Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1087 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

Wednesday May 15, 2013 Issue 1087 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

TYRE MATTERS: BUS:

Buzzlines fails in bid to Michelin reveals the cut legal costs – & ends complex process for up paying more p8 making a tyre p36

The UK's last ethanol buses to be converted to run on diesel p6

PC COACHES:

The latest from the renowned Lincoln family-run �irm p26

for recruitm

JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK

Julian Peddle: keeping the wheels turning

RECRUIT N

p22

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this week

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Costs may not be fine

read the latest instalment of Buzzlines’ Drivers Hours’ prosecution with interest. As you’ll see on p8 of this issue, the Hythe-based coach operator has lost its appeal against having to pay £59,000 in costs. What’s more, the firm has been ordered by the Administrative Court to pay an additional £12,500 towards VOSA’s costs incurred in the Judicial Review. Kerching! As always, we’ve tried to add value to a press release – in this instance, observations from Mike Oliver, Trans-law and Consultant to Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP. Say what you will about Buzzlines, but I think Mike made some interesting and valid points, when he told us: “This decision contrasts starkly with recent rule changes which severely restrict the costs accused parties, including particularly companies, may recover from central funds where a prosecution is dropped before trial. Those defence costs may then be largely irrecoverable, giving rise to the risk that early guilty pleas may be entered where there is an arguable defence, simply to avoid the risk of incurring prohibitive costs.” Clearly, the Buzzlines case has

considerable ramifications for the rest of the industry. We would be interested to hear your thoughts – either on or off the record. Meanwhile, I await the next part of the Buzzlines case – the written decision from the Traffic Commissioner – following the recent Public Inquiry. On a bus note, my heart sank when I heard Western Greyhound had lost about a third of its fleet in a garage blaze in the early hours on Monday – and I’m sure I’m not alone. It brought back memories of my time at Tanat Valley Coaches in autumn 2006 when we lost six coaches and buses in a garage blaze, not to mention precious workshop facilities. That horrible smell and the scene of devastation is heartbreaking to say the least. As Marty Balmforth wrote on CBW’s Facebook page, it really is “An operator’s worst nightmare.” Just as we experienced at Tanat, I hope those of you who can will lend your support to Mark Howarth and his ever-friendly crew. Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone at the award-winning Cornish operator. Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

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

Industry veteran Julian Peddle on his colourful bus industry history

A look into tyre construction at Michelin’s plant in Ballymena

What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus Events Diary

The rise of family-run PC Coaches and its colourful executive fleet

Driver given customer care award; & ex-Maytree drivers find new jobs

Some insight into the IPT charging systems for electric buses

A heritage bus scene from Brentwood showing two eras

A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Office Diary column

Part two of the manufacturer’s update to its Euro 6 coach range

All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators’ yards across the country

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Regional News News Focus

Volvo Coach Update

Face to Face

Operator Profile Big Picture Deliveries

Insight

Drivers

Last Stop

People

The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach and Bus Week Ltd.

Driver CPC Training Fully inclusive. No hidden costs

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wts.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

“The problem with the government is that it’s becoming far too removed from reality – they just don’t understand...” Julian Peddle

The first Fenland Classic Bus Running Day and Vehicle Show will take place on Saturday, May 18, NOT May 19 as stated in last week’s magazine. The event will take place in Whittlesey and Thorney. Call 01733 347776. Manchester’s Museum of Transport is to host the annual Lancashire & Yorkshire DCC Model Rail Group exhibition this weekend (May 18/19). The event will take place at Boyle Street, Manchester M8 8UL between 1000 and 1700hrs. Admission is £5.00 adults and £4.00 concessions. Accompanied children under 16 have free admission. A free vintage bus service running from just before the show opens to just after it closes will operate every 20 minutes between the Museum and Manchester Victoria station. For details, call 0161 205 2122 or visit www.gmts.co.uk Bus and coach registrations fell 18.4% to 622 units in April. Purpose-built bus and coach registrations dropped 28.9% to 302 units in the month, while converted bus registrations also fell in April, 5% to 320 units. Full-size coaches had a relatively good month, registering 106 units, benefiting from an early Easter. Registrations have declined by 17.6% in the first four months of 2013 to 2,559 units. “This is not an unexpected slide and based on year-to-date registrations we anticipate the remainder of 2013 to be challenging,” said Wendy Williamson, SMMT Bus and Coach Manager. “The sector saw a boost last year but it is widely expected to stabilise in 2013.” trent barton is celebrating its 100th birthday on May 26 by opening the doors of its Langley Mill headquarters to customers. Free transport is on offer on a collection of vintage buses from Nottingham and Derby to the Langley Mill depot where there’ll be live music, funfair rides, hot food stalls and the Magpie Brewery serving the special limited edition ‘trentbarton100’ beer. Visitors can also go behind the scenes into the workshops and watch a bus wash demonstration. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Stagecoach CEO warns Government on cuts Griffiths warns further reductions in BSOG will lead to investment reduction, fare rises and network shrinkage Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach’s new CEO, has warned the government that further cuts to bus subsidies in the upcoming spending review will force the industry to increase fares, reduce investment and withdraw services, The Financial Times has reported. Griffiths, who took over the helm from Sir Brian Souter at the start of May, was responding to growing speculation that the Treasury will force through further reductions in BSOG. “I hope that’s wrong and we will be making a case and galvanising industry colleagues into making a case for BSOG and a properly funded concession scheme,” he said. Councils have already had to cut back subsidised bus routes to find funding for free bus passes, which

they are obliged by law to provide, while operators were hit last year by a 20% cut in BSOG. A common response from operators is to cut routes or raise fares but Griffiths said this risks sparking a vicious circle of declining patronage. “Buses underpin so much of what is going on in the country and if we are going to meet the aspirations

Martin Griffiths took over from Sir Brian Souter as Stagecoach CEO at the beginning of May

Young Bus Managers booked for Bristol event

The Young Bus Managers Network (YBMN) has announced its next get together is to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday June 4 & 5 in Bristol. Based in the Marriott Bristol City Centre Hotel in Lower Castle Street, near Old Market, the event will kick off with drinks and dinner on the evening of June 4, which will include the return of YBMN’s popular pub quiz. It’s an early start on Wednesday morning, as there’ll be a tour of the infrastructure put in place as part of the Greater Bristol Bus Network. This £79m project has been designed to transform 10 key bus routes serving the city and surrounding areas. The investment has seen a raft of improvements, including refurbishment of

Speakers will include Thamesdown Transport’s MD Paul Jenkins nearly 1,000 bus stops, real-time information displays, signal priorities, new bus lanes and widening at key traffic hotspots. The working sessions will feature presentations by: n Jeroen Weimar who is part of the new leadership team of First UK Bus. As the Chief Operating Officer, Jeroen is leading the charge in the transformation of one of Britain’s biggest bus companies. Enthusiastic and passionate about his role, his presentation is sure to be both insightful and inspirational – and

around economic growth, buses are so important. They get people to work, to school and to the shops,” said Griffiths. “The government doesn’t look at how much we spent in the last three years on capital expenditure [on new buses]. It supports investment, manufacturing jobs and new services. If we spend less the manufacturers are going to be squeezed. People have got to think about this quite holistically.” Griffiths said Stagecoach has so far avoided cutting back on services other than “a little trimming” and had held back fare increases as much as possible, although he admitted the average 5% rise was “high for us”. However, he warned that further cuts could be more damaging. “If some of those BSOG cuts made some of our commercial mileage not commercially viable for us we’d have to think about whether it was a service we should maintain.” not just to those within FirstGroup. n The MD of municipal bus company Thamesdown Transport, Paul Jenkins, who can tell delegates what it takes to run a UK Bus Operator of the Year n John Bickerton from First UK Bus, another award-winner as UK Bus Awards Engineer of the Year in 2011, and a passionate advocate of engineering innovation and excellence in the industry. The sessions will be led by YBMN’s Patron Roger French, including the popular and successful workshop session to round off the event. Booking is now open, and the great news is that YBMN has been able to hold the price once more to the same level as the last three events – £144.50 + VAT for residential delegates and £80 + VAT for non-residential delegates (note that this does include the dinner on Tuesday June 4). For more details and to book, visit www. youngbusmanagers.org. uk/content/index.php/ourevents/19-2013-bristol-event

BUSES MAGAZINE

briefly

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Dawsonrentals secures partnership with Optare Dawsonrentals has secured a ‘strategic partnership agreement’ with Optare, which includes a 50bus order. The agreement gives Dawsonrentals access to the international sales force of Ashok Leyland, to help facilitate the disposal of its used vehicles in righthand-drive markets outside the UK. In return, Dawsonrentals will purchase new replacement vehicles from Optare for its UK rental fleet. The initial order will be delivered over the next six months and includes a mix of Solos, mostly in 9.0 and 9.7m form. Optare Deputy CEO Glenn Saint said: “This collaboration will enable Dawson’s, through the purchase of Optare buses, to replace its rental fleet with new, improved and more fuel efficient vehicles. “The agreement benefits Dawson’s by creating an outlet for its used vehicles in countries where

First goes local in Wales & South West FirstGroup is re-structuring its operations in the South West of England and Wales with an emphasis on a more localised management team. Depots will be grouped into four operating business, Bristol & Avon; Hampshire, Dorset & Berkshire; South West (Somerset, Devon

the initial purchase price may be an obstacle to the acquisition of brand new buses. It will also reduce the excess of ageing vehicles in the UK. “This is a further demonstration of the excellent ‘fit’ of our Ashok Leyland ownership. We have always said such benefits would flow from this and here is a very significant one.”

Paul Sainthouse, MD of Dawsonrentals bus and coach, added: “Our rental business depends upon our success in marketing our used vehicles and this agreement gives us access to new world markets for them, supported by a top five global bus player - Ashok Leyland. “This agreement also means we can offer our British rental customers an even better selection of new and advanced products from Optare.”

The agreement has started with an order for 50 Solos for Dawson Rentals and Cornwall); and Cymru. Each business will have an MD. The first stage of the restructuring is the removal of the Regional board. First will continue to review these business unit structures over the next 12 months to ensure they are meeting local needs. It is anticipated the changes will be implemented by June 3. Giles Fearnley told CBW: “Our business model is evolving and has now matured to where we need to look at how to manage these companies. We want to create a more flexible and

responsive businesses with local management.This will give them the responsibility to make decisions which will improve the performance and profitability of each depot. “There are no fundamental changes being made to the rest of our UK Bus structure – this approach reflects the need of South West and Wales region. This re-structuring is not a one-size fits all solution. In South Wales and the West we’ve got very significant businesses which are geographically separated.

Fire at Western Greyhound A fire at Western Greyhound’s Summercourt depot in Cornwall has destroyed 37 buses out of a fleet of 100. On arrival fire crews found nine buses ablaze and a diesel tank in the vicinity. The cause of the fire, thought to have started at about 0100hrs on May 13, is being investigated by the police and fire service. Nobody was injured in the blaze. As this issue went to press on Monday afternoon, the cause of the fire had yet to be established. Speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, Mark Howarth, Western Greyhound’s MD, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into Western Greyhound and it’s awful to see it going up in smoke. I could just see flames leaping in the air and when I arrived all the buses at the bottom of the yard were completely ablaze. My priority is to get the firm back up and running following the fire.” Therefore, the time is right to strengthen our local teams. The companies are significant in scale but they’re very different. As we’re now working hard to grow, it’s right we ensure we’ve got sufficient resources and people of the right calibre in place to run at local levels.” Asked about recruitment, Giles replied: “We are advertising the senior roles. In the past 18 months we’ve recruited a number of people from outside FirstGroup, who have supplemented our existing team. I’m confident will be able to fill these roles.”

Digital and analogue tachograph analysis

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505 or visit www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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news › BUSeS

177m

The number of tyres produced by Michelin each year

briefly Arriva Midlands has launched a new range of saver tickets for the Black Country. The area is defined by the metropolitan boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall along with the City of Wolverhampton plus the neighbouring villages of Perton and Kinver. The Adult Day Saver costs £3.80, while a Child Day Saver is £1.90. Weekly tickets are also available. Furthermore, the Arriva Midlands Network Wide Saver Tickets are valid in the Black Country, giving travel across he firm’s large geographical operating territory – from Melton Mowbray to Oswestry. This costs £6 and £4 respectively. Ipswich Buses has become the latest operator to reduce its fares for the 16-19 age group. Malcolm Robson, MD, said: “Previously the reduced fare of £1 only applied to those up to the age of 19 if they were in full time education, which was limiting to some. Young people are our future and we need to support them the best we can and by reducing the cost of travel, which is one of their top five expenditures, we can help them get to work and get to education which is a positive step for our local economy.” Motorists caught driving in bus lanes in Reading have paid out more than £2m in fines in the last year, according to the Borough Council. In total 72,178 penalty charge notices were handed out in the last financial year – more than 197 a day on average. However, fines are down 25% from 96,690 the previous year despite extra cameras being installed in Basingstoke Road and Hemdean Road in the period. The council now plans to install cameras in more bus lanes in the town, BBC News reported. Boris Johnson officially opened Wrightbus’ new chassis plant on May 10. The plant, which will build chassis for the NB4L, currently employs 40 people. It will increase to around 90 during full production. The contract will sustain 18 apprenticeships over the life of the contract, six per year over the three years. www.coachandbusweek.com

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End of the line for ethanol? NCT axes its remaining ethanolfuelled Scanias, introduced under Ecolink project in 2008 with £520,000 of funding Buses currently running on ethanol fuel are to cease operation in the UK. The sole remaining operator with ethanol-fuelled Scanias, Nottingham City Transport (NCT), has already converted one of its three ethanol buses to diesel, with the remaining two being converted by the summer. NCT’s ethanol buses came into operation via the Ecolink project in 2008 and were supported by around £520,000 in funding from the now defunct East Midlands Development Agency as part of a trial with Nottingham City Council. This funded the buses and an ethanol tank and fuelling station at NCT’s Parliament Street garage. NCT said while the ethanolfuelled OmniLinks have been successful from a reduced environmental impact point of view, the Government has continued to tax ethanol as a spirit rather than fuel. Consequently longterm running costs have become unfeasible for bus operators.

Reading Buses had its 14 ethanol-fuelled Scania double deckers converted back to diesel some time ago. There is no British production plant and NCT still has to import ethanol from Sweden. Trying to import what is essentially raw alcohol causes pandemonium with HM Revenue & Customs who find it hard to believe it is purely to fuel buses.

NCT has already converted one of its remaining three ethanol-fuelled Scanias to use diesel

Oxford Bus Company’s PA is on the PA

Oxford Bus Company’s 17-strong fleet of Park and Ride buses has been fitted with an AllSee Technologies Audio-Visual system. Phil Southall, Operations Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “We know that in addition to our regular local passengers on the Park & Ride routes there are thousands of visitors and tourists every week. It’s important for them to know they’ve reached the right stop. Our drivers are often praised for their helpful and unofficial role as tourist information assistants and the new system takes that process a stage further.” The operator decided to

Reading Buses and NCT were the only UK operators to purchase ethanol-fuelled Scanias. Scania remains committed to ethanol as a viable, low-emission alternative fuel to diesel and claims it is engaged in talks with another UK operator. NCT is currently operating the demonstration ADL/Scania gas bus and evaluating its performance and commercial viability. Depending on the content of Green Bus Fund 4 and the potential reduction in the individual grant awarded to each vehicle it could see a slowdown in the progress of expensive hybrids and favour gas buses. It is expected the higher grant proportion is to be allocated to encourage interest in electric vehicle options.

Directors’ Personal Assistant Lesley Pacey was judged to have the perfect voice for the AV system use in-house talent for the announcements, utilising the voice of the Directors’ Personal Assistant Lesley Pacey, as Phil explained: “We wanted a voice which was

friendly, reassuring and down to earth without sounding like an off-the-shelf ‘voice over artist.’ We thought of many different kinds of voices and then the penny dropped, the answer was right in front of us, Lesley.” Lesley Pacey explained: “I am at my happiest just getting on with my job looking after the directors of the Oxford Bus Company. I have never wanted to be in the limelight, I haven’t even done any ‘am-dram’, but I was happy to give it a go and record the announcements. I am pleased they seem to be what the company wanted.” The announcements and the screens have been welcomed by disability groups in Oxford, which have praised the way the screens help the hard of hearing, while describing Lesley’s announcements as a great help to those with visual impairments.

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May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

1978 278 The year PC Coaches of Lincoln was established

SHARE WATCH

The number of staff employed at Volvo Buses’ Borås factory

First to provide £100k to air ambulance

FirstGroup is providing London’s Air Ambulance with £100k worth of support over four years. Last month one of First’s new hybrids, one of 23 which have just entered service in Essex, joined London’s Air Ambulance at RAF Northolt to promote the partnership. Avril Gill, FirstGroup’s Marketing Manager, said: “London’s Air Ambulance saves lives. Therefore the decision to apportion some of our charitable spend to it was an easy one. We are delighted to provide funding which directly supports the incredible work the team carries out on a daily basis.” London’s Air Ambulance Chief Executive Graham Hodgkin said: “First is an essential part of London’s network, employing Londoners and transporting people in, out and across the capital every day. “To support a charity which is an integral part of London’s

First Bristol reintroduces short-hop

First has reintroduced its £1 ‘3 Stop Hop’ ticket in Bristol following widespread public requests during the week of fare consultation events in Bristol last month. Customers who want to hop on the bus for a short distance of no more than three stops will be able to do so within Bristol’s zones 1 and 2 for just £1. Marc Reddy, a Director for First in the South West and Wales, said: “We reluctantly abolished the ‘3 Stop Hop’ ticket in April 2012 after encountering serious problems with people travelling fraudulently – staying on the bus for more than three stops for their £1 fare. However, it became clear during our consultation events that people are really keen to see it restored. We’ve heard this message and so we’re bringing back the ‘3 Stop Hop’ as a temporary measure until

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Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, May 13. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise, while 21st Century saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

386.45p

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

216.35p

First Essex bus driver Mark Haken with helicopter pilot Captain Neil Jeffers emergency infrastructure demonstrates First’s commitment to the community it operates in.” In a separate development, First’s Charity and Sponsorship Committee is donating £1,000 to sponsor a bus driver’s motorcycle challenge for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. David Lucas, 53, will ride from the East to the West coast of America along Route 66. Over the 15-day journey, which he began on May 7, he hopes to raise £3,450 for the charity – a pound for every mile

The ‘3 Stop Hop’ was first dropped after serious problems with fraud we know the full outcome of our current fare consultation. However, we shall also be taking extra steps to ensure the ticket is not abused. “The fare consultation is still ongoing, and people have until June 29 to have their say. To date we’ve had around 5,000 responses and we hope this will increase further. “The data collected will be processed by MVA, the independent transport consultants we have hired. They have also been tasked with coming up with a new proposal as to how the fare structure in and around Bristol can be altered to offer customers greater value for money.”

travelled. When he reaches America he will rent a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic and be joined by around 20 other riders who will share the journey with him. David said: “When I started planning this trip it was originally intended to be just a holiday but then I started thinking about all the ways that I could use it to raise some money and I was determined to do it. “I’m looking forward to making the donation to the charity almost as much as the actual holiday.”

UK Bus Award nominations open The UK Bus Awards contest for 2013 is now under way and nominations are said to be coming in on a daily basis, with entries for the 21 categories closing on June 7. The Top National Bus Driver category attracted over 240 nominations in 2012. John Owen, UK Bus Awards Chairman, said: “A smart, welcoming and helpful driver, coupled with a smooth and comfortable journey, can make the difference between a happy or dissatisfied customer. That’s why my colleagues and I regard the Top National Driver award as one of the most important we present.” Nominations for the Top National Bus Driver award can be made via the website, www. topnationalbusdriver.co.uk. Finalists will be announced at a special event at Heathrow Airport on Thursday, October 10.

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FTSE 100

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www.coachandbusweek.com

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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 15, 2013

news › coaches

briefly Calls to widen the A55, which links Cheshire with Anglesey, to three lanes using EU funds, have been rejected by the Welsh Government. The call follows claims by North Wales Conservative AM Antoinette Sandbach that the 81-mile (130km) road was only free from roadworks for 57 days in the last year. A Welsh government spokesperson told BBC Wales: “The works, which are essential to maintaining the safety or serviceability of the A55, are carried out overnight or outside peak traffic flows wherever possible. Widening of the A55 to provide further lanes or a hard shoulder is not a practical option as severe constraints over much of the length of the road make widening either impossible or uneconomic.” Plans to dual the remaining 86 miles of the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness at an expected cost of £3bn were unveiled by Transport Minister Keith Brown last week. According to The Scotsman, the mammoth project is due to be completed by 2030 - just five years after a scheme to finish dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness, also costing £3bn. Unlike the A9, which already bypasses all towns and villages between Perth and Inverness, the A96 scheme would involve bypassing five towns, which is likely to involve new sections of road. Mr Brown said work would start with engineering and environmental assessments; design of the Inverness to Nairn section, including a Nairn bypass; and studies into possible routes for the bypasses of Forres, Elgin, Keith and Inverurie. The route of the Nairn bypass is expected to be chosen next year, with those for the others to follow design work to be completed by the end of next year. There are various lane closures on the north and southbound carriageways of the A1 between junction 51 (Leeming) to junction 56 (Barton) in North Yorkshire. Survey works are taking place in phases, Monday to Fridays between 2000 and 0600hrs until May 30. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Substantial VOSA costs award confirmed in failed operator appeal Administrative Court rules there was nothing disproportionate about the fines imposed on Buzzlines and its director, ordering a further £12.5k to be paid to cover VOSA costs A decision by Margate Magistrates on May 30, 2012 to award VOSA a substantial contribution towards its investigation and prosecution costs totalling £59,000, has been upheld by the Administrative Court in a Judicial Review hearing on March 7, 2013. This case involved a prosecution brought against Kent-based operator Buzzlines Travel Limited and Nigel Busbridge. The Company and its Director, who was then the

nominated Transport Manager, together with 13 drivers had pleaded guilty to a total of 69 tachograph misuse and Drivers’ Hours-related offences. In addition, the Company had admitted 44 failures to produce tachograph records. Fines totalling £44,000 and £9,000 were imposed against the Company and Director respectively, in the latter case for neglect. Dismissing the costs appeal, the Administrative Court stated there was nothing disproportionate about the costs order which amounted to around 50% of the costs claimed by VOSA. Further, it concluded the costs were affordable in the 12-month period allowed by the Margate

The Hythe-based operator, its Director (nominated as Transport Manager) and 13 drivers originally pleaded guilty to 69 tachograph misuse and Drivers’ Hours-related offences

Epsom’s friendly plaque of approval Epsom Coaches driver Trevor Duff was recently presented with a commemorative plaque by Barry Le Jeune, Chairman of ‘The London Transport Museum Friends’ on completing their recent Trams and Canals tour in Yorkshire. This was the latest in a series of tours of transport sites of special interest

Justices. The Administrative Court also ordered a further £12,500 be paid to VOSA in respect of costs incurred in the Judicial Review. Heather Cruickshank, VOSA Director of Operations, said: “This case demonstrates how noncompliant operators and drivers can face significant fines. The case sends out that clear message.” Mike Oliver, Trans-law and Consultant to Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP, told CBW: “The costs imposed presumably reflect the time spent by VOSA staff investigating, interviewing those involved and preparing the case. At the same time, costs need to be realistic and take account of the subject’s ability to pay. The Court appears to have considered that in this instance. “However, this decision contrasts starkly with recent rule changes which severely restrict the costs accused parties, including particularly companies, may recover from central funds where a prosecution is dropped before trial. Those defence costs may then be largely irrecoverable, giving rise to the risk that early guilty pleas may be entered where there is an arguable defence, simply to avoid the risk of incurring prohibitive costs.”

run by the group and led by wellknown travel industry figure Mike Kay. Epsom Coaches have supplied the coaches with Trevor very much part of the success of the these tours. John Fowler, Epsom’s Coach Services Manager, said: “We are delighted to be recognised by the Museum Friends in this way, we work closely with the group to ensure the success of these special interest tours and we look forward to continuing our special relationship.” Visit www.epsomcoaches. com

Barry Le Jeune and Trevor Duff

13/05/2013 14:29

May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

“The Omni is a plain looking vehicle, until you have applied the vinyls. And you’ve really got to do them right to make them stand out.” Peter Smith PC Coaches

Operator Profile p26

Tourino is a top buy for D & H Harrod

Pictured left to right are: Shanur Miah (Anderson), Les Thompson (Anderson), Jim Wallington (Action), Bob Welsh (Action), Jeff Williams (Anderson), Mark Anderson (Anderson), Carly Eden (Anderson)

Anderson Travel supports sight loss charity London-based coach firm Anderson Travel has supplied some of its drivers to operate a mobile Sight Loss Information Service, run by national charity Action for Blind People (Action). Action for Blind People’s mobile Sight Loss Information Service, complete with the latest aids, equipment and specialist advice for people with sight loss, is visiting various locations within London and the South over the coming months. The mobile carries the latest technology and gadgets to improve daily life ranging from vibrating bank note detectors to talking microwaves and tin lids. Also, staff on the unit offer impartial, practical advice and support to people interested in or affected by visual impairment. Mark Anderson, Director of Anderson Travel, said: “We will be

100k use Notts coaches ahead of rail disruption

Demand for National Express coach services in Nottingham has grown in response to severe disruption to the city’s train services following news that Nottingham rail station will be closed for six weeks during the summer. The operator said it is well equipped for any rail passengers

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supporting Action over the next few months, providing drivers to operate its mobile sight loss vehicles around London and the South. “It’s not just a different kind of driving experience; it’s an opportunity for our drivers to better understand the challenges people with sight loss experience on a day to day basis. The charity is short of drivers so it’s great we can help out and do our bit.” Bob Welsh, Mobile Service Manager from Action for Blind People, added: “We’re extremely grateful to Anderson Travel for seconding some of their drivers. Without this support, we’d struggle to get to get to all the locations we need to visit.” Visit www.andersontravel. co.uk and www. actionforblindpeople.org.uk

arriving at the station unaware of the work, with the Nottingham Bus Station positioned across the street. National Express facilities at the bus station were given a £100,000 refit last year, including new information stands, a new ticket office and automated ticket machines allowing 24-hour purchase. NX says nearly 100,000 extra passenger journeys have already been made from the city this year. In the first week of May, the operator said close to 100% of its coaches ran as planned, while claiming the services’ punctuality outperformed that of some rail operators.

Norfolk family-run coach D & H Harrod has acquired a late used Mercedes-Benz Tourino midi-coach. The 57-plate vehicle has replaced an 03-plate Optare Nouvelle. Paul Harrod, Transport Manager, told CBW: “It’s one of our best ever buys. It’s a proper coach-built vehicle. The response from our customers has been phenomenal. It’s done holidays and trips. Passengers tell us they can’t believe

the level of comfort. I would consider having another one in future. Mercedes-Benz are top class motors – there’s no doubt about it.” He said manual transmission is “not a problem,” adding: “It’s a lovely coach to handle – it’s popular with all our drivers.” Paul concluded: “The Tourino’s size is not too big or small. We acquired it from Royale European of Heathrow. Went to see it and test drove it. It doesn’t do high MPG like a Cheetah but for comfort, it’s second to none. We will have it retrimmed in due course.” Call 01366 381111. Visit www.harrodscoaches.co.uk.

D & H Harrod’s 57-plate Mercedes-Benz Tourino midi-coach

NatEx Coach Tracker a success National Express is on track to get a million unique visitors to its online coach monitoring service during its first full year of operation. Last year, NX became the first passenger transport company to allow people to monitor coach services in real-time with its web-based tracking facility, Coach Tracker, designed by uTrack. The system enables people to check if a coach is on time, see when a vehicle is due to arrive at any given station or stop or search for alternative departure times. Performance has been consistently strong, with the site receiving a peak of almost 200,000 visits in March as people turned to technology to track vehicles during the cold weather. The majority of people access Coach Tracker using a mobile device showing the service is particularly

useful to people on the move. Tom Stables, Managing Director UK Coach said: “We are completely committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers, both on and off the coach. First class communication is an essential part of this and we are proud to be ahead of the curve with Coach Tracker, which is one of a number of industry-leading ways we strive to keep our customers informed. Coach Tracker’s success shows people are voting with their fingers and truly value the ability to monitor their National Express coach online”. uTrack Managing Director Eamonn Hughes added: “As site visits show, Coach Tracker really comes into its own during poor weather conditions as people seek the reassurance of being able to monitor the progress of their vehicle”. He added: “In today’s world people increasingly expect to be able to access information at the touch of a button and Coach Tracker enables people to access information the information they need of coach services all year-round.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

New register for bus and coach instructors People 1st championed the site as a replacement to the existing paper-based system A new register to recognise the skills and qualifications of bus and coach driver trainers is now available from the passenger transport sector’s careers website, Careers that Move. People 1st, the sector skills council for the passenger transport sector, launched the National Register of PCV Driver Trainers to replace the existing paper-based system. The new register gives users the ability to record their qualifications online, find other recognised driver trainers or operators who are looking for an instructor, and access information about career

development opportunities in passenger transport. Kate Deane, Licence to Practise Project Manager, said: “Passenger transport professionals cover hugely important and public-facing roles, however they are often not recognised for the high standards they perform at. The concept of a register has been around for a couple of years and has proven very popular with driver trainers, because it gives them an effective way to demonstrate that they meet a national standard. We decided to invest in a new system to improve how this recognition works, so driver trainers can complete an online submission form and use the site to actively find information about career development

An example of the type of bus that will enter service in Aberdeen in June

First Aberdeen invests £3.5m in buses First Aberdeen has announced a £3.5m investment in 23 ADL Enviro 300s which will see service from June. At time of writing First has not specified routes for the vehicles. The low floor buses are Euro 5 compliant, WiFi enabled and are fitted with leather seats. Also, the interior of each new vehicle has been modified to allow greater flexibility for both buggies and wheelchairs, while providing additional grab rails for www.coachandbusweek.com

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all passengers whether seated or standing. Duncan Cameron, Director and General Manager of First Aberdeen, said: “The introduction of complementary WiFi is something we are keen to explore further. Clearly, our customers increasingly use mobile phones and tablets on our buses and will no doubt welcome the opportunity of accessing free WiFi. We expect it to prove popular and therefore we will explore the possibility of introducing it to other services.” This delivery coincides with a fleet refresh programme which aims to improve the exterior and interiors of many of First Aberdeen’s buses.

opportunities.” Registration costs £50 for three years, and gives driver trainers access to the online platform, a certificate and a badge to recognise their professionalism. New and existing driver trainers can register on the system, as long as they have received their Level 3 NVQ Diploma in PCV Driving Instruction in the last three years. Those who have achieved their qualification more than three years ago can register upon completion of two units of the new qualification as part of their continuous professional development. To register on the system, visit www.careersthatmove. co.uk/PCV

Stagecoach renews CCTV contract Stagecoach has signed a new £5m contract with CCTV supplier Synectics. It calls for the firm to install and maintain systems across the whole UK fleet for the next three years. Synectics is also charged with upgrading systems for buses operating in London which require high def images and increased data storage for longer recording. The first 10 vehicles under the new contract are bound for Stagecoach, Ross-on-Wye. Jim Crompton, Group Purchasing Manager at Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Synectics has a record of excellent service and offer national coverage with its fleet of service engineers. That means they are always at hand – to solve an issue or conduct regular preventative maintenance.”

Luton-Dunstable busway delayed and over budget The Luton-Dunstable Guided Busway is over budget and set to open about five months late. Overspend is between £9m for the route which runs along a stretch of old railway line between the two towns. Councillor Dave Taylor, from Luton Borough Council, said the scheme had been hit by weather problems. The project was estimated to cost £89.2m, mostly funded by an £80.3m grant from the DfT, and due to open by the end of April. The proposed route spans residential areas in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and the west of

Luton, providing connections between the three town centres, Luton Airport Parkway station and the airport via 7.4km in guided busway, 2.4km in unguided busway and 3.6km on the highway. Taylor said the shortfall would come from money paid by developers for projects. He said: “But we are not in competition with anybody and I think the busway will be worth waiting for.” Construction by BAM Nuttall should be finished in June but bus drivers will need training on the route before it can open.

Arriva recently invested £1.7m in 11 Volvo B7RLE’s with Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodies to operate on the busway

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Dream coach for Saxony’s Setra fan The North German operator Block Busreisen recently took delivery of a three-axle S517 HD GERMANY Lower Saxony coach operator Alfred Block, who runs Block Busreisen, has recently purchased a new Setra. The S 517 HD is the first touring coach in the new ComfortClass 500 series which the Ulm-based brand from Daimler AG in Stuttgart has delivered to North Germany. It is also the very first ComfortClass 500 tri-axle model in Germany. During the handover at the Customer Centre in Neu-Ulm, Alfred Block, who has been a Setra enthusiast since he was a child, said: “Since purchasing an S12 from the first model series 10, our cooperation with the brand has been characterised by unwavering

faith in the bus engineering and by great solidarity with the responsible Setra sales team.” In the S517 HD, which is currently the fifth Setra touring coach

in the Husum-based fleet, the manufacturer says that 52 passengers can enjoy comfortable chair-like seats which have a minimum clearance of 83 cm (32 inches) to ensure plenty of legroom. All the seats are fitted with armrests, passenger tables and footrests. A visible plus point of the ComfortClass 500 is the fact that the interior headroom has been

Comfortable interior. The S517 HD offers lots of room for the passengers

Compass4D project for Denmark

DENMARK The Compass4D Consortium met for the second time in Copenhagen to discuss intelligent transport systems (ITS) and best practices in the city. Copenhagen is set to deploy cooperative systems on at least 90 buses and in 21 traffic signals, becoming the largest test site in Europe. The pilot route is a central connection running between Copenhagen Central Station and East Gate Station, the hub for regional, commuter and S-trains and, from 2018, the underground. Ayfer Baykal, Mayor of Technical and Environmental Administration in Copenhagen, said: “This effort to upgrade our transport goes together with our plan for green mobility and our ambition to be a carbon neutral city in 2025.” Steffen Rasmussen, Head of traffic design for Copenhagen, said: “The next couple of years using ITS, we will create better traffic flows and traffic safety. The benefits will be better comfort and regularity of the buses and for the city environment.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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increased to 2100 mm (82 inches). Alfred Block added: “With the wide range of comfort and safety features, the best of the best of which Setra offers in this vehicle concept, it would be wrong to only look at the price.” At Block Busreisen the Setra touring coaches are in use from the North Cape to Naples and from Ireland to Moscow. The tour operator from Lower Saxony is also active in the regular service sector, and its offering ranges from day, school, city and study trips right through to holiday trips lasting several days. Individual programmes are put together for clubs and societies. Block Busreisen is the oldest company in the region to offer this all-round service and is now in its third generation. Founded by Louis Block in 1930, the business has been continuously extended, first by son Alfred Block and since 1992 by his son Alfred Block. The representative of the fourth generation is already on board, in the guise of son Jan-Erik.

More fuel cell buses for US operations

UKRAINE City Sightseeing Worldwide has launched its newest branded operation in Kiev, Ukraine. Since May 2012, local operator Open Kiev has been a recognised ticketing partner within the City Sightseeing global network and has recently taken on the renowned branding and launched its new look and tour to tourists visiting the Eastern European destination. The 45-minute tour takes in most of the important landmarks and locations in the Ukraine capital and there is a commentary system in either Russian or English. The tour tickets are valid all day and passengers can hop-on and off at any of the tours 24 stops along the route. City Sightseeing Kiev owners Natalie Utkin and Eugenia Stepanova said: “We are proud that through our hard work, City Sightseeing Kiev is now on the world tourist map. Joining the global network gives us the opportunity to develop our country as a popular tourist destination. Thanks to the cooperation with City Sightseeing we are committed to ensuring that visitors enjoy their time in our City and especially enjoy the hop-on hop-off tour.” Enrique Ybarra, President and CEO of City Sightseeing Worldwide, said: “I am sure they will continue to grow from strength to strength through their international exposure and that City Sightseeing can expand the brand in Eastern Europe during the coming months.” Pictured are City Sightseeing Kiev owners Natalie Utkin and Eugenia Stepanova pictured with assorted tour guides and drivers.

USA There has been three fuel cell bus developments in the US. The University of Delaware is adding two new fuel cell buses to its fleet of two as well as installing a fuelling station on campus. The buses use a Ballard Power Systems fuel cell and Air Liquide provides the fueling technology. Golden Gate Transit is to operate a third-generation hydrogen fuel cell bus as part of Zero Emission Bay Area, a group of five transport agencies operating zero-emission, fuel cell buses throughout the Bay Area in California. The Center for Transportation and the Environment has finalised a deal with Connecticut Transit to deliver a fuel cell heavy-duty transit bus in partnership with ElDorado National, BAE Systems, and Ballard Power Systems. CTE reports this is the first commercially procured fuel cell bus under a standard Request for Proposal process. The bus has a Ballard FCvelocity-HD6 fuel cell BAE Systems’ HybriDrive propulsion. CTE plans to deliver the bus in autumn 2014.

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SCOTLAND

National Express Dundee has completed a pilot of pre-paid smartcard technology on its local bus services. During the trial period students at Dundee College have used their national entitlement cards as farepaying smartcards. The scheme is expected to be extended to all passengers later this year, with incentives to encourage adults to take on the cards. MD Phil Smith said: “We have the best part of 100 participants in the pilot project with the college. It has been very popular and there has been a lot of interest expressed by students. The plan is to make it available to everyone at the college for next year, and during the course of this year you will see it rolled out to our commercial adult packages.”

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. KEY

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

NORTH

On May 7, Go North East gave passengers using its Angel bus service the 1913-style fare of 5p to celebrate 100 years since its first bus left Chester-le-Street for Low Fell on the same date in 1913. The 5p bus ride was one of a number of events Go North East is hosting to mark this significant milestone. The firm is commissioning a book which will be a people’s history of the company. A children’s book for five to six year olds is also set to be published, as well as special events including a summer party for its staff and stakeholders held at Beamish museum. Kevin Carr, Managing Director, Go North East, said: “As a company which prides itself on forward thinking and innovation, it’s rare we ever look back but turning 100 is a significant achievement and milestone and it’s only right that we highlight how far we’ve come. “We continue to move with the times and invest in new buses, new technologies, smart ticketing choices, new ways of communicating with our customers and carefully trained staff.” Optare has delivered 39 Versa hybrid vehicles to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), designed specifically as school buses. The vehicles, which have now entered service, are thought to be the first hybrids dedicated solely for use as school buses. They are also believed to be the first buses built specifically for this application which fully meet R66 roll-over regulations. www.coachandbusweek.com

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The Versa hybrids represent an investment of around £9m under TfGM’s Yellow School Bus scheme and are part-funded through the GBF. John Horn, Sales Director at Optare, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of our close collaboration with TfGM, which has resulted in these high quality school buses, built at a very competitive price and cost effective to operate. “Young people travelling in these vehicles will do so in considerable comfort and safety and the hybrid technology contributes to a cleaner and quieter environment.”

MIDLANDS

A seven-day flexi-ticket has been officially launched at St Margaret’s Bus Station in Leicester and gives passengers unlimited travel on any of the main bus operators covering the city and county for £19, instead of a daily version for £5. Passengers are able to use the new ticket on all 500 bus services operated by Arriva, First, Kinch, Stagecoach and Centrebus across Leicester and central Leicestershire. The launch is the latest stage of changes introduced by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and bus operators, which aim to make travel easier. Other changes include introducing the OneCard smart ticketing technology. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Bus companies across the city and county have

been very enthusiastic about working with us to explore both smart ticketing technology and other ways to help make travel easier and safer for passengers.”

SOUTH EAST

Arriva has invested £360,000 in three new Optare Versas for one of its services in the Maidstone area, following a £3m investment in a fleet of hybrids which entered service in March and six Mercedes-Benz Citaros purchased last September. The vehicles are running on the 333 which links Maidstone and Vinters Park with Detling, Sittingbourne and Faversham. Regional MD Heath Williams said: “These three buses will give our customers a quieter and more comfortable ride and they carry graphics to advertise the service to those along the route who may not be aware of the service we offer. We are constantly updating our fleet and in spite of the economic climate we have so far this year invested nearly £8m in 47 new buses for our services in Kent and across the Thames Estuary in South Essex, this being a testament to our confidence in the future of public transport in the area.” All of Arriva’s buses at its Maidstone depot are low floor. A small number of step entrance vehicles remain at other depots and will be replaced over the next few months.

Plans to build a new bus station in the centre of Hemel Hempstead have been revealed. The current station site in Waterhouse Street will be demolished and, together with Market Square, will be developed into a leisure complex and a new bus interchange built next to the Marlowes Shopping Centre on Bridge Street. The £2m project is due to be completed by September 2014 with the leisure complex, set to include a multi-screen cinema and a range of restaurants, finished in 2015. Dacorum Borough Council has approved the project, which will be developed in partnership with Arriva and the county council. The council said the current station had become outdated, and the new location would be more convenient for passengers. The Brighton City Council Transport Committee recently approved a period of six weeks’ consultation on proposals to improve bus journeys on Edward Street. These include providing a westbound bus and taxi lane on the approach to the Edward Street/Pavilion Parade junction and improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. Last March the council won £3.48m worth of funding from the DfT for the Better Bus Area (BBA) fund which also includes the Lewes Road and Eastern Road areas. The total fund is £5.82m with contributions added by the council and Brighton and Hove Bus Company. The funding has already been used to increase and extend key bus services in the city, with the 23 service increased from two to three buses an hour with an evening and Sunday service added, the 38 service extended to serve Brighton Station and the 48 service increased from three to five buses an hour. Buses travelling through the BBA carry over 25m passengers per year. Extra funding for buses and improved bus stops along Lewes Road complements the wider scheme for that area which won £4.2m from the government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Councillor Ian Davey, Chairman of the transport committee, said: “Improving the corridor in this area will support major development sites such as Edward Street and the Royal Sussex County Hospital. It will improve journey times for passengers and the environment for pedestrians

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YOUR ONE-STOP DRIVER TRAINING SHOP

Approved Delivery Centre for • Driver CPC, LGV & PCV • JAUPT • RTITB Awards • UK Bus Operator of the Year Award 2012 • Best UK Training Operator 2011 Complete Flexibility • Full or half day sessions • 7 days a week • Times to suit you Contact Karl Ward on 01159 766745/karl.ward@nctx.co.uk or Mike Lee on 01159 766739/mike.lee@nctx.co.uk to discuss all your driver development needs

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 15, 2013

news › REGIONAL

and cyclists. This project will help us link vital bus services in with ongoing transport and public realm schemes such as Valley Gardens and Lewes Road and make it easier to get to key destinations such as the city centre, Brighton station and the Royal Sussex County hospital.”

SOUTH WEST

A second bus gate is being introduced in Bath after a challenge against the proposal was dismissed. A bus gate is already in operation in the city between Northgate Street and Pulteney Bridge between 1000 and 1800hrs and under the new scheme Bath and North East Somerset Council wants to ban all vehicles except buses and taxis using the eastbound side of Dorchester Street. The £20,000 scheme has come under fire from opposition councillors who claim it will “cause chaos” in the area but a cross-party scrutiny panel reviewed the decision and decided it should go ahead as planned. The trial sees a ban on eastbound

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY traffic on the stretch of road between the bus station and the railway station between 1000 and 1800. Martin Curtis, MD of Bath Bus Company, told CBW: “We have been making considerable comment about this issue for some time. It has been proposed to restrict cars west bound in Dorchester Street to improve the flow of traffic and in particular to eliminate delays for bus services. However, at the last moment, councillors decided they couldn’t make a restriction for traffic west bound so rather than do nothing, they are introducing an east-bound restriction which experiences almost no delays whatsoever. This is no help to operators whose services continue to be delayed and represents a strange decision when it has been clearly established, tailbacks occur in the opposite direction.” A spokesman for the council said: “The scheme is experimental so that the full impact of the scheme can be assessed before a final decision is made or modifications are made to the scheme.”

Bellerive FCJ Catholic College in Liverpool is the first school in the North of England to work with The Green Bus, which specialises in school transport and currently operates in Birmingham, Berkshire and Surrey. The service is operated by Peoples Bus using dedicated Dennis Trident low-floor double-deckers. Ian Mack, MD of The Green Bus, said: “Bellerive is an excellent school, pupils travel from all over the city attend it which makes it ideal as our first school in the region. I am certain our partnership will mean many pupils have a much easier journey to school. We are delighted to be working with Peoples Bus and we hope it’s the first of many new services and routes.” The services will operate daily from next September onwards and have the backing of Louise Ellman, MP for Riverside and chairwoman of the Transport Select Committee. She said: “This is an imaginative way to help pupils get to school and support the environment. The school has shown tremendous initiative to get The Green Bus scheme off the ground and I am sure it will be a great success which other schools will want to look at – all credit to Bellerive.” An annual pass for the services is £380 per year and can be purchased directly from The Green Bus website either in one go or the cost can be spread over 10 months. Pupils can also pay per journey at a rate of £1.10.

Blackpool again plays host to the annual Bus Driver of the Year Final which is taking place between September 7-8, 2013

2013 n May 14-15 ALBUM Conference. Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, Lincolnshire. www.albumconference. 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.

book onto the event or for further information contact passenger transportprojects@hants.gov.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

colneestuarypb.co.uk/

n September 7-8 Bus Driver of the Year Final. Blackpool. Call 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk

n June 11-13 ATCO Summer Conference. Merseytravel HQ, Liverpool. www.atco.org.uk

n September 8 Bus & Coach Wales 2013. Rhyd y Car Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil

n June 16 Peak Park Preserved Bus Gathering. Rowsley South Station, Peak Rail Heritage Railway, nr. Matlock, Derbyshire. www. chesterfield123.org.uk

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 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 September 10 Association of Trainers AGM. 1400hrs, Wembley. For details call 01797 344251.

n June 30 First Aberdeen Open Day. King Street Depot, Aberdeen. 11-1600hrs. More details at www. firstgroup.com/ukbus/aberdeen/ or by email on joe.mackie@ firstgroup.com. 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 5 Hampshire County Council Public Bus Supplier Engagement Morning. Elizabeth II Court, Sussex Street, Winchester. To

n September 21 Metrobus 30th anniversary depot open days. Orpington, Croydon & Crawley. www.metrobus.co.uk/metrobus30 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 n October 20 Oxford Bus Museum Bus & Coach Vehicle Rally. 01993 883 617. www.oxfordbusmuseum. org.uk

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news focus › ipt charging

IPT Charge & Go – simple to implement IPT charging for electric buses to feature strongly at the Geneva UITP congress and exhibition Conductix-Wampfler says for electric buses equipped with wireless automatic charging technology, charging becomes a minor issue. Brief stops at suitably adapted bus stops are all it takes to get the necessary energy boost. Electric buses making use of opportunity charging not only offer greater convenience, but are also more economical than buses which can only be charged overnight: they get by with smaller batteries and yet also offer longer operating times. In order to make the integration of the inductive charging stations just as simple and convenient as the charging itself, Conductix-Wampfler has developed a system of charging modules which work on the principle of a construction kit: depending on the size of the bus, a charge of 60, 120 or 180 kW can nowadays be delivered wirelessly – charges can also be achieved on 400V networks. The charging modules are delivered ready for service, meaning once the preparations have been made below ground, they only have to be lowered into the shaft. It takes very little time before the inductive charging point is ready to go – virtually a ‘plug & play’ system.

IPT charging technology Inductive Power Transfer – or IPT – is an energy transfer system for electric vehicles which works by magnetic resonance coupling. The system comprises two main

A pickup coil with a rectifier is integrated in the floor of the bus components: a primary coil, which is connected to the electricity grid via an infeed converter and a pickup coil with a rectifier, which is integrated in the floor of the bus. This technology permits automatic and efficient non-contact electricity transmission. In charging mode, the electricity collector on the bus is lowered to about 40mm from the ground. This closeness to the charging plate allows the magnetic field to be focused in such a way the stray magnetic fields remain almost entirely restricted to the immediate vicinity of the coil. In and next to the vehicle, the field values are significantly below the thresholds prescribed by ICNIRP recommendations. The bus driver is not required at any point to leave the bus to perform the recharge or handle the charging accessories,

safety is guaranteed at all times. Neither is there any need for personnel trained in electrical engineering (as called for by local regulations in some countries when dealing with a connected load of over 30 kW). Efficiencies of over 90% (grid connection to battery) likewise speak unequivocally in favour of the technology and are superior to many plug-in battery chargers. Because the use of opportunity charging makes smaller battery sizes possible, less weight has to be driven around, which also boosts vehicle efficiency.

Structure and advantages of charging module “construction kit” system The basic component of the construction kit charging system for electric buses is a 60 kW module. The number of charging

modules and charging points can be individually matched to the size and the operating situation of the bus fleet: the more buses there are in service and the more charging points, the more flexible and, with the right configuration, the shorter the required charging episodes. This has a rapid and very beneficial impact on overall operating costs (TCO). But even a scenario comprising a smaller number of vehicles and just one or two charging points can start paying for itself very quickly. The charging modules are mounted in an underground concrete shaft, where they are connected to the power grid. Once a module has been lowered beneath the ground, all that can be seen is the concrete-and-steel charging plate, flush with the road surface and able to withstand a wheel load of up to 6 tonnes. This allows it to be installed in virtually any kind of road setting and driven over by all kinds of traffic. All cables and charging components, as well as the power electronics, are located underground and are therefore completely protected from both weather and vandalism. Naturally it is vital for this kind of installation to need minimum maintenance only. Nevertheless, should a fault ever occur, the system can be got running again by simply and quickly replacing the module, and the actual maintenance work can be performed at a suitable location. The charging system is controlled and monitored via an Ethernet interface in the charging module. Electricity only flows when a bus is positioned above the charging point and triggers the charging process. The supply of power is always requested by the bus; the inductive power transfer system only transfers the specific power level requested, which in turn contributes positively to the high overall efficiency of the charging system.

Above left: Concrete shaft installation. Middle: The charging module connection to power grid. Right: Barrier-free IPT charging plate after installation www.coachandbusweek.com

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek Summary and outlook Wireless charging of electric buses has already proved itself in Genoa and Turin for over 10 years. In 2012 the second generation of the modular, wireless charging system was used for the first time in a 12m bus in Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. Although operating times were in excess of 18 hours, it was nevertheless possible to reduce the battery capacity of the electric bus from 240 kWh to 120 kWh. A 12m electric bus with the same passenger capacity as its diesel equivalent covering 290 km in a single day is often considered utopian, but it is already in service. In summer 2013, eight buses equipped with the same IPT charging technology will go into regular service in another project in Milton Keynes. Even if the high initial investment in electric propulsion is currently still painful for fleet operators, the switch to hybrid or natural gas buses does not represent a genuine medium-term alternative for urban-only buses. In other areas, inductive charging systems could well be a solution to facilitate a high proportion of all-electric driving, for example where electrically driven vehicles only are permitted on specific roads or in urban â&#x20AC;&#x153;green zonesâ&#x20AC;?. Also, it is only a matter of time before there are more incisive price hikes in the price of crude oil, to which the cost of natural gas is pegged. Even now the extra cost of purchasing an electric bus, though still higher due to the lower production volumes, can be recouped through the lower operating costs made possible by lower energy overheads. Based on the assumption the prices of the vehicles and batteries will continue to fall, the TCO models will come out in favour of electric buses with opportunistic charging much sooner than may have been expected. Once the increasing emissions-offset costs of diesel and hybrid buses are included in the equation, the result of any comparison will be very conclusive. Another reason why zeroemission buses cannot be ignored in the long term becomes clear with a glance at international legislation: in California it is already mandatory for 15% of all urban transportation to be zero-emission, and a number of megacities in Asia have now imposed restrictions on dieselvehicles.

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The installation of two 60 kW charging modules

Running cost of diesel buses compared with that of electric buses using overnight or opportunity charging www.coachandbusweek.com

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manufacturer update › volvo PART TWO

9500: Above left: The 9500 hasn’t received any visual upgrades, but has a new 8-litre engine. Middle: Comfortable seating. Above right: The driver’s cab

9700: Above left and middle left: The interior of the 9700. Middle right: The rear wall of both the 9700 and 9900 has been upgraded

9900: Above left: The front has received a new distinct Volvo grill. Middle right: New rear-view mirrors. Above right: The 9900’s stylish interior

The factory visit showed bus chassis in different stages of production along two different production lines www.coachandbusweek.com

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Volvo upgrades coach range Part two of Andrew Cream’s Sweden visit, detailing Volvo’s updated coach range, with the introduction of the I-Start system, and a tour around its Borås chassis plant

long with the unveiling of its new hybrid products (CBW1086), Volvo also revealed its updated coach range at its press event in late April, as well as treating guests to a tour round its factory in Borås. Volvo’s 9700 and 9900 models are being upgraded in a number of areas. A new Euro 6 engine, new design to the front and rear, new rear-view mirrors and lower weight are the most significant changes. The new Euro 6 11-litre engine for the 9700 and 9900 will reduce fuel consumption by 2%, while the noise level has also been reduced. The 9500 has received a new 8-litre engine to replace the 9-litre, with fuel consumption cut by 4%. Regarding the updated appearance of the 9700 and 9900, Volvo says the front has a more aerodynamic shape than before, with a new front hood and a new, highly visible Volvo emblem. At the rear, the spoiler, rear window, engine hood and bumper have received a new design. A new installation for the rear camera and new rear-view mirrors will provide the driver with a better view. As an option, additional lighting can be placed above the front door and an electric-driven function for retracting the rearview mirrors from the driver’s seat has been added. In the autumn, headlights will be introduced with integrated fog lights. The headlights light up the area at the front corner of the bus when the bus is turning, making night driving safer in densely populated areas. In addition to the lighter engine, Volvo has implemented a number of other weight-saving measures.

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The most recent generation of passenger seats reduce the total weight by around 120 kg, compared with past models. Newly designed luggage racks will also lower the weight. The updated 9700 coach should be available in the UK early next year. The 9500 and 9900 won’t be seen in the UK any time soon however, with no current plans to make right-hand drive models.

I-Start

Volvo has introduced a new I-Start system which separates battery functionality into two circuits – consumer batteries which provide power for normal electrical consumption (e.g. lights) and starter batteries which provide power for engine cranking/starter motor only. In traditional battery configurations, engines may not start due to drained batteries. Volvo says I-Start overcomes this by using a separate starter battery circuit which provides for fully charged batteries every time. It has also extended battery longevity, reduced battery weight and volume and reduced the length of un-fused power cable. Volvo’s new I-Coaching product, which was detailed in CBW1086, is also available with the coach range.

Borås factory

Built in 1977, the factory in Borås is the firm’s largest chassis production plant and makes chassis for most of the models in Volvo Buses’ range. The site, which employs 278 people, has the capacity to build 4,900 CBU (completely built up) chassis and 4,800 CKD (completely knocked down) kits a year. Tobias Holmqvist, Plant Manager Borås and Head of Chassis Operations Volvo Buses, said: “The bus chassis are mainly made here in

Borås and also in Brazil. This plant is responsible for the production preparation of Euro 6 chassis – there has been a massive education programme for employees.” Historically, Volvo Buses has worked with numerous coachbuilders, but for Euro 6, Tobias explained the company “thought it would be wise” to focus on six main bodybuilders. These are Wrights, Plaxton, Irizar, Sunsundegi, Finland-based Carrus and part Volvo-owned Merkavim in Israel. Andreas Eriksson, Production Manager, and Mathias Ojersson, Project Manager, conducted a tour around the site, where we were able to see the chassis in various stages of completion. They explained that quality, safety and the environment are the three most important aspects at Borås. There are currently two production lines – A and C – which make different chassis types. For example, Line C is responsible for hybrids and double deckers. There are six stations in each line, with typically four people working on each station, and then another four stations in the final assembly area. “After the stations we have inspection areas,” Andreas explained. “Here we conduct leakage tests for the air suspension and brakes. We also look for deviations and make simple adjustments if needed. “Chassis with no deviations are called direct runners. We aim for as many direct runners as possible and we have targets for that. We only want to build each chassis once. We have tough targets and we strive to improve every day.” “We have an adjustment area but we would rather not have to use it,” Mathias mused. “Over 70% of the chassis are correct from beginning to end.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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face to face › Julian Peddle

Reversing the cycle of decline Andrew Cream meets respected industry professional Julian Peddle to find out about his colourful history and his views on the government and competition in the bus market

f Julian Peddle ever needed to write a CV, it would be – as our Editor Gareth would say – as long as his arm. Over the years he has bought and sold numerous operations, most of the time leaving them in a much better condition than when he acquired them. I met Julian at his home just outside Uttoxeter, a beautiful converted farmhouse set in scenic countryside. I was aware that a comprehensive focus on Peddle’s life in the bus industry could have taken the best part of a day – and I was keen as well to get his views on a number of current issues. As a result, there may be a few glaring omissions from Julian’s history – most noticeably his time at Stevensons of Uttoxeter – but I’m sure most will agree his views on some of the featured topics will be just as, if not more interesting.

Starting out

Julian’s interest in transport comes from the enthusiast’s angle. “I started off as a trainspotter but then I got bored with trains,” he explained. “Someone else at school was into collecting bus numbers and as I lived in London then, it seemed like a great thing to be interested in – so I got into buses.” In his late teenage years, Julian knew he wanted to go into the bus industry. “That was the aim, although I didn’t quite know how I was going to do it,” he said. “I could either do geography or transport management at university, so I www.coachandbusweek.com

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Right: Recently acquired by Centrebus, Kimes vehicles will soon share the same orange and blue livery Left: Julian Peddle BUSES MAGAZINE (left)

opted for the latter.” Julian studied transport management at Loughborough University. It was a sandwich course, which meant he was able to spend a year gaining some invaluable work experience at Thames Valley and Aldershot Omnibus Company, which was part of the National Bus Company. Julian’s time there paid dividends as, bluntly, he was able to see how not to run a bus operation. He explained: “The management was a shambles – I wondered how they were able to keep operating. But because of this I was able to get involved in many aspects, and I just got on with it. “I went into their planning department which was brilliant for me. It was something I was really interested in and I had a very good boss. “I had already worked for them as a bus conductor during the school holidays and at weekends and I could see the passenger

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numbers going down all the time. I was a conductor for 15 months; it wasn’t uncommon to have 20 buses cancelled a day – operators would never get away with that now.”

Introduction to coaches The first job Julian took after completing his degree was with Staffordshire County Council in 1978 as a Transport Coordinator. However, it was the operating side he was more interested in, so he moved on to become Traffic Manager at Mayne’s of Manchester. At the time, Mayne’s had a fleet of eight buses and 20 coaches. “I hadn’t had anything to do with coaches before Mayne’s so it was quite a revelation,” Julian said. “Coaches and buses have totally different markets – I don’t know how people succeed in running coach businesses, it’s too seasonal. They require dedicated individuals who need to work 364 days a year. Plus, it’s not a business you can scale up easily.” Mayne’s Coaches sold its then 37-vehicle-strong bus operations to Stagecoach in 2008. Company owner Stephen Mayne died last summer but the firm is still operating successfully.

The need for deregulation

Julian’s career straddles the 1985 Transport Act, which is something he believes had to happen to save the industry. “Something needed to be done,” he said. “The fact that it was in a mess pushed privatisation. It was definitely a good thing. “The government just said ‘let’s just get rid of it’ – the Transport Minister at the time thought operations would be split among lots of little companies. “The fact is though, it needed changing. It had just got in a rut. The government is not good at investing in infrastructure; and the fleets were ancient. “There were some very good and dedicated staff but they were hampered by Government.”

MK Metro

One of Julian’s more notable acquisitions was the Milton Keynes operation in 1997. Branded MK Metro, the network experienced a 120% patronage increase while in Julian’s ownership, but he was fairly modest about the feat. “It was so bad before I took over – unbelievably bad,” he said. “It was just a case of

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face to face › Julian Peddle

sorting it out. Plus, I had some very good staff there.” The company was sold to Arriva in 2006. Julian explained the reasoning behind the decision: “As Milton Keynes was a new town, we had the Local Authority, development companies and the Government all involved, none of whom talked to each other. “So I decided to get rid of it because I had three different organisations telling me different things and who all wanted me to invest heavily. “I thought it was time to move on. It’s the interference in operations. For example, the town was expanding and it needed a new bus depot. I would have had to spend 5 or 6 million of my own money on it – and that affects fares. They didn’t understand or appreciate the problems involved.”

can drive up standards. There are one or two simple solutions which would benefit the public greatly.”

Problems with Government

Above: Mayne’s ran eight buses and 20 coaches when Julian worked there. Below: MK Metro experienced a 120% passenger increase under Peddle

Status Group

Julian formed the Status Group in 1999. This was a group of operators who came together to reduce costs by bulk buying vehicles, supplies and services. “The aim was to get people together to enhance purchasing benefits,” he explained. “It was also about the pooling of skills. However, I think it was ahead of its time. The problem was the conflict between individual managers – people wanted to do it their own way. They were like minded and on the same page, but they wanted to get there in different ways.” The group has wound up now but the bulk buying side carries on.

Competition in the market

Due to how Julian has conducted business over the years, that is, buying and selling multiple bus companies, I made the assumption he must have had a couple of run ins with the OFT over the years. However, I was surprised to find out he has no personal dislike for the OFT, although there is definitely no admiration there, either. “The OFT has been very helpful to me really,” Julian said. “However, their interference with the bus industry has not always been constructive.” The OFT’s sister body, the Competition Commission (CC), is also not held in a great light by Mr Peddle. When the CC was gathering evidence for its review into competition in the local bus market, Julian was asked to come to www.coachandbusweek.com

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London to spend a couple of days with them. He explained a situation where they were looking at how patronage had changed on one operator’s routes (not associated with Julian). A large drop in patronage was noted on one of the route numbers, which the CC could not explain, but still viewed it negatively. Julian was able to ascertain, through knowledge of the area, that the company had simply renumbered some routes and the route number concerned was now serving a less busy route. The CC was surprised that route renumbering was allowed to take place. “They need to get more expertise,” he said. “They needed to understand the principals of route management.” Despite the failings within the CC, its overall view that there should be more competition within the bus market in order to drive up quality is something which Julian appreciates. “Competition is a good thing, but you can have too much competition,” he mused. “It has

“Short term solutions are not achieving anything – the government needs to examine the success stories and see how they can be used as role models.” Julian Peddle the potential to drive quality both up and down. There is no one size fits all. Brighton works well as a monopoly while Oxford works well with a competitive environment. For it to work, the competing companies have to be matched, for example two plcs. “Liverpool has forced up quality in this way. The CC hasn’t let Arriva get more than 80% of the market, with Stagecoach being the other plc. “Furthermore, the issue of Quality Contracts in West Yorkshire is all about how much money First makes in Leeds. First could be made to sell a depot or two. Competition

Our discussion about the CC soon led onto the wider topic of the government. Naturally, Julian didn’t hold back his thoughts. “The problem with the government is that it’s becoming far too removed from reality – they just don’t understand. “With all the increased regulation we are getting, small firms can feel as though they are not actually running their businesses, constantly trying to comply with new guidelines. The Government is always tinkering. “There used to be a transport act once every five or 10 years but now we are getting new regulations all the time.” While Norman Baker seems to get a fair bit of praise from some corners of the industry, Julian isn’t his biggest fan. He said: “He is very well meaning but he doesn’t understand the day-to-day concerns of bus operators. At the end of the day, he is a bureaucrat. “How can the poor bloke understand the industry? Politicians are given impossible tasks to learn about their departments in a very short time. It’s taken me 35 years to have a vague knowledge of this industry.” Going back to the issues of legislation and regulation, Julian believes the industry isn’t given enough time to respond to changes and therefore instil confidence in the public. “What do they want us to achieve?” he asked. “They want more people on buses. So why don’t we sit down with everybody and see how we can do it. It takes some time to change things; they don’t happen overnight. Brighton [& Hove Bus] for example has built up its great reputation over the last 25 years. It has taken them time and a dedicated bloke at the helm and over time it has improved. They haven’t reinvented the wheel; it’s all basic stuff. “These are long-term things, so we need a long-term strategy. For example, the LSTF includes two-year bus tenders. How unwise is that? It takes time to build confidence. “People in Brighton have seen the service improve. It’s all about building trust. Short term solutions are not achieving anything – the government needs to examine the

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The current size of Centrebus’ fleet, after a series of acquisitions

success stories and see how they can be used as role models.” Julian cited the difference between the rail and bus industry: “The railways have developed massively because of 10-year franchises. The industry has a certain investment in it and can plan accordingly. “However, with the bus industry, funding strategies are being altered all the time. BSOG, concessionary fares – I don’t even know what’s going on. Local Authorities don’t know how to cope with the constant demands from Whitehall.” Surprisingly, Julian did have some positive words to say about one former government initiative – Kickstart – which was introduced by the Labour government in 2006. In his words: “Operators were asked to come up with a bright idea and then get their Local Authority to commit to it. “Funding would be provided for a service which would then be scaled back each year for five years. This meant companies could develop services. A lot survived the five years while passenger numbers moved up dramatically.”

Staying small

As someone with so much industry knowledge and expertise, I was surprised to find that Julian was never asked to work for one of the ‘big five’ operators. Julian commented: “Nobody’s ever asked me to work for them. But that’s mainly because people knew I wouldn’t want to do it. I have got forthright views and people know that. I am different from a lot of those working for the plcs.” It was a conscious decision not to try and build up a Peddle Empire in the late 80s. One thing Julian thrives on is getting stuck in to the day-today running of an operation, which he would have lost in a much bigger company. “Also, I didn’t have the capital at the time, and I wasn’t bright enough,” he quipped. “Essentially, I like dealing with the detail; running a company with 5,000 buses would not interest me. I’d rather stick with what I enjoy doing. “Different people want to do different things. I knew I didn’t want to work for a plc, although I am happy to work with other people. “I couldn’t do their job [managing a ‘big five’-sized operation]; I like tinkering too much. “This way I don’t have to answer to anybody – if I want to paint the

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120% 1978

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The patronage increase MK Metro experienced under Julian

The year Julian took his first post-university job as a Transport Coordinator for Staffordshire County Council

buses pink, I can.” Julian’s process of buying and selling business doesn’t seem to follow a particular strategy, which he confirmed: “It’s not been a defined policy – I don’t have a business plan. I just wait and see where someone might be struggling and could benefit from some financial help and advice. They often approach me.”

reason. But the lesson was learnt, and when an opportunity came up in Inverness, while initially interested, he declined the chance. “I have made mistakes but I don’t see them as regrets because I learnt things.” At a push though, Julian was able to recall a regret. He once looked at East Surrey Buses which ended up as part of Go-Ahead-owned Metrobus. “I regret not buying East Surrey. It was a good area to get into as there was scope to do something,” he said. “There are many other companies I haven’t bought – and I often thought ‘thank god I didn’t buy that’. However, if I had gone for

Learning from mistakes

With all the different businesses Julian has been involved in over the years, I was curious to know whether he thought he’d made any mistakes during his career. “You have to make mistakes to learn,” he said. “One thing I learnt is don’t get involved in a company if you can’t get there and back in a day.” Being a hands-on individual, Julian has realised he likes the option of being able to step in and resolve situations if and when they arise, but still get back to his Staffordshire home that evening. Stevensons took a share in Edinburgh Transport in 1993; a decision which Julian admits was a mistake – for the aforementioned

“If we get a chance to tender and I am interested I go and spend a day riding around. I need to see how much better we could do.” Julian Peddle

East Surrey I wouldn’t have bought Milton Keynes.” So, even his one ‘regret’ opened the door to one of his success stories.

Centrebus

Julian explained why he decided to get involved with Centrebus: “I saw it as a good investment when I was in Milton Keynes as it was based in Luton. It was a good opportunity to work with a like-minded group of individuals.” The firm has increased from 30 to 470 buses since Julian got involved and has expanded throughout the middle of the country through a series of acquisitions. He cites the M1 corridor from Leeds to Luton as his benchmark for potential expansion, due to the ease with which he can visit operations in this area. Centrebus’ livery is well-known throughout the region, although its recently-acquired Kimes operation is still running with its cream-based livery. “We will phase it out over time – our priority is getting a recentlypurchased Veolia operation reliveried – but Kimes will soon become orange and blue like the rest,” he explained.

Winding down

Julian Peddle saw getting involved with Centrebus as “a good opportunity to work with a like-minded group of individuals”

While he is still very much involved in Centrebus and his other ventures, Julian takes more of a back seat now. He is one of many shareholders in Centrebus – while conversely he solely headed up MK Metro. “It’s been a conscious decision to step back,” he said. “It’s hard work running a bus operation on one’s own. “I have been winding down since 2004. But I still get very much involved with planning bus routes. There is no substitute for testing the product. You have to go out and look for yourself – and don’t go out with an agenda. You just observe. If we get a chance to tender and I am interested I go and spend a day riding around. I need to see how much better we could do. “We have got a very good track record of taking tenders and making them commercial.” On where life in the industry will next take him, Julian replied: “I’ll wait and see what happens next. The industry never stops changing and opportunities crop up all the time. “I know a lot of people in the industry and I have run buses in so many places, so it’s always going to be interesting for me to see what’s going on.”

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operator profile › pc coaches

Promoting Lincoln at home and abroad Coach & Bus Week’s Alex Tyler visits PC Coaches and speaks to Managing Director Peter Smith about the family run Lincoln operator’s rise to prominence in the region and the methods behind its continued success www.coachandbusweek.com

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s I left Peterborough on an early morning train I realised the last time I was in Lincoln I was about seven years old and my only lingering memories of the place involved copious amounts of ice cream and watching the Red Arrows. I was met from Lincoln station by PC Coaches Operations Manager Sarah Smith who, en route to the firm’s premises, kindly filled me in on the last 18 years which I had missed. It was interesting to know PC Coaches were plying the roads when I was last in town. PC, short for Peter Charles, Coaches was established in 1978 by Managing Director Peter

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OPERATOR: PC Coaches location: Lincoln FLEET: 80+ established: 1978 Contact: 01522 533605 www.pccoaches.co.uk larger vehicles which ran from the prison to Nottingham on a daily basis and from there we gradually won all three contracts,” said Peter. “At the time though you wouldn’t know what they would want for the following day, it was one of those jobs when they would ring you at 1100hrs and say what they wanted for the following day and this could vary from anything from four to 11 coaches.” “We had got some old transits which were painted brown, not very elegant,” he mused. “We had those contracts for nearly 10 years. In the mean time we gathered university and County Council (CC) contracts. In 1988 we first bought an exec coach, a Plaxton 3500. We did a tour with Travelsphere and were asked to do further work for them, which is when we first started getting more into executive coaching.”

The end of Appleby’s

Smith and has grown to be the largest independent operator in Lincolnshire, becoming something of a family institution. Prior to this, Peter and his father ran mobile shops together. Unfortunately, Peter had a motorbike accident and broke his leg. However, once he was healed, his father had finished with the shops and had purchased a single coach which he operated under the name Smiths Coaches to provide transport to a factory in nearby Ingham. “I spent a few years establishing the business with my father,” explained Peter. “I wanted to expand into private hire but he was stuck in his ways and wanted to stick with schools and contract work. So I broke away in 1978 and took an old AEC with me. My father

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passed me a school contract from Lincoln to Gainsborough and slowly over the years I built my business up.” As time went on Peter looked to upgrade his fleet and took out a loan to buy a Bristol LHL for roughly £6k. “That was my first really decent vehicle,” said Peter. “During those times, Birds of Lincoln was one of the biggest ops in the area and obviously Appleby’s had a presence,” he continued. “Those were the sort of people I looked up to. I wanted to be like them. We pulled in a few more contracts and slowly increased the vehicle side, and then we got a job with Lincoln prison in the mid 80s.” At the time the prison had contracts available for taxis, 12 to 16, 16 to 30 and 30 to 53-seater vehicles. “We won the contract with the

PC Coaches was given a valuable opportunity last year when the Bowens group folded and the subsequent demise of Appleby’s left a void in the Lincolnshire tours market. “Over the years we had done a few of our own tours, mainly for other tour operators, but we had built up quite a client database,” explained Peter. “When the group folded it opened up the market in Lincolnshire to do our own tours. We had been doing day trips, which were successful, so in December last year we started to look at the areas for potential tours.” “Obviously, people who had worked for Bowens and Appleby’s were available,” he continued.

“We had been in touch with a few of the shops while they were still running and had been given Jane Bailey’s name. She had worked for Appleby’s for 24 years and had done all their brochures, so we got in touch with her to see what her plans were. “We also got in touch with Neil Warne. He had been running the coaching side for the firm, so of course he was of interest to us. We discussed with them both about putting together a tour programme for Lincolnshire. We had the coaches and we had an excellent name in the area.” Both Jane and Neil started with the firm early January and since then have put together a tour programme consisting of approximately 50 tours for 2013. “This has been emailed to our clients and we have done a lot of advertising on our own vehicles and services. We also advertised in the local papers, and decided to have coaches go out to different market squares, including Lincoln, Newark, Grantham, Sleaford, Mablethorpe, Louth, with our staff on hand to sell holidays,” said Peter. On the back of this, the firm was then approached by the Lincoln Co-op Society, which owns 13 travel shops in Lincolnshire. “They said, ‘now Appleby’s is finished there is a market for an operator, and as you are well established and we have dealings with you already we would like to sell your holidays’,” said Peter. “This from our point of view is a fantastic opportunity. It was all up and running at the end of March and they’ve done us some

Last year the firm was successful in its bid to the Green Bus Fund and purchased two ADL Enviro400Hs www.coachandbusweek.com

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operator profile › pc coaches

excellent displays and have started taking bookings on our behalf. It has dropped nicely into place.” With the aim of expanding its holiday programme, PC Coaches has invested nearly £1.5m into new coaches in the last six months and was also successful in its bid to the Green Bus Fund, which saw the purchase of two new ADL Enviro400Hs which started service in March this year. In regards to greener technology, two years ago, Lincolnshire CC was the first to insist that school vehicles all be a minimum of Euro 3 compliant. “This was a bit of a shock to the system for operators in Lincolnshire because it is a large expense to do a conversion with the Eminox System,” commented Peter. “They wanted to go down that line a lot sooner than other councils. It was a daring thing to do but the operators started to do a lot of conversions. Last year, we spent £68k on conversions on vehicles, to Euro 3 and I maintain the Eminox system is the best system out there.”

Above: A new Scania OmniExpress being adorned with bespoke livery. Below: Managing Director Peter Smith

Fleet

Since the purchase of its first Exec, the Scania Plaxton 3500, PC Coaches has increased its fleet size every year and now operates circa 80 vehicles. “Around the time we purchased our first Exec we were also running Bedford Bristol LHs and the odd Leyland Tiger, which was a better class of coach really,” said Peter. “I remember doing the Lincoln to Blackpool trips before the motorways and it was a long old drag for the Bedfords.” “We went on and bought some more of the Plaxtons and in 1994 Irizar came on the scene,” said Peter. “We looked at the Irizar when we were invited over to see the factory. We purchased one and over the years, the product really got better. I suggested a few alterations because as operators, we listen to our drivers and our drivers listen to passengers and it feeds down the line to us. They really bent over backwards to make what changes they could.” Currently, the entire coach fleet consists of Scanias, a trait which is continued with every new purchase. “We’ve recently purchased two brand new PBs which are 49 seaters and a new Omni 63 seater,” said Peter. “The new PBs went on the road in March, straight out on skiing trips. They have been down to Salou and Croatia. They have started their life www.coachandbusweek.com

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off right away.” However, the firm is not averse to looking elsewhere when it comes to sourcing its vehicles. “We had been talking to Dave Gregory from Neoplan as they have been doing some fantastic prices. One concern of mine with the Neoplan is fuel consumption which I have heard mixed reports about. “Also if we put an oddball into the fleet, any break down cover we have has got to alter and then we have drivers who are used to Scanias,” added Peter. “It could cause me a few problems. However, James Macintosh at Scania works really hard to put a decent deal together for us. Earlier this year, he came up with a really good deal which we thought was in line with any other supplier and we thought we really need to stick with them.” Peter explained that the

company’s profit has always gone back into vehicles whether it is for school contracts or execs. “We have a regular programme of vehicle updating and it’s worked out well for us over the years,” he said. “We downgrade our vehicles. The new vehicles do the continental side, come back, work on the English tours and then we convert them from 49 to 59 seats in our own workshop. Outside of that we will send it away if we need 70 plus.” On his preference for Scania, Peter said: “We took two new Omnis in 2011 which we went to have a look at in build, and when we got them I was impressed with fuel consumption and passenger response,” said Peter. “Since we got those two, we bought two second hand 2009 plates, and they came from an operator with very low mileage. The Omni is a plain looking

vehicle, until you’ve applied the vinyls. And you’ve really got to do them right to make them stand out. The interior is good but the exterior just doesn’t look appealing. Passengers seem to like them though.” “I think the shape of the PB is really eye-catching and the seats are very comfortable compared to the Irizar. We’ve been very pleased with the fuel consumption, and that makes a big difference. We’ve found the Omnis are giving between 10 and 12mpg while the PBs between 10 or 11. Not a big difference, but when you take into account the mileage some of these vehicles do it all adds up.” Each exec coach has its own driver who is responsible for the vehicle which Peter believes makes for a better maintenance and cleaning regime. “When it comes to selling a vehicle, we have never had a problem,” he said. “I have people saying when you are selling anything, doesn’t matter what it is, ring me and tell me. Because of the quality and maintenance of our vehicles we sell with no hassle.” In addition to having their own drivers, all of PC Coaches executive vehicles each have a bespoke livery. “We spend something in the region of £5k on graphics for each brand new exec. We use a top quality vinyl, which is supplied locally; they do very good work for us. If we are unlucky and we get a bit of damage, we can soon it get it redone and get the vehicle back on the road again. In 2002, when we

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took three new Irizars we went into metallics and faded, and it really stood out, but it was a pain when we got any scuffs to have it patched up.” “What we find, is people will stop and look at our coaches,” he added. “If you have five or six coaches on a job, and they all have different graphics people will stop and look. And we get the same thing with the drivers who are parked up. People come and take photos. Obviously, since we are Lincoln-based we try to promote Lincoln, so on a lot of these Execs you’ve got the red arrows, the cathedral, the castle, anything to do with Lincoln.” Also, whether the vehicle be new or old, if there is any damage it is straight into the firm’s onsite workshop and taken care of. “You will not find any of my motors driving around anywhere with damage,” said Peter. “Mark and his fitters will come and service at weekends and we have our fitters on call if need be. Overall it is a good team effort.”

Backbone services

In regards to local buses and contracts Peter said he hopes to grow this side of the business. “The local school contracts and works contracts are the backbone of the business. We have that to support the exec side,” he said. He noted however that pricing on local schools has gotten very competitive in a lot of areas they operate in. “I think there are a lot of operators out there which are really cutting the bone in order to do school work. That to me is worrying,” he said. “Obviously when it comes to replacing the vehicle, or upgrading it to Euro 3 as required, they won’t have the money.” The firm maintains a number of Optares and makes use of Wrightbuilt StreetLites as well as a number of ex Brighton & Hove doubledeckers which Peter described as “some of the best I’ve bought.” “One of the first services we did full time was Lincoln to Saxilby. It had been operated by another firm previously and people weren’t getting the service they wanted from it plus it was heavily subsidised,” said Peter. “So we went for it, and got the contract and we have had for it over 15 years. “The Horncastle route was subsidised quite heavily five years ago, but in that time we have built up to a good service. We have reduced the subsidy by about three quarters which is an excellent thing

PCCoaches.indd 29

for the County Council. We took over services from Newark and Swinderby around two years ago and we invested £250k in to two new Streetlites. On the Newark route, the numbers have increased so we have put one of the new hybrids onto the route.” According to Peter, consistency is vital when it comes to bus routes. “We have the same vehicle and the same driver on all the time,” he said. ”Which I believe makes a hell of a difference to services. The passengers get to know the drivers and it establishes relationships.” Last year, the CC received £6.5m funding to provide more frequent buses in the LN6 area of Lincoln. Three bus routes were extended and improved through the Access LN6 programme which aimed to improve sustainable travel in the area. “We tried to get involved with the council to do some services but it went a bit pear shaped,” said Peter. “We were hoping to get some of our own vehicles down there but they ended up extending existing services with Stagecoach. I wasn’t happy with that because without our initial influx they would have struggled to get the subsidy.

“But they then approached us about the service which we were giving to Swinderby. The council asked for a more frequent service and was hoping to put an additional vehicle on the route for another two years. So we agreed on figures. We had a week to get out there and it affected our existing timetables, so we were printing off timetables to give to every customer. The change over went very well and it gave us another vehicle in service, which was worth a quarter of million over the two year period.” PC Coaches aims to reduce the amount of subsidy on its bus routes as much as possible. “It shows we are working with County Councils to improve services,” said Peter. “You’ve got to do your surveys and talk to passengers to see how you can improve. Sometimes the council will come up with a plan, and we always say well it might work for you but will it work for the passengers? “With any services we do, we want to make them commercial contracts. When Stagecoach dropped a few of its services we were getting phone calls about taking them on. “We did actually try a couple of

Above: One of a pair of recently delivered Scania Irizar PBs. Below: Despite the growing tours side, the firm still places importance on local clients

services for a six-month period, but unfortunately, there just wasn’t the patronage.”

Driving up standards

When it comes to drivers, Peter said the firm will always plan tours ahead so drivers know when they are driving at least a month in advance, allowing them to plan their social and home life accordingly. “You have to realise these are people who need to spend time with their families,” said Peter. “You have to be dedicated to do this kind of work. It’s always good when you get a driver who applies from a different firm and they see the way things are set up here. It’s opened their eyes for a few of them.” Last year PC Coaches put Navman trackers on all its vehicles. “We have all had the odd phone call when someone rings up and says ‘Your bus hasn’t turned up.’” said Peter. “Now we can go straight on our system and say the vehicle was at this spot and this time. Usually they say ‘Well, maybe I was late turning up’.” “From the trackers, we are seeing how drivers are driving the vehicle, their braking and acceleration and obviously their fuel consumption,” he continued. “What brought this all about was when we put the first tracker on one of our execs, there was nothing said to our drivers at the time. We had one of them going to Paris for four days. We tracked the route to see what he was doing and we learned that once he had dropped off his passengers, the driver in question had parked up and sat in his coach watching DVDs with the engine running. Because of this, the trip cost us an extra £84 in fuel. If you take into account the number of vehicles you are running, and you find each driver is doing something similar, it’s a lot of money wasted which could be used elsewhere.” “On the tour side of things we find it’s improving the drivers,” he added. Peter said the firm now does its own training in-house and just last year put the drivers through the test allowing it to do its own CPC testing. Asked if the company was on schedule for driver CPC he said: “We are over 70% there and we are putting more through training on a weekly basis.” “Before this, we were doing the training through the college in Lincoln. But when the drivers had been to these courses they weren’t really getting as much

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operator profile › pc coaches

knowledge about the industry as I would want them to learn, which is why we went down the route of doing our own. We can train them how we would like them to work and since we work with the disabled and the local blind society it’s very important for drivers to know disability.” On disability awareness, Peter added: “The blind society has its preferred hotels, and at these hotels the society also runs courses for our drivers while they are there. So for one of their days off they do some training with the Blind Society for their own awareness. It’s first hand from the society, outlining what they want from people like us, which is a real step forward.”

Above: One of PC Coaches’ StreetLites used for local services. Below: The firm’s Plaxton-bodied Bristol LHLs pictured in the early years

Watch the pennies…

…and the pounds look after themselves, goes the saying and it’s a philosophy which rings true with PC Coaches. “I personally look into every little bit of my costs. Everything counts. That way, we can give a more realistic price to the jobs we want to do. And all those records are saved. So when it comes up next year you can price it accordingly.” “Over the last few years, fuel prices have rocketed,” Peter added. “We keep tight control on fuel and I have my own records which go right back to 2000. “Luckily, with our own in-house training and the tracking system, it helps with the fuel but also the insurance side. We have been very lucky that we have an excellent broker, Beaumonts, which works for us as they do a really good job.” Peter stressed it’s down to the operator to know how he operates. “The more you put into place the more training you do, the better it all is,” he said. “Over the last few years insurances have gone up and we’ve been lucky in that ours have gone down. Every year for the last three years ours has gone down. There are probably not many operators out there who can say that.” On the parts side of the operation Peter said his nephew Mark, who runs the workshop, has a free hand to get whatever he needs to maintain the company’s vehicles. “He doesn’t have to come ask me unless he wants to spend a few grand on a new engine. When I talk to our suppliers, they are always telling me, your workshop manager screws us down for the last few pennies on everything. That makes a big difference and Mark does an www.coachandbusweek.com

PCCoaches.indd 30

excellent job. He doesn’t just ring up one person; he will ring around and compare the prices. He’s always had a go at Scania, and said it is the same parts you supply, but we get them much cheaper elsewhere. This is something Scania has started to look at very seriously because the discount they were giving wasn’t competitive. “I must admit, prices from Scania are coming together, I think they have realised there is a big share of the market on parts. “Our concern is the profit at the end of the financial year and keeping it in line where it wants to be. We are pleased with our profit margins, because they are higher than they were. Yes over the years they have dropped, but they are still in line and it allows us to carry on investing.” Peter was keen to stress the importance of regular investment: “You cannot miss a year of investing,” he enthused. “It’s so easy to think you can boost profits next year by not doing anything but you can soon lose the plot. Then the year after that, you have a lot to do in a short time. We have always

invested the money back into the coaching side and I think the quality of our fleet shows.”

Self promotion

While a growing number of operators are making extensive use of social media PC Coaches makes next to no use of Facebook and Twitter. “We carry timetables on all our vehicles and it is checked daily to make sure they are available,” said Peter. “There’s nothing better than having your own vehicles selling your tours local.” In addition to this, the firm has installed screens in the new hybrids to advertise its holidays to passengers. “We show pictures of our coaches and the hotels we use to promote our brochure. When the system is up and running properly I’d like to build it up on the Exec side. It’s about building a reputation with the passengers instead of them just getting a brochure. Over the next year or two, I hope to get the right people involved. Neil who took over IT is very good on that side.” Quality is paramount to PC Coaches: “We don’t look at hotels

less than three stars, we are often working with senior citizens, so we want a decent price but we also want good hotels.” “We all see the local paper with UK Holidays doing five days for £129,” he added. “We all know what customers are going to get from those and that’s cut throat. We don’t want to go down those lines. We have looked at other operators in the area, we get their brochures and see if they are doing something different and to see if our price is competitive with theirs and that we are giving the same sort, if not higher quality.”

The future

Where does PC Coaches go from here? Peter explained: “We have a plan to build on the tour side and we have an opportunity to increase our tour work and our own holidays quite considerably. In a period of three years, we hope to improve our turnover by 50%.” “I did seriously look at retiring a few years ago,” he added. “I’ve got a good management team in place, and have cut down on the number of hours I put in, but because of opportunities which have arisen, I have had to put a few more in. Since I have family in the business, it’s not about me retiring, it is about their futures. Obviously from my point of view, PC has a good reputation and our suppliers would recommend us to anyone. While that is in place, which means the most to me, the management team can continue running the business. One of the biggest things today is having reliable staff, and you need to have a management team which can work together and solve problems which arise inside the company.” The current management consists of Peter’s nephew Mark Andrews the Workshop Manager, Sarah Smith, his niece and Operations Manager and his son, Gary, the Body Shop Manager. Chris Bristow is Director of International Operations, Jane Bailey and Neil Warne formerly of Appleby’s are Tours Manager and Business Development Manager respectively and Peter’s partner Suzanne Traynor works closely with all the managers. “I have taken out life cover on all of them, incase anything happens,” mused Peter. “It’s the sort of business we are. They are vital to the company with the knowledge they have obtained over the years and they enjoy the job.”

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THE BIG PICTURE

Vintage buses gathered in Southend on Sunday, April 28 for the second annual 251 Running Day. The charity event was organised by the Blackwater Preservation in aid of Southend Bosom Pals, which supports the local maternity unit. Buses ran from Southend, Seaway to London, Walthamstow, and to London, Wood Green. ‘Back in the day’ the old 251 from Southend to London, Wood Green, with its 151 and later 351 derivatives, was Eastern National’s longest bus route. This colourful scene in Brentwood, which shows buses from two contrasting eras, was caught on camera by ATCO’s Dominic Lund-Conlon. Leading is 1939-built Bristol ‘AJN825’, which has been immaculately restored in Westcliff Transport colours, complete with a period exterior advertisment. Hot on its heels is ECW-bodied Bristol VRT ‘CPU 979G’, built in 1969 and has been restored to Eastern National green livery.

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DELIVERIES

GRAYLINE Oxfordshire-based Grayline Coaches has upgraded its fleet which is dedicated to the Bicester Village designer outlet contract. Three new Door Forward Wrightbus StreetLites have replaced an identical number of 9.5m Wheel Forward buses. Paul Gray said: “Over the last two and a half years we have seen a steady increase

in the number of passengers and staff using the shuttle service from the railway station to Bicester Village. With the extension of the contract we felt it was a great opportunity to provide some higher capacity vehicles on the service. We’ve found the StreetLite to be well received by both passengers and the staff operating the service. Therefore, we had little hesitation in taking delivery of the Door

Forward StreetLite for our requirements. We’re fortunate to have a great relationship with Mistral, so the transfer over to the new buses was an effortless exercise.” The 10.8m buses have been highly specified. This includes Lazzarini Pratico high back seats covered in E-Leather and carpeted floors. Also on board is a Synectics CCTV system, a multimedia DVD & monitor systems and a Denso driver’s air conditioning system.

The familiar Leger specification was converted by AD Coach Systems. It comprises a rear lounge with four full leather reclining Captains-style seats and eight-channel multimedia modules in all forward facing seats and on board vacuum

Award-winning Cambridgeshire-based family-run operator Grey’s of Ely has acquired its inaugural Irizar integral coach. Commenting on the new coach, Richard Grey, Managing Director, said: “Having evaluated various products for our 2013 purchase we felt the i6

met our needs very well and have been pleasantly surprised with Irizar’s ‘Can Do’ attitude. Its features and curb appeal have been very well received by clients and drivers alike.” The coach is the 12.9-metre long and 3.5-metre high version of the popular i6. Power comes from a DAF PR265 engine, generating 360BHP, coupled to a ZF Ecolife fully automatic

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Wrightbus

StreetLite (integral)

Engine DAF PR265 Transmission ZF Ecolife Seats 42 Spec E-Leather seats, carpeted

floors

Supplied by

Mistral 0800 781 4144 www.mistral-bus.com

SILVERCLOUD TRAVEL Silvercloud Travel of Coatbridge has taken delivery of the first new tri-axle Neoplan Tourliner to conform to Leger Holidays’ Silver Service specification. The North Lanarkshirebased firm operates a single coach and is run by business partners Philip McMurray and Gary O’Rourke. Phil drives the coach along with co-driver Roddy Guerts, while Gary keeps on top of administrative matters back at base. Based on the P20 model, the new coach features Keil avance reclining seats with seatback tables, woodcapped armrests and grab handles and footrests.

GREYS OF ELY

cleaner. Gary said: “AD Coach Systems were very good to deal with by keeping us informed every step of the way. This was the first Tourliner they had converted to Silver Service specification, and I understand our vehicle

has paved the way for other to follow.” Entertainment is provided by Bosch Professional Line 3 coach system with SatNav and three ceiling-mounted monitors. The 13.2m coach includes just 44 forward-facing seats, giving superior leg room. Phil told CBW : “This vehicle represents a significant step forward for our company. MAN Neoplan have provided us with not only a beautiful coach but a comprehensive backup package too.” Asked why the firm has chosen the Tourliner, Gary replied: “The tremendous European backup and the four-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which are vital factors for a vehicle doing the sort of work ours is, i.e. continental tours.

“We collected the coach and it went out on tour. Touch wood, we’ve had no problems. MAN Salesman Dave Cunliffe was very attentive right from the start. He was great to deal with.” The Tourliner has replaced a five-year old Bova Futura, which was too old to continue to run on Silver Service work. FACT FILE

Chassis/body Neoplan Tourliner (integral) Engine MAN D 2676 LOH, EEV / Euro 6 480hp Transmission VMAN TipMatic automated 12-speed manual with ‘Easy-Start’ Seats 44 Spec Leger Silver Service Supplied by

MAN 0161 848 8331 www.man-manchester.co.uk

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May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35

Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? Email all the details and pictures to james.day@ coachandbusweek.com

gearbox. Its 57 reclining seats feature three-point seat belts and E-leather headrests, footrests and cup holders. Other onboard facilities include a toilet, fridge and hot drinks console. This is in addition to the standard Irizar UK high specification which comprises of DVD system, Bosch audio equipment, two LCD monitors, CCTV system, reverse horn and camera and alloy wheels. The vehicle took part in the 2013 UK Coach Rally. FACT FILE

Chassis/body Body Irizar i6

(integral)

Engine DAF PR265 Transmission ZF Ecolife Seats 57 Spec Touring Supplied by

Irizar UK 01909 500514 www.irizar.co.uk

CITY CIRCLE Hayes-based City Circle is the first UK operator to take delivery of the new generation 10.8m Scania Irizar i6 coaches developed jointly by Scania and Irizar for operators looking for midsize vehicles. Based on Scania’s 360 horsepower K360 EB4x2

chassis, each vehicle is equipped with 36 luxury reclining seats with seat-back tables, a rear floor-mounted washroom and servery unit, two fridges, a DVD player with two monitors, a satellite navigation system and a reversing camera. Their external appearance is augmented by Durabright aluminium wheels. Neil Pegg, MD of City

Circle, said: “The vehicles’ specification is superb and they certainly have the ‘wow factor’. This is a great testimony to the efforts of everyone at Scania and Irizar. To take a design idea in late October and to turn it into a finished vehicle of this quality by April of this year is certainly some achievement. It demonstrates the ability and willingness

of both Scania and Irizar to meet a customer’s specific requirements head on. “Everyone who has seen the vehicles to date has been impressed and I feel sure this reaction will be repeated many times over by the clients who travel on them. I look forward to many miles of trouble free service in the years to come and feel sure the peace of mind I have gained during the purchase process will be replicated over this time as well.” FACT FILE

Chassis/body Scania K360 EB4x2 / Irizar i6 Engine Scania 360BHP Transmission Scania 8 speed opticruise (fully automated) Seats 36 Spec Touring Supplied by

Scania 01909 500822 www.scania.co.uk

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Deliveries2.indd 35

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insight › michelin ballymena

Michelin’s CV tyre plant in Ballymena Martin Cole visits Michelin’s CV tyre manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland for an insight into the complexity of tyre construction

ention the name Ballymena to most people in the industry and they would almost without exception think of Wrightbus. As prominent as the Wrightbus organisation is, it is only one of a handful of major employers in the area which include a major chicken processing plant, a tobacco factory and Michelin’s CV tyre production facility which serves UK, European, North & South American and Asian markets. Established in 1969, the plant has become a highly productive unit. It underwent significant expansion throughout the 1990s to double its output and now employs around 950 personnel. Last year it celebrated the production of its 30 millionth tyre. Depending on demand, production levels can be adjusted to avoid creating too much stock product – which incurs unwanted storage and handling charges in addition to being a capital financial burden. Flexible production levels have been the key to successful operation in Ballymena – when demand is low, open days are reduced – when the market demand is high open days are increased and if required the facility can run for 357 days of the year. This flexibility is made possible by variable contracts agreed with its workforce, allowing the factory to control its costs even when running at reduced levels of production. Maximum output at the www.coachandbusweek.com

Michelin.indd 36

plant is claimed to be 4,000 tyres per day. In terms of global output, Ballymena is a small but significant cog in a very large wheel. Michelin has a total of 69 production plants based in 18 countries around the world. It has three Technology Centres – one each in Europe, North America and Asia – where testing and development work is carried out to meet the requirements of specific regions and their local markets. The company also owns three rubber plantations. Overall the company produces 177 million tyres per year for a diverse range of markets from bicycles to earth moving equipment. The total number of employees worldwide is 113,000.

meeting demands

Michelin claims to be the largest manufacturer in the UK and alongside its tyres it also produces around 16 million maps and guides every year. Its key contenders are Bridgestone and Goodyear Dunlop – all three command a huge share of the market but are coming under increasing pressure from rising numbers of smaller producers. Michelin says there are now over 300 contenders in the passenger car market with much of this growth down to container-based imports. While production at Ballymena centres on CV tyre production for trucks, buses, coaches and light vans it also makes rubber compound materials for supply to other production plants.

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1: Wound steel forms the strong, flexible tringle. 2: Tringles are produced by a sole robot. 3: Extruded strip is wound with fabric to prevent sticking

3 The ‘coach specific’ Michelin X Coach tyre is manufactured in Ballymena

Michelin.indd 37

These compounds are a vital part of the process as their composition determines much of the performance factor from the finished product. It can have a significant effect right across the spectrum from low rolling resistance to good wet grip capability. A great deal of skill and expertise goes into developing compounds to suit specific areas of operation and once a compound has been approved and benchmarked for a particular application it is essential the mix is then kept perfectly consistent. This enables bulk production tyres, wherever they are made, to deliver identical performance in service. Ballymena’s high output comes at a cost – high energy requirement. Last year’s gas bill was £2.1m and the electricity bill was a massive £8m. At the time of my visit, at the end of February, the company had installed two massive wind turbines on the 120 acre site - although they were not yet commissioned and it was expected they would begin operating within a few days.

It is planned they will make a substantial contribution towards reducing overheads while making the business more sustainable and reducing its environmental impact. The plant also strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. It meets ISO 14001 and sends zero waste to landfill. All waste rubber and metal is sold, solvent emission has been minimised, thermal oxidation is used to eliminate the odour of rubber processing and the waste water is monitored daily for any impurities. Everyday there are 27 different dimensions of tyre being produced. Over a month the number of dimensions totals around 35 to ensure a small stock level capability is maintained for the least popular of the common sizes. Over the course of a year the final number of different dimensions produced is 50. Some 80% of the total output is for the traditional markets of UK, Europe and North America, with the remainder going to emerging markets.

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insight › michelin ballymena

1: Rubber compound rolled into thin, wide sheet. 2: Forming tread pattern via extrusion. 3: One of the principle extrusion machines producing rubber strip. 4: The start of the assembly process where the various layers, summit fabrics tread section and tringles are positioned around a drum

3 Modern tyres are very complex in their make up and design. Over 200 different materials are employed in the process. Around 30 are semifinished which need some work done to them before they enter the production cycle. Michelin’s Quality Assurance Manager, Dave Clegg, emphasised: “A pneumatic tyre is a safety component. It must be made right to ensure customers are not at any risk.” The tread component requires its own specific compound in addition to a very complex design which may include tread depth indicators to clearly show when the tyre needs regrooving, sipes to help disperse and clear water from a wet surface and stone ejectors (on/off highway). Tread patterns vary considerably depending on the application, weight capacity and operating speed and whether they are intended for steer or drive axle fitment. Tread patterns and their compounds also have a significant effect on the amount of heat generated, the amount of noise

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Michelin.indd 38

4 produced and on the rolling resistance. Beneath the tread section are layers of summit fabrics, thin layers containing criss-crossed diagonal steel wire reinforcement. They are built up with each layer running its pattern in a different direction to create a criss-cross latticework which provides support for the tread section and helps keep it in contact with the road. Steel cords run right across the carcase section to provide support for the load carried by the tyre and are protected by the sidewall. The bead incorporates a flexible steel ring, which is formed by coiling steel wire. It provides stout reinforcement of the bead while allowing a high degree of flexibility. Its job is to ensure the bead retains contact with rim at all times – withstanding cornering forces, emergency braking or shock impacts. A butyl layer is added to the carcase to ensure air retention. David Clegg outlined some of the development which had gone into creating the latest 295/80 R22.5 X Multiway 3D. He said

many different rubber compounds and tread patterns had been experimented with in a bid to improve on the popular XZE2+. Michelin had identified a 10mm wider tread pattern could reduce noise, reduce rolling resistance and have a positive effect on fuel efficiency, braking and durability.

new requirements

The company completed a pre-study in 2011 and began to determine if it was possible to produce the proposed new design without the wider tread making the tyre susceptible to “weave” which can result in uneven wear on long distance, high mileage tyres. He said: “We needed to get the process dispersion reduced to make sure the mileage capability of the new tyre surpassed its predecessor. This involved a process of examining each stage of production and carrying out modifications to processes– including tread thickness control, bead packaging thickness regulation and carcase assembly methods, amending

procedures, tightening adherence to specifications and close quality control. After a lot of testing all the difficulties were ironed out and resulted in tyres being ready for the UK commercial launch last September.” A tour of the production area revealed a mass of different processes from the automated machines to form the steel wire for the bead ring, high-tech robotic assembly, rubber extruders, automated metallic fabric cutters, semi-automatic CNC assembly machines and the automated presses containing the moulds where the finished items are bonded under heat and pressure while also forming the tread pattern. Raw rubber compound material of the correct formulation is mixed and formed into rolls of a thick, course consistency. The appropriate material is selected for its particular application and transferred to machinery which feeds the roll into a large screw which compresses and cuts it into small sections. This process creates a lot of heat which

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5 & 6: Once the assembled layers are blown up into a tyre shape they are almost ready to enter the press. 7: Completed tyre ready for removal from the press. 8: Rubber bladder inflates the tyre in the press and forces the tread into the mould to cut the tread pattern. 9: Finished casings await inspection

8 makes the chunks soft, pliant and tacky. They progress to another machine where the material is extruded through a die into the required profile. Again this process causes a significant build up heat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sufficient to allow the material to become malleable enough for form a consistent and homogenous sheet as it passes through the die. Throughout the production process the materials retain their plasticity and only the final curing process alters it to an elastic state. The extruded material is laserscanned to ensure it complies with correct thickness specifications and is then laid onto an aluminium backing, passed through a water bath for cooling, before being wound into a reel. The aluminium backing allows the material to be transported, without damage or disturbance. Depending on the purpose of each rolled up profile; it could move on to be combined with wire cords to create either the carcase or the layers of summit fabrics applied before the tread material is attached to the crown.

Michelin.indd 39

9 While many of processes are highly automated they still require a great deal of manual input and in most cases more than just supervision. Many staff display adept skills in assembling and positioning the various layers - which may seem relatively easy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but no doubt have been honed over the years.

creating a tyre

The key point in production is the assembly workshop where all the materials come together and the tyre is created. In the first stage, products and are laid onto a large cylindrical drum. Each layer is positioned by the CNC machinery and is joined by hand. The steel bead rings are introduced and the bead material folded around them. Once the carcase is complete, it passes to a second machine where it is inflated and the sides pushed in towards each other to form a basic tyre shape. Summit reinforcing fabrics and tread materials are then added to complete the assembly process. The assembled form is

then ready to go to the mould for curing. Tyres placed in the moulds are inflated by a large rubber bladder which expands and forces the material firmly against the walls of the mould which cut the actual tread pattern into the tread block. Each tyre cooks in the mould for 45 minutes and once it has been removed it is allowed to cool naturally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is a necessary part of the curing process. Finished tyres are then visually inspected and examples from each batch are subjected to detailed scrutiny on a variety of high tech non-destructive testing machines, which ensures no air bubbles have formed between the layers and there are no other signs of imperfection. As with most modern manufacturing procedures the tyre and all its components are identified by bar codes throughout the process. This information not only identifies the product and where it comes from, but enables detailed monitoring and analysis allowing process variation to be

detected and corrected before product quality is compromised. When the finished casings have been inspected and approved they are stacked ready for transfer into short-term storage or directly into containers ready for shipment. Seeing exactly what goes into making new CV tyres certainly makes one aware how complex they are. A great deal of research and expertise has gone into developing construction methods which turn out consistent quality and performance. Market demand, competition and, importantly, growing legislative pressure for lower rolling resistance and lower noise generation with no loss in performance have been key issues. Addressing these may not result in major change in production methods but it does place significant demand on the technical abilities of the research and development teams who are continually finding ways to balance improved performance with acceptable wear characteristics in a commercially viable package.

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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.

Driver receives award from Devonport charity The award recognises customer care given to people with learning disabilities in Cornwall First Plymouth driver Gino Contrino was recently given an award for his customer care for people with learning disabilities by charity People First Quality Checkers, based in Devonport Guildhall. The Above and Beyond award recognises the work he has done to make a positive difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities in Cornwall. The project is part of the charity Cornwall People First and monitors the quality of services which people with learning difficulties receive. Gino, who has worked for First for 26 years, was surprised by his colleagues and representatives from the charity with a certificate, gift and an invitation to a formal awards ceremony in July. Gino said: “I felt very honoured and touched to have won this award because there are a lot of great drivers here in Camborne. “I love my job and enjoy getting to know all of my regular passengers, sharing a joke and a

laugh — just being friendly really. For some of our more vulnerable passengers I know what a difference a smile and a chat can make, so I do what I can, when I can. I’m proud to have won one of their first awards and I hope that it will continue to inspire more people throughout Cornwall and the South West to achieve higher standards of customer care for those with learning disabilities.” Robbie Lamerton, First Devon

and Cornwall’s General Manager, said: “We often get compliments from customers about times when drivers have gone over and above the call of duty, but this is not the first time Gino has been recognised for his great customer service. It’s brilliant to have his great attitude and nature recognised again in this way, raising awareness of the extra consideration that people with learning disabilities sometimes require.”

L-R: People First’s Darren McVie, Cornwall People First trustee Nicky Haydney, Gino Contrino, PF’s David Macmillan and First’s Nick Semmens

Operations Manager Gary Rose (left) presents Mike Caldicott gift vouchers with some of the Ringwood Depot team.

A fond farewell to Ringwood bus driver Retiring Wilts & Dorset driver Mike Caldicott has been congratulated for a long career by both company and passengers. Mike joined the firm as a driver in 1978 after two years driving experience with operator Midland Red. Now retiring at the age of 69, Mike has driven his last bus from the Ringwood depot after 35 years behind the wheel.

Ex-Maytree drivers move to other firms Some 33 drivers laid off following the collapse of Maytree Travel have been rehired by fellow operators. The Bolton-based firm ceased trading suddenly on April 4 following crippling insurance renewals, affecting dozens of services across Bolton and Wigan (CBW1082). The move resulted in 80 drivers being laid off and 40 routes immediately axed. TfGM was left trying to find other firms to take on the routes, which have now all been filled in Bolton. Stagecoach has taken on 18 drivers, First has taken on nine drivers and South Lancs Travel has hired six. A Stagecoach spokesman told The Bolton News: “TfGM carried out a tender exercise for 30 contracts previously operated by Maytree Travel. “We have been awarded 14 contracts, which cover a range of services in the Bolton, Salford, Leigh and Bury areas. “We have been able to step in and provide jobs for 18 former Maytree Travel drivers, who are all based at our depot in Bryn, Wigan. “Most of the contracts are for an initial three-month period and will then be subject to a further review.” Mike said he will miss the camaraderie of his fellow drivers and many of the regular passengers. At a buffet attended by many of his former colleagues and current drivers, Mike said he was touched by a surprise thank you given by the Head Teacher of St Peters School on his last school bus run. “It was a complete surprise,” said Mike. “I was given a special farewell card designed and signed by the pupils as well as individual gifts from the pupils.” Mike plans to continue as Chairman of the Wessex Transport Society, which has grown to a membership exceeding 250 since its launch in 1983.

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" E W F S U J T F P O U I F T F Q B H F T B M M Z F B S G S P N K V T U c D B M M Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale 7HO

All Vehicles Direct Fleet Many With COIFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, PSVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Wheelchair

Access Lifts

& Ramps

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

1998 Tri-axle Scania Irizar

2001 Mercedes Autobus Nouvelle II

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

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

Martins of Tysoe 01295 680642

2003 ADL Enviro 300

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

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

2004 Ford Transit

2002 ADL ALX200 Dennis Dart

Wheelchair accessible, MOT July, 7 seats + 1 wheelchair, airbag, 51,000 miles, FSH, SLD, 1 previous owner, Ricon step through lift.

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.

ÂŁ6,450 + VAT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PX considered

POA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; choice of 3

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Crystals Coaches Ltd 020 8960 8800/07971 000111

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS

2005 MAN Noge

1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma

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

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

49 seats with retractable belts, monitor, DVD, radio, cassette, taxed and tested, has air-con but needs re-gas + belts, needs t.l.c. but good motor.

ÂŁ10,000+VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

ÂŁ65,000+VAT - P/X considered

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

ÂŁ15,500 + VAT ono

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

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

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" E W F S U J T F B T J O H M F W F I J D M F G P S B T M J U U M F B T c D B M M

08 Plate Scania K340 Irizar Century

09 Plate Volvo B9R Plaxton Panther

Enquiries to John Kerr 00353879898470 or johnny@matthews.ie office hours please

Scania fitted brand new engine Dec 12 only 40,000km, COIF, 53 seats, ZF auto, Euro4, no Adblue, LEZ compliant, A/C, DVD, mic x2, monitor, tyres 60% ÂŁ110,000 ONO

2003 Volvo Jonckheere B12M Mistral 50

53 passenger seats, 12 months MOT, 527,071kms, interior & exterior in excellent condition, vigorously maintained (records available).

ÂŁ49,950 + VAT ono Star Coaches Limited Martin 07831 265804 Adam 0121 350 5555

2007 IVECO DAILY 50C14 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS

Automatic Steptronic gearbox, 16 seats, front entry, tachograph, COIF/PSV, 3000cc Euro4 turbo diesel, 61,000 miles, air conditioning, Access underfloor wheelchair lift, electric drivers window, certificate of initial fitness, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ15495 + VAT

2005 MERCEDES VARIO 814 WHEELCHAIR ACCESS MINIBUS

1999 Mercedes Benz 814D Plaxton

4300cc turbo diesel engine, automatic gearbox, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness states 32 passenger seats or 10 wheelchairs and 2 seated, Plaxton Beaver 2, there are 17 seats at present but can be made up to 33, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 10 wheelchairs, ex-council, 118,000kms/73,000 miles, finished in silver, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ22495 + VAT

27 coach seats with 3 point belts, perfect for school bus and private hire, tested April 2014, choice of two â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one manual and one auto.

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

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

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

2008 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 515

Iveco 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus

16 seat mini-coach, Onyx conversion, manual gearbox, full spec with racks, lights, blowers, panoramic windows, skirts, wheel trims and large boot, digital tacho, test March 2014, excellent throughout.

ÂŁ28,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

COIF, 57 seats, I shift gearbox, Euro4 LEZ compliant, A/C, CD, DVD, mic x 2, monitor, wide door for retrofitting disabled access in the future, tyres 60%, 3 point belts, walnut dash. Choice of five available. ÂŁ110,000 ONO

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

ÂŁ7,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

1999 Mercedes Benz 814D Plaxton

31 coach seats with 3 point belts, excellent condition throughout, perfect for school and private hire.

ÂŁ9,450 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

1999 Volvo B10M Jonckheere

48 reclining seats with retractable belts, monitor, DVD, radio + cassette, rear toilet with rear door, fully sprayed and new stretch panels fitted, good coach, just been to Spain, lovely driver.

ÂŁ20,000 + VAT ono

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

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.

ÂŁ16,500

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

2006 (56) Ford Transit 17 seat minibus

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

2.4 diesel, one owner, 40,000 miles.

ÂŁ9,995 + VAT

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

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

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" E W F S U J T F P O U I F T F Q B H F T B M M Z F B S G S P N K V T U c D B M M 2000 SCANIA T9

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.

ÂŁ24,750

Contact Eric on 07921 389720

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer

2006 Optare Solo M850

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.

PSV March 2014, taxed December 2013, DDA compliant, 27 seats + 12 standees.

ÂŁ90,000 + VAT

ÂŁ35,000 + VAT ono

For more information please call 01291 625449

Please call Jamie 01730 267543 or 07956 029344

2009 Mercedes Tourino

2010 Temsa Avenue

2008 MAN Auto Ayat

42-48 seats, 60,667 miles.

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...

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

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.

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

ÂŁ99,500

POA

ÂŁ89,000+VAT - P/X considered

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

2007 Setra S415HD

VOLVO B12B

2007 Setra 415GTHD Comfort Class

2003 Futura

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

375,604 miles, PSV 25/4/13, taxed 31/3/13, full service history.

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.

POA

ÂŁ120,000

ÂŁ109,500

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Contact William on 07733 914050

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

2004 Ford Transit T300

1998 Volvo B10M Jonckheere Mistral

2005 Daf VanHool

MWB hi-roof, wheelchair accessible, MOT July, SLD, 93,000 miles, FSH, Ricon step through lift, full soft trim, tracking, air-con, very tidy throughout.

ÂŁ5,450 + VAT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PX considered

Crystals Coaches Ltd 020 8960 8800/07971 000111

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.

ÂŁ35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

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.

ÂŁ85,000

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

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

2002 Mercedes Vario 614

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

ÂŁ6,995

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

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

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" E W F S U J T F B T J O H M F W F I J D M F G P S B T M J U U M F B T c D B M M 2004 Volvo B12M VanHool T9 Exec

2002 Futura

2011 Enviro 200 Service Bus

Volvo Olympian open top bus

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)

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

39 seats, choice of 13, but only one for sale! Low miles and clean, only used on P&R. One yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ADL warranty, new MOT, price inc. re-spray (2 colour).

Alexander Dennis body, P reg (1997), seats 75. Fitted with a PA system, new MOT on purchase. Choice of 5 vehicles.

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

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Bath Bus Company 01225 330444

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

1998 R REG OPTARE SOLO

2003 Dennis Trident 2 SLF Alex 400 10.5m

Nigel McCree - 01509 502695

2005 13m Bova Futura

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

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

ÂŁ94,900 ONO + VAT

Mercedes engine, Allison, 30 seats, new MOT.

ÂŁ84,500+VAT - P/X considered

ÂŁ58,000

POA

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Contact William on 07733 914050

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Dennis Dart Mini Plaxton Pointer 8.8m

2003 Mercedes Citaros

67 seats + 18 standees, Cummins Euro IV/ZF, conversion to single door available, very clean. ÂŁ25,000 + VAT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

<RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO

ÂŁ5,750

38 + 34 standees, LEZ complaint, full DDA, dual door, Hanover LEDs, CCTV, in good condition, very low mileage (240,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 260,000 km), 1 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MOT. Choice of 6 (5 x 53 plate and 1 x 03 plate). ÂŁ45,000 each + VAT

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

yourbus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01773 714013

2006 Mercedes Benz 814 Vario

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

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

24 seats + courier, 3 point belts, luggage racks, reading lights, blown air, private plate, full skirts, wheel trims, very low mileage, test October 2013, stunning condition.

ÂŁ32,495 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

49 seat with retractable belts, low mileage, seat back tables, footrests, centre toilet, power door, air con, webasto, cool box and boiler 2 x monitors and DVD, radio cassette, LEZ exhaust, great drive.

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

ÂŁ53,500 + VAT ono

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

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

1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.

1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.

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

2000 VOLVO B7TL’S

1986 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN TRI-AXLE

80 seats, Voith gearboxes, Euro 2 engines with traps, or full Euro 3 with traps, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA with 78 seats.

Gardner engine, Voith gearbox, 100 seats with seatbelts.

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

2002 DENNIS DARTS

SWB, CCTV, particulate traps so LEZ compliant, Plaxton President bodies, dual door 62 seats or single door 71 seats.

Euro 3 engines with traps, 8.8M long, Marshall bodies, 25 seats, DDA.

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

2002 52 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S DDA and LEZ, 70 seats, Euro 3, £24000 plus VAT.

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

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

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nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 1990 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN OPEN TOP

1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S

Cummins L10 / ZF, Alexander body, 78 seats.

1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 350, 53 seats.

2003 ENVIRO 300

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.

1997 P REG DART SLF

2003 Enviro 300, Euro 3 Cummins ISC engine, ZF auto, 12m , DDA, 44 seats.

Cummins / Allison, Plaxton Pointer body, 39 seats, long MOT.

2007 VOLVO B12BT’s

2002 02 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

Euro 4, Plaxton Panther bodies, 15m, 65 seats, toilet, DDA, front wheelchair lift, Hanover LED's all round.

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

51 and 02 plate, Cummins Euro 3 ISC engines, LEZ, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA, single door and 78 seats, or dual door 67 seats.

1997 VOLVO B10M

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.

2001Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S Euro 3 with traps, DDA, LWB, Plaxton bodies, 67 seats as 2 doors or 78 once converted to single door.

Automatic, Plaxton Premiere 320, brand new 70 seat conversion, new MOT.

- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £19,495 + VAT

OTHER MAKES

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

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES

(12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.2tdci 135ps, tacho, 2300 miles only, ex-demo in silver, COIF/PSV £20,695 (12) 2012 Ford Transit Tourneo 9 seat Trend 2.2 125 PS, air-con, Bluetooth, in Midnight Sky Blue, 2,608 miles £14,900 + VAT (11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995

LDV MINIBUSES

D L O S D L O S

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(08) 2008 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 2.2 diesel, wheelchair accessible minibus, 11 seats, tracking to take three wheelchairs, in board lift £13,995 + VAT

(57) 2008 Iveco 50c15 wheelchair accessible minibus, 17 seats or 4 seated + 5 wheelchairs, rear heating, underfloor tail lift, front entry drop step, COIF/PSV £15,495

(09) 2009 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed gearbox, tachograph, 65,000 km £12,995

(57) 2008 Iveco 50c15 wheelchair accessible minibus, 17 seats or 4 seated + 5 wheelchairs, rear heating, underfloor tail lift, front entry drop step, 90,000 km COIF/PSV £15,495

(07) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed, one owner, 64,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,950 + VAT

(07) 2007 LDV Maxus 13 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, under floor lift, space for two wheelchairs, electric side step £8,495

(56) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus, 2.4 diesel, one owner, 40,000 miles £9,995 +VAT

OTHER MAKES

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat w/chair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £24,750 + VAT

(56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat LWB minibus, 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point seat belts, 19,000 miles only £9,450

D SOL

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

(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat 140ps minibus, tachograph, 33000 km,FSH, COIF/PSV £15,250

D L O S

(55) 2005 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, with three point seat belts, tow bar, removable seats to rear, 77,000 miles £6,995

(

(06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995

(55) 2005 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, with three point seat belts, tow bar, removable seats to rear, 77,000 miles £6,995

Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £5,995

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

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

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

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

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

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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

697066-1087-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

09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM 35 2.5TD

07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA

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.

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.

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.

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.

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 T D

2008 57 REG M ERCEDES SPRINTER 311 2.2CDI

57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD

56 RENAULT MASTER M M33 2.5TD

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.

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 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.

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.

06 REG M ERCEDES SPRINT ER 411 CDI

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 2.4TDCI

59 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.45TD

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.

Auto gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power door, 16 rear high back seats (17 seats in total), AMF tracked flat floor, Eberspacher heater, full air con, PLS tail lift, COIF, 49,381 miles only.

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 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.

57 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0

10 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

57 REG CITROEN RELAY 2.5TD

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.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power door, 16 rear high back seats (17 seats in total), Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, Ratcliff tail lift, COIF, 63,371 miles, PSV tested till March 2014.

Manual 6 speed, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion side loading door, fold out side step, 8 high back seats, fully tracked Unwin floor, Ricon tail lift (extra long platform), Eberspacher heater, ex NHS, only 16,494 miles.

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.

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

57 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO MM33 2.5TD

60 REG FORD TRANSIT 330 2.4TDCI

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI

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.

6 speed manualgear box, MWB, high roof, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 9 seats plus driver plus 1 x wheelchair, heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 39,191 miles only.

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, 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.

57 REG FORD TRANSIT 100, 350 2.4TDCI

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

58 REG FORD TRANSIT TOURNEO CONNECT 1.8 HDI

NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50c17 IRIS BUS 3.0

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.

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 gearbox, CD, electric windows & mirrors, a/c, twin side loading doors, high back seat in rear, single passenger seat, cut out floor, lowering air suspension, fold down ramp, Gowerings conversion, only 8,600 miles.

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.

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696864-1087-Connaught

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Mini Coach Sales

BRAND NEW COACH BUILT MERCEDES 516 FERQUI SOROCO 16 high back leather trimmed reclining seats, courier seat, A/C, D/G, power door, large boot, DVD, silver metallic. AVAILABLE NOW.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI TORO 28/32 high back seats + courier, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

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

2011 MERCEDES 519 CDI SPRINTER X-CLUSIVE AUTO 16 high back full leather trimmed seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, power door, glass roof, large boot and DVD system.

2011 61 REG MERCEDES 513 CDI TRANSFER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, parking sensors, side entry with automatic step, luggage space.

2010 59 REG MERCEDES 515 CDI TRAVEL 45 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, DVD, power door & power step, coach rear, auto.

2008 08 REG MERCEDES 515 CDI SOROCO 19 high back seats, forced air, A/C, D/G, reading lights, power door and boot, in silver metallic.

2007 07 REG MERCEDES 515CDI SOROCO 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, boot, in silver metallic.

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

2003 03 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2001 51 REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, forced air, A/C, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2001 Y REG MERCEDES 814 VARIO OPTARE NOUVELLE 31/33 high back seats, forced air, reading lights, PA system, power door and boot.

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

697038-1086-Rotala

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14:07

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May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 15, 2013

TRAVELBILLITY 2005 Mellor 33 seats with boot, forced air, analogue tacho, 260,000kms, MOT 10/2013

2000 (X) 413 CDI Sprinter

Sprintronic g/box, COIF for 16 seats or 6 W/C, private plate, UVG Modular

2005 Plaxton Beaver 2006 Mellor 28 seats or 9 W/C, 29 seats, large boot, automative, climate air con, analogue control, 98,000kms, tacho, 287,000kms, MOT 09/2013 MOT 10/2013

2006 Mellor COIF for 20 seats, external tail lift, fully tracked flat floor

2005 (55) Fiat Ducato 2.0 diesel, 4 seats and 2 W/C, fully tracked floor, ramp

All prices + VAT FINANCE CAN BE ARRANGED

Please call 01934 515511 or email info@travelbillity.com Location 2 minutes from J21 M5

p57_CBW_1087

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May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

CHECKPOINTS

BUILDINGS The North West’s Premier Minibus Sales, supplying nationwide for over 40 years

98 DENNIS JAVELIN WADHAM STRINGER / CAETANO

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

BUS & COACH RENTALS

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

2000 W PLATE BOVA FUTURA FHD

The ABC of Rental Solutions

Under your control. For the time you need it. Bus and Coach

01274 681144

busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk

&KHFNSRLQW

'XVWLWH/5

Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers

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

LEZ BOXES FOR SALE 3 x used Eminox LEZ exhaust boxes, used for 6 months 2012. Cleaned/reconditioned. To fit a Bova Futura. With full fitting kit or can be fitted while you wait! £3,000 each + VAT

PARNHAMS COACHES LTD Contact Ray 07747 071071

FINANCE

Innovative funding solutions to fit every business. We specialise in raising funds for all types of companies from sole traders to PLCs.

PSV’d

57 highback coach seats + courier, lapbelts, DAF powered automatic transmission, all usual spec, 12 months PSV test, superb drive, very very clean, ready to work, this must give excellent value for money £25,000

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.

As a specialist business funder, Huxley Corporate Finance can provide your company with a wide range of finance facilities including the following:

• 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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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 15, 2013

PARTS

HEATING

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

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

www.thhs.co.uk

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

SIGNWRITING

The ABC of Parts Support Over 17,000 parts lines directly from stock. Next day delivery as standard. Bus and Coach

01274 681144

busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk

Sign Writing Services • School bus sign sets with suction cups – £15 + VAT • Vehicle livery design & supply – fitting by arrangement if required • Legal lettering & graphics supplied by post

Tel: 01884 290818 Mobile: 07583 334455 www.kjsupport.co.uk

PARTS

TRAINING

SEATING

BUCKINGHAM 3 & 2 • Ideal for 3 & 2 configurations

• Full UK coverage • Same day local delivery • Next day national delivery • Official Irizar part distributor • All manufacturer parts supplier • Fast, efficient & 24/7

Tel: 01909 511349 www.master-part.co.uk LIVERY

• 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

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May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

Driver CPC Periodic Training

TRAINING

THE DRIVER CPC IS HERE SAME DAY J.A.U.P.T. REGISTRATION SAME DAY C.P.C. CERTIFICATES DELIVERED AT YOUR OWN DEPOTS

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

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505 or visit www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

PCV DRIVER HIRE 0800-731-5007 CORPORATE DEALS AVAILABLE

MERIDIAN PCV DRIVER LTD Rising above all others

www.meridianpcv.com

7L PH L V PRQH\ 8SO RDG \ RXU Y H KL F O H DG L Q D PDW W H U RI PL QXW H V DQG L Q QR W L PH DW DO O W KH F DO O V F RXO G EH F RPL QJ L Q VEHICLE SPARES

TRIM

& West Coast Trim Ltd

• Interior & Exterior Refurbishment • Bodybuilding • Repairs • Conversions including Paramount • Reconditioning • Spray painting • Re-fitment

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

Extensive work to rear & side panel carried out by us

Our experienced and highly skilled teams create visually stunning vehicle refurbishments and conversions, engineered to the highest standards, call us to discuss your requirements.

0125 3 698686 www.blackpoolcoachservices.co.uk

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

www.twigley.com

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 15, 2013

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

Light-hearted Tweeting – London Midland Go-Ahead Group-owned London Midland’s Twitter account was the subject of some nice social media banter courtesy of a novelty account. After reporting delays caused by a broken down train, an account posing as Thomas the Tank Engine offered to ‘shunt it out of the way.’ Those at the helm of London Midland’s social media were all too happy to play along. It’s a great example of lighthearted engagement on social media which has the potential to go viral and generate more traffic and followers. Have you found any novelty Twitter accounts which have given you a chuckle? As our resident self-confessed IT enthusiast, James found one called @big_ben_clock which does nothing but kindly tell Twitter users the time in onomatopoeia, writing ‘BONG BONG BONG’ for three-o-clock and so on. It might sound silly but at last check it had over 420,000 followers. Other interesting and unusual Twitter accounts include: ■ @NotAPoliceman – an account taking the form of a poorly disguised police officer asking users to send in pictures of their stolen goods and drug factories; ■ @50ShedsofGrey – A Twitter parody of the bestselling erotic novel of dubious quality which transforms passages to instead talk about sheds; ■ @BPGlobalPR – An account which sprang up after the infamous

Dilbert

Monday: James here. Spend the Bank Holiday with the new lady in my life. We enjoy a walk around the picturesque Baston on the outskirts of Peterborough and a meal at an excellent pub in the village. Tuesday: Our press day sees us all leaving the office at 1730hrs again as production continues to move along gloriously. I’ve even been confident enough to make plans to visit my parents afterwards. Wednesday: After updating the CBW website, I interview ITSO CEO Lindsay Robertson in the afternoon. Before I know it I’ve been talking for over an hour. I have plenty of questions and Lindsay gives plenty of interesting insight in response, even when I ask the trickier ones.

Social media banter at work – London Midland’s PR is well trained... BP oil spill parodying BP’s public relations; ■ @SarcasticRover – The disgruntled thoughts of the Mars Curiosity Rover; and ■ @RealTimeWWII – A particularly interesting Twitter project which

retells the events of World War Two in real time exactly 72 years after they happened. Follow London Midland on Twitter at https://twitter. com/LondonMidland/

Thursday: Forge on with features for issues ahead while preparing for an interview on Friday. My evening is spent keeping up with the eSports community where my passion lies. A bombshell is dropped when perhaps the community’s biggest figure is dropped from his team after controversial comments. While it shows those who promote themselves in such ways still have lines they can’t cross, the player’s point is proven somewhat when more fans tune into the drama than a tournament broadcasted at the same time. Apparently TV is not the only medium where drama is in more demand than talent. Friday: Travel to Walsall to visit Pete Thompson at Lloyd Morgan Group. It’s a firm which seems to have enjoyed tremendous success over recent years and the interview was very enjoyable indeed. With my iPod broken, I’m more used to Radio One in the car. I enjoy Scott Mills getting listeners to call mystery contacts on their phones like ‘Fish Pie Sue’ and ‘Scouse Taco Man’ to try and work out who on earth they are as I return.

www.coachandbusweek.com

LastStop.indd 60

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RECRUITMENT & people

May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

In association with

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm Contact Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

New marketing appointment for Volvo Bus in UK & Ireland Volvo Bus UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Pam Matthews as Marketing Manager, succeeding Don Johnston, who retired at the end of April. Pam takes up her new role effective immediately, with further marketing support provided by Andrew Morris. Pam Matthews has an experienced background having been with the Volvo Group for 11 and a half years. She joined the company as PA to the Used Truck Director in September 2001 and following a VFS reorganisation in

Pam Matthews

Giti appoints Scottish ASM Giti Tire (UK) has appointed Craig Tominey as Area Sales Manager (ASM) Scotland as the company continues to add staff to increase commercial tyre sales of GT Radial branded products. Tominey joins from BSUK Limited where he was ASM from 2006, before which he spent five years selling commercial vehicles for Arnold Clark. Tony McHugh, Sales and Marketing Director at Giti Tire UK, manufacturer of GT Radial, said: “Craig’s employment emphasises

February 2002, moved with the department into Volvo Trucks. Volvo Bus MD Nick Page said: “As a key member of our existing marketing team, Pam has been actively involved in supporting the marketing strategy and public relations initiatives for the company over the last number of years.” He added: “This appointment allows us to maintain the fantastic momentum we have built up in recent years with marketing innovations, such as the launch of our apps, social media initiatives and Augmented Reality. Pam is ideally placed to continue to drive us forward and lead the next phase of the development.” Pam Matthews said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to play a leading role in the development of the Volvo Bus UK & Ireland marketing strategy. We have implemented some really exciting initiatives in the last couple of years I am committed to ensuring Volvo continues to be considered as the leading innovator in the market.”

Network & Schedules Manager London, £35-40k

HCT Group is an award-winning social enterprise in the transport industry, operating from depots in London, West Yorkshire, Humberside, Bristol and the Channel Islands. We deliver a range of high quality transport services – from London red buses to social services transport, from school transport to Park and Ride, from community transport to education and training. We reinvest the surplus from our commercial work back into further transport services or high-impact projects in the communities we serve. We are seeking to recruit a Network and Schedules Manager to construct, analyse, and improve our Networks and schedules for greater quality and efficiency and ensure that HCT Group’s services are scheduled in a safe, punctual, reliable and cost effective manner. Reporting to the Strategic Development Manager, the postholder will work directly with the operations team, management, and the Performance Director. The postholder will also oversee the seasonal changes and network development in a variety of challenging and rewarding contexts including the networks in Jersey, Guernsey and our red bus operation in London amongst others. The post will also be involved in the development of tenders and business opportunities for growth and retention.

Craig Tominey the clear commitment of the company to continue to grow our market share in the UK, his market knowledge is exceptional and he is a very welcome addition to the sales team.”

For more vacancies visit www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs

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The successful candidate will have a proven track record in the construction, vetting, and analysis of schedules and networks; significant experience working within the Omni suite (OmniTimes, Base, Crew plan, Map, Stop, Rota, Das) or similar systems; and strong financial understanding with the ability to develop and demonstrate the cost benefit of different network proposals. For the full job description and person specification job description, please visit www.hctgroup.org/jobs. No agencies please. To apply for this role, please email Patrick Reyburn at patrickreyburn@hctgroup.org, with a covering letter and your CV. Closing date for applications is 5pm, June 7th 2013.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT & people FLEET MAINTENANCE MANAGER As a multi award winning family run company, established for over 100 years, we are seeking a Fleet Maintenance Manager to manage our highly skilled and motivated workshop team based in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire. Reporting to the Directors you will have a proven track record in the PCV Industry/fleet management and an indepth knowledge of preventative maintenance procedures, VOSA requirements and Health & Safety Legislation. You will possess effective communication skills, strong leadership qualities and demonstrate a ‘can do’ attitude. Attention to detail, work allocation and budget management are also key skills for success in this role. A competitive package is available for the right candidate. To see the full job description visit our website – www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk To apply please send your CV and covering letter to Mr Peter Johnson at Liveridge House, Liveridge Hill, Henley-inArden, Warwickshire, B95 5QS. Or apply by email to stephs@johnsonscoaches.co.uk. Closing date is 24th May, 2013

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21ST Century expands international sales team 21st Century has made two new appointments to strengthen its growing international sales and marketing team. Kai Elter joins as International Business Development Manager covering German speaking territories. Jan Kloub takes on the role of International Sales Support, providing office and on-site project support. Both Kai and Jan have strong commercial backgrounds in international sales development. Mark Johnson, Technical Sales Director for 21st Century Technology Solutions, said: “These two new appointments will strengthen our international team and allow us to continue our expansion into European markets by developing new partner relationships with customers and distributors.”

Kai Elter (top) and Jan Kloub (above)

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May 15, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

In association with

NCT supports charity cycle ride

Ex-Bookie beats the odds

Nottingham City Transport has donated £3,375 to Clifton All Whites Football Club to cover the costs of its 50th anniversary charity cycle ride from Paris to Nottingham to raise funds for the club’s floodlight appeal. The donation has covered the costs of the ride, including hotels, insurance, support vehicle and ferry crossings, which would otherwise have had to be paid for by the club, and might have jeopardised the whole event. “It’s great news that Nottingham City Transport have continued to show their support for the club,” said Martyn Cheatle, Clifton All Whites’ Manager. “It’s not just Clifton All Whites that will benefit from this event, but a number of other charities that we are a riding

Former bookmaker turned bus driver Keith Crofts has won NCT’s latest Seasonal Driver Award. To qualify for NCT’s Seasonal Driver Award, drivers need to have 12 months service, 100% attendance, no live disciplinary awards or blameworthy accidents and a clean driving licence. They are then assessed by a ‘mystery traveller’ who marks them on customer service on the road, driving standards and knowledge of their route. Keith, who joined NCT in 2004, scored an impressive 91%. NCT Garage Manager Mick Stevenson said: “Keith has driven on the Carlton Road and Bakersfield routes since 2006 and winning the award is a great achievement.” NCT’s Driver of the Year award,is announced in January 2014.

With the cheque from L to R: Keith Elliott, President of the Club and Founder member; Anthony Carver-Smith NCT Marketing Manager; Jamie Brodie, Committee Member, ex player and Manager. for, and without this funding I don’t think this ride would take place.” Nottingham City Transport Marketing Manager, Anthony Carver-Smith said: “NCT has sponsored the Clifton All Whites team for a couple of years now as we recognise the important role they play in the community. It’s

Leisure Furnishings Business Development Manager East Midlands-based soft furnishings manufacturer Leisure Furnishings has appointed Peter Triffitt as its New Business Development Manager. “I am very pleased to be working for a UK-based manufacturer, providing bespoke quality products together with realistic lead times and a customer support service to be proud of,” Peter said. John Whelpton, Commercial Manager, said: “We are a large

manufacturer of soft furnishings and are looking to expand in other market sectors, including bus and coach. At present we mainly supply soft furnishings directly to most UKbased manufacturers of caravan, holiday home and motor-homes as well as direct to some contract markets.” Call Leisure Furnishings on 0115 946 3666 or visit www.leisure-furnishings.co.uk

fantastic to see the club raising funds in such an inspiring way as this amazing cycle ride, and we were happy play a part in ensuring it goes ahead.” NCT will be presenting a special 50th anniversary year bus to the Clifton All Whites in July to mark its birthday.

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