Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1067 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

Wednesday December 19, 2012 Issue 1067 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

ACCESSIBILITY:

BUS:

A successful 2012 for DfT reveal action plan Contactless payment Irizar leaves them top to improve services for introduced across of the coach market p8 disabled customers p4 London network p6

Inside this week...

Minibus

Mainline Coaches: On the right track

LEGAL NEWS: Lessons learned at Crawley Luxury Coaches p18

for recruitm

JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK

RECRUIT N

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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

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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2012 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

The rise of the next coaching generation

hope you enjoy reading my ‘Operator Profile’ feature on South Wales family-run operator Mainline Coaches. The firm’s modern vehicles are a familiar sight on the M4 corridor and in London – they always seem to be well presented. Perhaps more to the point, I was fortunate to talk at length to Chris Mainwaring, son of the firm’s founders, Howard and Joan. Chris is one of a generation – his contemporaries include Richard Grey at Greys of Ely, Matthew and Isobel at Catteralls of Southam and the Edwards brothers and sisters at Llantwit Fardre to name but three examples. They’re the future of our family-run coach sector. While they’re not coach cranks, they’ve lived and breathed the industry since birth and have developed their respective family silver into jewels. It is this group, and other hitherto unknown individuals which I had hoped would be in line for the Young Industry Professional accolade at the UK Coach Awards when I first suggested it. On a perhaps less positive note, I’m sure I’m not alone in being somewhat surprised to hear Crawley Luxury Coaches hauled up before a Public Inquiry (PI) – and not only that, but to have its O-licence suspended for seven days. As the Traffic

Commissioner rightly states on p24, the firm “has a long blemish-free record.” The Brown family seem to be well thought of in the coaching world – they’re a friendly crew and have been keen supporters of the Coach Rally for years. As is always the case with our ‘Legal News’, we’ve not sought to dish the dirt, more to help operators learn from their mistakes. It would not be hard to write a concise news story on a PI but it’s also all too easy not to give the full picture. While I was not present at the PI in person, I was somewhat disturbed to find the police describe the firm’s request for photographic evidence of the offences as a ‘tactic’. I don’t see anything wrong with that. In fact, I believe it should be supplied with the notice of intended prosecution as a matter of procedure. After all, it would be all too easy to be accused, only to find a vehicle’s plates had been cloned – as happened to someone ‘back home’ in Wales. On a final note, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – and ‘Nadolig Llanwen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda’ to my fellow Welshmen. Thanks for your support through 2012. Here’s to 2013…. Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

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

A progressive second generation family business: Mainline Coaches

The expanding range of MercedesBenz Sprinters, plus news

What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus events diary

A Go-Ahead London Central Enviro400 on route 436

A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Office Diary column

Full report on Crawley Luxury Coaches’ inaugural Public Inquiry

NCT’s Seasonal Driver award and Lothian B-Us charity choir concert

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Regional News Legal News

Operator Profile The Big Picture Drivers

Minibus

Last Stop

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.

Putting your training in safe hands www.wts.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 19, 2012

news

“The rates now being offered for ski work are lower than they were five years ago – by around £1,000. You’ve got to earn money...” Chris Mainwaring Mainline Travel

briefly Due to the Christmas period, the next Coach & Bus Week magazine will be published on January 2, 2013. All of us at Coach & Bus Week would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Tipton-based Sandwell Travel has had its licence curtailed following a Public Inquiry in Birmingham. West Midlands Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones told the operator it would be banned from running local services using Bradford Place in Walsall for three years and also made an order to reduce its O-licence authorisation from five to three vehicles. Both orders will come into force on February 1, 2013. The company failed to run scheduled services and blocked departure stands at Bradford Place, which prevented Liyell Ltd, trading as Midland (soon to become part of Arriva subject to OFT approval), from using them. Sandwell Travel buses also ran in front of those from rival operators to take their passengers, which prompted complaints. Mr Jones contrasted the “amateurish” operation of buses by Sandwell Travel with that of Liyell Ltd, which he found to be a wholly professional and well-run business. A more detailed review of this case will feature in a forthcoming issue. Entry for the 2013 IRTE Skills Challenge will close on January 31, 2013. Aimed at the technicians who repair and maintain the UK’s buses and coaches, IRTE’s top technical competition will see teams of three gather at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol to take on a series of practical challenges. Sponsored by Allison Transmission, BAE Systems, Bridgestone, KnorrBremse and Shell, the IRTE Skills Challenge has individual and team categories covering the disciplines of mechanical, electrical and bodywork, as well as separate awards for apprentices, rewarding excellence in those beginning their careers. Entry to the competition is free, and bus and coach operators can rise to the challenge by registering online at http:// tinyurl.com/awrbf5p or calling 020 7630 2174. www.coachandbusweek.com

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DfT releases accessibility action plan New measures to come in between 2013 and 2020 across bus, coach and rail services, including assurance that Olympic legacy continues The DfT has published an accessibility action plan entitled “Transport for Everyone: an action plan to improve accessibility for all.” The plan focused on three key areas – improving physical accessibility, providing better information for the disabled traveller and improving attitudes and behaviour towards disabled passengers, highlighting the importance of maintaining improvements brought in during the London 2012 Olympic Games. The document identified a number of tasks which the DfT aims to carry out and the delivery deadlines for each. To improve physical accessibility, proposed measures included: All buses on local or scheduled services to comply with accessibility regulations by 20152017 depending on bus type, and scheduled coach services by 2020; Implement EU regulation 181/2011 concerning bus and coach passenger rights in accordance with the results of the DfT consultation exercise (2013);

Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverly Bell confirmed applications received after December 1, 2012, will be considered when the new financial limits take effect

Deliver projects for the additional £100m funding for the Access for All programme by 2019; Examine the scope for more flexible services, particularly in rural areas, and raise awareness of community transport services. To provide better information for the disabled passenger, measures included: Build on the success of the Games Spectator Journey Planner, including the deployment of software developed for London 2012 into existing systems, by 2014;

Operator Profile p24 Develop costings on Audio Visual (AV) technology options for buses (2013); Identify a suitable award scheme to recognise good services for disabled passengers (2013); Develop a kite marketing system for the carriage of mobility scooters and buggies (2013). For improving attitudes and behaviour, the areas targeted in the report included: Reducing conflict in shared space areas; Improving the collection and sharing of data on harassment; Ensuring the legacy of disability equality awareness training packages for the Olympics are taken forward; Developing with the Traffic Commissioner and operators the scope for a code of practice aimed developing respect for all passengers and staff on the bus network.

All local buses and coaches used on scheduled services will need to comply with accessibility regulations over the next five to eight years

STC advises operators on financial standing limits The Senior Traffic Commissioner, Beverley Bell, has confirmed all HGV and PSV applications determined from January 1, 2013 will be assessed against the new financial standing levels. This is a requirement of EU Regulation 1071/2009 which affects holders of Standard National and Standard International O-licences. However, the Traffic Commissioners (TCs) retain their discretion to set the levels for

Restricted Licence holders (not covered by the regulation) and they propose to maintain the current rates. Applications received after December 1 – which will be considered by TCs and delegated staff when the new limits take effect in the New Year – will need to meet the revised levels to comply with the law. Standard National and International licence applicants will be required to demonstrate £7,200

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek Transport Secretary Norman Baker said: “Much has already been achieved in making transport more accessible and the Accessibility Action Plan seeks to address the remaining challenges. In doing so, we also want to draw on the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games which demonstrated what can be done to provide those using our public transport system with a positive experience. “The Accessibility Action Plan focuses not only on improving physical accessibility, but also on providing better information for the traveller, and on improving attitudes and behaviour, especially towards disabled passengers. “In identifying our priorities in the Action Plan, we have worked with a number of representative organisations, individuals, transport operators and local authorities. I am grateful for the support and input they have provided.” Guide Dogs for the Blind has welcomed the announcement. James White, Guide Dogs Head of Campaigns, said: “We’re pleased that the DfT is committed to making transport more accessible for everyone, including people with sight loss. Talking Buses is a great way to make this happen and independent research recently carried out by the TAS Partnership has shown that the cost of installing audio visual equipment on buses is much less than previously thought. We hope this will be a useful starting point for ministers.”

The full plan can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/ cafz426. For more on Guide Dogs’ Talking Buses Campaign visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/ talkingbuses

for the first vehicle and £4,000 for each additional vehicle they request to be authorised. Existing operators making variation applications will be required to demonstrate financial standing for the existing and additional fleet authority against the new levels. The previous rates required access to £7,700 and £4,200 respectively. Any applicant or licence holder appearing at Public Inquiry before a TC after January 1, 2013, where additional evidence of financial standing is requested, will be required to satisfy the new levels.

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Local authority supported services, such as the tendered Chester Park & Ride, could see further reductions in funding

CBT confirms local authority funding cuts Freedom of information requests from the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) have found that funding for local authoritysupported bus services has been reduced by £18.3m – 16% – this financial year, with more than 40% of local authorities cutting spending in this area. Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide appropriate transport services, with unprofitable services relying on financial support through the local government transport grant and BSOG. Figures from the CBT show in 2011 central government cut the transport grant by 28%, while this financial year BSOG has been cut

by 20%. The group said more than 100 supported services in southwest England were lost this year, while the east of England saw cuts of £4m. Stephen Joseph, CEO of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Without [buses] many people are isolated, unable to access jobs or reliant on the car. By making year on year cuts like these, we run a very real risk of tipping services into a spiral of decline.” Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “We accept that the overall funding settlement for local authorities is challenging but some councils are responding positively to this and finding more flexible and cost-effective ways to meet passenger needs. “Bus patronage levels in rural areas are almost exactly the same as they were last year and the predicted collapse in passenger numbers has not happened. In addition, around 80% of bus services outside London are commercially run, so do not rely on

direct funding from councils.” CBT’s report concluded: “That 41% of local transport authorities have been forced to make cuts in their budgets for supported buses in 2012/2013- with a combined total of cuts of £18m - shows buses cannot survive without real long term commitment and support from national Government. Buses get little political attention, yet they are a crucial to meeting a wide range of key government objectives. “Transport has an impact on wider policy agendas including economic development, air quality, social inclusion and carbon reduction. Public transport provision is not only an issue for the DfT, it should be a concern for a number of Government departments. “The impact of cuts at regional and national level is complex to estimate. It is not clear what the social costs of reducing bus provision in a country of primary bus users will be. More concerns are raised about isolation in communities without public transport links, in a time when it is an imperative to tackle unemployment and access to training opportunities. “The figures collected show bus services are seriously deteriorating, and quickly. This is happening at a time that the Government is giving councils more control over funding for buses. But giving more control with funding cuts and without giving local authorities a regulatory role to ensure minimum standards is a high risk venture. In a country where the bus is the most widely used mode of public transport, and where the most vulnerable people depend on it, this is a risk which should not be taken.”

Central Buses has recently acquired a Routemaster RML2411 (JJD411D) from Ensignbus – the interior of which is pictured here. Previously in the London Heritage Travel fleet, the bus has been fully restored and according to its new owner Geoff Cross, “Drives very well.” The West Midlands independent has announced it is to use the vehicle on its route 88 between Erdington and Streetly on Thursday and Friday December 27/8. The firm will be operating a Saturday timetable on both of these days. For further information, call Central Buses on 0121 356 3487. Visit www. centralbuses.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 19, 2012

news › BUSeS

The number of traffic offences Crawley Luxury Coaches has committed over a nine-year period

briefly The Gloucester Road bus lane in Bristol was suspended on December 13 for the benefit of a local traders event. First, which runs services using the bus lane, claimed it received less than 24 hours notice. A spokesman said: “We support local traders but we were concerned to hear bus priority measures were being suspended to allow this event to take place. Our timetables are created in the knowledge our buses can normally bypass ordinary traffic. Had we had the opportunity, we would have welcomed the chance to work with the Council and the traders to promote the event, encouraging those attending to use the bus.” Just one hour and 40 minutes after 21st Century CCTV images were shown on BBC’s Crimewatch programme, a suspect was arrested in relation to a serious assault on a female Arriva bus driver. The quality on-board CCTV images quite clearly showed the suspect punch his victim in the face with considerable force. The victim can be seen to fall to the ground and the suspect run away. The victim suffered swelling, bruising and a suspected broken nose. The Metropolitan Police Workplace Violence Unit took on the investigation after Arriva provided the CCTV images. Just an hour after the images were aired on Crimewatch, the suspect contacted Bromley Police wanting to turn himself in. Forty minutes later he was arrested at his home by local officers.

Contactless payment launched in London All bus services in London have had Oyster readers upgraded to support the growing number of contactless smart cards Contactless payment has been introduced across the entirety of London’s bus network. The new system, which came into effect on Thursday, December 13, allows the use of contactless debit, credit or charge cards to touch in on the yellow Oyster card readers and pay the single Oyster fare on any of London’s 8,500 buses. TfL has worked closely with the banking and payments industry, including American Express, MasterCard, Visa Europe and card issuers, to bring contactless payment to London’s transport network. The Oyster readers on all of London’s buses have been upgraded to accept contactless payments alongside Oyster transactions and the software has been approved by all the major payments schemes and confirmed as meeting the security requirements of the global financial services industry. Over 85,000 bus journeys in London each day are paid for using cash, which currently costs £2.30, higher than the £1.35 Oyster fare, while at least 500 people per day try to pay their fare with a high denomination note for which the bus driver does not have change. The new payment option is also good news for the approximately

36,000 people per day who board a bus and find they have insufficient pay as you go balance on their Oyster to pay for their journey. For now, paying for travel using a contactless payment card is only available on London’s buses, not including daily price capping. The flat fare structure on buses makes contactless payment simpler to introduce and makes it easier to judge its success before it is rolled out to the wider transport network. It is expected that by the end of 2013, customers will use contactless payment cards on the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground and trams. Daily and weekly price capping will be included at this stage. Discussions are also underway with the train operating companies serving London about accepting contactless payment

TfL estimates over 25 million bus journeys will be made using contactless smartcards by late 2013

cards on National Rail services where Oyster is currently accepted. Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Lots of us have had the frustrating experience of dashing to board a bus only to discover that our Oyster card has run out of credit. So the arrival of this latest technology is welcome news meaning that with a simple touch of a contactless payment card, people can avoid having to scrabble for change and also still benefit from the Oyster fare discount. “This is the latest in a range of ways we are working to make passenger journeys even easier and more convenient.” Shashi Verma, TfL’s Director of Customer Experience, said: “Making it easier and more convenient for people to travel around London is a key priority for us and offering contactless payment on London’s buses, alongside Oyster, is the first step in becoming the world’s first transport network where customers can travel between bus, Tube and rail by touching in with a contactless payment card. “Bus passengers will realise significant savings by swapping from cash to contactless payment card and getting the cheaper single Oyster fare and we look forward to seeing the number of people using this payment option increase over the next year as the banking industry issues more contactless cards to their customers.’ David Leibling, Vice Chair,

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Number of years coach firm Clarkes of London has been operating London TravelWatch, added: “We welcome the introduction of contactless payments on London’s buses which should mean passengers don’t run out of money when paying for their travel. “Many people across London are already using this technology to pay for small purchases but as it will be new to many others it is essential that sufficient information is available for passengers about the new service so it is clear what they should do if they experience problems.” Oyster has been a resounding success with over 55 million cards issued since it was introduced in 2003. With around 30 million contactless credit, debit and charge cards already in circulation in the UK it is expected that up to 25 million bus journeys will be made by the end of 2013 using a contactless payment card. Melanie Johnson, Chair of the UK Cards Association, said: “Contactless cards offer customers a fast and easy-to-use alternative to cash when making low-value payments. “It’s good news for the cardholders that they can now use this convenient and secure payment method on London’s buses. “This announcement is just the beginning, as preparations are made for contactless payments to be rolled out across the rest of the London transport system and we hope for this example to be followed elsewhere in the UK.”

Stagecoach West’s Gold upgrade

Stagecoach West has upgraded its third route to the Group’s high quality Gold standard – service 10 which operates between Lower Tuffley, Gloucester City Centre, Brockworth, Shurdington and Cheltenham. The firm has invested nearly £3.5m in 19 brand new ADL E400-bodied Scanias which come complete with Lazzarini Transito high-back E-leather seats and WiFi. The new timetable effectively doubles the daytime service frequency over the section of route between Brockworth, Shurdington and Cheltenham. Nathan Griffith-Williams,

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41%

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The percentage of local authorities which have had to make cuts in their budgets for supported buses in 2012/2013

SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, December 17. 21st Century saw the greatest proportional rise, while Optare saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

339.20p

Price: Year High: 367.50p Year Low: 248.95p

Richard Stevens, Plymouth Citybus MD, and Cllr Mark Coker join staff from Citybus to celebrate the achievement

Plymouth Citybus awarded IiP accreditation Go-Ahead Group-owned Plymouth Citybus has been awarded the prestigious Investor in People (IiP) accreditation. The company is the second GoAhead bus business to be awarded IiP. To achieve accreditation, Plymouth Citybus was scrutinised by IiP assessors who reviewed every aspect of how the business operates, including its approach to customer service. Employees from across the business were interviewed including drivers,

From left to right: Martin Horwood, MP for Cheltenham, Ian Manning, MD, Stagecoach West, Cllr Paul McLain, Deputy Leader, Gloucestershire County Council Marketing Manager of Stagecoach West, said: “Our research has highlighted that key elements of the bus journey, including clean vehicles, friendly drivers, comfortable seats and pleasant surroundings, contributed greatly to our customers’ overall journey experience. The Stagecoach Gold

engineers, cleaners, administrators and managers. Customers were also consulted. Plymouth Citybus’ Managing Director Richard Stevens said: “Being awarded the IiP accreditation is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our 450 staff, from the drivers on the front line to the engineering staff making sure the buses are on the road safely. I am extremely proud of them all and of their commitment to improving bus travel in Plymouth. “The assessors were particularly impressed by the positive attitudes of our staff and by the fact that we aim to keep them fully engaged on a range of topics including customer services, recognition, leadership capability and opportunities for personal growth and development.” brand has been developed to give our loyal customers exactly that – an excellent journey experience. Service 10 customers can now expect luxury to come as standard.” The official launch event for the new buses was held at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel in Brockworth on December 7, with the vehicles entering service the following day. Ian Manning, MD of Stagecoach West, was joined by Martin Horwood, MP for Cheltenham and Cllr Paul McLain, Deputy Leader of Gloucestershire County Council. Mr Manning said: “When we introduced identical buses onto route 94, we attracted over 90,000 extra passengers in the first year, then an additional 50,000 passengers on top of that in the second year. I have every confidence we will achieve similar or better results on service 10.”

191.00p

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FTSE 100

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on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/12/2012 17:57

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 19, 2012

news › coaches

briefly Major maintenance works continue on the A470 Abercynon Roundabout. A470 Northbound single lane closures are in place between 0930 and 1530hrs each day, until the end of January 2013, and also between 2000 and 0600 each night until the end of March 2013. Additional weekend lane closures (Friday 2000 to Monday 0600) are scheduled to take place midJanuary 2013. The night-time road closures will be required to undertake the resurfacing works from the beginning of February 2013 and affect the A470 Northbound and Southbound approaches, the A4059 Eastbound approach and the A472 Westbound approach. Signed diversion routes are in place. A scheme is taking place along the A34 in West Berkshire to resurface sections of both the north and southbound carriageways. Work is scheduled to start early January 2013 and is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete. From Monday January 7 for approximately 12 nights between 2200 and 0600hrs, work will be carried out using full closures of the northbound carriageway from Chieveley (M4 Junction 13) to a point just north of the Beedon junction. From Saturday January 18 for approximately twelve nights between 2200 and 0600, work will involve a lane closure on the southbound carriageway and speed restrictions of 40mph on the approach to the traffic management and 10mph past the worksite. Fully signed diversion routes will be in place for both local traffic and motorway traffic. Main construction work widening the A23 between Handcross and Warninglid continues this week, with a reduced 40mph speed limit enforced and narrow lanes in place for 24 hours a day. The northbound exit and entry slip roads are currently closed at Warninglid, expected to open in mid-March 2013, to allow a new roundabout to be constructed. Road users will be directed to follow a fully signed diversion to the next junction. www.coachandbusweek.com

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A tri-axle Irizar i6-bodied Scania operated by Translink’s Goldline

Irizar becomes UK market leader Important orders from operators such as Lucketts, Redwing, Translink and Terravision help increase registrations by 200% Irizar is claiming to be one of the market leaders in the UK coach sector, having achieved a market share of over 20% through sales of its conventional coaches on Scania chassis and its new range of integral coaches powered by Paccar-DAF. The total number of coaches registered until September 2012 in the UK shows a 200% increase in Irizar registrations compared with the same period last year. The manufacturer believes this leap is mainly due to the trust placed in Irizar by UK operators who prioritise safety, service, reliability, comfort and profitability when making their purchasing decisions. This year important orders have been placed by prominent operators, such as Translink, Redwing, Lucketts, Clarkes of London, City Circle, Terravision, Stewarts and many more. Irizar said its success is the

result of its strategy of adapting to the demands and special characteristics of the UK market. Innovative new products for the UK include an Irizar i6 with wheelchair lift in the front door, a 12.2m Irizar i4 on two axles for school use with up to 71 seats (3+2 seat layout), a new 10.8m i6 as well as significant weight improvements to be able to offer the maximum number of seats with minimum fuel consumption. During the last 20 years, Irizar has consolidated its relationship with Scania Great Britain in the United Kingdom and together they form a partnership capable of offering clients an attractive product from every point of view. The introduction of the Irizar integral coaches, on sale through its subsidiary company Irizar UK, has also contributed to the increase in market share. Since the first prototypes were introduced in 2009, nearly 200 vehicles have been manufactured and are currently in use in Central, Northern and Eastern European countries to the clients’ satisfaction, both in terms of the product

and the service. The UK is one of the countries where market penetration has been most effective. The catalogue of products on sale in the UK include the Irizar PB, i6, i4 and Century coaches, available in different lengths, heights and on Scania chassis or as integral versions. This is all reinforced with the forecast for Irizar Group to conclude 2012 with a turnover similar to or higher than 2011 which closed with record turnover of €500m. This is due to increased sales in European export markets along with the growth of foreign plants and the recent integration of other companies into the group. Although the home market in Spain is depleted Irizar retains a 45% share but has growing networks in central and northern Europe. Irizar aims to maintain its current market share in the UK and claims it will respond to the enthusiastic reception given to its products through innovation, quality and reliability, matching deliveries to meet the client’s needs and maintaining strong after-sales service.

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December 19, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

“Despite a somewhat gloomy general outlook I’m convinced there will be bright spots and areas of growth where astute operators can earn a profit.” Martin Cole

EACT lobbying action on German VAT proposals The European Alliance for Coach Tourism (EACT) is lobbying the German government about its proposals to amend the VAT registration and taxation of foreign coach operators providing passenger transport services within Germany. The group includes both the CTC and CPT as UK representatives and said the proposals would involve more costs and additional bureaucracy, with a particularly significant effect on small to medium sized coach operators. EACT expressed concern that should the reform be passed, foreign coach operators could end up avoiding Germany as a coach tourism destination. The legislative amendment affects coach operators who perform journeys on behalf of a tour operator within Germany. Prior to this, coach operators were obliged to register for VAT as well but in cases where the service was outsourced to an external coach operator, the tour operator was

liable for VAT registration. The respective external coach driver had to carry the original VAT registration or another document as evidence that the tour operator was already registered. The proposed legislative amendment means every foreign coach operator travelling to

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Germany would be obliged to register for VAT. At the same time, the foreign coach operator would also have to make a pre-announcement for the VAT and hand in a VAT return for the calendar year, even if they are only performing a few services. Foreign tour operators who outsource the delivery of the journey to Germany to an external coach operator have also been released from their obligation to withhold their VAT.

The EACT claims the proposed changes could see small and medium sized operators choosing tour destinations outside of Germany

Clarkes celebrate 50 years

Clarkes of London celebrated 50 Years of trading at the Cumberland Hotel, Central London on Saturday, November 24. The party was supported by operators across London and the South East, namely Redwing Coaches, City Circle, Andersons and Lucketts. Representatives from suppliers who have supported Clarkes for many years such as Mercedes, Scania, Irizar, Fuel Oils, G&S Tyres, E-Type Media and Sunrise Technologies were also amongst the many that attended as well as industry professionals such as Mc Brides and Backhouse Jones Solicitors. Old acquaintances and new friends were present, such as the Maybury family (Big Bus Company), Chantel Davies, formerly of London Coaches, and a whole host of long serving drivers such as Roy Harding, Graham Constable, Bob Keeping, Ted Stokes, John

Minibus p33

John Devacmaker at the party with wife Dorren, Daughter Clair and her husband Paul Nicholas, Ricky Fletcher and many more. Close friends and family of Managing Director Deborah Newman were also in attendance, who she said have stood by her through good and bad times. Deborah said: “The last 50 years have been a challenge but we have held our own in this ever-changing industry, we are now looking forward to the future.” The celebrations were also in honour of Clarkes’ Commercial Director, John Devacmaker, who after a long and distinguished career in the coach industry, including 17 years at Clarkes, has decided to retire and spend more time with his family and friends. John has been in the industry

since 1978 and began his career at Arrowline Coaches as an Operations Director. In 1988 Arrowline were acquired by Scan Coaches and John stayed with them under a new title ‘Sales Manager.’ In 1992 he was made Managing Director of Scan and served with them until August 1995, when he joined the Clarkes team as a Sales Manager, becoming Commercial Director in 1999. John said: “Although I am very sad to be leaving I am also looking forward to spending time with my family. My time at Clarkes has been the happiest in my career – Clarkes really do have the best team of people and it has been a great pleasure working with them. “I would like to thank all my colleagues and good friends in the industry for their support over the years.” Deborah added: “It is sad to be saying goodbye to JD. He has been a part of Clarkes for many years, but the new year brings new beginnings and I am looking forward to introducing my new management team, which I believe to be a formidable force for the future of Clarkes.”

Ayrways to have licence revoked Ayr Coach operator Ayrways Coach Travel is set to lose its O-licence after appearing before the country’s TC, Joan Aitken. The firm has been told by Miss Aitken it can no longer run PSVs after December 31. The decision follows the firm’s failure to give Miss Aitken notice it was cancelling local bus services running from Bellsbank to Cumnock and from Dunure to Straiton. At a Public Inquiry in Edinburgh, which Director Thomas Withers failed to attend, Miss Aitken heard evidence from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, including that South Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council had cancelled all of the company’s school transport work. One contract, the TC heard, had been terminated after the operator had knowingly used a defective vehicle. The TC concluded Mr Withers was no longer of good repute or professionally competent, disqualifying him from working as a transport manager in the industry. He will be required to meet rehabilitative measures before this order can be varied or cancelled. The company was also disqualified from holding another operating licence in Scotland, Wales and England for 18 months. She added: “The disqualification ... will serve to put furth from Mr Withers’ mind any thoughts of an early return to PSV operating in this or any other traffic area and whether in this entity or any other business model. That it is not shorter is a reflection that this is the fifth time at public inquiry and given the way the operator licence and registered services requirements came to be disrespected.”

Ayrways was disqualified from holding another operator licence in the UK for 18 months www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

Southern’s PLUSBUS with B&H and Metrobus is key Go-Ahead extends PLUSBUS allowing its smartcard to cover its rail and bus operations Go-Ahead-owned train operator Southern has introduced PLUSBUS ticketing to its ‘key’ smartcard. Passengers using the key can now touch in and out at stations and on buses in the Brighton and Crawley PLUSBUS areas. Currently, weekly and monthly PLUSBUS tickets are available to load, but the firm says there is more to come as the product is further developed and extended. The latest development allows customers unlimited travel on Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus in the Brighton PLUSBUS area and on Metrobus routes in the Crawley PLUSBUS area, providing a complete multi-modal travelling experience. Key holders can purchase weekly PLUSBUS tickets and load them onto their card via self service ticket machines at Southern stations within the areas where the key smartcard can be used. Alex Foulds, Southern’s Development Director, said: “PLUSBUS tickets are proving more and more popular with our customers so it’s only natural that it should be one of the first additions to our new smartcard portfolio of products.” Roger French, Brighton and Hove Managing Director, said: “Brighton is already the most successful PLUSBUS scheme in the country by

Seven new E200s for First in Bath

First has introduced seven brand new ADL Enviro 200s to Bath’s service 13. The cross-city route links Foxhill, on the southern edge of the city, with Elmhurst in the north, via St Martin’s Hospital, Bath Bus Station and Batheaston. The buses, which the firm said collectively represent a £900,000 investment, were delivered direct from ADL at the beginning of www.coachandbusweek.com

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volume of sales so we’re pleased the latest smartcard technology is now available for passengers using both buses and trains.” Nick Hill, Metrobus’s Commercial Manager, said: “We are pleased to be part of this exciting new development which makes it easier than ever for rail users to get the bus to the station. We look forward to working with Southern on the further development of Plusbus on the key.” Alex Hynes, Go-Ahead’s MD of Rail Development, said: “It’s great to see Go-Ahead’s bus and rail

companies continuing to lead the transport industry by providing smart ticketing for passengers. Our smartcard is now used by more than 300,000 passengers and this latest development will make travelling with our companies in the Brighton and Crawley PLUSBUS areas even more seamless.” Alex Foulds added: “Buying a train and PLUSBUS ticket on the key offers the rail passenger multiple benefits of convenience, ease of use and great value for money. This is the start of a new exciting era of multi-modal smartcard travel.”

Campaign for uniform disability policies The Epilepsy Society is campaigning to make bus travel more accessible for people with disability by signing an e-petition. The charity is calling for the government to make changes to the disabled person’s bus pass to include travel during peak hours and a free companion pass where needed. The charity said the pass is a “vital concession” for those with epilepsy who have been refused a driving licence due to their condition. Passengers in Scotland and Wales entitled to a pass are already able to travel at any time, with free travel for a companion if needed. Some local authorities in England have implemented their own bus travel concessions and extended the hours of free travel to include peak times, but many have not. Amanda Cleaver, Epilepsy Society’s Communications and Campaigns manager, said: “We think the regional variations are confusing and impact on those who need their pass for travelling to work. Epilepsy Society is campaigning for the same unrestricted operating hours throughout the UK. The proposed change would benefit anyone entitled to the pass and we hope we can count on wide ranging support.”

Seen at the launch are Nick Hill, Commercial Development Manager, Metrobus; Alex Hynes, Go-Ahead’s MD Rail Development; Alistair Buckle, Head of Marketing, Southern, Roger French, MD, Bright & Hove

For more information about Epilepsy Society’s bus campaign go to www. epilepsysociety.org.uk/bus

December. In keeping with the FirstGroup’s re-introduction of local identities, the vehicles sport the operator’s new livery and the First ‘West of England’ branding. Speaking at the launch, Justin Davies, Regional Managing Director for First in the South West and Wales, said: “This is an exciting development for Bath. It comes on the back of £2.5m worth of investment we made in October when we put eight brand new ADL Enviro 400 Hybrids into service on the Park and Ride and provides a further boost for our operations in Bath.

and encourage more people to use public transport in the city.” Councillor Roger Symonds, Cabinet Member for Transport, Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, commented: “This is good news for bus passengers on route 13 and it is an endorsement of First’s and the local authority’s policy of working together in partnership to deliver better bus services to the people of B&NES. “We are anxious to make all buses accessible in the near future. The council will keep its part of the bargain to provide accessible bus stops and new bus shelters.”

Councillor Roger Symonds and Justin Davies launch the seven new ADL Enviro 200s for Bath’s route 13 “Each of these new buses has cost us in the region of £129,000, but the investment is worth it if we can use it to help grow the service

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news › international

New Setras for German operator Schmetterling This latest expansion is the biggest investment ever made by the family-firm GERMANY German operator Schmetterling Reise- und Verkehrslogistik GmbH has expanded its fleet with the addition of 16 new Setra S415 NF lowfloor buses. The order, for a total of 19 Setra MultiClass 400 rural-service vehicles, is the biggest investment ever made by the small family-run business, based in the Franconian town of Geschwand. It was triggered by the company winning a tender for a local public transport contract. From December 2012, Schmetterling began operating new regular-service routes in the rural districts of Forchheim and Fürth with a total fleet of 60 buses. The decision to meet this new challenge with Setra buses bearing was not a difficult one for joint Managing Directors Elmar and Daniela Singer. Elmar Singer said: “It was a very conscious decision in favour of Setra buses. Their quality, functionality and reliability have never ceased to impress us over the last 30 years or more. We know the lowfloor buses will still show excellent value retention even after the eight-year term of our contract. There is no comparable vehicle on the market which retains its value

500th Citaro handed over to PostBus

Switzerland PostBus Switzerland AG has taken delivery of its 500th Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus. The milestone vehicle was handed over at Begnins in the Swiss Canton. From when production began in 1998, the Citaro has shown its versatility as an urban and regionalservice bus in a broad range of variants in different lengths and with differing packages of equipment and appointments. The models operated by PostBus vary

as well as a Setra bus.” The buses seat 40 with space for 45 standees and are fully adapted for disabled access with lowlevel door sills and a folding ramp for wheelchair users. They are also equipped with a computer-based central guidance system and event monitors, upon which passengers are able to track the bus’s route in graphic form. Schmetterling Reise- und Verkehrslogistik GmbH has worked with Setra since 1980. The company employs 240 staff

and is part of the Schmetterling group of companies. The company operates throughout Germany, encompassing tourist travel and transport logistics, scheduled bus services, taxis, rental cars and tour operations. Established in 1976, it runs a fleet of 127 vehicles, including around 80 tourist coaches and regular-service buses. The Franconian family-run business has been a partner of the Ulmbased brand since 1980, when the company bought its first Setra 100 series vehicle, an S 150.

The German operator has worked with Setra for over 30 years

Stagecoach ‘monopoly’ in New York City USA Twin America, a joint venture between Stagecoach North America and City Sights, has been told by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) it has a monopoly over the $100m (£62m) a year ‘hop-on, hop-off’ tour bus market in New York City. The DoJ claims the venture, formed in 2009, allowed Twin America to hike fares by around 10%. Stagecoach said it was “disappointed” by the legal proceedings and would “take all actions to protect their interests.” New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said: “The formation of Twin America has meant higher fares and less competition. Tourists deserve better.” The lawsuit seeks to break up the joint venture or force the sale of some of its assets. New York draws 50m visitors annually and an estimated two million of these visitors each year use the open-top tours. The DoJ said prior to the joint venture, the two firms accounted for roughly 99% of the hop-on, hop-off tour market in the city. Stagecoach North America, which ran the Gray Line New York brand, and City Sights, engaged in vigorous head-to-head competition on price and product offerings which directly benefited consumers. However, Stagecoach said since 2009 the sightseeing bus market has become more competitive as new operators started up.

from the compact Citaro K, at 10.5 metres in length, to the three-axle 18-metre-long Citaro G articulated bus. For those variants where the emphasis is on maximising seating capacity, PostBus also uses the Citaro Low Entry model. Since late 2011, PostBus has been running five Citaro with fuel cell-hybrid drive systems.

PostBus Switzerland carries over 120 million passengers each year. With more than 3,300 employees and a fleet of more than 2,100 vehicles at its disposal – of which a third are Mercedes-Benz vehicles – PostBus is the leading bus company in Switzerland’s public transport network.

Daniel Landolf, Member of the Executive Management at Swiss Post and Head of the Group unit PostBus; David Robert, Head of PostBus Region West Switzerland; Frank Scherhag, CEO EvoBus (Switzerland) AG; Armin Krieg, Head of Sales for Mercedes-Benz Buses at EvoBus (Switzerland) AG

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news › REGIONAL

NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced funding for the construction of a new £0.74m offstreet bus facility for Banbridge. The site will accommodate up to four buses, helping to reduce congestion on the main Banbridge throughway at peak times. Danny Kennedy said: “Banbridge is a busy commuter town with thousands of people travelling to work and schools outside the Banbridge area every day. It is clear the existing bus stop infrastructure can be improved upon which is why I have decided to move ahead with this scheme. “This new passenger facility will provide a more comfortable and better waiting environment making bus services more attractive to use by the local community.” Catherine Mason, Group CEO of Translink, said: “We are pleased the Minister has secured the funding and land to progress this initiative and our project team will be working hard to complete it on schedule. “Providing attractive waiting facilities is important to our customers and we hope this new scheme when finished together with our range great value tickets and free WiFi on board most of our Goldline Services will encourage more local people to travel by bus and coach.” Work is due to start summer 2013 and will be completed by the end of 2013. All existing bus stop arrangements at Church Square will be retained.

NORTH

Preston’s City Council has admitted defeat on efforts to save Preston Bus Station, saying it would cost £23m to refurbish it and more than £5m to just keep it standing. Council Leader Peter Rankin said the authority could no longer afford to pay nearly £300,000 a year to maintain the building with looming budget cuts. He said the council had hired experts and spoken with developers about refurbishing and transforming it before ruling out every option except demolition, which will cost an estimated £1.8m. The demolition and the building of a new bus station would require a planning permission expected to be submitted early next year. It is believed the preferred option is building a 36-bay bus station on www.coachandbusweek.com

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to make bus travel a real alternative to using the car for local journeys. Speaking for Kent County Council, Councillor David Brazier, KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, said: “The Kent Thameside is an area of major development and regeneration, and the Fastrack bus service is the glue that holds it all together. “We are absolutely delighted Fastrack is now up and running through Ingress Park. While it has taken longer than we would have wanted, residents now have the vital piece of public of transport that they both want and need.”

KEY

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

LONDON

land on the north side of the site of the current 80-bay bus station. Peter Rankin said: “My job is to protect the services we deliver and to be spending the best part of £300,000 every year on this building makes that very difficult. “The easy decision would be to refurbish it but that would mean borrowing £23m and paying £2m in interest alone on that debt.” Cllr Rankin added the council could build a 300-space surface car park alongside a new bus station. On Thursday December 13, the council announced the site would be sold for £1 - if a bidder could find a plan to make it pay. As this issue went to press, the council’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to decide on plans to bulldoze the building.

SOUTH EAST

Arriva Southern Counties has extended its Fastrack ‘B’ service into the Ingress Park housing development at Greenhithe, Kent, following the opening of a new bus-only link road from Greenhithe Station. The frequent service was rerouted via the new road, which includes a tunnel, from December 10 and gives residents of Ingress Park a quick and convenient service to the station, as well as providing a direct service to the nearby Bluewater shopping and leisure complex and to Gravesend and Dartford town centres. Buses run every 10 minutes

during the day on Mondays to Saturdays, with a 20-minute service during the evenings and on Sundays. Opening of the new road has allowed the latest phase of Fastrack’s long-term development to take place, some six years after the service first started, and will ultimately be followed by additional services that will expand the present two-service network in future years as regeneration of the Kent Thameside area progresses. As an incentive to encourage residents of Ingress Park to use their new service to Greenhithe Station, Arriva has introduced a special weekly ticket costing just £5 which allows unlimited travel to and from the station over a full seven-day period. Arriva Southern Counties’ Regional Publicity Manager Richard Lewis said: “We are delighted to introduce Fastrack to Ingress Park and we hope people living in this large community will find the service to be of use, whether for commuting, shopping, getting to school or college, or for leisure purposes. “Fastrack has given Kent Thameside a high-quality service which is set for expansion in the future.” Operated in partnership with Kent County Council and other partners, Fastrack ‘B’ has received a number of awards and has been highly-praised as a service designed

A new drive to crack down on physical and verbal assaults against transport staff on Transport for London’s (TfL’s) services has been launched with a network-wide publicity campaign which warns would-be perpetrators ‘Don’t take it out on our staff’. The campaign reinforces TfL’s commitment to tackle workplace violence against its staff and to further encourage staff to report instances of abuse, whether physical or non-physical. As part of this commitment TfL funds dedicated workplace violence police officers and TfL staff to investigate cases, provide support for victims. Although transport crime reached an eight-year low during the year 2011/12, TfL saw an increase of 6% in reported incidents of aggression against Tube staff alone. Of these, reported verbal abuse rose by 17%. Across the network there are more than 2,500 police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who, along with the deployment of more than 12,000 CCTV cameras on the Tube and CCTV on all London Buses, have helped to secure successful convictions against around 90% of offenders in the last five years. Steve Burton, Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing for TfL, said: “Our staff do a tremendous job helping customers on and around the transport network, and we and our partners in the British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police are committed to stamp out any behaviour which intimidates staff and customers.” Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor, Safer Transport

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Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you’d like us to cover, contact James Day on james. day@coachandbusweek.com. Command, said: “The Joint MPS/ TfL Workplace Violence Unit is dedicated to investigating all assaults on frontline bus staff; we will continue to work together with TfL and bus companies to catch those who commit acts of violence.”

SOUTH WEST

Bournemouth-based Yellow Buses now allows passengers to top up their smart cards online for next-day use. Customers can now top up their ‘Glo’ cards through Yellow Buses’ new, tablet-friendly website as well as on the bus, in a shop or at its office in Bournemouth Square. Any top ups done before midnight are ready the next morning to collect through the ticket machine on the bus. Yellow Buses was reacting to customer feedback and developed the quicker system to help keep it ahead of rivals. The system gives added security and it is ‘greener’ because the same smartcard can be topped up again

and again, cutting down on the use of paper. With the added convenience, Yellow Buses has noticed an increase in use of the cards, which were first introduced in 2010 and replaced the ‘Yellow Cards’. Jenni Wilkinson, Yellow Buses’ Head of Marketing, said: “When we introduced the Glo cards they were a major step forward. “They have become more and more popular, but one thing our customers really wanted was to be able to top them up ready for the next day and now they can, which we believe is an industry first. We are very proud of the system. “In addition to this we have also introduced new levels of transparency and we have a great journey planning application on our website which also includes fare prices and shows savings when you ‘Glo’. “This is unusual for bus operators and it means our passengers will find travelling with us much easier.”

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Merseytravel will play host to next year’s ATCO summer conference June 11–13. Chairman David Blainey is seen at the 2012 event, which was held in Birmingham

2013 n January 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. 01993 883617. www. oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n January 1 Annual King Alfred Running Day, Winchester. Further information from www.

n April 21 London Bus Museum Spring Gathering. Cobham Hall, Weybridge, Surrey. 01932 837994. www.londonbusmuseum.com

n January 24 CPT Annual Dinner 2013, Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, 45 Prescot Street, London E1 8GP. Call 020 7240 3131 or visit www.

n May 14-15 ALBUM Conference. Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, Lincolnshire. www.albumconference. co.uk

fokab.org.uk

cpt-uk.org

n January 28-30 Transport Ticketing 2013, Park Royal Plaza Riverbank Hotel, Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TJ. Call 0207 384 79201 or visit

www.transport-ticketing.com

n February 24-25 Coach Holiday Conference. Bristol Filton Holiday Inn. www.coachtourismcouncil.com

Around 70 year six pupils, plus teachers, from St Hugh’s Catholic School in Timperley were given a guided visit at Altrincham Interchange as part of ‘Operation Assure’, a multi-agency initiative involving Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Trafford Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police designed to promote good behaviour and safety amongst school children using the interchange. Glyn Edwards, a Supervisor at the Interchange who hosted the tour, said: “This is an important subject and I like to think we have carried out some excellent preventative work over the years in Trafford. We are targeting those in the last year of primary school as once they move onto secondary education; it is more likely they will use Altrincham Interchange. We all know young people sometimes don’t realise the risks around them and we want to remind them of their surroundings in a fun and reassuring way.” Coaches were voluntarily provided by local family-run operator Goodwins to transport the pupils to the Interchange and back to school. The young visitors were also given TfGM produced ‘Use the Code’ cards, which list the do’s and don’ts of using the interchange. It is hoped more Trafford schools will be invited to take part in the initiative once Altrincham Interchange undergoes a £19m refurbishment in 2013 as part of investment provided by TfGM.

n April 20-21 UK Coach Awards & UK Coach Rally. Alton Towers, Staffordshire. 01753 631170 www.coachdisplays.co.uk or www. ukcoachawards.co.uk

n March 13-14 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum at the NEC in Birmingham. 01926 834796. www. bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk n March 19-21 The Cleaning Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01737 855 086 www.cleaningshow.co.uk n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. The conference is booked to take place in Fareham and will feature a visit to Hampshire’s Eclipse BRT project. 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 April 9-11 CV Show 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www.cvshow.com

n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610 n June 11-13 ATCO Summer Conference. Merseytravel HQ, Liverpool. www.atco.org.uk n June 16 Swansea Festival of Transport. Free to enter & attend. Call organiser Ashley Lovering on 07814958379 or email swanseatransport@aol.com. Visit www.ntfwswansea.co.uk. n July 21 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants. www.altonbusrally.org.uk n July 28 The Annual Peterborough Bus & Commercial Vehicle Rally. Sacrewell Farm (A47/A1 junction). All buses and commercials welcome. Free entry. 07828 754412 or 01462 626750k n September 22 Showbus 2013. Long Marston Airfield, Warwickshire. www.showbus.com n October 2-3 Coach & Bus Live 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www. coachandbuslive.com

Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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LEGAL news › PUBLIC INQUIRY

O-licence suspended over driver speeding After a Public Inquiry following traffic offences and repeated failure to provide driver information to the police, Traffic Commissioner for London and South East, Nicholas Denton issued a number of suspensions on Crawley Luxury Coaches J&M Brown Coaches Ltd, trading as Crawley Luxury Coaches, is to have its operating licence suspended for seven days after witness statements from Peter Trill, a camera technician and enforcement officer employed by Sussex police, to Traffic Commissioner for London and South East, Nicholas Denton, to the effect that J&M Brown Coaches vehicles were alleged to have committed traffic offences (either speeding or failing to stop at a red traffic light) on 39 occasions from March 2003 to April 2012. Further to this, Mr Trill stated the company had repeatedly used the “tactic” of requesting photographic evidence to identify drivers when a notice of intended prosecution was issued by the police. It had reportedly failed to respond to the notices of intended prosecution within the statutory 28 days and had repeatedly stated it was unable to identify drivers of vehicles at particular times, when it should have known it was supposed to keep records which would enable drivers to be identified. In Mr Trill’s opinion, this behaviour was a deliberate tactic to avoid the prosecution of both the drivers and of the company itself. The operator holds a standard international PSV O-licence PK0002377 and is authorised to run 39 vehicles. The Directors of the company are David Leonard Brown and his two sons Gavin David Brown and Darren John Brown. David Brown is the nominated Transport Manager, by virtue of acquired rights. Both Gavin and Darren hold a Standard National Transport Manager CPC qualification by examination. The TC said: “In the light of this communication, and the detailed evidence which accompanied it, I decided to call the operator and www.coachandbusweek.com

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its Transport Manager to a Public Inquiry (PI), to consider the repute of both.”

Preliminary hearing On September 7 2012, at the request of Pellys, the company’s legal representatives, a preliminary hearing was held at Eastbourne to consider arguments advanced by Mr Nesbitt, Barrister, concerning whether a PI was needed and, if it was, concerning the scope of the evidence it should consider. At the hearing, and in a subsequent written submission, Mr Nesbitt outlined the measures the company had taken to improve its response to requests from the police about the identity of the drivers and concluded these improvements should make a formal PI unnecessary. If one was held, he advanced legal arguments as to why it should not consider any offences

“The company acknowledged it had been too slow to respond to the problem once it had been identified to them and to set up systems which would facilitate driver identification” Nicholas Denton Traffic Commissioner for London and South East

more than two years old. “In my reply I stated I still considered a PI to be necessary. Since the preliminary hearing I had received further information from the police stating the operator had received four convictions over the period 2010-2012 for failing to supply information as to the identity of a driver, and two further prosecutions for the same offence were pending. These were matters which could affect repute and merited proper consideration at a PI. The argument that the operator

had taken measures to improve its response could be very helpful to the operator’s case, but I did not consider it a reason why a PI should not take place,” said the TC.

Public Inquiry The PI was held in Eastbourne on November 15, 2012. The issues outlined in the call-up letter were the fact the company had received convictions for failing to provide the identity of a driver and had failed to notify these convictions to the TC; it had apparently failed to abide by the undertaking on its licence that the laws relating to the driving and operation of vehicles would be observed; and consequently the repute of both operator and transport manager were at stake. “Before the PI, Mr Nesbitt provided me with a summary of the operator’s case,” said Mr Denton. “In essence this was that the company recognised more could and should have been done to identify drivers in response to police requests. Although there had never been any strategy not to assist the police, the operator acknowledged it had been too slow to respond to the problem once it had been identified to them and to set up systems which would facilitate driver identification. “It described the steps which had been undertaken or which were proposed to remedy this: a log recording which driver was driving which coach was already in place; David Brown the Transport Manager had assumed greater involvement in this aspect of the business; the company had arranged driver training in relation to speeding; it proposed to arrange an audit of all systems and procedures by an external body.”

Evidence of Peter Trill Peter Trill, the (civilian) camera enforcement officer from Sussex police summarised his statements (recorded above) and made the following additional points: The operator was specifically told, in a letter from Chief Superintendent Peter Coll in April 2007, it should have in place a system which enabled it to identify

the drivers of its vehicles at all times; William Bond, a safety camera enquiry officer from Sussex police, had visited the operator on November 23, 2009 to serve a notice of intended prosecution and advise the firm of its duty to identify drivers; Despite this, in January 2010, the company had responded to a further notice of intended prosecution (relating to an offence on December 23, 2009) with a request to provide photographic evidence so the identity of the driver could be established. The company had continued to request photographs in response to notices of intended prosecution; The company had received convictions in 2010 for four failures to identify drivers: three of these failures occurred after Mr Bond’s visit to the operator at which he had reminded them of the need to have a system in place to identify drivers. On November 3, 2011, PC Upperton from Sussex Police had visited the operator to discuss two cases where it had provided details of driver names and addresses, but where these details had turned out to be incomplete

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Crawley Luxury Coaches holds a standard international PSV O-licence and is authorised to run 39 vehicles or incorrect, meaning the drivers could not be traced. PC Upperton had provided a witness statement saying he had discussed with the company’s owner David Brown and his son Darren the importance of having a system in place to tell who was driving a vehicle at a particular date and time, just as the police themselves did for their own vehicles. However, despite PC Upperton’s visit and advice, the company had again requested photographic evidence to enable the drivers of two vehicles detected committing traffic offences on the same day, April 12, 2012 to be identified. Both these cases were currently being prosecuted for the company’s failure to provide the drivers’ identity, and were due to be considered at Haywards Heath Magistrates Court in early 2013.

Evidence of William Bond Mr Bond stated he visited the operator on November 23, 2009 to serve a notice of intended prosecution. He had an amicable conversation with Darren Brown about the need to identify drivers and have a system in place which would facilitate this. In November 2011, he had asked PC Upperton to visit the operator to find out

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why, in the few cases where the operator had provided details of the names and addresses of drivers, the addresses had turned out to be incomplete or incorrect and had not enabled the police to trace the driver. Mr Nesbitt wondered whether the conversation had been so amicable that Darren might have had with the impression the company was not in trouble and there was no real urgency to take action.

Evidence of Darren Brown Darren Brown stated he was a Transport Manager Standard National CPC holder, although not the nominated Transport Manager on the (Standard International) licence. He described the operations of the company. It operated 48–55 seater coaches on general private hire, school contracts and council contracts. For the most part it was a Monday to Friday operation, with peak working during the school terms and summer. His brother Gavin looked after the workshop, overseeing the six mechanics there. He (Darren) organised the operational side, scheduling and instructing drivers, dealing with customers and overseeing invoicing. He worked long hours,

typically 11 hours a day, and was under considerable pressure from dealing with the daily grind of running a busy coach operation. Both he and Gavin were overseen by their father, Managing Director and Transport Manager David. Driver scheduling was done by him, Darren, on a whiteboard in the office, which was wiped at the end of each week. Against some drivers, the whiteboard simply recorded “regular vehicle”, as he knew which vehicle in his head. For pool vehicles, some 25 or so out of the 39 authorised, a vehicle registration was assigned on the whiteboard to a particular driver. Asked why, if a police request had been received for the details of a driver driving a regular vehicle, Darren had not been able to provide this, since he had the details of which driver drove which regular vehicle in his head. In response to a further question from Mr Nesbitt, Darren replied that regular vehicles were out of service for maintenance three or four days a month, and sometimes regular drivers drove vehicles other than their regular one, if they had been particularly requested by a customer who wanted a different-sized coach, so it was not always possible to

remember who had been driving which vehicle on what day. Darren stated the requests had not stood out as an issue for him at the time, although in retrospect he should have done more. He said he had been busy and that he had “brushed the requests aside” because he “just felt they were not important” to him. If he had felt like it, he would ask for a photograph; on other occasions he would not. There had been no deliberate tactic to ask for a photograph and no deliberate tactic of delaying such requests until towards the end of the 28 day response period. He had not felt the operation had a problem with drivers speeding or running through red lights. Darren had no recollection of PC Upperton’s visit in November 2011 but could recall Mr Bond’s visit in November 2009. He did not believe Mr Bond had mentioned the need for a vehicle/driver logging system. Mr Bond had brought notices of intended prosecution and told him it was his duty to fill them in with the driver details. He had not thought he was in any kind of trouble with the police: the discussion had been in the nature of an informal chat. Darren stated that by 2011, after the convictions in 2010 for failing to provide information, he had realised this was a bit more of a priority and started to fill in driver details (albeit incorrectly) in response to some police requests. He had not reported anything to his father David other than that he (Darren) was dealing with the matter. David had been “extremely peeved” with him when this later turned out not to be the case. Darren listed the measures the company had now taken to address the issues identified in the police statements: a new coach log system would show which driver was driving which vehicle and a record of this would be kept. The TC was shown a template for this log and asked if he could see a completed example from a recent week. The TC was informed the company had been experimenting with different forms of logs for a few months, and the current system did not yet associate drivers with specific vehicles. However, this would happen from the Monday after the PI; 25 drivers had been booked on to a speed awareness course;

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LEGAL news › PUBLIC INQUIRY

he had booked himself onto a Transport Manager CPC refresher course, which, if he passed the examination at the end, would take him to Standard International CPC level; David was now taking direct responsibility for dealing with any notices of intended prosecution from the police, with Gavin assisting. He (Darren) had been removed from responsibility for this issue. “I asked Darren if he was aware of the duty to notify the TC of convictions the operator received. He said he was not,” said Mr Denton. “I asked how often he checked the driving licences of his drivers: he replied he tried to do it every six months although was not always successful. I asked whether, quite apart from the issue of giving information about drivers to the police, he had not been bothered by the nature of the traffic offences revealed. Some of the speeding offences were quite serious, with vehicles travelling at over 50mph in a 40mph limit, and up to 47mph in a 30mph limit. The company’s vehicles had been detected going through red lights two seconds after they had turned to red.” The TC asked whether Darren had not been worried about the safety implications of these offences? Darren said he had not been at the time, although with hindsight he should have been. I noted that part of the business of the company was school contracts and asked him whether he would have been happy for his own children to travel on coaches exceeding the speed limit and going through red lights. He replied that he would not.”

Evidence of David Brown David Brown stated the operational side of the business had been delegated to Darren. He (David) had not considered the traffic offences and police requests for information as a problem at the beginning, although later had noticed there was a problem. Had he been aware of the scale of the problem earlier, he would have taken immediate action to stamp it out. He was proud of his company and its impeccable maintenance record. David Brown confirmed a vehicle/driver log would now be kept. Both his sons would upgrade their standard national CPCs and he himself was prepared to undertake a CPC refresher course. He was also www.coachandbusweek.com

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Some drivers had done 50mph ina 40mph zone

“The company ignored many warning signs that it needed to take the issue of driver speeding, and the need to identify drivers to the police, more seriously.” happy to undertake and arrange for speed awareness training for his drivers on an annual basis, and to engage a company to carry out regular driver licence checks with the DVLA to ensure that details provided by drivers were correct and up to date. David Brown confirmed that revocation of the licence would mean 50 people being thrown out of work. Suspension at any other time than school holidays would have a substantial impact. Suspension during the school holidays would have less of an economic impact but the damage to reputation would still be considerable. Mr Denton said: “I asked David Brown why the details he personally had provided to the police about driver Baker in October 2011 had been incorrect. He had not provided the house number, and both the town and the postcode were wrong. The correct details had been on the file. David Brown said he had called the driver up to ask for his address and had written things down quickly. It was possible that he had made a sub-conscious connection between the particular name of the street the driver lived in and the City of Brighton and therefore written down Brighton, even though the driver’s town of residence was Worthing.” “I asked whether David Brown had been aware of the four

convictions against the company in 2010. He said he had been. I asked why, in that case, he had not stepped in to make sure that future police requests were dealt with properly. Notices of intended prosecution had continued to be received in 2011 (four) and 2012 (two), yet inadequate or plain wrong information had been provided on three of the occasions in 2011 and the two 2012 instances were currently being prosecuted. Mr Brown said that he simply could not explain why he had continued to fail to address the issue.” “I asked what disciplinary system the company had in place for drivers who broke speed limits or drove through red lights. Mr Brown said that it was very difficult to sack drivers under today’s rules on employee rights. He just gave them a ‘verbal bollocking’.”

Closing submission In his closing submission, Mr Nesbitt emphasised that J&M Brown Coaches Ltd was a longstanding company with a good reputation though the evidence concerning the failure to provide the identity of drivers to the police looked bad. However, the police representatives had put a malign interpretation on this failure which could not be justified. They had made very serious allegations; consequently the burden of proof was extremely high. The evidence did not support the theory of a deliberate or systematic strategy to frustrate the law. The reality was that Darren faced a huge number of operational tasks on a daily basis, of which police requests for identity were only one and a relatively infrequent one at that. The issue simply did not stand out for the hard-pressed Darren Brown. He had not dealt with the requests with sufficient priority and he had not had a driver/vehicle reconciliation system in place, beyond the whiteboard which was wiped every week. But the company had had no motive for deliberately failing to respond to police requests. Darren Brown was highly culpable for his failure, but had not been malign. He took full responsibility for his actions. But it would not be right to equate him with the operator as a whole. Factors in reaching a decision The company has had a long blemish-free record on

maintenance; it takes the training of drivers seriously as evidenced by the fact it has paid for drivers to do their CPC and its drivers are on course to complete the 35 hours training by the September 2013 deadline; it is prepared to accept undertakings about CPC refresher training for the Browns and speed awareness training for the drivers; it is now fully apprised of the importance of responding to police requests for identity of drivers (and indeed of avoiding the need for such requests in the first place); and that to that end Darren Brown has been replaced by David Brown. The company has now devised and (on the date of this decision) implemented a system for recording which drivers drive which vehicles on any particular day; On the negative side, the company’s vehicles have been detected committing 39 traffic offences over a nine year period (29 speeding and 10 failures to observe red lights) and nobody at the company appears to have considered this to be a safety problem or to have taken appropriate measures to reduce driver breaches of traffic regulations. In addition, the company ignored many warning signs that it needed to take the issue of driver speeding, and the need to identify drivers to the police, more seriously. There was Chief Superintendent Coll’s letter in April 2007; there was Mr Bond’s visit in November 2009; there was PC Upperton’s visit in November 2011; there were four convictions of the company for failing to provide the identity of drivers in 2010. Yet the company supplied incorrect or inadequate driver details in 2011 (even though the correct information was in its possession) and is currently being prosecuted for two offences of failing to provide information in 2012. “Many wakeup calls were received, but no one at the company woke up,” commented Mr Denton. “Darren Brown said that he was simply too busy to give this matter his attention, and was not deliberately flouting section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which requires the registered keeper of a vehicle to provide to the police the identity of a driver committing a road traffic offence,” said Mr Denton. “But he should not have been too busy: it was a vital part of his duties not only to comply with the Road Traffic Act

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LEGAL news › PUBLIC INQUIRY

but also to tackle the worrying picture of driver behaviour which the police notices of intended prosecution revealed.” David Brown, the nominated transport manager of the company, had in practice delegated this and other matters to Darren Brown. But a transport manager is required to exercise continuous and effective management of the transport activities of the company. Tasks can be delegated but ultimate responsibility cannot. If David Brown was not aware of the problem before 2010 because matters had been delegated to Darren Brown, he was certainly aware of the convictions the company received in February, May and August of 2010. Nevertheless, he took no action then of the type he is now, today, taking to ensure that the company complies with its obligations. He could not account for this lack of action. “Any reputable, responsible coach operator should have a system in place to identify which driver was driving which coach on any particular day. I find it astonishing that J&M Brown Coaches Ltd has not had such a system in place until now,” commented Mr Denton. Mr Nesbitt’s summary of the operator’s case, provided the day before the public inquiry, stated that a system was “now” (i.e. on 14 November 2012) in place allowing quick identification of each driver who drives a given coach on a given day. Yet it transpired from Darren Brown’s evidence that such a system was not actually in place, although he promised that it would be by “next Monday” (ie 19 November: the inquiry took place on Thursday 15 November). “I think the company has misled Mr Nesbitt here,” added Mr Denton. “Nor do I entirely understand why it was necessary to experiment with different systems (none of which apparently achieved the desired objective of recording which driver drove which coach) for several months. It is not the most difficult task in the world to devise and keep such a log. The company could simply have asked the Confederation of Passenger Transport or another coach company to provide it with an example.”

Conclusion “I am inclined to accept the company’s case that Darren Brown, www.coachandbusweek.com

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David Brown took no corrective action.

Crawley Luxury’s licence is suspended for seven days from January 1, 2013 who looked after operational matters, including traffic offences, was hard-pressed in his work and failed to realise at the time the significance of the notices of intended prosecution. I agree with Mr Nesbitt’s contention that it is difficult to see what motive the company could have had deliberately to be obstructive, since it was the drivers the police wanted to pursue for the traffic offences, not the company. “But the argument that insouciance rather than malign intent was responsible for the company’s failure is scarcely less shocking. The company was negligent in addressing the issue. It permitted drivers to continue to breach speed limits and drive through red lights without taking significant disciplinary or re-educative action. The safety implications of this behaviour were ignored. The company ignored warnings from the police and, inexplicably, failed to address the issue of identifying drivers properly even after the four convictions it received in 2010 for such failures. It only finally introduced a log system for associating drivers with particular vehicles in the days after the public inquiry (assuming it carried out its promise made at the inquiry).”

Repute In determining whether the company has retained its repute, Mr Denton said he has been mindful of its otherwise good record and of the Priority Freight1 question of how likely it is the operator would be compliant in future. “Having heard from Darren Brown and David Brown, and heard what they intend to do to put matters right, I am reasonably

“I am reasonably confident the company will in future comply with requests for driver identity and do its best to avoid the need for such requests in the first place.” Nicholas Denton Traffic Commissioner for London and South East confident the company will in future comply with requests for driver identity, and do its best to avoid the need for such requests in the first place,” he said. While it therefore follows that removing the company’s repute and revoking the operator’s licence would be disproportionate in this case, the breaches of the undertakings on their licence and the convictions received are nonetheless extremely serious and warrant a period of more than token suspension. “I have decided not to curtail the number of vehicles: the company’s maintenance is not at issue and I therefore see no purpose in taking that approach,” said Mr Denton. Concerning the repute of the transport manager David Brown, Mr Denton found that it had been lost. David Brown delegated traffic matters to his son Darren Brown and appears to have taken little further interest in the matter, even after the company received its first conviction in February 2010. The company received three further convictions the same year, yet still

Decisions “In the light of the above, I am suspending the company’s operator’s licence for a period of seven days, commencing at 0001 hours on January 1, 2013. The company’s repute, while retained, is severely damaged,” said Mr Denton. “The repute of transport manager David Brown is lost. Under paragraph 7b of the 1981 Act, I must also disqualify Mr Brown from acting as a transport manager, which I do for three months, with effect from January 1 2013. “This period should give Mr Brown time to attend a CPC refresher course and, by attending to the lessons of the inquiry, start to rehabilitate himself. “I allow the company a grace period until March 31, 2013 in which to appoint a new standard international CPC holder. I accept that David Brown might submit an application, once his period of disqualification has ended. “The following undertakings will be added to the operator’s licence: “David Brown and Darren Brown will each attend a transport manager CPC refresher training course, run by the RHA, FTA or similar independent entity, before March 31 2013. Copies of the certificates of attendance must be submitted to my office within ten days of attending; “The operator will arrange a speed awareness course for its drivers, run by a JAUPT accredited training company, before March 31 2013. The course should also cover the issue of how to avoid running through red traffic lights. Evidence proving the course has taken place and of who attended it, must be submitted to my office within ten days of the event; “The operator will employ an independent company to check the licences of its drivers every six months, to ensure all the driver details held by the operator remain up to date and that the drivers’ vocational entitlements remain valid; “The operator will, by January 31, 2013, introduce a formal procedure for dealing with drivers who are found to have committed traffic offences while driving the company’s vehicles. The procedure may involve education or counselling, as well as more formal types of discipline.”

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operator profile â&#x20AC;ş mainline Coaches

Mainline Coaches has acquired a pair of brand new Irizar PB-bodied Scanias this year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of which is seen here

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operator: Mainline Coaches location: Tonyrefail, South Wales FLEET: 34 Contact: 01443 670095 www.mainlinetravel.co.uk

The Mainline Methodology Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans visits South Wales family-run coach operator Mainline of Tonyrefail and talks to Chris Mainwaring, the firm’s second generation, about the business and his philosophy

ainline Coaches is a second generation family business. Like so many others, with solid foundations having been laid by parents or grandparents, the next generation can bring a fresh set of ideas – often, but not always for the better. Thankfully, it would appear Chris Mainwaring fits firmly into the former. The firm is based in Evanstown, high above Tonyrefail, which in layman’s terms is perhaps best described as being north west of Cardiff. It’s location means the Welsh capital can be reached in 20 or so minutes, while Swansea is a 45–minute drive away. The spacious depot site was once the home of an old coal mine. Facilities include a concreted yard, covered workshops and a pleasant two-storey office block. Plans are afoot to further improve the site, more of which perhaps in a future issue.

History

The firm was established by Chris’ parents Howard and Joan in the late 1960s. Chris took up the story: “Dad’s parents owned a coach company called DJ Mainwarings, but he decided to go it alone. He soon progressed from taxis to minibuses and full-size coaches. If it’s in your blood, it’s what you do. “My parents built up the firm to 15 coaches, using various

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rented depots. Many years after my grandfather passed away, my parents bought Mainwarings Coaches, which by then was in difficulty – this would have been in the early 1990s. The current depot is Mainwaring’s original operating centre.” Asked how he became involved in the business, Chris replied: “As a child I used to help clean the coaches and I used to go on the trips, learning the job on the road and often serving drinks. I gained a degree in Business Management at Cardiff University and I then joined the family firm.”

Fleet

The milestone of buying the first brand new coach, a Berkhof Axialbodied Volvo B10M, came in 1995. “Since then we’ve not stopped. Once you get a taste of new and the work it brings, you carry on,” explained Chris. “Back then our fleet was very much B10Ms, with various bodies, including Jonckheeres, Plaxtons and Van Hools. Our first new Scania came in 1996, an N-plate Berkhof. “We purchased many coaches from AVE Berkhof in Bracknell. We then started realising the fuel economy and benefits of the rear engine on the Scania product. The B10M was a great coach – we just found the Scania product worked for us. After AVE shut, we bought Bovas from Moseley in the South – which again, met our preference for rear-engined coaches. “Bovas are fantastic coaches. We acquired our first two in 1999 and 2000. They’ve remained

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operator profile › mainline travel

in the fleet and are now 70-seaters. They keep going and going. They’ve probably done over a million miles – and they’re still on their original engines. Our coaches do high mileages but they’re looked after. “We bought our first Irizarbodied Scania in 2004. This vehicle is also still in the fleet. The testament to the longevity is incredible – you can literally send what is now a nine-year old coach out with a 2012 example and the customers won’t see any noticeable differences. We run eight PBs – our customers love them.” Chris was keen to praise two of his local coach salesmen. “Since 2004 when we started dealing with Scania directly, we must have bought 16 new coaches – all from our rep Richard Sear. He’s a great bloke to deal with – realtionships are key. We’ve found Scania’s backup abroad and from the local dealer is good too. We also enjoy dealing with Peter Jenkins from Moseley in the South. He’s very down to earth and of course, his family ran coaches. We also enjoy very good service from Moseley – the backup is second to none. “This year we’ve bought four new coaches, including two PBs, an Irizar i-Skool and a Bova. In the last three years, three new Bovas have also joined our fleet.” Turning to the rest of the fleet, Chris said the firm had found the 57-seater Berkhof-bodied Scanias to be a “successful” combination. “They’re getting older, so we’re now looking for replacements for next year,” he added. “To gain the private hire and tour operator market, you need to get bums on seats if you are to obtain the rates you want. However, the problem is you always need smaller coaches. Most coach operators now

Above: Chris Mainwaring. Below: Driver Carl Hallet blows into the Alcolock before leaving the yard

“If you can have the values of a family company with big company systematic procedures, you’ve got it all.” Chris Mainwaring

want to buy higher capacity 53 or 57-seater execs. However, we still need 12 metre-long vehicles for some destinations where larger coaches are too long.” You won’t find a manual gearbox on the Mainline fleet as all its coaches are automatic or clutchless Opticruise.

Business Mix

Not wishing to over emphasise his input, the ever-modest Chris explained: “Building on all the hard work from my parents, I’ve brought fresh ideas into the business. The range of our work has broadened. In the past it was very much schools and day trips but we now cover a wide range of work, including a lot of in-coming tours. We have also got a huge private hire client base –

from corporates to schools.” Mainline Coaches also runs school contracts on behalf of a number of local authorities in the region, which again is a prime example of where the firm’s location works in its favour. Chris said drivers do not fully clean their own coaches – they only do a quick brush and mop at the very most. However, as could be seen on the day of CBW’s visit, the cleaning team ensure the vehicles are presented spotless. Explaining the reasoning, he said: “Drivers Hours law doesn’t permit it anymore. Drivers are not allocated to coaches either – we tend to place the driver with the job and the coach accordingly. It’s not always popular. If you looked at what we spend per annum on clearning,

Above: Mainline’s new Irizar i-Skool coach. Above right: The smart interior of the firm’s tri-axle Irizar PB-bodied Scania ‘YP59ODY’ www.coachandbusweek.com

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek it’s eye-watering. The policy also enables us to maximise vehicle utlisation. You can’t make money today just on private hire – it’s vital to keep the wheels moving.” In something which will doubtless strike a chord with many a coach operator, Chris was somewhat candid about ski trip work. “The rates now being offered for ski work are lower than they were five years ago – by around £1,000. You’ve got to earn money – you can’t carry out work just to be busy or simply because the drivers like it. “Coach hire gets charged based on a tariff. We price jobs on a seasonal basis. The same flight can cost £300 or £1,000. Coach operators need to make money in the summer and take it easier on the rates in the winter.” For any businesss, geting paid on time is vital. “These days payment terms are very important. Fortunately, we’ve only burnt figures a couple of times for not huge amounts. We do credit checks – we can’t afford not to get paid. “Perhaps as an industry we give too much credit. Apart from trusted longstanding customers, we don’t give credit. “We’ll do any work as long as the money is right. There’s nothing worse than a job going out which you know is not profitable and then you get problems and it ends up costing you substantial sums.” One of Mainline’s high-profile customers is National Express. “We do duplicate and diagram work and assist wherever our services are required. They’re great to deal with. The key is to meet their standards and follow their procedures.” Believing family operators can learn a lot from larger firms, Chris said: “If you can have the values of a family company with big company

systematic procedures, you’ve got it all. Big companies can sometimes fail on small finishing touches.”

Olympics

Chris was enthusiastic about last summer’s high-profile sporting events. “We tendered for the Regional Olympics in Cardiff back in 2009 and we were awarded the contract to supply coaches for the press, world football teams and officials. “It was an intense but highly enjoyable time. It changed things for the better – there’s lot more teamwork here now. There’s also no denying it boosted us financially. “Mainline Coaches was treated as the lead operator for Wales and therefore it was required to use the same systems as the depots in London. The PVR was 14 coaches and there were 26 drivers in Cardiff. “We also supplied coaches for The Kings Ferry’s to transport the police. Coaches and drivers were based in Hatfield. “We only had four coaches and 12 drivers at the Paralympics for VIP and media shuttles. This work was what might be termed

‘last minute’ in Olympic terms – it was agreed in December 2011. Everyone seemed to be working on the Olympics but the Paralympics was akin to the bonus ball.”

Staff

The nature of firm’s operations means it can run with a relatively lean office team. The team is made up of three key employees who are responsible for sales, adminstration and a wide range of tasks required at a very busy coach company office. “Mum and Dad still have very active roles in the financial and day to day management of the business and are at the office nearly every day, although they are now starting to take more time off,” explained Chris. Not to be forgotten is one of the firm’s longstanding team members. “David Pope started with dad as a mechanic 30 years ago,” said Chris. “He’s worked his way up and he’s now a Non-Executive Director. He manages our drivers, tachos and maintenance. We employ three fulltime engineers. Although we’ve got Scania’s R&M package, we do our own maintenance as it enables us to

stay in control.” Chris described the Driver CPC as “the next big whinge like seat belts and digital tachogaphs were.” “I think spending £75 a year on training should be a minimum. It’s not such a big deal. Those who’ve been with us for four to five years have all got their cards, whereas those who have joined us more recently have not completed their training. We’ve booked a trainer for a catch up course in January.” Asked about driver recruitment, he replied: “We’ve put some people through the PCV test but it’s not something we set out to do. In general we’ve got quite a young staff age profile – we’re not Dad’s Army here. I’m 33 and I’ve always been the kid. All of a sudden I’m surrounded by drivers who are younger than me. It’s a sign of getting old,” he mused. “Clearly, we’ve also got a number of older drivers. You’ve got to give people a chance – they work with experienced drivers and then do it themselves. We’ll have two drivers aged 30 double manning to Spain. I’ve spent time out on the road, so I know what it’s like.” Not to be forgotten is Mainline’s use of Alcolock. “We’ve currently got eight systems,” explained Chris. “It’s definitely a good thing to have. Frankly, when drivers are on tour, they’re out of sight. It’s a good safeguard and it also provides reassurance for our customers.”

Future

Above: A 12-plate Irizar-bodied Scania & a Berkhof-bodied Scania

Asked about the future, Chris replied: “In this climate, it’s vital to continue to make money, employ people and get better at what you do. I’d like to see steady expansion with no loss of quality. By continuing to invest in our people and new vehicles I am confident we can achieve this goal.”

Above: An Scania Irizar working NX service 509 at Cardiff Bus Station on a August Bank Holiday Monday. Above right: Cleanliness is king at Mainline www.coachandbusweek.com

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THE BIG PICTURE

This Go-Ahead London Central ADL Enviro 400 ‘SN61DFE’, or E225 to use it’s London fleet number, was caught on camera by Coach & Bus Week Editor Gareth Evans on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 31, 2012. The vehicle, which was new in November 2011 and is allocated to the firm’s New Cross Garage, is pictured on Park Lane as it approaches Marble Arch, while working route 436 to Paddington. The location is an attractive one for photographers, with much greenery but at the same time plenty of light – not to mention having no shortage of buses and coaches, both scheduled and touring. Run on behalf of Transport for London, the nine-mile (15km) route links Lewisham with Paddington, via Peckham, Camberwell, Victoria and Marble Arch. A ‘factoid’ is that the 436 was the third service in London (after Red Arrow routes 507 and 521) to gain the then new Mercedes-Benz Citaro bendy buses in 2002. The route has since been converted to use double deck vehicles, a combination of ADL Enviro400H Hybrids and traditional diesel-powered ADL Enviro400s.

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DRIVERS

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DriveTech

Send your driver news and stories to alex.tyler@coachandbusweek. com or call 01733 293 244.

Latest Award-Winning Driver for Nottingham City Transport Second driver from the pathfinder 100 route has won the operator’s Seasonal Driver award since the scheme started Nottingham City Transport, which was crowned UK Bus Operator of the Year at the UK Bus Awards on November 20, has named 53-year-old Jim Armstrong from Newark as the latest winner of its Seasonal Driver Award. The scheme recognises and rewards its team of over 800 bus drivers operating services in and around the city. To qualify for NCT’s Seasonal Driver Award, drivers need to have 12 months service, 100% attendance, no live disciplinary awards or blameworthy accidents, and a clean driving licence. They are then assessed by a ‘mystery traveller’ who marks them on customer service on the road,

Lothian B-Us Choir Charity Concert

The Lothian B-Us (sic) choir, made up of eight of the firm’s drivers, performed in front of an audience of almost 200 at the New Restalrig Church to raise money for charity. Performing songs such as Fix you, Bring Him Home and Let’s Go Fly a Kite, they raised over £900 for Prostate Scotland through donations and secured another three concerts for next year. Refreshments on the night were kindly provided by members of the church. Adam Gaines of Prostate Scotland, said: “We would like to thank the Lothian B-us choir not only for kindly choosing to hold the concert in aid of Prostate Scotland but also for a wonderful evening’s

driving standards and knowledge of their route. Jim has driven on the Pathfinder 100 route between Nottingham and Southwell for nearly 25 years and has become very popular with passengers. “Jim’s attitude towards his job shows in his overall performance,” said Garage Manager Mick Stevenson. “He is a valued member of staff displaying a superb image of the company at all times. This award is a well-deserved accolade for all of Jim’s efforts and hard work.” Jim is the second driver from this route to win the Seasonal Driver award since the scheme began two years ago. The previous winner was David Townsend who went on to become NCT’s Driver of the Year for 2011. Jim will also now qualify for the chance to win this title, which has £1,000 and an extra week’s holiday as its prize.

Driver Jim Armstrong receiving his award from Mick Stevenson

Ex-busman writes book

The choir continues the company’s support for Prostate Scotland entertainment. The sum raised by the choir from their performance will help us in conducting our campaigns to raise awareness of prostate disease. We would also like to sing the praises of Lothian Buses for supporting our work.” Harry Witherspoon, Head of the B-Us Choir said: “We had a

great evening with so many people turning up to support our charity event for Prostate Scotland. The choir performed well and we were all overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone. People gave their time and donated all the home-baking for the refreshments which helped make the evening a great success.”

A driver who spent several years working in and around Salisbury has written a book entitled ‘Driver’ about his experiences. Fred Root became a driver with Avon Coaches in his early twenties. He spent three years working for the firm in Netheravon before moving to London, where he drove double-decker buses for four years, and where his wife joined him as conductor. He said: “I was mad about buses when I was younger and couldn’t wait to drive one. I would often tell friends of my experiences and nearly everyone said I should write a book, so with a little persuasion from my wife and daughters, I did.” The book is due to be on sale in Cross Keys Bookshop, Salisbury from December 20.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all our readers...

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al l C h Me o u r r i s t mr r y Cu a s sto to me rs

minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

December 2012

p38 The range of factory-built Sprinter minibuses available from EvoBus UK will expand with a 22-seat Transfer

Looking ahead

any people will view 2012 as being pretty mediocre for minibuses in terms of development as an industry but there have been some significant strides made in adapting to the demands of Whole Vehicle Type Approval. A lack of fluid finance remains a huge barrier to progress and resulted in significant changes in the market which led to increased business for vehicle hire specialists as local authorities cut back on capital purchases. Typically, those involved in niche specialist operations, providing something extra

MB.Opener.indd 35

or exclusive for their clients seem to continue doing well. Those with more limited scope or disadvantageous geographical locations still have to fight tooth and nail for business which, in many cases, is hindered by things like e-tendering to find the cheapest provider – with little regard to quality of service or good safety record. It’s unlikely 2013 will see a great deal of difference unless the economy begins to show signs of improving. Some will be undoubtedly be forced into changing vehicles due to their age but a high proportion of those deals could involve the purchase of ‘late used’ replacements

rather than new. Despite a somewhat gloomy general outlook I’m convinced there will be bright spots and areas of growth where astute operators can earn a profit. On this note, I wish all readers a very happy Christmas and offer best wishes for the New Year. Martin Cole Editor

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news

Bright start for Turas 30th Turas has been sold and further orders are expected as visits continue Brian Noone Ltd and mainland agent Minis to Midis report an influx of orders for the new Turas 800 Mercedes-Benz Vario-based midicoach following its launch at Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham and the CTTC show in Dublin. The 30th Turas has now been sold and further orders are expected as visits to customers expressing interest continue. The return of a high spec 33-seat option, featuring air conditioning, double glazing and large boot has certainly influenced buying decisions. Mark Noone said: “Customers can see we are all firmly behind the vehicle and it shows in the product itself and the efforts we are making in terms of aftermarket support. Our positive approach is generating momentous interest which is reflected in the high number of

Arriva meets resistance in Manchester

Arriva’s rapidly expanding Transport Solutions division (CBW1049) has met resistance in Greater Manchester, prompting over 14,000 people to sign a petition against Arriva taking over non-emergency patient transfer services from the incumbent NorthWest Ambulance Service (Nwas). NHS Campaigners called on the government to deny Arriva the contract, although it is claimed to be saving the NHS £3.5m compared to the bid tendered by Nwas. From April, patients with a non-urgent appointment will be picked up in transport provided by Arriva. Campaigners say they are concerned the Arriva bid will not meet the same standards as the existing NHS provider.

orders already taken. We have increased our chassis procurement to ensure we can meet the level of demand in evidence.” Minis to Midis’ Alan White confirmed half the orders already taken are for GB customers and include MCH of Uxbridge (6), Golden Boy of Hoddesdon, Grange

of Gravesend, Naughton’s of London and Bibby’s of Ingleton. “We are about to commence a programme of visits with a demonstrator to operators ready to place orders subject to a test drive. We are confident of passing our original order target for 2013 by the end of December and can confirm

A Turas seen at this years’ Euro Bus Expo at the NEC in Birmingham Shadow health secretary and Leigh MP Andy Burnham and Unison boss Dave Prentis were due to join the lobby. Craig Wilde, Nwas, said: “We are very disappointed in the outcome, considering we scored higher on quality than Arriva in the bid process.” The NHS said the bids were scrutinised by clinicians and they looked at issues including quality, reliability and cost. Allan Jude, HHS Blackpool’s Director of Ambulance Commissioning, said: “It is important to understand this is not the emergency blue light service and the staff are not front line ambulance staff and never attend 999 calls. Staff on the Arriva contract will be fully trained in basic first aid, life support and resuscitation techniques and the service will offer patients the quality service they need.” Jonathan May, UK MD of Arriva

Transport Solutions, said: “Every day we help thousands of people get to and from their hospital appointments. We are using the extensive clinical and logistical expertise we have gained over the past 30 years to prepare for this contract so we can deliver quality transport for local people while making sure NHS transport funding is used to maximum benefit for patients.” Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, is demanding ‘pre-emptive’ action to prevent Arriva taking over from Nwas after its services in Leicestershire were criticised by the health watchdog. In a letter to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, she said: “There are widespread concerns, particularly around the issues of quality and safety. These concerns are made more real by the publication of the inspection report on Ambuline Leicestershire, which by any reading, can only be described as damning.”

our first order for the Sprinterbased Turas 500 from a London operator, even though it will not arrive until February,” Alan said. “I believe customers recognise the commitment to the new products and the aftermarket support which will eliminate problems operators have previously experienced. Agreement has been reached with Carlyle Bus and Coach to supply all glass and parts nationally providing operators with a one-stop facility from a proven supplier. Additional support agents will be appointed in the midlands and Scotland who will act in conjunction with Brian Noone, Minis to Midis and GB Fleet (Golden Boy) in providing after market service. We are determined to ensure parts, glass and service support will be available nationwide.” On a separate note Minis to Midis confirms it is delivering its first three units from Paramount Conversions in December. One 16and two 19-seat Mercedes Benz Sprinter ‘Travelriders’ enter service with Golden Boy on 1 January and further orders are in the pipeline for 2013.

New options from EvoBus in 2013

EvoBus has indicated there will be new options in its minibus line-up for 2013. The first of these is to be a 22-seat version of the Sprinter Transfer. Based on a 515 CDi, options will include front or side entrance, power door and luggage racks. Manager Lee Gibson said: “Customers are asking for increased capacity. We’ve had success with this model in France and I’ve wanted to bring it to the UK for some time. We’ve been sorting out suitable specifications and arrived at what we feel is an attractive package with sufficient options to satisfy the bulk of requirements.” A look at the new model is scheduled for early next year as soon as the first deliveries arrive.

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manufacturer update › mercedes-benz

The first official showing of 7G-Tronic equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinters was at the IAA exhibition in Hanover during September 2012

7G-Tronic stretches Sprinter mpg The latest seven-speed automatic gearbox option with torque converter from Mercedes-Benz can potentially provide a boost to Sprinter economy, reports Martin Cole

lthough it has been listed as an option since September, the 7G-Tronic gearbox for Sprinter models has only recently found its way onto the official test fleet. Like the current five-speed automatic, it has made the transition from the passenger car sector into CV applications. It is an option across the Sprinter range except for the NGT models, 4X4 variants and chassis cabs – with the exception of chassis cabs fitted with the V6 engine. It costs £1,834. So, what are you going to get out of it? It’s very smooth – but so is the five-speed option. Is it more economical? Well, the answer really depends on the type of work it has to do. This comes down to the typical average weight carried in the vehicle, the amount of urban running against open highway

cruising and the topography it is to operate in. Essentially, 7G-Tronic offers one lower and one higher ratio than the five speed version. Theoretically it means it can pull away from a standstill at lower engine speed by making use of the low rpm/ high torque output of the CDi engine and progress smoothly to its cruising speed whereupon it has a final taller gear option to optimise fuel efficiency even further. The test vehicle, a 313 CDi medium wheelbase with high roof, showed just 1,800rpm at 50mph in top gear and just under 2,000rpm at 60mph. The power output is transferred via a torque converter with an integrated lock-up clutch to minimise the negative effect on performance. Depending on the engine speed and engine load, the slip-controlled lock-up clutch is engaged in all gears - reducing fuel consumption and both easing and speeding up gear shifting.

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December 19, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 37

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek Oil pump controlling hydraulic supply pressure

Shift actuators with multiplate clutches and planetary gear assemblies

Output end – transferring engine torque to the drive axle

Slip-controlled torque converter lock-up clutch with damping elements

Parking lock

Input end – transferring engine torque to the transmission

Mechanical connection to the selector lever

Control unit comprising solenoid valves, electronics and sensors built in to the sump

Hydrodynamic torque converter

High-speed solenoid valves for controlling the shift actuators

Electronics for demanddependent control of shifting action

Above:Cutaway drawing shows the complexity of 7G-Tronic. Below: Sprinter City, especially 65 and 77 models, should reap improved mpg benefits The advantage of this new transmission with its seven gears is the wide spread between the lowest and the highest gears combined with closely spaced ratios. For the previous five-speed automatic transmission, the gear ratio spread ranged from 3.595:1 in first gear to 0.831:1 in fifth gear; this now ranges from 4.377:1 in first gear to 0.728:1 in seventh. All installations with the 7G-Tronic also make use of a higher final drive ratio in the rear axle. Again this aids final fuel consumption and emissions reduction yet because the high torque is balanced nicely across the seven gears the swift changes are almost imperceptible. They are audible and a glance at the tachometer shows when a change has been implemented but most changes cannot be felt. The taller gearing has little, if any, impact on acceleration and the Sprinter retains its highly responsive nature.

As with all current automatic gearboxes from Mercedes-Benz, manual intervention is possible just by nudging the gear selector left or right to effect sequential changes. It really only serves any significant function for obtaining a downshift to aid deceleration by using engine

braking – typically to help steady the vehicle on a downhill stretch without being totally reliant on brakes. Upward changes are automatic at the optimum point depending on gradient and throttle demand – so virtually no advantage can be gained through upward

manual changes. The unit is at its best in dense traffic where it makes life so much simpler and stress-free for the driver. Without the need for constant gear changing, the driver has only to concentrate on guiding the vehicle. It also means there is no clutch wear and therefore potentially reduces maintenance costs and unscheduled VOR time. The inclusion of the 7G-Tronic into the range of options for Sprinter extends its refinement a further stage. It remains the only vehicle of its type to offer fully automatic gearboxes with the remainder of industry seemingly settled on automated manual variants only. From a driver’s perspective, the difference between the seven and five speed automatics is minimal. If the seven is quieter at cruising speed it isn’t by very much. The real benefit will become apparent to the operator in terms of fuel saving.

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U P B E W F S U J T F P O U I F T F Q B H F T G P S B T M J U U M F B T c K V T U D B M M 1997 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

2007 Bova Futura Executive 49 seater, low mileage at 188,000 miles, WC facilities, tea and coffee making facilities, reclining seats, full service history, taxed and tested until March 2013, any inspection welcome, plus possible tour work provided.

UNVI RIADA GT -2008

Call 01246 233765 or email info@novatours.co.uk 2004 (54) Neoplan Starliner Tri-Axle Corporate/Team Coach

1996 Toyota Optimo

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

For more details call Patrick on 01787 477701/ 07730 671064

18 high backed seats with belts, MOT 23rd May 2013 re-panelled and re-painted August 2012, looks good and drives well. ÂŁ5,000 For further information please contact: Nigel Busbridge on 01303 261870 or email nigel@buzzlines.co.uk

Scania K360 Irizar Century

2004 Setra S415 HD

ÂŁ104,000 + VAT o.n.o.

Mercedes-Benz 0816 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 29 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts, courier seat, dark tint double glazed windows, air con, radio/CD & PA system, DVD player and monitor, full draw curtains, large boot space and side lockers. Full service history. ÂŁ56,900 + VAT Call Dougie at HAGGIS Adventures on 0131 554 9192

2002 Futura

Full exec spec, Eminox euro 4 exhaust, 49 seats, green cloth, manual, 792K kms, new MOT on sale.

ÂŁ55,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

D L SO Eminox exhaust fitted to euro 4, comfort shift gearbox, converted this year to a 70-seater using Cogent seating, very clean and tidy.

ÂŁ33,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

2000 Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.1m

28 seats + 29 standees, Cummins/Allison, DDA compliant, very clean ex-lease vehicle, supplied with new MOT. ÂŁ8,000 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

<RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO Back off contract hire. Euro 5 EGR (no AdBlue), 2-pedal Opticruise automated gearbox, 49 seats, climate control.

ÂŁ175,000

ASTronic, retarder, aircon, 2 x monitors, radio/cassette, crew seat, fridge. Vehicle currently undergoing MOT preparation and test.

Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102

Evobus - 02476 626046

20098 Scania K340 Irizar Century

2002 DAF SB120 SLF Wrights Cadet 10.8m

ZF automatic, 49 seats, climate control, TV/DVD, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue required).

ÂŁ145,000

Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102

ÂŁ79,500

39 seats + 23 standees, fully DDA compliant, Hanover LED, Cummins/Allison, very clean ex-lease vehicle. ÂŁ21,950 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

7DNH W KH SKRW RV ZU L W H W KH DG DQG F KDQJH L W O DW H U L I \ RX ZDQW W R DO O I U RP \ RXU RQO L QH GDV KERDU G 6H O O L QJ D Y H KL F O H L V V L PSO H RQ

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com

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U P B E W F S U J T F P O U I F T F Q B H F T G P S B T M J U U M F B T c K V T U D B M M 2006 Setra 416 GTHD

2010 MAN BEULAS 71 seats, LEZ, Gloryeuro5 + EEV, WC, climate control, hot drinks, amazing luggage capacity, fantastic condition, MOT 31/10/2013, fully DDA, only 149,000km, sale due to fleet restructure £240,000 + VAT

2009 RENAULT 16 reclining seats, TAWE, perfect for airports, takes 20 big suitcases, A/C, TV, DVD, hot drinks & fridge, 3 point belts, overhead racks, great on fuel, 166,000kms, front entry, sale due to fleet restructure £21,500+VAT

Tel: 01787 477 701 Email: info@coachcompany.co.uk 2002 DAF SB220 SLF Ikarus Polaris 12m

49 reclining seats with lap belts, toilet/fridge/hot water boiler, CD/DVD player, Euro 4 certified, owned by us from new, good condition. £90,000 + VAT For further information please contact: Nigel Busbridge on 01303 261870 or email nigel@buzzlines.co.uk

1998 Volvo B10M Jonckheere Mistral

Converted to 70 seater in September using Cogent 3+2 seating all fitted with 3 point belts, MOT till Oct 2013 and has no known defects.

£35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

2007 56 Reg ADL Enviro 200 Prototype

2009 Scania K340 Irizar PB 12.2m

28 seats, 40 standing, built as demonstrator for London with flat floor front to back and extra doors at rear. Phone for more details.

£19,950.00

For more information visit

44 seats + 25 standees, DDA compliant, Hanover LED, DAF/ZF, very clean ex-lease vehicle. £15,000 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

49 seats, climate control, WC, TV/DVD, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue).

1988 Volvo B10M VanHool Alizee

2003 Futura

2000 SCANIA T9

2008 DDA Iveco Beulas Cygnus

Full exec spec, Eminox euro 4 exhaust, 49 seats, green cloth, manual, 695K kms, new MOT on sale.

53 seats, excellent condition, PSV 26/5/13, Taxed 30/4/13, service records. Lovely bus all round and just had an interior re-trim.

53 seats, centre wheelchair lift (PLS), Hanover destination equipment, Cursor 10 450bhp engine, ZF AS-Tronic gearbox, Euro 4.

Manual gearbox, converted this year to 70 seater, MOT’d till March 2013, CCTV fitted.

£159,000

Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102

£17,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

£65,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

2008 Scania K340 Irizar PB 12.2m

2003 Dennis Trident 2 SLF Alex 400 10.5m

ZF automatic, 49 seats, climate control, WC, TV/DVD, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue), white.

£145,000

Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102

67 seats + 18 standees, Cummins euro IV/ZF, conversion to single door available – please call for details. Very clean ex-lease vehicle. £27,500 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

£24,750

£120,000 – PX accepted

Contact Eric on 0792 138920

Scania Bus & Coach 01909 553102

2008 Scania K340 Irizar PB

Setra S315 GT HD

ZF automatic, 49 seats, climate control, centre sunken toilet, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue required).

£149,000

ASTronic, toilet, aircon, Webasto, retarder, fridge, servery, boiler, crew seat.

Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102

Evobus - 02476 626046

£67,500

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com

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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door (£13,000) or 70 when converted to single door (£16,000).

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

1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE 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.

1995 M REG OPTARE SPECTRA’S

2000 W REG MINI POINTER DART

DAF engines, Voith gearboxes, low height, 77 seats.

Cummins / Allison, 8.8m, 29 seats.

1998 R/S REG OPTARE SOLO’S

ZF automatic, LEZ compliant, Van Hool T9 body, 53 seats.

2001 Y REG DAF SB3000

Merc engines , 8.5m long, 30 seats. £4500 each plus tyres.

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 10.1m , Cummins Euro 2 engines, DDA, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ compliant, only £6000 each plus tyres.

2005 MINI POINTER DART Cummins Euro 3, Allison automatic, 8.8m, 29 seats, new MOT.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

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nbus

K ER SPECIALIST

24 op W /7 e e all n e ar ov ver e er y Ch da ris y tm as !

1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S Manual, Ikarus body, 53 seats, air-con.

1998 R REG DAF SB300

ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 350, 53 seats.

1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN

8.5m long, ZF manual gearbox, 33 seats, belts, tidy little coach.

1989 F REG DENNIS JAVELIN

Cummins L10 / ZF, Alexander RH body, 78 seats with retractable belts, MOT Oct 2013, tacho.

1992 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN

2002 52 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S

Voith automatic gearboxes, SLF, Alexander ALX300 bodies, 44 seats and 27 standing, heavy duty low floor buses. They can also be converted to be DDA compliant.

2002 02 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

Euro 3 Cummins engines, DDA compliant , Plaxton President bodies, Hanover LED’s, 67 seats converted to single door or 62 seats as dual door.

Van Hool Alizee body , 55 seats, MOT 10/13, £4500 plus tyres (£275).

1993 K REG DAF MB230

ZF 6 speed manual, Caetano Algarve body, 49 seats, centre sunken toilet, very smart for age.

1995 M REG VOLVO B10M

2002 52 plate Volvo B7TL’s, Euro 3 with particulate traps, LEZ and DDA compliant, Alexander ALX400 bodies, 67 seats converted to single door or 62 seats as dual door.

Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 bodies, 9.2m, 27 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.

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

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES

(12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.2tdci 135ps, tacho, 2300 miles only, ex-demo in silver, COIF/PSV £20,695 (12) 2012 Ford Transit Tourneo 9 seat Trend 2.2 125 PS, air-con, Bluetooth, in Midnight Sky Blue, 2,608 miles £14,900 + VAT (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

D L O S

(59) 2009 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, tacho, air-con, 15,000km only £17,495 (07) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdci 115ps air-con, tachograph, 76,000kms, COIF/PSV £11,995 (57) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4TDi 100ps, six speed gearbox, tacho with 16,000 miles, COIF/PSV £11,995

LDV MINIBUSES

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 17 seat, high back seats with three point belts, twin side doors, COIF/ PSV, silver £7,500

(05) 2005 LDV Convoy 2.4tdi 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point seat belts, COIF/PSV tacho £4,995

OTHER MAKES

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat w/chair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £23,500 + VAT New Renault Master 17 seat LWB LM39dci 126 Minibus, tacho ONLY £20,350 (55) 2005 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, with three point seat belts, tow bar, removable seats to rear, 77,000 miles £6,995

(06) 2006 Volkswagen Transporter 9 seat minibus, 85PS, rear tail gate, twin side loading doors, 112,000 miles £7,995

(56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5t on 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000 miles £8,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(59) 2009 Renault Master LWB wheelchair accessible minibus 10 seats, tracking for three wheelchairs, in board lift, rear heating £15,995

(07) 2007 LDV Maxus 13 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, under floor lift, space for two wheelchairs, electric side step £8,495 (06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995 Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £6,495

Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only

Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

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BEN WEAVER 2004 53 IVECO DAILY 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Can be driven on a normal B1 driving licence, white, 2800cc 6 speed turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 64000 miles, excellent condition, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, awaiting to be valeted, COIF applied for £8995 no VAT

2001 Y REG MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 28 SEAT MINIBUS COIF applied for, 4300cc automatic turbo diesel engine, Plaxton conversion, electric front doors, Access under floor rear tail lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 141000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £10995 + VAT

2004 54 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in white, 2400 turbo diesel engine, electric windows lez compliant, certificate of initial fitness, psv, 112000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months psv or mot, fully serviced to good garage scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £4795 + VAT

2008 08 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel 100ps engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 85000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £10995 + VAT

1999 T REG TOYOTA CAETANO OPTIMO 4 4166cc turbo diesel 5 speed, 21 coach style seats with lapbelts and arm rests, passenger curtains, overhead luggage space, rear boot space, internal rear heater, reading lights, forced air, Euroliners, finished in white, just had 12 months PSV put on, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, 257000 miles, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards £8995 + VAT

2004 54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS Ex council vehicle, 2200 turbo diesel, auto, electric front entry door, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, panaramic glass, underfloor electric wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 252000 klms, 158000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £11795 + VAT

2004 04 REG MERCEDES 814 VARIO 25 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS 4250cc turbo diesel, finished in dark blue, analogue tachograph, ratcliffe internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, 117000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months mot, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £14495 + VAT

2006 56 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel engine, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, certificate of initial fitness, finished in white, excellent condition, 83000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £10995 + VAT

2005 54 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY COACH SPEC MINIBUS 2800 cc turbo diesel, 6 speed gearbox, analogue tachograph, PSV until 9th Jan 2013, tax until 31st Jan 2013, certificate of initial fitness, can go straight to work today, climate control, high back seats with 3 point seat belts, privacy panoramic glass, 105000 miles, excellent condition, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9995 + VAT

2001 Y IVECO DAILY 35C11 MEDIUM WHEELBASE 10 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel, Ratcliffe internal wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, only 37000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £5995 NO VAT

2004 54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 13 SEAT TRAVELINER MINIBUS 2200cc turbo diesel engine, 3 point seat belts, high back seats, single passenger seat could be replaced with a double seat to make upto a 14 seater, finished in blue, excellent condition, 119000 miles with full history, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7495 + VAT

2008 58 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT HIGH ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel engine, CD player, eletric windows, digital tachograph, 150000 klms, 93000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £12495 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel 100PS engine, LEZ compliant, digital tachograph, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 133000 miles with full service history, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7995+VAT

004 54 IVECO DAILY 45C13 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel engine, Ricon internal electric lift, analogue tachograph, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, 285000 klms, 178000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6995 + VAT

2003 03 REG MERCEDES 313CDI LWB HIGH ROOF 17 SEAT SPRINTER This is a 3500kgs vehicle so any licence is OK to drive it, advanced conversion, 2200cdi diesel, white, electric door mirrors, 110000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months mot, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay £ 8995 NO VAT, NO VAT TO PAY

BEN WEAVER commercIals

2003 03 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in white, 2400 turbo diesel engine, LEZ compliant, only 61000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £4995 + VAT

Gower Street, Sheffield, S4 7JW Tel: 0114 275 7076 www.benweavercommercials.co.uk

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commercials 2004 54 MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY 25 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel manual, Mellor conversion, front entry electric door, analogue tachograph, Ricon internal electric lift, 83000 miles, finished in red, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £15995 + VAT

2008 08 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS With tachograph, 2400cc turbo diesel, LEZ compliant, frozen white, tachograph, 101000 kilometers, 63000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 11995 + VAT

2004 54 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2500cc turbo diesel engine, internal wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 254000 klms, 158000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months natonwide parts and labour warranty £7995 + VAT

2007 07 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in moondust silver, 2400 TDCI turbo diesel engine, electric windows, power heated door mirrors, heated windscreen, reverse parking sensors, LEZ compliant, 48000 miles with service history, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £12495 + VAT

2007 57 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in frozen white, 2400cc turbo diesel, LEZ compliant, electric windows, power heated door mirrors, heated windscreen, CD player, 64000 miles with full service print out, excellent condition, supllied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £11495 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc 6 speed turbo diesel 115ps engine, electric front windows, power heated door mirrors, LEZ compliant, CD player, 64000 miles, finished in tonic a very rare light metallic blue, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £12295 + VAT

2004 04 MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY 25 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel manual, Mellor conversion, front entry electric door, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, Ricon internal electric lift, 105000 miles, finished in blue, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £14995 + VAT

2009 09 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 209CDI SWB LOW ROOF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE 2148cc CDI diesel, automatic gearbox, hand operated brake pedal, Ricon rear internal wheelchair lift, cruise control, air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, only covered 8000, full service history, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 14995 NO VAT

2004 54 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2500 tdi 109bhp, white, Advanced Minibus conversion, tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, AVS side step, 194000 kilometers 121000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay £9995 NO VAT

2007 57 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35 109PS 16 SEAT MINIBUS Additional seat can be added to make into 7 seater, anyone over 21 and has only a normal driving licence can drive this vehicle, 6 speed gearbox, white, electric windows, certificate of initial fitness applied for, 58000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £15995 + VAT

2004 54 REG IVECO DAILY 13 SEAT LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2800cc turbo diesel, tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, side access step, 107000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8795 + VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 15 SEAT WELFARE BUS 2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed geaebox, white, Mellor Coachcraft conversion, ex local authority vehicle, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, 176000 kilometers 110000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7495 + VAT

2006 06 REG IVECO DAILY 17 SEAT MINIBUS White, 2800cc turbo diesel, AVS side step, tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 73000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9995 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Choice of 2, 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, waiting to be de stickered and front bumper to be colour coded, 145000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6995 + VAT

2003 53 OPTARE ALERO 12 SEAT PLUS DRIVER PLUS 4 STANDEES BUS 2800cc turbo diesel, fold out ramp to the side, air con, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 113000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty £7495 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel 100ps engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, cd player, digital tachograph, 83000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9795 + VAT

All vehicles supplied with 12 months MOT/PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards and 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty

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Mini Coach Sales

BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI SOROCO 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot. Order now for March/April

BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI TORO 32 high back seats + courier, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot. Order now for March.

MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ FERQUI SOROCO 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights and boot. Order now for March/April

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 516CDI EVM SHUTTLE 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 16/19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

2008 08 MERCEDES BENZ 815D VARIO OPTARE TORO 28 high back seats, courier seat, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, A/C, D/G, power door and large boot.

2006 56 REG MERCEDES 616 SOROCO PLUS 16 high back leather seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, fridge, DVD, power door and boot.

2005 55 REG AUTO 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.

2005 55 REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights.

2005 05 REG MERCEDES 814 VARIO MELLOR 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, 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.

Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

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48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 19, 2012

2007 56 Reg ADL Enviro 200 Prototype

28 seats, 40 standing, built as demonstrator for London with flat floor front to back and extra doors at rear. Phone for more details.

£19,950.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

2010 Van Hool 14.04 Astron T917 MAN - EURO 5

V d PS ste te

ONLY ONE COACH AVAILABLE UNTIL 2014

2011 11 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 seat factory bus, PSV, COIF and tacho, 20K miles, ready to go

£16,450

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

1999 T Reg Dennis Trident

8QO L PL W HG RQO L QH Y H KL F O H I RU V DO H DGY H U W L V H PH QW V RQ F RDF KDQGEXV PDU NH W F RP 8S W R SHU ZHHN RI [ SUL QW DGYHUW L VHPHQW V L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH +DO I SUL FH UHFUXL W PHQW DGV L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH DQQXDO GL JL W DO VXEVFUL SW L RQV W R F RDF KDQGEXV ZH H N F RP

([F O XGL QJ 9$7

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East Lancs body, extra long wheelbase and fitted with 78 seats and still DDA compliant, single door (never been twin door), would re-seat to between 80-90 seats and could be belted – 4 available

£17,950.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

2002 (52 reg) Optare Solo M850 Mercedes engine, 27 seats 23 with belts, currently undergoing body prep and paint.

£17,950

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

06 (55) MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDi TREKA BUS W/CHAIR ACC 97000KMS COIF/PSV £18,495 CHOICE

07 (57) VW CRAFTER LT35 16 SEAT INC DRIVER WHEELCHAIR ACCESS INBOARD LIFT 43,000 MILES SILVER METALLIC COIF/PSV £19,995

2006 (55) LDV CONVOY ELWB MINI COACH 17 SEATS 90PS EXCEL CONVERSION COIF/PSV TACHO £9,950

04 (54) LDV CONVOY 17 SEAT MINIBUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS COIF £4,995

09 (59) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 140PS TACHO COIF/PSV 30,000 MILES £16,995

09 (58) FORD TRANSIT 100T 300M 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS £14,995

MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

P.O.A.

• ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI

Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock

03 (53) IVECO DAILY 50c13 17 SEAT MINIBUS COIF/PSV £7,495

14:42

05 (05) VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T30 104 TDi WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS £8,995

17/12/12

04 (04) LDV CONVOY 17 SEAT MINIBUS COIF/PSV MARCH 2013 113,667 MILES £5,995

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50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 19, 2012

56, 57, 58, 59 & 11 Reg Ford Transit Factory Minibuses

2002 52 Reg Mercedes Sprinter 413D

UVG body, 16 seats + wheelchair, PSC and tachograph, low mileage for year

15 and 17 seaters, PSV and Class 5 Choice of 10 For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

ÂŁ8,450.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

(

)

1999 V Reg Mercedes 814D Vario Plaxton Beaver 2

31 bus seats with belts, new paint and test, Allison auto.

ÂŁ9,950.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

6 x Optare Soloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s M950 Slimlines Choice of 6 vehicles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all 2007 (57 Plates). 32 + 17 standees (various seating options). All have Cummins engines with Alison gearboxes. Full Service History â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all with current MOT. LED digital destination displays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; front, rear & sides. CCTV cameras. Average mileages. Esteban Civic V3 seats. We will re-spray in white for ÂŁ48,000 or in the NEW OWNERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COLOURS for ÂŁ49,000

Please ring Graham or Mandy at Courtney Buses 01189 733486 info@courtneybuses.com

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December 19, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 51

Dennis Dart Super Pointer 45 seats with belts, Tacho, Euro4 with RPC/LEZ, ready to go

8QO L PL W HG RQO L QH Y H KL F O H I RU V DO H DGY H U W L V H PH QW V RQ F RDF KDQGEXV PDU NH W F RP

£13,950

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For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

+DO I SUL FH UHFUXL W PHQW DGV L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH

N Reg Bluebird American School Bus

DQQXDO GL JL W DO VXEVFUL SW L RQV W R F RDF KDQGEXV ZH H N F RP

60 seats with 3 point belts, Cummins engine/Allison gearbox

£5,950

Also 2000 W Reg at

£12,000.00

For more information visit

([F O XGL QJ 9$7

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www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

49 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £40,000

Mercedes Touro

65 reclining seats, Automatic, A/C, W/C £40,000

Jonckheere Mistral, MAN

49 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £95,000

31 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio £68,000

61 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £120,000

65 reclining seats, One Shift gearbox, LEZ compliant, Disabled access, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £125,000

MAXI 3, Iveco

Neoplan Euroliner, MAN

Plaxton Panther, MAN

Plaxton Panther, Volvo

Contact Daniel Gillison dan@applegates.co.uk 01453 810314

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52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 19, 2012

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width,

GARAGE EQUIPMent

Mobile Column Lifts

any length

• Building to BS5590

FREE

• Doors high enough for

Set of Axle Stands when you purchase your Mobile Columns

Double Deckers

• Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime HEATING

CHECKPOINTS &KHFNSRLQW

'XVWLWH/5

+44(0)1524 271200 www.checkpoint-safety.com

www.buttsequipment.com equipment.com REGISTRATIONS

Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers

JHM Butt & Company Limited Sales: 01302 718226

Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors Radiators • Silicone Hose Ducting • Wiper Equipment Gas Struts

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920 Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG

G £690 CEZ 75 DNZ 45 JXI 62 MXI 42 OXI 76 PEZ 58 TUI 18 TUI 19 VIB 92

SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’

£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 727 DXZ 1150 LIG 1238 CXZ 4470 AJZ 262 FRZ 1558 LIG 1239 DXZ 2267 CEZ 979 HIG 5338 MJZ 6749 DXZ 2268 KBZ 181 IIG 2278 MNZ 1195 ERZ 6181 RBZ 696 IIG 2279 REZ 9451 FRZ 1517 SBZ 171 JIG 9792 RUI 2117 FRZ 1518 VIW 979 JIG 9793 SUI 8836 JFZ 8261 WJI 848 KIG 6556 SUI 8837 JFZ 8262 XJI 474 KIG 6557 TJZ 1119 KIG 8781 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£50 KIG 8782 LIG 1621 LIG 1622 LIG 1623 RNZ 9198 SNZ 2274 SNZ 2275 TUI 7991 TUI 7992

Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ

ENGINES

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

D.I.E.S.E.L. LIMITED OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF CUMMINS ENGINES FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT FULL OR 3/4 BUILT RECON ENGINES COMPETITIVE & COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE REPAIRS FIXED PRICE ENGINE REPAIRS/OVERHAULS COMPREHENSIVE PARTS STOCK – NEW AND USED ON SITE REPAIRS FULL ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS CONTACT US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR CUMMINS REQUIREMENTS TELEPHONE UK: 01708 859625 FAX UK: 01708 857630 EMAIL: SALES@DIESEL.UK.COM

GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment

www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381

([F O XGL QJ 9$7

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REGISTRATIONS

TYRE EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE

Registration numbers 600 VTW MJI 2378 MJI 2379 DAZ 5046 DAZ 4523 DAZ 4518 HIL 7968 RIB 6581

robert@angelacoaches.com Tel 023 8040 3170

1 ) 0 5 0 4 " / % ' 6 $ 0 0 6 3 " 4 4 5 " / % " 3 % 0 / " 7 & ) * $ & ' 0 3 4 " & " % 7 & 3 5 * 4 & .& / 5 4

SNOW CHAINS

VEHICLE SPARES

TRAINING

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE

THE DRIVER CPC IS HERE

TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

SAME DAY J.A.U.P.T. REGISTRATION SAME DAY C.P.C. CERTIFICATES DELIVERED AT YOUR OWN DEPOTS

REMEMBER-REMEMBER 10th SEPTEMBER WE WILL HOLD OUR PRICES FOR 5 YEARS

PCV DRIVER HIRE 0800-731-5007 CORPORATE DEALS AVAILABLE

MERIDIAN PCV DRIVER LTD Rising above all others

www.meridianpcv.com

Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com

www.twigley.com

54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 19, 2012

Santa Bus spreads festive cheer Nottingham City Transport (NCT) is spreading festive cheer to customers with its specially branded ‘Santa Bus’ which is travelling around the network every day and people who spot it could be in with the chance of winning tickets to the Pantomime.

The Santa bus features a huge picture of Santa being pulled on his sleigh by reindeer with a ‘Merry Christmas’ message to customers. Inside the bus there are some Christmas surprises with festive treats being handed out to passengers. NCT has teamed up with the Theatre Royal in Nottingham to give passengers the chance to see this year’s star studded family pantomime, CINDERELLA, starring TV soap star and musical theatre sensation John Partridge as Prince

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

Charming and former Three Degrees singer Sheila Ferguson as the Fairy Godmother. NCT Marketing Manager, Anthony Carver-Smith said: “The Santa Bus is a great way for us to wish all our staff and customers a very Happy Christmas! It will be out and about every day and I’m sure will raise a lot of smiles on its route around the network, it’s very easy to spot and we hope people will join in the competition and tweet or e-mail us when and where they see it.”

Would this OmniDekka be better than reindeer? You’d think it could carry more presents than a sleigh anyway…

Jingle all the way Arriva has recorded an alternative Christmas song, titled ‘Jingle Bus’. The operator is hoping the song, which features a range of horns, bells and engines, will bring Christmas spirit to its buses and wants customers to do the same by creating their own versions. Bus sounds are available from the Arriva website to download and remix with Christmas songs to create a festive bus tune.

Dilbert

Nick Gordon from Arriva UK Bus said: “Buses play an important role over the festive season. “We thought Jingle Bus would be a good way to put a spin on a Christmas classic using our buses.”

To hear ‘Jingle Bus’, or to download the sounds, visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/ jinglebus . Completed songs should be sent along with name, address and phone number to jinglebus@arriva.co.uk no later than December 21. The most creative entry will receive £500 Love2Shop vouchers.

Poetic Licence… We just wanted to share a Christmas poem our Alex Tyler wrote and sent around the CBW office at lunchtime on Friday: It was the night before Christmas, and oh what a fuss, Santas sleigh was knackered, so he was waiting for a bus, but after an hour, he said “sod it, I’d rather be in bed,” So he called up old Souter and got a sleeper coach instead.

Monday: Press day. Finish at not too late an hour, but I still have to defrost the car. Tuesday: Sarah & I get our house valued for its rental potential first thing in the morning. We’re still undecided on whether to keep it & rent it out or sell it – but we certainly want to move to a bigger place. There are pros and cons to both options. Jonathan kindly treats us to an editorial team working lunch. Over more than three hours, we address issues and plan future editions. Training professionals might prefer to call it a ‘workshop’. As almost always seems to be the case, I lighten things up – life’s too short not to laugh. Wednsesday: A day in the office writing features. Andrew calls me in the evening to inform me of changes to tomorrow’s line-up. I shall now be staying in Peterborough rather than going to London to interview Giles Fearnley as he’s got a meeting he “can’t get out of,” but instead kindly offers to come to the CBW office on Friday afternoon. Thursday: Andrew and Jonathan are in London to interview FirstGroup CEO Tim O’Toole as planned. Andrew returns later in the day very much on a high. Friday: The atmosphere in the office is full of excitement for our important visitor. Interviewed by Andrew and I, Giles is his familiar self – easy to talk and very much down to earth. He enjoys his coffee & banter too and is not afraid to meet my colleagues. However, I find myself cringing with embarassment when he gets to see ‘battle of the blowers’ for himself – the girls want the heat set to the absurdly hot 27 degrees centigrade – but we’re sleepy and it’s not helping Giles’ cold. He jokes he can feel a disciplinary coming on. I drop him off at Peterborough railway station.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm

December 19, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Michael Morton is Omnibus Society President 2013

Richard Sharples and Simon Storey

New additions to Omnibus team Scheduling software provider Omnibus has made three significant new appointments to strengthen its team, with the addition of Rajendrababu Ramaswamy, Simon Storey and Richard Sharples. Raj is a University of Manchester graduate and joins the team developing Omnibus’ next generation of products. Simon joins the Omnibus Commercial Team and is based in Reading. He joined the company from Stagecoach where he spent six years as Commercial Officer and was recently seconded to

Stagecoach UK Bus events where he was involved in planning and operation for the Olympics and Paralympics. Richard, who is based in Northumberland, also joins the Omnibus Commercial Team. He has extensive experience of the public transport sector having previously been an Implementation and Support Consultant with Trapeze for their revenue analysis and scheduling software. Michael Meilton, Business Development Manager for Omnibus, said: “The success of Omnibus is down to the quality of our people and the strength of our team. Raj, Simon and Richard are all important additions to the Omnibus family and will be instrumental in developing new products and new customer relationships.”

21st Century has strengthened its international business team with two new appointments. Lenka Hornickova and Geraldine Esquerre have joined 21st Century to help build on the company’s growing European reputation in developing mobile surveillance and driver training products for the passenger transport industry. Lenka is an international business development and marketing professional who speaks English, German, Spanish and Czech. She has a background in the international motor industry and

joins 21st Century from Swissbased AutoGlobalTrade. Geraldine also has a strong international sales and marketing background. She speaks French, English and German and brings to her new role with 21st Century several years of experience in digital media and luxury brand management, with a solid background across full product management, marketing and business development. Commenting on the appointments, Mark Johnson, Director of International Sales for 21st Century, said: “We have had a strong international presence for a number of years and the international business is growing rapidly. Lenka and Geraldine will play an important role in identifying new opportunities, managing projects and developing new sales channels.”

21st Century strengthens international team

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Michael Morton, MD of Arriva Buses Wales, is to be President of the Omnibus Society in 2013 – the enthusiast group has announced. He will succeed Roger French, MD of the Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach, who is President for 2012. Following a career in local authority-owned bus operators in the north west of England, Michael Morton joined Arriva Buses Wales in January 2009, providing bus services throughout the northern half of Wales, from Chester and Wrexham to Aberystwyth, and participating in the Traws Cymru long-distance network. Accepting the role of President of Britain’s longest-established bus interest organisation – it was formed in 1929 and boasts a nationally-recognised archive – Michael Morton said: “I am honoured to have been asked to

be President of this well-respected organisation which has always been seen as the domain of real enthusiasts of buses and the bus industry.” Michael will give his Presidential Address on Tuesday January 29 at  55 Broadway, London SW1 at 1845hrs. He will also host a Presidential Weekend in the Llandudno area in September 2013.

Michael Morton succeeds Roger French, MD of Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach

Heavy Vehicle Technician Do you have the right stuﬀ to join our highly experienced team, based at our excellent workshop in Lower Sydenham, South East London? Requirements for the successful candidate will be: • Fully skilled HGV/PCV Technician • Experience of all types of repairs to commercial vehicles • Background in Mercedes/Setra/Scania coaches preferred but not essential • HGV/PCV licence essential • Conscientious and reliable, able to work on own initiative. We oﬀer: • Competitive salary • Training and development programme • Excellent working facilities, friendly team, modern vehicles • Group personal pension scheme • Paid holiday For more information or for an application form please call 0208 768 9637 and ask for Steve Holden. Alternatively please complete and application form online at our website www.clarkescoaches.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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