Wednesday July 3, 2013 Issue 1094 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
INSIGHT:
A C Williams splashes Trapeze UK MD on the cash with Southern measuring quality of Holidays purchase p8 journey planners p24
BUS:
Perryman's wins new contracts, with Optare Versas on order p6
LEGAL:
Sandwell Travel wins appeal but ordered to pay £2,500 �ine p20
for recruitm
ITSO: levelling the playing field
JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK
RECRUIT N
OW
p30
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Quality Contracts: Will they, won’t they?
T
he issue of Quality Contracts (QCs) has been bubbling away beneath the surface for what seems like forever. It feels like something significant is on the horizon, especially after the news that West Yorkshire ITA is pumping more money into developing its QC scheme, despite local operators significantly ramping up their partnership work (p16). First’s Dave Alexander outlined the progress operators in the area have made, which includes “commitments to network stability and greater consultation; an improved customer charter; future investment commitments; agreed and published service standards; and the introduction of integrated Oyster-style smart ticketing”, although according to Metro Chairman Councillor James Lewis, the ITA does not have “sufficient clarity about much of the detail of their suggested partnership approach”. I have heard on the industry grapevine that, even though the authority is still moving forward with its plans, the operators’ improved partnership work is starting
to make councillors rethink its QC proposals. The public would surely prefer money was being spent on direct action to improve public transport rather than on developing something which might not ever materialise. Maybe it’s the cynic in me, but perhaps the real threat of QCs was what operators needed to get themselves into gear and think long and hard about how public transport in the area can be improved. Elsewhere, operators across England will breathe a sigh of relief after hearing BSOG is protected for the next couple of years. Operators need a stable environment in order to make business decisions. Peter Coates, National Express UK Bus MD, summed it up well in my interview with him last year: “It would help if operators had the confidence to plan and then shareholders would be more inclined to support investment.” Finally, see p24 for an insight into journey planners with Trapeze UK’s Peter Bell. His views on measuring the quality of journey planners are certainly thought provoking and worth a read. Andrew Cream Deputy Editor
CONTENTS 4
24
34
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
20
Trapeze UK MD Peter Bell gives his views on journey planners
28
WiFi update from Mobile Onboard, new wireless microphone launched
Sandwell Travel appeal against O-licence curtailment successful
22
A Coaches Excetera Plaxton Panther-bodied MAN vehicle
30
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Office Diary column
John Marsh defends his position as a bus photographer
CEO Lindsay Robertson on the smart ticketing industry standard
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Legal News
Open Platform
Insight
Big Picture ITSO
Products
54
Last Stop
55
People
The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach and Bus Week Ltd.
Driver CPC Training Fully inclusive. No hidden costs
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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
news
“I wanted to spark a discussion about the quality of journey planning. We need to think about it now, not wait for the market to shift.” Peter Bell Trapeze
briefly The £1.5bn A14 upgrade will go ahead, Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander has said, with the start date of construction brought forward by two years to 2016. The changes include tolling between Girton and Ellington using a new Huntingdon southern bypass, widening north of Cambridge, an improved Girton interchange and parallel routes allowing local traffic to travel free between Girton and Swavesey. Addressing the House of Commons, Mr Alexander said: “This is a scheme of strategic national importance, which will unlock jobs, housing and growth in the region, as well as providing key relief for a major freight route.” The announcement comes three years after previous plans for the A14 upgrade were dropped by the Government amid fears the £1.3bn price tag was unaffordable. Transport for London’s Oyster card celebrated its 10th birthday on June 30. In the decade since Oyster was publically launched in 2003, around 60m cards have been issued and over 85% of all rail and bus travel in London is now paid for using an Oyster card. Over the decade Oyster has seen constant evolution – by 2005 daily price capping was introduced and in 2010 Oyster acceptance was expanded to include all commuter rail services within Greater London. The launch of Oyster Online Accounts in 2012 helped customers manage their Oyster use by viewing detailed journey history, keeping track of balances and fares paid, and requesting refunds online. Further improvements are planned for Oyster customers as more features to the new TfL website are launched over the next year. MiX Telematics has announced strong growth in subscriber base and subscription revenue its full-year financial results for the year ending March 31, 2013. The firm’s subscriber base grew to over 359,000, increasing by 31% from the previous year. Subscription revenue increased by 20% to £45.2m, while total revenue was up 15% to £77m. EBITDA grew 19% to £18.8m and headline earnings increased 26% to £8.6m.” www.coachandbusweek.com
News4,5.indd 4
Insight p24
First raises £640m through rights issue CEO also waives bonus for second year running as firm attempts to tackle £2bn debt burden FirstGroup has revealed it has raised almost £640m following a discounted share placing of 723 million shares. Some 633 million shares, or 88% of those on offer, were sold to institutional investors at 85p, with the remaining 89 million bought up for 91p in the market, despite early fears the placing would fall well short. The cash injection is expected to be used to continue investment
in the business, amounting to approximately £1.6bn over the next four years, and to reduce the Group’s £2bn debt burden, much of which was incurred by the £1.9bn acquisition of US bus business Laidlaw in 2007. Its debts have risen 7.7% over the past year. First will breach its banking covenants if its debt reaches more than 3.5 times its earnings. Its debt is currently around three times earnings. First’s US school bus division is undergoing a restructure, with the operator confident $100m a year can be cut from its cost burden. This coincides with the transformation
First is disposing of its London operations in favour of the deregulated market elsewhere in the country
Rygor Commercials acquires EvoBus Southall Rygor Commercials has made its first move into the bus and coach market by acquiring the southern aftersales centre of EvoBus Daimler UK at Southall, Middlesex. Tim Stacey, Managing Director of Rygor Commercials, said: “This is an extremely exciting development for the company. It enables us to use our expertise to support PSV operators with Mercedes-Benz buses, coaches and Setra coaches for the first time and fits perfectly with our existing business looking after the needs of Mercedes-Benz truck and van customers.” The company will be retaining all current EvoBus employees at
Southall and is looking to make a significant investment to expand and improve services at the facility. The existing EvoBus operation in Coventry is unaffected by this move. The Rygor group now includes 12 Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealerships and eight vehicle maintenance centres, mostly across southern England. “Understanding our customers’ needs and achieving the very highest level of customer satisfaction is key to Rygor’s business success. Our teams are dedicated to keeping vehicle down time to a minimum and with a focus on continuous improvement. We
of First’s UK Bus business, where assets are being sold off and the company seeks to provide local services ‘more efficiently’. The firm also insisted it is prepared to bid for more rail deals, despite losing out during last year’s West Coast Main Line franchise bidding. Last month, First said its UK Rail arm saw a 7.4% increase in revenues, bringing total income in the division to £2.795bn. The value of the Aberdeen-based transport group has continued to fall since late last month, when it unveiled a year-end profits collapse of 86%. Pre-tax earnings had fallen to £37.2m despite a 3% rise in revenues to £6.9bn. First lost 30% of its value in a single day as the firm revealed its three-for-two share issue and a suspension of shareholder dividends. First has since lost a further third of its remaining value during the course of the last four weeks, with shares remaining at an all-time low ebb, below £1, for much of June. Tim O’Toole, CEO of FirstGroup, has waived his bonus for the second year running. The bonus would have amounted to 70% of his £1.02m salary for the 2012/13 financial year. O’Toole’s salary will also be frozen for 2013/14. have been awarded the MercedesBenz Retail and Aftersales Dealer of the Year on a number of occasions and currently lead the network for our MOT first time pass rate of 98%. “Fellow owners/directors Paul Reed, Graham Drake and I will be going out to meet our new PSV customers, to learn about their needs and to reassure them about the high quality service they can expect from Rygor,” added Mr Stacey. Rygor Commercials has 12 Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealerships and eight vehicle maintenance centres. Headquartered in Westbury, Wiltshire, it also has dedicated centres in Brackley, Chilcompton in Somerset, Heathrow, Kidderminster, Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Salisbury, Southall, Swindon and Tewkesbury.
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UK Coach Rally and Awards separate for 2014 The organisers of this year’s combined UK Coach Rally and Awards event have announced the two events will separate and return to previous formats for 2014. UKCA Chairman Allan Edmondson said: “Industry feedback, both during and after the combined event in April, was very positive and it was hoped we could repeat the formula in 2014. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to agree a format which suits both parties. “The UKCA team recognises the importance of next year’s Diamond Jubilee UK Coach Rally, which is a real milestone, and we wish them every success.” UK Coach Rally Chairman Stephen Telling said: “The combined Coach Rally and Awards weekend this year was
BSOG protected until 2015/16 It has been confirmed in the spending review that BSOG is to be protected until 2015/16. The review documentation stated efficiency savings have been identified by TfL and within rail budgets. The long-term funding certainty provided to the Highways Agency and Transport for London will generate significant efficiency savings in budgets beyond 2015-16. “These savings ensure the
a great success, but as next year is our Diamond Jubilee and a real landmark in our history, an agreement could not be made which allowed the Rally to celebrate in a style befitting this major anniversary. The UK Coach Rally
team would like to express their thanks for the opportunity to work with the UKCA in 2013 and wish them every success in their future events.” The Diamond Jubilee UK Coach Rally takes place at Alton Towers over the weekend of May 10-11, 2014. A further announcement about plans for the UK Coach Awards in 2014 will be made in the near future.
Alton Towers took over as the venue for the UK Coach Rally in 2013 government is able to protect spending on buses and roads and avoid additional rail fare increases – helping those on lower incomes,” the review stated. The CPT has welcomed the news, and its CEO Simon Posner said: “We are delighted the Government has recognised the importance of retaining BSOG. BSOG is a simple yet highly effective tool which makes a direct and positive impact on transport. The evidence shows it results in lower fares and helps maintain services which encourages more passengers to take the bus. “Buses are the most critical and most used mode of public transport
in the UK and we enjoy one of the most comprehensive bus networks in Europe. Today’s announcement, which further demonstrates the government’s understanding of the vital role buses play in the economic and social wellbeing of the Country, is good news for bus passengers. “We are pleased that, once again, Transport Minister Norman Baker has demonstrated his deep understanding of and commitment to the needs of bus passengers. “Measures such as this which help to maintain service levels and encourage people to use their local bus services can only be a good thing.”
CILT North West Awards 2013 The winners of the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics North West (CILTNW) annual awards for Education and Excellence, in association with Peel Ports Group and CAST UK, were announced on Friday, June 14, at a ceremony held at Manchester’s Midland Hotel. Now in their fifth year, the CILTNW awards celebrate educational and commercial excellence in freight and passenger transport across the North West region, which includes Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside & Warrington Groups. Passenger transport winners included: Award for Environmental Improvement in Passenger Transport 2013 sponsored by Cast UK: Arriva North West Award for Industry Best Practise in Passenger Transport 2013 sponsored by Transport for Greater Manchester: TravelWatch North West John Moorhouse, Company Secretary of TravelWatch NorthWest, was given an award for Service to the Passenger Transport Industry, sponsored by Network Warrington. John has had a long career in passenger representation and was Secretary of the Rail Passengers Committee for North West England from 1985 until 2004. He has been Company Secretary of TWNW from its inception.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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723m
news › BUSeS
The number of discounted shares FirstGroup made available as part of its rights issue
briefly First Scotland East has unveiled improvements to its service X38 fleet. Recognising the route’s historic links, First has re-named the service FirstBluebird and is repainting Service X38 buses a distinctive blue reflecting the old Bluebird colours of previous years. Nine buses have already been transformed. In addition, every bus that operates on the route has been fitted with complementary WiFi. First has extended a fares promotion which sees the price of day return tickets reduced on certain legs of the journey until September 1. Winchburgh passengers can enjoy a £1.40 saving with a Day Return Ticket to Edinburgh discounted to £4.00. Meanwhile customers travelling between Kirkliston and Edinburgh can enjoy a day return ticket for £3.50, a £1.90 saving and Newbridge customers also benefit with a £3 day return. Castleford-based M Travel has been given a formal warning by TC Kevin Rooney. The firm, which runs 20 local bus services, appeared before the TC as a result of an investigation by VOSA in November 2012. During the inquiry, the TC was told vehicles had picked up three prohibitions in four days. A passenger seat had been damaged due to vandalism but the examiner concluded it was likely to cause injury. A further notice recorded that engine oil was found to be leaking, posing a fire risk. In some instances the defects picked up were not marked as repaired. Director Darren Mayes gave evidence and said key people in the business will undertake refresher training, including Transport Manager Anthony Dee. The TC concluded there had been a positive response to the issues raised but said he remained concerned about the competence of the maintenance staff. Reading Buses has launched a new summer timetable, including changes to routes using the new Reading Station Northern Interchange called Station North. From July 8 most services across the network will have some changes but many customers will only be slightly affected. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Perryman’s bus contract boost 12 new Versas on order & new depot set to open in St Boswells Melrose A dozen new Optare Versas are set to join the fleet of Berwick-uponTweed-based family-run coach and bus operator Perryman’s after the firm won £10.4m worth of Scottish Borders Council (SBC) local bus service contracts. Starting on August 12, the firm takes over the operation of four more routes. These include the route 20 Kelso-Hawick (Sundays), 51/52 Jedburgh/Kelso-Edinburgh, 60 Galashiels-Duns-Berwick and 68 Jedburgh-Galashiels. The operator
also regained the 67 GalashielsKelso-Berwick service which it has run for the past five years. Some of the new services will run from a new depot at Mitchells Yard, Charlesfield. Roddy Perryman, Operations Manager of Perryman’s, told CBW: “We are currently recruiting in preparation for the opening of a central Borders depot in late July. We are in the process of securing a site in the St Boswells area. “Around 20 jobs will be created, most of which will be involved in the running of our recentlyawarded SBC local bus services contracts.”
Perryman’s fleet currently includes smartly-presented Mercdes-Benz Optare Solo SRs, with a dozen Optare Versas on the way
Ferryhill fails to pay BSOG debt Keith Hammond of Ferryhill Village Travel has damaged his good repute after failing to pay a debt to the public purse for nearly four years, North East Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney has ruled. The TC also recorded an undertaking on the operator’s licence held by Hammond to ensure the outstanding debt is paid in full by October 20, 2013. His direction follows a PI held on May 30, 2013 into Mr Hammond’s failure to submit the relevant paperwork to support an advance
BSOG payment of £14,000. During the inquiry, Kevin Rooney heard evidence from a BSOG official that Mr Hammond did not supply a claim form as required in November 2009. A debt recovery process and County Court Judgement subsequently followed. The operator eventually submitted a completed form in May 2013, which had been certified by an accountant. The claim was worth £2,800 but the BSOG official indicated it was probably a significant understatement due to a lack of fuel receipts, which are required as evidence. In his first year of operating on the BSOG scheme, the operator had submitted his claim on time. Hammond told the TC the receipts had been destroyed in an
However, Perryman’s gain is Munro’s loss. In January, Munro’s had its O-licence revoked after it was found to have loaned discs to Jenkins Travel in 2011. While Munro’s unsuccessfully appealed the decision, it has been awarded a new O-licence in a separate hearing. CBW understands the only routes Munro’s have been left with, along with the 74 (Galashiels Circular), are the 54 (Galashiels local service) and 131 (Jedburgh - Newcastle) as these two weren’t included in the tendering round. First has also lost a route to Perryman’s – the Galashiels to Berwick service 60. Initially Perryman’s had lost route 67 to Travelsure, but it has been given back to Perryman’s. The new 11.7m Versas will feature Cummins ISBe engines, Allison automatic transmission, Timespace V400 8 camera CCTV systems and Mobitec audio announcements linked to an interior LED display. Perryman’s has opted for two types of seating. Eight of the buses have Esteban Civic V3 seats and the other four are fitted with Rescroft seats with three-point seatbelts, enabling them to be used both on regular services and school contract runs. electrical fire at his pub in March 2009. He also said he had not intended the debt to go unpaid. Hammond explained he spent six months of the year in Majorca, where he owns and runs a bar. He also had other business interests. He was out of the country for large periods and had expected his fuel supplier to provide duplicate receipts after the fire. But in his written decision issued after the hearing, the TC said Hammond had failed to provide a reasonable explanation for allowing the debt to go unpaid. He said: “The government provides a significant grant to offset the costs of operating local bus services. Payment up front provides welcome cash-flow for many operators. Such payment is
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125
Number of local authorities, PTEs, operators and suppliers who are members of ITSO
First invests in 18 new buses for South Wales First is introducing 18 new Optare Versas to its operations in South Wales in a £2.66m investment. The vehicles began arriving in early June and are gradually being put into the service. Nine of the buses are for Service X2 (Porthcawl to Cardiff, via Newton, Bridgend, Cowbridge), while the remainder will go into operation on Service 63/63B (Bridgend to Porthcawl via Aberkenfig, Kenfig Hill, Pyle, North Cornelly, South Cornelly/ Mawdlam, Nottage). Two versions of the low-weight midibus model are being supplied, split 50/50 between the 11.1m model and the new 11.7m model, seating 36 and 40 respectively. Justin Davies, MD of First Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to take delivery of these new vehicles. They are modern, spacious, comfortable, good to drive and offer our passengers an enhanced journey experience. The buses have a number of tip-up seats at the front of them, making the overall space within quite versatile. It can either be used for seated or standing passengers, or can be used by wheelchair users or those travelling with buggies and shopping trolleys. Regardless of how the space is used though, all those customers based on trust in exactly the same way O-licensing is based on trust. Mr Hammond betrayed that by not keeping the appropriate records.” Mr Rooney noted, although some of the fuel receipts were lost in a fire, five out of 12 months should have been available. Mr Hammond had only been able to produce a quarter of the receipts with his claim. He also took account of evidence received after the hearing showing that Hammond had agreed a repayment structure with BSOG officials, to ensure the debt was settled by October 23. The TC also recorded a warning against the operator’s licence for a vehicle prohibition issued in 2009 and Hammond’s failure to notify the County Court Judgement.
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1.5bn
The estimated number of transactions which could be made annually on ITSO compliant systems by 2014
SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, July 1. Go-Ahead saw the greatest proportional rise, while Optare saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
393.20p
Price: Year High: 430.50p Year Low: 275.80p
First Cymru’s new Optare Versas feature a bespoke livery on board have access to free WiFi while they’re travelling with us. “These new buses are a great addition to our local business, and will enable us to serve local people, connecting local communities, long into the future.” The buses feature leathertrimmed Esteban Civic V2 seats and Hanover LED destination equipment fitted to the front, side and rear. Power is provided by the sixcylinder Euro 5 Cummins ISBe engine which delivers a generous 201 bhp (150 kW) enabling the buses to cope with the hilly terrain along the routes. John Horn, Optare Sales Director, added: “We’re proud to be a part of First’s strategy to introduce stylish, comfortable and environmentally friendly vehicles into its fleet in South Wales. “Our fully integral models are designed from the outset to be
incredibly strong and durable, but with significantly reduced overall weight and class leading cost per seat. The 11.7m derivatives of our Versa range have an unladen weight of less than 7,800kg and as a result, we’re sure that First will benefit from significantly enhanced fuel efficiency while their passengers enjoy exceptionally comfortable journeys. “Drivers will also soon discover the Versa is easy to drive with excellent all-round visibility. And our Eco-Drive dashboard will help them deliver a safer and more comfortable ride for passengers as well assisting them to make their own contribution to better fuel economy, which also means lower emission levels.” The vehicles’ arrival follows a £1,040,000 investment made earlier this year in eight new ADL Enviro 200s for Services 20, 20A, 21A in Swansea.
South Lancs Travel to commercialise 597 service South Lancs Travel is to operate the popular 597 daytime Leigh bus service on a commercial basis, Monday to Saturday, from July 8. The 597 links Leigh Sports Village with the town centre and infirmary on a half-hour frequency. The service is currently provided by TfGM and has been part funded by Wigan Council in a bid to kickstart new local links with Leigh Sports Village with short term developer funding. The company currently operates the evening and Sunday services and will continue to do so although these are still subject to subsidy from TfGM.
Wigan Cllr Mark Aldred, Chairman of TfGM’s Bus Network and TfGM Services Committee, said: “This is a positive move from South Lancs Travel and I’d like to thank them for taking the initiative to provide this important local service. It’s great to see the 597 playing a role as part of the commercial bus network.” A new route for journeys to Leigh Infirmary will run via The Avenue, Holden Road and Platt Fold Road instead of directly along The Avenue. Journeys to Boothstown on weekday evenings, Sundays and public holidays will stay the same.
96.55p
Price: Year High: 217.69p Year Low: 90.30p
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226.20p
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Price: Year High: 17.90p Year Low: 8.25p
+5.20 on last week
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FTSE 100
6,273
Index: Year High: 6,840 Year Low: 5,447
+200 on last week
www.coachandbusweek.com
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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
news › coaches
briefly A coach carrying around 40 passengers was lucky to reach dry land after driving through flooding tide from Holy Island – the Berwick Advertiser reported. Holy Island Coastguard was notified that a coach was driving through the water at 1340hrs on June 22. The safe crossing time ended at 1220. The vehicle, thought to belong to a foreign firm, drove through four to five feet of water before reaching the mainland. It sustained substantial damage, including loss of number plates and body panels, and luggage in the holdall was soaked. Road surface improvements on the A3 in Surrey have started. Sections of both north and southbound carriageways between the M25 junction 10 and the Hook (A243) junction are being resurfaced. The work, weather permitting, will be completed at the end of August. It is being carried out in separate phases, with up to four days at each location. These locations are NB between Wisley and Painshill, NB between Painshill and Esher Common, NB between Esher Common and Hook, SB exit slip road at Esher Common, SB between Esher Common and Painshill, SB entry slip road at Painshill and anti-clockwise M25 slip road at junction 10. Overnight diversions on the A5036 between Liverpool Docks and the local motorway network at Switch Island in Merseyside are in place from July 11-17, with the route closed between its junction at its far western end with the A565 Crosby Road and the junction with the A5090 Hawthorne Road beyond Princess Way/Bridge Road Roundabout. All closures take place between 2200 and 0500. The Princess Way/Bridge Road roundabout will close to all traffic, including those on local roads, for the six nights. High-sided vehicles travelling westbound will follow a different diversion - leaving the A5036 at Dunnings Bridge Road and travelling southbound down the A5038 Netherton Way, west along the A5058 Baliol Road onto the A565 at Derby Road. www.coachandbusweek.com
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A C Williams expands with big ambitions The Lincolnshire firm has significantly expanded its fleet and contracts Lincolnshire operator A C Williams has announced a 50% expansion with the acquisition of neighbouring Southern Holidays, building on a record year which saw company turnover soar by 40%. The company’s Executive Chairman, Glen Pratt, has said it is setting its sights on becoming Lincolnshire’s biggest operator. Together the merged companies offer a fleet of nearly 30 vehicles, ranging from executive coaches through to double-deckers and wheelchair minibuses. The merger sees the two companies offering
a total of 50 holiday departures and over 200 day trips next year, alongside their schools and UK & European commercial contracts. The entire fleet is maintained through A C Williams’ own specialist workshop and the company has invested £500,000 in equipment and vehicles this year alone. The combined companies will employ 35 people. Glen Pratt, who took over the A C Williams business just over 12 months ago, said: “The joining of these well-respected names will provide all our customers with a bigger choice from our top of the range fleet of vehicles. Corporate customers will have greater flexibility from the bigger fleet and
Glenn Pratt (Centre) took over the firm just over 12 months ago
Peoplemovers loses O-licence after convictions Norwich-based coach company Peoplemovers (East Anglia) Ltd has lost its O-licence after being convicted of serious infringements. The order from Richard Turfitt, Traffic Commissioner for the East of England, comes after he heard the business was fined by Norwich Magistrates’ Court for three offences, two of which are classed as most serious infringements under EU regulations. The operator also did not provide evidence to satisfy the mandatory financial standing requirement and
prior to the hearing, Director Mark Harvey alerted the Office of the TC that he would not be attending on the day. In his absence, Mr Turfitt examined the offences committed by the company. On September 19, 2012 VOSA officers encountered a minibus operating on University Drive in Norwich. After five passengers had departed the vehicle, the driver, Julie Harvey, confirmed she was working for Peoplemovers (East
wider range of vehicle capacities, while our day trip and holiday travellers will find even more choice in types of trip and new destinations. “We want to become Lincolnshire’s best and most trusted coach operator and this expansion makes us well placed for future growth.” For corporate customers, A C Williams has earned its reputation as a major contractor for schools transport and also has a wide customer base in commercial contracts and private hire. For day trip and holiday travellers, Spanish specialist Southern Holidays complements the UK and continental itineraries of day trips and holidays offered by A C Williams. The Southern Holidays divisions will benefit from future investment and expansion through the strong financial standing of A C Williams. Directors Leigh and Rebecca Robbins and all the employees of Southern Holidays will continue in the newly merged group. The intention is for A C Williams and Southern, both local familygrown companies, to operate all the merged services from the A C Williams site in Ancaster, with Southern staff transferring to the Ancaster offices from their current Sleaford base. Anglia) Ltd and had provided transport from the University of East Anglia to the student halls of residence. The VOSA officer noted the minibus was not displaying an operator’s licence disc, as required. It was also not fitted with tachograph recording equipment. In addition, checks on Mrs Harvey’s driving licence revealed she was not allowed to drive the vehicle when carrying passengers for hire or reward. Records available to the examiner also confirmed the vehicle did not have a valid MOT or certificate of initial fitness. During a subsequent interview about the incident, the company’s
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“Imagine my dismay when the driver thrust his head out of the cab and commanded “Will you stop taking pictures of this bus!”” John Marsh
Arriva revises Green Line service Arriva’s long-established Green Line coach service between Luton and London has undergone some changes with a timetable revision, new commuter links direct from Stopsley, Leagrave and Marsh Farm and new ticketing options. The round-the-clock 757 service runs seven days a week to a halfhourly frequency for the main part of the day between Luton Rail Station, the town centre, Stockwood Park and London. Extra coaches run to and from London at peak times. There are new weekday morning journeys giving four departures from each of the Stopsley and Leagrave/Marsh Farm areas with arrivals in London between 0730 and 1040hrs and no need to change in Luton. There are also direct late afternoon/early evening journeys back from London to those areas. Another new feature is the inclusion of free bus travel on all Arriva services in the Luton and Dunstable area with some Green Line tickets. This applies to commuters’ Season Tickets and the Green Liner Plus ticket. This off-peak ticket gives a return trip from Luton to London and back for just £10 for adults and £5 for students and concessions. Green Liner Plus is also available to purchase on local Arriva buses so that people can start their journey close to their home and then won’t have to worry about paying again. New 10 trip tickets are also being Director and Transport Manager, Mark Harvey, told the examiner he thought the vehicle was operating on a private road, owned by the university. This led him to believe the vehicle did not fall under the normal operator and driver licence requirements. The VOSA examiner reported to Mr Turfitt that University Drive can be accessed by the public and is used by bus operators as a route to transport university students. In correspondence to the TC’s Office, following the prosecution, Mr Harvey said that although his firm had originally quoted a price to the university, they did not actually charge them for the journey. Operator licence regulations
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introduced for people travelling regularly but not always five days each week. All coaches are fitted with free WiFi, air conditioning and reclining seats and stop at Brent Cross, Finchley Road, Baker Street, Marble Arch and Victoria, giving easy access to London’s bus and tube network. Arriva has also arranged with some of the main London tourist attractions, including Madam Tussauds, HMS Belfast and Ripley’s’ Believe It Or Not for Green Line customers to have two-for-one entry. Arriva’s MD, Paul Adcock, said: “Our new range of Green Line tickets allows customers to start their journey on our local buses in and around Luton and Dunstable at no extra cost, and the extension of some journeys to start in outlying areas is expected to be popular with commuters who will be able to get on the coach near their home and then relax until they reach London. “Amongst our new range of tickets is a £30 family day return ticket for up to two adults and two children travelling together and some of the commuter tickets work out at less than £51 per week.”
Arriva has added new weekday morning journeys to its Green Line 757 commuter service come into force when a business takes a payment for transporting passengers. Norwich Magistrates’ Court fined the company £1,200 on February 7, 2013 after it pleaded guilty to three offences – cause/permit drive not in accordance with a licence, use a motor vehicle without a test certificate and fail to exhibit on a public passenger vehicle an operator’s licence disc. Mr Turfitt also took account of two prohibitions issued to a vehicle with brake defects. In reaching his decision to revoke the licence and in deciding not to disqualify those involved, the TC took into account the operator’s early notification. His order took immediate effect.
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The service is run by uniquely designed double-deck Van Hools
megabusGold to launch first service in July Stagecoach has announced that the first of its new overnight sleepercoach routes between Scotland and London, a joint venture between Stagecoach and ComfortDelGro, will begin operating in July. The first new megabusGold service – which will serve Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Cumbernauld and London – starts on July 8, providing overnight services every day of the week. Stagecoach announced in April it would introduce a network of overnight sleepercoach services to link London with Aberdeen, Aviemore, Cumbernauld Dundee, Dunfermline Edinburgh, Falkirk, Ferrytoll park and ride in Fife, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth. All of the new overnight megabusGold routes will be launched this summer, with detailed start dates for each service to be confirmed over the next few weeks. The new services all operate using a fleet of 10 specially
designed double-deck Van Hools with 53 leather seats which can be converted into 42 lie-flat beds. The coaches also carry free WiFi, power sockets and a toilet. Customers using the overnight service receive complimentary refreshments during their journey as well as a sleeper kit which includes an eye mask, a toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition, as a pilot, passengers will also be given a choice of a blanket or a onesie to sleep in during their journey. Fares range from £15 to £60 and services operate seven days a week. The launch of the new sleepercoach network follows the success of a pilot route between Glasgow and London using refurbished vehicles fitted with bunk beds. Elizabeth Esnouf, MD of Stagecoach’s UK Coach division, said: “We know there are lots of people who are keen to try these new services and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board this summer. “Our vehicles are the first of their kind in the world and we’re excited to be using them to provide a great value, comfortable service for our customers which allows them to go to bed in one city and wake up in another.”
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news
Institution of Civil Engineers calls for road strategy & bus regulation The report also calls for more acceptance of multi-operator smart ticketing and real-time information The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has released a report entitled State of the Nation: Transport. In terms of roads management, the ICE said: “Decades of rising motor traffic has strained the capacity of the network. Population growth and renewed economic growth could do so further. This is particularly the case around our major conurbations and on the main links between them but it is not the whole story. There are still parts of the country where roads do not meet modern standards and where journey times, reliability and safety standards are inadequate. This is particularly the case for Welsh North-South routes, and for some single carriageway trunk routes in Scotland and England.” The ICE argued that one way to ensure a clear funding stream would be to hypothecate the proceeds of current taxes on
motoring to provide this fund – or to support the activities of a private sector operator under the supervision of an economic regulator. The body claimed motorists currently pay far more in fuel duty and Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) than is re-invested in the roads themselves. Income to the Treasury from roads-related taxes is expected to fall in the longer-term even if mileage increases as more fuel-efficient and electric and other non-petrol/diesel vehicles become more common. Against this backdrop, ICE said that in the longer term a more sophisticated system of charging for road use is likely to be the best solution. ICE did however recognise the political challenge in delivering such a change and the need for a full and open national debate on the different options. In contrast to rail, local buses have not – with a few exceptions – seen significant increases in patronage, the ICE argued. In England’s Metropolitan areas (excluding London), ridership
Metro Radio Breakfast Show DJ’s Steve & Karen with an Angel-liveried Volvo B5LH Wright Eclipse Gemini Hybrid www.coachandbusweek.com
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has halved since the mid 1980s, although more people use buses than trains and in many areas they are often the only option for those without cars. ICE said it would like to see changes to ensure “a better, more attractive, bus service” which in urban areas offers a competitive alternative to the private car and congested rail for many trips. It made the following recommendations: Enhancing Metropolitan areas’ effective powers over routes, fares, frequencies and vehicle standards (particularly with respect to emissions). To this end, UK Government should review the effectiveness of Quality Partnerships and particularly Quality Contracts, making the latter a more practical option if other means prove inadequate; Reviewing compulsory concessionary fares schemes in order to optimise their considerable budgets against clear transport and other objectives. While understandably popular with
beneficiaries the scheme’s equity and long-term value for money appear unclear; Requiring operators to accept multi-operator smart ticketing as a condition of operation (as is the case in London, and for concessionary fares in Scotland); Ensuring reliable, accessible real time running information is universally available via simple mobile applications; and Outside London, current arrangements work well in places (Oxford and Brighton, for example) but such good practice needs to become the norm, rather than the exception. ICE did recognise that a more regulated approach to bus services could impose costs on the public purse, where budgets are already under pressure. However it argued that with around £2.5bn of public money being spent on bus operations in England each year, representing a large part of operators’ income, there is also scope to achieve more from current spending.
Go North East has introduced onboard audio-visual announcements to over 60 of its buses. The operator teamed-up with local Sony Radio Award winning DJs, Metro Radio DJs Steve and Karen and Real Radio’s Gary and Lisa, to record the voices for on board TV screens which announce current stops, destinations and next stops. The operator highlighted the work of charity for the blind and partially sighted, Guide Dogs, which recently published ‘The Road to Nowhere Survey’, campaigning to make all buses ‘talking buses’. Go North East is working with Guide Dogs and RNIB to make using its services easier for blind and partially sighted users. This includes the audio visual announcements, joint
developments in driver training and awareness and customer events to educate all bus users of the importance of these initiatives. Go North East has introduced the announcements on its Red Arrows, Quaylink, Angel, TEN and Simplicity services. These buses cover the four main corridors in and out of Newcastle and also Sunderland and Newcastle city centres. Plans are in place to introduce this to further services in 2014. Stephen King, Marketing and Sales Manager, Go North East, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve our service to customers and AV announcements make travelling by bus so much easier for many passengers - not just those that are bind and partially sighted but those who are new to our services too.” Guide Dogs’ Campaigns Manager, David Cowdrey, said: “The system will make travelling around the north east much easier for blind and partially sighted people, tourists and many others.”
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briefly Nova Bus has appointed Steve Kratzer as Regional Sales Manager to serve the western United States market. Steve brings 16 years of experience in the transport industry, including in the fields of bus and coach sales, business development and marketing. Prior to Nova Bus, Steve was Business Development Manager – Public Sector for a coach manufacturer. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Rob Mowat, Vice President of Sales, said: “We are really happy Steve has joined Nova Bus. He has a comprehensive understanding of public transport issues and a stellar reputation for working with his customers. It was important for us to add a colleague who demonstrates Nova Bus’ demanding standards for integrity, quality, value and safety.” Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has proposed to spend 50bn reais (approx. £14.7bn) on the country’s public transport network following massive nationwide street protests. After crisis talks with protest leaders and regional officials, Rousseff announced the government will allocate “50bn reais in new investments for urban mobility projects…to improve public transport in our country”. Fare increases were one of the factors which first sparked Brazil’s unrest, which led to widespread violence and vandalism. The owner of coach tour operators Mindel-Reisen and Stricker-Reisen, Reimund Dirr, has taken delivery of two Euro 6 Setra coaches, an S 516 HD and an S 517 HD ComfortClass 500. Dirr said: “Low operating costs and reduced fuel consumption are important factors when it comes to buying new vehicles. Setra has certainly kept its promise in full.” The S 516 HD and S 517 HD long-distance touring coaches hold 50 and 52 passengers respectively. They feature Setra Voyage-type travel seats with armrests and leather headrests, a servery with a 40-cup container and an audio/video system with DVD player. www.coachandbusweek.com
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A BYD ebus on trial in Poland
BYD ebus trials in Warsaw and Krakow Trials show furthest range after one full charge of any electric bus POLAND After a two-week successful trial in Warsaw, BYD’s pure electric ebus has now started a trials programme in Poland’s second city – Krakow. MZA Warsaw, the municipal transport company, tested the ebus on intensive service route 222, which runs through some of the main streets of Warsaw, such as Trakt Królewski. Average energy consumption over the two-week trial was less than 1.3 kWh/km, despite the air conditioning system being constantly in use. MZA confirms that the minimum range of the ebus in urban bus operation was at least 250km. An MZA driver then delivered the bus over the demanding and hilly 310km route to Krakow. Leaving at 2300hrs from an MZA depot in Warsaw the bus arrived at the Krakow MPK bus operator’s depot
at 0445 the following morning having consumed only 69% of the power in the fully charged BYD battery. MPK is now completing its own two-week trial of the BYD ebus. MZA Warsaw said the price of electricity per 100 km for the BYD ebus was equal to 50 zloty (~£9.70), while the current combustion engines consume more than 40 l. of diesel fuel per 100 km, which costs at least 200 zł/ 100km. With a daily mileage of 250 km, the bus provides saving of at least 395 zloty per day, 10,665 zloty for 27 working days (one month) – therefore, one bus may provide savings of at least 127,980 zloty (~£24,900) annually. BYD claims ebus can drive for 250 km even in heavy city traffic after one full charge (although, as the Warsaw-Krakow journey showed, this may be a conservative figure). This is the furthest range of any electric bus. Charging time
depends on the applied charger. The bus on test charges in the depot in just five hours from a completely depleted battery. The ebus is the first pure-electric bus powered by Iron-Phosphate battery in the world. More than 250 BYD ebuses are now in passenger carrying operations. The ebus measures 12m long and is designed for passenger comfort. It drives via a wheel-hub motor and has electronically controlled air suspension. Orders have been awarded in China, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Uruguay, Canada and the United States. The BYD electric bus has also been successfully tested in many cities in Europe including Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, Salzburg, and etc. The accumulated mileage of the 200 electric buses operating in the city of Shenzhen (China) alone have exceeded 15 million km (or 9.3m miles) by the end of March 2013.
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Setra secures its largest Swedish order sweden Daimler AG is delivering 65 Setra MultiClass 400 series vehicles to the Kronoberg region of Sweden, its largest ever order from the Scandinavian country. The two-axle S 416 UL and threeaxle S 417 UL buses are for use on school and regular bus services. Delivery extends over a 10-year period and the first buses were delivered in June. The order has come about as the result of a tender which has been won by four bus operators from the province of Småland in southern Sweden, with 50 of the buses going to the company Karlssonbuss i Vaggeryd and the subsidiaries Sven Carlsson Trafik, Moheda Buss and Grimslövsbuss. The remaining 15 vehicles are to be brought into service by the bus companies Gerts Busstrafik, Tingsryds Buss and Ryssbybygdens Buss. Powered by Euro 5 engines featuring BlueTec technology, the
Allison adds comfort in Diyarbakir
TURKEY Private Public Buses now offer an enhanced level of service, even in congested traffic, using advanced technology to increase public transport comfort in Diyarbakir in Southern Anatolia. As a providor of public service vehicles for people with disabilities, Private Public Buses has been operating 23 Allison-equipped Isuzu Citibus models for almost a year. The Turkish company recently took delivery of 10 more Isuzu buses. The Isuzu Citibus has a low turning radius, is easy to manoeuvre and features a special ramp at the middle door for the convenience of passengers with disabilities or those with buggies. The 9.5m bus is equipped with a 152kW (204hp) Euro 5 engine and an Allison 2000 Series fully-automatic transmission – a drivetrain package delivering improved fuel economy. Mehmet Pervane, President of Private Public Buses – Cooperative
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vehicles are fitted with double doors at the rear point of entry, wheelchair lifts, CCTV and a modern infotainment system, among other features. “We are extremely pleased to be able to support the bus operators with an attractive overall package, which in addition to a high technical specification for the vehicles also comprises a comprehensive service offering. The buses of the Setra MultiClass 400 series meet all of the
requirements of the customers and will contribute to making the local public transport in the region more efficient, more comfortable and safer”, explained Till Oberwörder, Director of Marketing, Sales & AfterSales of Daimler Buses. In Sweden, sales of new and used Setra vehicles as well as the Omniplus Service Centre come under the umbrella of EvoBus Sverige A.B., located in Vetlanda in southern Sweden.
Four of the vehicles Setra is delivering for use on school and regular bus services in Kronoberg Number 126, said: “As our city continues to expand, bus service duty-cycles constitute ongoing stopstart operations. Allison-equipped buses provide passengers with a comfortable traveling experience while in heavy traffic every day. “The most important advantages of an Allison transmission include ideal acceleration in every condition and ease of manoeuvring. Since there are no manual gear changes, drivers can fully focus on the road. Allison transmissions help decrease maintenance costs by eliminating clutch repairs and offering longer maintenance intervals. They have also reduced fuel consumption. Drivers also appreciate them. Because of their satisfaction and high demand, we would like the same vehicles to fulfil our future needs.” The Allison 2100 model is suitable for buses with engines up to 172kW (230hp). It offers six forward speeds and one reverse; it features helical gears for quieter operation, a torque converter and uninterrupted power shifts for comfortable and efficient operation. Adaptive shift strategy and an economy calibration contribute to lower fuel consumption.
WABCO gains licence in China CHINA WABCO is expanding its global remanufacturing capability following the grant of a licence by Chinese authorities to remanufacture air compressors in China for commercial and offhighway vehicles. WABCO is the first supplier in China authorised to conduct this type of activity. WABCO is remanufacturing air compressors for China National Heavy Truck Corporation and for WABCO’s customers in the independent aftermarket in China. The company expects to expand its remanufacturing scope in China to add other products, subject to government approvals. WABCO Reman Solutions specialises in remanufacturing electronic and mechatronic components as well as mechanical products. WABCO’s remanufactured products serve original equipment makers as well as tier-one and tiertwo suppliers in North America, Europe and China.
New Flyer buys North American Bus Industries NORTH AMERICA Canadian bus manufacturer New Flyer Industries, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has acquired North American Bus Industries (NABI), of Anniston, Alabama, for $80m (US) from private investment firm Cerberus Capital Management LLP. New Flyer, which has three manufacturing plants in Minnesota, takes over NABI’S facility in Anniston. “NABI represents a compelling growth platform for us,” said Paul Soubry, President and CEO of New Flyer. “Its addition to the New Flyer family provides us with a highly complementary product line, access to new customers, a cost efficient manufacturing platform based in Alabama and it creates a significant player in aftermarket parts.” Founded in 1992 and known as American Ikarus before 1996, NABI employs more than 600 people and produces a comprehensive line of heavy-duty transit buses in Anniston. In January the company acquired a $210m contract to build hundreds of natural gas-fuelled buses for Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The work is scheduled to continue through 2015, when the contract is set to expire. NABI is also a former owner of Optare. New Flyer produces buses powered by clean diesel, natural gas and electric trolley buses along with energy-efficient diesel-electric hybrids. The company has delivered more than 32,000 heavy-duty buses in Canada and the United States. Funding for the acquisition has been engineered through the sale of new shares valued at $65m (Canadian) to Marcopolo SA – which gives it a 19.99% holding in New Flyer common shares – and through a restated and amended senior credit facility. The acquisition will be immediately accretive to share earnings and cash flow. In addition to the Anniston plant, NABI’s assets include a major parts distribution centre in Delaware, Ohio and a service support facility in Jurupa Valley, Calfornia. NABI is to be divided into two entities – NABI Bus, for the manufacturing side and NABI Parts to service the aftermarket and support operation.
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news › financial
Stagecoach secures decade of positive financial results Martin Griffiths says people, technology and customer service are the key in his first financial statement as CEO Stagecoach has released its preliminary results for the year ended April 30, 2013. Earnings per share were up 18.9% to 30.2p, with dividend up 10.3% to 8.6p. Revenue increased to £2,804.8m (£2,590.7m in 2012) and total operating profit, excluding intangible asset expenses and exceptional items, increased to £256.3m (£237.2m in 2012) Stagecoach CEO Martin Griffiths said: “This is another strong set of results, which are ahead of market expectations. We have achieved 10 years of sustainable growth, reflecting our strategy of targeting organic growth in our bus networks, rail franchise opportunities and acquisitions. “Stagecoach has secured a leading position in a range of growing markets in the UK and North America. Our innovation can deliver further growth in the commercial, deregulated bus market. We are helping the UK Government to deliver a new, improved rail franchise model and are shortlisted for two rail franchises. Our ground-breaking alliance at South West Trains with Network Rail is producing a more
Lothian Buses releases 2012 accounts Lothian Buses has released its annual reports and accounts for 2012. The operator’s net profit stood at £8.2m, down from £8.9m the previous year. The firm’s saw a 31% increase in profit from operations and a near 5% increase in total revenues year-on-year, to £122.6m. Interim dividend remained consistent at £3.3m. The operator’s key performance indicators remained mostly stable. Passenger journeys stayed at 111m. Service reliability improved, with www.coachandbusweek.com
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efficient, joined up railway at one of Europe’s premier commuter rail networks. In North America, we are focused on converting the transformation our megabus.com business has made in the inter-city bus market into profitable growth. “People, technology and customer service are key to the future. We have strong management teams across our business, which understand their customers. Our investment in new technology also means that we are in a good position to capitalise on the commercial opportunities in the age of the smartphone. “It is no coincidence that we have simultaneously delivered good
financial results, strong operational performance, significant investment, value-for-money travel and high customer satisfaction. We are pleased to have played a leading role within the industry, developing strong relationships with government and transport authorities. We have reduced costs for taxpayers and made a positive contribution to our economy, our communities and our environment. “The public transport market has long-term fundamental strengths and a positive outlook. I am confident we can make bus and rail the travel modes of choice for increasing numbers of people in the UK and in North America.”
Griffiths said the group is focused on attaining profitable growth from inter-city megabus.com business in North America lost mileage down to 0.11% from 0.12%. Staff turnover increased slightly to 2.3% from 2.0% while the vehicle fleet was reduced from 741 to 721. While the engineering MOT first time pass rate fell from 99.8%, it only fell by 0.2% to 99.6%, still an excellent level. In his Chairman’s statement, Chris Walton said: “We invested significantly in our own business to the tune of £5.5m, primarily in new buses and the redevelopment of our Longstone depot. We also continue to invest in people and, as so many of our successes come back to our staff, we always ensure that we attract, retain and reward the best people in all disciplines of the business that we can. “Importantly, our commercial
Lothian Buses has put £5.5m of investment into its own business, which includes the acquisition of 15 new Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipses successes are built upon the provision of value-for-money fares and we continually strive to keep fares low while still offering the highest standards of public transport as demanded by our customers.”
International performance boosts ADL Alexander Dennis has announced a sharp rise in turnover and profit thanks to a strong international sales performance. The Falkirk-based firm’s turnover climbed from £357m to £481m last year, while pre-tax profits grew by 56% to £24.2m. ADL performed particularly well in its key markets of North America, Australasia and Asia Pacific, where total international turnover rose by 270% to £137m. CEO Colin Robertson, said he expects the progress to continue in international markets for this year. He said: “While the macro outlook in the UK remains mixed, we are cautiously optimistic the strong financial performance in 2012 will be maintained in 2013.” ADL now employs 2,400 staff worldwide and has seen its strongest performance in Asia Pacific, where turnover increased nearly three-fold after a particularly strong showing in Hong Kong. Domestically, it retained its 47% share of the UK bus market, which grew by 17% in 2012 to just over 3,000 new chassis registrations – its highest level for three years. The company cited demand in the first part of 2012 in the build up to the Olympics as a factor, admitting the second half of the year saw a more cautious approach from customers wary of the ongoing UK economic outlook. “The last 18 months have been complex and challenging due to the growth of the business, introduction of East Lothian Buses and preparation for tram. As a consequence of this activity Ian Craig was formally appointed to CEO, which reflects his additional responsibilities over the past year. In addition, Tom Norris was appointed as General Manager of Edinburgh Trams and most recently Sarah Boyd as Head of Operations – Bus. These appointments followed formal organisational design studies, benchmarking and job sizing. This is one of a number of steps that have been made to prepare the company for its enlarged and more complex role.”
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news › REGIONAL
SCOTLAND
The Scottish Transport Awards were held in Glasgow on June 19, with Lothian Buses, First and Stagecoach all picking up prizes. Now in their 11th year, the Awards recognise excellence, innovation and progress across all areas of transport in Scotland. The Frontline Employee of the Year went to Stagecoach East Scotland Bus Driver Mike Reid for his excellent customer service skills and charity work. The firm also won the Excellence in Technology and Innovation Award for its ‘Improving Relations through Social Media’ project which has delivered improved passenger information through the use of Twitter to provide regular service updates and deal with enquiries. Stagecoach East Scotland MD Charlie Mullen said: “Being recognised for our Twitter pilot sends a strong message about how important it is to get information out to our customers in a timely and appropriate way.” Stagecoach West Scotland Operations Manager Kenny Monaghan was also commended in the Frontline Employee category. Kenny has worked in the bus industry for 30 years and in a variety of roles for Stagecoach. He recently completed a nine-day charity bike ride raising £2,000. Lothian Buses scooped the Contribution to Sustainable Transport title and was also highly commended in the Public Transport of the Year category, while driver Raul Campos Falgado received a commendation in the Frontline Employee of the Year. CEO Ian Craig said: “I am especially pleased we have been recognised for our commitment to environmental excellence, which reflects a £5m investment this year in our new eco-buses which are setting a new benchmark for sustainable transport and comfortable travelling.” First Glasgow’s Airport Shuttle service won Best Bus Service. First Glasgow MD Ronnie Park said: “Since we started operating the Shuttle in 2011 we’ve invested a lot to improve the service and make it more attractive for customers. The leather seats and complementary WiFi have proved very popular, so too has the journey time. It takes our service just 15 minutes to get to the Airport – just as quick as a taxi. “We’ve also introduced a Group ticket which allows four customers www.coachandbusweek.com
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Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you’d like us to cover, contact James Day on james. day@coachandbusweek.com. Bus in North England said: “First is encouraged that WYITA has acknowledged the significant progress made by bus operators over the last 12 months including specifically: commitments to network stability and greater consultation; an improved customer charter; future investment commitments; agreed and published service standards; and the introduction of integrated Oyster-style smart ticketing. “Elsewhere in the north of England where partnership models have been introduced and where there is longer term stability First has been able to reduce its fares by as much as 30% – a model which is further contributing to significant levels of passenger volume growth.” The report also recommended the complete development of the QC scheme to be available for public consultation in the autumn.
KEY
SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
MIDLANDS
to travel for the price of three and in a new initiative those customers purchasing a day ticket on the Shuttle can connect to the rest of our network free of charge.”
NORTH
Blackpool Council has begun consultation on a proposal to make Central Drive a two-way street with a new bus contraflow system. The contraflow bus lane would follow Central Drive between New Bonny Street and Reads Avenue and would allow its users to avoid the one-way system on Albert Road, Coronation Street and Reads Avenue to drive south down Central Drive. The move is designed to improve bus travel around the town centre and is thought would reduce each bus journey by three minutes. It would also mean the replacement of traffic signals on the junction of Central Drive with Bank Hey Street and Albert Road and the modification of the signals at Chapel Street and Reads Avenue. Central Drive northbound from Reads Avenue would be reduced to one lane. The bus stop currently on Coronation Street would be moved onto Central Drive and the council has pledged to re-route alternate services onto the street. The plans, if approved, are expected to cost £300,000 with the funding coming from a £1m Better Bus Area grant, successfully bid for by Blackpool Council last year.
Part of the proposal includes installing number plate recognition at traffic lights for buses on routes seven, nine, 11 and 14, enabling lights to stay green for longer to allow buses through. West Yorkshire’s Integrated Transport Authority has released an extra £200,000 to continue developing a Bus Quality Contract Scheme (QC). The Association of Bus Operators in West Yorkshire is also refining its Partnership Proposals which it says should result in cheaper fares and extra passengers. The move comes 12 months after Metro announced it would recommend councillors approve the introduction of QCs. The Association of Bus Operators of West Yorkshire developed the partnership approach as a response to the threat of QCs. Metro Chairman Councillor James Lewis said: “We have engaged with bus operators over a period of months and while we recognise their investment in new buses and their role in protecting services during this period of reduced funding, we do not at the moment have sufficient clarity about much of the detail of their suggested partnership approach. However, I do expect West Yorkshire’s bus operators to develop their preferred partnership approach further.” Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First UK
East Midlands Trains has joined forces with trent barton to help provide alternative travel options for passengers during this summer’s major re-signalling work at Nottingham. Plans are already in place to provide frequent rail replacement bus services on routes which cannot be served by train services during the summer. In addition, East Midlands Trains passengers holding a valid train ticket (including season tickets) will be able to use their ticket to travel on trent barton’s xprss service between Bingham and Nottingham, and Kinchbus 9 services between Nottingham and Loughborough. Neil Micklethwaite, Customer Service & Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “A huge amount of work has taken place to make sure we have comprehensive plans in place for our passengers to keep on travelling during the major improvement works taking place over the summer. “We’re really pleased to be teaming up with trent barton to offer our passengers an alternative travel choice for their journeys to and from Nottingham during the summer.” Alex Hornby, Commercial Director for trent barton, said: “In times of potential disruption, it makes so much sense for travel providers to go the extra mile in looking after customers and their overall end-to-end journeys. “We all work so hard to
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make buses and trains attractive, and it would be such a shame to see people move back to the car. We’re pleased to offer rail users the opportunity to use our services and to be working with East Midlands Trains on this ground-breaking initiative to support the overall public transport offer.” The resignalling work takes place between Saturday July 20 and Sunday August 25 and will result in significant changes to East Midlands Trains services on routes to and from Nottingham.
SOUTH EAST
Staff from Stagecoach South’s Basingstoke and Winchester depots raised more than £1,300 by cycling between the depots at the start of June as part of the firm’s annual Green Week. The 50 participants pedalled more than 24 miles on June 2 to raise money for Prostate UK cancer charity – a disease which has affected many employees or close relatives of employees.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY The Basingstoke depot was awarded the Green Week Trophy for their collective efforts in completing the cycle in the fastest time. Many participants used bicycles bought through the company’s cycle to work scheme.
LONDON
Arriva London started operating route 230 on Saturday, June 22. The route, which Arriva has taken over from Stagecoach, runs from Wood Green to Upper Walthamstow. The operator has acquired 14 new 10.4m VDL DB300 Gemini 2s for the route and has recruited 36 drivers from Stagecoach. Tottenham Garage was chosen to service the route as it is the midway point between Upper Walthamstow and Wood Green. Arriva says the Stagecoach drivers are pleased with the way they have been welcomed into the operation and look forward to serving the customers who use the route.
This year’s Imberbus event is being held on Saturday August 3. Last year’s event saw the first operation of a NBfL outside of London
2013 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 n August 3 Imberbus. Vintage bus service to abandoned settlements on Salisbury Plain, 10–1800hrs. www.warminstervbrd.wordpress. com/imberbus/
To mark Nottingham hosting Armed Forces Day, NCT has paid tribute to the memory of a local hero, who was also the son of a retired NCT driver. Warrant Officer Sean Upton of the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery died in an explosion while he was on foot patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand Province in July 2009. His dad, Jack Upton, was a driver for NCT for 36 years before retiring last year. It was his old colleagues who suggested naming NCT’s Armed Forces Day bus after his son. “Jack was a really well-liked and respected friend and colleague at NCT for over 35 years and we wanted to show our respect for the ultimate sacrifice his son made for the safety of our country,” said NCT Marketing Manager Anthony Carver-Smith. “Several members of staff put forward this idea and we thought it was the perfect way we could pay tribute.” NCT unveiled its Armed Forces Day bus earlier this month. The specially designed red, white and blue bus features the Union Jack logo of Armed Forces Day and has ‘Honouring Britain’s Armed Forces Past, Present and Future’ written across the side. It ran on routes across Nottingham throughout June. NCT officially named the bus after Sean at a special presentation attended by his dad on Sean Upton Close in Chilwell. This was the first time Jack had visited the street named after his son. “This means the world to me and the family – we’re really touched,” said Jack. “I’d like to thank NCT for honouring Sean in this way.”
n August 10 Metroline’s Holloway Garage Open Day?! www.
metroline.co.uk
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.
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
www.wythall.org.uk
n May 12-14 ALBUM Conference. Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. www.album-bus.co.uk
n September 7-8 Bus Driver of the Year Final. Blackpool. Call 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk
Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com
www.coachandbusweek.com
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20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
LEGAL news › Sandwell Travel Appeal
Sandwell Travel wins appeal – but fined £2.5k West Midlands TC’s decision to curtail O-licence authorisation reversed by Tribunal – operator fined £500 per bus instead and allowed to continue serving Bradford Place in Walsall Sandwell Travel has successfully appealed in the Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber (Traffic Commissioner Appeals) against a decision made by Nick Jones, Traffic Commissioner (TC) for the West Midlands, at a Public Inquiry (PI) on December 6, 2012. The Tribunal substituted its own decision.
Background In July 2011 a rival operator, Midland (which of course, has since been acquired and integrated into Arriva Midlands); complained to the TC that Black Country-based Sandwell Travel was: departure stands a Blocking at Bradford Place in order to prevent Midland from using them; to comply with b Failing registered timetables; vehicles immediately c Running in front of the rival operator’s buses; to operate scheduled d Failing services; and unscheduled e Operating services, and actually operating one route within the 56day notice period. The TC first learned there was any complaint at the beginning of 2012 when senior management at Midland wrote to the Senior TC to query why there had been no response to their complaints. However, once he became aware, the TC arranged a meeting between the two operators. During the meeting the Sandwell representative denied the complaints had any substance and made counter allegations. Since there was no meeting of minds, the TC decided to hold a PI. While Bradford Place is not technically a bus station, it is regarded as such locally. Some time earlier, the local authority had asked the TC to impose Traffic Regulation www.coachandbusweek.com
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The Tribunal found the level of unreliability was “very significant” Conditions at Bradford Place, which he did. As a consequence, buses are not allowed to stay on stand for more than three minutes and there must be a five-minute gap between services using the thoroughfare. In relation to Sandwell’s reliability and adherence to timetable, the TC received evidence of a significant number of the appellant’s buses running early – well in excess of the one minute window of tolerance provided in guidance issued by the Senior TC. It also emerged that some routes were not run at all. Indeed, the level of failures ran at around 27%. So far as ‘intentionally interfering with the operation of a local service provided by another operator’ was concerned, the TC received some second-hand evidence from Matthew Hidson, then a Midland employee, to the effect he had received calls from an unnamed driver who said Sandwell’s buses had been running five minutes in front of the rival operator’s services – but it was clear Mr Hidson did not personally see the appellant’s buses interfering with the operation of local services provided by another operator – he merely reported what he had been told at the time by a driver. No direct evidence from the original complainant company was presented, and the appellant’s
Key Points: Evidence at the PI did not support a concrete finding of breach of the Traffic Regulation Conditions relating to Sandwell’s buses standing for more than three minutes or the requirement for a five-minute gap between services using Bradford Place. Tribunal stresses it will take “robust action” against an operator found to have breached a Traffic Regulation Order. Of 111 trips checked, 27% outside window of tolerance. counter allegations against the complainant company were withdrawn. The TC heard evidence from Sandwell Travel’s Operations Manager who spoke of improvements being made to timetable compliance, including the use of atomic clocks in every vehicle, and a tracking system for the buses. A Director of Sandwell Travel also gave evidence in relation to action taken against drivers who were not sticking to timetable, although proof of this was not forthcoming. The TC concluded Sandwell Travel either encouraged or
condoned bad driver behaviour including running early, failing to operate some services, not running services to timetable, stand blocking and deliberately running buses in front of the rival operator’s services, in order to take passengers from them. The TC went on to refer to dangerous driver behaviour and practices, causing economic harm to a rival operator, and putting the public at risk. He criticised the failure of the appellant to address problems in a timely manner. The TC considered whether to impose a financial penalty but decided that, since his other decisions were likely to render Sandwell less profitable, at least in the short to medium term, it would be inappropriate to also impose a financial penalty as there were other, more focused alternative steps he could take which would better achieve the statutory purpose. The TC considered that, as a priority, he should stop the appellant from using Bradford Place for any of its services which, he said, would make thoroughfare a safer place and would also demonstrate to local operators that if they did not comply with the Traffic Regulation Conditions imposed, and adhere to registered timetables when using Bradford Place, then they would be prevented from operating local services there. The TC reduced the O-licence authorisation from five to three. The grounds for this decision were breach of undertaking – namely a failure to make proper arrangements so that the laws relating to the driving and operation of vehicles used under the licence would be observed. The TC also cancelled all of the operator’s registered services which used Bradford Place, Walsall and imposed a condition on the licence prohibiting the firm from using the thoroughfare for three years. He took this action under Section 26 of the Transport Act 1985 on the basis of poor reliability and intentionally interfering with the operation of a local service provided by another operator.
Appeal hearing At the hearing of this appeal, Sandwell was represented by Mr T Nesbitt, Counsel instructed by Oliver Legal, Solicitors. Mr Nesbitt’s essential point was that although the appellant recognised and accepted there had been failures to
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run to timetable which might have warranted some form of regulatory action, there was no direct or reliable evidence placed before the TC at the PI of stand blocking, dangerous driving, or of condoning or encouraging these or other impugned behaviours. The Tribunal said it considered the transcript of the PI with care. In terms of evidence, the PI began with Mr Perry, a representative from Centro, who give evidence about the problems at Bradford Place generally, without giving any direct evidence about the appellant’s activities. Steve Morison from Pride Training UK Ltd, who had been monitoring bus services, suggested Sandwell’s drivers had altered their behaviour and stopped early departures when they became aware Mr Morison was monitoring. However, the Tribunal found there was nothing in his evidence about stand blocking, deliberately running buses immediately before a rival operator’s services, or of dangerous driving. As noted earlier, Mr Hidson gave evidence of reports from an unnamed driver that one of Sandwell’s buses operated a route prior to the registration coming into effect, and that the firm’s buses had been seen running five minutes in front of Midland’s services. However, he also confirmed he did not have direct evidence about this and, again, there was no evidence of stand blocking, deliberately running buses immediately before a rival operator’s scheduled services, or of dangerous driving. Phil Tonks of Bus Users UK gave evidence as to reliability and his evidence was consistent with an overall rate of irregularity of 27% on a sample of 111 observed services. The Tribunal found there was also no evidence from Mr Tonks of any stand blocking, deliberately running buses immediately before a rival firm’s services, or of dangerous driving. The Tribunal found that while VOSA witnesses gave evidence, they did not give any testimony relevant to the challenged findings by the TC. Thereafter evidence was led on behalf of the appellant – the witnesses called denied any allegations of stand blocking, deliberately running buses immediately before a rival operator’s services, or of dangerous driving. The Tribunal concluded there is merit to this submission. Judge
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Mark Hinchliffe said: “Having examined the transcript and the TC’s decision, we cannot discern a cogent and reliable evidential basis for the TC finding conduct amounting to stand blocking, deliberately running buses ahead of, or immediately before, a rival operator’s scheduled services in order to interfere with the operation of such services, or of dangerous driving or conduct. We do not know if the TC took into account matters alleged (and denied) at the meeting held prior to the PI but, if he did, he should not have done so without causing that evidence to be raised at the PI so that it could be challenged and tested. There is, in any event, no reference to the TC having relied upon these matters in his written decision.” Judge Hinchliffe added: “The evidence at the PI did not even support a concrete finding of breach of the Traffic Regulation Conditions relating to the appellant’s buses standing for more than three minutes or the requirement for a five-minute gap between services using Bradford Place. “It follows that the TC’s subsidiary conclusion which the appellant turned a blind eye to (or knowingly encouraged or condoned) such behaviour also lacks a solid and reliable evidential foundation. “Mr Nesbitt further contended that the TC had failed to carry out a balancing exercise which gave proper consideration to the steps that, it was said, the appellant had taken to try and improve timetable compliance, such as the introduction of atomic clocks and tracking devices. We find merit in this submission to the extent that
the TC focussed his decision on findings of deliberate bad practices – so the TC may well have attached very little weight to these routine administrative steps which are designed to reduce unintentional unreliability. Having said that, the level of unreliability established was, clearly, very significant, and may well have contributed to a perception by others of underhand commercial practices. “In our view, in the absence of direct or reliable evidence of intentionally interfering with the operation of a local service provided by another operator, or of repeated breach of Traffic Regulation Conditions, this case might more appropriately have been dealt with as a straight-forward bus reliability case. Indeed, once the element of deliberate interference is stripped out, the TC’s rationale for not considering a financial penalty falls away – as, in our view, does his principal basis for reducing the licence authorisation, or preventing this one operator from using Bradford Place. “Had the matter proceeded on the basis of poor reliability in the region of a 27% failure rate, the TC would have had every justification in imposing a financial penalty. Applying the relevant guidelines, Mr Nesbitt submitted that a figure between £400 and £550 per authorised vehicle would have been appropriate. Mr Nesbitt invited us to substitute our own judgment for that of the TC and he accepted we would be entitled to consider imposing a financial penalty within this band. “A final submission related to the TC’s view that the appellant only had sufficient financial standing for four vehicles, not five. Here, it
Sandwell should’ve focused on reliability, instead of a ‘tit-for-tat’argument
appeared the TC had failed to take account of an overdraft facility, which is evidenced at page 165 of the bundle. When this overdraft allowance is taken into account, the finance available comfortably exceeded £24,500, which was sufficient for five vehicles. Again, we agree with this submission.”
Decision The Tribunal allowed the appeal and set aside all of the TC’s orders and directions. “We are able to substitute our own decision based upon the evidence presented at PI,” explained Judge Hinchliffe. “We find failures in relation to local services such as to permit action under Section 155 of the Transport Act 2000. We find no reasonable excuse. We think this operator had plenty of warning its services were not being run properly, and we judge the evidence as to remedial action to be superficial, belated and untested. “When the TC asked for proof of disciplinary action against a driver, for example, it was not forthcoming. Instead of engaging in a tit-for-tat argument with a rival operator, the appellant company should have promptly focussed its energy on properly addressing the service unreliability, and in providing the best possible service to the local community. “We consider that the appellant should pay a penalty of £500 per authorised vehicle, namely £2,500 in total. “We would add that the Tribunal would take a robust view of any operator found, on the basis of persuasive evidence presented and tested at a PI, to have breached Traffic Regulation Conditions imposed by the TC, or to have intentionally interfered with the operation of local services provided by another operator. This would be especially so if such interference involved stand blocking, deliberately running buses immediately before a rival operator’s scheduled services, or of dangerous driving. In a bad case, or a case involving repeated transgressions, we could well envisage TC considering revocation and disqualification.” Read the Sandwell Travel PI report in issue 1070 in the archive at coachandbusweek. com. Note however, that you must be a registered user. Call Sam or Lorraine on 01733 293240.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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open platform › john marsh
Primadonna drivers Transport photographer John Marsh details his not-so-positive experiences of bus drivers unhappy about having their vehicles snapped It was the week of the 40th anniversary of the North York Moors railway and, having missed the celebrations on the actual day, my wife and I visited Goathland (aka Aidensfield of Heartbeat fame) a couple of days later, primarily to look at the church. By an unusual bit of good luck A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley was waiting in the station ready to depart for Pickering and the opportunity was grabbed to get some, although I say it myself, rather fine photographs of the train departing. I was further applauding my good fortune when, arriving at the church in Goathland, two people were waiting at the bus stop, a sure indication that a bus was soon to arrive. Confirming this with the awaiting duo they advised me the bus would come from the opposite direction, turn at the end of the road before proceeding to the stop opposite the church. “That gives you the chance of several different shots,” proffered the male of the two awaiting passengers. Quite clearly he saw nothing odd in someone’s interest in photographing the bus on which they were to travel. Sure enough, within a couple of minutes the bus, a Volvo Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 of Yorkshire Coastliner bound for Whitby, appeared in the distance and, as advised by my new found friend, I duly took photographs as the bus approached, turned and pulled up at the bus stop. Imagine my utter dismay then when, on pulling up at the stop, the driver, ignoring completely the two intending passengers, thrust his head out of the cab window and commanded “Will you stop taking pictures of this bus?” The tone in his voice indicated that the question was by no means rhetorical and I politely asked the driver why I should comply with his request. “Because I don’t want to be photographed,” was the response, to which I demurely suggested that were he to put his head back inside the cab he could not be seen from where I was standing. Any thoughts of suggesting that he had passengers to deal with were set aside in the interests of expediency and good harmony! Unsatisfied with my response the driver then played what, I can only assume, he saw as his trump card. “I have kids on this bus,” was his next attempt, assuming this would deter any further photographs. I explained, again politely, that I was photographing the bus and not its passengers, not that there was the slightest sight of a single child within camera shot as might well be expected mid-morning on a school day. www.coachandbusweek.com
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The Yorkshire Coastliner vehicle with, as John pointed out, the driver out of shot Accepting his defeat he somewhat belatedly attended the waiting passengers before the bus departed the stop allowing further photographs as it left towards the village. I have been photographing buses now for the better part of 50 years and have to say that many, if not most, drivers are more than co-operative, often posing their vehicles and frequently waving in acknowledgement. I have even had a driver in Ipswich asking did I not want to photograph his older bus when I had taken a picture of the newer one in front, and a driver in Reading, who did not want to be in the photograph, stepping aside so that I could get some good shots of his bus. So, maybe incidents like my experience in Goathland are somewhat rare but none the less they are inexcusable. I have in the not too distant past had a local driver in Stamford quote the Data Protection Act at me. He, of course, was quickly disabused about his misunderstanding of the law. And a driver in Derby was just rude and obnoxious. Was he perhaps claiming benefits and didn’t want to be found out? Whilst I accept that enthusiasts and photographers have a responsibility themselves to be responsible, so to speak, and I have followed closely the recent debate of photographers being treated as potential terrorists, surely, as bus photography has now become such a large social pastime, bus companies must have some responsibility themselves to educate their front line ambassadors about people’s rights to take pictures in public places. After all, bus photographers such as me are most likely also customers and should be treated with all the courtesy we are entitled to expect. Back in Whitby, where we were staying, I was to be reminded anew of the annoyance intending
passengers face when waiting for a bus, already in the bus station, to be unlocked by the driver before they can board. Having sometimes waited for some while, often with nowhere to sit, to be left standing beside a locked bus only adds to the annoyance. We would all accept drivers do need breaks and changeovers are a necessary part of running the buses. But is it beyond the realms of common sense for the replacement driver to be ready to take over when the bus arrives. A simple act which would leave passengers with a warm feeling towards the bus company rather than the annoyance which is inevitable when the bus arrives, the driver disembarks, locks the bus and leaves the scene, frequently ignoring completely anybody waiting at the stop. John Marsh has been photographing buses for almost 50 years and is a member of the Bureau of Freelance Photographers. He would like to put on record his thanks to all those drivers who do understand his and other photographers’ rights and who are most frequently more than happy to have their charges photographed If you want to let off some steam, just tap away at the keyboard and send your rant (or carefully-reasoned views) to gareth. evans@coachandbusweek.com, or fax 0845 280 2927. Make ‘Open Platform’ the subject line. Alternatively, send your missive to: CBW, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
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insight › journey planning
The implementation of RTI can lead to more accurate and reliable journey planners
The future of journey planning Andrew Cream speaks to Peter Bell, MD of Trapeze UK, about the need to measure the quality of journey planners and the current developments in technology www.coachandbusweek.com
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T
here is no hiding the fact that, apart from in select regions of the UK, the public transport industry is battling to keep passenger numbers at a sustainable level. There are many initiatives being introduced to try and entice the public back onto the nation’s buses including free WiFi and increased roll-out of RTI. One area which might be underutilised is journey planning services. Journey planners have been
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Government is pushing to provide open public transport data which is enabling more companies to produce journey planners. Peter is concerned about the potential quality of new entrants, and says if journey planners aren’t up to scratch it could have a detrimental effect on public transport in general.
Measuring quality
around for over a decade now. Traveline is the most established, although Google Maps may well be used more nowadays. There are also more area-specific journey planners around, like TfL’s offering. Peter Bell, MD of Trapeze UK, wrote a white paper with two other Trapeze employees, Nick Knowles and Paul Everson, entitled ‘Measuring the quality of Public Transport Journey Planning’. The paper, which was published in September 2012, highlights the importance of high quality journey planning services. The
PeterBell_Trapeze.indd 25
Peter explained the background behind the published paper: “There has been a lot of talk recently in the industry regarding journey planning. Should it be provided by local authorities or bus operators? Or should we just go and make all the data available and let an ecosystem evolve with new business models? This is happening in the rail industry at the moment with many apps being published. As one of the leading providers of journey planning technology, we know it’s a very complex situation. “The Government is pushing heavily the concept of open data. They have an open data task force which works across the whole of Government. In the public transport sector it wants to encourage innovation by making the data available to everyone, enabling new business models to enter the market. “But we need to look at the quality of the solutions which emerge out of this. “Decades of experience has gone into developing the current journey planners. “I wanted to spark a discussion about the quality of journey planning. We need to think about that now rather than wait for the market to shift. We don’t want to destroy the trust of the public. “Journey planners are important to the public as a means of accessing public transport. Journey planning traditionally has been all
Peter Bell, Managing Director of Trapeze UK
Peter Bell:
a brief history
Peter Bell’s background is in software development. “I have been writing software for many years,” he said. “I originally moved into automotive while working at Cambridge Consultants, before expanding to cover ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems). “Trapeze approached me because of my ITS background. They were looking for someone to run the UK operations. “Having been here for four and a half years, you really learn to appreciate what goes into getting the bus on the road. “My real passion is trying to develop new products that make life easier for users. Journey planning is clearly something I am very passionate about. I’m also passionate about public transport.”
“Outside London a lot of buses aren’t realtime enabled. We need to move to a stage where everything is real-time.” Peter Bell
Traveline is the most established journey planning service available
about making it easier for people to use the transport network. If you take somebody who commutes the same journey every day they don’t need journey planners, but a lot of people need them in order to get the best out of public transport. “It’s about enabling people who haven’t used public transport before or people who use public transport regularly but are doing an unfamiliar journey.” Peter wants people to think about whether we need to establish ways of measuring the quality of journey planners. Should there be a regulator in the same sense as Ofcom regulates broadcasting and telecommunications? “I fully approve of where the Government is coming from in terms of promoting open data,” Peter added. “But we need to look at the quality of the services which are using the data. I am open to discussion about it. We could have self certification, with defined quality standards you have to comply to, or you could have an independent regulator. “Traveline would have an important part to play in the discussions, along with the DfT, operators and technology providers like Trapeze.”
Public expectations
The public expects a number of things from a journey planner, Peter said. “Any person would want a journey planner to be easy to use,” he commented. “For example, I don’t want to have to know the post code of Peterborough railway station, I just want it to gazetteer properly using the information I have given it. “Locals often have other names for landmarks as well which need to be considered. “Accuracy and reliability are also both very important. Journey planners need to be updated if a service stops running or if a bus stop has moved etc. “The other thing is people often want to explore with journey planning. Programs have to be able to give people a choice, not just suggest the obvious route. “We have seen examples where companies are struggling with some of these points. “Most of the key suppliers have now got their act together. The challenge for us as a company is that the data is as good as we can get. We also need to make sure we deal with the edge
www.coachandbusweek.com
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insight › journey planning
cases.” Edge cases are instances when journey planners suggest a route which is not realistic, when a much easier one is available. For example, suggesting a one-mile walk down a road when a public footpath would cut out the unnecessary trip.
compared to someone else’s.” As mentioned above, the way people access journey planning services is evolving. “Journey planning started off as a phone service,” Peter explained. “Then it moved to being a web service. Now, the market is almost split down the middle into webbased and app-based services. But the distinction is blurring again with tablets. “Consequently, we are having to rethink our strategy. We are developing one technology which will be able to run on mobiles, tablets and PCs. “Developments in HTML5 and CSS3 are making it easier to achieve this.”
True multi-modal journeys
There are ways in which companies are trying to step up the game when it comes to journey planning. In an age where everything is being made possible with help from smartphones and tablets, the public’s expectations of what they can achieve themselves with the help of mobile apps is growing. Trapeze is currently developing what Peter calls “true multi-modal planning”. He explained: “When people talk about multi-modal journeys, they are often looking at ones which just involve public transport. True multi-modal journeys incorporate the car. “You have to accept the reality that most people have a car. In some cases, the car can be a cheaper option if you just look at petrol costs. It is a viable alternative for a lot of people. “True multi-modal planning would incorporate car journeys to cut out sections which are difficult by public transport. This often involves starting a journey by car.” I suggested a journey to Peter which I often take as an example of a true multi-modal journey. If I’m travelling from Peterborough to London with a friend, the cheapest option is to drive down to Cockfosters, park there in the reasonably-priced car park and make our way into central London via the tube or bus, depending on where we’re heading. Peter agreed this was an example of a true multimodal journey. “We are also building park and rides into the technology,” he continued. “And we are looking at the complexity of the interchanges from road to rail. As part of this project we have engaged with University of West England to help us find out what people want from journey planners. It’s important to look at different groups who use public transport. For example, students and business people would have very different views on the price of parking at railway stations. We need to look at what one person’s trade offs are
Real-time journey planning
Journey planning services have come a long way in a decade
‘Measuring the quality of Public Transport Journey Planning’: key points
A number of changes are occurring in the Journey Planning software market which are challenging the status-quo. The Government’s push to providing open public transport data is also enabling new entrants to the market. Standardised ways of judging journey planners is essential. Quality parameters which need measuring include ‘ease of data entry’, ‘data coverage and data accuracy’, ‘data currency’, ‘algorithmic effectiveness’ and ‘performance’.
Quality could be measured in the following ways: user testing and user feedback, process auditing, creating a test suite based on real journeys and considering ‘edge cases’. Measuring the quality of a journey is not down simply to which returns the quickest journey. In fact, there are numerous criteria which need to be assessed to measure the quality of a journey planner. Likewise, there is no one single approach to objectively measuring quality. Instead, a number of different approaches need to be used.
RTI has been discussed in detail within these pages recently. One of the avenues RTI can unlock is realtime journey planning services. “We have implemented real-time journey planning now,” Peter said. “But the problem is, outside London a lot of buses aren’t real-time enabled. We need to move to a stage where everything is real-time.” Peter explained how one of the larger operators won’t sign up to a real-time scheme in a certain area unless every operator in that region is. At first it seems petty, but when you consider the fact that this operator’s real-time arrival times would be displayed alongside other operators’ scheduled arrival times, it’s understandable. At first glance, the operator with real-time enabled will look much less reliable, but there is a high probability that non real-time buses will be late if realtime ones are. “Between us we have got to work out how to move forward,” Peter said. “We are working on having a truly scalable national journey planner – from John O’Groats to Lands End. We can do that. But we are also looking at journey planners specific to certain urban areas. “We are going to see, at one level, things consolidating more with some journey planners covering larger areas, but we will also see more of the conurbations having journey planners tailored to their specific needs.” To read ‘Measuring the quality of Public Transport Journey Planning’ in full, go to www.trapezegroup.co.uk/ptjp
www.coachandbusweek.com
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1/7/13
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Duoflexltd coach trimmers Duoflex are expert coach trimmers with over 25 years experience The company offers a wide range of services from retrims, upseats and 70 seat conversions. A large range of moquettes in various styles and colours is stocked to help reduce costs. Duoflex understands the need for vehicles to be offroad for the shortest amount of time, so offer a one day service on many retrims. Any retrims from now until the end of July will receive a FREE set of standard curtains from our range of stock colours For more info ring Steve/Damien 01280 701366 email.sales@duoflex.co.uk or visit or website www.duoflex.co.uk
28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
www.coachandbusweek.com
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THE BIG PICTURE
Parliament Square is one of the best locations in London, if not the country, for snapping photos of coaches and buses. Deputy Editor Andrew took this particular shot after attending Greener Journeys’ Behaviour Change Lab on March 6. The coach, ‘M60WOJ’, is a Plaxton Panther-bodied MAN vehicle, operated by Coaches Excetera. The privately-owned company, based in Croyden, Surrey, provides a wide variety of services including airport transfers, guided tours of London, day trips and continental shopping trips. This particular coach was taking a group of pupils from a local primary school to see the London Eye at the time the photograph was taken. Operations Manager Adam Smith told CBW: “The Plaxton Panthers are absolutely amazing. They are very easy to work with and the drivers love them. It’s an ageless shape.”
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30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
Insight › ITSO
Establishing a smart ticketing standard James Day interviews ITSO’s CEO Lindsay Robertson to discover more about the organisation’s aims and visions for the future of smart ticketing in the UK
I
TSO (both the specification, and the limited company) is always a name which appears when smart ticketing is being discussed. Almost every smart ticketing implementation in the UK, outside of London, is stated as being ITSO-compliant and 125 suppliers, operators, local authorities and PTEs are listed as members. It is estimated up to 1.5 billion transactions could be made annually on ITSO-compliant systems by 2014. But what exactly is ITSO and what are its goals? With smart ticketing taking off in recent years, now seems like the perfect time to profile the organisation which sets the industry standard.
What is ITSO?
ITSO Ltd is not a supplier of any equipment – it is a private, member owned, organisation which manages a national industry standard for smart ticketing. The organisation aids its members in setting up and running ITSO-compliant smart ticketing schemes. Members include national and local government in England, Scotland and Wales, transport operators, smart ticketing equipment and consultancy suppliers, and interested transport bodies and associations. ITSO compliance is a means of ensuring a standardised system for smartcard technology. All ITSO-compliant cards are designed to work with ticketing machines which meet ITSO standards, providing the business rules of the operator in question allows it. Think computer operating systems – all programmes made to Windows 7 specifications will work www.coachandbusweek.com
ITSOfinal.indd 30
on any computer using a Windows 7 operating system, the user just has to install it. This also allows manufacturers of ticket machines and related devices to make products using standardised technology which is designed to work with any ITSOcompliant smartcard, which in turn means bus companies should have to worry less about whether the new machines they are investing in are ‘future proofed’. As well as devices and the cards themselves, ITSO compliance covers back office applications, and all three of these areas are tested by ITSO to check they meet the requirements of the ITSO specification. “Operators have relationships directly with their chosen manufacturers. We enable the technology to work together by being the glue in the middle,” Lindsay said. “Taking Go-Ahead’s smartcard, the key as an example, in time, I’ll be able to take a card from Essex, go to Brighton and have it work just fine. We enable the technology to allow this.
“Without specific permissions in place it won’t happen but that’s up to operators. They can choose whether or not the machine will go beep.” “We arguably should, but don’t, get involved in any business rules or price setting; we provide the environment in which smart ticketing can work best.” ITSO has received DfT funding by way of direct grant in the past but the organisation is now selfsustaining. Lindsay said the two organisations support each other and have a positive relationship. Until last year the DfT had a majority vote on the ITSO board, which has expired naturally. While questions were asked about the histoic stability of ITSO due to uncertainty about the DfT’s support, Lindsay claimed this is a thing of the past. “There are no significant organisational changes facing us,” he said. “We’re gradually evolving and improving to bring down cost.” While the costs of being an ITSO member are sufficient for the organisation to sustain itself,
A Cardiff Bus iff smartcard being scanned on an ITSO-compliant Parkeon ticket machine
Lindsay claimed the costs are not prohibitive - while operators starting from scratch with smart ticketing incur no real additional cost by deploying an ITSOcompliant system, it probably does add cost if switching from another system in which investments have already been made.
The ITSO specification
StagecoachSmart is usable throughout England on Stagecoach services
The full ITSO specification is a rather large document, listing in great detail everything which a system needs to do in order to be ITSO-compliant. Despite its size and great detail, Lindsay explained it is designed to level the playing field,
01/07/2013 15:28
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rather than be a barrier to entry. “Developing an ITSO-compliant system is not supposed to be plug and play,” he said. “The document is designed to be clear and technical to make sure the products designed are of the right quality standard. We don’t want individuals creating poor quality systems in their garages but we also want to keep the barriers to entry low.”
Making life easier
The aim of the ITSO specification is to make it easy for different equipment from different suppliers to work together. This ensures buyers have choice because
ITSOfinal.indd 31
suppliers choosing to play in this space are forced to make their systems compatible. This also helps to remove barriers to entry, since existing manufacturers cannot easily lock out new suppliers from joining the market. “This isn’t about having a single product for everyone,” Lindsay said. “Operators are in complete control of their product, their branding and their commercial business rules but if all the operators in an area wanted a smartcard which would work across all of their services, the system would allow that.” ITSO works directly with operators, from the big groups
“ITSO’s main aim is to make life easier for the passenger, which is why we are at the heart of, and support, the DfT’s door-to-door strategy and multi-operator ticketing policy.” Lindsay Robertson
through to small firms with one or two vehicles. All of the big five bus operators in England either have, or will soon have, ITSO-compliant ticketing machines on all of their buses. The technology allows for multioperator ticketing, which has been seen already across a number of initiatives including: n Cambridge’s Busway smartcard (accepted on both Stagecoach and Whippet buses); n Centro’s Signature card; n Cheshire’s Integrated Travelcard; n Cumbria’s NoW card; n Go-Ahead with ‘the key’ (throughout England); n Leicestershire’s OneCard; n Merseytravel’s Walrus card; n Nexus (Tyne and Wear) with the Pop card; n Oxford’s SmartZone card (accepted on all buses in the zone); and n The StagecoachSmart card (throughout England). Recently, the GoCymru card has been launched by the Welsh government, allowing travel across Wales, while a trial is ongoing in Norfolk with operators who usually wouldn’t have the capital for their own individual smart ticketing. South West Smart Apps Ltd (SWSAL) has also been set up – an organisation of 15 local authorities and 17 operators in the South West brought together to work on smart ticketing in the region. SWSAL is able to use collective buying power and man hours which individually the companies may not have had, while bringing the companies’ apps together. Scotland plans to launch a national transport smartcard – Saltire. Lindsay said: “ITSO’s main aim is to make life easier for the passenger, which is why we are at the heart of, and support, the DfT’s door-to-door strategy and multioperator ticketing policy.” ITSO is aiming for it to be technologically possible to travel anywhere in the country using one single smartcard, although it is up to operators to decide if it is something they would want to be involved with. “To provide door to door it’s critical to have the same underlying system,” Lindsay explained. “If the passenger is relying on lots of different complex systems it doesn’t work. “We’re not talking about a magic bullet, but an integrated suite. It’s about making life easy, so
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32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
Insight › ITSO
passengers don’t have a pocketful of different bits of plastic. Operators have the ability to do this as long as the right commercial agreements are in place.”
Making use of technology
Lindsay Robertson, ITSO Chief Executive Officer
Lindsay Robertson:
a brief history
Lindsay has led ITSO Ltd since the beginning of 2012, after joining in 2010 as the Director of Member Services. He said his involvement with ITSO goes back to 2002. Prior to joining ITSO he was with PA Consulting specialising in cards and payments, primarily in the financial services and public sector arenas. He advised the DfT on the implementation of a nationally interoperable ticketing strategy and on the delivery of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. He has also worked with the Home Office on the UK’s Identity Card Programme and developed an international growth strategy for a leading payment transaction processor. Lindsay previously worked primarily in the financial services industry, in banks and for related suppliers, in a range of roles. He has an MBA from the University of Edinburgh and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland. “Smart cards and related technology is my background. I haven’t worked for an operator, so I’ve not come from that direction,” Lindsay explained. “Smart ticketing is a bit of a jigsaw. The DfT define the policy, the operators who implement the ticketing set the business rules and we’re at the base of the pyramid providing the core specification and security architecture.”
Lindsay encouraged operators to fully exploit the technology available. He said many operators needed to be more ambitious with the smart ticketing they used and stop seeing it as simply a bolt-on to reduce paper and cash handling. “One of my biggest frustrations is people not taking advantage of technology and just placing it over the top of old systems and processes,” Lindsay stated. “It’s fine if you’re just stripping paper out, but if you’re not taking full advantage of the technology then why are you doing it? “TfL fundamentally rewrote the rules of the game when they brought in Oyster. Now passengers pay flat fares, which makes life so much easier in terms of administration and understanding.” With regards to alternative forms of ticketing, Lindsay said he sees them as complimentary rather than competitive, and expressed some frustration at the ‘them and us’ approach taken by other companies. “The EMV (Europay Mastercard Visa) system being deployed now in London is not the same – payment is payment and ticketing is ticketing,” Lindsay said. “If you’re travelling in London and know you’ll pay a certain, and low, price, then a bankcard is great. But when you’re getting on a train outside the Capital, where prices fluctuate greatly depending on factors such as time of travel, class of travel,
and distance travelled and can cost anything up to hundreds of pounds, then you’ll probably want to be paying in advance. “I’m not convinced Mastercard & Visa have the solution to ticketing. Ticketing and payment are different. I can see a London-style system working well in other large metropolitan areas but not where passengers don’t already know the prices of the journey(s) they’re about to undertake. “There are some blurred lines but the two systems don’t compete. It’s about knowing all the different variables which go into the definition of a ticket.” Turning to mobile ticketing, Lindsay added: “Mobile ticketing is often just about trying to do paperless ticketing. It’s good but it’s not smart or about interoperability. It’s very different to ITSO. “Smart ticketing is designed to be secure and dynamic, and to do different things. Barcodes on a mobile phone screen only go part of the way to smart ticketing. “Also, changing colours on an on screen ticket is not robust validation. The security we provide via the ISAM is genuinely robust. A stolen card can also be stopped easily, since the card reader can just be told to say no. “In our view it’s more likely to be about NFC (Near Field Communication) – how do we exploit the likes of the Galaxy and the Blackberry? In many ways these phones can behave exactly like a bit of plastic.” With regards to NFC, Lindsay said there are currently too many variables, such as different apps and ways in which they are used. However he said NFC with mobile phones appears tailor made for
Go-Ahead Group’s the key is expanding across the operator’s UK network
transport and ITSO is working towards a point where it is confident the technology can go out into the real world. “Transport operators will cooperate, but we also need mobile operators to cooperate,” he explained. “There are a lot of issues, such as with season tickets on a phone – you can write off a stolen phone but how do you get the ticket back? “It’s more difficult to implement than it looks but it’s not beyond us.”
The future
Looking ahead, Lindsay said he suspects smart ticketing will integrate more closely with other forms of technology as it expands in use. “I suspect we’ll see a much more widespread rollout of smart ticketing,” he said. “There should be better and more consistent NFC for phones. People will start recognising the fact you can read and validate tickets with a phone, which could be cheaper than a ticket machine. There’s a lot of clever technology which is coming with a lower cost. “There should be much better integration of ticketing with RTI and journey planning tools. Passengers might go on a journey planner to see whether or not there is traffic disruption for example, and may then need to flex their ticket to accommodate that disruption.” Turning towards things he would like to see happen it the future, Lindsay added: “I want to see operators building sensible products which exploit smart ticketing. Things which are radical and innovating like TfL did with Oyster, not just bolted on for the sake of it. “It would be good to see less of the ‘them and us’ between the payment schemes and ITSO. The systems are complimentary, not competitive. “Unless payment fundamentally changes, then we do ticketing, not payment and vice versa. ITSO grants the ability to drive multimodal ticketing. The travelling customers don’t care that much about the ticket or service they use but rather what they do when they get to their destination. We’re about making it easier for them to get there.” To view the full ITSO specification, go to http://www.itso.org.uk/thespecification/
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PRODUCTS
MOBILE ONBOARD EXPANDS AND UPDATES PRODUCT RANGE Following the success of its Beam BW116 passenger WiFi solution, Mobile Onboard now has a new, more powerful Beam BW200 unit and has updated the design of the original. The new BW200 unit offers more features and options, including multiple SIMs, Ethernet connectivity, external USB modem connectivity and more simultaneous connections, while still featuring its 10-minute installation and on-board Web Server. Operators can choose the features they want without paying for features they don’t need. Units are then built to order and fully tested at the engineering facility near Southampton before being shipped direct to the customer for quick and easy installation on any vehicle. Its simple installation means it can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle if required. Different hardware options are available and the powerful networking features built into both models allow secure and reliable
Email martin.cole@coachandbus week.com to get your new product or service in the spotlight
connections for both passengers and other equipment. For example, the units feature multiple WiFi networks – meaning one can be used for open passenger access, while another can be set up to stream CCTV or other data over a separate secure network. One of the first operators to fit its fleet with the new BW200 unit was tour operator City Circle. Operations Manager Nick Morton said: “At very short notice we unexpectedly procured a significant contract
Mobile Onboard Marketing Executive Katie Luckwell with City Circle Operations Manager Nick Morton at the handover
Instructional video on battery charging and maintenance Schumacher UK has produced instructional videos, which can be viewed at www.speedcharge.co.uk/ video-tech, to explain their latest range of battery chargers. Ian Garwood, Director, said: “Our new YouTube videos aim to explain the correct way to use our battery charger products. “When filming the video we found we had too much information to fit into one video so we produced a short version, which explains the basics, and a longer film, which goes into more depth about the benefits of the products. “We hope they will prove useful to garages and other workshop professionals. They also include a ‘how to’ guide to using the product. The videos have already received lots of views and we hope people find them very informative.” Schumacher UK has a range of professional battery chargers, which feature ‘SpeedCharge’ software, which actively measures the inputs to the battery.
with a well known tour operator, who for 2013 has specified WiFi on all of its departures. “From the initial contact Mobile Onboard was receptive to our requirements and put everything in place in a limited amount of time. This included designing our bespoke landing page and supplying dual SIM units for tours extending to the Republic of Ireland. “The product is extremely simple to install and operate with no
Battery charging tips on video Ian added: “Keeping batteries fully charged is the secret to getting the maximum life and performance from them. We have a range of professional battery chargers from a small bench top maintenance charger to a 70amp wheeled workshop charger. “All but one of the chargers in the range are fully automatic and feature the patented SpeedCharge software.
It ensures the battery is charged as quickly as possible without the potentially hazardous gassing which can damage the latest generation of sealed batteries, including AGM and Calcium types.” Schumacher has developed the PWI61224 Wheeled Battery Charger, which can charge six, 12 and 24 volt (v) batteries and also has an engine start facility of 550amps in 24v mode. Schumacher UK’s other products include the Schumacher PMI-7AOBD memory saver, which aims to eradicate all the usual problems associated with vehicle battery removal. The company, which has the motto ‘Faster, Smarter, Safer’, has been designing and manufacturing battery chargers and associated equipment in the USA since 1947. It works with some of the world’s largest battery and vehicle manufacturers to constantly strive to build the best products on the market. Further information: Schumacher UK is located at Crypton House on Bristol Road in Bridgwater, Somerset. Tel: 01278 459293, visit www. speedcharge.co.uk or email sales@ schumacheruk.com. Twitter: www.twitter.com/Schumacheruk
need for an external roof-mounted antenna, as this is built into the unit. A distinct advantage for us is they offer unlimited data plans, for both the UK and the R.O.I; therefore we don’t incur roaming charges and have the peace of mind of a fixed monthly cost. “Our overseas guests now have the added benefit of being able to keep a check on what’s happening at home while seeing our beautiful country from a luxury City Circle coach.” Mobile Onboard has supplied WiFi services to bus and coach operators for almost three years, designing and building its products in the UK. It has continued to develop its services and believes it now has one the most innovative and flexible passenger WiFi systems available, which focuses on the needs of the passenger and provides absolute simplicity for the bus and coach operator by managing every aspect of the service. Last year, following a successful bid by Transport for South Hampshire to the DfT’s Better Bus Area Fund, Mobile Onboard was awarded the contract to supply equipment and data services to some of the operators, allowing them to offer free WiFi to their passengers.
NEW WIRELESS MICROPHONE FROM AUTOSOUND Autosound has a new wireless microphone displayed on its recently unveiled website www. autosoundbusandcoach.com The microphone is ideal for couriers and tour groups, with Autosound offering the flexibility of four-pin Blaupunkt, or five-pin ACS Actia/Video Bus compatibility. The firm asks customers to specify in the special instructions when ordering. The microphone has a special launch offer of £129.00 plus VAT – valid until the end of July. Its normal RRP is £149.00 plus VAT. Specifications: n Transmitting frequency: FM 110Hz – 120 MHz n Frequency response: 100Hz – 16 KHz n Pick-up Pattern: Uni-directional n Sensitivity: -75dB n Wired output impedance: Low impedance n Accessories: Microphone switching box and AA battery For more information: Email Lee.fergus@autosound.co.uk or call 01274 688990
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2002 ADL ALX200 Dennis Dart
7HO
COIF and DDA compliant, Euro 3 engine, 28 seats and 16 standing, taxed until end of June and MOT until July, well maintained and ready to work.
POA – choice of 3
17 seats, will have new COIF and PSV test, tachograph, only 60k miles.
£14,950
2005 Mercedes 814D Plaxton Cheetah
33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.
POA
2007 Unvi Riada
2000 Optare Solo M850
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.
X reg, 27 seats, new MOT.
Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279
2006 Bova Majiq
2012 Mercedes Sprinter 515 Cdi
49 seat executive, ZF auto, LEZ compliant, leather headrests, twin monitor DVD, centre sunken toilet, tasteful moquette, excellent condition, MOT & Tax, economical vehicle, ready to work.
Immediate delivery.16 Leather seats with blue piping 3 point belts, recliners, arm rest to aisle side, A/C, D/G, Large drop boot, PA System, Heater, EVM Conversion, 11800 mls, New MOT, Fully serviced, Ready to go. POA. Location: Crawley - Contact: 01293 852025/ 01293 852040/ 0771 9103203
£95,000 + VAT
Connaught PSV – 01405 814064
2009 Renault
2005 MAN Noge
2003 ADL Enviro 300
£17,500 + VAT
£65,000+VAT - P/X considered
Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701
Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315
£8,950
Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774
Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862
57 reclining seats, air conditioning, one owner from new, 320,000kms, dark moquette leather inset headrests, curtains.
£15,500 + VAT ono
Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com
Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774
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.
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.
Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530
£42,000
2010 59 Reg Ford Transit Factory Bus
1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma
COIF and accessibility certificate, 40 seats and 27 standing, taxed until August and with a new MOT, this is a very clean and tidy bus which is ready to go straight to work.
POA
Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530
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
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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July 3, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 37
2006 Mercedes Benz 616 CDI Soroco Plus
Volvo VanHool
2005 13m Bova Futura
2002 Futura
Very clean and tidy coach for year, converted 2 months ago to 70 seater with 3 point belts.
Full executive, 53 reclining seats, good leg room, used on holiday programme, one owner from new, 430,000kms, 12 months MOT.
Full exec spec, Eminox euro 4 exhaust, 49 seats, green cloth, manual, 792K kms, new MOT on sale.
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.
£55,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570
Connaught PSV – 01405 814064
£26,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365
1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee
Converted this year to 70 seater using Cogent seats with 3 point belts, tea machine, TV/DVD.
£84,500+VAT - P/X considered
Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315
2009 Mercedes Tourismo
49 seat executive, luxury pleated seats with leather piping and headrests, side shift seats, centre sunken toilet, twin monitor DVD, ZF AStronic gearbox, extreme comfort, a hit with passengers. Viewing recommended.
£145,000 + VAT
2001 Mercedes 814 Vario Optare Nouvelle
31/33 high back seats, forced air, reading lights, PA system, power door and boot.
POA
2009 Enviro 200 8.9m
Cummins E5 engine.
POA
£73,000
Connaught PSV – 01405 814064
Mistral – 01565 621881
£27,500 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365
Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862
1998 R REG OPTARE SOLO
LEZ BOXES FOR SALE
Volvo Olympian open top bus
2010 Mercedes Benz Travel 45
£3,000 each + VAT
Alexander Dennis body, P reg (1997), seats 75. Fitted with a PA system, new MOT on purchase. Choice of 5 vehicles.
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.
Mercedes engine, Allison, 30 seats, new MOT.
POA
EnsignBus 01708 865656
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! PARNHAMS COACHES LTD Contact Ray 07747 071071
2003 Setra 315 GTHD
1998 Volvo Olympian
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.
Northern Counties low height body, ZF gearbox, 76 seats + 8, choice of 2.
£53,500 + VAT ono
Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com
Bath Bus Company 01225 330444
Mercedes 814D Euro Coach
POA
Connaught PSV – 01405 814064
2003 Mercedes Citaros
£9,950
PSV 12/5/13, taxed 30/4/13, full service history.
Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774
£58,000
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). £40,000 each + VAT
Contact William on 07733 914050
yourbus – 01773 714013
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
2007 (07) Mercedes 515 Coach Built Soroco
2003 Dennis Trident 2 Alexander ALX 400
ÂŁ37,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426
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
2005 MERCEDES VARIO 814 WHEELCHAIR ACCESS MINIBUS
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.
Unwin Innotrax floor to take five wheelchairs, underfloor lift, rear heating, tachograph, front entry drop step with slam door, COIF, PSV.
ÂŁ15,495
Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858
2006 Plaxton Cheetah
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
Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076
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
2004 Bova Futura
51 seat executive, ZF auto, LEZ compliant, excellent condition, centre sunken toilet, 2 monitors, DVD, driver and crew seat retrimmed. Ready to go.
2003 Volvo Jonckheere B12M Mistral 50
53 passenger seats, 12 months MOT, 527,071kms, interior & exterior in excellent condition, vigorously maintained (records available).
ÂŁ49,950 + VAT ono Star Coaches Limited Martin 07831 265804 Adam 0121 350 5555
2008 Mercedes 515 CDI Soroco
ÂŁ55,000 + VAT
19 high back seats, forced air, A/C, D/G, reading lights, power door and boot, in metallic silver.
Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862
Connaught PSV – 01405 814064
POA
2010 Alexander Enviro 200 <RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO
Automatic gearbox, only had one owner from new.
Very clean example of the market leading bus, fitted with seat belts.
ÂŁ54,500
ÂŁ82,500
Plaxton Coach Sales Centre 01909 551166
Plaxton Coach Sales Centre 01909 551166
2003 Transbus ALX400
2006 Mercedes Benz 814 Vario
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 53 reg, 76 belted seats, LEZ compliant, new conversion with new high back seats.
ÂŁ47,995
BASE Ltd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01772 425355
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.
ÂŁ32,495 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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July 3, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39
VOLVO B12B
375,604 miles, PSV 25/4/13, taxed 31/3/13, full service history.
£120,000
Contact William on 07733 914050
2007 Scania K340/ Caetano Levante
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.
£80,000 + VAT each
yourbus – 01773 714013
2000 SCANIA T9
1994 Volvo B9M Berkof Excellence
Good solid engine and gearbox, tidy bodywork, MOT till April 2014, 37 recliners, loads of legroom and a rear toilet.
1993 Dennis Dart Limo Bus
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.
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.
£8,000 + VAT ono
£109,500 + VAT
£14,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365
For more information please call Dave or Lou on 01291 625449
Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701
2003 Futura
2007 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 515 CDI
1998 Volvo B10M Jonckheere Mistral
Full exec spec, Eminox euro 4 exhaust, 49 seats, green cloth, manual, 695K kms, new MOT on sale.
£65,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570
2011 Enviro 200 Service Bus
Imm delivery. Extra long. Ext’d body, manual, c/back boot door, 16 seats + 2 tables, 3 pt seat belts, aisle side arm rests, curtains, large boot, 197000 mls, panoramic windows, Euroliners, full length luggage racks, forced air + reading lights, under dash storage box, PA, new MOT, ready to go, location Crawley. POA 01293 852025/01293 852040/0771 9103203
2002 Optare Solo M920
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.
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).
£24,750
£94,900 ONO + VAT
Belfast Bus – 07921 389720
Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315
Luxury VW Crafter
2008 MAN Auto Ayat
2007 Setra 415GTHD Comfort Class
2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 125,000 miles, 8 months MOT, excellent condition.
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...
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.
02 reg, 31 seats – three available.
£11,750
Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774
Converted to 70 seater in September using Cogent 3+2 seating all fitted with 3 point belts, MOT till Oct 2013 and has no known defects.
£35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365
2009 MAN NL273F Wrightbus Meridian 12m
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
2005 Daf VanHool
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.
£25,000
£89,000+VAT - P/X considered
£89,995
£85,000
Slick Rides – 07823 770978
Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315
Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279
Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 85
SEAT S
2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS Alexander ALX400 bodies, converted to high capacity 85 seat school buses.
LEZ
COMPLIANT
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.
1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS
1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door 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
8.5m, 25 seats, Mercedes engines, DDA, Hanover LEDs, tacho, 3 point SEATBELTS fitted.
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.
2006 OPTARE SOLOS
1999 VOLVO B7TL’S
2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS
Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 10.1m , Cummins Euro 2 engines, DDA, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ compliant, only £6000 each plus tyres.
2002 52 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S DDA and LEZ, 70 seats, Euro 3, £24000 plus VAT.
OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -
Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 8 Visit our website for current s
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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.
2003 SCANIA OMNICITY CN94UB
1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS
2 door, Euro 3, ZF automatic, 37 seats, 12m, DDA.
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
ZF automatic, Plaxton body, 53 high back seats with 3 point belts.
1991 DENNIS JAVELIN
1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 80 seats.
2010 60 PLATE VOLVO B7R’S
Euro 5, ZF automatic, Plaxton profile bodies, 53 seats, air-con, only 72,000km since new.
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com
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697495-1094-Blythswood
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697383-1093-Stafford
24/6/13
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Call for details on our website conversions, upseating, refurbishment, and change of use conversion. Also vehicles available for hire short and long term.
www.staffordbuscentre.com email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552 View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com
MERCEDES 614D VARIO VAN CONVERSION 2003 03 REG Fitted with 20 coach seats, full height boot etc, ideal for airports etc, repainted and new MOT £7,950
MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 1999 T REG Fitted with 29 h/b seats and belts but would re seat to 33, will have new MOT £7,950
FORD TRANSIT 350 15 SEAT FACTORY BUS 57 REG Low miles, Class 5 MOT, drive on any car licence, ideal for school and club use with restricted drivers £9,950
697066-1094-Pickrell
H. W. PICKRELL
29/6/13
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MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES
Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951
Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell
2010 10 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 2.5TDI 108PS
06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA
58 REG FORD TRANSIT TOURNEO CONNECT 1.8 HDI
58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3. 0
LWB, Excel Minibus conversion, side loading door, AVS step, 16 high back Abacus seats on T bolts, Eberspacher, ex local authority, 35,280 kms.
Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd.
Manual 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.
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.
NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50c17 IRIS BUS 3.0
05 REG VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T30 TDI
07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA
2008 57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 2.2CDI
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.
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.
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.
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.
59 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD
08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD
57 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD
Manual, semi high roof factory bus conversion, side entry slam door with low entry step, 14 x high back seats plus driver, air con, ex lease, only 32,997 kms.
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Gleneagles conversion, side loading door, side step, 8 high back seats, fully tracked Unwin floor, lowering air suspension & Portaramp, Webasto heater, 11,199 miles.
Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats plus 2 x w/chairs & driver, Unwin tracked floor, ricon internal tail lift, 33,175 miles only.
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.
58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0
57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD
57 REG CITROEN RELAY 2.5TD
06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
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, 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 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.
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.
58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0
07 REG RENAULT M ASTER LM35 2.5TD
61 REG RENAULT MASTER F3500 2.5TD
57 REG FORD TRANSIT 100, 350 2.4TDCI
Auto gearbox, high roof, tacho, SCW conversion, power door, 16 rear high back seats (17 seats in total), fully tracked flat floor, Eberspacher heater, full air con, climate control, PLS t/lift, COIF, very high spec, 84,213kms.
Manual, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion PTS ambulance, SLD, fold out side step, 6-8 rear high back seats, wipe clean interior, lowering suspension, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, choice of two, 72,000-79,000 miles.
Manual gearbox, high roof, factory conversion, PAS, side loading doors, electric side step, 16 high back seats plus driver, tested floor, overhead storage shelves, tacho fitted, 20,137 kms only.
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.
08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD
08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI
57 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO M M33 2.5TD
2009 58 REG RENAULT TRAFFIC LH29 2.0TD
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Atlas conversion, twin side loading door, AVS side step, 6 high back seats, Unwin Inotrac tested floor, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 30,383 miles.
Manual gearbox, 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.
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.
09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD
06 (06) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS COIF/PSV ANALOGUE TACHO 94791MILES £7,495
2011 (11) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS 140PS COIF/PSV 30,000 MILES IN WHITE £16,995
MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS
(PONTYPOOL) LTD
P.O.A.
Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock
2005 (05) MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI 17 SEAT MINICOACH OLYMPUS CONVERSION 220,000 MILES AIR CON LUGGAGE RACKS £ 18,495
08 (08) IVECO 50C15 16 SEAT W/CHAIR ACC MINIBUS UNDERFLOOR LIFT TRACKING FOR UP TO 5 W/CHAIRS COIF/PSV SILVER METALLIC, 49,000 MILES £20,995
05 (55) MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDi TREKA BUS W/CHAIR ACCESS COIF/PSV 101,650KMS £16,495
• ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP
NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI
13:54
2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS 140PS MEDIUM ROOF SILVER METALLIC 21,000 MILES COIF/PSV DIGI TACHO £15,750
2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT 140PS MINIBUS COIF/PSV 30,000 MILES IN WHITE £15,495
1/7/13
07 (07) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS 115PS COIF/PSV DIGI TACHO ELECTRIC MIRRORS £9,495
08 (08) IVECO 50C15 16 SEAT W/CHAIR ACC MINIBUS UNDERFLOOR LIFT TRACKING FOR UP TO 5 W/CHAIRS COIF/PSV SILVER METALLIC, 49,000 MILES £20,995
p00_CBW_1094 Autoservice Page 1
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48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
TRAVELBILLITY 65 SEAT S
15 RE MET
2005 Mellor 33 seats with boot, forced air, analogue tacho, 260,000kms, MOT 10/2013
2000 (X) 413 CDI Sprinter
2007 VOLVO B12BT PLAXTON PANTHER 15M 65 SEATS n Auto n Air con n LEZ compliant
Sprintronic g/box, COIF for 16 seats or 6 W/C, private plate, UVG Modular
2006 Mellor COIF for 20 seats, external tail lift, fully tracked flat floor
2005 (55) Fiat Ducato 2.0 diesel, 4 seats and 2 W/C, fully tracked floor, ramp
All prices + VAT FINANCE CAN BE ARRANGED
n DDA compliant n Front lift n Rear toilet
All for ÂŁ89,950 + VAT OVNO
NEW BATCH RELEASED Call Mike Austin for more information
07834 810907
2005 Plaxton Beaver 2006 Mellor 28 seats or 9 W/C, 29 seats, large boot, automative, climate air con, analogue control, 98,000kms, tacho, 287,000kms, MOT 09/2013 MOT 10/2013
E&OE
Please call 01934 515511 or email info@travelbillity.com Location 2 minutes from J21 M5
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July 3, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49
Volvo Olympians
Large selection, all taxed and PSVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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
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50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 2013
ADVISORY SERVICES
If you would like further information please call 01543 897505 or visit www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk
audio & video
Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services
ENGINES
THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION
D.I.E.S.E.L. LIMITED OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF CUMMINS ENGINES FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT FULL OR 3/4 BUILT RECON ENGINES COMPETITIVE & COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE REPAIRS FIXED PRICE ENGINE REPAIRS/OVERHAULS COMPREHENSIVE PARTS STOCK – NEW AND USED ON SITE REPAIRS FULL ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS CONTACT US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR CUMMINS REQUIREMENTS TELEPHONE UK: 01708 859625 FAX UK: 01708 857630 EMAIL: SALES@DIESEL.UK.COM
CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned
CHECKPOINTS
Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316
Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk
Upload your vehicle ad in a matter of minutes and in no time at all the calls could be coming in.
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
FINANCE
FLEET SALES
BUILDINGS HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
RETIRING or
CHANGING YOUR FLEET?
Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone
Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk
01630 674326 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 . . .
Innovative funding solutions to fit every business. We specialise in raising funds for all types of companies from sole traders to PLCs. As a specialist business funder, Huxley Corporate Finance can provide your company with a wide range of finance facilities including the following:
• Equipment Finance • Vehicle Finance • Cash Flow • Mortgages • Company Acquisition • Capital Release Scheme • Vehicle Sourcing
Call the team to discuss your current financial requirements on 01829 730062
65A High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DP T 01829 730062 F 01829 730063 E info@huxleycf.co.uk www.huxleycf.co.uk
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REGISTRATIONS
PARTS
£750 50 LXJ AXZ 15 DRZ 40 KIG 80 LAZ 87 MHZ 25 RUI 46 SNZ 55 UIB 69
• Full UK coverage • Same day local delivery
£350 AJZ 626 CEZ 838 DKZ 303 JHZ 939 MHZ 505 RBZ 696 VIW 848 WJI 848 XIB 646
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TYRE EQUIPMENT
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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
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WINDSCREEN WIPER EQUIPMENT
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T: +44 (0) 151 922 5933 T: +44 (0) 151 933 4272 F: +44 (0) 151 922 5468 E: sales@transervex.co.uk W: www.transervex.com
A Clear Vision
54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 3, 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
Monday Alex here. It’s press day and everyone seems to be in good spirits. We are ahead of schedule and polish off the issue in good time.
Nimrod XV244 made its way to First Aberdeen’s King Street depot prior to Sunday’s Open Day on Sunday
Nimrod lands at First Aberdeen While the once feared roadside bus inspector has plummeted in number in recent years, having become victims of cost-cutting and the more widespread use of its modern successor, AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location), First Aberdeen appears to have come up with an even more high-tech version – courtesy of the RAF. Yes, it would seem the bus firm intends to use a Nimrod. You don’t have to be an aviation crank to know the aircraft
Dilbert
featured a highly sophisticated and sensitive suite of systems used for reconnaissance and gathering electronic intelligence. In the words of the RAF (see www.raf.mod. uk/history/nimrodr1.cfm): “The ability of the Nimrod to transit at high speed and then loiter in an operational area at lower speed for long periods makes it ideally suited to the task.” Joking aside, the front section of the famous aircraft appeared at the King Street garage open day on Sunday (June 30). In perhaps an interesting quirk of history, it came almost two years to the day (June 28, 2011) since the type was withdrawn from RAF Waddington, near Lincoln. The body of the Nimrod was
transported from Elgin to King Street last Tuesday. The open day’s organiser, Joe Mackie, said: “The plane is the talk of the depot and no doubt the talk of thousands of motorists and passers-by as it made its way through the city – it’s not often you see a plane being transported through the streets of Aberdeen.” For those of you who may be interested, the aircraft is owned by Morayvia, which was formed to take forward work started by the Nimrod Heritage Group – to preserve the last remaining Nimrod at RAF Kinloss – XV244. For more information on Morayvia visit www. morayvia.org.uk
Tuesday A typical day in the office. I spend the day following up a few news stories and writing up my interview with the friendly Metroline Chief Operating Officer, Sean O’Shea, for the forthcoming ComfortDelGro super feature. I also book my train tickets for my trip to Leicester on Friday. I spend the evening in the company of my better half and my parents, and despite his absence, we celebrate my brother completing his engineering degree at Newcastle University. Wednesday Unfortunately, I’m in the sick bay. I soldier on however and spend the day working from home on a few upcoming features. Always good to get ahead! Thursday Still a little green around the gills but I’m otherwise well. It’s a typical day back in the office which I spend chasing a few errant coach stories, turning around press releases and grappling with Gareth’s ever present banter. We are a man down though as Martin is visiting WJF Technical Support Ltd up in Blackpool for a supplier profile. Friday I’m in Leicester for Arriva’s latest Sapphire Launch. Despite the grim weather, two refurbished Wright-Geminis are in attendance along with a string quartet, an old fashioned ice cream vendor complete with a specially converted bicycle and a number of well known industry figures. Gareth is also out and about in London today interviewing ComfortDelGro UK CEO Jaspal Singh. With Martin working from home and Andy having a long weekend in the Lake District, James is left to man the pumps alone.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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In association with
Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm Contact Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
Liam Robinson re-appointed as Merseytravel Chairman Councillor Liam Robinson has been re-appointed as Chairman of Merseytravel. Cllr Robinson is said to be responsible for turning around Merseytravel during his first year as Chairman, driving a culture of openness and transparency through the commissioning and delivery of a process of external review and internal change. He said: “I am very pleased to be re-elected and to take forward our work to the next stage. “Following the independent reviews I commissioned, we have refocused Merseytravel on its core mission to achieve a world class integrated transport network for
Reading Buses driver in charity head shave
Bus driver Kathleen ‘Kaff’ Buzza of West Reading is no stranger to organising fundraising activities. Kaff, who joined Reading Buses earlier this year, has taken part in sponsored cycle rides and a 24 hour pool marathon. But on Saturday (June 29) she got well ‘ahead’ of those activities… She had a head shave. Kaff, who was born in Reading, shaved her head to raise money for Reading Buses charity PACT and Help for Heroes. Kaff had been
the City Region and realise the economic, social and environmental benefits this brings” Cllr Marlene Quinn was reappointed as Deputy Chairman.
Merseytravel also recently appointed new CEO David Brown from South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive. David is also Chairman of the Passenger Transport Executive Group, which represents regional passenger transport executives nationally. David said: “It is a privilege to join Merseytravel at this time and to
work alongside Liam as Chairman. “I will be working to build on the excellent work Merseytravel has achieved so far, including delivering our Rolling Stock replacement programme for Merseyrail, our Walrus travel smartcard, Quality Partnerships and improvements in public and sustainable transport across the board.”
HASSLE-FREE DRIVERS? Councillor Liam Robinson growing her hair for a while and prior to the clippers coming out it reached down to her lower back. “I was watching ‘The Voice’ and saw Jessie J had shaved her head for charity,” said Kaff. “It inspired me and I thought this would be a good thing I could do as well for charity, as it is a big thing for me to have my head shaved! I thought PACT would be a great charity to raise money for as it’s local.“ Prior to joining Reading Buses in March, the 51 year old was a lorry driver for 18 years and has completed a five year stint in the Territorial Army. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can visit Kaff’s virgin money giving page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/ kathleenbuzza
Hire coach drivers when you need them. No holiday, no absence, no NI – 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
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