Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1084

Wednesday April 24, 2013 Issue 1084 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

Success celebrated at UK Coach Awards & UK Coach Rally p8

TECHNOLOGY:

User-friendly WiFi & mobile ticketing from Mobile Onboard p20

Inside this week...

Minibus

BUS:

Reading launches Scania-powered ADL E300 gas buses p6

Stagecoach lifts the lid on Megabus Gold sleepers

TEST DRIVE:

New Ferqui Soroco for Bee Bee Travel put through its paces p48

for recruitm

JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK

RECRUIT N

OW

p4

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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 © 2013 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.

Is smart ticketing going the right way?

S

martcard ticketing seems to be far more prevalent than mobile ticketing at the moment, but I really wonder why. It’s inferior to mobile ticketing in almost every way unless it has millions of pounds of infrastructure behind it.

Without the amount of backup you get on an Oyster-style system, which isn’t practical commercially unless the network makes a pretty spectacular turnover, overnight updating is as close to real-time as a smartcard system can get, but requires a significant amount of effort to achieve. This means the card can’t be used on the same day if the passenger realises there is no money on it.

These days, almost everyone owns a mobile phone and the majority of these people own a smartphone. Peter Heath at Cardiff Bus conceded in the operator’s feature last week that some passengers don’t want yet another piece of plastic, something which rings true with me and my already oversaturated wallet, but a phone will almost certainly be on their person at all times. Mobile tickets can be purchased when convenient and in real time, even on the way to the bus

stop. Mobile Onboard even removes a lot of the admin headaches, meaning operators barely have to worry about maintaining it.

The only drawback with mobile ticketing appears to be validation, which currently relies on the discretion of the driver. This is largely because most ticket machines being developed now do not include scanners for the QR codes on mobile tickets, having gone down the smartcard/NFC route instead, and mobile handset manufacturers seem reluctant to give their phones NFC capability, despite the technology very much being there.

The other excellent ticketing system which is becoming more prevalent is contactless payment, using EMV contactless bank cards. This may well become the best option in the future, as it even removes the need for passengers to top up, providing they have money in their account, while still allowing fast boarding using something they would be carrying anyway – their bank card. The difficulty here though, particularly for smaller operators, is getting a merchant account to support it.

James Day News Reporter

CONTENTS 4

26

40

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

18

A look some of the leading suppliers of garage equipment

32

An EVM-converted Sprinter for Enterprise’s Heathrow shuttle run

Bus firms are failing people with sight loss, a Guide Dogs survey finds

20

Bluestar driving apprenticeships and W&D driver turns author again

35

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

Consumer focused ticketing, WiFi & marketing from Mobile Onboard

Ferqui Sorocco roadtest, CV Show & high-tec Mercedes-Benz. Plus news

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Guide Dogs News Supplier Profile

Industry Guide Drivers

Minibus

The Big Picture

77

Last Stop

78

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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news

“Overall the changes they have made to the model eliminates virtually all the gripes you could ever have...”

Bobby Bridgeman Bee Bee Travel

briefly We would like to apologise for two mistakes we made in last week’s issue. On the ‘People; pages we incorrectly captioned the photo accompanying ‘IRU appoints new Secretary General’ as Mr Martin Marmy (former IRU Secretary General) – when in fact it was Umberto de Pretto, new IRU Secretary General. Also, on p6 the caption for the photo accompanying the ‘Nottingham, boosts EV fleet’ omitted to state half the 20 new buses will be Versas.

The OFT has announced it is reviewing Rotala’s acquisition of Kidderminster and Redditch garages from FirstGroup. The watchdog is considering whether this agreement has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition. Interested parties are invited to submit comments before May 2. by email to carlos. martinez@oft.gsi.gov.uk or write to Carlos Martínez Rico, Office of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8JX. EVM and Arriva Bus & Coach now have their own dedicated dealer pages on the coachandbusmarket.com. Both pages can be found by clicking the ‘Dealers Pages’ tab at the top of the page. For more information, call Coach & Bus market Advertising Executive Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@ coachandbusweek.com Oral evidence has been taken by the Transport Select Committee (TSC) as it continues its inquiry into the work of VOSA. The TSC aims to address concerns about the standards of some foreign HGVs operating in the UK and what more can be done to improve standards, including at EU level. The inquiry also looks at how arrangements for vehicle test sites can be improved, how VOSA may better support the work of the Traffic Commissioners and the implementation of the HGV Road User Levy Bill and its subsequent effect on VOSA. www.coachandbusweek.com

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First Drive p48

Stagecoach launches megabusgold.com New overnight sleepercoach service will use 10 Van Hool Astromega coaches with prices ranging from £15 to £60 Stagecoach has announced it is to launch a major network of overnight sleepercoach services from Scotland to London this summer using a £5m fleet of specially-designed vehicles.

The fleet, consisting of 10 new Van Hool Astromega 15m double-deck coaches, will operate overnight seven days a week under the new megabusgold.com brand.

The services link London with Aberdeen, Aviemore, Cumbernauld Dundee, Dunfermline Edinburgh, Falkirk, Ferrytoll park and ride in

Fife, Glasgow Inverness and Perth, providing more than 1,700 lie-flat beds between Scotland and the capital every week.

The coaches boast 53 luxury leather seats, which convert into 42 lie-flat beds, As well as tables, power sockets, free WiFi and a toilet. Customers also receive complimentary refreshments during their journey as well as a sleeper kit which includes an eye mask, a toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition, as a pilot, passengers will be given a choice of a blanket or a onesie to sleep in during their journey.

Prices on the new services range from £15 to £60. Journey times are comparable to existing sleeper train

One of the 10 new impressive double-decker Van Hool Atromegas, carrying 53 seats which can convert to 42 lie-flat beds

Minis to Midis strengthens sales and support In response to high demand following the success of the recently launched Noone Turas coach range, Minis to Midis has strengthened its sales and support teams.

Steve White, Director Alan White’s brother, has joined the company permanently after assisting on a casual basis while running his own separate business.

Steve entered the coach industry in 1986 and has previous sales experience with Europa Coaches, Caetano, Dennis, the associated

Moseley companies, Esker and Dawsonrentals.

Steve White said: “This is the third time I have worked alongside Alan. I am very impressed with the Noone Turas product and the commitment behind it. I know the team from Paramount Conversions and of course previously sold the Optimo. I am looking forward to being of service to customers old and new.”

In a separate move, Johnsons’ Redfern service division in

services, with customers able to make the trip from both Edinburgh and Glasgow to London in less than eight hours.

The launch of the new sleepercoach network follows the success of a pilot route between Glasgow and London using refurbished vehicles fitted with bunk beds.

The first of the new coaches replace existing vehicles on the current overnight route between Glasgow and London. All routes on the sleepercoach network are expected to be launched during the summer and will be operated through the Scottish Citylink joint venture between Stagecoach and ComfortDelGro. The vehicles will also operate on the existing Scottish Citylink Gold network through the day between Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Stagecoach Group CEO Sir Brian Souter, who unveiled the first of the new coaches at The O2 in London, said: “It used to be just popstars who had beds on board their buses – now everyone can benefit from a comfortable, great value overnight journey. You can go to sleep in one city and wake up in another ready to start the day without having to pay extra for a hotel room.”

Further information can be found at www. megabusgold.com

Nottinghamshire has been appointed in support of main service agent GB Fleet Maintenance in Hertfordshire. Both will aid Minis to Midis and Brian Noone to provide aftermarket service support for the Turas range.

Aftermarket parts and glass support is being handled by Carlyle Bus and Coach. Minis to Midis uses the same service agents to support customers operating Paramount Sprinter conversion products and for preparation of pre-owned vehicles. Discussions are taking place with an agent to support customers in the south west following new orders in the area with the same planned for Scotland.

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek

Weights and dimensions: further effort needed The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has welcomed new EC proposals on its review of Directive 96/53/EC concerning weights and dimensions of commercial vehicles, as it could improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by 7-10%, leading to more efficient and greener road transport operations, while improving road safety through new vehicle design allowing for better driver visibility and increased driver comfort.

However, The IRU points out only allowing a weight of 19 tonnes for two-axle buses and coaches to compensate for the extra weight of additional safety devices and

New President at Volvo Buses

Håkan Agnevall has been appointed President Volvo Bus Corporation.

He will assume his new poisition in June, 2013.

Håkan Agnevall, born 1966, has worked in industry for many years and has extensive Swedish and international experience from several different companies such as ABB. He currently holds the position as Vice President, Bombardier Transportation Propulsion and Controls.

environmental technology without increasing the carrying capacity of these vehicles, will not be enough to meet the needs of customers and businesses.

The industry advocates a 19.5 tonne maximum weight for two-axle buses and coaches, as recommended by the EU publicprivate Smart Move High Level Group.

Moreover, regarding the EC proposals to promote electronic weight sensors to communicate weight information to enforcement authorities, the IRU strongly advocates their use must ensure electronic data alone should not be used for remote enforcement purposes.

Furthermore, any data transmission must not be extended to enforce weight compliance which is not uniformly applied across the EU and malfunctioning of weight sensor equipment should not constitute an offence in itself.

Håkan Agnevall Håkan Agnevall will replace the acting President of Volvo Buses Håkan Karlsson, head of Volvo Group Business Areas.

Lothian Buses secured a £1.5m SGBF grant for the new Volvo 7900s

10 new Volvo 7900s for Lothian Buses A launch event took place on Castle Street, Edinburgh on Saturday, April 13, as Lothian Buses took delivery of 10 new Volvo 7900 hybrid buses.

The new Volvo 7900s are funded with the help of a £1.5m grant from the Scottish Green Bus Fund and will be operating on the number 1 route from Clermiston to Easter Road.

“Our vision is to provide worldclass, socially inclusive transport for Scotland’s capital city,” said Ian Craig, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, welcoming the new fleet.

“As a company we are always looking for ways to offer greener and more sustainable travel, both for our passengers and the local environment. With the financial support from the Scottish Government we are delighted to

continue to add to our existing green fleet.”

The 7900Hs are specified with a Volvo D5F 4.8 litre 4 cylinder engine, rated at 215bhp and supported by a Volvo Electric Motor, rated at 120 kW, with a Volvo I-Shift gearbox, the 7900H combines a number of proven Volvo systems together. Taking advantage of the complete Volvo build, the hybrid battery and several of the systems and cooling circuits are roof-mounted. This increases internal space and also assists in optimising weight distribution. The vehicles also make use of the hybrid engine’s ‘stop start’ feature, where the vehicle pulls away from the bus stop in pure electric mode.

“We successfully launched the 7900H single deck bus last year and Lothian Buses were one of the first operators to secure an order.

It’s nice to now see those vehicles delivered and entering service in Edinburgh. This is a hugely significant development for Volvo Bus in the UK and Ireland,” said Phil Owen, Volvo Bus Sales Director

www.coachandbusweek.com

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10%

news › BUSeS

The increase Bakers Dolphin has seen in day trip bookings this year

briefly West Midlands transport authority Centro has opened a public consultation on its plan to extend the Midland Metro tram network to Wolverhampton’s bus & rail stations. The extension would run along Piper’s Row with a stop directly outside the bus station before terminating at the rail station. The tram service would operate on a six-minute frequency throughout the day. For full details, visit www.centro.org.uk/metro/ Wolverhampton.aspx National Express Dundee (formerly Travel Dundee) has teamed up with Dundee football club with a fare promotion. Season ticket holders can now claim £1 off an Adult Daysaver on matchdays.

NX Dundee routes 18 and 19 serve the football ground every 10 minutes.

Almost 5,000 motorists have been caught illegally using bus lane in the first three weeks since enforcement was decriminalised and taken over by the local authority. A spokesman for Aberdeen City council spokeswoman told STV: “It averages out at just over 300 a day, which is a considerable drop from when the system went live.”

Carmarthenshire County Council has announced Llanelli Bus Station is to be closed temporarily at various times over two weekends at the end of this month and beginning of May. This will allow partial resurfacing and maintenance works to be carried out safely.

Lothian Buses-operated Edinburgh Bus Tours has unveiled details of its new tour - the Edinburgh World Heritage Official Tour: A City of Contrasts.

The tour will include new sights such as Fettes College – where the character of James Bond was supposedly educated – and Dean Bridge. It has been developed in conjunction with Edinburgh World Heritage and offers discounted rates for groups of ten or more (15 or more for the Royal Edinburgh Ticket) when booking in advance.

For further information visit www. edinburghtour.com www.coachandbusweek.com

News6,7.indd 6

First Scania-ADL gas-powered buses delivered to Reading Completion of the order for 20 vehicles, made in August 2012, is scheduled for completion by early May The UK’s first Scania-ADL gasfuelled buses, part of an order of 20 for Reading Buses, have now been delivered and an official handover ceremony was held in Reading on Monday, April 22, where the first vehicles were on display. Completion of the order is scheduled for early May, with the new fleet being progressively introduced into service shortly thereafter.

Reading Buses CEO James Freeman said: “When we ordered these vehicles last August, we were continuing our long history of innovation whereby we have consistently sought to operate at the leading edge, both in terms of efficiency and with regard to environmental standards. The combination of stylish, proven, British-built bodywork with technology promising high performance, minimal running costs and a carbon-neutral fuel solution, ticks all of the boxes for us.

“Furthermore, we have a long track record of successful

partnerships with both Scania and ADL and go into this initiative with the knowledge of the aftermarket support they offer. Additionally, the new gas vehicles will share a large number of common components with the 100-plus Scania vehicles already in our bus fleet.”

Scania’s Bus, Coach and Engine Sales Director Tony Tomsett added: “We are delighted the UK’s first Scania-powered gas buses will soon be in service with Reading Buses. This project has been a collaborative effort between ourselves, ADL and

The first of 20 Scania-ADL E300s for Reading Buses

Stagecoach steps in after First cuts Northampton routes First Northampton has given notice of further service withdrawls in the town, which come into effect on June 9, with Stagecoach stepping in to provide replacement services.

Route 12 to Camp Hill, 28 to West Hunsbury and 29 & 30 to Kings Heath will all cease to be run

by First. Stagecoach in turn will launch a route to West Hunsbury, numbered 10, and another to Kings Heath, Briar Hill and Camp Hill, numbered 12. Both of these new services will come into effect on May 12, overlapping the First services by a month to ensure

the Gas Bus Alliance and I would like to thank all concerned for all the hard work put in to ensure the success of this ground-breaking venture.

Everyone has pulled together to ensure these buses could be built and achieve all the necessary compliance in time to meet the start date of Reading’s contract.”

The vehicles will operate on a variety of services in and around the Reading area, including a major contract serving Green Park, Madjeski Stadium and Kennet Island.

Based on 12-metre Scania

passengers are not left without a service at any time and have chance to adjust.

First said it has no plans to make additional cuts in Northampton beyond those already announced, although it is worth noting its entire single-decker fleet in the county town is made up of older vehicles which are not DDA compliant.

Stagecoach said it is also introducing a number of other improvements from the June 10, with service 16/17 extended to Sunnyside every 10 minutes. The service will provide a faster way for

people into town from Sunnyside and offer through journeys to Northampton College, Weston Favell and Ecton Brook.

In addition from June 10 the frequency on service 8 is being increased from every 30 minutes to 20 minutes between Northampton town centre and Weston Favell.

The route will also be extended to Blackthorn and Rectory Farm to provide links to Northampton College and a more direct service to Weston Favell.

Steve Burd, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands, said: “We are pleased to be able to step into what could have been a very difficult position which would have left residents without vital links into the centre of Northampton.”

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42

The number of lie-flat beds on Stagecoach’s new megabusgold.com Van Hool coaches

KUB 4x2 chassis, the vehicles are powered by Scania’s OG9 GO4 gas engine, a 270 horsepower EEV 9.3-litre five-cylinder energy efficient lean burn unit capable of operating on either Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Bio Natural Gas (BNG). The engine offers high efficiency and low fuel consumption with no need for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). It is based on the same platform as Scania’s modular-build 9.3-litre diesel engine, which limits the number of new components required for the low entry gas chassis to around 40 items.

The vehicles feature single-deck 40-seat Enviro E300SG bodywork, designed and engineered by ADL, Scania’s gas bus development partner. The Gas Bus Alliance will provide infrastructure and fuel supply to Reading Buses.

Initial fuelling of the vehicles is being carried out from supplies of gas tankered onto the site. James Freeman though it would be around three months before a mains-fed gas installation could be finished and commissioned.

Scania has produced gas-fuelled vehicles for almost 100 years.

An early example being buses adapted to run on producer gas during the First World War years. It produced dedicated gas bus engines in 1940. In recent times Scania has supplied in excess of 3,800 gas engines for various applications in a number of countries worldwide. These include fleets operating in the Swedish municipalities of Uppsala, Malmö and Helsingborg as well as vehicles in Madrid and Brisbane.

Children from Marine Park First School joined in with the launch in the North East

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£1.8m

The sum invested by Arriva in new Optare Versas at its Gillingham depot for local Medway Mainline services

April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, April 22. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise, while BAE Systems saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

377.95p

Price: Year High: 399.70p Year Low: 268.52p

The new 7900Hs carry route branding for the 7-series of services

First Berks hybrid buses for Heathrow First has introduced hybrid buses to routes 75 and 76 (Maidenhead/ Slough – Heathrow), which started operating on Saturday, April 20.

A total of 10 brand new Volvo 7900Hs will enter service on the 7-series network. A special launch event was held at Heathrow Airport on Thursday, April 18 and included a demonstration ride aboard one of the new hybrids.

First operates the 7-series in partnership with Heathrow, Slough Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.

The purchase of the vehicles has been made possible following an award of £884,000 from the DfT’s Green Bus Fund (Round 3).

“The 7-series services between

Mad scientist launch for Arriva hybrids Arriva has launched 22 hybrids across the north of England.

12 of the Wright-bodied Volvo B5Ls will be hitting the streets of Leeds, Garforth, Kippax and Castleford, with 10 more seeing service in Blyth, Whitley Bay, Coast Road and Newcastle.

The introduction of the hybrid buses are part of a successful bid to the government’s Green Bus Fund.

The buses will operate on the 163 and 166 routes in Yorkshire and the 308 route in the North East,

Slough and Heathrow are very important for workers at the airport and also those flying on business or leisure,” said Matthew Wooll, Revenue & Marketing Manager at First. “Our customers are at the heart of the business and these buses demonstrate First’s ongoing commitment to providing the right services for them, while reducing our impact on the environment.”

Allan Gregory, Surface Access Director for Heathrow added: “These services are vital for air passengers and staff at Heathrow, but also for those who use the airport as a hub for bus and coach travel. We want our transport to be sustainable, which is why we’ve invested £750m in subsidised public transport and sustainable travel initiatives.

“These new buses mean a third of the 7-series fleet to Heathrow are now hybrids with the remainder being Euro 5.” representing an investment of £6m.

The buses were given a mad scientist-themed launch, which hosted the premiere of the Frankenbus ‘It’s alive, it’s electric’ videos, staring local people and local business along the routes. The launch was aided by Arriva’s ‘street scientist friends’ and local children.

A mail shot has been sent to over 50,000 homes along the bus routes, with a special ‘It’s alive, It’s electric’ wrist band and money off vouchers.

Nigel Featham, Arriva Yorkshire & Arriva NE MD, said: “Hopefully this investment will encourage more people to travel by bus.”

View the launch videos at www.youtube.com/user/ ArrivaUKBus

212.90p

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FTSE 100

6,304

Index: Year High: 6,529 Year Low: 5,260

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on last week

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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

news › coaches

briefly National Express (NX) is celebrating 20 years serving the UK’s biggest music festivals.

Over the last two decades, NX, which has just been announced as official transport provider to V Festival, has taken hundreds of thousands of music lovers to festivals across the UK. NX UK Coach MD Tom Stables said: “For many people a festival is the highlight of summer and we’re proud to have helped people create so many amazing memories over the past 20 years.” As well as V Festival, National Express is also the official partner of Glastonbury, Latitude, Reading, Leeds and Global Gathering. The operator also serves traditionally smaller events including Green Man. A contraflow will be in place on the A1 Catterick North to Catterick South Interchange from 2000 and 0600hrs between April 25 and May 2 for resurfacing works. All traffic will travel on the southbound carriageway with the northbound carriageway closed.

Closures of the A1 Northbound entry slips at Catterick North and Catterick South junction, and the A1 Northbound Catterick exit slip will be required. Signed diversions are in place. For the duration of the works a 50mph speed restriction will be in place 24hrs per day.

Bakers Coaches of Biddulph has provided a coach to support the Churchill China ‘Doing it for Dougie’ challenge. A team of runners representing all members of staff from Churchill’s factory in Stoke on Trent are planning a marathon relay starting on May 22 to deliver a specially designed china mug to the company’s London showroom in Islington. Bakers Coaches is providing a coach on May 23 to transport a number of personnel to Islington for the finish and then return with all the participants. The project is in aid of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.

The link road from the clockwise M25 to the eastbound M20 will be closed overnight between 2200 and 0530hrs for five nights from April 26. A signed diversion route will be in place via the J3 roundabout. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Coaching celebrates at Alton Towers Woods of Bognor Regis crowned UK Coach Operator of the Year and Falcon Coaches win Highest Placed Coach Operator in all Classes at UK Coach Rally There was much to celebrate as individuals, companies and organisations across the UK operating and tourism industry were recognised and rewarded at the UK Coach Awards 2013, which took place on Saturday 20 April at Alton Towers Resort. It was part of a two-day celebration, with the UK Coach Rally taking place over the same weekend.

There were many familiar names

among the UK Coach Awards finalists. Woods Travel of Bognor Regis was named as Top Small Fleet Operator. The company went on to win the coveted UK Coach Operator of the Year award, judged on customer nominations, performance data and a ‘mystery shopper’ exercise to test the company’s customer friendliness. Renowned North of Scotland-based Maynes Coaches of Buckie won the award for Top Large Fleet Operator, with Bournemouth’s Excelsior Coaches winning the Medium Fleet category.

Gavin Scott of Stanley Travel won the award for Young Coach Industry Professional, while the

The team from family-run Woods Coaches of Bognor Regis proudly show off their trophy and certificate

Top UK Coach Driver was named as Mike Fitzgerald of Anthony’s Travel.

The Unsung Heroes award went to Melanie Cox of Epsom Coaches and the Award for Services to the Industry was deservedly won by Mike Lambden, until recently of National Express.

Several popular coaching destinations featured in the awards, as well companies providing support services for the industry.

UKCA Chairman Allan Edmondson said: “It has been heartening to see the way in which the coach industry has reacted to the current recession.

The judges were impressed by the level of innovation, investment and positive marketing going on in these difficult times, all designed to win new customers, as well as retain existing ones.”

“We are also very grateful to the staff at Alton Towers Resort, who have been enthusiastic and excellent hosts,” he added.

The UK Coach Awards 2013 were again compered by popular BBC presenter Carol Kirkwood and the awards themselves were presented

by Malcolm Robson, President of CPT. The event was attended by over 300 key players in the coach and tourism industry.

For more details and photos of the awards, visit www.ukcoachawards.co.uk

Redwing Coaches completes management buyout Redwing Coaches’ management team has successfully completed a buyout of the company from London-based private hire firm Addison Lee. The MBO team consists of Deputy MD Nigel Taylor, MD Paul Hockley and Matt Evans from third party Chancery Partnership.

Nigel told CBW: “Addison Lee was looking to move on. We love the company and we want it to keep going. Although it will downsize slightly, I would like to think the business will move forward.

“Nothing about the company will change apart from the Addison Lee name coming off the vehicles.”

All staff have transferred and the operator has downsized from 51 to 40 vehicles. The firm says there will be no disruption to its services.

The transfer of ownership took place on Monday, April 15. It is understood the future of Redwing’s sister company Reliance Travel is yet to be decided.

In a separate development Addison Lee has been sold to private equity firm Carlyle Group

A Mercedes-Benz Tourismo in Redwing’s signature red livery for £300m.

Carlyle said it hoped to expand the firm into international markets and continue to transport about 10 million passengers each year in London. Founder John Griffin will remain Chairman of the company and his son Liam will be CEO.

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April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

“A Mercedes may come with a higher price tag but there’s little doubt drivers, passengers and other road users are as well protected as they can be.”

Martin Cole

Minibus p35

UK Coach Awards 2013 Results Awards for Coach Friendliness The Most Coach-Friendly Historic Attraction Winner: Chatsworth Runner-up: Beamish – The Living Museum of the North The Most Coach-Friendly Tourist Attraction Winner: Brick Lane Music Hall Runner-up: York Chocolate Story Highly Commended: Cadbury World and Longleat The Most Coach-Friendly Local Authority Winner: Liverpool City Council Runner-up: Medway Council The Most Coach-Friendly Shopping Attraction Winner: Gloucester Quays Runner-up: Bury Market Commended: Birmingham Christmas Markets

Special Commendation: Stuart Alford (Maynes Coaches)

Best Service Provider – Hotels & Catering Winner: Best Western Hotels Runner-up: Hilton Worldwide Highly Commended: Marriott Hotels Best Service Provider – Sea Crossing & Water Transport Winner: Eurotunnel Special Commendation for Innovation: John o ‘Groats Ferries Best Service Provider – Theatre & Venue Ticketing Winner: Encore Tickets Coach Passenger Service Provider of the Year Winner: Greatdays Travel Group

Services to the Industry Winner: Mike Lambden Young Coach Industry Professional Winner: Gavin Scott (Stanley Travel)

National Express’ London Stratford Team received a Special Commendation for Outstanding Customer Service

Unsung Heroes Award Winner: Melanie Cox (Epsom Coaches) Special Commendation for Outstanding Customer Service: National Express London Stratford Team

Technical and Professional Awards

Awards for Coach Operation

Coach Marketing Award Winner: National Express – Group Travel

Awards for Industry People

Awards for Services to Coach Passengers

Edwards Coaches won the Top Coach from Wales. Senior Traffic Commisioner Sarah Bell and TfL’s Sir Peter Hendy join the Edwards crew in front of their Neoplan Starliner

Life made easier for coaches in South Devon A new Moretonhampstead link road has opened in South Devon, meaning drivers can avoid busy a crossroad and the centre of the village.

The new link road joins the A382 to the B3212 north of the village. Traffic coming from Torbay heading for Princetown should now continue to travel north along the A382. A new roundabout on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead has

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Coach Travel Programme Winner: Epsom Coaches Runner-up: Woods Coaches Making Coaches a Better Choice Winner: Stagecoach – megabus.com

UK Coach Destination of the Year Winner: Chatsworth

Best Service Provider – Tour Wholesaler Winner: Greatdays Travel Group Runner-up: Albatross Travel Group Highly Commended: Norman Allen Group Travel

Runner-up: National Express – Senior Coachcard Commended: Woods Coaches

clear signs indicating the direction to follow to skirt the village en route to Princetown, Tavistock and Plymouth.

One of the first tour drivers to use the new link road, Trevor Mills of Truemans Coach Travel from Hampshire, said: “Anything which improves access through narrow villages or town roads without causing disruption to local inhabitants can only benefit all concerned and help maintain a healthy relationship with the local community.”

Doug Jenner of the Old Police Station Café in Princetown, a popular destination for coach parties visiting Dartmoor, said: “Moretonhampstead is a tricky old

Top UK Coach Driver Winner: Mike Fitzgerald (Anthony’s Travel) Runner-up: Peter Speaight (Epsom Coaches) Highly Commended: Alexander (Sandy) Watson (Maynes Coaches)

place to get through sometimes.

We’ve had drivers booked in to visit the café held up for as much as 20 minutes in Moretonhampstead sometimes. The new link road will make life so much easier and help

Doug Jenner, right, of the Old Police Station Cafe, Princetown, greets tour driver, Trevor Mills, one of the first drivers to use the new Moretonhampstead Link Road

Top Small Fleet Operator Winner: Woods Travel Group Runner-up: Woods Coaches Commended: Lawton’s Executive Coaches Top Medium Fleet Operator Winner: Excelsior Coaches Runner-up: Bibby’s of Ingleton Highly Commended: Anthony’s Travel Top Large Fleet Operator Winner: Maynes Coaches Runner-up: Belle Vue Coaches UK Coach Operator of the Year Winner: Woods Travel Group

drivers keep to time, particularly when they also have to get down into Plymouth in time for a boat trip from the Barbican.”

Alan Payling of the Torquaybased Coach Drivers Information Pack, who is also a coach guide in the Dartmoor National Park, said: “Due to stringent planning restrictions in the national park, not many improvements to the road network can take place. But the new link road is one to be welcomed and drivers of coaches are being encouraged to use it.”

For more information contact Alan Payling on 01803 325 369 or email coachdrivers@hotmail.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

22/04/2013 18:01

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

news

First and Go-Ahead recognised in CR Index Go-Ahead achieves highest ever score of 97%, while First improved on its silver status with 93% for its UK and North American operations Both FirstGroup and Go-Ahead have been recognised in Business in the Community’s annual benchmark of responsible business management, the Corporate Responsibility Index (CR Index).

Go-Ahead achieved its highest ever score of 97%. This moves the company into the index’s Platinum ranking and means Go-Ahead is the top performing bus and rail operator to be featured.

Meanwhile, FirstGroup has achieved Gold status for UK and North America its operations, with an overall score of 93%, improving upon the Silver status which it secured the previous five years.

First scored full marks for its approach to community investment and climate change in the assessment. The company also achieved 90% and above in the environmental management, workplace management and employee development categories.

Companies which achieve Platinum integrate corporate responsibility into its business model and have clear CR

responsibilities and incentive structures at board and operational levels. Platinum companies have a structured approach to data collection and social and environmental impact assessment and can demonstrate a number of years of CR performance improvement across key impacts, high level of transparency and stakeholder engagement.

David Brown, Go-Ahead Group CEO said: “This is great news and we are pleased to have achieved

As well as its CR index success in the UK and North America, FirstGroup achieved 90% and above in the environmental management, workplace management and employee development

Passenger Focus research highlights delay information New research from Passenger Focus claims bus passengers are calling for better information during delays and a more customer-focused approach from bus drivers. Passengers taking part in the research said they understood buses would inevitably be affected by traffic congestion, road works and accidents, but described being ‘powerless’ when buses are delayed, feeling there is no way to find out what is going on.

Passengers had a clear preference for real-time information to be displayed at bus stops, with smartphone and tablet apps playing www.coachandbusweek.com

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Go-Ahead Group was the top performing bus and rail operator featured in the index

an important supporting role.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus Chief Executive, said: “There are some important messages here for bus companies, local authorities and government. Real-time departure information helps passengers make an informed choice about what to do if buses are delayed. It’s clear passengers want this at the bus stop, so the challenge is how to achieve it in an affordable way.”

The research said there was a strong indication that passengers want a more customer-focused attitude from bus drivers,

particularly when services are delayed and disrupted. It claimed there is a big gap between how passengers want bus drivers to behave towards them and the reality.

Anthony added: “We know many bus companies are trying to improve the customer-service side of how their drivers work. This research, echoing findings in our Bus Passenger Survey, suggests tackling this long-standing cultural issue should be a high priority for the industry.”

Passenger Focus also recommended operators of real-time information systems should strive for a very high level of accuracy. Passengers who have encountered systems which count down to zero and a bus never

a 97% score which has moved us up from Gold to Platinum ranking.

Our excellent performance in the index demonstrates we continue to place CR values at the core of our business strategy and that the strategy is implemented and embedded across the organisation.

The index also recognises we have management practices in place to address CR issues in the community, the environment, the workplace and in the way we interact with our passengers.”

CEO of FirstGroup Tim O’Toole said: “I’m delighted our approach to corporate responsibility has been recognised by Business in the Community. Across FirstGroup we are committed to setting the highest possible standards and achieving Gold status reflects the fantastic efforts of my colleagues across all our operations to continuously improve.”

Stephen Howard, CEO, Business in the Community, congratulated both Go-Ahead and First on their achievements, adding: “The CR Index tells us, despite the complexities of this agenda and the tough economic challenges they’re facing, our leading companies are continuing to invest in responsible business and integrating it within their operations.” appears, or where the predicted arrival time ‘jumps around’, are reluctant to trust the information in future. It warned instances of buses which run, but are ‘blind’ (i.e. the system not fitted or being defective) to the real-time system, will have a similar affect.

Another recommendation was for bus companies to consider the role of social media, in particular Twitter, as one part of passenger communications during service disruption. While some passengers in the research could not envisage ‘following’ a bus company, the idea was enthusiastically received by a minority whose principal concern was to have the ability to personalise it to receive only those tweets directly relevant to their journey.

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TRAINING UPDATE

April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11

Less than five months to D (CPC) day!

David Richards of AA DriveTech offers hope to coach and bus operators whose drivers have not yet completed their Driver CPC training

Seen launching the new buses are David Bond of the Medway Council and Kevin Hawkins, Regional Commercial Director of Arriva Southern Counties

Arriva invests in new buses for Medway Arriva Southern Counties has introduced 15 11.1-metre-long Optare Versas at its Gillingham depot for two local Medway Mainline services, representing a £1.8m investment.

The new buses are in use on services 166 between Chatham, Luton and Lords Wood and the 176 which runs across the towns between Walderslade, Chatham, Gillingham and Hazlemere Drive.

They bring the amount invested

by Arriva in new buses for Medway over the past four and a half years to £5.8m.

Launching the vehicles, Arriva’s Regional Managing Director, Heath Williams, said: “In the current economic climate I am delighted we are able to invest once again in new buses for our Medway Towns services.

“They will give a more comfortable ride to passengers on routes 166 and 176 and will also help to bring about improved air quality in the area.

“These new buses, along with an influx of fully-refurbished buses from elsewhere within Arriva, are helping to reduce the age profile of our Medway fleet and the nearly £6m investment we have made in new and refurbished buses over the

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past few years is testament to our confidence in the future of public transport in the Medway Towns.

“I hope people using their cars without appreciating the true running costs will see the sleek new buses and realise we offer a frequent service with handy stops in the town centres and that by using the bus for at least some of their local journeys they will help to reduce both pollution and congestion.”

David Bond, Transport Operations Manager for Medway Council, said: “Medway Council is delighted to be associated with the investment in new buses by Arriva.

“This complements significant investment made by the council which includes the new Chatham Bus Station, a new RTI system (including audible next bus announcements at bus stops and RTI to mobile phones), 60 new bus shelters, further bus stop improvements to enable easier boarding and alighting, new flags at all stops showing location name and unique code for real time information, a new bus lane in Rochester which, on average, saves up to three minutes for each peak time journey and a new bus only link between Strood Station and Medway City Estate.

“All this investment reflects the very good working relationship between Arriva and Medway Council which has helped achieve a more reliable local bus network and increasing levels of patronage.”

I

t’s been talked about for nearly a decade, and it’s been nearly five years since the official Driver CPC starting gun for the formal periodic training of bus and coach drivers was fired. Now, finally, the completion deadline of September 10 is in sight. Are you ready?

Whether you believe that periodic training of bus and coach drivers is a worthwhile activity, or not, the deadline for completing 35 hours of accredited training is less than 150 days away. Are you on course?

Just so you’re clear; these are the rules. New Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) drivers acquiring a PCV vocational entitlement (D1, D1+E, D, D+E licence) after the September 10, 2008 will have had to obtain the ‘Initial Driver CPC’ in addition to their licence to drive professionally.

Existing PCV drivers who already hold a vocational licence on September 10, 2008 (PCV) are exempt from the Initial Driver CPC. This is known as “acquired rights” or often referred to as “grandfather rights”. However, these drivers still have to take periodic training consisting of 35 hours every 5 years; this has to be completed by September 10, 2013.

So what’s the risk of not planning ahead and making sure all your drivers are compliant?

Recently, the DSA clarified the penalties that bus and coach drivers would face if they failed to meet the September deadline.

Rumour had it that it was just a £30 penalty; in reality, this is just the fine for not producing the Driver Qualification Card (DQC) card for inspection at the roadside!

The penalties, for not completing the required 35 hours training by the deadline, are much harsher. It’s a fine of up to £1,000 for the driver, potentially similar action against the employer, and maybe possible referral to the Traffic Commissioners.

In addition, as the deadline looms, courses might become full which may lead some training companies to increase their prices.

Driver CPC isn’t going to go away so if you haven’t got your training schedules booked for your drivers or there are some drivers who haven’t completed their full 35 hours, it’s time to act now. Can you afford not to?

How AA DriveTech can help AA DriveTech is the post-test training arm of the AA with extensive experience of delivering top quality, value for money and useful driver training to professional drivers whether they are bus, coach or truck drivers.

The company offers Driver CPC periodic training both at a client’s business premises as well as ‘open’ courses via a UK-wide network of training venues which any driver can attend.

To understand more, or book a course, call 0845 345 9626 or go to BookDriverCPC.AAdrivetech.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

22/04/2013 16:38

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

news › international

33 Van Hool Exqui. City trolleys for Geneva Bespoke design to be launched at the UITP congress at the end of May SWITZERLAND Van Hool is presenting the first example of its new Exqui.City design Geneva (TPG) at the biennial UITP congress in Geneva, Switzerland (May 26-30, 2013 at Palexpo, Geneva). It is an 18m articulated trolley version of the Exqui.City – of which the company responsible for public transport in the canton of Geneva, TPG or les Transports Publics Genevois, has ordered a total of 33.

The Exqui.City design Geneva is the result of close collaboration between TPG and Van Hool. This important project signals Van Hool’s arrival on the Swiss ‘BHLS vehicle’ market (Buses with a High Level of Service). A special feature is how traction is provided

by two powered axles. The Exqui.

City design Geneva can therefore be used in difficult weather conditions on routes where fairly large differences in height are encountered over short distances.

The vehicles will go into service this year and next.

Van Hool presented a roadworthy prototype of Exqui.City at Busworld Kortrijk two years ago.

It offers a flexible multi propulsion platform where both 18m and 24m designs can be configured as a trolley or employ hybrid systems (diesel-electric and CNG-electric) or fuel cell hybrid or full electric bus.

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) World Congress & Mobility and City Transport Exhibition will host 300 international exhibitors. There will also be a series of Expo Forums where exhibitors present advanced

technologies and share their knowledge and innovations.

15 Forums will take place over the three days, including sessions on electric buses, increasing capacity with rail, integrated payment and passenger information systems and the challenges of new infrastructure delivery.

“The 2013 UITP World Congress and Mobility and City Transport Exhibition comes at a critical time,” said UITP Secretary General Alain Flausch. “With an increasing number of cities suffering the effects of congestion and pollution, the Exhibition will play host to advanced urban mobility solutions that will help to create a sustainable model for the cities of the future.”

For more information on UITP visit www. uitpgeneva2013.org

TPG has ordered 33 18m articulated Exqui.City buses

Fires prompt 800 bus inspection INDIA A report in The Indian Express says a day after an Ashok Leyland bus caught fire in Mehrauli, the Delhi government decided to take at least 800 Ashok Leyland buses off the road for a threeday inspection. The Transport department said three buses of the same make caught fire in as many months – all due to short-circuits.

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has been forced to place www.coachandbusweek.com

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older buses into service to cover the shortfall during the inspection.

Transport Minister Ramakant Goswami said: “The buses have been grounded in their respective depots.

For the next three days, a team of mechanics from the DTC and Ashok Leyland will jointly inspect the buses to determine any flaws.”

A transport department official told the newspaper: “This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. If such occurrences increase we will have to consider serious action against the manufacturer. The firm has been warned several times in connection with malfunctions but no action had been taken to rectify them.”

Real-time tech reaches milestone AUSTRALIA More than one million RTI bus apps have been downloaded in New South Wales since they were launched in December last year.

The three apps contain data on Sydney’s stops, buses and routes.

NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said: “RTI for buses is changing the way customers travel – they are now able to plan ahead, by actually seeing where their bus is located, and its ETA.”

298 hybrids for Baoding Bus Company CHINA China Yuchai International Ltd says its main operating subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Ltd (GYMCL), has sold 298 units of its YC6J gas and electric hybrid engines to the Baoding Bus Company in Hebei Province.

The Baoding Bus Company is the first company in Baoding City to operate buses using GYMCL’s gas and electric hybrid engines, with 114 buses delivered in March 2013 and the remainder scheduled for delivery this month. Baoding City, which connects to the southern side of Beijing, is located in the central part of Hebei Province and has a population of almost 11 million.

The hybrid YC6J medium-duty engine was launched in October 2010 and is primarily intended for use in public buses and coaches of between eight and 11 metres in length. The batterypowered motors in the hybrid vehicles significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The YC6J engines, previously compliant only with the National IV emission standards, have been upgraded to meet the National V emission standards. A 24/7 remote tracing and diagnostic service is provided for each engine supplied

by Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company to the Baoding Bus Company in order to ensure optimal performance.

Benny H. Goh, President of China Yuchai Internation Limited, commented: “Our gas and electric hybrid engine was specifically designed for use in crowded urban environments such as Baoding City.

“This engine consumes less fuel and generates lower emissions than standard engines, which are tremendous advantages for urban bus operators. This order from the Baoding Bus Company is a further validation of our strategy to provide a range of options to meet the changing requirements of our customers and support the Chinese government’s drive to reduce emissions and conserve the environment. Our innovation in engine technology continues to position us as a leading engine supplier to the bus market in China.”

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news › REGIONAL

SCOTLAND

Recent changes to National Express Dundee’s services have already improved performance, according to figures released by the firm.

The timetable alterations, which came into effect on Sunday February 17 have seen punctuality rise to 93% – an improvement of 3% on the normal rate.

Several new, earlier Sunday mornings trips have been introduced – including additional services in Downfield to Ninewells Hospital, which have experienced a week-on-week passenger growth of 53%.

Meanwhile, on the service 29, an altered 0805hrs Sunday morning service beginning at Douglas, instead of the town centre, has doubled the number of passengers it usually carries.

Operations Manager Paul Clark said: “We’re very encouraged by these figures – our aim in making these service changes was to improve punctuality and reliability, which we have already achieved. And in doing so, we’re also attracting more passengers. I hope word will spread about our additional early morning weekend journeys and even more people will benefit from the services.”

From now until the October school holidays, all Stagecoach bus journeys to Inverness which start or finish in Cromarty will have the capacity to carry up to three bicycles. If the pilot project is deemed to have been a success, it could be rolled out to other routes.

The concept is a first for the Highland and is being made possible thanks to a partnership between Stagecoach, the Highland Council, HiTrans and the Million Miles project.

The route was chosen as it passes through several commuter villages, tourist destinations and the Red Rock Mountain biking centre at Learnie but cyclists across Highland can take their folding bikes on all Stagecoach services.

Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach in the Highlands, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to provide this new service for cyclists in Highland. We are hopeful it will be well used and further routes may be served in the future.”

Details on the new service and times can be viewed on the Council’s cycling page at www. highland.gov.uk/cycling. www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 14

Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you’d like us to cover, contact James Day on james. day@coachandbusweek.com. of the Saints. “Not only do we have the Saints buses on prime routes around the town, but now we can offer fans great value on travelling to Langtree Park.”

KEY

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

NORTH

The seemingly never-ending saga over the future of Preston’s so-called brutalist bus station has taken another twist – with an eleventh hour bid to stop further attempts to list the structure.

Preston Council has submitted an application for a Certificate of Immunity (COI), a document which guarantees a building will not be listed for five years.

English Heritage said the current listing application from campaigners will be dealt with first as it was received first. That means the COI will have no effect if the 1960s building is granted listed status in the coming weeks.

However, if the listing bid is rejected, a certificate would block campaigners from trying to get the station listed again in future.

An English Heritage spokesman said consideration of the current application to list the bus station is at an “advanced stage”.

Plans for a Park & Ride scheme at Elland Road have been drawn up by Metro and Leeds City Council.

The proposals envisage a bus service running between the city centre and the council-owned car parks to the west of the Leeds United stadium. Buses would run every 15 minutes between Boar Lane and the planned 800-space parking facility Monday to Saturday, excluding match-day Saturdays.

MIDLANDS

Funding for the £3m scheme would come from the West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan with funding contributions secured from other developments.

If Leeds councillors give their approval when they discuss it at their executive board meeting this week, it will pave the way for services to start from winter 2014, subject to the outcome of the public consultation and a successful planning application.

“Surveys have shown that Elland Road is the best location for a Park and Ride operation and people have frequently told Metro they are keen to see Park and Ride used to ease traffic in the city,” explained Metro Chairman Cllr James Lewis.

Arriva has teamed up with St Helens RFC to promote the Club on the region’s roads.

The five buses emblazoned with the Saints’ logo and players both past and present are a familiar sight in St Helens, and for the first time, Boots, the club’s mascot, is also making his bus debut.

Rob Cheveaux, General Manager at Arriva St Helens, added: “As a local business, Arriva St Helens is proud to support the Saints, the buses are really popular with our customers.”

Arriva also offers season ticket holders a £1 promotional fare on match days to the town’s bus station.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Arriva,” said Mark Onion, Marketing Manager

A new multi-operator bus ticket has been introduced in Derby, which is being marketed using the name ‘Spectrum’. Priced at £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for children, it allows unlimited day travel within the Derby city area and the built up area of South Derbyshire immediately adjacent to the boundary of Shardlow Road and Stenson Fields.

Spectrum is available on Arriva Midlands, trent barton, Notts & Derby and Littles’ local bus services with a few exceptions. These include the X38 which is jointly operated by Arriva Midlands and trent barton, trent barton’s RA and 6X routes and trent barton services departing from the city centre after midnight and before 0500hrs. Also excluded are all football specials and Wardle Transport’s X50.

Keith Myatt, Marketing & Communications Manager for Arriva Midlands, said: “The Spectrum ticket has been launched through the Strategic Bus Partnership and the Connected programme – a new project set up to raise awareness of sustainable travel options.”

SOUTH EAST

Oxfordshire County Council has re-tendered contracts it had to hastily let on an emergency basis following the collapse of Witney-based RH Transport.

According to the Oxford Mail, from June most of the routes will continue to be run by the operators who took over at short notice, but there will be a number of changes to the Cotswold Line railbus services operating from Charlbury and Kingham railway stations.

The biggest shake-up will come on the X8 Kingham railbus, currently run by Stagecoach, where the service will be split into two sections and transferred to new operators.

The link between Kingham station, Kingham village, Churchill and Chipping Norton will be run

by Pulham’s Coaches of Bourtonon-the-Water. The section of the X8 from Kingham station to the Wychwoods villages is to be re-numbered X8A and transferred to Abingdon-

22/04/2013 12:12

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16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

news › REGIONAL

based Go-Ride.

The other West Oxfordshire routes where new contracts have been agreed are the X9 WitneyCharlbury-Chipping Norton; X15 Abingdon-Witney; 18 BamptonEynsham-Oxford; 19 CartertonBampton-Witney; 64 CartertonLechlade-Swindon – all of which will continue to be operated by Stagecoach – and Pulham’s route 243 Combe-Stonesfield-Witney.

In the Vale of White Horse, new two-year contracts have been agreed for three routes. Ridgeways is to run the X47 ArdingtonWantage-Swindon; Heyfordian is to operate the 63 SouthmoorAppleton-Oxford and Stagecoach will run the 67/67A/67B WantageStanford-Faringdon.

LONDON

TfL has developed a new way of delivering live bus information to a range of public locations, such as hospital waiting rooms or shopping centre foyers.

This means real time information can be provided to passengers who may not have access to the internet,

a mobile or smartphone or a bus stop with a Countdown sign.

The ‘bring-your-own-device’ technology is delivered at businesses or organisations’ request using their existing IT equipment and displayed on their display screens or televisions.

Designed to be self-installed, TfL will supply bus RTI tailored to their specific location via a special URL. TfL charges £250 per annum for the service to cover operational costs, although it can be waived for public sector applications and other specific circumstances.

The new digital signs are currently being trialled at four separate sites, including a college and social care centre.

Simon Reed, Head of Technical Services Group at London Buses, said: “The trial of these new digital signs is a further example of how we are helping our passengers make the most of London’s extensive bus service. In some cases for the first time, people will be able to access real-time information at a variety of locations away from the bus stop.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Cardiff Transport Preservation Group is to hold a Municipal Running Day on Sunday, May 5, which will see it heritage bus trips run to Barry Island, Penarth & the Vale from the old bus depot in Barry

2013 n April 25 Special Education Transport National Conference.

Liverpool. Details from Sian Thornthwaite by email on info@ school-transport.com n April 28 ‘History in Motion’.

East Anglia Transport Museum, Carlon Coalville, near Lowestoft Call 01502 518459. www.eatm.org.uk n May 4–6 Llandudno Festival of Transport. Bodafon Fields, Llandudno. www.llantransfest.co.uk n May 5 Cardiff Transport Preservation Group ‘A Municipal Running Day’. Barry bus depot, Vale of Glamorgan. www.ctpg.co.uk n May 12 First in South Yorkshire Sheffield Centenary Bus Rally.

Olive Grove depot will be open to the public, with modern & heritage buses on display. www.firstgroup.

com/ukbus/south_yorkshire/

n May 14-15 ALBUM Conference.

Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, Lincolnshire. www.albumconference.

co.uk

City Sightseeing Glasgow, operated by West Coast Motors, has launched a new tour called Ghoulish Glasgow which is sure to be of interest for anyone aged eight and over who loves ghostly and gory tales. Using two ghosts from the city’s past (Emily and Ingelramus) as storytellers, the audio tour takes passengers on a journey through the dark side of Glasgow’s past where they will encounter wicked witches, mad scientists, spooky spectres and awful executioners. While it does concentrate on the darker side, it still offers listeners an accurate historic account of the city’s past just like its partner tour narrated by Neil Oliver.

“We really wanted to create a new bespoke tour which offered something a wee bit more exciting and that had a bigger appeal for children and young adults,” explained Donald Booth, Manager for City Sightseeing Glasgow. “The Ghoulish Glasgow Tour provides this by still offering a historic commentary but using ghostly characters to tell the stories and focusing on the ghostly, grim and gory aspects of our city’s history.”

Pictured here are ‘Emily’ and ‘Ingleramus’, the tour’s ghostly storytellers, with the new branded bus. For more details, call 0141 204 04440 or visit www.citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk

n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610 n June 2 Clacton Bus Rally & Running Day, Clacton Factory Outlet, Essex. Classic and current vehicles. Entry forms & more details available at http://www. colneestuarypb.co.uk/ n June 11-13 ATCO Summer Conference. Merseytravel HQ, Liverpool. www.atco.org.uk n June 16 Peak Park Preserved Bus Gathering. Rowsley South Station, Peak Rail Heritage Railway, nr. Matlock, Derbyshire. www. chesterfield123.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 June 30 Ringwood Bus Rally.

Scenic rides and memorabilia stall.

For details call the Wessex Transport Society on 01202 293245. www. wessextransportsociety.co.uk n July 14 The Annual Peterborough Bus & Commercial Vehicle Rally. Sacrewell Farm (A47/ A1 junction). Free entry. 07828 754412 or 01462 626750 n July 21 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants. www.altonbusrally.org.uk n September 7-8 Bus Driver of the Year Final. Blackpool. Call 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n September 8 Bus & Coach Wales 2013. Rhyd y Car Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil n September 9-10 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire. Visit www.cpt-uk. org or call CPT Scotland on 0131 272 215 n September 10 Association of Trainers AGM. 1400hrs, Wembley.

For details call 01797 344251. 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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news › guide dogs

Bus companies failing passengers with sight loss according to survey Richard Leaman said: “Buses are a vital way for people with sight loss to get out and about freely and independently, but many feel excluded from bus travel because of a lack of accessible information.

At present there is inconsistency within and between bus companies, which means some routes in some areas are fitted with audio visual technology but, on many buses, passengers who are visually impaired have no help at all.

“We call on the Government to regulate to ensure all buses are Talking Buses. We also urge local authorities and bus companies in England to use available funding to fit more buses with audio visual technology for the benefit of all passengers.”

The survey by Guide Dogs aims to highlight the problems faced by blind and partially sighted bus passengers A survey by the charity Guide Dogs shows that blind and partially sighted people are potentially being cut off from family and friends, missing vital doctors’ appointments and forced to turn down jobs because buses outside of London do not have the necessary technology to help cater to their needs.

The charity believes the government must regulate to make audio visual technology on buses mandatory. Guide Dogs also calls on local transport authorities and bus operators in England who are applying to become “Better Bus Areas” to include the cost of installing on-board audio-visual systems in their submissions.

Transport Minister Norman Baker announced a new Better Bus Areas fund for local authorities and bus companies to improve passengers’ experiences in February 2013.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive have already successfully bid for audio visual technology to be fitted to buses under this funding stream.

The Road to Nowhere survey was conducted between October 2012 and March 2013. Over 450 people responded from across the United Kingdom, including blind and partially sighted people (including non-guide dog owners), people with hearing problems and wheelchair users.

370 people identified themselves as either guide dog owners or blind or partially sighted. Survey respondents were asked to identify those areas in the UK where they travelled by bus at least once a month. Furthermore, the most frequently used bus operators amongst those who responded was FirstGroup, closely followed by Stagecoach and Arriva.

The survey reveals that 80% of people with sight loss say they are unable to enjoy the freedom that others take for granted because they find travelling by bus so difficult. Almost three quarters (72%) have been put off visiting www.coachandbusweek.com

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80% of those with sight loss find travelling by bus difficult friends and family, and almost two thirds (65%) have missed out on social occasions like birthday parties.

PROPOSED CHANGES The survey also suggests driver training still has a long way to go, which Guide Dogs believe calls into question the Government’s decision to delay implementing EU bus driver training standards for up to five years. 54% of respondents had missed their bus stop because drivers refused to agree to tell them when they reached their destination. This represents a sharp rise from a year ago when the “Forgotten Passengers” survey found that 29% of people who are

blind or partially sighted had been refused help by drivers.

The Road to Nowhere survey found that being excluded from bus travel has a clear knock on effect for the health and employment prospects of people with sight loss.

More than one in three (35%) said the prospect of travelling by bus had put them off attending doctors’ or hospital appointments, 34% had been made late for work and 14% said it had prevented them from taking a job. There are other financial implications too; nearly one in three blind and partially sighted people spend up to £30 a month on taxis rather than take the bus.

Guide Dogs Chief Executive

PERSONAL ACCOUNTS A number of personal accounts are included in the survey. One of which comes from guide dog owner Joel Young, who missed a hospital appointment in Oxford because there was no audio information on his bus. He said: “I got on what I thought was the right bus, but after about five minutes I realised I was heading into the centre of Oxford. I was really embarrassed and frustrated because I had been waiting for this appointment weeks and I knew I wouldn’t make it by the time I got off. It was a difficult and stressful experience that would have been made much easier if the bus had announcements that told me where it was going and what the stops were.”

The charity is also calling for compulsory audio visual announcements to be included in the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2003 and the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 to ensure all buses across the UK are talking, stating this would bring buses in line with other forms of public transport, such as trains.

For more information about talking buses visit www.guidedogs.org. uk/talkingbuses or email campaigns@guidedogs.org.uk.

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SUPPLIER PROFILE › MOBILE ONBOARD

The future of e-commerce James Day travels down to Eastleigh to visit Mobile Onboard, providers of Mobile Ticketing and onboard online technology, to find out more about its consumer focused ticketing, WiFi and marketing products

M

obile Onboard is a company I’ve been very interested in since I first heard about it. There has been no shortage of references to my love of IT over the months and I was very interested to visit a company which provides new technology for ticketing and on-board WiFi. I met Matt Poole, Director of Technology, who explained how the company’s services are geared towards the consumer, while remaining as inexpensive as possible to remain available to operators of all sizes.

“Our success in this market has come from promoting something with low cost and high sophistication,” he said.

“We didn’t originate in the transport industry. We’re from an entrepreneurial space and work with customers, targeting the consumer end of the market and what they want.”

Aftersales is also key for Mobile Onboard, which tries to take the hassle of managing its products away from operators, allowing them to focus on transporting passengers.

Matt added: “We have a friendly rivalry with our main WiFi competitor – their kit is great, but we offer a different proposition.

You buy our kit, install it and we manage it all.

“We have our own mobile data network with our own sims which we control. It’s on a similar tier to Virgin Mobile but designed for data from the ground up.”

Beam Wifi

Mobile Onboard started working with the coach and bus industry www.coachandbusweek.com

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Above: Bakerbus extensively markets its WiFi. Above right: An advert for the service in Eastleigh Bus Station. Right: A sample mobile ticket in 2009. The company originally specialised in Bluetooth marketing, launching a system where Bluetooth marketing campaigns could be delivered on buses relevant to passengers travelling at the time. It could literally advertise umbrellas during rain. Lynx ran a major campaign through Mobile Onboard’s Bluetooth content delivery system, and it was also used to distribute MP3s to promote local music festivals.

While this product was originally quite successful, a shift in the composition of the mobile phone handset market meant the company needed to adapt.

“We did a few years of this before handsets like the iPhone and Blackberry became really popular,” Matt explained. “iPhones don’t accept Bluetooth files and while Android works with it, it is off by default. Where before there was massive Nokia and Sony Eriksson base to tap into, our market dropped off within a year.”

Mobile Onboard adapted to this by creating full onboard web servers for each individual bus, using its own technology and code, allowing full blown hotspot portals on the vehicles.

“We can get around Bluetooth distribution now through landing pages,” Matt added. “It’s something significantly better than Bluetooth which is all discoverable.”

Many operators have reservations about installing WiFi on their fleets, due to extra administrative burdens and the potential for exceeding data limits, which can prove expensive. Mobile Onboard has tried to remove as many of these drawbacks as possible with Beam.

“A lot of operators were being put off, as they were worried about becoming a WiFi hotspot operator instead of a bus company,” Matt said. “Some suppliers just give you a box and that’s it. We looked at this approach and analysed how we could do it differently.

“Right now on buses every bit of kit has its own gateway built into it, which just can’t be cost effective or easy to manage. We’re working on providing smart boxes which combine all this into a single slim line device.

“The other big thing we offer is an unlimited service. Operators often have to deal with service limits, where there are huge charges if they go over their bandwidth limit.

“Across the board we make a profit on data and it’s actually much easier without the admin costs.

We do have a fair use policy but we haven’t needed to use it yet.

“It’s just simpler. Operators know what they’re spending and don’t have to manage their WiFi use.”

It isn’t just local bus services which have been demanding WiFi – there is a growing interest from coach operators for a variety of purposes.

“WiFi is popular with tour operating companies and commuter services, which are really engaged.

“Coaches used by sports teams are also using WiFi. The teams have reporters on board doing match reports using our WiFi on iPads, which usually don’t have 3G connectivity. This means they can do their match reports on the coach on the way home and upload them straight to the team website.”

My Mobile Tickets

My Mobile Tickets, as the name suggests, is the company’s mobile ticketing system. Passengers can sign up to use My Mobile Tickets online, with no wait for their account to be activated. Once signed up, customers request tickets which are sent directly to their phones, which they then show to the driver as they board. The virtual tickets carry a picture of the purchaser,

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SUPPLIER: Mobile Onboard LOCATION: Eastleigh, Hampshire ESTABLISHED: 2009 CONTACT: 08432 899897 www.mobileonboard.com

information on the type of ticket purchased along with its expiry date, and a QR code which can be scanned for validation.

Only a single sign-up is needed in order for customers to be able to use the system with any operator supporting the My Mobile Tickets platform.

The Mobile Onboard system is very flexible and backwardscompatible with passengers’ handsets. Matt told me about a passenger who had contacted him to find out if she could use her Nokia E62 with the system – a Blackberrystyle Nokia released in 2006.

Matt said: “We didn’t know ourselves whether it would work, so we simply asked her to try it. She did and it worked just fine. It’s an advantage we get from not using a system based on app tech.”

The inspiration for My Mobile Tickets came from one of Matt’s own experiences: “I wanted to board a Bluestar bus to get to a meeting, but the driver wouldn’t let me on because I had a £20 note. As a result I used the train instead of what would have been my very first experience on a bus and ended up returning to my comfort zone.

“It made me think about the potential for using a mobile phone.

I’ve always been involved in mobile commerce so for me it’s a natural thing to use a mobile to buy things.”

Mobile Onboard’s unique selling point as a mobile ticketing platform is the ease with which it can be set up, but Matt is keen to ensure operators take their time to launch the service properly.

“What we’re running is mobile commerce as a service out of the box. It’s not much more expensive than a Barclaycard merchant account, if the operator can even get one, and can potentially be set up within 24 hours.

“Theoretically we could have it done by the end of the day if we start in the morning, but it’s usually better to build a campaign to get passengers on board.

“Sometimes operators don’t market it at all and wonder why nobody uses the service. We set up a marketing pack where we suggest operators do X, Y and Z to make sure it’s all happening before the system has gone live.”

Marketeers

My interview happened to coincide with the Eastleigh by-election, meaning marketing was a bit of a theme for the day. All

www.coachandbusweek.com

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supplier profile › mobile onboard

over Eastleigh were TV cameras, suited-up party representatives in colourful rosettes and even advans adorned with loudspeakers driving around the town. The importance of raising awareness was certainly being displayed.

Marketing is an important aspect of the Mobile Onboard business. On Abellio Surrey’s buses and at the bus station in Eastleigh, there are posters advertising the company’s services, graced by its mascot Timmy Ticket. By establishing its brand with passengers, they can immediately tell when other operators support My Mobile Tickets if they were to use a bus in another area.

It isn’t just about Mobile Onboard establishing its own brand though – they are willing and able to help operators effectively market the service, to ensure the awareness is there and it is properly used.

“We are a technology company but we’re also marketers, which gives us a significant advantage,” Matt stated. “Honestly, the transport industry on the whole is not very good at marketing and we can help there. We’re quite different in how we market and brand ourselves – we have a very strong marketing background. It’s much stronger than our industry knowledge to be honest, where we have advisors to help us.

“We can hit the spot operators are interested in tapping into, particularly with the younger market. Nowadays car insurance is not cheap and we need to be encouraging people to use public transport.”

One advantage which the My Mobile Tickets platform has is its flexibility. It can easily be adjusted for promotions or discounted tickets, something which is particularly useful when trying to draw in new users.

“To help Bakerbus promote the system, Katie Luckwell, our Sales and Marketing Executive, went up to Keele university’s fresher’s fair,” Matt explained. “If students signed up, they got a voucher for a day’s free travel. It worked very well – it’s always good to do discounts on a start-up.

“One of the advantages of m-ticketing is the ability to do things like these special offer discounts, free tickets and other promotions. You can’t really do this with any other method.”

The nature of the sign-up process and the virtual tickets used on the www.coachandbusweek.com

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My Mobile Tickets system allows for cross marketing opportunities.

The customer data belongs to the operator and has a lot of potential for targeted marketing or even just helpful prompts when a pass is running out. However Matt did stress that the passengers details are not sold on to third parties.

“We’ve got passenger’s mobile numbers, names, know what they look like and so on, so we can start to build a picture of who the customer is.

“It’s a really important tool for operators. For example, when a passenger’s monthly pass is running out, an SMS or email can

“We can hit the spot operators are interested in tapping into, particularly with the younger market. Nowadays car insurance is not cheap and we need to be encouraging people to use public transport.”

Matt Poole

be sent out, including a link to a webpage where it can be renewed.

It’s not something you can do with a smartcard.

“It’s almost like going full circle back to the Bluetooth marketing we used to do, and ties in with being able to see when people are logged onto our WiFi and which people. It helps us to understand the potential of specific services and package targeted marketing completely differently.”

Mobile Onboard is a small company with six employees, and as a result the business and enquiries it receives are enough to limit the amount of marketing the company needs to do for itself.

At present, the company uses a combination of magazine adverts, Google links and trade shows, with the 2012 Euro Bus Expo being its first show. Matt said the firm receives plenty of referrals and is kept busy enough that just keeping its name out there is enough without needing to cold call.

Moving away from smartcards

Velvet Bus, Mobile Onboard’s first customer, still uses its WiFi and ticketing

An advert for My Mobile Tickets seen on board an Abellio Surrey bus

Abellio Surrey:

looking to expansion

In CBW1077, an edition of Coach & Bus Week dedicated to Abellio, we included a feature on Abellio Surrey, a recent customer of Mobile Onboard.

“Abellio signed up in couple of weeks,” Matt said. “We met Alastair Willis at Euro Bus and he was already sold. He came to talk to us.”

At the time of my interview, the system had only been running live for on Abellio’s buses for a few weeks. Matt explained that the operator had taken its time to make sure the system was properly promoted, all of the necessary web content was in place to direct people to it and gave it a proper launch.

“The system was getting a lot of use straight away and Abellio has already been sending emails to us talking about expansion. It has been a great success so far.”

There are fundamental problems with any ticketing platform and there are some hurdles which Mobile Onboard needs to overcome.

Some of drawbacks are inherent, such as mobile phone battery life, but work can be done to reduce the impact of other issues.

One such issue is validation.

Matt explained that because of the prominence of smartcards, ticket machines in the UK do not come with 2D scanners as standard to read the QR codes on the mobile tickets, as the manufacturers have instead travelled down the smartcard route, focusing on card readers and Near Field Communication (NFC).

NFC itself is not completely trusted by handset manufacturers yet. It is not a feature of the new iPhone. “Apple would rather have NFC tied down to its own protocol, which goes against whole ethos of making things easy to use,” Matt stated. “There still seems to be quite a lot of questions and barriers on NFC.” The Samsung Galaxy S3 is NFC enabled, but not as prolific as the iPhone, meaning NFC is still mostly smartcard technology.

However, despite the problems with setting up robust ticket validation, it doesn’t appear to be a problem for operators and Mobile Onboard is working with Casio, as well as developing its

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Talking Buses “The audio visual talking information system makes bus travel better for everyone and reinforces our commitment to offer our customers the best possible service”.

“Newport Transport have been very impressed with the equipment and after sales service provided by McKenna Brothers on our latest project to bring audio visual destinations to Newport South Wales.

From the initial discussions about can this be done, to install and after sales support, McKenna Brothers have been absolute in their commitment and diligence in making the system work for our company.

This system will hopefully be rolled out elsewhere in the UK as we have found the benefit to our customers to be excellent and the ease of use of the system for our staff ensure they are on board with the ethos of all inclusive bus travel”.

Scott Pearson, Managing Director Newport Transport

Ann Marie Slavin, Acting Managing Director, Network Warrington ”Buses play a vital role in enabling disabled people, including those who are blind or partially-sighted, to live more independent lives.

Ipswich buses along with McKenna Brothers and Mobitec have helped to provide some of that independence with the fitment of the Mobitec Talking Buses System”.

Malcolm Robson, Managing Director Ipswich Buses

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supplier profile › mobile onboard

own devices, to assist them.

“We don’t have any validation hardware out at the moment, although operators don’t feel like they need it, but we have developed software on the Casio platform with our rules built in to work specifically with My Mobile Tickets,” Matt explained.

“It’s a handheld device similar to a PDA which is a great piece of hardware and capable of printing out paper tickets if necessary. They want to push it out but had no way of getting into the market.

“It’s great for spot checks and revenue protection but it’s quite expensive and not something which should be installed on every bus.

“We’re also developing a low cost offline fixed scanner. It just gives the mobile ticket a quick scan and displays a green or red light and it is able to fully integrate with a smart box and scan and update in real time. It keeps with our ethos of low cost and high sophistication.

We’re also launching an Android app for scanning which a revenue protection officer can walk around with on a smartphone. It’s not ruggidised, but more and more staff are carrying smartphones.”

While validation can be a challenge for any system relying on visual checks from the driver, Matt believes the challenges which come with a smartcard system are much more significant.

“It’s quicker, cheaper and easier to adopt our system, while smartcards need upgraded ticket machines to function properly, along with all the back office infrastructure they require,” Matt claimed.

“The main problem with smartcards is they do not update in real time. It usually takes 48 hours for the ticket machines to understand you’ve topped up the card – sometimes 72 hours.

With smartcard tech, data either needs to be read from a code on the smartcard or written onto the memory of all the ticket machines.

Either way, the device scanning needs information about the ticket, which has to be downloaded onto the machines while they are at the bus depot.

“You can offer real time top-ups with smartcards, such as on Oyster, but you certainly have to pay for it. Oyster is an incredibly fantastic system but it also has £100m of infrastructure behind it. The EMV system just put in by TfL has a similar problem with infrastructure investment away from TfL. There’s www.coachandbusweek.com

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Velvet Bus:

helpful feedback

The Timmy Ticket mascot is a feature in Mobile Onboard’s marketing

“It will be nice to travel the length of the country on our system someday.”

Matt Poole also the matter of whether the operator can get a merchant account to use it, which isn’t much cheaper than our system.”

Matt believes as more operators adopt mobile ticketing, it will outperform smartcard systems in other ways from the perspective of passengers.

“Blackpool is a good example of where there are barriers with smartcards. The majority of passengers there are tourists, and there’s no point in getting set up on a smartcard system if you’re only around for a week. Our m-ticketing is useful because if a passenger has signed up elsewhere in the country,

they won’t need to sign up again and the same system will work.

“Here, the utopia for us would be to have our system used by all operators in Southampton. Bluestar is part of Go-Ahead so it can be hard to get local decisions made in our favour there, but there a real opportunities for cross network coverage.

“It will be nice to travel the length of the country on our system someday. Right now it has been adopted by more operators around the Midlands than anywhere else.”

An International Future?

E-commerce is still more advanced outside of the UK. Matt told me about Tesco Express-style virtual stores near subways in South Korea, where commuters could scan codes for products they wanted to buy and pick them up on the way home.

The potential for mobile purchasing

Mobile Onboard was introduced to the bus and coach industry through Velvet Bus. The company’s venture into passenger transport was sure to happen sooner or later, as it has office space opposite the Eastleigh bus station. Velvet Bus trialled one of Mobile Onboard’s systems on its fleet when the company still knew very little about the industry.

Its feedback helped develop the systems into what they are today and it still makes use of both mobile ticketing and onboard WiFi. Matt said the operator had been particularly impressed with the impact virtual passes have had on cash handling.

“Before, parents had to give their kids £50 cash to get a monthly bus ticket, which as you may imagine wouldn’t always find its way to the bus driver. Now, parents are paying online and tickets getting sent straight to the mobile phone.

“Velvet’s drivers have been really happy with the reduction in cash handling, which used to be loads at the beginning of month when the passes needed renewal.

The benefits are massive and operators are starting to see it.”

Velvet Bus said 50% of its passengers use My Mobile Tickets and it actively promotes the service on its website and social media.

technology is vast.

At present, Mobile Onboard operates completely within the UK. All of the products are manufactured in this country and Matt is keen to ensure it stays this way. However, the company may soon have clients overseas.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from Ireland,” Matt said. “However the country uses different currency and has different regulations, so we need make sure we have everything we need in place to provide it.

“European countries all have slightly different e-wallet regulation and privacy laws which we need to stay on top of, but it’s all regulation rather than technical issues so it’s just a matter of time. We’re about to launch in Flensburg Showcity.

“European infrastructure has driven to us to do this. It will give us the platform and we’re currently getting everything translated for it, but we’re still focused on UK.”

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26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

TO garage equipment

I

Large operators have strict maintenance schedules to ensure their fleets constantly operate in top condition

Maintaining your edge Many recent legal developments have shown the importance of keeping a fleet maintained to the correct standard. This week’s Industry Guide looks at a number of garage equipment suppliers who can help kit out a workshop and keep coaches and buses in top shape www.coachandbusweek.com

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t’s important in this economic climate to make sure any problems with a vehicle are spotted before they become a major expense and any defects reducing fuel efficiency or increasing wear and tear are effectively repaired.

Getting the best equipment allows operators to do this as quickly and effectively as possible, keeping the vehicles on the road where they need to be.

If operators can show they have made a real commitment to safety and maintenance, it can help secure some contracts, possibly at a higher price than an operator otherwise would.

Responsible schools will want to be sure the buses or coaches their pupils travel on are well maintained, while employers using commuter services will want to know their staff will arrive safely and on time.

Advances in products and technology are making maintenance very efficient.

Diagnostics software is becoming more advanced and can identify troublesome defects in seconds – sometimes earlier than they would usually be detected without the system. This makes it easy to identify and order specific replacement parts.

A wide variety of vehicle lifts are on the market, covering for the needs of operators of all sizes.

These range from mobile column lifts to heavy-duty scissor lifts, allowing operators to choose which lifts best suit the size and space limitations of their premises and their budget.

Also included this week are suppliers of safety products, such as loose wheel nut indicators, which can help drivers to spot when maintenance is required on a vehicle long before it becomes a danger to drivers and passengers.

Which type of tyres an operator uses are also a consideration and the more standardised the tyres across a fleet, the easier it is to take advantage of economies of scale and simplify tyre replacement.

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CONTACT To advertise in future industry guides, call Brian Winterton for a features list or more details on 01733 293488, email brian.winterton@ coachandbusweek.com. For more information on providing editorial, call James Day on 01733 293244 or email james.day@coachandbusweek.com

Checkpoint Safety An often neglected issue within the bus sector is wheel maintenance and quality monitoring. Fleets are under severe pressure to adhere to contract targets and deliverables.

While maintaining good customer service is an issue, it shouldn’t be at the expense of maintenance procedures or the safety of the driver and other road-users.

There are options available to help staff quickly monitor key wheel security problems.

Checkpoint wheel nut indicators allow users to see whether wheel nuts are loosening at a glance but could more be done to prevent the underlying issues behind the key maintenance problems?

Training and education of staff goes a long way to reducing the problem. Many people don’t know, for example, that the use of airtorque guns can lead to nut overtightening, damaging the wheel nut, stud or wheel and compounding wheel nut loosening in the long run.

Moreover, deviations in the fitting of a wheel can cause excessive vibration, leading to tyre-wear, reduced fuel economy and damage to the wheel and wheel studs.

Sometimes, all that is needed is an alteration to maintenance procedures, or simply better care and attention at the point of service.

Last year, Checkpoint introduced “Checkthread”; a kit designed to monitor damaged studs and wheels. Having recently rebranded from ‘Business Lines’, it reported the “Checkthread” product has been a success so far in the UK market with many operators incorporating a stud and wheel check into their service procedures. Customers have frequently reported finding stretched or undetected damage to studs, showing that the product works to identify issues before they become ‘big’ issues.

T: 01524 271 200 E: info@checkpointsafety.com W: www.checkpoint-safety.com

Tecalemit Kitting out a workshop is one of the most expensive undertakings for an operator. The decisions and planning can be daunting but Tecalemit can help with a full assistance service.

Salesmen with installation experience ranging from small garages up to multi commercial vehicle workshops can visit operators and help with planning, measurements, permissions and drawings. When the time comes for installation, the whole process can be project managed.

Tecalmit’s product range is extensive to say the least. Within lifting equipment there is a choice of four post platform lifts, scissor lifts, mobile column lifts and single post lifts. For commercial installations, the Finkbeiner mobile column lifts from Tecalemit are proving particularly popular.

Wireless column sets are available with the ability to link up to 10 columns and with capacities from

5.5t per column up to 8.2t per column. Fixed platform lifts are also available for capacities up to 44t with scissors and semi-scissors lifting up to 50t.

Pit lanes are a speciality of Tecalemit and everything else for a workshop can also be supplied, from pit jacks and jacking beams up to a full lubrication or fume extraction system.

Tecalemit has traded continuously since 1922. Sales and Marketing Director Philip Cledwyn said: “We have had hundreds of satisfied customers over the years from small one vehicle garages to multi-vehicle military installations.

With lifting equipment ranging from a one-tonne single post lift up to commercial mobile column lifts capable of lifting even the heaviest train, we supply systems for every requirement.”

T: 01752 219111 E: sales@tecalemit.

co.uk W: www.tecalemit.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

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INDUSTRY

GUIDE

TO GARAGE EQUIPMENT Actia Actia Group was founded on its diagnostic expertise with the development of the first tool for Renault back in 1985. With more than a quarter of a century in diagnostics, and more than 15 years designing multiplex systems for vehicle manufacturers such as ADL, Optare, Irisbus, Solaris and Plaxton, Actia now delivers the ultimate solution to diagnose and efficiently maintain mixed bus and coach fleets. This capability cuts across practically all the vehicle’s body and chassis systems, from Actia’s own multiplex network, to engine, transmission, brakes and suspension control systems.

Multi-AID is the only tool available to diagnose Actia’s MultiBUS OEM electrical system, fitted on Optare Versas, Solos and Tempos, as well as ADL Enviro 200/300/400s and Plaxton coaches such as the Elite, Panther and Paragon. The tool is used to read and erase faults, to view live

Actia’s Multi-AID is the only tool available to diagnose Actia’s MultiBUS OEM electrical system, fitted on Optare Versas, Solos and Tempos parameters, and features an OEM level Master Mode. This enables the user to carry out full actuator testing of all equipment connected to the network. Multi-AID incorporates an auto-test function to check key vehicle components in just 15 seconds, thereby simplifying maintenance check processes. It also provides the facility to make adjustments to vehicle settings such

as the battery guard trigger and fuel level warning.

Actia recognises the operator’s need to support a mixed fleet and has therefore broadened its scope to cover a vast array of systems and components from ZF, Voith and Allison transmissions, to Knorr Bremse brakes and Wabco suspensions to name but a few. As the leading worldwide diagnostic

supplier (having delivered in excess of 100,000 diagnostic tools worldwide), it is not surprising Actia has been selected by, among others, BMW, Mercedes and Fiat Group. Multi-Diag for Bus & Coach has been designed to include the full range of PSVs within its scope.

To support the broadest mix of vehicle makes, a wide range of engines, transmissions and braking systems can now be diagnosed with this powerful software.

“Actia delivers a comprehensive solution for operators and workshops looking after mixed fleets,” explained Simon Stone, Actia’s Diagnostics Sales Manager.

“This synergy of OEM capability for specific systems, combined with our wide-ranging multi-make functionality, provides a unique and cost effective solution for one of the most complex and challenging vehicle maintenance sectors.”

T: 01686 611150 E: mail@actia.co.uk W: www.actia.co.uk

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SOMERSTOTALKARE SOMERSTOTALKARE, a major UK supplier of heavy duty vehicle lifts, has restructured its engineering team to reduce downtime for customers using mobile vehicle lifts in their workshops.

SOMERSTOTALKARE now has two separate aftercare divisions; one to carry out routine maintenance and the other to respond to breakdowns.

Scott Gilliam, the company’s Service Manager, explained the move would improve efficiency within the business, as well as benefitting customers.

“It will also allow our seven preventative maintenance engineers to concentrate scheduled services and six reactive engineers to respond more quickly in the rare event a customer has a breakdown or other unexpected problem.” He said.

“Dividing the team into two separate divisions will enable the engineers to really concentrate on their area of expertise. As a result,

reactive engineers have reduced callout time for breakdowns to on average next day, but more often than not, the same day.”

As well as the new designated roles for engineers the Halesowenbased company has also reassigned all its customers service dates, ensuring postcode areas are visited on a more efficient basis every six months.

“Overall these changes are a winwin for both the company and its customers,” Scott added.

SOMERSTOTALKARE has restructured its engineering to more effectively service mobile vehicle lifts

SOMERSTOTALKARE also offers service packages for preventative maintenance of vehicle lifts across a wide range of industry sectors, including bus and coach, logistics, and waste disposal. It can also offer thorough inspection reports for lifting equipment and operator training to ensure compliance with Health and Safety requirements.

These leading industry service packages are available with no call out, labour or travel charges with the fixed price labour contract and all inclusive service packages designed specifically to save customers money on existing deals and enabling customers to budget for service throughout the year by signing up to a direct debit service agreement. Fixed price labour service agreements from SOMERSTOTALKARE start from as little as £49 per month.

SOMERSTOTALKARE is also working with a world land speed record attempt, sponsoring the Bloodhound SSC team by donating a set of cable-free lifts to the project.

The equipment allows safe and easy access to the underside of the jet and rocket-powered vehicle during its development.

The car itself offers a wealth of staggering statistics. It’s 13m long, weighs over 7 tonnes and the engines produce more than 135,000 horsepower - more than 6 times that of of all the Formula 1 cars on a starting grid put together.

To push the car to 1,000 mph its engines burn nine gallons of fuel every second.

Tony Parraman of the Bloodhound SSC team said: “A combination of aircraft and automotive technology, Bloodhound SSC is breaking new ground in engineering.

“This involves a massive amount of testing and the cable free lifts supplied by SOMERSTOTALKARE will make this much easier, and safer for our engineers.”

T: 0121 585 2727 E: sales@stkare.co.uk W: www.stkare.co.uk

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INDUSTRY

GUIDE

TO garage equipment Giti Tire UK GT Radial launched its first, all position urban city-bus tyre at The CV Show, in addition to the brand’s recently launched commercial vehicle roadside service assistance programme, GT Assist.

The GAU861 has been designed with an extra reinforced sidewall protector to ensure maximum resistance to kerbing and impact damage, while a unique tread pattern with a 20.2mm depth ensures good mileage performance combined with comfort and reduced noise.

Available initially in 275/70R22.5, the tyre can be used in both steer and drive positions on both 4x2 and 6x2 configurations and is M+S marked indicating excellent traction in mud and snow conditions.

Operating throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland and working in collaboration with over 180 sites in the dealer network, GT Assist offers roadside assistance seven days per week, 365 days of the year within a specified response time, which places it on par with the best in the industry.

The programme is managed

by RAC Commercial Assistance (RACCA), who will take the initial breakdown call and find the nearest dealer who has both the correct product and capability to attend the scene within the strict timescale, and Infleet, who will handle all back office functions.

A specialist iPad app has been created which allows GiTi Tire management to monitor calls and results, including times and the product placed on the waiting vehicle.

An important key feature will let GT Assist’s dealer partners’ management teams know if they have turned down a job within two hours, allowing the system to be constantly improved.

Tony McHugh, Sales and Marketing Director at Giti Tire (UK), manufacturer of GT Radial, said: “The new urban city-bus tyre has been designed specifically and extensively tested to ensure it meets the demanding requirements of today’s bus and coach market.

“The performance figures and feedback we have collated make for impressive reading and we believe this product, alongside the preexisting range for the bus sector, makes us a very strong proposition for operators.

The GAU861 is usable in both steer and drive positions on buses

“The performance figures and feedback we have collated make for impressive reading and we believe this product, alongside the preexisting range for the bus sector, makes us a very strong proposition for operators.”

“GT Assist, launched in January, is designed specifically to create the full fleet requirement package of product, price and service from a mid-tier tyre manufacturer.

“We are unique in the mid-tier in providing a nationwide breakdown service. This move was essential

to create the full fleet requirement package of product, price and service, and it creates a whole new market for GT Radial.

“Aside from the convenience, other added benefits will include like-for-like tyre replacement at the point of breakdown.”

Giti Tire is one of the top 10 largest tyre companies in the world in terms of both volume and revenue. The company exports to more than 100 countries and offers a complete product range for Europe including passenger car, SUV, van, light truck, heavy truck and bus tyres.

All new heavy truck and bus products are the result of the company’s advanced testing and evaluation programme, with more than 1,000 tyres used on field test across Europe at anytime. The casings of each are designed for retreading using both cold and hot processes.

With state-of-the-art research and development capabilities and an extensive European mission matched product range, Giti Tire offer a highly attractive solution for bus and coach fleets, large and small, who are looking for a high quality product with excellent service back-up at an affordable price.

Giti Tire is fully committed to maintaining the very highest standard of quality control procedures and has obtained ISO/ TS16949:2009 accreditation for all of its five key manufacturing plants.

In addition, all plants supplying Europe have obtained ISO14001 Environmental Management System Accreditation.

T: 01565 831 910 W: www.gtradial.co.uk

Tony McHugh Sales and Marketing Director, Giti Tire (UK)

Right: Richard Lyons, Managing Director – Europe, GiTi Tire; Tony McHugh, Truck and Bus Sales and Marketing Director, GiTi Tire; Chris Comport, Commercial Director, Infleet

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DRIVERS

In association with

DriveTech

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

Bus driver apprenticeships announced by Bluestar Scheme is first bus driver apprenticeship programme from a Go-Ahead Group-owned company Two 17-year-olds from Hampshire have become the first to join Bluestar’s new Bus Driver Apprenticeship Scheme.

Leanne Slatford, educated at Henry Box school in Oxford, and Andrew Fitzgerald from Kings School in Winchester, have joined the three-year apprenticeship, run in conjunction with S & B Automotive Academy in Bristol, which will cover all aspects of the business, including engineering, commercial, service delivery, marketing, customer care and, ultimately, driving duties.

After completed the scheme they will join the team of 261 Bluestar and Uni-Link bus drivers.

Steve Prewett, Area Engineering Manager, who has worked closely with the academy to develop the training plan, explained that unlike other European countries, a bus driver apprentice scheme is rare in the UK, with this being the first within the Go-Ahead Group-owned bus and coach companies.

“Its aim is to recruit, develop and

Robbie (centre) with Gillian Lewis from the Students Union and Operations Manager Adam Keen

train young adults to professional driver status over a three-year period,” Steve said. “Leanne and Andrew will have a great start to their career in the industry through the development and training plan specifically drawn up to meet the challenging rationale to become a successful and professional PCV driver.”

The role of a driver has changed over the past decade as the job focus has shifted to people and customer

care. The course will focus on the development of customer service skills alongside safe and fuel efficient driving skills. The company hopes that by the apprentices having a full understanding of the whole business they will provide a higher standard of service to customers.

Bluestar also funds four engineering apprenticeships each year within their Barton Park depot at Eastleigh.

From left: First Bluestar driver apprentices Andrew Fitzgerald and Leanne Slatford with Area Engineering Manager Steve Prewett

Wilts & Dorset driver is brilliant A Wilts & Dorset driver has been recognised by Bournemouth University Students Union with the ‘You’re Brilliant’ Award.

Bus driver Robbie Bartle was voted for by university students.

The members of the Student Union said: “Robbie has stood out for always being happy and polite and for asking customers how their

day is.”

Adam Keen, Operations Manager for more bus, commented: “Robbie is a real character and is well known within Poole depot.

He’s a real pleasure to work with and I have no doubt at all that his commitment to ensuring our passengers have a great experience makes thousands of people’s journey enjoyable every week.

I can’t thank him enough for his ongoing efforts.”

Go-Ahead Group subsidiary Wilts & Dorset operates the urban Bournemouth University bus service in Poole and Bournemouth.

Julian Noyce with his latest novel

Salisbury bus driver completes second novel A driver for Wilts & Dorset, Julian Noyce, has completed his second novel. Following the success of his first book Tomb Of The Lost, which has now passed 18,000 sales through Amazon, Julian has announced his next book The Spear of Destiny, which was inspired by a documentary which covered the myth of the Roman soldier Longinus who used his spear to stab Christ at the crucifixion.

Believed to have divine powers, the Spear of Destiny has been sought as a possession throughout history, with both Napoleon and Adolf Hitler determined to be the holder. The spear was captured

by US soldiers a few hours before Hitler committed suicide. It is thought one of the reasons why he invaded Austria was that he had seen the spear as a museum exhibit and believed that the holder would be undefeated in battle.

“I realised the Spear of Destiny offered the potential of a great novel and sequel to the first book,” said Julian. “It’s taken 18 months of research and writing and promises to appeal to my reader base.”

Julian says he is encouraged by his colleagues and often wonders if his passengers could be reading one of his novels while travelling.

The Spear of Destiny is available for download from Amazon priced just 77p.

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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

April 2013

p44 p52

p48

Safer Sprinter – streets ahead

C

ompare the standard specification of any Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or Vito) with its counterparts and there’s no argument – the brand is simply way ahead when it comes to safety features. Details of the improved specification attached to new Sprinters, due for launch later this year, are discussed in depth within this month’s issue. A new function derived through the advanced, load adaptive ESP system provides assistance in dealing with the effects of crosswinds. Unexpected lane changing triggers driver alerts – as does proximity to other vehicles – which the system generates if it calculates the effective braking distance is insufficient. Part of this function determines just how much pressure it must put into individual

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brake lines to increase the chances of stopping safely. Add to this the automatic main beam function controlling the headlights and a blindspot assist function which alerts drivers to the proximity of vehicles which may not be visible in the side mirrors and it results in a package no others get close to. Bear in mind, not all these new functions will be standard equipment – some will be options – but of those which are adopted into standard specification it can still be regarded as a move which keeps the brand a giant leap ahead. A Mercedes may come with higher price tag but there’s little doubt drivers, passengers and other road users are as well protected as they can be.

Martin Cole Editor

CONTENTS 36 News

Operators falling foul of licensing and legal. ECT Trust commended for Olympic achievements

40 The Big Picture

Top spec EVM shuttle for Enteprise

44 CV Show

A smaller number of vehicles on show but still plenty of variation for visitors to see

48 First Drive

Bee Bee Travel’s Ferqui Soroco coachbuilt Sprinter ticks all the boxes

52 Safety Technology

A raft of new safety equipment - some standard fitment and some options – for Euro 6 Sprinters

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50cm

news

The sideways distance Crosswind Assit prevents a vehicle moving

ECT Charity honoured for Olympics work Recognition for delivering accessible transport during the Olympics & Paralympics Community transport provider ECT Charity has been recognised for its ‘outstanding achievement’ with The Worshipful Company of Carmen’s Award of Merit.

The award recognises outstanding achievement in the United Kingdom or overseas in the sphere of transport by an individual or group and comprises an engraved silver gilt medal and citation. It was presented to ECT Charity for the delivery of wheelchair-accessible shuttle services at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for ticketed spectators with disabilities, operating between railway stations and venues. It was the largest operation of its kind ever attempted, involving 24 community transport operators, 150 vehicles, 100,000 journeys and over 500 drivers and 200 additional staff.

It included a major training

programme, and gave significant help to anyone less able, including older and disabled people, wheelchair users and their companions.

The citation for the award, which follows a similar accolade at the UK Bus Awards, said: “Despite massive surges in demand, this free-standing charity, unconnected to any local authority, performed impeccably, returning all financial benefits of the operation to the 24 communities concerned.”

Anna Whitty, Chief Executive of ECT, commented: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all those 700 staff members who contributed to the success of our transport service during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Every year ECT Charity helps thousands of people with disabilities to access local services and get out and about in their local communities and we were pleased to be able to put our expertise to use to ensure London 2012 could be a truly inclusive experience.”

ECT Chief Executive Anna Whitty is handed The Worshipful Company of Carmen’s Award of Merit by representatives of the organisation

The latest additions to the Sanders fleet make a fine sight

Plaxton Cheetah fleet grows at Sanders Coaches Sanders Coaches of Holt in Norfolk has increased its Plaxton Cheetah fleet to eight with the addition of two new vehicles to the latest specification.

Director Charles Sanders finds the Cheetah ideal for the company’s work with smaller groups. He said: “In rural Norfolk, we have a lot of calls from smaller groups for this size vehicle and it suits the local area where not everywhere is accessible by large coaches. We were keen to stay with the Cheetah, so took advantage of getting these while they were available. We know

the product, it’s durable, reliable and holds its resale value. If we need any bits for them, there are no problems.”

Both Cheetahs are equipped with 29 Tourismo reclining seats with three-point seat belts together with a matching courier seat. They are trimmed in blue patterned moquette, complimenting the blue interior trim and light blue curtains. Entertainment is provided by a dash mounted radio/CD/PA system and passenger appeal is enhanced by climate control via a roof mounted Thermo-King air

The owner of a Bolton minibus firm, Asif Vali, has been disqualified for two years after repeatedly failing to comply with the law.

The order – made by Deputy Traffic Commissioner (DTC) for the North West of England Simon Evans – comes after Mr Vali, who trades as Rapid Travel, appeared at a second Public Inquiry (PI) into the illegal use of his minibus. His O-licence was revoked from March 18, 2013.

In June 2012, a VOSA Examiner stopped a vehicle on Deansgate in Manchester city centre, displaying an O-licence disc issued to Asif Vali.

The driver identified himself as Mohammed Ali Hajee.

After inspecting his tacho charts, which record driving and other duties, she noted he had failed to take the required breaks during his working day on seven occasions.

In a subsequent interview about the offences, Mr Hajee told the Examiner he was working for himself at the time of the encounter.

She noted the vehicle had been displaying an O-licence disc in the name of Asif Vali but Mr Hajee said he thought the vehicle, which he

Rapid Travel director disqualified

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11

The seating capacity of Whites’ Coaches new EVM X-Clusive

conditioning unit.

The Plaxton Cheetah bodies are mounted on the latest MercedesBenz Vario 0.816D 8.5m chassis featuring the 156bhp OM904LA SCR Euro 5 engine which utilises Bluetec SCR technology to achieve lower emissions and have six speed manual transmission. Externally, the Cheetahs carry a white-based livery with distinctive Sanders Coaches branding.

Sanders Coaches is a second generation family business formed by current directors Charles and Paul Sanders’ parents in 1975.

Starting with five vehicles, the operation has grown through acquisitions and the embracement of new opportunities to become the premier fleet in north Norfolk.

The company now operates over 80 vehicles from minibuses to tri-axle double-deckers on a full range of work from a modern depot on the outskirts of Holt.

The new Plaxton Cheetahs join a similar vehicle delivered in October 2012 and five earlier model Cheetahs in the fleet, allowing two older Plaxton Beaver buses to be replaced. The new Cheetahs will be used primarily on tour and private hire work with two older vehicles being cascaded to school duties in support of Norfolk’s school centralisation policy. Drivers and customers are pleased with the new vehicles and have commented positively on their ride quality. was hiring from Mr Vali, came with a licence disc.

It is of course, illegal to display a licence disc in a vehicle which does not authorise the work which is being undertaken. Mr Hajee did not hold his own licence to carry passengers and the disc issued to Mr Vali was not transferable.

VOSA subsequently prosecuted the driver for four of the Drivers’ Hours offences. He was fined £95 for the first offence, with no separate penalty for the remainder.

At the hearing, Mr Vali told the DTC Mr Hajee had betrayed his trust and taken the vehicle without his knowledge. The first time it was brought to his attention was

April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 37

18,000

The number of transport industry professionals who attended the CV Show 2013

Westway Coach Services of Raynes Park has acquired a new Sitcar Beluga 3 from Moseley in the South. The vehicle is based on a Mercedes-Benz Vario O816D 4800 chassis with a Euro 5 engine coupled to an Allison auto gearbox and a Telma retarder. The firm specified 29 Vogel recliners with leather headrest inserts, Sutrak air conditioning, radio/PA/CD,MP3 and DVD system with drop-down monitor, tinted double glazing, skirting radiator heating, gangway and step area carpets. It has a large boot supplemented by side lockers and LED daytime running lights.

Everydays chooses EVM

The 16-seater features EVM’s attractive panoramic roof through a phone call informing him his vehicle had been detained.

Addressing the DTC, Mr Vali argued he should be allowed to keep his O-licence and that he had learned valuable lessons. He also explained to Mr Evans that while he had other business interests, he attended to the minibus operation on a daily basis, with his sports consultancy now part-time.

He also told the DTC revocation of his licence would lead to default on the three-year school contract awarded in September 2012.

Examining the operator’s history, Mr Evans noted his previous appearance at a PI in September 2011, before the NW TC, Beverley

Bell. On that occasion, Mrs Bell cut Mr Vali’s vehicle authoriation down to one after a report about unsatisfactory maintenance standards. The PI had also examined the loan of an O-licence disc by Mr Vali to a third party.

The DTC issued a written decision on the 2013 PI. He concluded Mr Vali allowed the use of the vehicle by Mr Hajee “knowing the fact, or closing his eyes to the fact it would be used unlawfully”.

He also added: “Serious action had been taken by the TC in 2011.

It had been hoped the steps then taken could support Mr Vali to a position of compliance inside the industry. It’s self-evident

Everydays Travel Ltd of Hampton, London, has acquired an EVM Sprinter X-Clusive, based on an extra long wheelbase MercedesBenz Sprinter 519cdi.

Everydays Travel has been trading since 2009 and is based a few minutes drive from the Royal Palace of Hampton Court.

This purchase expands the fleet to three luxury minibuses. The vehicles are frequently employed on airport transfers. In addition to 16 passengers there is sufficient luggage space for 16 medium-sized suitcases. the operator stands in a weaker position this time than he did on the last occasion. My readiness to believe the operator has the capability to run things as he should has been tested beyond its limits and undermine any remaining trust.”

The DTC acknowledged improvements had been made to maintenance procedures but said he could not be satisfied Mr Vali would be compliant in the future.

Revoking the licence from March 31, Mr Evans also ordered a period of personal disqualification for Mr Vali. This will prevent him from holding or obtaining an O-licence for two years.

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29

news

The seating capacity of Westway Coaches’ new Sitar Beluga

Citroen eyes South Africa’s minibus market

Whites’ new EVM Sprinter X-Clusive enjoys the kerb-side appeal which is so important

Whites take on a VIP Family-run operator praises standard of service from EVM for its new luxury minicoach Whites of St Albans has taken delivery of an EVM Sprinter X-Clusive VIP. It is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 Cdi 163bhp with the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic gear box and finished in Mercedes Benz metallic silver with colour-keyed EVM skirting kit.

It is equipped with 11 Extend VIP seats upholstered in real leather.

They feature three-point belts, arm rests on each side with leather padded tops, adjustable headrests and seat bases which automatically raise when the seat is reclined.

Other features include an electric plug-type passenger entry door and integrated three stage entry step with LED Strip lights and stainless steel inserts, large framed curved double glazed saloon side windows and large coach-type panoramic windscreen with twin roller blinds.

Climate control is via the indash air conditioning system and convector saloon heating mounted

on side walls with a heater booster.

Air conditioning is ducted through the luggage racks.

Whites selected a Blaupunkt New York 800 World package featuring a 6.2” touch-screen display, DVD drive, USB slot for i-Pod/i-Phone, audio/video/navigation upgrade and Freeview TV. Whites Coaches is a long established, family-run business.

Greg White, Proprietor & Operator, said: “We’ve been looking to source an 11-seater VIP vehicle for some time. EVM was the only possible option as far as we were concerned. Due to its attention to detail, the willingness to listen and the ability to source and fit exactly what is required in a custom-built vehicle. It really sets the company apart in this particular market.”

The luxurious, bright and airy interior looks contemporary in its style

Citroën has announced it plans to enter the South African minibus taxi market, after what it said had been a lengthy period setting up a strategy to become a significant player with a range of 15-, 16- and 19-seater Relay buses.

Citroën was encouraged by its success in the 2012 government tender to supply 45 diesel-engined 16- and 19-seater minibuses to government agencies, including the Police, Legal Aid and Water Affairs.

It believes it can sell many more via government tenders and is aiming or 1,000 minibuses this year.

Citroën SA affirmed it was “not rushing into” what it knew was a complicated market segment and had done its homework. The Relay panel vans are built in Italy and then shipped to Citroën, in France, which in turn exports them to South Africa. Bustruck Conversions modifies them according to the local regulations for minibus taxis by fitting windows, strengthened floors, seat belts, seats and radios.

The 15- and 16-seat models are powered by 2.2-litre engines, while the 19-seater is fitted with a 3-litre power unit. The 15-seater has a five-speed manual gearbox, with a 6-speed transmission fitted to the 16- and 19-seater models.

The three Citroën Relay minibuses have been homologated by the South African Bureau of Standards and been evaluated by the Independent Transport Advisory Service (ITAS), on behalf of the South African National Taxi Council. They are currently in an evaluation process for a scoring from ITAS, which is supported by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. A number of 16-seater vehicles with fuel-saving stop-start technology will arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013 for evaluation by the taxi industry on short-haul routes.

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8

The number of Plaxton Cheetahs now operated by Sanders of Holt

Quick release seat fixing from Koller Koller Engineering has developed an innovative removable seat-fixing called Blade, which is claimed to deliver strength with simplicity.

Officially launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show, the mechanism is the latest addition to the range of wheelchair restraints and removable seat fixings from Koller. Its simple lever mechanism enables a seat to be released in

4,325

The length of the wheelbase in milimetres of the Ferqui Soroco acquired by Bee Bee Travel

three seconds.

Koller claims the Blade fixing is deceptively strong and easy to use. A lever with a red handle moves around a spigot to lock and unlock with backwards or forwards movements. It does not rattle and guarantees a safe ride for the occupant. Blade is 600 grammes lighter than its closest competitor – potentially saving kilos of weight across the minibus – which in turn, saves fuel.

Blade has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation for compliance with strict ISO or European standards before its release. Testing has been carried

The Turas 800 Mercedes-Benz Vario has reached a milestone

50th Noone Turas ordered The 50th Noone Turas 800 Mercedes-Benz Vario-based midicoach has been ordered just four months after the product’s launch at Eurobus Expo. Golden Boy of Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, has ordered a second 33-seater following successful entry into service of its first Turas 800 which was a show exhibit. The company has also ordered a Turas 500 coachbuilt Sprinter with 16 seats following a viewing of the first production units at the Irmaos

April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 39

Mota manufacturing plant in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Both are being supplied by Minis to Midis.

Deliveries of the Turas to UK and Irish customers are in full flow and further orders mean availability is now June despite increased output at the factory.

Mark Noone told CBW: “We are absolutely delighted with the response since the show and in particular with the vote of confidence given by MCH of Uxbridge, who have taken six units and Golden Boy with two more orders.”

Details: Mark Noone, T: 00353 1628 6311 E: mark@noone.ie or Alan White, T: 01302 833203 E: alanwhite@ ministomidis.com

out in conjunction with vehicle conversion companies and wheelchair manufacturers in longterm partnerships with Koller.

Sales Manager Andy Nurrish has worked closely on this project and said: “In 15 years of sales in the mobility sector I have never experienced a huge step forward such as this in the problem area of seat removal.”

Blade will be on general sale in May. Details: www. koller.co.uk or Tel: 01935 426695

Blade, the innovative new seatfixing machanism from Koller

B Smart Travel has licence halved Barnsley-based minibus operator B Smart Travel has been ordered to halve its fleet after Deputy Traffic Commissioner (DTC) Elizabeth Perrett found school children were being transported in a vehicle without an MoT. She also heard the firm, which operates from Shawfield Road, failed to identify that drivers did not have the right licences to transport passengers.

The DTC’s ruling to cut the firm’s O-licence from eight to four vehicles came after a Public Inquiry (PI) held in Leeds on March 18.

Directors Pamela Smart and Brian Smart appeared before Miss Perrett to respond to the findings of a VOSA Traffic Examiner.

In July 2012, one of the firm’s vehicles was encountered at Green Acre School in Barnsley as children were leaving the bus. During a routine inspection, the VOSA officer identified the driver did not hold the right class of licence to drive the vehicle. Further enquiries revealed the vehicle’s MoT had expired on June 21, 2012.

The Traffic Examiner also reported the driver of a second vehicle operated by the company on the same day did not hold the right licence to carry passengers.

During the PI, Miss Perrett was informed the firm had previously been investigated in 2011 for using a vehicle without a valid MoT and for a driver carrying passengers without the right type of licence.

The DTC concluded the operation had been run in a “casual” manner and action should have been taken after the first investigation. “I would have expected the directors and their Transport Manager to have taken the opportunity to do a root and branch review of the way their systems to ensure nothing like this ever happened again,” she added.

After hearing further evidence from the directors and Transport Manager Jennifer Hughes during the PI, Miss Perrett said she was satisfied their systems had now been tightened up. However, she noted the business had been lucky not to be prosecuted for the offences.

She ruled that its repute as an operator had been tarnished by the failures reported by VOSA and recorded a formal warning on the company’s licence.

Turning to the Mrs Hughes, the DTC concluded she had not exercised the control and supervision expected of someone in her position. Mrs Hughes gave an undertaking that she would attend a refresher course on her duties as Transport Manager within three months. Miss Perrett recorded her repute had been tarnished as a result of the PI.

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THE BIG PICTURE

This EVM-converted shuttle is one of three recently acquired by vehicle rental specialist Enterprise for operating between its Heathrow car hire depot and aiport terminals 1 to 4. The long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 Cdi features a 129bhp engine and an automatic gearbox. Each one is equipped with eight M1 seats and extensive luggage racking, as can be seen here. High capacity air conditioning was selected to ensure pasenger comfort in all weather conditions. Enterprise also specified electrically-powered sliding doors to the saloon area. These can be operated by pulling on the door handle, via a dashboard-mounted switch or from the remote control on the key fob. A two-way radio communication system is also installed in each vehicle so drivers can be in constant touch with each other or with the operating base.

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news

New oxygen cylinder mounting from Q’Straint The new system is fully tested to European standards and can be deployed with ease Q’Straint has developed a new oxygen cylinder securement system. Part of Q’Straint’s SureLok line of securement products, The GO2, is an adaptable O2 holder designed to safely and quickly transport medical oxygen for personal use in school bus, community transport, ambulance or non-emergency transportation vehicles. GO2 (pronounced “go to”) prevents O2 cylinders from tipping, falling or becoming a projectile during a sudden stop or manoeuvre. GO2 works with Series L Track or floor pocket for quick, fleet-wide deployment and ideal vehicle and passenger placement.

The GO2 eliminates the safety risks associated with unsecured compressed gas cylinders onboard moving vehicles. Whether they are hand-held, placed in overhead compartments or set on the floor – all cylinders have the potential of inflicting serious harm to the passenger, other passengers and the driver. The GO2 has the distinct

EVM Avantgarde for M-Line

M-Line Coaches has taken delivery of an EVM Sprinter Avantgarde. It is a Euro 5 MercedesBenz Sprinter 516 Cdi, with a 163bhp, Common Rail, Direct Injection diesel engine and a sixspeed manual gear box. M-Line opted for EVM’s electric plug-type passenger entry door and EVM integrated three-stage entry step with LED Strip lights and stainless steel inserts and EVM large stepped

advantage of being a portable and flexible design: The adjustable Velcro strap locking system accommodates a wide range of cylinder sizes (AZ to D) and does not require permanent installation in the vehicle. With a quick turn of the securement knob, the GO2 can be removed from one vehicle and placed in any other vehicle with L-Track or Floor Pockets.

“Operators of Community

The GO2 system incorprates an adjustable velcro strap double glazed saloon side windows.

Climate is controlled via in-dash air conditioning which is ducted through the luggage racks.

The Avantgarde is equipped with 16 EVM Relax seats finished in moquette with leather side panels and headrests in wine and beige. Passenger entertainment is provided by a monitor and DVD. M-line is a family business with over 30 years experience in coach holidays which owns and operates its own fleet of luxury coaches.

As with all EVM’s minicoaches, it has European type approval and three-year bumper to bumper unlimited mileage, chassis warranty.

Transport and other service vehicles need a system which can be deployed as necessary,” said Bob Joseph, Q’Straint VP of Business Development. “Our customers were fabricating brackets, repurposing fire extinguisher holders and installing metal cabinets and they knew that a more elegant solution was needed. Their insights and realworld challenges directly led to the creation of the GO2.”

Fully tested to European standards, the GO2 is approved to the requirements of CEN standard BS EN 1789:2007, Medical vehicles and their equipment. As well as this, the GO2 was subjected to vigorous field testing in the USA. The Spring Independent School District (Houston, Texas) was looking for some innovation in proper securement of O2 bottles that several students required during their bus routes. Transportation Director Brian Weisinger said: “I have heard of drivers strapping them into seat belts. I’ve heard of them putting them in little plastic bins or overhead compartments.

While transporting oxygen is necessary for the well-being of

certain passengers, it can be a risk factor if not securely transported.

Not only is oxygen an accelerant, but the container could also be very dangerous if the bus stopped suddenly or was involved in an accident.”

Product Specifications: n Ergonomic tightening and release knob for ease of use n Visual lock indicator to help ensure the GO2 is secured n Two anti-slip straps to hold O2 cylinder in place while in transport n Quick release for easy height adjustment to accommodate O2 cylinders from size AZ to D n High grade anodized aluminum for durability and resistance to corrosion n Series L Track or floor pocket fitting mounts easily on vehicle floor and moves from one vehicle to another without the use of tools n Compact size for ease of transportation and storage n Dynamic crash test at 30mph/20g n Meets applicable standards & regulations: National School Transportation Specifications & Procedures, Support Equipment and Accessories, B.3 and IEP – IFSP Process, Guidelines, E.11; Ambulance Manufacturer’s Division AMD Standard 003, Oxygen Tank Retention System; Approved to the requirements of CEN standard - BS EN 1789:2007, Medical vehicles and their equipment.

The new EVM Avantgarde in M-Line’s distinctive livery

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show review › cv show

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Show indicates changes ahead for minibuses Martin Cole takes a look at the minibuses on show at this year’s Commercial Vehicle & Workshop exhibition which attracted 430 exhibitors and over 18,000 visitors

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espite this year’s event carrying an ‘international’ tag and attracting much wider media presence from European trade journals, it was somewhat disappointing the level of support from minibus producers had shrunk dramatically. Only Ford had one on the stand and chose to show a passenger version of its Transit Custom Kombi. The new 3.5 tonne Transit van was also there, in left-hand drive form as a taster to the forthcoming introduction of its latest model developments but no other manufacturer had a passenger version on display at all.

Minibus presence was all but confined to the now regular selection which adorns the Eberspacher and Webasto stands.

The exhibitors very quickly determined, despite strong

attendance, there was a distinct lack of visitors from local authority procurement departments.

Typically the show attracts them in great numbers as they peruse the huge selection of vehicles aimed at municipal operations – from refuse collection and gritters to flatbeds and small tippers for maintaining parks and gardens.

While some local authorities are still tendering for minibuses, the numbers are lower and it’s very apparent much of their ‘necessary’ or ‘essential’ service provision is being contracted out to vehicle hire companies as they don’t have the budget for fleet upgrading and renewal or for increasing maintenance costs on ageing in-house fleets. Clear evidence of this was the coachbuilt Mellor Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on Eberspacher’s stand – the 100th for London Hire since it became a main supplier two years ago.

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7 London Hire’s Peter Moxom said: “Look around – they are just not here – which means they are not buying. It isn’t good news for the coachbuilders and converters but it is great for us. We are continually being asked to take on more services and we’ve responded by increasing our fleet substantially. To make it easier for the local authorities we are also taking on their drivers and escorts. We make it simple for them by implementing TUPE transfers.

This keeps services running without creating any redundancies.”

Another sign of change was highlighted by the GM Coachwork Minibus Lite on Webasto’s stand.

This was the first one of this type to make its way into the Burnt Tree hire fleet. Based on a Peugeot Boxer with sixteen passenger seats it has been engineered using only specially selected lightweight components in the conversion process and critically falls below

6 1: Ford’s new 3.5t Transit is for release in 2014. 2: Delroy Hudson (L) from Burnt Tree is handed a Minibus Lite by Lee Jones of GM Coachwork. 3: VW Crafter accessible conversion from Advanced Minibus. 4: Bluebird’s popular Fiat Ducato-based Orion 16. 5: Ford Transit Custom Kombi. 6: Ford Kombi interior. 7: Nu Trak’s revised entrance with equal heights and a slide-out step. 8: Mix Telematics launched its Rovi system combining telematics with sat nav and communication in a single touchscreen unit the 3.5t limit at which a D1 licence is required. This means it can be driven on an ordinary car licence providing the operator has a Section 19 permit and the driver has been driving for two years. For many schools which would typically be seeking a 17-seat Transit or similar minibus they no longer have to invest in specialist training for staff to gain a D1 licence.

GM Coachwork’s Minibus Sales Specialist, Lee Jones said: “We looked at using composite materials in the flooring and aluminium seats in addition to lightweight upholstery and trim fabrics in a bid to save weight wherever possible. It fits the bill for a many applications and we can produce wheelchair accessible versions with fewer saloon seats if required. It’s been very popular and we’ve sold more than 300 over the last two years.”

Lee officially handed over the vehicle to Burnt Tree’s Delroy

8 Hudson, Southern Areas Sales.

Delroy said: “We see Minibus Lite as a great advantage. It serves a sector we have wanted to address for some time – especially as increasing numbers of schools are becoming independently funded and hiring vehicles long-term fits well with Bursary payments.”

Also on Webasto’s stand was an executive spec Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minicoach from David Fishwick. This was the model which features an interior design inspired by the Aston Martin. It had a rear lounge area with seating positioned around tables and the seats are upholstered in black leather with grey leather panels. Trim consists of black and grey quilted material and a carbon-fibre effect dash kit enhances the centre console. It boasts a coach rear end with large door and has decent luggage space.

Completing the line-up was a lowfloor 16-seat Bluebird Orion for

Bustler. Orion continues to be built using the Fiat Ducato drive train.

MD Rob Miller said the high cost of fuel was making Orion increasingly of interest to operators due to its low consumption in comparison with larger buses. Used on rural services, Orion typically returns in excess of 20mpg – depending on loadings and local terrain. He also revealed Bluebird is developing a larger 33-seat lowfloor bus along similar lines but further details would not be revealed until the vehicle is nearer to completion.

Bluebird also had an accessible Volkswagen Crafter on the Eberspacher stand which represented conversions from the Clay Cross-based Advanced Minibus business it acquired a couple of years ago. It was configured with 13 passenger seats, one wheelchair space and a Ratcliff Palfinger inboard passenger lift.

Stanford Coachworks

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show review › cv show

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3 exhibited a recently commissioned Volkswagen Crafter for Verviers Ltd Car and Van Rental. Configured with just eight seats – two beside the driver and six in the forward saloon area positioned around a large table, the remaining space behind the bulkhead served as a huge boot or storage area – which was fully trimmed. All seats were upholstered in black leather contrasting only with the wood planking-effect floor covering.

A floor-mounted power point provided access to a 240v supply for powering lap-top computers or other devices. Sliding saloon entrance doors were on both sides of the vehicle. Inset blue and white LEDs provide interior lighting. DVD monitors for the saloon passengers included a large fixed screen on the rear bulkhead for rearward facing passengers and a roof-mounted unit with a drop-down screen above their heads for forward

2 1: An eight-seat high specification VW Crafter from Stanford Coachworks. 2: Euromotive’s VW Crafter accessible. 3: Treka Bus 16-seat coachbuilt, composite -bodied Treka is now available with a five-year warranty. 4: Executive specification Sprinter from David Fishwick has interior styling emulating prestige Aston Martin cars. 5: Mellor Coachcraft Sprinter Accessible – its 100th for London Hire in two years. 6: Safetytrim nut ring locks wheelnuts in place and provides visual indication of any nut which needs re-torquing facing passengers.

Euromotive displayed its 15-seat accessible Volkswagen Crafter which featured a Ratcliff Palfinger underfloor passenger lift.

Nu Trak brought along its coachbuilt Sprinter which had a few changes from when it was previously exhibited at EuroBus Expo. Now under Wrightbus ownership the company has implemented quickly detachable lower panels to the body sides. This has gone down well with customers who not only appreciate the speed with which a damaged item can be replaced, but the rear side panel removal, which takes only a few seconds, allows far better access for wheel removal and also for jack positioning when the vehicle is on the ramps. In line with Wrightbus big-bus aftermarket policy – Nu Trak can offer customers prepainted replacement panels to hold as impressed stock.

4 The other change has been to reconfigure the front entrance. The step heights have been made more equal and an AVS automatic slide-out step to aid boarding. The vehicle is equipped with 16 Rescroft CT Lite seats on NMI lockables and has a PLS underfloor passenger lift. An Eberspacher D5 heater ensures adequate saloon heating.

Completing the minibus collection was a 16-seat MercedesBenz Sprinter-based Treka.

The coachbuilt body comprised of composite structures can be supplied on medium or long wheelbase Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter chassis and will accommodate up to six wheelchairs. Recent additions to the specification include a multilingual voice announcement system. It can deliver messages in two languages and there are a range of five or six to choose from.

It also has a Runlok as standard and

now a Catlok system has been added.

Treka has a TDS entrance door and is supplied with Phoenix seats and a PLS underfloor passenger lift. It carries a five-year warranty on body related issues on top of the three-year manufacturer driveline warranty. Ken Godson of Treka Bus said: “We are currently building two Trekas per week and one conversion. We have buses in build for Dawsonrentals and recently won a tender to supply Leicestershire County Council. We are hopeful of winning some more of the bids we’ve submitted.”

While Citroen had no passenger versions of Relay or Dispatch on show, from May 2013, the Relay range is being expanded with the addition of two new Stop & Start equipped vans. These are a Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 130 Stop & Start six-speed manual and a Relay 35 L3H2 HDi 130 Stop & Start sixspeed manual. Citroen claims these

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6 models deliver fuel savings of up to 9.2% in an urban environment.

They also cut CO2 emissions by up to 10g/km. Pricing and full specifications of the new Relay Stop & Start vans will be released nearer their May ‘on sale’ date.

With Ford expanding its Transit Custom range, which boasts the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, a spacious new high-roof version made its debut. It gives an additional 370mm of height in the load compartment, increasing the distance from floor to roof to 1.78m. The high roof option is available on both SWB (L1) and LWB (L2) versions. The high-roof can be specified with the same wide range of gross vehicle weight and powertrain options as the standard roof model, and in van and kombi bodystyles. The high-roof model will be available in late 2013.

Ford promises good fuel economy with CO2 emissions from

162g/km for the ECOnetic versions delivered by the improved 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with AutoStart-Stop, while cost-of-ownership is further minimised by the longest service intervals in the class at two years/30,000 miles.

Other features on Transit Custom include SYNC, Rear View Camera, Acceleration Control, Auto High Beam and Driver Alert.

Two technology features – Lane Keeping Alert and SYNC Emergency Assistance – have been awarded Euro NCAP Advanced rewards.

New generation larger Transits are due for launch next spring and a left-hand drive preview model was on display. A huge range of options is promised in body styles and derivatives including Van, Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV), Kombi, and Bus models, plus single and double Chassis Cab and Chassis Cowl versions. Three different lengths are offered and two different roof

heights with multiple gross vehicle mass options of up to 4.7 tonnes.

Innovative loadspace features make operator usage easier and more secure. Load volume is increased by around 10% over equivalent models in the current range.

The largest “Jumbo” van now can hold up to 15.1m3 of cargo. The allnew SuperJumbo Chassis Cab will carry 5m floats or box bodies.

New Transit is claimed to deliver minimised maintenance, repair and insurance costs, plus best-in-class fuel economy. The latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel is offered with 100, 125, and 155bhp power ratings and a standard six-speed manual transmission. Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be available.

New interior design presents a stylish and functional instrument panel, incorporates a range of smart stowage solutions and is significantly more spacious than the outgoing model, with increased shoulder room, head clearance and visibility, plus a more comfortable driving position with a fullyadjustable steering column. A wide variety of advanced technologies can also be specified, including the Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance, Rear View Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Alert. Ford is planning for the Transit two-tonne derivative to be sold in the North American market where it will eventually take over from the Ford E-Series range.

Driver First Assist is a new scheme which was officially launched at the CV Show and is aimed at giving professional drivers the necessary medical training and incident management skills to deal with accident situations ahead of emergency services arriving on the scene. The not-for-profit organisation claims victims of road traffic accidents die needlessly because those immediately at the scene lack the necessary knowledge or ability to deal with the situation.

Driver First Assist (DFA) has been created as a life-saving road safety initiative which gives drivers the opportunity to learn new skills by training to become members.

The scheme is actively

supported by the police through the Association of Chief Police Officers, the fire service via the Chief Fire Officers Association and the ambulance service by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives. DFA has the potential to become a key element within the UK’s strategic road safety agenda and it presents businesses with an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. For more information call DFA on 03030 401020 or visit the website www. driverfirstassist.org.

Wheel security specialist Safetytrim introduced its latest wheel nut management system which combines a locking system and a visual indicator to show when a re-torque is necessary. Safetytrim System is a nut ring which is a push fit over the exposed nuts. Each nut cap can rotate enough to align and engage firmly with the nut.

The attached locking arm which is unseen and captive within the ring, covers a hole in the ring. If a nut jars loose and moves the arm also moves and uncovers the hole – revealing a bright yellow spot which is an immediate visual indication the wheel needs attention.

Safetytrim System is easily removed and highly durable. It can withstand temperatures from -40 to +220 degrees centigrade. The system is indefinitely reusable.

Following its announcement at the IAA exhibition last year, Mix Telematics displayed its new Rovi in-cab display system. Rovi combines telematics functions into a single dash or windscreen mounted display screen. It can connect drivers with base control, transmit messages and update changes to an itinerary. It can also provide satellite navigation and the RIBAS visual driving style feedback indication which alerts drivers to over-speeding, harsh braking, excessive idling etc. Rovi also allows managers to customise data input which allows them to monitor a wide range of operationspecific functions. Pt communicates information via the Mix Telematics FM-Web secure portal which is available to customers 24/7.

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FIRST DRIVE › FERQUI SOROCO

The right choice for Bee Bee Travel Martin Cole visits a Hertfordshire minicoach operator and test drives the firm’s brand new Ferqui Soroco, which has enjoyed a makeover under its new UK distributor, Doncaster-based Connaught PSV

T

he Ferqui Soroco, a coachbuilt version of the popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, became a very popular option during its phase of importation under Optare.

In the last few years it has been paid little attention as it became quite a costly option and Optare eventually dropped its association with Ferqui and the minicoach market altogether. The importation of Soroco was then snapped up by former Optare sales agency Connaught PSV. Connaught’s Steve Peach retained his faith in the quality of the Soroco and has worked with the Spanish bodybuilder to develop fresh and attractive specifications which have also gone down well with operators and resulted in an impressive number of sales to start off the 2013 season. Steve Peach said: “We’d been involved with Ferqui right from the start – as an associate dealer with Optare. It sold very well but then Optare priced it much too high and sales stagnated for two years. We continued our close association with Ferqui and agreed to act as the UK agent.

“Although the deal was closed in August last year and our first Soroco was delivered in early September, we couldn’t show it at Birmingham because the Optare/Ferqui arrangement did not officially cease until the end of

Bobby Bridgeman at the wheel of his new Soroco – the second in succession for Bee Bee Travel November. Despite missing out on a good opportunity we have made an excellent start with 17 sold to date. We also have access to the larger Toro model and of six Vario chassis currently at the factory, two are sold.”

Why the Soroco?

One of the keen Soroco buyers was Bobby Bridgeman of Bee Bee Travel. Based at Lemsford in Hertfordshire, Bobby runs a one-man operation and his latest acquisition is the second Soroco he’s owned in succession. Based on a 516 Cdi platform ,the new S3 model has a 4,325mm wheelbase, seats 16 passengers and comes with roof-mounted Diavia air conditioning and double glazed dark tinted panoramic windows.

Bobby concentrates on high-end private hires and enjoys regular work with the Hertfordshire Geological Society where he has established a very strong relationship through providing reliable and high quality service over a number of years.

Having started work in the family printing business, Bobby and a group of friends decided on a holiday jaunt together in Swanage and the most appropriate mode of transport seemed to be a minibus.

Having acquired a Ford Transit which performed its task extremely well, Bobby was increasingly attracted to life with a minibus and kept it. He used it to travel everywhere. It didn’t take long before Bobby realised there was a reasonable potential for earning money from his passion and so he went through the motions to become properly licensed and registered.

The early days began with many nightclub runs followed by increasing numbers of trips and excursions. Business grew largely through word of mouth.

It was also strongly supported through obtaining a works contract.

Increasing popularity of Bee Bee Travel locally also provided opportunities associated the nearby golf club at Brockett Hall. The picturesque venue is frequented by business people, film, TV and radio personalities, actors, entertainers, footballers and

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FIRST DRIVE › FERQUI SOROCO

Above: An LED light above the entrance illuminates the pavement. Centre: Distinctive styling. Top right: Large rear shelf: Above right: Branded carpets Below: Comfortable Vogel seats. Centre: Light interior with attractive lighting. Below right: Auxilliary switches housed in a dedicated dash-mounted pod

celebrities of all sorts. This was great potential and so the quality of the vehicle available needed to rise.

Initially, going ‘up-market’ and requiring higher rates cost Bobby the works contract. However, a good, strong reputation and constant referrals from satisfied customers ensured rising demand and plenty of work to replace it.

Now Bobby just concentrates on retaining ‘blue chip’ and corporate customers – which includes government departments – interspersed with many highprofile jobs.

Having moved into the MercedesBenz Sprinter market and tried a few, he eventually formed a preference for coachbuilt bodies.

He liked his first Soroco but

was a little disappointed at the lack of aftermarket support due to the situation at Optare and the restructuring which led the company to drop its imported coach and minicoach business.

Bobby said: “I wasn’t sure what to do about a replacement but after talking to Connaught and being assured of continued availability in the market I was a lot more confident. Steve Peach was great.

He was prepared to talk about altering a few things and then took me out to Spain to meet the Ferqui team and see the new one being built. We shared ideas with Ferqui and they were very happy to incorporate the modifications.

Nothing seemed to be too much trouble – they seem so pleased to

be building exactly what you want.

“I noticed on one Soroco they had in build, a camera pod had been positioned above the entrance door.

I asked if this could be substituted for an LED floodlight to illuminate the entrance and the pavement.

They said it would be easy to do so I had one added to the specification of the new vehicle. It works an absolute treat and is much better for passengers.

“Overall, the changes they’ve made to the model eliminate virtually all the gripes you could ever have. The only concern for me was the new mirrors. They have extended stalks and protrude a bit further. It means they are a bit too wide for comfort when driving in London and there are

some gateways I go through where clearance is an issue. However, these are being changed and will have shorter stems fitted very soon.

“Another really nice feature is the removable panel in the rear shelf between the seats and the back window. It means you can get some long luggage items – such as skis or fishing rods – to fit quite safely by standing them vertical. Touches like this are important and passengers really appreciate them. I like them to be well satisfied with both the service and their comfort. I chose leather seat upholstery because it gives a very classy impression but I also had the option to fit Vogel seats. They seemed so much more comfortable than the other options that I had to have them. I’ve had

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Above: Extended mirror arms are to be replaced by shorter versions Below: Driver’s cockpit area is compact yet comfortable

nothing but good feedback about their comfort from everybody. I’m convinced it was a sensible choice.”

The business

Based on the success achieved by Bee Bee Travel it is clear the current financial state of the country hasn’t had a seriously negative impact on the business. It has obviously seen overheads rise due to inflation and especially fuel prices. Another burning issue over costs has been Driver CPC – which Bobby feels is just another unnecessary burden.

He said: “I get the feeling this is just another ‘job for the boys’ exercise and in many cases totally unrequired. Good driving and customer care are the pre-requisite skills for this job and anyone with

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 Cdi / Ferqui Soroco Seats 16 Spec Automatic transmission, air conditioning, leather Vogel seats, DVD system with drop-down monitor & LED floodlight above passenger entrance door available from Connaught PSV 01302 770863

modicum of common sense learns and lives by this as a matter of course – it’s just part of the job.

“I’ve been and done all mine.

The whole 35 hours requirement I packed into a week. From my perspective it lost me a week of work – or my holiday – whichever way you look at it. It cost me £500 and didn’t teach me a single thing I didn’t already know. I thought there would be some sort of driving assessment where they observe you out on the road and try to spot any little bad habits you may have picked up, yet all they had was a simulator – a left-hand drive version too.

You have to progress through the programme in an unfamiliar environment while using unfamiliar controls and are judged on your performance – totally unrealistic.”

Having generated a strong reputation Bobby finds while incoming work sometimes slows down, in general there is a strong requirement for good quality service. There is certainly a local demand for contract services but he does not want tying down. “I’m not knocking contracts,” he said.

“They often provide good stability and can underpin a business but in order for me personally to make the most of the more lucrative jobs I need flexibility and would have to employ someone to do contracts.

However, I’m sort of scared I won’t be able find anyone as reliable as I am. They would only have to not turn up just once and my reputation is gone. I don’t want to risk it – so things will stay the same, for now.”

On the road

A brief ride round the Lemsford area, finishing with a visit to Brocket Park for photographs, was plenty of time to experience the Soroco from both driver and passenger perspective.

The saloon is very neatly finished and looks very attractive with the blue gangway and courtesy lighting, grey trim and black and grey leather upholstery. Small touches like the Ferqui logo embossed into the carpet also indicate pride in a job well done.

A notable feature of the Soroco is its close resemblance to the original Sprinter shape. It has never stood

out as being a coachbuilt vehicle to a casual observer and so has a very conservative appearance.

However, under the skin is a robust framework constructed from galvanised steel profiles conventionally insulated and clad with GRP and aluminium panels.

The seats are also very comfortable and nicely positioned to minimise any disruption to side views by vertical side pillars. All seat positions offer a good view and the saloon is also very quiet. Ride quality is excellent and there are no rattles or squeaks.

For the driver, a significant change is the complete repositioning of all auxiliary switches. The central dash unit now has insufficient space so Ferqui has created an independent pod which it can fix to the dashboard top, between the instrument binnacle and the A-pillar.

By far the most dramatic change to Soroco, since I last experienced one, has been the Sprinter’s fully automatic transmission in place of the previous Sprint-Shift system. The sedate and smooth performance of the torque converter is precisely the right tool to ensure passengers get maximum benefit from their comfortable surroundings.

This doesn’t mean the Sprinter has no zip – it can easily be pushed along as it has a surfeit of power with over 160bhp on tap – but there is seldom any requirement to use the power aggressively. It is a very refined driveline which reduces stress for the driver and always delivers a smooth ride.

Key additions to the original specification were the Vogel seats, a DVD system with drop-down screen, Bi-Xenon lights and metallic paint. The last two features pay dividends on prestige work in the city, especially in the evenings, where they contribute substantially towards creating a strong visual impact. Underfloor side lockers are an option although, in this case, they were not selected. Bobby said he felt their presence spoiled the appearance of the vehicle and for the small amount of additional space they provided it wasn’t worth it.

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technology › safety

Sprinters to go hi-tech This year sees the introduction of a revised Sprinter to accompany the move to Euro 6 – the extra cost also brings new safety technology

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ercedesBenz Vans is unveiling a range of new assistance systems likely to become standard safety features in the not-too-distant future. Both Sprinter and Vito have extensive inbuilt passive and active safety features which have been enhanced and upgraded over the years.

The majority of the features are included as standard and have been well-documented in these pages.

The coming generation promises further advancement aimed at making drivers and other road users safer than ever.

TecForum 2013 sees the official introduction of the Crosswind Assist system for vans, the Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Highbeam Assist – all of which will be available soon, where they will be supplemented

by Lane Keeping Assist. These new developments underscore the manufacturer’s commitment towards a pioneering role in safety technology and as a driving force in innovation.

Mercedes-Benz believes while mitigating the effects of accidents is an important concern, actually preventing accidents from occurring is even more crucial.

Implementing the new technologies will provide drivers with additional support – helping prevent many

accidents from occurring in the first place. Developers are confident this new dimension in vehicle safety technology will have a very positive effect on accident statistics.

Much of this new technology is in the final stage of development and testing.

Depending on the technology, range of application, and model, the new safety systems will be available as either standard or optional features – allowing customers to opt for maximum safety in line with the specific application requirements.

Crosswind Assist Within the limits of what is physically possible, the system almost completely offsets the effects of crosswind on vehicles.

It greatly reduces driver stress, as motorists no longer have to steer against sudden gusts of wind.

Crosswind Assist is based on the standard-fitted Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and is activated at speeds of 80 km/h and above.

It was developed to deal with the special characteristics of vans.

Large vehicles with raised roofs and/or long wheelbases for the transportation of voluminous cargo have especially large surfaces on which crosswind can take effect. As a result, drivers have to be prepared to encounter and react to sudden gusts of crosswind when they are traveling through gales, crossing bridges, or leaving the slipstream of a truck.

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Crosswind Assist reduces the effect of sidewinds and keeps the vehicle more stable

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technology › safety

Automatic braking measures help prevent vehicle drifting Crosswind Assist greatly reduces driver stress in such situations, as the standard-fitted ESP system features sensors for measuring the yaw rate and lateral acceleration so it can determine the force exerted by crosswind and gusts.

To counteract this force, the automated system brakes specific wheels on the windward side of the van. The resulting rotary and yaw motions cause the vehicle to steer in a corrective manner and prevent it from drifting, which otherwise might have dangerous consequences.

Employing Crosswind Assist, vans remain firmly on course, even if they suddenly encounter strong gusts, for example when crossing bridges or overtaking trucks. The system minimizes the effects of wind and aims to prevent the vehicle from moving more than 50cm sideways, even when encountering strong gusts.

The ESP sensors can determine the strength and flow angle of steady and intensifying crosswinds as well as of sudden gusts. The system’s response is also governed by other factors, such as vehicle speed, load weight, cargo location, and the driver’s steering behaviour.

Should the motorist manually counteract the force of the wind, his or her steering movements will automatically override Crosswind Assist.

The safety system is specifically adapted to each vehicle model and surface area. A control light notifies the driver when the assistant system goes into action, thus informing him or her of the current driving situation.

Collision Prevention Assist: Warns of impending collisions One of the most dangerous traffic situations occurs when vehicles are too close to one another. Analyses conducted by the Mercedes-Benz Accident Research department have shown radar-based assistance systems could prevent a significant proportion of rear-end collisions or at least substantially reduce the severity of the accidents. Such

systems have already found their way into coaches and trucks.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is planning to introduce the proximity warning assistant. The system is not designed to prevent minor accidents in inner cities at low speeds but to provide protection against severe rear-end collisions.

It warns the driver when the van gets too close to another vehicle and intensifies the alarm if the dangerously short distance is further reduced so that there is a high risk of collision.

The radar-based proximity warning assistant helps drivers maintain a safe distance from vehicles up ahead. A radar sensor in the front bumper continuously measures the distance to any vehicle traveling ahead in the same lane as well as the relative speeds between the two vehicles. On the basis of this data, the proximity warning assistant determines how great the distance should be to ensure safety.

Insufficient braking distance alarm If the distance from a vehicle up ahead drops to 25% or less of the required braking distance, the

assistance system flashes a light in the instrument cluster to warn the driver. The flashes become more frequent and an alarm sounds if the likelihood of a collision is increasing because the distance continues to drop and the traffic situation remains unchanged. This second alarm stage is triggered about three seconds before impact, allowing the driver to hit the brakes or take evasive action.

Brake Assist pro: Pinpoint emergency braking Whenever there is danger of a collision, the proximity warning assistant also activates another new system: Brake Assist Pro. This adaptive brake assistant calculates the force needed for pinpoint emergency braking so the remaining distance can be optimally used for braking to prevent a collision. Drivers activate the brake assistant by forcefully stepping on the brake pedal. To ensure pinpoint braking during the braking manoeuvre, the system can raise or lower the braking force in accordance with the data provided by the proximity warning assistant.

The proximity warning assistant is activated at speeds of 30 km/h or

more. The system reacts not only to vehicles traveling up ahead but also to stationary obstacles such as traffic jams.

Blind Spot Assist: Increased safety when changing lanes Drivers have to make safetyrelated decisions within seconds when changing lanes in cities or overtaking other vehicles on highways or country roads. All of the vans from Mercedes-Benz are equipped with large exterior mirrors offering a wide field of vision and, in many cases, are supported by wide-angle auxiliary lenses. Drivers can soon get additional help from Blind Spot Assist. When changing lanes, the system warns drivers if vehicles are traveling in the blind spot.

Blind Spot Assist activated at speeds of 30 km/h or more. The system uses four short-range radar sensors, which are located on the left and right-hand sides at the height of the lateral rub panels.

The sensors are positioned in the area of the B-pillar and the rear corner pillar, from where they scan the adjacent lanes. If the sensors detect a car or motorcycle in the driver’s blind spot while traveling,

A disguised restyled Sprinter undergoing trials to evaluate the new Blind Spot Assist safey technology

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a red warning signal lights up in the exterior mirror on the side where the vehicle is located. If the safety system detects that the driver wants to change lanes despite the warning, it will also sound an alarm.

Lane Keeping Assist: Warns drivers of lane departures Unintended lane departures caused by distractions or the driver’s inattention are even more dangerous than careless lane changes. In the future, Mercedes-Benz vans will therefore be equipped with Lane Keeping Assist to ensure drivers receive timely warning of unintended lane changes.

The system features a range of sophisticated technology, including a mounted camera behind the windshield which films the lane up ahead. The camera is connected to an electronic control unit which continuously measures the recorded data in order to identify the lane and the associated markings by analysing the differences in contrast. If the van is about to cross the lane markings without the use of a turn indicator, the control unit will consider this to be an unintended lane departure and sound an alarm to notify the driver.

Lane Keeping Assist is active at speeds of 60 km/h or more and reacts not only to white lane markings but also to the yellow markings used at construction sites.

Drivers can switch the assistance system off when it suits them — for example when driving along narrow and winding country roads

Highbeam Assist: Optimal illumination of the road Optimal vision is a key precondition for safe driving, especially at night – it’s why every Mercedes-Benz van is equipped with large, powerful headlights along with an option to have especially bright bi-xenon headlights.

The new Highbeam Assist system is a first for the van sector.

It switches the high beams on and off in accordance with the present situation to ensure the road is optimally illuminated at all times.

This not only enables drivers to see

Above: Driver display indicates the Blind Spot Assist is operative. Right: Mirror warning light aids awareness curves, pedestrians, and danger zones earlier and more clearly, but also prevents oncoming traffic and drivers up ahead from being blinded.

The system uses a camera mounted to the inside of the windshield. The camera scans the traffic in front of the vehicle.

If it detects oncoming traffic or two-track vehicles up ahead, the system automatically switches the headlights from high-beam to low-beam. High-beam Assist can distinguish moving objects from stationary ones and leaves the high-beams turned on when the van enters a curve. The safety system switches the headlights back to high-beam once the road is no longer occupied. The camera also registers if the street lights are switched on, in which case it automatically deactivates the highbeams — for example when driving through towns or villages.

Highbeam Assist operates at speeds of 60 km/h or more. The system will be offered for halogen as well as bi-xenon headlights.

Reversing camera: Helps drivers manoeuvre in tight areas Among the most frequent van accidents are those caused while manoeuvring at low speeds. To help drivers park and manoeuvre in tight areas, therefore, vans can be equipped with an optional

reversing camera. In vans with closed vehicle bodies, the camera is mounted above the rear doors. The image is transmitted to the 5.8-inch (14.7 cm) TFT colour monitor of the factory-installed radio.

The camera has a sturdy plastic housing. Its 150-degree viewing angle allows drivers to see the entire area behind the vehicle on the monitor. To assist orientation, the system also displays the horizon and static guide markings.

Proof assistance systems reduce the number of accidents The accident statistics associated with individual vehicle series clearly demonstrate the positive effect of assistance systems. This is particularly evident with regard to the gradual introduction of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the first ‘Research results: Vans less likely than cars to be involved in accidents.’

Vans and their drivers are often subject to public pressure concerning safety. However, the fact is vans do not play a conspicuously poor record. Since ESP was integrated into the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter around 10 years ago lane-departure accidents dropped dramatically by 39%.

The launch of the second Sprinter generation in 2006 resulted in further big advances

such as the introduction of Adaptive ESP, which can detect loads and the vehicle’s centre of gravity. It checks constantly and if the load moves it automatically readjusts – ensuring deliveries or pick-ups don’t have any impact on the system’s ability to operate to the required parameters. It is particularly poignant in passenger transport where loadings are continually changing or even moving around.

As a result of introducing Adaptive ESP the number of lane-departure accidents declined further by 28%.

Taken together, these steps have cut in half the number of accidents due to this cause within a few years.

After being refined further in recent years, the ESP feature is now being expanded with the new Crosswind Assist system. The resulting third generation of ESP will produce additional benefits.

The same applies to the other assistance systems. For example, researchers at Daimler have conducted extensive tests in which they determined warning systems reduce the driver’s response time by a vital 0.2 seconds. In addition, they greatly boost the intensity of the driver’s reaction. In MercedesBenz vans, new systems such as the proximity warning assistant, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist will therefore help to prevent accidents or at least reduce their severity in many cases.

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2003 Dennis Trident 2 2002 VOLVO B7TL’s 1998 R REG OPARE VW Crafter SLF Alex 400 10.5m SOLO

Mercedes engine, Allison, 30 seats, new MOT.

POA

DDA and LEZ, 70 seats, Euro 3, ÂŁ24,000 + VAT

EnsignBus 01708 865656

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Dennis Dart Mini Plaxton Pointer 8.8m

(09) 2009 Ford Transit

MOT till Aug 2013, CCTV cameras, CCTV recorder, manual front, side & rear destination, front ramp, Euro 2, blue patterned moquette.

17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, Six speed gearbox, Tachograph, 65,000 km ÂŁ12,995

67 seats + 18 standees, Cummins Euro IV/ZF, conversion to single door available, very clean. £25,000 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

16 leather seats + large boot, A/C, DVD, microphone, 125,000 miles, 9 months MOT. ÂŁ25,000 + VAT

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

2006 Plaxton Pointer Plaxton/Transbus

PSV 12/5/13, taxed 30/4/13, full service history.

29 + 17 seats, 323,719 miles.

Call 07823 770978 Email slickrideslondon@gmail.com

ÂŁ58,000

POA

Contact William on 07733 914050

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

2003 Mercedes Citaros

2000 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart 8.8m

2000 VOLVO B7TL’s

38 + 34 standees, LEZ complaint, full DDA, dual door, Hanover LEDs, CCTV, in good condition and very low mileage (240,000 – 260,000 km), 1 year’s MOT. Choice of six (5 x 53 plate and 1 x 03 plate).

29 seat service bus, front, side & rear manual destination, front ramp, Euro 2, blue patterned moquette seats.

Voith gearboxes, Plaxton President bodies, LWB, converted to single door high capacity schoolbuses with 83 seats.

SPECIAL OFFER – £6,250

POA

Paul Watson Travel 01833 660471

yourbus – 01773 714013

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

EnsignBus 01708 865656

2005 13m Bova Futura

2004 Volvo B12M VanHool T9 Exec

2002 Futura

2005 Bova Futura

Full executive, 53 reclining seats, good leg room, used on holiday programme, one owner from new, 430,000kms, 12 months MOT.

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

ÂŁ84,500+VAT - P/X considered

49, 51 or 53 seats, air con, Webasto, Ishift or manual, TV, DVD or video, 3 point seat belts, rear saloon w/c, phone, reversing camera, MOTs till late 2013. ÂŁ57,000 + VAT (manual gearbox)

49 seat executive, excellent condition inside and out, used only for touring and excursions, 12 months MOT, 470K kms, owned since new, genuine reason for sale. ÂŁ75,000 + VAT o.n.o.

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Nigel McCree - 01509 502695

ÂŁ5,750

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

SETRA 315 GTHD

49 seat with belts, 2 monitors, DVD, centre toilet centre power door, coolbox + boiler, leather headrests inserts, seat back tables, foot rests good tyres, tax and test ready to work.

ÂŁ53,500 + VAT

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

Call Paul – 07968 106891

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

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Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale

Dennis Dart SLF 10.8m 2000/2001 V & Y Plate, Cummins 6BT, Allison AT545 4 speed auto, Marshall body, 40 seats.

Contact Ian Parker (Engineering Manager) Warrington Borough Transport Ltd Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6PT. Tel 01925 634296

2005 MAN Noge

2001 Mercedes Autobus Nouvelle II

57 reclining seats, air conditioning, one owner from new, 320,000kms, dark moquette leather inset headrests, curtains.

33 seats with lap belts, dual purpose, destination gear, this bus has been refurbished in the chassis, to body parts and repainted.

ÂŁ65,000+VAT - P/X considered

ÂŁ10,000+VAT

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

1998 Tri-axle Scania Irizar

2003 ALD Enviro 300

Comfort shift gearbox, alloy wheels, good tyres, 49 re-trimmed seats with belts, air con, fridge, servery, WC, video with 2 monitors, 12 months, MOT, LEZ renewed, well loved and looked after by owner-driver for last 8 years. ÂŁ24,995

COIF and accessibility certificate, 40 seats and 27 standing, taxed until August and with a new MOT, this is a very clean and tidy bus which is ready to go straight to work.

POA

Martins of Tysoe 01295 680642

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

2002 ALD ALX200 Dennis Dart

2004 MAN 14.240 SLF MCV Evolution 11.3m

7HO

All Vehicles Direct Fleet Many With COIF’s, PSV’s, Wheelchair

Access Lifts

& Ramps

COIF and DDA compliant, Euro 3 engine, 28 seats and 16 standing, taxed until end of June and MOT until July, well maintained and ready to work.

POA – choice of 3

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

39 seats + 21 standees, DDA compliant, Mobitec LED. ÂŁ24,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS

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2400 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. ÂŁ7495 + VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

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

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1999 MAN Neoplan Transliner

2005 Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther

2004 Optare Solo M850 SLF

Manual, air con, fixed toilet, TV monitor with DVD/video, seat belts, low driver’s position, radio/cassette/PA, water boiler, courier seat.

49 seats with belts, I-Shift, MOT May, LEZ compliant, fixed toilet, courier seat, low driver’s position, radio/CD/PA system.

ÂŁ19,995

ÂŁ57,500

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

29 seats + 19 standees, fully DDA compliant, Hanover LED, Cummins engine, very clean. ÂŁ29,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2002 IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS

2011 EVM X-Clusive Sprinter 519CDI

2007 (07) Ford Transit 17 seat minibus

2800cc turbo diesel, certificate of initial fitness, access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, 72000 miles, excellent condition, COIF, PSV, tacho, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ6495 + VAT

16 seats with 3 point belts, TV, DVD, plug door, air-con, 60,000 miles, mint condition, under warranty to April.

2.4 diesel, six speed, one owner, 64,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV.

ÂŁ59,950

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

EVM – 07749 103203

Iveco 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus

IVECO DAILY 40C13 FRONT ENTRY 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS

ÂŁ9,950 + VAT

2006 (56) Ford Transit 17 seat minibus

2.4 diesel, one owner, 40,000 miles.

ÂŁ9,995 + VAT

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

Marco Polo Iris

21 seat wheelchair accessible bus with room for 18 wheelchairs, Euro 4, coach style seats, destination equipment, 300kg capacity tail lift, automatic ZF gearbox.

ÂŁ40,000

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

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Unwin Innotrax floor to take five wheelchairs, underfloor lift, rear heating, tachograph, front entry drop step with slam door, COIF, PSV.

ÂŁ15,495

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

2012 Ford Transit

16 coach style seats with seatbelts, tacho, manual gearbox & Euro 5, ideal social club or schools vehicle, in plain white â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ideal for putting on your own livery, still in warranty and LEZ compliant.

2800cc turbo diesel, Ratcliffe Palfinger underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, coach style interior, front entry, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, 125000 kilometers/78000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good GarageScheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ8495 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NO VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

2005 Bova Futura

ÂŁ16,500

49 seat executive, excellent condition inside and out, used only for touring and excursions, 12 months MOT, 470K kms, owned since new, genuine reason for sale. ÂŁ75,000 + VAT o.n.o.

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Call Paul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07968 106891

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

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2007 MAN Plaxton Panther 49/53 seats, LEZ compliant, toilet, DVD/CD, fridge, hot drinks, Webasto.

Only used on our own holidays and excursions.

Excellent condition.

ÂŁ90,000 + VAT

Please call Jamie 01730 267543 or 07956 029344 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.

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer

2007 Setra S415HD

2000 SCANIA T9

49 seats, blue and red interior with leather trim, drinks facilities, fridge, air conditioning, vacuum system, DVD and centre toilet.

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.

POA

ÂŁ24,750

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Contact Eric on 0792 138920

2007 Unvi Riada

2002 Mercedes Vario 614

39 seats in blue patterned moquette, front, side & rear LED destination, luggage racks, Euro 2, front manual ramp.

22 seats with 3 point belts, certified courier seat, DVD, P/A, air-conditioning, MOT 15/04/14, brand new engine with Mercedes warranty.

ÂŁ35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

SPECIAL OFFER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ÂŁ8,500

ÂŁ42,000

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Neoplan Starliner

2010 Temsa Avenue

2007 Setra 415GTHD Comfort Class

13 seat front entry wheelchair accessible minibus, diesel, 160,000 miles.

ÂŁ6,995

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

VOLVO B12B

32 leather seats, full rear servery, airline style overhead lockers, 240V inverter and onboard generator, Blaupunkt sound system with DVD & Sky TV, ASTronic gearbox, A/C, WC, fully carpeted, removable ski box.

42-48 seats, 60,667 miles.

ÂŁ65,000 + VAT o.n.o.

POA

ÂŁ109,500

ÂŁ120,000

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Contact William on 07733 914050

2008 MAN Auto Ayat

2009 Mercedes Tourino

2005 Daf VanHool

2003 Futura

51 seat full executive, owned from new, choice of 2, real head turner, used on tour programme, low mileage @ 240,000kms, a lot of coach for the money, looks great and great value at just...

Manual, 32-seat executive, purple, Webasto, air conditioning, retarder, WC, DVD McLaren colour seats with leather headrests, spare double seat, must be seen, 211,000km, MOT April 2014. Must sell due to retirement.

Auto, 49/51 seat executive, purple, immaculate, Webasto, air conditioning, retarder, WC, DVD, reversing camera, hot water, fridge, leather headrests/piping, MOT May 2014, one driver from new, 486,000km. Must sell due to retirement.

ÂŁ89,000+VAT - P/X considered

ÂŁ99,500

ÂŁ85,000

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

49 seats, AS Tronic gearbox, Mercedes engine, Euroliners, Ambiente seats, serviced by Mercedes since new, one owner, 302,000kms, MOT Apr 2014. Must sell due to retirement.

375,604 miles, PSV 25/4/13, taxed 31/3/13, full service history.

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

ÂŁ65,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

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

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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 85

SEAT S

2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS Alexander ALX400 bodies, converted to high capacity 85 seat school buses.

LEZ

COMPLIANT

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

1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

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

80 seats, Voith gearboxes, Euro 2 engines with traps, or full Euro 3 with traps, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA with 78 seats.

1986 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN TRI-AXLE

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.

2000 VOLVO B7TL’S

Gardner engine, Voith gearbox, 100 seats with seatbelts.

SWB, CCTV, particulate traps so LEZ compliant, Plaxton President bodies, dual door 62 seats or single door 71 seats.

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

Euro 3 engines with traps, 8.8M long, Marshall bodies, 25 seats, DDA.

2002 DENNIS DARTS

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.

2002 52 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S DDA and LEZ, 70 seats, Euro 3, £24000 plus VAT.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

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K ER SPECIALIST 1990 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN OPEN TOP

1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S

Cummins L10 / ZF, 78 seats.

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

1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN

2000 DENNIS SUPER POINTER DARTS

Cummins 160 engines, Voith gearboxes, DDA compliant, 41 seats.

Euro 4, Plaxton Panther bodies, 15m, 65 seats, toilet, DDA, front wheelchair lift, Hanover LED's all round.

2007 VOLVO B12BT’s

2000 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.

Cummins Euro 3 engines, ZF gearbox, Hanover LED’s, DDA, single door, 67 seats.

2002 DENNIS TRIDENT

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.

2007 56 PLATE SCANIA OMNICITY

41 seats, 12m, DDA compliant, long MOT.

Mercedes engine, Allison, 30 seats, new MOT.

1998 R REG OPTARE SOLO

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

1995 M REG VOLVO B10M

Alexander ALX400 bodies, 80 seats, DDA compliant.

- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com

696813-1084-Stafford

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Call for details on our vehicle conversions, upseating, refurbishment, and change of use conversion. Also vehicles available for hire short and long term.

www.staffordbuscentre.com email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552 View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com

ADL ENVIRO 300 2008 08 REG 38/42 seats, wheelchair access and standing, choice of 5.

FROM £55,000

DENNIS DART PLAXTON SUPER POINTER 1999 V REG Undergoing total internal re-fit to include 45 seats with belts.

FROM £12,950

VOLVO OLYMPIAN, NORTHERN COUNTIES “LOW HEIGHT” BODY 1998 R REG Volvo engine/ZF gearbox, 76 seats plus 8, can be belted if required. £11,950

MERCEDES VITO 111D 2005 05 REG All ex Transport for London (TFL), currently 4 seats + wheelchair, good choice, all very low miles between 70 and 80k

DAF SB220 ALEXANDER 1998 R REG 42 seats + 26 standing, good quality replacements for those unreliable, expensive to run Darts.

PHONE FOR MORE DETAILS

ADL ENVIRO 200. B900 2008 08 Reg.29 Seats and 17 standing, Fully repainted POA ENVIRO 300 ALSO AVAILABLE

MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2002/3 52 REG 28 Removable H/B seats on tracking, tail lift, PSV tested, auto gearbox, choice of many, very presentable £14,950

DENNIS JAVELIN MARCO POLO BODY 1998 S REG Fitted with 70 Cogent seats. £17,950

MERCEDES 311D SPRINTER 2003 03 REG Fitted with 14 h/b seats with belts power door, tacho etc. £5,950

BLUEBIRD AMERICAN SCHOOL BUS 2000 W REG 60 high back coach seats with 3 point belts, Cummins engine and (reconditioned) Alison gearbox, very simple and rugged construction PHONE FOR MORE DETAILS

FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT FACTORY BUS 2011 11 REG C.O.I.F plus PSV MoT, very low miles, as new. £15,950

OPTARE SOLO M920 1999 V REG Currently being panelled/painted and belted to 31 seats plus wheelchair. £12,950

FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT FACTORY BUS 2007 (57) 80k miles, tacho, PSV, COIF etc. £10,950

FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT BUS 2007 07 REG Very low mileage, suitable for school use if required as its 3500 cwt, can be driven on any full car licence. £9,950

DENNIS DART PLAXTON MINI POINTER 2002 52 REG Cummins ISB 4 cyl engine and Allison gearbox, fully panelled and painted, recent test. £13,450

FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT FACTORY BUS 2010 59 REG Will have new COIF and PSV test, tachograph and only 60k miles. £14,950

WE ALSO HAVE AVAILABLE OPTARE SOLO ALL MERCEDES ENGINE ALLISON BOX W Reg, 25 seater, very short with new belts plus new paint. £12,950 W Reg, 29 seater, 9.2mtr with new belts plus new paint (in build now). £12,950 52 Reg, 29 seater, 8.5 mtr with belts plus new paint. £16,950

1999 V with auto box, 33 bus seats with belts (cert for 31), new paint and test. £8,950 1999 T with auto box, 29 coach seats but LWB, so plenty of room, destination and power door. £8,950

MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER R 2004 04 with manual box, 33 removable seats, power door and destination, tail lift etc. £16,950

FORD TRANSITS x 10 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 Mostly PSV All 17 seats, tacho etc, all below 60k miles.

Vehicles available for short or long term lease

696811-1084-Moseley

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696754-1084-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

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MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951

Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell

57 REG CITROEN RELAY 2.5TD

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA

56 RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50c17 IRIS BUS 3.0

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, O&H conversion, SLD, AVS side step, 9 seats plus driver plus 1 x wheelchair space, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 21,647 miles.

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 82,180 kms, choice of 5.

6 speed manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 rear high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.

Agile gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power front entry door, 16 rear high back seats, Unwin Innotrax flat floor, underfloor Ratcliff t/lift, COIF/IVA to take up to 5 wheelchairs.

06 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Atlas conversion, twin side loading door, AVS side step, 6 high back seats, Unwin Inotrac tested floor, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 30,383 miles.

Manual, semi high roof factory bus conversion, side entry slam door with low entry step, 14 x high back seats plus driver, air con, ex lease, only 32,997 kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, side step, 11 rear high back seats, full Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, 31,813 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats plus 2 x w/chairs & driver, Unwin tracked floor, ricon internal tail lift, 33,175 miles only.

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI

07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA

06 REG M ERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, electric side step, 11 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor at rear, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, tacho, 34,955 miles.

Auto gearbox, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 81,280 kms.

Manual gearbox, LWB, PAS, O & H conversion, n/s full height manual door, 16 high back removable seats, Eberspacher heater, PLS underfloor t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd,103,080 kms, PSV tested till March 2014.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, AVS side step, 13 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, air con, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, tacho, 53,946kms.

55 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA

59 REG VAUXHALL M OVANO LM39 2.5TD

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD

57 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 104,180 kms.

Manual 6 speed, high roof, PAS, LWB, Mellor conversion, side loading door, new AVS side step, 14 high back seats, new AMF m2 fully tracked floor, AMF tail lift, tacho fitted only 35,749 kms. (22,214 miles).

Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, modified low floor, electric winch & fold out ramp, 15,491 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Gleneagles conversion, PAS, SLD, electric side step, 8 removable rear high back seats (10 seats in total) plus driver, air con, Unwin tracking & Solo system fitted, Ricon tail lift, 22,487 miles.

60 REG FORD TRANSIT 330 2.4TDCI

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 2.4TDCI

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50c13 IRIS BUS 3.0

57 REG FORD TRANSIT 100, 350 2.4TDCI

6 speed manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, MWB, tacho, SL door, 12 rear standard factory high back seats, no tracking (can be fitted), underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, one owner local charity, 20,104kms.

Manual gearbox, semi high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, 17 high back seats including driver, electric windows, Bluetooth, COIF, PSV tested till September 2013, metallic silver, Euroliners, 84,407kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power door, 16 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, destination board, Ratcliff tail lift, COIF’d, 63,371 miles, PSV till March 2014.

Manual, MWB, high mroof, PAS, SCW conversion, side loading door, side step, 8 high back seats, fully Unwin tracked floor, Dash ac, Eberspacher heater, Ratcliff underfloor tail lift, 11,092 miles only.

2008 57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 2.2CDI

07 REG RENAULT M ASTER LM35 2.5TD

57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD

59 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.45TD

6 speed manual gearbox, semi high roof, PAS, MWB, side loading door, 14 high back seats including driver, electric widows, Bluetooth, electric side step, air con, satnav, electric windows & mirrors, 39,834miles.

Manual, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion PTS ambulance, SLD, fold out side step, 6-8 rear high back seats, wipe clean interior, lowering suspension, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, choice of two, 72,000-79,000 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, O&H conversion SLD, AVS side step, 8 rear high back seats plus 1 x wheelchair space, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 20,286 miles.

Manual 6 speed, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door, side step, 8-14 high back seats, fully tracked Unwin floor, Ricon tail lift, Eberspacher heater, ex NHS, only 12,695 miles.

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BEN WEAVER commercials 2004 54 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tachograph, 127000 kms, 80000 miles, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9495 NO VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, can be made upto 20 passenger seats, 232000 kms/145000 miles, white, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6995 + VAT Photos taken prior to valeting

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 12 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2200cc 110ps turbo diesel engine, twin slide loading doors, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, white, excellent condition, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8495 + VAT

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 40C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE COACH STYLE MINIBUS 2300cc turbo diesel, finished in white, Ratcliffe Palfinger underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, coach style interior, front entry, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, 125000 kilometers/78000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good GarageScheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty £ 7995 NO VAT

2002 51 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, certificate of initial fitness, yellow, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, electric windows 115000 kilometers/72000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty £ 6295 + VAT

2006 56 REG CITROEN RELAY MWB MEDIUM ROOF 7 SEAT MINIBUS 2000 HDI diesel,yellow, 56000 miles, more details to follow, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £5495 NO VAT

2007 57 REG FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT MEDIUM WHEELBASE MEDIUM ROOF SHUTTLE BUS 2200cc 110ps turbo diesel, red , twin side loading doors, rear luggage area, 90000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8495 + VAT

2008 08 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel 100ps engine, LEZ compliant, COIF, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 85000 miles with service records, finished in white, 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

2004 04 REG CITROEN RELAY SWB MEDIUM ROOF 8 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000cc HDI diesel, blue, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, 44000 miles, excellent condition, more details to follow, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6495 NO VAT

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS WITH PANORAMIC GLASS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, panoramic glass, ex local authority vehicle, certificate of initial fitness, tachograph, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, electric windows, power door mirrors, 104000 kilometers/65000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6495 + VAT

2005 05 FORD TRANSIT MWB MEDIUM ROOF 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000 turbo diesel engine, internal Ricon wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, electric windows, lift up skylight, 85000 miles, finished in metallic silver blue, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7495 + VAT

2006 56 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc 115ps turbo diesel, 6 speed gearbox, electric heated mirrors, electric windows, CD player, silver, 106000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty £7995 + VAT

2009 09 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 209CDI SWB LOW ROOF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE 2148cc cdi diesel, sprintshift auto gearbox, hand operated brake pedal, velvet red, electrically operated drivers, Ricon rear internal wheelchair lift, front & rear parking sensors, air conditioning, electic windows, mirrors, CD player, only covered 8000 miles with full service history, excellent condition, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £14995 NO VAT

2006 56 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc 115ps turbo diesel engine, 6 speed gearbox, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, finished in white, excellent condition, 96000 miles with full service history, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9495 + VAT

2005 05 FORD TRANSIT MWB MEDIUM ROOF 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000 turbo diesel engine, internal Ricon wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, electric windows, lif up skylight, 88000 miles, finished in metallic college blue, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7495 + VAT

2004 53 IVECO DIALY 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc 6 speed turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 103000 kilometers/64000 miles,excellent condition, white, supplied with 12 months MOT,fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8995 NO VAT

2001 Y REG MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 28 SEAT MINIBUS 4300cc automatic turbo diesel engine, Plaxton conversion, electric front doors, Access under floor rear tail lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 227000 klms/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 £9995 + VAT

1999 T REG TOYOTA CAETANO OPTIMO 4 4166cc turbo diesel, 5 speed gearbox, 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, white, just had 12 months PSV put on, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, 412000 klms/257000 miles, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards £8995 + VAT

2005 FORD TRANSIT 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Diesel, 21000 miles, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, electric side access step, tracking for upto 2 wheelchairs plus 8 passengers, electric windows, electric heated door mirrors, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, ex-NHS vehicle, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £9495 + VAT

2005 54 REG FORDTRANSIT 12 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel, 23000 miles, white, Aaccess underfloor rear wheelchair lift, electric side access step, tracking for upto 2 wheelchairs plus 8 passengers, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, ex-NHS vehicle, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £8995 + VAT

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

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

p54_CBW_1083

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696722-1084-Butters

17/4/13

08:59

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p70_CBW_1084

22/4/13

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70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

MINICOACHES ALBION HOUSE 16–18 ALBION STREET WILLENHALL WEST MIDLANDS WV13 21NJ TEL: 01902 631507 FAX: 01902 630791

sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

www.ukminicoaches.co.uk

2011 ‘60’ Mercedes Sprinter 313 16 seat Automatic Minicoach

This stunning looking vehicle is fully compliant for the LEZ and is fitted with a full automatic gearbox. The vehicle is built with full size coach seats, full length luggage racks with integrated blown air and reading lights, skirt kit and front bumper modification, show curtains and rear seats on tracking. Comes complete with MOT till 02/14, COIF and Digital Tacho.

Price £29995 + VAT

2004 ‘54’ LDV Convoy 16 Seat Minibus

This is a very well presented vehicle that has been used previously be a reputable Coach Company. Features 16 passenger seats with three point seat belts, COIF, analogue tachograph and PSV MOT. Price £3995 + VAT

2003 ‘53’ Volkswagen LT 46 14 seat W/C Minibus

A superb vehicle all round with fresh white paint, this vehicle is ideal for all of those wheelchair contracts. Features underfloor tail lift, power entry door, flat floor, all seats on tracking. COIF can be applied for at cost if required. Analogue Tacho fitted.

Price £7995 + VAT

All Commercial Trading Ltd T/A UK Minicoaches OPENING HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00 AM TILL 5.00 PM

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April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 71

Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2003 (53) TRIDENT SLF ALX 400 67 seats – choice * ££ £731.50 per month

Very clean and tidy ex-lease vehicles. Cummins Euro 3 (DPF fitted to Euro 1V standard). ZF Ecomat gearbox. Fully DDA Compliant for 2017+. Synectics CCTV cameras fitted. £25,000 + VAT

*10% deposit required + total VAT, then 36 monthly payments of £731.50. This is a quotation only and does not constitute an offer of credit. Any finance offered is subject to status and for business users only.

Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN

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72 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

The North West’s Premier Minibus Sales, supplying nationwide for over 40 years

98 DENNIS JAVELIN WADHAM STRINGER/ CAETANO

70 high back Cogent seats in soft trim with 3 point belts, looks and drives superb, where do you actually find these, excellent condition inside and out, ready to work £17,995

“Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels”

2004 Volvo B12M, Vanhool T9 Exec

Tel: 01942 864222

www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk Contact us 24/7: 07818 031725 - Wayne 07715 231694 - Phillip ALL PRICES PLUS VAT We guarantee quality vehicles, right prices, no pressure sales.

Come and have a coffee while you browse at your leisure.

Junction 23, M6 or 20 miles from Manchester/Liverpool airport.

2002 Volvo B12M Jonckheere Mistral

49, 51 or 53 seats. Air-con. Webasto. I shift or manual gearbox. TV DVD or VID. 3 point seat belts to all seats. Rear saloon w/c. Reverse camera fitted. Phone fitted. Very well presented. MOTs until late 2013. Maintained to high standard.

53 seats. Rear continental door.

Aircon. Radio PA DVD. New MOT.

ONLY £57,000 + VAT

£39,999 + VAT o.n.o.

2 MANUALS & 2 I SHIFTS LEFT

1 LEFT

2003 Scania K114EB ZF auto, Euro 4 + CRT, Iriza Century body, 46 seats, 3 point belts, aircon, W/C + hot water. Current MOT. Destination front, side & rear. Maintained by Oxford Bus to a very high standard.

2003 Optare Solo M920 Mercedes power. 33 seats + 17 standees.

Hanover destination gear.

DDA, DIPOTAC, wheelchair space.

2003 Circa £32,000 + tyres + VAT – Choice of 5

£26,000 + VAT o.n.o.

No continental door so suitable for 70 seat conversion

FINANCE AVAILABLE

Nigel McCree Mobile: 07817 542113 Office: 01509 502695 or Nev Simpson Mobile: 07814 716149 Email: nigel@nigelmccree.com Insurance Finance Stock updated weekly on the website:

www.nigelmccree.com

SHORT OF CASH? RE-FINANCE YOUR VEHICLES WITH US – CALL 07736 850375

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April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 73

advisory services

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505 or visit www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services

cctv

The Transport Man 07802 803527 OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

CPC Na onal Qualified I Business Strategies I Scheduling Appraisals I Public Inquiry Assistance I Maintenance Audits I Former Licence Holder O en licence holders cannot see the wood for the trees Let someone on the outside help you on the inside.

I

audio & video

checkpoints &KHFNSRLQW

®

'XVWLWH/5

®

finance

Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers

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

As a specialist business funder, Huxley Corporate Finance can provide your company with a wide range of finance facilities including the following:

buildings

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available

For further information phone

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

Innovative funding solutions to fit every business. We specialise in raising funds for all types of companies from sole traders to PLCs.

PHOTOS AND FULL COLOUR AS STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLE FOR SALE ADVERTISEMENTS

• Equipment Finance • Vehicle Finance • Cash Flow • Mortgages • Company Acquisition • Capital Release Scheme • Vehicle Sourcing

Call the team to discuss your current financial requirements on 01829 730062

65A High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DP T 01829 730062 F 01829 730063 E info@huxleycf.co.uk www.huxleycf.co.uk

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74 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 24, 2013

ENGINEERING SUPPORT

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

CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316

Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC

Moorfields Industrial Estate, Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

INSURANCE

LIVERY

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April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 75

TRAINING

PARTS

• Full UK coverage • Same day local delivery • Next day national delivery

THE DRIVER CPC IS HERE

• Official Irizar part distributor

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

• All manufacturer parts supplier

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

• Fast, efficient & 24/7

PCV DRIVER HIRE 0800-731-5007 CORPORATE DEALS AVAILABLE

MERIDIAN PCV DRIVER LTD

Tel: 01909 511349 www.master-part.co.uk

Rising above all others

www.meridianpcv.com TRIM

Don’t let your Dennis be a menace

Trident/Javelin front hub bearings

Why convert when you can replace?

The front hub bearings (part no 655387/6) are still available from Bus & Coach Parts Avoid the costly conversion kit Order now on: 0845 3038366

PHOTOS AND FULL COLOUR AS STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLE FOR SALE ADVERTISEMENTS

CPC Nat / International Driver CPC Digital Tachograph Drivers’ Hours Tachograph Analysis

£750 50 LXJ DRZ 40 DRZ 60 LAZ 87 MHZ 24 MHZ 25 RNZ 99 SNZ 55 UIB 69

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

£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 727 DXZ 1181 KIG 6607 CXZ 4471 AJZ 626 EXZ 1611 LIG 1611 DXZ 4505 CEZ 838 EXZ 1612 LIG 1612 ERZ 8727 JBZ 686 FRZ 5515 MJZ 6735 EXZ 1633 RBZ 696 HIG 3236 REZ 3327 EXZ 1634 SCZ 949 IIG 8287 SUI 7678 FRZ 2035 VIW 848 JIG 8488 TJZ 1119 FRZ 2036 WJI 848 JIG 8489 UUI 2262 JFZ 8762 XIB 646 KIG 6606 UUI 2263 KIG 8976 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

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

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

BRUN GROVE BLACKPOOL FY1 6PG

01253 766762

Stock set of Esteban seats to fit Iriza Century coach £2200+VAT

Stock set of Plaxton Premiere seats, newly trimmed £2200+VAT

Stock set of Plaxton Premiere seats, newly trimmed. £1800+VAT.

Full set of 70 Cogent school bus seat covers, cut and sewn. £1000+VAT

Vogal service seats, brand new.

9 doubles, 3 singles. £75+VAT per double £35+VAT per single

Vogal India service seats in red moquette.

9 doubles, 3 singles. £75+VAT per double £35+VAT per single

SEATING

REGISTRATIONS G

BLACKPOOL TRIM SHOPS LTD

BUCKINGHAM 3 & 2 £50 KIG 8977 LIG 2282 LIG 2283 LIG 2284 RNZ 9198 SNZ 3885 SNZ 3886 TUI 7995 UUI 2202

• Ideal for 3 & 2 configurations • Ergonomic design for maximum support, comfort and legroom • Tried & tested: fitted into many new coaches as OEM • Full range of legs and fitting options make the Buckingham ideal for upseating to 70+ seats • Lighter weight makes easier for installation Prime Passenger Seating Limited 7 Canalwood Industrial Estate, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5RL Telephone: 0870 757 1320 Fax: 01691 770 798 Email: johnm@primeps.com

www.primeps.com

We have full sets of pads for Esteban Civic V2, plus spares and other service seats in stock

/blackpooltrimshops sales@blackpooltrimshops.co.uk

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TRIM

tyre equipment Tel/Fax:

astgate COACH TRIMMERS LTD

01751 472229

Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk

Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment.

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.

VEHICLE BADGES

FOR SALE

Large badges for Leyland Coaches 6 new – make an offer Also Tiger Head badge available

EASTWOODS COMMERCIAL MOTORS LTD Tel: 0121 328 5959 Fax: 0121 327 3800

VEHICLE SPARES

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

OUR SERVICES:

TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN

•

TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

•

Recovery

•

Testing

• • • • • • •

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

www.twigley.com

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ

Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com

April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 77

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

I love it when a plan comes together…

Having successfully launched an infomercial video earlier this year, Grey’s of Ely decided something a little more light-hearted would be the focus of their new project.

The star on this occasion centres around a well-known TV character and his disbelief as to the quality of the coach he is travelling on, leading him to believe he is on a plane.

Pearl Drop Productions shot the script, which was written by Grey’s Creative Web design company, Koala. The filming was carried out over the course of a day, with a cast of 14 staff and clients. The finished film has been uploaded to YouTube and distributed through the operators Facebook and Twitter.

Grey’s of Ely Coaches Managing Director Richard Grey said: “It was great fun to work on a light-hearted look at our industry. Our star, John Lashley, was a pleasure to work with and was happy to turn his hand to all the various requests we had, even taking a seat behind the wheel.”

As an addition to the viral video, Grey’s also revisited an idea, which was originally conceived

The long and short of it…

Around 1,600 French bus drivers in Marseille are due to strike on June 3 because they claim their new uniform trousers are too tight.

The drivers who work for Régie des transports de Marseille reportedly do not like “the quality, the colour or the fit” of the new

Dilbert

Monday Alex here and it’s press day.

Everything comes together nicely, which is thankfully becoming the norm rather than the exception these days. I manage to find time to streamline a few questions for the interviews I’m conducting later in the week.

“I pity the fool that drives an Irizar!” (joke) as their April Fool joke ‘The UK’s Smallest Coach’. This has now been turned into a reality for Grey’s, by local wrapping specialists Ambient Graphics at Haddenham, Cambridgeshire.

Richard explained: “We came up with what we thought would make a good April fool for Grey’s, based upon our recently purchased white micro-van used for Service and Support. The April fool received some great attention, so we enquired as to whether it could be turned into a reality as part of our marketing for the video.”

Ambient Graphics Director,

Mark Harrington said: “Richard approached us with his idea and being something out of the ordinary. We were more than happy to help with turning it into a reality. The idea presented various challenges, but after some testing and measuring we came up with a solution. With a complete colour change vinyl wrap to match the metallic colour of the existing coach fleet as well as digitally printed images to represent passengers seated inside the coach “.

garments as the colour of their work shirts has also been changed from yellow to lavender.

Bernard Gargiolo, leader of the CGT union, said: “We reject the bottom half of this new uniform, which is the same colour as the Gendarmes [French police] wear.

“The saff don’t want to wear a uniform which was chosen by the management, without taking into account our clothing committee.”

One busman told a local paper: “I

won’t be wearing them. They make us look like we work for Speedy! (sic) car repairs. The shirts are OK, but these trousers are far too tight.”

Defending his creation, the new uniform’s designer Jonathan Charles said: “People are saying they look like clowns. Well, that was already the case with the old outfits.”

Here at CBW, we feel the drivers should have consulted as the changes sound like they are well and truly below the belt...

For more details, visit www. greysofely.co.uk/gteam

Tuesday Andy, Martin and I hold the fort while James works remotely and Gareth takes a day off to sort out his planned house move. I spend most of the morning deciphering my notes for a future operator profile and gather a few news stories. I’m quietly looking forward to tomorrow, as it promises to be an interesting experience…

Wednesday I am meet Helen Sismore of Guide Dogs in the morning, ready and enthused for my Blindfold Bus Challenge. A bit of banter in the CBW office ensues as I’m blindfolded and led out into the big wide world. A daunting experience to say the least and the finer details of which will be covered in an upcoming feature.

Gareth accompanies Helen and I for the first half of the journey and I find I can judge his whereabouts by the sound of his camera clicking. Despite this trip coinciding with a certain Prime Minister’s funeral, there’s little in the way of transport disruption and, obviously, I don’t see any trouble.

Thursday It’s an early start and back to the big smoke as I meet up with London United Executive Chairman Richard Casling to discuss the firm’s relationship with RATP Group and it’s operations in London. Richard is most informative and Steve Harrison the Communications Manager kindly shows me around Fulwell Garage.

Friday A calmer day in comparison – I’m glad to be out of London. It’s no secret in the office that I’m not a fan of our capital. I compile notes from the previous two trips and turn around a few news stories. www.coachandbusweek.com

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TRAFFIC MANAGER FOR BARNARDS COACHES LTD

Barnards is a long established family company working out of the North East Lincolnshire area.

We are looking for an experienced person to oversee the daily operations within the coach business.

Knowledge of drivers hours and legislation is essential along with the ability to work as a team as well as independently.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following: ■ Full PCV licence ■ Computer skills ■ The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines ■ Awareness of legal requirements when travelling abroad (some training will be given) ■ Flexible working hours

Please submit a CV to: Mr Michael Barnard, Barnards Coaches Ltd, Station Road, Kirton Lindsey, Gainsborough DN21 4BD Or Call – 01652 648381 and speak to Donna

City Circle provides top-quality coach services to the leisure, corporate and tourism markets. Our reputation for quality of service, attention to detail and a willingness to “go that extra mile” to exceed customer expectations is unparalleled in the industry and we are happy to be judged and re-judged on every assignment.

We are recruiting for a Reservations Co-ordinator to join our Head Office in Hayes, Middlesex to assist with the day to day reservations administration whilst providing the highest levels of customer service. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual who has an eye for detail to join a fast moving company.

Responsibilities • Answering all inbound telephone calls providing our customers with the highest levels of service.

• Ensure all enquires are responded to in a timely and courteous manner.

• Provide “tailor-made” solutions to suit the needs of our customers.

• Optimise all sales opportunities.

• Service all existing bookings to ensure all amendments are actioned.

Customer liaising.

Skills required • Good working knowledge of Word for Windows, PowerPoint and Excel.

• Sound organisational skills, a “can do” attitude, excellent communication and problem solving skills are essential along with the ability to work well as part of a team with a flexible, approachable manner.

• A customer focused background.

• A methodical approach with particular attention to detail accompanied by the skills to prioritise workloads.

• Previous experience of using Coach Manager would be an advantageous.

If this is you then please send your curriculum vitae along with a covering letter detailing your current package to: recruitment@citycircleuk.com or send to HR Department, City Circle UK Limited, West London Coach Centre, North Hyde Gardens, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 4QT.

Tours Director

Alfa Travel is the tour operating division of the Alfa/Leisureplex Holiday group, which consists of three divisions: hotels, tour operation and coaches. The Tours Division is responsible for designing, contracting and selling the group’s coach inclusive tour programme which operates from four separate areas of the UK. It is one of the largest and most consistently profitable coach holiday operations in the UK. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced high quality candidate to build upon a strong legacy and be part of a highly motivated team driving forward a well respected, growing and financially stable holiday group.

The Tours Director is part of a small team led by the Group Managing Director and consisting of the heads of the Hotels & Coaches divisions plus the Human Resources Manager and Group Financial Controller. This post is directly responsible for the Contracts, Sales, Marketing and Customer Relations departments and candidates should be able to maximise the performance of those departments. Candidates will normally be of graduate calibre and must be experienced in coach holiday or other inclusive tour operation. This is a highly commercial position but candidates should also be passionate about delivering the highest standards of customer service.

Attractive remuneration package including company car and profit related bonus. The role is based at the group’s headquarters near Chorley.

To apply, please email your C.V. and a covering letter to Lucia Westhead, Human Resources Manager, Alfa Leisureplex Group, Alfa Building, Euxton Lane, Chorley PR7 6AF. Email: lucia.westhead@alfatravel.co.uk Closing date Friday 3rd May 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT & people

April 24, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 79

In association with

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm Contact Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Paul’s Grand UK cycle rides Grand UK Holidays’ Paul Thompson is getting on his bike this summer for a series of charity rides, raising hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity.

Paul is the Network Controller at Grand UK – making sure coaches get to the right place at the right time – and has been training during the cold winter weather to get in tip-top condition for his rides.

He is also busy gathering sponsors for his chosen charity, the Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) – and appealing for people to join him.

Paul will then take part in the Tour de Tendring on May 19; the Norwich 100 on June 1; the Essex County Ride on June 16; Suffolk Coast 60 on August 4; and the Cambridge-Norwich Bike Ride on

September 29.

Paul said: “We have had four members of our family who have at one time or another suffered from varying forms of cancer and have attended the radiotherapy suite at the old N&N and the new one.

“I am a keen cyclist and wanted to do something to help the appeal and let people know why it is so important we get the new facilities at the NNUH.” Follow Paul on Twitter @ paultcycling. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/PaulThompson23.

Paul with his pair of wheels

Epsom takes on work placement candidates Epsom Coaches’ first work placement candidates under the government’s new scheme have been chosen following a lengthy interview process and started their work experience on Tuesday, April 2.

Daniel Willison and Jake Johnson are working with the firm’s Fleetcare team, looking after the engineering side of the business, while Emily Jackson

has been working in the holidays department.

Commenting on their placements, Managing Director Steve Whiteway: “We welcome Daniel, Jake and Emily to Epsom Coaches and look forward to their enjoying their time with us.

Certainly they have impressed us with their commitment and hard work and we look forward to their future success”.

Grayson Thermal Systems reacts to overseas success Grayson Thermal Systems is strengthening its engineering team in response to strong trading in the bus, coach and commercial sectors in North America and Europe.

The firm’s Midlands Service Manager Steve Robinson has been promoted to the position of Installation Manager and will head the team responsible for all new installations, vehicle testing, inspection and product sign-off, both for Grayson products and for Thermo King air conditioning systems.

In his new role, he will be a key member of the engineering department, based at Grayson’s lead manufacturing facility in Tyseley, Birmingham and he will head a team of eight Installation Engineers.

The firm said Steve is highly customer-focused and brings 25 years of technical experience in the commercial vehicle sector to his new role – eight of them spent at Grayson.

Steve Robinson MD Stuart Hateley said: “We’ve made large strides in developing our overseas markets over the past year. We need to invest in our engineering & support teams now so we can continue to provide appropriate service levels as our product number rise.

Steve’s appointment is part of that commitment to maintaining high levels of customer support. Steve takes up his new role on May 7.”

Daniel and Jake, with General Manager Jon Ball

www.coachandbusweek.com

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