Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1092

Wednesday June 19, 2013 Issue 1092 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

1,000th Ormaiztegimanufactured Irizar i6 delivered p8

HERITAGE:

Sun brings out crowds at Barry Festival of Transport p16

Inside this week...

Minibus

BUS:

Newport Transport launches two new ADL Enviro 200s p7

BEN WEAVER:

Dealer update from the Shef�ield-based minibus specialist p36

Young Bus Managers: learning best practice in Bristol p18 Cover (2).indd 1

17/06/2013 16:06

681629-1092-Quartix

12/6/13

18:22

Page 1

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3

this week

Coach & Bus Week, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard 01733 293240 Fax 0845 280 2927 Web www.coachandbusweek.com Distributed by COMAG

EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Deputy Editor Andrew Cream 01733 293482 andrew.cream@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter Alex Tyler 01733 293240 alex.tyler@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Ray Wilkes, Jonathan Bray, Richard Charnley, Alan Payling

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Market Advertising Manager Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Executive Brian Winterton 01733 293488 brian.winterton@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS & circulation Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Samantha Noble 01733 293480 samantha.noble@coachandbusweek.com Subscriptions Executive Lorraine Jackson 01733 293483 lorraine.jackson@coachandbusweek.com Annual subscription rate for 51 issues: UK £85, Europe/Eire £140, USA and RoW £295 ONLINE £44.95

www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2013 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

Edwards Coaches & TfL to star on the telly...

I

n the not too distant past I’ve written about how our industry could (hopefully) benefit from some TV coverage of the fly on the wall variety. Of course, it can take guts to be brave enough to open your doors to the prying eyes of a TV crew, who will shoot hours of footage and only use selected bits, which you don’t necessarily have editorial control over. That said, look at what Channel 5 has done for Eddie Stobbart. To the public, the firm has been portrayed as wonderful business, with highlymotivated staff but some of us know life’s not like that.

In my opinion, the series has now fallen into the ‘too much of a good thing’ category, so I no longer watch it.

Anyway, I digress... Edwards Coaches is to be subject of Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience show on BBC1 Wales on Wednesday June 26. The TV personality and comedian recently guided a group of 30 Edwards passengers around Antwerp and Bruges onboard a Neoplan Starliner. I admit to being a fan of Rhod – I’ve always enjoyed his comedy sessions on the ‘Live at the Apollo’ TV shows. I’ve also liked his Work Experience series – it’s suitably lighthearted.

Well-known Edwards driver Glyn Bowden, said of his able assistant:

“I have to take my hat off to Rhod. There were a few hiccups, but for his first attempt it went pretty smoothly. The passengers really warmed to him, he had done his homework and was willing to learn. He has certainly done us proud!”

As far as I am aware, it’s not on the national network, so those of us living east of Offa’s Dyke have to watch it on the internet by Googling ‘bbc iplayer rhod gilbert work experience 2013’.

On a bus note, TfL has let the cameras in again for another behind-the-scenes BBC documentary series, following last year’s ‘The Tube’. Entitled ‘Route Masters – Running London’s Roads’ it will give viewers an idea of how the authority keeps the capital’s roads and streets flowing. Each of the six episodes will focus on a different aspect of TfL’s surface transport network, including buses, traffic control and bus control.

By the time many of you read this, the first part will have been aired (at 2100hrs on Tuesday June 18) – but again, good old iPlayer can come to the rescue. Of course, it will doubtless be aired umpteen thousands of times when it gets repeated...

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

20

36

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

12

Speakers & field trip report from the Young Bus Managers Network

30

Sheffield-based Ben Weaver is now concentrating on selling minibuses

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

16

What’s happening in the sector.

Plus Comment column

32

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

Record-breaking Barry Festival of Transport & North East update

Robinsons of Kimbolton’s new EVM Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Regional News Heritage News

Conference Report Minibus News

The Big Picture

Dealer Update

67

Last Stop

69

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

£60

wts.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

Contents.indd 3

17/06/2013 15:33

4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

news

“You can end up burning £9,000 extra worth of fuel for the sake of a £25 part – because it was decided to save on the materials budget...”

John Bickerton First UK Bus

briefly The DSA is looking for feedback on two proposals to widen the scope of DCPC exemptions. These would exempt vehicles attending VOSA test centre (including ATFs) and exempt drivers of vehicles being driven with the permission of the vehicle operator or lessor and where the following four extra conditions are also met: within 50km of the driver’s base; no goods or passengers are carried; the vehicle is not being used for ‘hire or reward’; and driving such vehicles is not the driver’s main activity. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/qxrne5y .

The driver of a minibus carrying a hen party which was involved in a fatal collision on the M62 has been arrested. An 18year old female died and a dozen people, including the driver, were injured in the crash with a lorry in West Yorkshire on April 26. Police confirmed a 62-year-old man from Bradford had been arrested last week on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed while inquiries continue. The lorry driver was previously arrested on suspicion of the same offence and remains on police bail.

EYMS is relocating its Scarborough & District Travel Centre this week from Westborough to the town’s railway station.

Opening hours will be 09301300hrs and 1330-1630, Monday to Saturday. Bookings will continue to be taken for East Yorkshire Coaches, National Holidays and National Express, in addition to EYMS bus tickets and passes.

However, PayPoint will no longer be available.

Liverpool-based Yellow Duckmarine said it is working with investigators after one of its amphibious buses sank, with 33 people having to swim to safety or be rescued. A “multi-agency investigation” led by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been launched into the sinking, the second in three months, which happened at around 1600hrs on June 15. A company spokesman said: “The MCA has confirmed that Yellow Duck’s active fleet meets all required safety standards.” www.coachandbusweek.com

News4,5.indd 4

YBMN p18

First and NX shares in the spotlight First shares suffer after poor financial results and rights issues, while confidence grows in National Express after Elliott Advisors sells stake Shares in FirstGroup and National Express have hit the headlines in the past week – in both good and perhaps not so good news.

From May 16 to June 14, FirstGroup’s share price has dropped from 222.8p to 91.35p as the firm attempts to complete its key £615m rights issue.

Approximately 723m new shares in FirstGroup were admitted to trading to the London Stock Exchange, in an attempt to cut its £2bn debt-load and keep its investment grade rating, The Telegraph reported. The decline was attributed to the controversial loss of the West Coast rail franchise, a sharp drop in profit and the value of the wider market falling, with a recent drop accounting for the fact the group is trading ex-rights.

However, Investec analyst John Lawson argued there may now

Despite the drop in shares, Investec upgraded its recommendation from ‘hold’ to ‘add’, meaning recovery could be on the horizon for FirstGroup

First London sale update First has announced that from June 22, 11 routes at its Dagenham Depot will be transferred to GoAhead and thence operated from its Rainham Depot.

Routes affected are 193, 368, 498 plus school routes 608, 646, 648, 652, 656, 667, 679 and 686.

Relevant single-deck buses will transfer from First to Go-Ahead but Go-Ahead would use their own buses on the double-deck contracts.

First retain four routes (165, 179, 252 and 365) at Dagenham although these will transfer to Stagecoach (who have their own

First said it will focus on the deregulated market, which offers ‘the greatest potential’ new buses on order) in September and October after which Dagenham depot is expected to close.

A FirstGroup spokesperson told CBW: “Recently we lost the contracts to operate a number

be a “good entry point” into the company’s stock, as he upgraded his recommendation on FirstGroup to ‘add’ from ‘hold’.

He said: “FirstGroup will shortly put its balance sheet issue to bed – for now – and, while the final outcome of the rights issue will not be known for another week, investors should at long last begin to focus on the recovery story.”

With the results of the rights issue due on Wednesday (June 26), next week is set to be key for whether investors or banks will pick up the stock – according to the Financial Times.

In a separate development, Elliott Advisors, an ‘aggressive’ US-based hedge fund, is selling its remaining 9.9% stake in National Express, ending a relationship which two years ago threatened to unseat the group’s board. The move comes just over three months after Elliott halved its holding in the operator after a failed attempt to insert three of its advisors to the group board (CBW1078). At the time, Elliott gave an undertaking not to sell any more NX Shares for 90 days.

The fund manager tasked UBS with selling the shares, which were worth around £104m at the closing price of 206.2p on June 11. Since that date, NX’s share price has jumped to 217.1p. of routes from Dagenham depot which end in September/October 2013. As a result we have been reviewing the viability of future operations from the depot and decided to close the depot in October.

“In the interim, we signed an agreement with Go-Ahead Group last month to transfer the remaining 11 TfL contracts to them with effect from June 22, including the transfer of staff, subject to TfL approval.

“While we have been a key operator in London for many years, our strategy is to focus on those areas of the country which offer the greatest potential; going forward this will be on the deregulated market outside of the capital.”

17/06/2013 16:07

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

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

ZF reaches 800,000th Intarder milestone ZF Friedrichshafen AG has celebrated the 800,000th transmission brake rolled off the production line at Friedrichshafen after launching production of the Intarder in 1992. Winfried Gründler, Head of the Truck and Van Driveline Technology business unit at ZF, said: “Our Intarder is such a success because commercial vehicles, and indeed rail vehicles, can decelerate safely without wear in any driving situation. This conserves the main brake and reduces maintenance costs for fleet owners.” Now, around one in three transmissions is equipped with the optional Intarder. “This number could soon increase, as we have already installed more than 100,000 units of the latest generation of our hydrodynamic transmission brake,” he added.

The ZF-Intarder offers a higher

Motoring penalties to rise

The latest ZF-Intarders are lighter, quieter and offer significantly higher braking torque than the previous model braking torque compared with the previous model. The power version achieves 4,000nm, while the Eco variant delivers 3,300nm – with a maximum braking power of 600kw and a response time of a maximum of one second. Since the Intarder is arranged on the transmission output, the braking effect is maintained even when changing gears. Another advantage is the lower weight, with both ratio variants weighing in at 65 kg.

A new electronic control unit simplifies integration into brake management and also provides a cruise control function. Both during fade-free continuous braking and individual adaptive braking, systems such as ABS and ESP remain active. The driver can control braking power and choose from a total of five steps.

The new Intarder also uses less oil, is around three decibels quieter and contributes to fuel savings.

transferred to Stagecoach as KTT shed its remaining commitment.

Kent Business reported that Gavin Grant, who founded the new firm in January, has been suspended pending further inquiries after sending an email to clients served by the existing operations in which he told them he would “remain” as

Operations Manager.

He said: “We are therefore happy to announce we can offer a continuity of service to all of our clients. As we move forward, we will ensure that not only do we provide continuity, but you will see an improvement in the services.”

A KCC spokesman said: “No part of KTT, its staff or vehicles will transfer to Grant nor will any of its contracts be given to him. Contracts have and will continue to be competed for on the open market.”

Kent County Council to abandon Kent Top Travel Kent County Council has confirmed it is pulling out of its bus and coach operation Kent Top Travel (KTT) following the actions of Operations Manager Gavin Grant who set up a successor company Kent Top Travel Ltd. As part of the move, the Canterbury P&R services have

Stephen Hammond MP has announced changes to the fixed penalty levels which will become effective from July 2013.

The changes are: A £30 non-endorsable fine will rise to £50; A £60 endorsable and nonendorsable fine will rise to £100; A £120 endorsable and nonendorsable fine will rise to £200; and A £200 endorsable and non-endorsable fine will rise to £300 The changes are being introduced following an extensive public consultation in 2012 with road safety groups and Police forces.

As well as affecting most motoring fixed penalties offences, graduated fixed penalties and financial deposits will also increase due to the changes, which includes offences like drivers’ hours and overloading.

Alastair Peoples, VOSA Chief Executive, said: “These new penalty levels are intended to ensure penalties reflect the seriousness of the offence and are consistent with those in other areas of offending.

“I know the majority of operators and drivers work within the law but those that don’t need to know there are increased financial consequences and they should reconsider if it’s worth the risk.”

More information can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ lnmphum

www.coachandbusweek.com

News4,5.indd 5

17/06/2013 16:08

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

84,981

news › BUSeS

The number of passengers carried by North Somerset Coaches in the year to April 2013

briefly Guernsey’s Environment Department has said the current state of the island’s finances mean it is unlikely it would invest more into bus services. A number of routes and services have reportedly had to be cancelled due to high staff turnover and illness.

A spokesman for the environment department said ending the contract with CT Plus early would leave Guernsey with the possibility of having no service at all. Fergus Dunlop from Guernsey’s Bus Users Group said passengers needed to have faith in the future of the service.

A new bus lane has been installed on Sheriffs Way in Nottingham to aid the passage of rail replacement buses and coaches during the engineering blockade at the station between July 20 and August 25. A ‘bus gate’ has also been created in Station Street from London Road.

The move was welcomed by Stagecoach-owned East Midlands Trains. “This bus-priority measures will be invaluable in helping the replacement bus services get people to where they need to be while work is being carried out and will help us to minimise disruption for passengers as much as possible,” a spokeswoman said.

A planning application has been submitted to turn Hanley’s derelict old bus station in Stoke-on-Trent’s into a temporary car park to earn revenue for the local authority, pending to site’s redevelopment as the £350m City Sentral shopping centre. As previously reported, a replacement bus terminal opened on John Street in March.

Work is due to start imminently on the redevelopment of Arriva’s former Richmond depot. The current building will be demolished to allow work to start on the building of 24 so-called ‘affordable’ flats.

Completion is expected by next summer. The total cost of the development is £2.9m, of which £792,000 is coming from the Homes and Communities Agency, which is the national housing and regeneration agency for England. www.coachandbusweek.com

News6,7.indd 6

TfGM: new safety and ticketing measures The campaign aims to help people stay upright on buses and the anticipated smart ticketing scheme will be introduced to buses in 2015 Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has started a new drive to keep vulnerable people safe and secure when using public transport.

The ‘Go Steady’ campaign is launching during ‘Falls Awareness Week’ (June 17-21) which asks people to put their ‘best foot forward’ by staying upright and secure.

A key element of ‘Go Steady’ is a website which offers advice on avoiding falls during boarding, while on and getting off public transport. The website provides advice for anyone vulnerable to falls and is a useful resource for carers.

Leaflets and posters will also be distributed in Greater Manchester to raise awareness of the initiative.

Isle of Man bendybus report delayed

An independent report looking at the suitability of using bendy buses on the Isle of Man’s roads has been delayed pending results of technical assessments.

Results of the trial are being considered by an independent working group which includes TravelWatch Chairman Brendan O’Friel and representatives of the DoI and the Department of Education. Its report was expected last month.

The assessments are investigating whether any changes would need to be made to roads to allow the buses to operate.

Bus Vannin claims bendy buses, if introduced, will save £300,000 in staffing and fuel costs, plus £3m of capital costs saved in replacing older buses. A month-long trial was carried out earlier this year.

TfGM is contacting health bodies and local authorities to tell them about the advice available.

Cllr Andrew Fender, Chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “The timing of ‘Go Steady’ is also important as Age UK’s National Falls Awareness Week takes place during the launch of our campaign.

The week aims to help older people stay safe while going about their lives. Travel plays a big part in how we go about our daily business.”

TfGM has also recently approved the name for Greater Manchester’s new smart ticketing system as ‘get me there’. The system is due to be introduced in stages in 2014.

Cllr Fender said: “There will be a dedicated card called ‘my get me there’ for the scheme, but people with an existing TfGM-issued concessionary photo card, such as an igo or a national concessionary scheme card, will be able to use these cards instead.

“Get me there will also accept contactless bank cards when we roll out the scheme on Metrolink and, in the near future, we expect that people will be able to use their smart phones as well.”

The installation of get me there validators on Metrolink stops is due to start later this year.

“We’re introducing get me there on Metrolink first to make sure we get all the basics working right before extending it to bus operators,” explained Cllr Fender.

“We are still working out detail around the timescales but Metrolink passengers can expect to be using get me there in the second half of 2014, bus passengers in 2015 and rail thereafter.”

For more on Falls Awareness Week visit http://tinyurl.com/dx8ygyf or for the ‘get me there’ scheme visit www.getmethere.com

The Isle of Man first trialled an ex Arriva artic in 2009. This example is seen at Park Lane while still in frontline service in London on route 73 Although it was marred with a series of breakdowns, O’Friel claimed this was a red herring.

O’Friel said: “Until we get all the technical assessments there’s no clear emerging conclusion.

It should be quite a straight forward conclusion - the balance of advantage will fall one way or another.”

He added: “To be honest, much of the criticism over bendy buses has been pretty unfounded. We’ve tried

to get away from personal views and seek out the evidence.

“The vehicles had been standing around possibly without sufficient maintenance. If bendy buses were to be bought a lot of work would be done to make sure they didn’t break down.

“The failure of the bendy buses particularly on the Peel and Ramsey routes where they caused mayhem has inevitably skewed peoples’ perception of them.”

17/06/2013 16:51

17%

The percentage of Thamesdown’s passengers who buy single tickets

Surveys show public support for AV In a survey of over 2,000 UK adults

by YouGov, 84% of UK motorists who have Audio Visual (AV) installed on their local bus services said they found it helpful when travelling somewhere they are unfamiliar with.

Additionally, 19% of 25-34 year old motorists who have buses in their local area said they would be more likely to use bus if it was equipped with audio visual announcements.

Another independent polling company, nfpSynergy, asked 1,000 adults in the UK whether audible “next stop” announcements should be compulsory on all buses. 74% said yes.

Guide Dogs is encouraging local authorities to make the most of the findings when preparing Better Bus Area bids, for which the deadline is June 21.

Guide Dogs Campaigns Manager, James White, said: “I am sure that if just some of these people, many of who will be commuting, or travelling regularly for social purposes, were persuaded out of cars and taxis and onto the bus as a result of equipping them with next stop announcements, the investment would be repaid many times over.”

£750k

The sum Cambridgeshire County Council is investing in technology to improve bus information

News6,7.indd 7

SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, June 17. National Express saw the greatest proportional rise, while FirstGroup saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

387.95p

Price: Year High: 430.50p Year Low: 268.52p

90.85p

L-R: Cabinet Member Brian Jones, Nick Ramsey AM, Newport Transport MD Scott Pearson and Richard Cope, PT Manager Monmouthshire CC

New Enviro200s for Newport Transport Newport Transport has launched two new Enviro 200 low floor buses in Chepstow. The firm invested circa £200k in the vehicles which entered service on Monday June 17 and are dedicated to Chepstow Town services.

Since the beginning of this year Newport Transport provides five services in Chepstow three of which are operated commercially. The new vehicles are DDA compliant,

with E-leather seating and audio & visual (AV) destination announcements. The installation of AV destination announcements is part of an official commitment signed by Newport Transport agreeing to install all new vehicles with this technology.

Scott Pearson, MD at Newport Transport. said: “At Newport Transport we understand the importance of accessibility of our services and are dedicated to delivering a high quality service in all areas of our network. Since the launch of our Chepstow Town services in the beginning of the year we have seen a 5% increase in passenger number and we hope that the new additions to our fleet will see this growth continue.”

passengers, others rely on a very large council subsidy and are used by very few passengers. We are working closely with the Bus Users’ Panel, Leicester Disabled People’s Action Group, bus companies and the county council on these proposals. The consultation is a chance for other people who use the buses to get involved in the decision-making process.”

The routes involve 500,000 journeys a year which represent 1.4% of Leicester’s total bus traffic.

Route 40 outer ring service is being retained as it was used by 249,713 people and attracts subsidies worth £124,000 - about 50p a journey.

By comparison, the 10/11 route only attracted 38,682 passengers over the year attracting a subsidy of £5.16p per passenger journey and will be axed.

The proposals were put before a meeting of the Bus Users’ Panel last week. Panel member Paul Southwood said: “The proposals do not fully take into consideration the needs of senior citizens or people with disabilities. They involve more people having to change buses to complete journeys which will cause a great deal of inconvenience.”

Consultation started on June 17 and will last four weeks. The city council executive will make a decision on the proposals towards the end of August. New arrangements will come into force in October if they are approved by the Traffic Commissioner.

Leicester supported bus network faces £200,000 cut Subsidised bus services in Leicester are being revamped as the council aims to cut funding by £200,000.

Service 10/11 inner ring and service 36 will cease and 10 other routes will either be amended, replaced by a dial-a-ride service or left untouched.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby announced the proposals which, he said, would be subject to a fourweek consultation. He explained the reduction was due to an annual budget cut from £500,000 to £300,000.

He added: “While a number of these supported bus services really do provide a vital link for

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

Price: Year High: 267.00p Year Low: 115.60p

1444.0p

Price: Year High: 1591.0p Year Low: 1089.0p

216.25p

Price: Year High: 236.00p Year Low: 162.90p

300.75p

Price: Year High: 321.50p Year Low: 227.90p

0.39p

Price: Year High: 0.87p Year Low: 0.30p

43.00p

Price: Year High: 46.98p Year Low: 37.00p

80.69p

Price: Year High: 88.20p Year Low: 62.29p

10.00p

Price: Year High: 18.35p Year Low: 8.25p

-17.80 on last week

-32.20 on last week

-10.00 on last week

+12.15 on last week

+12.35 on last week

-0.03 on last week

-0.50 on last week

-0.86 on last week

-0.50 on last week

FTSE 100

6,361

Index: Year High: 6,840 Year Low: 5,260

-57

on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/06/2013 16:52

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

news › coaches

briefly Drivers heading along the A49 Welsh Marches road between Ludlow and Shrewsbury in the evenings should allow extra time for three weeks from today (June 19). Sections of the carriageway are being resurfaced in both directions on the A49 Ludlow Road and the B4638 roundabout near Craven Arms, Onibury and Stokesay Castle in Shropshire. The work also includes improvements to some footways and repairs to drainage at these locations. All activity will take place at night between 2000 and 0530hrs on Mondays to Thursdays and between 2100 and 0800 on Fridays. While the work is underway, there will be phased overnight closures of the A49 at this location.

The Highways Agency is resurfacing sections of carriageway on the M5 Southbound between junctions 3 and 4 near Frankley Green in early July. Subject to weather conditions, the work is expected to start on Monday (June 24) and is due to be be completed within a week. The work will be undertaken overnight between 2130 and 0530hrs. While work is underway, the M5 Southbound between junctions 3 and 4 is to be closed overnight. Traffic will therefore be diverted at junction 3 to take the A456 westbound, then the A491, before re-joining the motorway at junction 4. Diversions will be clearly signposted.

The latest phase of repairs to overbridges on the M50 between junctions 2 and 3 in North Gloucestershire is set to begin June 22 for approximately 15 weeks.

The majority of work on the four bridges – Bevanhill Bridge, Heath Farm Bridge, Ryton Bridge and Callow Farm Bridge – is to take place during the day between 0700 and 1900hrs Monday to Saturday.

While the work is underway, lane 1 of the carriageway on the M50 will be closed in both directions between junction 2 and 3 and a speed limit of 50mph on both the eastbound and westbound carriageways will be in effect at this location. Four overnight closures of the M50 are also scheduled during this period. www.coachandbusweek.com

News8,9.indd 8

1,000th Irizar i6 delivered to owners The vehicle has reached this milestone just two and a half years after its initial launch The 1,000th i6 manufactured at the Irizar plant in Ormaiztegi (northern Spain) was presented to its new owners, Krakow-based Link Bus, at an event hosted in the Irizar facility.

The i6 was launched at the Madrid International Bus and Coach Fair (the FIAA exhibition) in November 2010. Two years later, such has been its popularity, the model has sold well into markets around the world – across Europe and into South American countries, Australia, South Africa and Mexico.

The 1000th unit is in addition to

the more than 800 units sold at other Irizar production plants since last year.

The official Australian launch took place in July 2010 in Melbourne with prototypes of the 13.4m and 14.5m versions built to comply with demanding Australian ADR homologation requirements.

The Australian presentation was followed by deliveries to South Africa at an event last August in the city of Centurion where two 14m i6 coaches had been imported directly from Brazil.

Irizar said the product’s adaptation to specifications for Brazil and other South American countries had required ‘strong

The 1,000th i6 to be manufactured at Irizar’s Ormaiztegi plant

CTC in good shape The Coach Tourism Council (CTC) has revealed it is in good shape following its AGM. The body has maintained member numbers at around 300 with 35 new companies and organisations joining over the past 12 months.

Other points highlighted include: the production of the first coach touring video and the launch of new logo under the banner ‘Join the coach party’; continuing affiliations with associations such as the CPT and European Tour Operators’

Association, which was further strengthened by the CTC becoming a founder member of the new European Alliance for Coach Tourism; and continued strong working relationships with VisitEngland and Tourism Ireland.

CTC Chairman Sean Taggart reported the majority of hotel groups had signed up to the CTC’s Hotel Charter, which sets out best practise for handling group business, and the CTC will work to promote this more in the future.

The industry is facing the ongoing challenge of a poor economy but he said members should keep moving forward. “It’s simply about out-performing the

efforts.’ The official launch took place at the Expo-onibus Fair, October 3-5 at Rio de Janeiro’s Riocentro Convention Centre. Four different versions of the new Irizar i6 coach were displayed.

In Mexico, the official launch of the new i6 took place on November 8 at the Polyforum Siqueiros in Mexico City, where executives from the most important passenger transport and tourism companies were in attendance.

The Irizar i6 is currently manufactured as an integral coach as well as a body for all the chassis brands available on the market. It is highly versatile due to the different configurations offered, with lengths ranging from 10.7m to 15m, three widths from 2.5m to 2.6m, and two heights of 3.5m and 3.7m. Each version has a wide variety of options which allow i6 to be adapted to the most demanding customer and market requirements.

Irizar says the i6 is a versatile high-end coach which is ideal for commuter and touring services. It stands out because of its key design features of attractive and practical design, its aerodynamic shape, attention to detail and passenger comfort. Overall, the manufacturer is confident the i6 is a ‘state-of-theart,’ safe, reliable and profitable coach. market and taking advantage of opportunities,” he said.

CTC CEO Chris Wales said the organisation had a busy year with 17 events including the annual Coach Holiday Conference which had been the best yet.

In the annual elections to the CTC Board there were six candidates standing for four vacancies.

Congratulations go to two Board members who stood for re-election – Jane Duffelen of Shaws Coaches and Robert Shaw of Harry Shaw City Cruiser Coaches – and two new directors, Andrew Day of Towergate Chapman Stevens and Louise Fitzpatrick of Marriott Hotels. They have been elected for a three-year term for 2013-2016.

17/06/2013 14:42

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

“Sales of minibuses had been increasing steadily but now it’s taken over completely. In particular, there has been a strong growth for used accessible minibuses.”

Ben Weaver Ben Weaver Commercials

EYMS to take over Stagecoach NX runs East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) is to take over the operation of three National Express coach contracts currently run by Stagecoach Peterborough from July. The routes comprise 447 (Lincoln to London, via Grantham & Peterborough); 448 (Grimsby to London, via Louth, Bourne & Peterborough); and 449 (Mablethorpe to London, via Boston & Peterborough).

Explaining what the news means to his company, EYMS Chairman Peter Shipp told CBW: “The five diagrams require six coaches and nine drivers. New Caetano Levante-bodied Volvo B9s are on order but they’re not due until October. Pro-temp NX is allowing us the use of three spare coaches.

Having previously cascaded older NX coaches into our own fleets, two vehicles from East Yorkshire Coaches and one from Whittles will now return to NX operation. We’re delighted to have it. NX is good solid work. We had to bid for it – we weren’t handed it on a plate.”

Mr Shipp said he is confident most of it can be operated from Hull, subject to final confirmation from Stagecoach staff under TUPE.

Dealer Update p36

A National Express spokesman told CBW: “We can confirm there will be a change of operator on three scheduled coach routes the 447, 448 and 449 next month. Such changes happen frequently and will not affect the existing service pattern.”

CBW understands that the vehicles currently used by Stagecoach in Peterborough are destined for use in East Kent.

A Stagecoach-operated National Express coach at Peterborough Bus Station

Sleafordian introduces first aid course

Sleafordian Coaches’ Emergency First Aid one-day course has been added to the range of Driver CPC courses offered by the operator after approval from JAUPT. It is anticipated all of the firm’s drivers will complete the course as not only does it count towards their DCPC, it will also mean almost all staff will have an Emergency First Responder qualification which remains valid for two years.

This is in addition to the six staff who have already passed the First Aid at Work qualification as part of the company’s ongoing staff enhancement programme.

Training Manager Jemma Borrill said: “We believe we will be virtually unique for a company of our size in that over 90% of our staff will have a nationally recognised first-aid qualification. This has enormous potential benefits to them in respect of both their personal and professional lives, and also means our passengers can have

News8,9.indd 9

L-R: Trainer Ian Tomlinson, Depot Manager Keith Taylor and two drivers the peace of mind which comes with knowing that in addition to driving qualifications and DBS (formerly CRB) checks, it is highly likely that their driver has a first-aid qualification which could save lives in an emergency situation.”

Later this year the firm hopes two further courses will be added to its range – a newly updated Customer Service course and ‘Safety Practices at work, including Fire Evacuation Procedures’.

MD Mark Broughton added: “We have seen our training centre develop into an extremely versatile facility which offers a one-stop

shop for many aspects of training.

While Sleafordian Coaches is obviously associated with the passenger transport industry we have made great efforts to ensure the training courses we are providing are relevant for on-going staff development across a range of different industries. To say I am very pleased with both what we deliver and the way we deliver it is an understatement and I am very proud of the way in which my staff have set about putting together an all-round package that offers value for money coupled with great customer service.”

Alpine Travel enjoys benefits of GreenRoad Llandudno-based Alpine Travel has benefitted from a drop in risky manoeuvres, fuel usage and accident levels since deploying GreenRoad, the driver performance company has reported.

Alpine Travel General Manager James Beattie said it was a desire to run a safer operation and reduce exposure to risk that prompted the operator to investigate what GreenRoad had to offer, adding: “We also wanted to cut fuel consumption and reduce the wear and tear on our vehicles.

“Although the savings are difficult to quantify precisely, as the number and type of miles we operate varies from year to year, we’ve certainly seen a reduction in accidents, and in own-fault accident damage in particular. Our fuel consumption has fallen too along with vehicle wear and tear.”

Beattie also explained that drivers were generally positive about the system after some initial scepticism.

“Our average weekly safety score is now below 10 compared with over 30 when we started. That represents a drop of more than 66% in risky manoeuvres. And 14 of our drivers have achieved GreenRoad Fleet Elite status for last year,” he continued.

“This equates to around 15% of our driving workforce – we employ some 90 drivers, most of whom work part-time – which must put us somewhere near the top of the Fleet Elite tree so far as UK bus and coach operators are concerned.

“We have a bonus scheme that allows drivers to earn up to £110 extra every month, and half of that potential bonus is related to their GreenRoad performance.

“Training is a priority for us and when we’re looking for new drivers what we often do is look for enthusiastic people with a non-driving work history who have the right approach to their job and then train them so that they can get behind the wheel.

“Introducing GreenRoad to our fleet has benefited us without a shadow of a doubt. We’re very glad we took the decision to do so.” www.coachandbusweek.com

17/06/2013 14:43

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

news › international

New technology and vehicle from VDL The Dutch firm has expanded its Citea range and introduced a new electric wheel hub drive NETHERLANDS VDL Bus & Coach presented its first new vehicle with electric wheel-hub drive from ZiehlAbegg at UITP in Geneva at the end of May. VDL confirmed the Germanmade system would become the standard drive system in all its electric Citea series models.

Previously, the drive system from Ziehl-Abegg (Kuenzelsau) was only used for retrofitting diesel buses.

The firm says implementation of the ZAwheel has significant advantages over other systems as

Urbino electric buses for Dusseldorf

GERMANY Solaris is to supply two 12m electric Urbinos to Rheinbahn AG of Düsseldorf next year.

They are to be fitted with 160 kW electric motors and 210 kWh batteries, which will be charged via a plug-in connection. Additionally, the bus will be prepared for conversion with a Solarisdeveloped automatic charging system at a later date. This system, which is installed on the roof of the bus, uses pantographs similar to those of trolleybuses.

Dirk Biesenbach, Director of the Rheinbahn AG, said: “Rheinbahn always is interested in new technologies and their capabilities.

We want to gain extensive operational experience to have a clear view of the capabilities and not to rely on trends. Reliability, real environmental benefits and the actual cost will be part of our assessment. And we will use that as a guide for further action.”

Małgorzata Olszewska, Solaris Sales & Marketing Director, said: “The experience we will gain with Rheinbahn in using this new technology is very valuable to us.” www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsIntlNEW.indd 10

it eliminates the requirement for a transmission and differential with significant weight reduction as a consequence.

In January, Ziehl-Abegg began construction of a new Drive Technology/Automotive factory in Hohenlohe (South Germany) representing an investment of €24m. Series production of the ZAwheel electrical wheel-hub drive is planned to start in the new factory.

The move comes after the company further extended its Citea range to include an articulated low floor version. The new model becomes available at the end of 2013 in a Euro 6 version with two

different lengths, the SLFA-180 (18m) and SLFA-187 (18.75m).

Both feature completely flat floors and are suited for the transport of larger groups of passengers and can be used both for city and regional transport. The Citea’s low floor construction provides easy access, especially for travellers with baby buggies or for wheelchairs.

The rear section can also be fitted with a wheelchair platform.

During the design of the Citea SLFA considerable attention was given to the flow of passengers to and from the entry and exit doors.

For more information visit www.vdlbusandcoach.com

MB wins 134bus Rea Vaya BRT contract

Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuelCELL bus

Citaro fuelCELL hybrids start regular service in Karlsruhe GERMANY The opening of the hydrogen filling station at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) on June 11 saw the launch of dedicated shuttle services for students and staff using two Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuelCELL buses.

The KIT shuttle is a route for students and employees at KIT Campus South, the former University of Karlsruhe, and KIT Campus North. The service on the 15km route links the north, south and east campus bus stops.

Improved fuel-cell components (the fuel-cell stacks are identical to those in the Mercedes-Benz B-Class FCELL) and hybridisation

Top: The new electric wheel hub drive from Ziehl-Abegg

with lithium-ion batteries (27 kW/h) the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is claimed to save 50% more hydrogen than the preceding generation. The number of storage tanks has been reduced from nine to seven reservoirs for a total of 35 kg of hydrogen – reducing weight.

Engineers additionally focused on sustainability, intelligently linking the fuel cell with several components. The battery, electric wheel hub drive and the integral braking energy recuperation system are networked together.

The fuel-cell bus is said to have a range of over 300km and refuelling takes eight to 10 minutes.

SOUTH AFRICA Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has been awarded the contract for the Rea Vaya 1B BRT project. The successful bid was made through MBSA’s South African dealership subsidiary Sandown Motors, in which MBSA has a majority interest.

The order covers 134 Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz chassis which will be shipped as completely knocked down sets (CKD) from MercedesBenz in Brazil and then assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in East London, South Africa. All bus bodies are being supplied by Marcopolo.

Rea Vaya manages routes over a distance of roughly 120km, mainly serving townships outside Johannesburg which, until recently, were not linked to the city’s transport infrastructure.

The Rea Vaya 1B order is for 134 chassis from the O 500 M Euro 5 and O 500 MA Euro 5 series. 93 chassis will be for single deckers and 41 are artics. These will be the first Euro 5 chassis to be used in a BRT system in South Africa. All buses will have high-floor chassis and powertrains with dimensions precisely aligned with the design of the Johannesburg BRT system.

17/06/2013 14:45

696796-1084-Optare

17/4/13

18:00

Page 1

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

news › REGIONAL

NORTH

Cumbria County Council’s South Lakeland Local Committee has agreed to allocate £62,000 towards the A2B NoWcard scheme, which helps young people access leisure, education, volunteering and recreational activities until 2014.

The scheme, launched in 2010, provides subsidised travel for people aged five to 19 who live in the district with users paying £1 for a single journey and £1.80 for a return trip.

Cllr Clare Feeney Johnson said: “A lot of young people face difficulty getting out and about to access services and it isn’t just social activities.

“One young person I spoke to is able to access much-needed work experience in hospitality in the Lake District. I think this is really important to our young people.”

More than 700 young people have concessionary passes which allow them to travel within South Lakeland or to key service centres in Keswick, Penrith, Barrow, Lancaster and Kirkby Stephen.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) hosted a visit from 15 delegates concerned and engaged in public transport services for the State and City of Lagos in Nigeria.

The officials, whose roles include driving, transport engineering and vehicle safety, were able to observe and learn about any aspects of the city’s successful public transport system which could be replicated and used in Lagos.

The delegates, from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State Branch and led by Business Development Director of Goldmere in Nigeria Taiwo Adewole, also met with Stagecoach Supertram and First South Yorkshire to see the vehicles and organisational skills demonstrated in a large British city.

Sheffield was selected over other UK cities as it is considered to offer pioneering public transport services.

SYPTE Deputy Interim Director General David Young said: “We and the operators work hard to ensure South Yorkshire benefits from an excellent public transport system. We are only too happy to share our good practice with worldwide business leaders and continue to develop and strengthen these relationships.

“Locally we have a track record for securing and delivering improvements to public transport www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 12

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

services, for example through the Sheffield Bus Partnership which has seen a noticeable growth in adult fare paying passengers, and we look forward to this investment continuing with the launch of Tram/Train in the coming years.”

EAST

Cambridgeshire County Council has announced it intends to spend £750,000 on technology to improve real-time information on bus services around Cambridgeshire during 2013.

The planned investments include a further 71 on-street displays; 11 new bay displays at Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge; installation of audio visual ‘next stop’ displays and announcements on all Guided Buses; an upgrade of mobile phone app MyBusTrip to include landmark and destination searches; and a complete upgrade of all on-street displays.

County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Community Infrastructure Councillor Mac McGuire said: “This work is part of our commitment to putting the public first and at the heart of everything we do by improving passenger information on services in Cambridgeshire. We need to provide timely, accurate and easily available service and travel details to bus passengers in the county, including those choosing to ride on the highly successful Cambridgeshire Guided Busway.”

SOUTH EAST

Arriva Southern Counties has extended its growing on-board WiFi service to include the 12-minute-frequency route 281 in Tunbridge Wells bringing the number of services transmitting WiFi in the area up to five.

The latest extension of the facility to six buses in the spa town is part of an ongoing programme of development of the 281 which is branded as the ‘town centre bus link’ to promote the links it provides to all the main shopping areas, the railway station, the town’s historic area, a Sainsbury’s superstore and a steam railway.

Arriva Southern Counties’ Regional Publicity Manager, Richard Lewis, said: “Making free WiFi available on our buses is giving added value to our customers and it certainly seems to have been well received. We are recording well over 1,000 individual people per month logging on across the two Medway Towns routes and have had nearly 9,500 unique users logging on to well over 60,000 sessions in the past 18 months.

“The larger fleet used on the Fastrack services out of our Northfleet depot is seeing 2,000 unique users per month and the figures show an upward trend.

“Now it’s the turn of our customers in Tunbridge Wells to enjoy the benefits of free on-board WiFi and since introducing it to the 281 at the end of April, we have

already had nearly 500 people connect to it and what is perhaps surprising, especially on the 281, which has an end-to-end running time of 30 minutes, is that the average length of time that is being spent connected is between 20 and 25 minutes. This figure is fairly consistent across all of our WiFi equipped routes.”

The Oxford branch of Bus Users UK has called for an integrated transport hub to avoid potential problems from plans to pedestrianise Queen Street. This was prompted by an announcement by Oxfordshire County Council stating it wants to clear buses from the busy city centre shopping street as part of the long-awaited Westgate shopping centre redevelopment.

Hugh Jaeger of Bus Users UK said: “Our concern is what impact this will have on passengers who are trying to use buses into the city centre, bearing in mind we have got rapidly increasing passenger numbers. Half of all visitors to central Oxford come by bus. It means passengers are getting out further from the city centre. This could be dealt with if there was a proper bus hub, which should happen at the same time as the Westgate redevelopment.”

Mr Jaeger also suggested the bus hub could be incorporated in the forthcoming redevelopment of Oxford railway station, for which Network Rail has commissioned a masterplan.

Network Rail’s Sam Kelly told The Oxford Mail: “As part of the masterplanning exercise we will be looking at the wider station area including the forecourt and transport interchange and what improvements could be made. Bus Users UK is one of the stakeholders we will be consulting.”

Phil Southall, Operations Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “We need to study Bus Users UK’s ideas and we welcome any contribution to the debate. We must never lose sight of the unique nature of travel in Oxford and the fact that half the people in the city centre got there by bus in the first place.”

LONDON

Hackney Council is closing Narrow Way to traffic, including buses, for a trial period as part of the regeneration of Hackney town centre. The closure began on June 15 and is expected to last until early in 2014. As a result, TfL has introduced some changes

17/06/2013 14:49

697402-1092-GuideDogs

17/6/13

18:01

Page 1

ey New surv of 4% reveals 8 ts find ris UK moto Buses Talking l helpfu

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

news › REGIONAL

to local bus routes and bus stopping arrangements in Hackney town centre.

Routes 38, 48, 55, 106, 242, 253, 254, 394, N38, N55, and N253 are being diverted along Dalston Lane and Amhurst Road. In addition, route D6 now starts at Cambridge Heath, near Ash Grove – services 48, 55, 106 and 254 provide alternatives along Mare Street.

The last stop on route W15 is now Hackney Town Hall and the first stop will be at Morning Lane.

The changes to services follow a consultation conducted by TfL in May and will be monitored as part of the trial.

SOUTH WEST

A bus link between Portishead and Bristol has been launched in a bid to help ease congestion for commuters getting out of the town.

The new X2 and X3 bus services are being provided by

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY First in partnership with North Somerset Council and is part of the authority’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund programme.

The services follow calls from local residents for improved links to enable them to catch the bus into the city rather than drive.

The services follow similar routes, serving the whole of Portishead via Down Road, Nore Road and Combe Road and stop in Abbots Leigh every 15 minutes.

In addition, the X2 serves Portishead High Street, Bristol Road, Pill and Easton-in-Gordano every 30 minutes, while the X3 serves Newfoundland Way and Phoenix Way and runs half-hourly.

Complementing the X2 and X3 is a new route 23 which runs hourly from 1930hrs during the evening and on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

It travels via West Hill, Redcliffe Bay, Port Marine, Sheepway, Pill, Eastonin-Gordano, Abbots Leigh and all stops into Bristol city centre.

First Aberdeen opens its doors to the public for its Open Day being held at the firm’s King Street Depot on June 30. Jason Grant and Joe Mackie are seen here with a two buses sporting commemorative liveries

2013 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 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 n July 21-22 Coach Tourism Council Summer BBQ. Bedford Swan Hotel, Bedford. 0870 850 2839.

www.coachtourismcouncil.com

Pupils at Walsall’s Barr Beacon School have voted to change the route number on their school bus, the Nat Ex West Midlands-run 704, to reflect the text speak many use to refer to their school. The School Council made up of 50 pupils voted to change the route number, which mimics the initials ‘BB’ which many use as slang to refer to the school. The new NXWM 881 and 788 services take pupils from Park Hall, Yew Tree, Sutton Road and Walsall town centre to the school each day. The pupil’s decision may need translating for the older generation but it is hoped it will give the youngsters a real sense of pride in the buses which take them to school. Jack Kelly, spokesman for the operator (and former Barr Beacon School councillor) said: “It’s a great thing for the school council. We’re proud the youngsters feel such ownership of these services.”

n August 24 Inglebrough Classic & Vintage Vehicle Gathering.

Bibbys Coaches depot, North Yorkshire. 10-1700hrs. For details, call 015242 41330 n August 26 The Big Operating Day and Blue & Cream Celebration. Celebrating the centenary of Birmingham’s first blue & cream buses. The Transport Museum Wythall. 01564 826471. www.wythall.org.uk n September 7-8 Bus Driver of the Year Final. Blackpool. Call 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk

n September 8 Bus & Coach Wales 2013. Rhyd y Car Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil n September 9-10 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire. Visit www.cpt-uk. org or call CPT Scotland on 0131 272 215 n September 10 Association of Trainers AGM. 1400hrs, Wembley.

For details call 01797 344251. n September 21-22 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 n October 23-24 Young Bus Managers Network Conference. Manchester. www. youngbusmanagers.org.uk n October 27 Swansea Bus Museum Running Day. 07877 771 878. www.swanseabusmuseum.com

2014 n March 18-19 Young Bus Managers Network Conference.

Reading. www.youngbusmanagers. org.uk n May 12-14 ALBUM Conference.

Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. www.album-bus.co.uk

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 14

17/06/2013 14:49

696790-1084-GITI

17/4/13

17:56

Page 1

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

news › heritage

Send your Heritage News to Gareth Evans on gareth.evans @coachandbusweek.com

Barry breaks all records Barry Festival of Transport gives bus preservation a boost The Cardiff Transport Preservation Group (CTPG) achieved a recordbreaking event on Sunday June 9 when it held its popular annual Festival of Transport, this year on Barry Island.

The rally site used in past years at the Waterfront and goods shed area could not be used. The Vale of Glamorgan Council offered the organisers the redevelopment site where the old Butlin’s holiday camp had been. However, the surface had to be made capable of taking visiting vehicles. Work continued by contractors right up to the weekend and as vehicles came in on Sunday morning it was soon clear it would not be big enough. The Council then agreed that some of the classic cars could go on the grass along the seafront on Barry Island too.

This soon filled up, and even some visiting buses had to be relocated onto the laybys on the highway.

On the day, The Bus Depot restoration centre in Barry had an Open Day for visitors and it was one

of three destinations taken by free buses. The others included a route along the Vale towards Rhoose airport and one to Penarth.

Buses in operation included those run by former council fleets in Bedwas & Machen, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Islwyn, Rhymney Valley and Newport – in addition to Western Welsh, Hills of Tredegar, South Wales Transport, United

The crowds flocked to the event at Barry Island

Front door RMs scoop North East prizes

Two buses which first hit the road almost 50 years ago were among the star attractions at this year’s historic Tyne Tees Run. Both vehicles won prestigious prizes in the competition, organised by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society North East Area.

This year’s rally was sponsored

by Go North East (GNE), which appropriately, is currently celebrating the centenary of the area’s first bus services.

The two Routemasters (RMs) have been lovingly restored by Ken Rodham, on behalf of the North East Bus Preservation Trust, and David Slater.

Ken has spent a lifetime in the bus industry and works at GNE’s Deptford depot. David has 40 years’ service with the company www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsHeritage.indd 16

Welsh as well as a London Routemaster. Not to be forgotten are the open top buses; namely a 1964-built Cardiff Guy Arab V (434), and two in United Welsh livery – 1953-built Bristol KSW (WNO484) & 1959 Bristol LD (323).

Mike Taylor, the organising group’s Chairman, said: “The good news was we had our largest

Ken Rodham and David Slater with HCVS region President Paul Pearson and their trophies and works in the engineering department at Chester-Le-Street.

David’s bus was awarded the trophy for the best AEC vehicle in the run. Ken’s Routemaster was voted best in its class and was overall runner-up in the competition. The trophies were presented by South Tyneside’s Deputy Mayor Councillor Faye Cunningham.

Ken said: “The front-entrance

Routemasters were put into service in 1965 by Northern from its depots in Consett and Chester-LeStreet, Co Durham. They were at the cutting edge of bus technology in the 1950s and 1960s.”

The RMs were joined in the rally by an Optare Versa wearing a special livery to commemorate GNE’s centenary. It is 100 years since the former Gateshead company ran its first bus between the city’s tram terminus and Chester-Le-Street, a route which today GNE serves using its Wright Gemini Volvo B5L Hybrid ‘Angel’ branded double-deckers.

The Tyne Tees Run started at Teesside Park, Stockton and visited Sedgefield, Durham, Chester-LeStreet and Sunderland, before all the vehicles gathered at Bents Park in South Shields. Thousands of people took advantage of the summer sunshine to take a look at the buses, lorries, vans and artics displayed at the park.

The first run took place in 1983 and is now firmly established as an annual event, attracting almost 200 entrants every year.

number of exhibitors and the greatest number of stalls – adding together those on the rally site and at our depot. For us, raising funds to help with restoring buses is important, so the sales of refreshments in our canteen at the depot was better than expected and thanks to the Vale of Glamorgan Council, all our programmes were all sold by 1130hrs. Anyone can say it’s thanks to the glorious weather but really and truly it is thanks to everyone who came along.

The restored vehicles glinting in the sunshine against a blue sky made an interesting spectical for everyone.

“It makes restoring theses old vehicles a real joy. After all, it can take up to two years to overhaul a bus and that is a lot of work by unpaid volunteers.”

The event was supported by a number of South Wales coach and bus operators who kindly sent vehicles along, including Cardiff Bus, Creigiau Travel, Easyway, Edwards, Henley’s, James Travel Group, Newport Bus and Stagecoach.

Aston Manor Museum gets planning go ahead

Aston Manor Road Transport Museum has gained planning permission to open its Aldridge site to visitors on a regular basis.

Trustee Richard Gray announced on the group’s Facebook page: “Planning permission has been granted by Walsall Council for us to operate as a transport museum at Shenstone Drive, Aldridge. We plan to officially reopen on Tuesday July 2 and then weekends and Tuesdays all year. Our next main event will be the July 14 Open Day. We also have the Dalek Invasion first on June 23. It’s taken 20 months since our forced departure from Witton to get to this stage and we still need all the support we can get.”

Visit www.amrtm.org.

Call 07914712073.

17/06/2013 14:44

697356-1092-Airconco

12/6/13

18:29

Page 1

18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

conference report › ybmn

Bristol Best Bus Practice Group photo time during the tour of the Greater Bristol Bus Network on the Wednesday morning

www.coachandbusweek.com

YBMN.indd 18

17/06/2013 14:50

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans reports on the Spring 2013 conference of the Young Bus Managers Network, which was held in Bristol

T

he enthusiasm was infectious.

The air was alive with a whole host of bus industry chit-chat – ranging from liveries to concessionary fares, and from the performance of different bus types to the fortunes of FirstGroup – not to mention a healthy dose of friendly banter.

Our industry forefathers would be rightly proud. Two generations of managers were in the same room – the younger folk who are driving the sector forward, alongside bus statesmen like Roger French and Chris Cheek.

Laughter was interspersed with intense debate at Bristol city centre’s Marriott Hotel, venue for the spring 2013 Young Bus Managers Network (YBMN) conference, which was held on Tuesday and Wednesday June 4/5. After Roger’s introduction, the customary quiz followed a scrumptious evening meal.

In terms of attendees, National Express enjoyed a sizeable presence, as did FirstGroup, GoAhead and Stagecoach, alongside independents like trent barton and North Somerset Coaches. Not to be forgotten were those flying the flag for Cardiff Bus and the TAS Partnership. While it may have been down to individual circumstances, it was perhaps notable that nobody was present from Arriva, as has previously been the case.

The speaker line-up included presentations from a highly respected independent operator in the shape of Dave Fricker and a municipal point of view from Paul Jenkins – in addition to an engineering perspective from John Bickerton and the turnaround of FirstGroup from Jeroen Weimar. www.coachandbusweek.com

YBMN.indd 19

17/06/2013 14:51

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

conference report › ybmn

Bus network tour Proceedings on the Wednesday began at 0700hrs sharp, with a tour of the Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN). First Bristol’s Punctuality & Reliability Manager Matthew Parker and Steve Burd of Bristol City Council’s transport team gave a running commentary onboard a smartly turned out First Bus Wright Gemini-bodied Volvo doubledecker.

The GBBN has now been in place for 14 months. As Matthew explained: “The key thing for First was it involved partnership working right from the start. The Bus Metro project is now very much in hand.”

Steve said it is intended to keep the central area moving but, perhaps somewhat ironically, that will involve holding the M32 traffic at times, in order to give buses priority.

While Bristol does not yet benefit from a local transport authority, efforts are being made towards its creation. Indeed, others on the bus believed Bristol was one of the largest conurbations without one.

The project has been implemented in a somewhat varied political landscape. It started with Labour, then progressed under a coalition administration and has continued under the current Lib Dems leadership. Plans are now afoot for the introduction of a 20mph limit in the city.

Asked who gets casting vote in the Quality Partnership Scheme in terms of fare increases, Matthew replied: “The local authority.”

However, Steve was keen to stress: “It’s about trust on both sides.”

Each First bus in Bristol is RTI-fitted. At the moment, a local system gives buses priority if they are running three minutes or more

An example of the bus priority measures on the to-city carriageway on Fishponds Road late. However, control is moving to a central system.

Matthew took up the story: “At the same time as introducing the GBBN, Bristol City Council has refurbished its traffic control room.

The authority gave bus operators the chance to sit in there. First has been the only firm to take it up at the moment. Real-time adjustments can be made to traffic lights, with the help of 300 or so cameras. Bus drivers are encouraged to inform control of delays.”

The A4 Bath Road is the most congested in the city, with 1,000 cars per hour. Capacity is severely restricted, being only a dualcarriageway. Therefore, BCC will hold cars and give buses priority. Of course, the issue of journey times is a key factor in making the bus a viable alternative to the private car.

YBMN:

a brief history

The Young Bus Managers Network is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to help the industry breed and encourage the next generation of great managers to take our businesses forward.

Supported by the Chris Moyes Scholarship Trust, its Patrons are Roger French and James Freeman, who work alongside a committee of five young managers representing the plc groups and independent operators. The latter include Alex Hornby, Ben Gilligan, Nathan Ward, Pat Stringer and Simon Mathieson.

YBMN:

dates for the diary

In order to help with diary planning and other arrangements, dates and locations have been confirmed for the next two YBMN events. These will be Manchester, October 23 & 24, 2013 and Reading, March 18 & 19, 2014.

Thamesdown MD Paul Jenkins captures the attention of the audience www.coachandbusweek.com

YBMN.indd 20

The GBBN boasts an impressive amount of infrastructure but it’s important to stress that it is not just about bus lanes, for those involved can see that other traffic needs to flow too to keep the buses moving.

As a result, First even called for at least one bus lane to be removed as it caused more delays than the time it purported to save.

A prime example is the modification of the junction of the A432 Fishponds Road and B4469 Muller Road, which connects with J2 of the M32. The little-used traffic light sequence for right-turning traffic into Fishponds from the M32 was removed, resulting in traffic (and hence buses) heading to the city centre being able to flow more smoothly.

However, at the risk of sounding contradictory, one of the GBBN’s claims to fame is it boasts the UK’s longest bus lane, measuring two miles in Portway.

Two members of the YBMN committee were clearly impressed with what they saw on the tour.

Simon Mathieson remarked: “This is probably the most clever use of bus lanes I’ve seen in a city.”

Ben Gilligan agreed. “It shows what a partnership can achieve.

Bus priority can be had without inconveniencing other road users too greatly, ” he said.

Dave Fricker A refreshing addition to the YBMN speaker line up was the inclusion of an independent

17/06/2013 14:51

p21_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:37

Page 21

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

conference report › ybmn

operator in the shape of Dave Fricker, who owns and operates North Somerset Coaches.

At 30 years old, Dave is a rare, if not a unique individual in being in his position.

“I gained my first taste of this industry aged 13 when I did work experience with Stagecoach,” he enthused.

“Some years later, a friend asked, ‘You don’t want to buy my dad’s bus company do you?’

“On October 16, 2007 it hit home what I’d done. I had given up the stability of working for a plc – I now had no security net of a good salary, sick pay and company pension.”

As previously featured in CBW, Dave talked about how he developed what had become effectively a coach firm in tickover to a high quality bus operation with a small coach element to diversify the business risk. However, he admitted, “I did not and still don’t understand coaching.”

Speaking to an audience dominated by busmen and women from the larger groups, it was clear Dave made an excellent impression about independents.

“I’ve always to tried to complement and enhance the local bus service network rather than compete head-to-head,” he said. “After all, when one party gives up, the service level inevitably returns to the status quo. The company now focusses on high-quality niche bus operation. We have a small group of drivers who treat passengers like family. Interestingly, about 80% of our passengers are season ticket holders. In the year to April 2013, we carried 84,981 passengers.”

Testament to the transformation of the business mix is that the firm now operates five buses and a solitary coach.

“Our remaining coach focusses on day trips. Who says they’re dead?

Door-to-door is key,” he explained.

Turning to technology, Dave was full of praise for the smartcardbased ticketing machines provided

by Ticketer in partnership with the South West Smart-Card project board. “They’re fabulous and they’re so easy to use. We also get tracking through the system.

Ticketer is constantly developing and growing. Another good thing is, if someone asks for an update, everyone gets it. There’s no hassle.

They are always keen to hear our ideas for new features.”

Stressing the importance of using social media for keeping passengers www.coachandbusweek.com

YBMN.indd 22

“We have a small group of drivers who treat passengers like family. Interestingly, about 80% of our passengers are season ticket holders.”

Dave Fricker North Somerset Coaches

Jeroen Weimar talked about the turnaround of First UK Bus

North Somerset Coaches’ Dave Fricker gave an independent’s view informed about service disruption, he advised: “Keep it active. We also post photos of our day trips.”

Describing some of the benefits of running a smaller operation, he said: “We can adapt quickly and enjoy fun things. We have sing songs on the bus and we also participate in charity and community events. We’ve had stalls at local fairs. It’s a great way to engage and promote our business.

Doing something different is what makes it fun. However, I’ve got to be prepared to drop everything and go.”

He said the highlight for him to date was being Highly Commended in the award for Making Buses a Better Choice at the UK Bus Awards 2011.

“My experience of YBMN so far is one of people willing to share best practice,” he enthused.

On that note, Dave described the recently introduced Avon Rider, an operator-led multi-operator ticket. “If 10 operators can do it in Bristol, so can you. We couldn’t do what we’ve done without partnerships with staff, passengers and communities. Drivers and their families are our market research – they live and work in the communities we serve. In a small business like mine, drivers are far more willing to make a difference as they can see the benefits first hand.”

“The organisation has had to make some difficult decisions over the past few years – some of which are at direct odds to earlier First strategies.”

Jeroen Weimar First UK Bus

Jeroen Weimar First’s UK Bus Chief Operating Officer gave an energetic, inspiring and perhaps surprisingly frank presentation about the turnaround of the firm’s bus operations.

Kicking off with slide showing a wallpaper of negative headlines about his employer, he said: “I joined FirstGroup a year ago to join the team that is turning around a business which has seen passenger volumes fall year after year; difficult relationships with key stakeholders and a lack of engagement with its customers and staff.

“First did and has got a lot right.

It’s attracted investment, developed ftr, promoted school bus safety, depot safety, and encouraged graduates and young people. Collectively we’re now at a major cross-roads.

“I spent 10 years as a consultant.

The thinking bit is interesting but ultimately you don’t deliver. You do get to see all sorts of organisations going through traumatic change and realise that those businesses which concentrate on production rather than focus on customers are doomed. Getting involved in a turnaround is hugely challenging but can be very enjoyable and rewarding – if you get it right...

“I ended up at the GLA (Greater London Authority) a year before Ken Livingstone came to office. It was clear transport was going to

be the dominant feature in the new political landscape which led me to join TfL as Chief of Staff to Bob Kiley - the first Transport Commissioner.

“TfL had to change its organisation fundamentally. It focuses on a small number of critical priorities: transforming the capital’s bus services – resulting in a 40% increase in ridership; introducing the congestion charge and funding the first long term investment plan for London’s transport system. Within three to four years we had built the capability and the confidence which enabled us to start delivering world class performance over the subsequent years.

“After TfL I joined Serco, a plc which seemingly does everything.

Through running the DLR, Northern Rail, Merseyrail and London Cycle Hire I saw the power of a clear strategy, a strong team and genuine commitment. If you’ve get those things right you can achieve beyond your wildest dreams.”

Touching on his recruitment, he said: “Tim and Giles called me and said they wanted help to change First UK Bus. As currently the biggest turnaround job in UK Transport this was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Jeroen continued: “It’s a hard job – but hugely satisfying. The organisation has had to make some difficult decisions over the past few years – some of which are at direct odds to earlier First strategies. The business has made these tough choices and we are investing in our people, in our fleet and in our commercial offer to our customers.

Relationships with our partners in local and regional government are improving as people start to respond positively to the changes that we are making.”

What has been done in the last two years? Jeroen said he was empowering his management team to get closer to its customers. “We want local management to drive and organise the business. We don’t want routes in Bristol to be planned in Aberdeen.” He also talked about fleet investment, before citing Sheffield as a prime example where fares reductions have lead to growth.

Concluding, he warned: “Headwinds include BSOG and concessionary fares.”

Thamesdown Paul Jenkins, the ever-friendly MD of Thamesdown Transport shared his experiences of

17/06/2013 14:51

p23_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:33

Page 23

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23

BUCKINGHAM 3 & 2 • Ideal for 3 & 2 configurations • Ergonomic design for maximum support, comfort and legroom • Tried & tested: fitted into many new coaches as OEM • Full range of legs and fitting options make the Buckingham ideal for upseating to 70+ seats • Lighter weight makes easier for installation Prime Passenger Seating Limited 7 Canalwood Industrial Estate, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5RL Telephone: 01691 898 665 Fax: 01691 770 798 Email: johnm@primeps.com

www.primeps.com

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

conference report › ybmn

being at the helm of a municipal.

“We’ve got about a 75% market share in Swindon. Thamesdown boasts a rich and proud history. The company celebrated it’s centenary in 2004 and amazingly, I’m only the eighth person to head the business,” he said.

“We’re 96% commercial. We may well be local authority-owned but we face exactly the same issues as every other bus company. We’re one of the 11 remaining municipals, and run 82 buses, with 221 staff.”

In words which will doubtless strike a chord with businesses of all sizes, Paul observed: “If you’re not careful, overheads can break a business.”

He continued: “You may think the council pulls all the strings but we’re careful to stick to the armslength model. However, that works both ways – the local authority doesn’t treat us any differently to Stagecoach. I must admit I enjoy not having day-to-day interference.”

Only 17% of Thamesdown’s passengers buy single tickets, which, as Paul said, “For an exact fare operation is interesting. We rely on having low stop dwell times.

It works well for us.”

Turning to technology, he said: “We’re currently trialling WiFi on six buses. I think it will become standard in due course but the commercial business case is hard to justify at the moment.

“I sometimes wonder how we managed without RTI. The data is now fed back to service planning and bus priority measures.”

Thamesdown still runs a travel shop – something Paul said he feels is “important.”

Smartcards take about the same time to board as paying a cash fare – according to Paul.

“With OFT agreement, we’ve had a multi-operator ticket in Swindon for about 15 years. A new product is the Multi DayRider (sic), which is aimed at those who do not work every day.”

The firm’s modern depot serves as a VOSA ATF (Authorised Testing Facility). “It’s proved to be a valuable sidelines. Operationally, it means the depot is put to good use during the day,” he explained.

Looking ahead to the future, Paul said: “The recession has inevitably hit demand for bus travel, but that will change. The Local Plan proposes the building of 22,000 houses, which is the equivalent of a new town. It is intended to have a system modelled on the Kent

Therefore First created our own test cycle at Millbrook, which all our new vehicles go through.”

YBMN Committee Member Ben Gilligan sums up at the close of play Fastrack.

“As part of the town centre regeneration project, there are also plans to build a new bus station – the current one is pretty grim.

“I’m fortunate to head up a modern business with a great future. You can never afford to be complacent. Profit is down but the owners take a long-term view.

“Since 2008, the business has lost 3-4% of its passengers per annum.

PVR is down and the operations have become leaner. Fares have increased but only by 10-15p – any more, and people will use other modes. When we do raise fares, we remind our passengers we don’t do it very often.”

John Bickerton First’s UK Bus Technical Standards Manager presented a potentially challenging subject in a manner which truly engaged with the audience.

Explaining the nature of his role, which includes responsibility for inspection and maintenance policies, John enthused: “You

can’t manage anything without measuring it.”

On liveries, he said: “It’s useful to have the lower body panels in single colour. Engineers are responsible for cleanliness and presentation, and good design is part of that.

Frankly, cleaning is a grossly under appreciated job.”

Turning to fuel consumption, he advised: “Look at each vehicle individually. If a particular bus is burning more fuel over four weeks, the chances are there is something wrong with it. You can end up burning £9,000 extra worth of fuel for the sake of a £25 part – all because it was decided to save on the materials budget one week.”

Looking at weight, John showed diagrams of the extra equipment on Euro 6-standard vehicle compared to a trusty Gardner-powered vehicle from the past. “Interestingly, Euro 7 is set to look more at fuel efficiency,” he noted.

“As an industry we don’t understand the demands placed on our buses – that’s one of the reasons why they break down.

Cardiff Bus MD Cynthian Ogbonna leads the group workshop session

Workshop In place of Reading Transport CEO James Freeman, who was on holiday, Cardiff Bus’ respected MD Cynthia Ogbonna made a welcome appearance to lead the afternoon workshop session.

With her familiar approachability, she made a point of talking to all groups as they formulated ideas on such matters as marketing & PR and how to build relationships with stakeholders. In short, it was an opportunity to apply what delegates had seen and learnt from the speakers earlier in the day and how they could be applied in their respective businesses. Nominated group members then presented their findings in a four-minute timeframe.

Closing lines Summing up at the end of the day, YBMN Committee Member Ben Gilligan, who is Service Delivery Director for First in Yorkshire, thanked all the participants.

Doubtless echoing the thoughts of everyone else in the room, he said: “I’ve valued coming here.”

He said three things had stood out for him: passion for your business 1 The and people & attention to detail; – not just 2 Partnerships with local authorities but within the industry and between operators, as seen on today’s tour; was great to hear the 3 Itengineer’s point of view from John – something which was lacking previously.

Ben said the event had been “better than expected.” In terms of numbers, he confirmed there were 41 attendees, compared to 70 at the previous event. He described the hotel as a “Great venue.”

Perhaps one delegate hit the nail on the head when he told CBW: “The numbers may have been down but it was abundantly clear that all those present wanted to be there.

Everyone engaged and mixed.

The speaker lineup was excellent, and the bus tour was thoughtprovoking. I’m looking forward to the next YBMN event!”

For more details, visit www. youngbusmanagers.org. uk. YBMN has also just joined Twitter @ybmanagers.

www.coachandbusweek.com

YBMN.indd 24

17/06/2013 14:52

p25_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:35

Page 25

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

DELIVERIES

SILVERDALE TOURS Nottingham-based Silverdale Tours has taken delivery of a new Scania Irizar i6 coach.

Based on a Scania K360 IB4x2 chassis, the vehicle is fitted with a 360bhp Scania engine and the fully-automated version of the Scania Opticruise gear selection system.

Inside, the coach is

equipped with 53 reclining seats with three-point seatbelts, climate control air-conditioning, a DVD player and two monitors, centre sunken toilet and drinks machine. It is also fitted with Durabright alloy wheels and extra dark tinted glass.

Commenting on the latest addition to the fleet, Silverdale Director Shaun Doherty, said: “This is our first new touring Scania since 1987. We have operated them

more recently on our National Express contracts and have always been pleased with their performance. We’ve heard great things from other operators about the Scania Irizar combination, so thought we would purchase one for our private hire fleet.”

Asked about the vehicle’s performance to date, Mr Doherty replied: “It is very early days but the response from both drivers and passengers is very good.”

DGC BUSES DGC Buses, the in-house public transport operation of Dumfries & Galloway Council, has taken delivery of three Optare Solo SRs to replace older vehicles.

Douglas Kirpatrick, Team Leader for Sustainable Travel at the Council, said the purchase of the buses forms part of its programme to provide DDA-compliant buses right across its 40-strong

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Scania/ Irizar i6 Engine Scania 360hp Transmission Scania

Opticruise Seats 53 Spec Touring

Supplied by

Scania (Great Britain) Limited 01909 500822 www.scania.co.uk

TATES TRAVEL Barnsley bus operator Tates Travel has added a further two ADL Enviro200s to its fleet.

Commenting on the new 10.8m and 8.9m buses, Graham Mallinson, Managing Director, said: “As I indicated last year when we first bought the Enviro200, our aim is to give customers in Yorkshire the very best in comfort and style, while also introducing reliable, fuel efficient vehicles which provide best-in-class performance.

“After more than 12 months of operation I can vouch for the fact our Enviro200s meet all of our demanding criteria. They are ideal for our low floor, easy

fleet. The Solo SRs are being used mainly on home to school runs but will also operate some local service as well as being available for schools to hire.

“Optare successfully tendered for these three new vehicles. With 34 seats, the buses give us with greater flexibility,” he explained.“ The three new buses are 9.85m models to the full 2.5m width. They have a seating capacity of 34 of which 31 are fixed Rescroft CT Lite seats

winning combination of passenger appeal, reliability and low operating costs, all of which explains why it remains the world’s bestselling midi bus.”

The two new buses are powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 160PS EEV engines, coupled to Allison S2100 automatic gearboxes.

The 8.9m E200s has 29 seats, while the 10.8m version has 39 seats, both of which use Esteban’s Civic V2 model.

FACT FILE

Chassis/body ADL Enviro200s Engine Cummins Transmission Allison auto Seats 29/39

access fleet, which is why we had no hesitation in buying more this year.”

Richard Matthews, ADL’s

General Manager Retail Sales, commented: “We are extremely pleased to be consistently selling high

volumes of Enviro200s to small and medium-sized fleets. The Enviro200 continues to provide a

Spec Standard Supplied by

ADL 01909 551166 www.alexander-dennis.com

For all the latest industry news and information, register with us online at:

www.coachandbusweek.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

Deliveries.indd 26

17/06/2013 17:20

June 12, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13 June 19 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27

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

Hodge’s Coaches’ MD Martin Hodge said: “We take the purchasing of new vehicles very seriously indeed. This is a major investment and we look at the whole product, that is to say build-quality, operating costs, reliability and resale value, and the Scania OmniExpress ticked all the boxes. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Scania into the future.”

fitted with three-point belts.

A CCTV system is fitted and the buses have Mobitec LED destination equipment.

Following good experience with the six-cylinder, 6.7 litre Cummins ISBe engine in Solos previously supplied, DGC Buses has again opted for this power unit. It is matched to an Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic gearbox, featuring a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Optare Solo SR

(integral) Engine Cummins 201bhp Transmission Allison 2100 Series five-speed auto Seats 34 Spec Rescroft CT Lite seats, Mobitec LED destination gear Supplied by

Optare 08434 873 200 www.optare.com

FACT FILE

HODGE’S COACHES Hodge’s Coaches (Sandhurst) Limited has taken delivery of the first two of a batch of six new Scania OmniExpress coaches, with the remainder scheduled for delivery over the coming 12 months.

Based upon the Scania K360 EB4x2 Euro 5 (EGR) chassis and incorporating ZF fully automatic transmissions, the 3.4m high vehicles have an overall length of 12.8m.

Each is being supplied with 57+1 courier seats, Bosch CD and DVD equipment, climate control, powered parallel side lockers and powered rear

continental door.

This major investment in Scania OmniExpress coaches has come following the highly successful operation of four Scania/Berkhof Axial coaches previously purchased by Hodge’s Coaches in 2008/9 which have proved both reliable and economical.

Chassis/body Scania OmniExpress Engine Scania Euro 5 Transmission ZF auto Seats 57 Spec Bosch entertainment system Supplied by

Scania (Great Britain) Limited 01909 500822 www.scania.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

Deliveries.indd 27

17/06/2013 17:21

682924-1092-EVM

14/6/13

18:57

Page 1

minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

June 2013

STORY FOCUS ASM Coaches has recently acquired a new mid range EVM Classic MercedesBenz Sprinter 22-seater with an attractive interior.

Full report p45

Effective control over regulation

I

t seems abundantly clear after last month’s Minibus highlighted joint Police/ VOSA success in West Yorkshire and in this issue’s news pages of a similar operation in South Wales, it is not before time something is being done to curb illegal operation. It has been a problem for many years but it does have peaks and troughs – mainly coinciding with the financial climate. People are often driven into opportunist situations through a lack of gainful employment and used minibuses can be bought quite inexpensively. They are also rather innocuous in general traffic, particularly low-roofed or eight-seater versions, as they almost pass for either a taxi or a family people-carrier and are

MB.Opener.indd 29

not as blatantly obvious as a full-sized coach. In the past, a surge in illegal operation was often associated with major job losses. Former staff with redundancy payments to back them, often saw the acquisition of a minibus as an easy way to earn some illicit cash – to the obvious detriment of legitimate operators and without regard for the safety or wellbeing of their passengers. With this economic climate looking like it will be a long time before things ever start to become right, the instances of illegal operation are obviously going to continue to prove attractive and the practice is unlikely to peter out quickly. More of

these successful joint exercises would seem an obvious way to deter illegal operation. Sadly, they also uncover legitimate operators in breach of Drivers’ Hours, without insurance or with defective vehicles. This must also stop. As an industry we do not want to be painted as lacking in standards and need to prove to the public we can be responsible and trusted with their safety by ensuring vehicles are well maintained, driven appropriately, properly insured and fully compliant with expected standards.

Martin Cole Editor

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/06/2013 15:56

30 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | June 19, 2013

news

Unwin forms joint venture with Autoadapt Wheelchair restraint and flooring systems supplier Unwin Safety Systems has formed a strategic partnership with Sweden’s Autoadapt. To this end, Autoadapt has acquired a 50% stake in Unwin.

The objective of the alliance is to facilitate the international development of both companies.

Their product ranges are complementary, with Autoadapt’s lift and seating portfolio providing an ideal match for the Unwin product range.

Andrew Creese, CEO of Unwin, said: “We are delighted to have found an ideal partner to aid the continuation of the

company’s success, growth and belief in the safety of wheelchair users. Autoadapt’s international marketing capability will allow us to reach many more potential customers across the world.”

Both companies are familyowned businesses, which have a long tradition of developing innovative means for the improvement of safe, independent living for wheelchair users.

Customers will benefit by being able to purchase bespoke solutions which might include a full range of products including lifts, flooring systems, safety restraints and seat fixtures. Unwin’s capability in dynamic testing will complement Autoadapt’s similar competence in static testing to offer customers a

Conneely Travel of Balinasloe, Co. Galway recently acquired an EVM Sprinter Classic direct from EVM’s factory in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. The Classic is built on a Sprinter 515 CDi with a sixspeed manual gearbox and retains the original passenger entrance door with an extension to suit the integrated three-step entry with LED Strip lights and stainless steel inserts.

Original Mercedes-Benz glazing is retained along with double doors to the rear. In-Dash air-conditioning and separate saloon heater ensure a comfortable passenger environment.

The operator opted for a Mercedes sound 20 Upgrade Radio/CD. The saloon accommodates 19 EVM Club class seats with threepoint seat belts, folding arm rest to aisle sides, reclining back rest and

Epengle moquette upholstery.

The rear seats are mounted on NMI Millenium quick release fittings with recessed wheelchair tracking to facilitate wheelchair clamping.

A Ratcliffe Palfinger fully automatic under floor lift was fitted for wheelchair access to the rear.

Full-length overhead luggage racks provide some stowage space in the saloon. EVM also fitted a colourcoded bodystyling kit.

Family-owned firms complement each other internally

Sprinter Classic for Conneely

unique breadth of support.

Unwin’s founder and President, Norman Unwin, thrilled at the alliance, said: “I have been extremely impressed with Peter Wahlsten and Håkan Sandberg’s achievement in building Autoadapt into a leader in its field. Most importantly, they share our values and our passion for the safety and independence of wheelchair users.

I am confident this arrangement offers our customers and our staff a great opportunity for success in the future.”

Peter Wahlsten and Håkan Sandberg from Autoadapt will join the Unwin Board, while Campbell McKee, a former Managing Director of the company, will take the opportunity to retire.

Top: A Ratcliffe Palfinger fully automatic under floor lift is fitted for wheelchair access to the rear

Safeway’s new Turas 800 will run under its ‘Executive Class’ brand

Safeway Coaches opt for Turas 800 Minis to Midis has supplied Safeway Coaches of Batley with a Noone Turas 800 33-seat coach based on a Mercedes-Benz 818 Vario chassis with six-speed manual gearbox.

Politecnica Rally seats were specified, trimmed in Vogue cloth and virtual leather. The vehicle is also fitted with Autoclima air conditioning, convection heating plus Webasto, dark tint double glazing, full-length parcel racks with individual service units, Bosch radio/CD/PA and DVD, reversing camera, cinema lighting to gangway and entrance plus fridge. At the rear is a large boot which is complemented by two underfloor lockers.

Safeway was founded in the late 1980s by Gulam Mohmad Abdulla Tai and is now managed by his sons who run a modern fleet of 16 to 70-seat coaches. The new Turas will be operated under Safeway’s ‘Executive Class’ brand – offering premium coach hire to clients.

Safeway is a long-standing customer for Alan White and it still has a Mercedes-Benz 12-seater minicoach it purchased from Alan in his ‘Europa’ days in 1988, although it is no longer in service.

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.News1.indd 30

17/06/2013 15:40

50%

The stake Sweden’s Autoadapt has acquired in Unwin Safety Systems

£60

The sum a minibus driver was fined by South Wales Police for being overloaded

Top: Politecnica Rally seats. Above: The new Noone Turas 800

Ross Travel’s new 33-seat Turas coach Ross Travel Group of Featherstone, West Yorkshire recently took delivery of this new Noone Turas 800 33-seat coach based on the uprated Mercedes Benz 818 Euro 5 chassis with 177bhp engine and six-speed manual gearbox. The new vehicle features Politecnica Rally seats trimmed in red Vogue and black virtual leather complimented by a red and grey suede interior.

The specification also features Autoclima air-conditioning, convection heating, dark tint double glazing, full-length parcel racks with individual service units, reverse

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 31

camera, Bosch radio/CD/PA, fridge and cinema lights to entrance and gangway. At the rear is a large luggage boot that is complemented by two side lockers.

Founded in 1968, Ross Travel operates a modern fleet of 16 to 53-seat coaches on a range of duties from local contracts to weddings, corporate away days and private tours. Ross’s Andrew Stirling said: “We were looking for a modern stylish replacement for an older Mercedes and became interested when we saw the Turas at Eurobus Expo. A subsequent test drive convinced us to buy. Noise levels and fuel economy have been very impressive with over 18 miles per gallon being achieved on a recent trip to London.”

The Turas was supplied by Minis to Midis, Noones’ authorised agent.

1968

The year Ross Travel Group of Featherstone, West Yorkshire was founded

ASM Coaches selects 22seat EVM Classic

Kent-based ASM Coaches, run by Steve and Allison Morrish, has taken delivery of an EVM Sprinter Classic with 22 seats. It is based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 515 CDi with a six-speed manual gearbox and was supplied in plain white with standard Mercedes-Benz privacy glass and it retains the double rear doors.

Passenger entry is via the original cab door which was extended to match the revised three-step entry stepwell. The entry step features ASM’s logo with back lighting. Also fitted is In-Dash air-conditioning, coupled with Mercedes-Benz saloon airconditioning and saloon heater.

ASM also opted for the Sound 20 upgrade radio/CD system.

The seats are EVM Comfort class units with three-point seatbelts, folding arm rest to aisle sides, trimmed in virtual leather and automotive trim.

The rear seats are mounted

on NMI Millenium quick release fittings to facilitate luggage storage.

ASM provide many types of service, both national and international, which include, private and business hire, weddings, receptions and airport transfers.

The family had been involved in the goods transport industry for many years and then decided to run its own coaching business.

It now boasts a large repeat client list, many of whom have been customers since the beginning.

The EVM Classic was completed to European Whole Vehicle Type Approval and comes with full threeyear Mercedes Benz unlimited mileage chassis warranty.

Steven and Alison said they chose EVM to supply the new vehicle based on the quality and presentation of the product coupled with the “personal” treatment from EVM’s Sales team.

ASM’s 22-seat EVM Sprinter Classic

Minis to Midis adds Bulwark to service support structure Minis to Midis, the agent for Brian Noone and Paramount Conversions of Ireland, has added Bulwark Bus and Coach Engineering of Chepstow as a third support agent alongside existing main agents GB Fleet Maintenance of Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire and Johnsons Redfern of Mansfield.

Bulwark will offer aftermarket bodywork support in respect of the Mercedes-Benz based Turas 800 and Turas 500 coachbuilt models and Sprinter-based conversions supplied by Minis to Midis to customers in the South West, South Wales and Welsh borders regions.

Alan White, Director of Minis

to Midis, said: “Bulwark is a long established and respected operation with excellent facilities which came highly recommended by operators. We look forward to working with the Bulwark team in offering an efficient quality service.”

Bulwark is managed by father and son Brian and Christopher Gwynne and offers support for bodywork , electrical, mechanical and paintwork.

Contact: Brian Gwynne at Bulwark Bus and Coach Engineering. Call 01291 622326 or email bulwarkbusandcoach@ tiscali.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.News1.indd 31

17/06/2013 15:40

32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

THE BIG PICTURE

Robinsons of Kimbolton has recently acquired a 19-seater EVM Sprinter Classic. The conversion is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 Cdi with an automatic gearbox and was finished in Robinsons’ own attractive-cream based livery. The Classic uses the original passenger entrance which is modified to match EVM’s integrated three-stage entry step with LED strip lights and stainless steel inserts. Robinsons opted for EVM Comfort Class seats with three-point belts and folding arm rest to aisle sides, finished in virtual leather and automotive trim. Established in 1927, the family-run firm operates a modern fleet of 11 coaches across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. Impressed with the latest fleet addition, Jim Darr from Robinsons said: “We’ve had a lot of lovely comments about it.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.BigPicture.indd 32

17/06/2013 14:41

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 33

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.BigPicture.indd 33

17/06/2013 14:41

34 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | June 19, 2013

news

Dublin’s ECL Chauffer Drive opts for Elegance The 16-seat vehicle comes with a modified entry door & stepwell ECL Chauffeur Drive of Santry in Dublin recently took delivery of a Sprinter Elegance from EVM’s headquarters in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. Based on a Sprinter 516 CDi it was supplied with a sixspeed manual gearbox.

The Elegance employs a modified original Mercedes-Benz entry door and modified stepwell with three-stage entry step with LED Strip lights. EVM’s own stepped and curved double glazed saloon side windows, finished in privacy grey, were also specified.

The saloon accommodates 16 reclining seats with three-point belts and aisle-side armrests and has full length luggage racks with individual passengers sets.

The saloon air conditioning is supplemented by the in-dash system and includes forced air ventilation.

The large rear coach boot provides ample luggage storage and incorporates a half-height partition which reduces weight on the bottom suitcases and helps prevent crushing. The package was enhanced by colour-coding the front and rear bumpers and side

skirts.

Based at Dublin Airport, ECL is one of Ireland’s largest and longest established chauffeur drive companies. It caters for every aspect of the chauffeur drive industry – from airport transfers to roadshows; conferences to tours; and from sporting events to weddings.

Managing Director John Markham said he was already familiar with the EVM brand and felt it was the best fit for ECL.

Top: Seats come with aisle-side armrests. Above: The Sprinter Elegance

Enforcement exercise finds illegal minibuses in Swansea South Wales Police and VOSA carried out two nights, a Friday and Saturday, of safety checks at the beginning of June, targeting taxis and minibuses, which uncovered unsafe and illegally operated vehicles.

VOSA served 16 prohibition (PG9s) orders for failings including defective brakes and steering.

Two vehicles were issued with

immediate prohibitions and taken off the road.

On the Friday night, concentrating on taxis, nine PG9s were issued for defective brakes, steering, windows and tyres. On the Saturday night, seven PG9s were served on minibuses for oil leaks, defective tyres, windows and an emergency door which was found to be locked.

One of the minibuses was deemed unsafe and taken off the road immediately, while another was seized for having no insurance.

In addition to mechanical faults, officers discovered a number of other offences. These included breaches of driver hours and failure to produce motoring documents.

One minibus driver was issued with a £60 fine and the licence endorsed with three penalty points for having an overloaded vehicle. Two passengers received £80 penalty notices for exposing themselves while on board a

Partington Local Link bus service extended Residents in Partington and Carrington in Greater Manchester can now benefit from the extension of a demand-responsive minibus service.

From June 9, Partington Local Link started running two hours earlier, at 0500 instead of 0700hrs, following the addition of a new bus to the route. A brand new Sunday and Bank Holiday service has also been introduced, running between 0500 and 2200.

Local Link operates throughout Partington, Carrington and Warburton with vehicles picking passengers up and dropping them off at a number of key centres of employment and business in the Trafford and Greater Manchester area. These include Carrington Business Park, Trafford Park, the Trafford Centre and Salford Royal Hospital.

Money from the national Local Sustainable Transport Fund and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has made the new Local Link service possible. It is designed to fill gaps in the existing public transport network, particularly for shift workers whose working patterns might not be served by other services. minibus.

PC Phil David of the South Wales Police commercial vehicle unit said: “South Wales Police will not tolerate the operation of illegal minibuses being used to convey party revellers to Swansea, or indeed to any other venue. In the past, illegal operators have been placed before the court and received substantial fines and drivers have had their vocational licences revoked. We will continue to work with VOSA to address this problem and strive to ensure all transportation to and from the city is safe and legitimate.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.News2.indd 34

17/06/2013 15:42

682386-1092-Eberspacher

3/6/13

12:29

Page 1

36 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | June 19, 2013

dealer update › ben weaver

Reversal of trends Ten years have seen significant changes which encompass a complete about face in the commercial vehicle market, turning the company away from vans and minibuses to concentrate solely on minibuses. Martin Cole reports on Sheffield’s Ben Weaver Commercials

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.BenWeaverTOP.indd 36

S

ituated within a well-fenced site outside of Sheffield’s city centre, Ben Weaver Commercials celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year. Having initially dealt with sales of used vans and a good number of used minibuses, the business has turned on its head and is now 100% minibus.

Ben Weaver said: “This is really a reaction caused by the current financial situation affecting the country. When the recession kicked in it effectively killed off the traditional SWB Transit type of business. The market for vans

17/06/2013 15:35

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 37

Captions clockwise from the left: A typical selecion of Ford Transit conversions: Coachbuilts from Plaxton, Mellor and Chassis Developments. Iveco Daily in the paintshop. A very tidy used Transit, Director Ben Weaver

began to die away very quickly as tradesmen began to feel the pinch and cut back on capital spending.

I shifted focus onto LWB high-roof vans – which were more buoyant for a little longer – but eventually the sector also slowed down. Sales of minibuses had been increasing steadily but now it’s taken over completely. In particular, there has been a strong growth in the market for used accessible minibuses.”

Ben entered the world of motor retailing after leaving school and gaining a job with a local Volkswagen dealership. Ben said: “I’d always had a yearn to sell – especially cars. I stayed with Volkswagen for 18 months and

really went because I didn’t like having to work six-day weeks.

When you are 18-19 there are other things you want to be doing at weekends – so I looked around for something else and joined TC Harrison on its commercial vehicle sales team. It was still selling, which I enjoyed, but you only had to do one Saturday morning in every four – so it was much more attractive.

I stayed with the company for two years before leaving to run a satellite outlet for Chatfields, the LDV dealership in Barnsley and then moved back to Sheffield branch to do used van sales.”

In 2003, Ben, at the age of 25, made the move to go-it-alone and

set up his first solo enterprise.

“Things seemed to be going very well but the site I had obtained wasn’t very big and could only accommodate about 12 vehicles. It was also apparent a workshop was needed – so in a very short time the business outgrew the site. I found this one and moved here. It already had the garage and workshop plus office and stores and space for around 50 vehicles. A big attraction was the security fencing which runs all round the perimeter. Thanks to its presence I’ve never really suffered from theft or vandalism – touch wood.”

Asked which vehicle manufacturer proved the most

popular with his customers, Ben said it was not an easy one to answer as the trends consistently moved from one to another. “There is always a higher degree of interest in Ford, Iveco or Mercedes-Benz but you can’t really recognise a clear favourite,” he said.

Alongside Ben, the business employs a pair of mechanics, a painter and two valeters full-time.

Part-time staff come in to look after the administration.

“Our prime objective,” declared Ben, “is to ensure the paintwork and mechanicals on all our incoming stock are up to scratch.

They are then valeted and photographed for placing

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.BenWeaverTOP.indd 37

17/06/2013 15:36

38 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | June 19, 2013

dealer update › ben weaver

on our website. We don’t do any aftersales servicing for customers but we can do signwriting if they wish – or we can fit alarms and towbars etc. Our prime focus is on making sure they are mechanically sound. We are a member of the Good Garage Scheme which dictates the vehicles must be properly serviced and inspected to required standards. All drive belts are checked and replaced if necessary and timing belts are renewed as a matter of course unless we can verify how long the existing item has been in place. If the service history is available and shows a recent replacement we will leave it but if it is close to replacement we’ll fit a new one. The brakes are also stripped and inspected to make sure they are in top condition. All vehicles are released with either 12 months MOT or PSV certificate and we apply our own three-month parts and labour warranty – which is additional to the statutory rights all purchasers have.

“Under the Good Garage Scheme, if customers experience a warranty issue they can get it sorted with a local member of the scheme - if returning the vehicle to us is impractical. We also have three customer support vehicles to assist if they need them. There’s a 12-seat and a 16-seat minibus plus a van.

So, in the event of a vehicle being off the road we can supply something to cover the contract or hire duties until it is repaired.”

Explaining his choice of Good Garage Scheme membership, Ben

OK’d it with them. I listened to their advice and with permission from the Good Garage Scheme now carry its logo on our own warranty.”

Supplying used vehicles tends to mean the dealership is not supplying the bigger or best known operators in the business, but it does still require adequate levels of service and support to satisfy customers. Ben used to supply export outlets which channelled many vehicles into Africa – although the market there has now slowed considerably but has tended to move towards Poland. In the home market there are a number of customers doing repeat business with Ben, including care homes, schools, colleges and general minibus operators who may find themselves facing sudden changes in contract requirements.

At one time there was a fairly good market supplying minibuses to organisations like the Scouts and often to sporting clubs. Ben said this dwindled following the demise of LDV and the end of the Convoy – which had been a cheap but reliable means of transport offering good value for money.

An accessible Ford Transit is inspected and prepared for sale said: “It’s a pretty good scheme in most respects and makes more sense for me than AA or RAC coverage. With them you seem to be paying twice – once for membership and again for the repairs as they always seem to

wriggle out of any responsibility and put everything down to ‘normal wear and tear.’ They do have the best national coverage but you actually get very little assistance.

“I went to Trading Standards with the Good Garage Scheme and

Current stock at Ben Weaver Commercials can be viewed on its website, which is updated daily, at www. usedcommercialvehiclesales. co.uk or call 0114 275 7076.

The business also uses www. coachandbusmarket.com, Coach & Bus Week magazine’s dedicated vehicle sales website.

Left: One of the currently available Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. Right: The premises displays a good frontage but the triangular site restricts space

www.coachandbusweek.com

MB.BenWeaverTOP.indd 38

17/06/2013 15:38

Subscribe Today … and save £65!

Wednesday February 13, 2013 Issue 1074 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

43% OFF the cover price*

COACH:

Finalists announced for this year's UK Coach Awards p4

LEGAL:

BUS:

PI for Midlands �irm after convicted sex offender is hired p38

IN CAMERA:

Brighton & Hove launches mobile ticketing p7

How Redwing Coaches has worked with VUE CCTV p42

for recruitm

JOB ADVERTent S EVERY WE EK

RECRUIT NO W

TfGM: A fairer deal for Manchester p46 Inspirat ional Day s Out STEAM AND GREAS E

Visiting Britain’s beautiful heritage railways p14

and Hol idays

YOUNG AT HEART

February 2013

Top ways to groups happykeep younger p22

PLUS

LOVE LONDON

2012’s lasting legacy the best of London and p30

/ £3.95

MATILDA MAGN

IFICENT

Review of the multi-a winning wardmusical p42

LONDON’S STILL BURNING

Cover3.indd 1

11/02/2013 20:21

2012 starting Olympic legac to see real y results

Subscribe today to receive FREE Coach & Bus Week and pay only £85 for a whole year!

The Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben

NEW CH LAUN Visit our CoverFeb[1

].indd 1

www.gr ouptrave new web site – the lworld.co ONLY onlin e resource m a GTO need s

subscription to Group Travel World magazine and online subscription to coachandbusweek.com worth £83.95 †

07/02/2013

20:43

* 43% off full annual subscription. Other subscription packages available. † GTW only subscription worth £39; coachandbusweek.com subscription worth £44.95

Yes, I would like to subscribe to Coach & Bus Week at the rate of £85 for 51 issues Name Company

0076

EQUIVALENT TO FIVE MONTHS FREE WHEN YOU PAY TODAY Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Originator identification no.

Address

Postcode

7

0

6

Account number

Date

Branch sort code

Banks/Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions from some types of account

Telephone

To pay by Credit or Debit card

Mobile

Please debit my:

Email

Card Number Start date

CBWSubsA4.indd 1

5

Signature

Account name

The Direct Debit Guarantee. This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Coach and Bus Week Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Coach and Bus Week Ltd to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by Coach and Bus Week Ltd or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Coach and Bus Week Ltd asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required.

Please also notify us.

7

Instructions to your Bank or Building Society: Please pay Coach and Bus Week Ltd Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee.

I understand that this instruction may remain with Coach and Bus Week Ltd and if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Your Bank/Building Society

Address

Postcode

2

MasterCard

/

Expiry date

Visa

Delta

/

Maestro Issue Number

(Maestro only)

3 Digit Security Code

Signature To pay by cheque I enclose a cheque for £

made payable to Coach and Bus Week Ltd.

Complete the form and return to Samantha Noble, Subscriptions Dept, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Forder Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX or call 01733 293240

17/06/2013 17:28

p43_CBW_1075

18/2/13

18:35

Page 1

p41_CBW_1092

17/6/13

17:36

Page 41

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41

Dennis Dart Mini Plaxton Pointer 8.8m

2005 13m Bova Futura

2003 Mercedes Citaros

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

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

New Turas 500

LEZ compliant, manual or auto, Politecnica or Fainsa seats, courier seat option, 3 point belts, air con, power door, dark tinted double glazing, radio/CD/PA, DVD, reverse camera, full draw curtains, extra large luggage boot, Euroliners, 3 year chassis warranty.

£5,750

£84,500+VAT - P/X considered

38 + 34 standees, LEZ complaint, full DDA, dual door, Hanover LEDs, CCTV, in good condition, very low mileage (240,000 – 260,000 km), 1 year’s MOT. Choice of 6 (5 x 53 plate and 1 x 03 plate). £45,000 each + VAT

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

yourbus – 01773 714013

Minis To Midis – 01302 833203

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

1998 R REG OPTARE SOLO

2001 Mercedes 814 Vario Optare Nouvelle

Converted this year to 70 seater using Cogent seats with 3 point belts, tea machine, TV/DVD.

Mercedes engine, Allison, 30 seats, new MOT.

31/33 high back seats, forced air, reading lights, PA system, power door and boot.

£27,500 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

POA

POA

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

1994 Toyota Caetano Optimo

2006 Mercedes Benz 616 CDI Soroco Plus

2010 Mercedes Benz Travel 45

22 seats with belts, power door, manual gearbox, high speed diff fitted, tidy condition for its year.

16 Fainsa seats, 3 point belts, seat back tables, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot, fridge, DVD, new re-spray, 280,000 kms.

16 reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, power door, power step, curtains, coach rear, bi-xenon lights, auto gearbox, 189,000 miles.

POA

POA

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

Volvo Olympian open top bus

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.

£53,500 + VAT ono

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

2002 Futura

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

£55,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

£5,000

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

2009 Enviro 200 8.9m

Volvo VanHool

Cummins E5 engine.

Very clean and tidy coach for year, converted 2 months ago to 70 seater with 3 point belts.

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

£26,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

Contact William on 07733 914050

£73,000

Mistral – 01565 621881

£58,000

POA

Alexander Dennis body, P reg (1997), seats 75.

Fitted with a PA system, new MOT on purchase.

Choice of 5 vehicles.

Bath Bus Company 01225 330444

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

p42_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:39

Page 42

42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale 7HO

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

2009 Renault

2004 Bova Futura

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

51 seat executive, LEZ compliant, ZF auto, excellent condition, centre sunken toilet, 2 monitors, DVD, MOT until May 2014.

£17,500 + VAT

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma

Brand New Wrightbus Streetlite

2007 Unvi Riada

Brand new engine with Mercedes warranty, 22 seats + certified courier seat, leather headrests, Euroliners, DVD, 3 point belts, P/A, air-con, 227,000km, MOT 15/04/14.

£59,000 + VAT

Automatic gearbox, front, side and rear LED destination, DDA compliant, LEZ compliant, Euro 5, climate control.

Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862

£110,000

£42,000

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

2002 ADL ALX200 Dennis Dart

2005 MAN Noge

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.

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.

£15,500 + VAT ono

POA

POA – choice of 3

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

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

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.

£65,000+VAT - P/X considered

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

p43_CBW_1092

17/6/13

17:37

Page 43

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43

2005 MERCEDES VARIO 814 WHEELCHAIR ACCESS MINIBUS

2003 Volvo Jonckheere B12M Mistral 50

2003 Dennis Trident 2 Alexander ALX 400

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

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

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

67 seats, Cummins Euro 3 engine, DPF to meet Euro IV, ZF gearbox, DDA compliant, MOT. £25,000 + VAT – ONLY 4 LEFT! Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

Iveco 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus

2006 (56) Ford Transit 17 seat minibus

2007 (07) Mercedes 515 Coach Built Soroco

MAN Fast Carrier

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

2.4 diesel, one owner, 40,000 miles.

16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door, very large boot, TV/DVD, LEZ compliant, test 20/4/2014, 225,000 kms.

57 dual purpose seats + 12 standees, 3 point belts, power front and side doors, auto gearbox, double glazed tinted glass and curtains, 238,157 miles.

ÂŁ37,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

Blythswood Motors 0141 889 9730

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

ÂŁ15,495

ÂŁ9,995 + VAT

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

1999 Mercedes 814D Mellor

33 coach seats, 3 point belts, MOT 21/11/12, luggage racks, forced air, power door, boot/side locker, manual gearbox, tacho, repainted cream.

ÂŁ10,000

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

ÂŁ92,000

1999 Volvo B10M Jonckheere

2006 Bova Majiq

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.

49 seat executive, ZF auto, LEZ compliant, leather headrests, twin monitor DVD, centre sunken toilet, tasteful moquette, excellent condition, MOT & taxed.

<RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO

ÂŁ20,000 + VAT ono

ÂŁ99,000 + VAT

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862

2006 Mercedes Benz 814 Vario

2008 Mercedes 515 CDI Soroco

24 seats + courier, 3 point belts, luggage racks, reading lights, blown air, private plate, full skirts, wheel trims, very low mileage, test 27/10/2013, stunning condition.

19 high back seats, forced air, A/C, D/G, reading lights, power door and boot, in metallic silver.

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

Connaught PSV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01405 814064

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

POA

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

p44_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:41

Page 44

44 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

2008 MAN Auto Ayat

2007 Scania K340/ Caetano Levante

2007 Setra 415GTHD Comfort Class

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...

Choice of 2, 49 leather reclining seats, ZF automatic gearbox and retarder, Hanover front, side and rear destinations, WC, air conditioning, PLS magic lift, low mileage, recently refurbished and can be used on National Express network until June 2016.

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.

2008 Setra 416 GT HD

53 seat Comfort class, 12 speed ASTronic gearbox, air con, PA, CD & DVD, hot drinks & fridge, WC/washroom, seat belts, continental entrance.

£89,000+VAT - P/X considered

£85,000 each

£109,500

£109,500 + VAT

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

yourbus – 01773 714013

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

VOLVO B12B

Luxury VW Crafter

2005 Daf VanHool

2003 Futura

2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 125,000 miles, 8 months MOT, excellent condition.

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.

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

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

£120,000

£25,00

£85,000

Contact William on 07733 914050

Slick Rides – 07823 770978

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

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

2009 MAN NL273F Wrightbus Meridian 12m

2011 Enviro 200 Service Bus

VDL Bova Futura FH

2000 SCANIA T9

44 seats + 26 standees, fully DDA compliant, Mobitec LED, CCTV, digital tachograph, ex-lease. £67,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

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

Blue interior, satellite navigation, air conditioning and centre toilet.

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

£94,900 ONO + VAT

POA

£24,750

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Belfast Bus – 07921 389720

1994 Volvo B9M Berkof Excellence

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer

1993 Dennis Dart Limo Bus

1998 Volvo B10M Jonckheere Mistral

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

12 months MOT, 20 seats incl. driver, blue leather seats, LED lights in roof, colour changing lights in seats, illuminated glass holders, 2 x champagne buckets, ideal for proms and weddings.

Good solid engine and gearbox, tidy bodywork, MOT till April 2014, 37 recliners, loads of legroom and a rear toilet.

£27,500 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

SPECIAL OFFER – £8,500

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

£8,000 + VAT ono

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.

For more information please call Dave or Lou on 01291 625449

£35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

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

682251-1092-Ventura

17/6/13

18:41

Page 1

681335-1092-Ensign:Layout 1

17/6/13

17:38

Page 1

Ensig DOUBLE DECK 85

SEAT S

2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS Alexander ALX400 bodies, converted to high capacity 85 seat school buses.

LEZ

COMPLIANT

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

1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door or 70 when converted to single door.

Last few remaining from £8,500.

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

2000 VOLVO B7TL’S

2001 Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S

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

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

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.

Euro 3 with traps, DDA, LWB, Plaxton bodies, 67 seats as 2 doors or 78 once converted to single door.

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

2002 DENNIS DARTS

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

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

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

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

681335-1092-Ensign:Layout 1

17/6/13

17:38

Page 2

nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S

ZF auto, East Lancs Myllenium bodies, SLF, 46 seats.

2000 W REG DAF SB220’S

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

1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN

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.

2000 X REG DENNIS SUPER POINTER DART

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS

Voith gearboxes, 11m, 41 seats, Cummins 160 engines, new MOT.

Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Alexander RL bodies, 83 / 87 seats.

2002 02 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

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

Mercedes engines, slimlines, 28 seats.

2006 OPTARE SOLO’S

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.

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

Euro 4, 8.9m , 29 seats with SEATBELTS.

2007 57 PLATE ENVIRO 200

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 80 seats.

2005 55 PLATE VOLVO B7R

ZF automatics, Plaxton Profile bodies, 70 seats, side wheelchair lift, Mobitech LED’s, air-conditioning, radio / PA. One remaining.

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

697383-1092-Stafford

17/6/13

18:44

Page 1

697288-1092-BCA

17/6/13

13:49

Page 1

696609-1092-BenWeaver

17/6/13

16:59

Page 1

BEN WEAVER 2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Front entry, 2800cc turbo diesel, white, Ratcliffe internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, all seats are on tracking, tachograph, 6 speed gearbox, LEZ compliant, 53000 kilometers/333000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £8995 NO VAT

2008 08 REG FIAT SCUDO COMBI 120 MULTIJET 7 SEAT 2000cc HDI, silver, air conditioning, electric folding mirrors, CD player, remote central locking, twin side loading doors, 56000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. £7495 NO VAT

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS WITH PANORAMIC GLASS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, ex local authority vehicle, certificate of initial fitness, tachograph, PSV, LEZ compliant, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, electric windows, power door mirrors, 104000 kilometers/65000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6495 + VAT

2002 51 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, yellow, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift,tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, panoramic glass, electric windows, 115000 kilometers/72000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. £ 6295 + VAT

Photograph available soon 2005 05 FORD TRANSIT MWB MEDIUM ROOF 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000 turbo diesel engine, internal Ricon wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, electric windows, electric door mirrors, 2 lift up skylights, LEZ compliant, 85000 miles, finished in metallic moondust silver, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £7495 + VAT

2005 05 FORD TRANSIT MWB MEDIUM ROOF 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000 turbo diesel engine, internal Ricon wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, electric windows, electric doors mirrors, 2 lift up skylights, LEZ compliant, 88000 miles, finished in metallic college blue, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £7495 + VAT

2004 53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411CDI LONG WHEELBASE HIGH ROOF 12 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2200 cc turbo diesel, twin rear wheel, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, approximately 70000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 month nationwide parts and labour warranty. £9995 NO VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, 10 seats in the bus but can be made up to 17, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, electrically operated plug front entry door, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, LEZ compliant, uplift skylights, 123000 kilometers/77000 miles, white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 7995 + VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 40C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, electric plug entry door, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, LEZ compliant, 141000 kilometers/88000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 7995 + VAT

2003 IVECO DAILY 35S11 MWB HIGH ROOF FRONT ENTRY 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2300cc turbo diesel, light blue, Ratcliffe internal wheelchair lift,tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 75000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6495 NO VAT

2002 02 REG FORD TRANSIT 350 LWB HIGH ROOF 15 SEAT WHEECHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel, white, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 113000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards,3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 5495 + VAT

2008 57 REG IVECO DAILY 50C15 FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 3000 turbo diesel, 6 speed steptronic automatic, certificate of initial fitness, digital tachograph, PSV, panoramic glass, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, front entry plug door with fold out step, front electric window, CD player, LEZ compliant, 115000 kilometers/72000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. £ 17995 NO VAT

2006 06 REG IVECO DAILY 40C14 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, white, tachograph, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, ex NHS, 142000 kilometers/89000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £9995 + VAT

2007 07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35 109PS 8 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2500cc 5 cylinder turbo diesel, PLS easy access internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, Stanford conversion, medium wheelbase, high roof, electric front windows, overhead luggage racks, side access step, panoramic glass, metallic silver, 69000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standard, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 12995 + VAT

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 35S11 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, panoramic glass, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, side access step, 4 more seats can be added to make up to 13 seats including driver, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 97000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 month MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 5995 NO VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 40C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, electric plug entry door, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, LEZ compliant, 147000 kilometers/91000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 7995 + VAT

2004 54 CITROEN RELAY 1100 ENTERPRISE MWB MEDIUM ROOF 4 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000cc hdi turbo diesel engine, electric windows, Ricon internal lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, panoramic tinted glass, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, CD player, remote central locking, only 28000 miles with all previous service invoices, finished in silver, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6995 + VAT

2003 03 FORD TRANSIT 10 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel, Chassis Development conversion, Access underfloor electric lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 113000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6495

2007 07 REG 50C15 IVECO DAILY 16 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 3000cc Euro 4 turbo diesel, yellow, automatic 6 speed steptronic gearbox, electric plug front entry door, air con, panoramic glass, Access underfloor electric rear wheelchair lift, electric drivers window, tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 98000 klms/61000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £15495 + VAT

2002 52 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS WITH TACHOGRAPH 2500 turbo diesel engine, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear tail lift, side electric door, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 128000 klms/80000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6295 + VAT

BEN WEAVER commercIals

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

696609-1092-BenWeaver

17/6/13

16:59

Page 2

te ss bra sine bus! cele bu ini To ars in ery m ye ev 10 0 off 0 £5

commercials 2005 05 MERCEDES VARIO 814 33 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS WITH TACHOGRAPH 4300 turbo diesel engine, automatic, analogue tacho, certificate of initial fitness states 32 passenger seats or 10 wheelchairs and 2 seated, Plaxton Beaver 2, 17 seats but can be made up to 33, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 10 w/chairs, ex council, 118000 klms/73000 miles, silver, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £22495 + VAT

2006 06 MERCEDES VARIO 614 21 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS WITH COIF - TACHOGRAPH - PSV 4300 turbo diesel engine, automatic, certificate of initial fitness, tachograph, PSV, Mellor coachcraft conversion, 15 seats but can be made up to 21, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, ex NHS vehicle, 212000 klms/132000 miles, finished in blue, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £12495 + VAT

2005 05 CITROEN RELAY 1100 ENTERPRISE SWB 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000cc HDI turbo diesel engine, electric windows, Ricon internal lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, panoramic tinted glass, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, CD player, 63000 miles with all previous service invoices - 11k - 21k - 30k - 38k - 46k - 52k and 58k, silver, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6495 + VAT

2006 06 REG CITROEN DISPATCH 4 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE Silver, 1900cc diesel, Ricon internal wheelchair lift, tracking for 1 wheelchair plus 2 seated, twin side loading doors, Stanford conversion, silver, 48000 miles with all previous service invoices at 12k - 23k - 38k and 43k, remote central locking, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £5995 + VAT

2006 06 CITROEN RELAY 1100 ENTERPRISE SWB 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000cc hdi turbo diesel engine, electric windows, Ricon internal lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, panoramic tinted glass, remote central locking, electric mirrors, CD player, 49000 miles with all previous service invoices at 5k - 11k 15k - 18k - 28k and 39k, finished in silver, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £7495 + VAT

2004 04 REG CITROEN RELAY SWB MEDIUM ROOF 8 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000cc HDI diesel, blue, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, 44000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 6495 NO VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 20 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 256000 klms/160000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6995 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 20 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 232000 klms/145000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £6995 + VAT

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 40C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE COACH STYLE MINIBUS 2300cc turbo diesel, finished in white, Ratcliffe palfinger underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, coach style interior, front entry, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, LEZ compliant, 125000 kilometers, 78000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. £ 7995 NO VAT

2006 56 REG CITROEN RELAY MWB MEDIUM ROOF 9 SEAT MINIBUS 2000 HDI diesel, yellow, 65000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £5495 NO VAT

2004 54 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LONG WHEEL BASE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tachograph, 127000 kilometers/80000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £9495 NO VAT

2007 57 REG FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT MEDIUM WHEELBASE MEDIUM ROOF SHUTTLE BUS 9 seats including driver plus a ply lined luggage area at the rear but we know of a brand new triple seat that can make this bus back into a 12 seat minibus, 2200cc 110ps turbo diesel, red, twin side loading doors, rear luggage area, LEZ compliant, 90000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 8495 + VAT

2008 08 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel 100ps engine, LEZ compliant, COIF, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 85000 miles with service records, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £9995 + VAT

2006 56 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc 115ps turbo diesel, 6 speed gearbox, electric heated mirrors, electric windows, CD player, LEZ compliant, silver, 106000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. £7995 + VAT

2009 09 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 209CDI SHORT WHEELBASE LOW ROOF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE 2148cc cdi diesel, sprintshift automatic gearbox, hand operated brake, Ricon rear internal wheelchair lift, air con, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, push button hand brake, only covered 8000 miles with full service history, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 13995 NO VAT

2004 53 IVECO DIALY 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2800cc 6 speed turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, LEZ compliant, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 103000 kilometers/64000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £8495 NO VAT

2001 Y REG MERCEDES VARIO 814 PLAXTON BEAVER 2 FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 28 SEAT MINIBUS 4300cc automatic turbo diesel engine, Plaxton conversion, electric front doors, Access under floor rear tail lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 227000 klms/141000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £9495 + VAT

1999 T REG TOYOTA CAETANO OPTIMO 4 4166cc turbo diesel 5 speed, 21 coach style seats with lapbelts and armrests, passenger curtains, overhead luggage space, rear boot space, internal rear heater, reading lights, forced air, Euroliners, finished in white, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, 412000 klms, 257000 miles, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards. £7995 + VAT

2005 05 IVECO DAILY 65C15 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS This bus has 13 seats but has 22 down on the COIF, 2800 6 speed manual turbo diesel engine, access underfloor electric wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, 166000 klms/103000 miles, excellent condition, finished in dark metallic red, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty.

NOVEMBER 2011 61 MERCEDES SPRINTER 516CDI EXTRA LONG 16 SEAT COACH BUILT MINIBUS 2300 turbo diesel euro 5 manual engine, 16 non reclining luxury coach seats with piping, luggage racks with forced air and reading lights, large panoramic windows, large illuminated luggage area, show curtains, walnut dash, drivers locker, radio and CD player system with 6 speakers, GRP lowered entrance step, GRP body skirts, COIF. £47995 + VAT

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

697311-1091-Rotala

10/6/13

14:08

Page 1

697066-1092-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

17/6/13

17:46

Page 1

MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951

Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell

57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD

59 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.45TD

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, O&H conversion SLD, AVS side step, 8 rear high back seats plus 1 x wheelchair space, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 20,286 miles.

Manual 6 speed, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door, side step, 8-14 high back seats, fully tracked Unwin floor, Ricon tail lift, Eberspacher heater, ex NHS, only 12,695 miles.

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, 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.

NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50c17 IRIS BUS 3.0

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, side step, 14 rear seats, Unwin Innotrax fully tested tracked floor, Eeberspacher heater, underfloor PLS tail lift, tacho, 41,598 kms only

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.

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.

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.

2008 57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 2.2CDI

07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA

58 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

58 REG FORD TRANSIT TOURNEO CONNECT 1.8 HDI

6 speed manual gearbox, semi high roof, PAS, MWB, SLD, 14 high back seats including driver, Bluetooth & sat nav, air con, elec windows & mirrors, electric side step, Unwin tracking, Ricon tail lift, 39,834 miles.

Auto gearbox, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 81,280 kms.

Manual 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 31,199 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.

57 REG FORD TRANSIT 100, 350 2.4TDCI

05 REG VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T30 TDI

2009 58 REG RENAULT T RAFFIC LH29 2.0T D

57 REG CITROEN RELAY 2.5TD

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.

LWB, MAN gearbox, CD, electric windows & mirrors, full AC climate front and rear, twin side loading doors, 9 high back seats in rear, Unwin tracking, Braun tail lift, rear tail gate & blinds, Cotrim conversion, 29,209 miles.

Automatic gearbox, high roof, SCW conversion, twin side loading doors, side step, 6 rear high back seats plus double passenger & driver, AC, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracking, Ricon tail lift, 38,309 miles only.

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.

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0

57 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

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 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, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion PTS ambulance, SLD, fold out side step, 6-8 rear high back seats, wipe clean interior, lowering suspension, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, choice of two, 72,000-79,000 miles.

Manual, 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.

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 T D

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI

57 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO 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.

Manual gearbox, LWB, PAS, O & H conversion, n/s full height manual door, 16 high back removable seats, Eberspacher heater, PLS underfloor t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd,103,080 kms, PSV tested till March 2014.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, electric side step, 11 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor at rear, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, tacho, 34,955 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.

p54_CBW_1092

17/6/13

18:46

Page 54

54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

MINICOACHES ALBION HOUSE 16–18 ALBION STREET WILLENHALL WEST MIDLANDS WV13 21NJ TEL: 01902 631507 FAX: 01902 630791

sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

www.ukminicoaches.co.uk

2008 ‘08’ Ford Transit 17 Seater 140BHP Minibus

A superb vehicle all round, the Transit offers some nice benefits for a minibus. Passengers have comfortable full size seats complete with three point seat belt and head rest. The interior is spacious and airy. This vehicle is fitted with a digital tachograph, tow-bar with butterfly step and reversing audible warning bleeper. For that school contract or for any social group, the Transit is the leader of the pack. Only 40,000 miles.

Price £11,995 + VAT

2007 ‘07’ Ford Transit 16 Seater Minibus

With only 30,000 miles from new, this is a rare opportunity to own a low mileage Transit suitable for most needs. Features digital tachograph, remote central locking, 16 passenger seats, three point seat belts, tow bar and digital tachograph.

COIF available at cost if required. Comes with new MOT. Price £11,495 + VAT

Choice of ‘54’ & ‘52’ Reg Transit 16 Seater Minibuses

Choice of two Transit 16 seater minibuses. Both in excellent condition. 52 reg has 118k, 54 reg has 134k miles. Tachos fitted appropriate to year.

Supplied with new MOT. Features include 16 passenger seats, three point seat belts, side loading door, radio/cassette. Both vehicles are Ford Factory built and have type approval for PSV use.

Price from £5,745 - £6,495 + VAT

All Commercial Trading Ltd T/A UK Minicoaches OPENING HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00 AM TILL 5.00 PM

p55_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:45

Page 55

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

AUDIO & VIDEO

BUILDINGS

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

CHECKPOINTS &KHFNSRLQW

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

Volvo Olympians

®

'XVWLWH/5

Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers

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

FINANCE

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

Large selection, all taxed and PSV’d, ZF auto boxes, recently re-upholstered, just out of services, upper deck 47, lower 31, standing 8.

We also have a number of Dennis Dart and Volvo single decker busses with seat belts.

Contact us for more information: 01530 560566 07836 517350 sales@truckandplantsalesltd.com

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

p56_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:47

Page 56

56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned

ENGINES

Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316

Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC

Moorfields Industrial Estate, Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

EXHAUSTS

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

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

FUEL

LEZ BOXES FOR SALE 2 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

FLEET SALES

RETIRING or

CHANGING YOUR FLEET?

Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions

01630 674326

auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

You’re in control.

Take the photos, write the ad and change it later if you want to, all from your online dashboard.

Selling a vehicle is simple on . . .

p57_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:49

Page 57

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

INSURANCE

PARTS

• Full UK coverage • Same day local delivery • Next day national delivery • Official Irizar part distributor • All manufacturer parts supplier

7L PH L V PRQH\

• Fast, efficient & 24/7

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

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

New Van & Minibus Parts

Digital Techo’s VDO 138112 volt unused

Driver Suspension Seats

Ducato Passenger

Master Mavano Doors

Master Side Doors

Renault 1-9 CDI F9Q Engines New

Sprinter 616 Axel no A9053500300

Sprinter LT New £150

Sprinter Crafter Doors

Sprinter Wheels Conti 235 65 R16C

Toyota Amazon V8 £250 Unused

Transit 17 seater

Transit MiniBus Shell

Transit Tourneo Seats

Transit Wheels Conti 215 75 R16C

Vario Bumpers £75

Vario Headlamps £35

Volvo Compressors No 9521675

Volvo Foot Valves No 3118789

ZF Astronic 12-AS-1930-TD

www.cabmasters.com

01706 211 838

p58_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:52

Page 58

58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 2013

REGISTRATIONS

£750 50 LXJ AXZ 15 DRZ 40 KIG 80 LAZ 87 MHZ 25 RUI 46 SNZ 55 UIB 69

£350 AJZ 626 CEZ 838 DKZ 303 JBZ 686 RBZ 696 MHZ 505 VIW 848 WJI 848 XIB 646

training

£99 EXZ 1660 FRZ 5515 GRZ 1246 GRZ 1247 HIG 3236 JIG 7992 KIG 6556 LIG 1676 LIG 1677

Buy with confidence – CNDA Member We buy for cash, also Part Exchange

£99 LIG 1678 RHZ 1511 RHZ 1512 SNZ 5222 SNZ 5223 SUI 8185 TJZ 1119 UUI 2888 UUI 2889

£50 CXZ 5840 DXZ 5969 EXZ 1603 EXZ 1604 FRZ 2037 FRZ 2038 JFZ 9822 LIG 2283 LIG 2284

£50 NFZ 3212 RHZ 1425 RHZ 1426 RNZ 9198 SNZ 3885 SNZ 3886 TUI 7175 UUI 2898 UUI 2899

Tel: 028 6638 7124 • www.speedyreg.co.uk Millwo od, L isbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland B T94 5HQ

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

PCV DRIVER HIRE 0800-731-5007

REPAIRS

CORPORATE DEALS AVAILABLE

MERIDIAN DRIVER LTD Rising above all others

www.meridiandriver.com

TRIM

TRAINING

Driver CPC courses available each month including Emergency First Aid for PCV/HGV CPC Courses £49.99 + VAT Emergency First Aid £75.00 + VAT (2 year qualification) Fee includes upload and certificate

We’re here when you need us For information contact us on 01529 414242 / 303333 or visit: www.sleafordian.co.uk To claim your discount online enter training5 into the gifts/voucher option

PVS DRIVER CPC TRAINING CREATED BY A COACH COMPANY FOR THE COACHING INDUSTRY

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment.

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.

Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229

p59_CBW_1092

17/6/13

16:54

Page 59

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

You’re in control.

Take the photos, write the ad and change it later if you want to, all from your online dashboard.

Selling a vehicle is simple on . . .

VEHICLE SPARES

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •

Recovery

•

Testing

• • •

TYRE EQUIPMENT

• • • • •

DISMANTLING/SPARES:

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

• • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ

Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com

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

VEHICLE INSPECTION TRAINING

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

Specialist vehicle Inspection training with optional IRTEC accreditation

TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

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

www.twigley.com

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 19, 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

Last of the Leylands at Arriva SC Large numbers of new buses entering service with Arriva Southern Counties (ASC) alongside refurbished mid-life cascades from London is enabling the firm’s small number of remaining step-entrance double-deckers to be withdrawn as the fleet quickly heads towards being 100% SLF. Along with some Volvo Olympians just departed is one of the earlier Leyland variety, numbered 5910 and registered ‘K910SKR’.

The last Leyland Olympian has been running for Arriva’s New Enterprise Coaches’ fleet at Tonbridge in recent times, still carrying Arriva colours and used on school runs in the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area.

Its departure from the Kent fleet therefore marks a significant point in the company’s history, the current Arriva Kent & Surrey Limited being a renaming from the original Maidstone & District (M&D) company, New Enterprise having been bought by M&D in 1988.

We get the picture…

There are no shortage of weird and wonderful bus stop promotions, from Mr Kipling angel slice dispensers to Minority Repport style facial recognition. However, a recent bus stop ‘prank’ by software giant Adobe has proved to be the most successful bizarre bus stop advertising, after a video went viral on YouTube with more than 13

Dilbert

Monday James here. After a hectic few days it’s time to put the Lothian Buses issue to bed. Again, we’re done in good time and get to enjoy the evening, even with Andrew in the sick bay.

Northern Counties-bodied Leyland Olympian K910HSR ready for the off ASC’s Regional Publicity Manager, Richard Lewis, said: “To run vehicles from one manufacturer continuously for more than 100 years is no mean feat and the withdrawal of 5910 from service is a significant historical event.

“New in 1993, the bus has, like so many Olympians, served us well and the fact it is leaving us has come about indirectly as a result of the entry into service of our £3m fleet of 11 Volvo B5L Hybrids

at Maidstone, coupled with the ongoing transfer from London of mid-life DAF and Volvo ‘deckers.

“Our single-deck fleet has also been updated this year with 36 new buses, alongside more ex London buses. Although 5910 has left its traditional home area it’s still earning its keep, helping out on a short-term basis at Arriva the Shires & Essex while their E400s are away for upgrading to Sapphire standard.”

million hits in a week.

In the video, a screen is installed in the side of the bus shelter in Stockholm, which is then linked to a computer in a van parked opposite the stop. A photographer uses a long lens camera to covertly photograph waiting passengers, before a designer quickly uses their image in a bus stop advert created before their eyes on Photoshop.

Pranks pulled on unsuspecting passengers included placing complete strangers on top of a wedding cake, turning a man into

a giant superhero towering over a city and saddling a woman on top of a polar bear.

The ambush-marketing was performed to promote Adobe Creative Day. All the passengers in the video saw the funny side, with several taking photographs and one even applauding the van after he spotted it across the street.

You can see the video on our website at http:// coachandbusweek.com/videos

Tuesday Spend the day updating and tweaking the CBW website as per usual. A slightly more chilled out Tuesday is always appreciated after writing two features in three days, followed by a press day.

Wednesday Work on an upcoming feature on compliance specialists Lloyd Morgan Group. We’re inundated with positive feedback on the Lothian super feature from a cross-section of the readership, which is great to hear. After work I head over to my parents’ home where I’m staying for a couple of weeks to look after various plants and pets while they’re enjoying sunny Greece. I also move my computer over since I can’t face two weeks without it. Thankfully the internet in my parents’ home has improved substantially since I was a teenager. With my better half having successfully secured a teaching job for September, my parents kindly take us out to The Admiral Wells in Holme to celebrate before they leave.

Thursday Send off my feature for fact checking. Peter Bell, Trapeze UK MD, braves the weather which has taken a turn for the terrible to come into the office for an interview with Andrew, speaking about the quality of public transport journey planning. In the evening I take a look at Last.fm.

As a music lover, I can’t believe I’ve never found the site before.

Friday All this week’s features are sorted, which in the past was unheard of.

Start placing news stories in the relevant page folders, although we don’t put them together as anything could happen between now and Monday. Also plan future issues in our team meeting.

www.coachandbusweek.com

LastStop.indd 60

17/06/2013 14:39

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

New Ops Manager for Stagecoach Northampton Tony Simmons has been appointed Operations Manager (OM) at Stagecoach Northampton.

Previously OM at Leamington and Stratford-upon-Avon depots for over two years, he has worked for the company for 14 years, starting out as a driver in Torquay.

He became a Duty Controller before being selected for the Stagecoach staff development programme.

Tony was promoted to Assistant Operations Manager at Torbay for two years and then became OM at Barnstable, where he worked for four years. “At one time or another, I’ve worked at all Stagecoach depots in Devon,” said Tony.

When Stagecoach ran bus services for athletes, games

officials and the press during the Olympic Paralympic Games, Tony was seconded to UK Bus Events Team where he took up the role of Training and Welfare Manager.

In his new post, Tony is overseeing the relocation of Northampton depot to its new site at Main Road, Far Cotton.

“We worked hard to ensure the smooth introduction of our other network and service enhancements, which took place on June 9,” added Tony.

FLEET ENGINEER Norfolk Green is a wholly independent business, providing a network of local bus services with some 70 buses and ancillary vehicles from its base in King’s Lynn, across West and North Norfolk, North Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire.

An opportunity has arisen for a Fleet Engineer. Repor�ng to the General Manager, you will be responsible for the department comprising skilled and unskilled staff maintaining the fleet across 7 days a week to support the business opera�on.

With a proven track record, demonstra�ng strong technical and fleet management competence, you will be passionate about high standards. You will be accountable for the Engineering Policy and ensuring that you and your team have the knowledge and skills to comply and adhere with company standards, in par�cular vehicle roadworthiness and maintenance, plant and equipment, stores management, health and safety, work quality and performance management, vehicle cleanliness and environmental responsibili�es. You will be responsible for the engineering budget, vehicle procurement and ensure effec�ve departmental cost control.

The successful candidate will have motor vehicle technical qualifica�ons and must have obtained a relevant professional qualifica�on in vehicle/fleet management, i.e., IRTE or equivalent and be a member of The Ins�tute of Road Transport Engineers (CPC standard).

We are seeking a leader with the ability to inspire and mo�vate the team to achieve excep�onal levels of performance and who has the ability to work closely with the Opera�ons department in delivering a high service level standard.

Tony Simmons, Operations Manager at Stagecoach Northampton

Interested candidates should apply in wri ng with CV to: Ben Colson, Managing Director, Norfolk Green, Hamlin Way, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4NG. Closing date 1st July 2013

DEPOT MANAGER Salary £25 to £30k plus benefits

MCT are seeking to appoint an experienced passenger transport professional to lead the opera�onal team through the next stage of development.

The Depot Manager post is a key opera�onal role that ensures day to day opera�onal ac�vi�es are completed in an efficient and cost effec�ve manner. The post holder is responsible for ensuring the companies legal, contractual and procedural obliga�ons are complied with. They will have first line management responsibility for the opera�onal team including supervisors, drivers, support staff and for vehicle legal compliance as defined

by VOSA. The post holder will also assist the Opera�ons Director in developing exis�ng and new business areas and be responsible for delivery of opera�onal plans and objec�ves.

Applica�ons are welcome by email with CV and suppor�ng le�er quo�ng Reference MCT/DM001 to Kath.smith@manct.org CLOSING DATE – JUNE 30 For a job pack including job descrip�on and person specifica�on please contact Kath Smith on 0161 946 9254. www.coachandbusweek.com

People1.indd 61

17/06/2013 17:07

HASSLE-FREE DRIVERS? Hire coach drivers when you need them.

No holiday, no absence, no NI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pay only for the hours you need them for.

We keep your wheels turning while your drivers are resting.

Call Del Haggerty Just Coach Drivers Ltd 07950 292939 www.justcoachdrivers.com www.coachandbusweek.com

People2.indd 62

17/06/2013 17:21

RECRUITMENT & people

June 19, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

In association with

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

MBE for equality campaigner

Phil Hudson is the new rep for Northern Ireland & NW England

Lee McMahon, a familiar face to many, joins from Moseley PCV

New faces on Volvo coach sales team

for a prestigious brand like Volvo and it’s something I’m really looking forward to,” explained Phil. The new role will see him cover the North West, North Wales, Shropshire and Northern Ireland taking over a role vacated by Duncan Crosby, who has recently departed Volvo Bus to take up a new role at Volvo North and Scotland. “Duncan’s are certainly big shoes to fill, he is and has been a key figure in the industry for many years, but I welcome the challenge and look forward to meeting our customers.”

James Hyde, Volvo Bus Coach Sales Manager (UK & Ireland), said: “It was important we sought out the right type of personality in the individuals we were bringing into our experienced coach sales team.

Both Lee and Phil were excellent candidates and have already been hard at work in their respective sales areas. We look forward to reaping the rewards of their industry experience in the years to come.”

Volvo Bus has boosted its coach sales team with the appointment of two new experienced Regional Sales Managers.

Phil Hudson has taken over responsibility for the North West and Northern Ireland, while Lee McMahon is Volvo’s new coach sales contact in the North East region.

Lee (38) joins from Moseley PCV Ltd and has over 14 years’ experience in the coach industry.

Based in Doncaster he will fill a role following the retirement of Philip Illingsworth covering the North East, Yorkshire, The East Midlands and Lincolnshire. He said: “This is obviously an excellent opportunity for me to work for a major manufacturer and demonstrate my sales abilities. I’ve already begun work and am getting out there and meeting many of the operators.”

Phil (47) joins Volvo Bus from VW, but has extensive commercial vehicle experience from his time at Mercedes. “It’s a key role working

Contact Lee McMahon on lee.mcmahon@volvo.com or 07831 572449. Email Phil Hudson at philip.hudson@volvo. com or call 07776 161 781

A Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) employee has been awarded an MBE after years of supporting access to transport and travel for disabled people.

Dave Partington was announced as a recipient for the honour on Saturday (June 15) as part of the Queen’s 2013 Birthday Honours list.

Key to the award has been the success of several equality projects launched and managed by Dave during his time at TfGM including: n The overseeing of the Greater Manchester ‘Travel-Training scheme’ to support children with special educational needs in using public transport; n The ‘Transporting-Ability’ programme to inform transport businesses about the benefits of employing candidates with

disabilities; n The creation of the Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) to consult with TfGM on public transport access issues; and n A collaboration project with the Royal National Institute of Blind (RNIB) to find best transport practice for blind and partially sighted passengers.

Dave said: “I never did any of this work for a pat on the back, but I’m honoured to have been awarded with this MBE. Everyone uses public transport, no matter what creed, colour, sex or age and I wanted to make a real difference in supporting disabled people with their travel and transport choices.”

Dave has worked in the disability sector since 1999 and joined TfGM in 2005. Dave is also a prolific volunteer and is on the Board of Directors for the Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People.

TfGM Chief Executive, Dr Jon Lamonte, said: “Dave has made a major contribution and is incredibly passionate about his work.”

Part of the Human Capital Investment Group Offices in Birmingham - London - Surrey

We are specialist recruiters with over 25 years experience in the PSV & Coach market.

Providing 24/7 staffing solutions to prestigious Bus & Coach clients across the UK. We are immediately able to supply and looking to recruit the following skill sets: • Engineering Directors • Diagnostic Technicians • Coachbuilders • Parts Specialists • Welders • General Labour

• Engineering Managers • PSV Technicians • Auto Electricians • Workshop Controllers • Cleaners • Administration & Office Staff

Please contact Andy Jennings - Divisional Manager 01784 487616 or 07799 866467 www.proactive-tech.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

People2.indd 63

17/06/2013 17:21

681698-1092-Grayson

17/6/13

16:30

Page 1