on from the feature on how Arriva has diversified into the non-emergency patient transport sector, it seems the firm has spread its wings even further – into Hackney taxi operation – if this photo is anything to go by. As if often the case on this page, all is not as it seems, as Linsey Frostick, Regional Marketing Manager for Arriva the Shires explained: “We have recently purchased several old London cabs to use as crew shuttle vehicles. They are ideal as they can carry up to seven people but are quite cheap to buy. “To make best use of them going up and down the roads in the towns we operate, we have branded them to either advertise our Green Line inter-urban coach services in Hemel, Stevenage and Luton, or to make the Arriva link with the cream horns.”
Tweet of the week
This issue’s Tweet of the Week award goes to ‘NW Motorway Police’ (@NWmwaypolice), which on Wednesday (September 5) tweeted: “Some good results for motorway police lately – 4 arrested last weekend for theft of washing machines – not the clean get away they’d hoped for!” …It certainly gave us a chuckle or two in the CBW office.
Dilbert
Monday: Press day. My first day back in the office for a week – I commend my team for their efforts in my absence. We’re a man down – James is in the sick bay. Despite being up against it, help a friendly operator with a PR matter. Finish far earlier than I anticipate. Tuesday: A friendly Operations Manager calls for a chat and fills me in on the latest news from his company and also suggests a couple of interesting ideas for features.
Will these taxis be appearing in spotter books soon? They don’t seem to carry fleet number, externally at least, so who knows…
Joke time In a similar police vane, we recently shared this with our followers on Facebook: Norfolk Police have arrested a man who had hidden inside a combine harvester after being disturbed while trying to steal it. He is expected to be ba(i)led tomorrow... If you’re not already a follower on Facebook, you’ll see we share more than just news – we like to have a laugh too. Visit us at www.facebook. com/coachandbusweek
Gesture of the week Lothian Buses has donated free day tickets to the Lothian Autistic Society in a charitable gesture. Children and young people with autism take part in weekly activities to help develop independent living skills and increase confidence. The group can now take the bus as part of their weekly activities. ...Well done to Lothian Buses from us all here in the CBW office.
Wednesday: A busy day in the office writing my Arriva Yorkshire feature. Stick to my guns when I’m asked to do something I completely disagree with – ‘Mr Stubborn’ becomes ever more defiant. However, I’m delighted when arrangements are confirmed for me to visit a coach firm for an ‘Operator Profile’ – the sort of job I’m in my element with. Start subbing pages for this issue. Thursday: With nobody hassling me, I enjoy an interesting day out of the office. Observe Traffic Commissioner (TC) Kevin Rooney in action at the Public Inquiry of Richard Godson & his firm at the Office of the TC in Leeds. Following the conclusion of proceedings, sit down with Mr Rooney for an interesting ‘Face to Face’ interview. Friday: As a team we enjoy a quick catch up with our respective weeks to date. It’s then a hectic day in the office writing, subbing and managing my team. Head ‘back home’ to the Welsh borderland to attend the official opening of Pen Y Grarreg Halt on the Cambrian Heritage Railways’ southern operation from Llynclys, near Oswestry. Seeing the GWR-style platform bench with a plaque in memory of my late brother provokes mixed emotions – it’s very poignant but at the same time I feel he’s honoured. It’s also surreal to think it’s now over three years since his tragic passing. www.coachandbusweek.com
LastStop.indd 75
10/09/2012 21:21
76 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 29, 2012
Bournemouth Transport is an award winning Company and due to continued growth a position has arisen for a suitably qualified and dynamic Engineering Manager.
ENGINEERING MANAGER
Reporting to the Engineering Director the key roles will be: Ţ Maintain and improÂ&#x161;e Company standards of engineering and Â&#x161;ehicle maintenance within our bus and coach fleet, with a keen eye for detail. Ţ Ensuring buses and coaches surpass current nspection standards and are safe, clean, aÂ&#x161;ailable when required and maintain excellent reliability in serÂ&#x161;ice. Ţ Manage a fully equipped modern workshop, motiÂ&#x161;ate engineers and cleaning staff and recruit when necessary. Ţ Ensure all inspection maintenance is carried out to the highest standards and all records are maintained within regulated guidelines. Ţ dhere to budget constraints, warranty claims and assist technical procurement with the tores Department. Ţ Ensure compliance with Č&#x2014; and EnÂ&#x161;ironmental issues at all times, including risk assessment when required. Ţ Maintain and keep records for all premises and facilities, liaising with outside contractors, ensuring a safe place to work, for all. Desirable qualities: Ţ Experienced Manager, leader and team player Ţ EngineeringĹ&#x2014; ransport qualifications Ţ horough knowledge of bus and coach maintenance Ţ ully understands regulations pertaining to C operations Ţ ood skills Ţ Č&#x2014; qualifications Ţ C licence his is a demanding role in a Â&#x161;ery busy Engineering department and would suit an experienced professional looking for a new challenge, within a quality organisation. If you are interested in the position please send your C with a coÂ&#x161;ering letter to: Mr Corrie, Engineering Director, ournemouth ransport td, eomans ay, ournemouth, Dorset Ć? Ć&#x2021; , or by email to gcorrie@yellowbuses.co.uk Closing date: Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2C6;Ĺ&#x2014;Ć?Ĺ&#x2014;Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2021;Ć&#x2C6;Ć&#x2030;
smart ideas from the brighter bus company
RECRUITMENT
BDoY Marshals receive accolade from TBF At the National Final of the UK Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) Competition in Blackpool, the team of volunteer Marshals who helped run the event were each presented with a commemorative plaque by Carole Titherington, North-west England Organiser of the Transport Benevolent Fund (TBF), now in its third year as the sponsor of the awards. Joe Mackie, Chairman of the UK Bus Driver of the Year Association, which organises the competition, said tbfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the industry, and particularly its close links with bus drivers, was a natural fit with the objectives of BDoY. The 2012 National Final marked 46 years of BDoY which was first run in 1967 as a local contest in Coventry and subsequently grew into a national event. TBFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director, Chris Godbold, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are pleased to be associated with this great event and especially the recognition of
Greening leaves transport
In a coalition cabinet reshuffle, Justine Greening has been moved out of the role of Transport Secretary, to be replaced by Patrick McLoughlin, former Conservative Chief Whip. The move is seen by many as a
Carole Titherington is accompanied by long-serving Marshal Douglas Bailey MBE the sterling contribution made by the competition Marshals who volunteer every year to help make the National Final a success.â&#x20AC;? The competition is a unique showcase for bus driving skills and has become the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier event for front line staff employed by companies of all sizes throughout the UK. controversial one, since Greening was vocal in opposition to the Heathrow expansion. She becomes the new International Development Secretary. Boris Johnson said the news was a sign of a future change on the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aviation policy. He described Greening as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;first-rate Transport Secretary,â&#x20AC;? and said her opposition to the Heathrow expansion was the â&#x20AC;&#x153;only possibleâ&#x20AC;? reason for the change, vowing to fight the decision all the way.
WJF Technical Support requires qualified and experienced PSV Diesel Mechanics, Electricians and Coach Builders for our nationwide Mobile Diesel Engineer Service. You must have a minimum of 2 years experience and have completed a recognised apprenticeship or be qualified to NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent). Good rates of pay available. Must provide own tools and have a valid full UK driving licence as successful applicants will be based throughout the UK at customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s depots. Please submit you CV to enquiries@wjftechnicalsupport.co.uk. Further contact details available at www.wjftechnicalsupport.co.uk.
www.coachandbusweek.com
People1.indd 76
10/09/2012 22:41
679635-1052-BusUsers
1/9/12
08:36
Page 1
Could you make a difference to millions of people?
Every day 10 million bus journeys are made in the UK. Are you the person to make a difference to the bus user’s experience? If so, Bus Users UK in Wales has a challenging and interesting vacancy.
BUS COMPLIANCE MONITORING IN WALES Could you monitor bus services and report on performance? Have you experience of working with bus operators and local authority officers in Wales? Bus Users UK Cymru has vacancies for energetic people with good written and numerical skills to help us make bus services even better for everyone in Wales. Home-based, one post will cover south-east Wales, another southwest Wales, and the third will be responsible for north Wales. Your duties as an employee of Bus Users UK in Wales will include:
• Recording the timeliness of registered services at timing points. • Identifying if bus stops are accessible and have up-to-date information. • Travelling on buses to monitor the quality of driving, and whether the route taken complies with the service
registration. Further information about these posts and a recruitment pack can be obtained from Bus Users UK Cymru, P.O. Box 1045, CARDIFF CF11 1JE, or by telephone on 029 2022 1370 during normal office hours. The recruitment pack can also be downloaded from Bus Users UK’s website www.bususers.org. Closing date for applications is Friday 14th September 2012 and interviews will take place in Cardiff on 26th September 2012. These posts will be home based in their allocated work area. Please download a full recruitment pack from our website www.bususers.org or www.bususerswales.org or email wales@bususers.org
A allech chi wneud gwahaniaeth i filiynau o bobl?
Bob dydd gwneir 10 miliwn o deithiau bws yn y DU. Ai chi yw’r person a all wneud gwahaniaeth i brofiad y defnyddiwr bysiau? Os felly, mae swydd heriol a diddorol ar gael gan Ddefnyddwyr Bysiau’r DU Cymru.
MONITRO CYDYMFFURFIAD GWASANAETHAU BYSIAU YNG NGHYMRU A allech chi fonitro gwasanaethau bysiau a chyflwyno adroddiadau ar eu perfformiad? A oes gennych brofiad o weithio gyda gweithredwyr bysiau a swyddogion awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru? Mae Defnyddwyr Bysiau'r DU Cymru yn cynnig swyddi i bobl egnïol gyda sgiliau ysgrifennu a rhifiadol da a all ein helpu i sicrhau bod gwasanaethau bysiau yn well fyth i bawb yng Nghymru. Byddwch yn gweithio o’ch cartref, a bydd un swydd yn cwmpasu de-ddwyrain Cymru, lleolir un arall yn ne-orllewin Cymru, a bydd y drydedd yn gyfrifol am ogledd Cymru. Bydd eich dyletswyddau fel gweithiwr i Ddefnyddwyr Bysiau'r DU yng Nghymru yn cynnwys: • Cofnodi prydlondeb y gwasanaethau cofrestredig ar bwyntiau amseru. • Nodi a yw arosfannau bysiau yn hygyrch ac yn rhoi gwybodaeth gyfredol. • Teithio ar fysiau i fonitro ansawdd y gyrru, a ph'un ai fod y llwybr a ddilynir yn cydymffurfio â chofrestriad y gwasanaeth. Ceir mwy o wybodaeth am y swyddi hyn, ynghyd â phecyn recriwtio, gan Defnyddwyr Bysiau'r DU Cymru, Blwch Post 1045, CAERDYDD CF11 1JE, neu drwy ffonio 029 2022 1370 yn ystod oriau swyddfa arferol. Gellir hefyd llwytho'r pecyn recriwtio i lawr o wefan Defnyddwyr Bysiau'r DU, www.bususers.org. Y dyddiad cau ar gyfer ceisiadau yw dydd Gwener 14 Medi 2012 a bydd y cyfweliadau'n cael eu cynnal yng Nghaerdydd ar 26 Medi 2012. Bydd deiliaid y swyddi hyn yn gweithio o’u cartref yn yr ardal weithio a bennir iddynt. Llwythwch becyn recriwtio llawn i lawr o’n gwefan www.bususers.org neu www.bususerswales.org neu anfonwch e-bost at wales@bususers.org
78 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 12, 2012
RECRUITMENT
Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484
ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
Tiley gets her PCV
New Manager for ETOA
Karen Tiley, the CPT’s popular Regional Manager for London and the South East, recently undertook to gain her PCV driving licence and passed with Epsom first time. A delighted Karen explained: “I feel it important to understand our members business and what better way than learning to drive a bus or coach. It has been great working with Epsom’s Terry Torch, whose calm instruction ensured I passed first time, I am delighted”. Terry Torch commented: “Karen was a model trainee and will I am sure use this experience to further the service to CPT members. As a member ourselves, it was great that we could work together with our trade association, as CPT do so much to promote and protect our industry, we are delighted to have been of assistance”.
The European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) has announced the appointment of Linda Haydon as Manager of Group Tourism. Linda Haydon has worked in the travel business, specialising in coach touring, for over 40 years, both on the road and in senior management roles. After graduating from Cambridge, her career has encompassed European Tour Directing, Blue Badge London Guiding, Incentive Business and Conference Organisation. Most recently, she spent eight years as Director of Operations for Insight Vacations and five years as Director of Product Development for Trafalgar Tours. Linda said: “Over the past 12 years, I’ve benefited from the expertise of ETOA in many different situations. So I am delighted now to be taking on a role for ETOA.”
Karen Tiley, CPT Regional Manager for London and the South East
Part of the Human Capital Investment Group Offices in Birmingham - London - Surrey
We are specialist recruiters with over 25 years experience in the PSV & Coach market. Providing 24/7 staffing solutions to prestigious Bus & Coach clients across the UK. We are immediately able to supply and looking to recruit the following skill sets: • Engineering Directors • Diagnostic Technicians • Coachbuilders • Parts Specialists • Welders • General Labour
• Engineering Managers • PSV Technicians • Auto Electricians • Workshop Controllers • Cleaners • Administration & Office Staff
Please contact Andy Jennings - Divisional Manager 01784 487616 or 07799 866467 www.proactive-tech.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
People2.indd 78
10/09/2012 22:08
“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)’
Recruit3_alt.serif_2.indd 63
03/09/2012 09:19
000000-1053-Dawsons
30/8/12
18:01
Page 1