Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1111

Riddler’s sells coaches as Proprietor retires p8

RECRUIT NOW

FIRST FOR RECRUITMENT JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK

Wednesday October 30, 2013 Issue 1111 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

p18

Impeccable credentials p10

Stanley Travel takes over prestigious electric bus route to Durham Cathedral p6

Sir Brian invests for the future 001_CBW1111_Cover.indd 1

Proterra electric bus support p12

28/10/2013 18:21

698703-1111-Dawsons

28/10/13

17:04

Page 1

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

Why all the fuss?

Distributed by COMAG

EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Features Editor Andrew Izatt 01733 293482 andrew.izatt@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07597 179030 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com Digital Editor James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Ian Blaza Contributors Ray Wilkes, Jonathan Bray, Richard Charnley, Alan Payling

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Market Advertising Manager Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Senior Sales Executive Caroline Barnes 01733 293248 caroline.barnes@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Sales Executive Sara Plumb 01733 293488 sara.plumb@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

A

pair of bus enthusiasts appear to have opened a can of worms in the past week after they approached their local paper, the Shropshire Star, to complain about receiving abusive gestures from bus drivers while pursuing their hobby of photographing PCVs. Such is life, the story has been picked up by a newsagency and hence several of the national papers, including opinion-formers such as the Daily Mail and The Sun. I feel the Mail went OTT with it’s headline containing the word ‘pervert’ – the two guys are pursuing a hobby which is entirely harmless. Photographing buses is not an obscene, illegal activity – it’s no different to snapping pics of swans on the river, seasonal weather or historic buildings, which the Mail regularly has no qualms about showcasing.

If one is to believe quotes attributed to individuals in a national paper, I was pleased to read a more enlightened attitude from Arriva and Pat’s Coaches.

The spokespeople from both condemned the behaviour of the drivers who are thankfully the exception rather than the rule for our industry.

If your staff abuse members of the public, they will bring your firm into disrepute. They’re photographing the bus, not the driver. If staff don’t want to have their pictures

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION

CONTENTS

Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Samantha Noble 01733 293240 samantha.noble@coachandbusweek.com

News

Subscriptions Executive Lorraine Jackson 01733 293483 lorraine.jackson@coachandbusweek.com Annual subscription rate for 51 issues: UK £85, Europe/Eire £140, USA and RoW £295 ONLINE £44.95

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

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.

18

35

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

12

The latest from Hertfordshire’s renowned Golden Boy Coaches

24

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

Major investment for Proterra and Johannesburg expands its BRT

14

Suppliers of products and services for interiors, flooring & seating

32

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

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

One of First East England’s 22 new ADL Enviro 400s for the X1

All the latest people moves from across the industry

International News Regional News

Fully inclusive. No hidden costs

003_CBW1111_Comment&Contents.indd 3

Gareth Evans Editor

4

Driver CPC Training www.coachandbusweek.com

taken, they shouldn’t be working in a public-facing environment.

As someone who counts photography as one of his hobbies (not just PCVs I hasten to add), I was somewhat bemused at first by the fact the pair had decided to ‘go public’ but having thought about it, concluded they must be utterly fed up to have gone that far.

A positive relationship with enthusiasts can result in an endless supply of free pics for publicity purposes.

Enthusiasts are also customers – and often the industry’s greatest supporters.

Do the very same drivers who complain about alleged privacy breaches make obscene gestures every time they buy their chocolate and fags from their local shop or walk down the high street? No, I thought not – think of the CCTV cameras which populate every store and almost every town centre. Do they complain about them? Yobbish behaviour, is yobbish behaviour, so why should it be deemed acceptable when behind the wheel of a bus in a very public place?

There’s an odd sense of unease among some sections of society about photography these days, which I’ve never quite understood – and which didn’t seem to exist in the not too distant past. What’s so difficult about giving people a friendly wave?

Operator Profile

Deliveries

61

Industry Guide Big Picture

0 6 £

Last Stop

63

People

wts.co.uk October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3 28/10/2013 20:08

NEWS B R I E F LY l FOLLOWING a Europe-wide tender process, Continental has been awarded a contract to deliver Deutsche Bahn some 17,000 bus tyres in several countries. Rail operator Deutsche Bahn, it’s DB Region and DB Arriva subsidiaries, said Continental won the contract as its overall economic and service-oriented package created a favourable impression.

Rotherham voluntary bus partnership

l BUSWORLD KORTRIJK enjoyed a 6% increase in visitor number this year compared to the last show in 2011. The six-day event, which is Europe’s largest dedicated coach and bus industry trade show, attracted 32,228 visitors. In a statement, organisers said: “On Sunday and Wednesday (closing day) Busworld Kortrijk welcomed less visitors. On all the other days, there were more. The welcome desk registered an increase in visitors and the number of journalists has expanded.” l BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL has started consulting on plans to implement 20mph speed limits on residential roads, which account for around 90% of the roads in the city. Other ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads would keep 30mph or 40mph speed limits.

However, exceptions would include sections of busy high street shopping areas such as the A435 High Street in Kings Heath, Alum Rock Road, or A41 Soho Road; and around schools, leisure facilities, hospitals and public transport interchanges.

The consultation runs until November 29 and details can be found at www.birmingham.gov. uk/20mph l STAGECOACH CO-FOUNDER Ann Gloag’s Lothian Shelf (710) Ltd has agreed to pay £1 to buy Manston Airport in Kent from New Zealand-based Infratil. The deal includes an adjustment for working capital variances and cash injected by Infratil between October 14 and transaction completion expected

by November 29. That’s expected to be around £350,000. “Having worked in the transport industry for over 30 years, I believe I am very well placed to help maximise opportunities for both freight and passengers at Manston,” said Ann Gloag.

The Rotherham Bus Partnership brings together four operators, Stagecoach South Yorkshire, TM Travel, Powells and First South Yorkshire, operator of this Wrightbus-bodied Volvo B9TL pictured by David Bell Rotherham to emulate neighbouring Sheffield with a voluntary bus partnership arrangement Rotherham is set to follow in the footsteps of Sheffield with the introduction of a bus partnership, albeit a voluntary one at this stage.

The Rotherham Bus Partnership (RBP) brings together South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and bus operators First South Yorkshire, Stagecoach South Yorkshire, TM Travel and Powells in a bid to improve the town’s bus services so that they best meet passenger needs.

Residents and stakeholders will be given the opportunity to comment on proposals for changes to a number of services in a public consultation from November 4 to December 2. The plans include better co-ordinated timetables across the RBP network, more services in some areas and the intention to improve punctuality.

David Young, SYPTE Deputy Interim Director General, said: “Together with our partners we are delighted to establish RBP to offer better bus services for

4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 004_005_CBW1111_News.indd 4

Rotherham’s passengers. Adopting this type of approach can help increase customer satisfaction, improve reliability of services and see more people using the buses to travel to work, education, training, or to visit friends and family.

“The RBP consultation provides an ideal opportunity for people to have their say on how we can best improve Rotherham’s bus network. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible so we can use their comments and suggestions to shape the town’s bus services so that they meet our customer’s needs.”

Paul Lynch, Stagecoach Yorkshire Managing Director, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible during the consultation exercise – their valued contributions will help us to shape the future of bus network in Rotherham.”

Ben Gilligan, Managing Director for First in South Yorkshire, said: “Strong partnerships are key to the future success of local bus services. We are absolutely committed to improving our services and delivering customer growth and therefore determined to foster powerful relationships with our local partners in

Rotherham and across South Yorkshire - this will help us unlock the full potential of bus travel.”

Paul Hopkinson, TM Travel, said: “We think the Partnership is the way forward to improve public transport in Rotherham.

It will provide a better forum for engaging bus users for their feedback, and help us to improve service provision by working together.”

Jane Powell, Co-Director of Powells, said: “As a local, family run company, we hope to continue to provide our services to the community. The added benefit of a working partnership enhancing our services will make the passenger experience a more enjoyable one. We welcome the opportunity to be a member of this partnership working with the general public and fellow operators to ensure that Rotherham achieves and maintains a fully integrated network.”

Details will be posted to www. rotherhambuspartnership.co.uk As this issue went to press, it was still at the ‘holding page’ stage. www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 19:53

Clean bus technology boost for five councils Five local authorities are to share in £1.4m funding to cut pollution from 92 buses as Transport Minister Baroness Kramer announced additional support under the Clean Bus Technology Fund.

Authorities set to benefit are: Brighton and Hove City Council, £750,000 for 50 buses; Sunderland City Council and Durham County Council, £275,000 for 19 buses; Oxford City Council, £199,995 for 11 buses; Swale Borough Council, £150,000 for 10 buses; and City of York Council, £23,700 for two buses. All have proposed to use selective catalytic reduction

Baroness Kramer: Announcement technology fitted to exhaust systems to reduce pollutants.

The new funding comes two

months after an initial £5m was awarded to 11 local authorities to reduce harmful emissions from 392 buses followed by a further £1.1m to five authorities to upgrade 45 buses.

31 local authorities in England (outside of Greater London) bid for grants of up to £1m to support upgrading buses with pollutionreducing technology on routes where air quality does not meet European Commission standards.

Baroness Kramer said: “This extra funding means more buses can be cleaned up so that they put out less pollution. Dozens of buses in five distinct areas will be

Go-Ahead Interim Management Statement “Our bus and rail business have delivered a robust performance, in line with our expectations,” said Chief Executive David Brown at the announcement of Go-Ahead Group’s Interim Management Statement for the period June 30 to October 23 2013.

“Our bus division is performing well and we are on course to deliver our £100m target by 2015/16. Our high quality, locally-focused operations and sector leading marketing continue to drive our passenger numbers and we are making good progress with our cost efficiency programme.” GoAhead’s £100m bus operating profit target excludes amortisation and exceptional items.

“In rail, our bid team is working hard to deliver strong bids for

the Thameslink and Crossrail franchise competitions and we have begun discussions with the Department for Transport regarding the proposed extension for Southeastern “Overall, I am pleased with the Group’s performance and remain confident the full year result will be in line with our expectations.”

Said Go-Ahead in the statement: “Trading in our deregulated bus operations has been robust.

Underlying revenue growth, which excludes the benefit of delivering transport for the Olympic sailing events at Weymouth last year, was in line with expectations for the quarter, at around 3.5%. Concessionary passenger volumes continue to grow at a slower rate than journeys made by fare paying customers.

“Performance in our London

operations has been strong in the quarter, benefitting from one-off rail replacement services and slightly higher QICs bonuses.

Underlying full year mileage is still expected to be broadly flat as we expect to retain a consistent level of contracts.

“Overall, trading in the first quarter of the year has been robust and we remain confident we will deliver a full year result (to June 28 2014) in line with our expectations.

“The Group remains in a good financial position with strong cash generation and a robust balance sheet, underpinning the dividend policy and allowing flexibility to pursue value-adding opportunities.

“We continue to focus on our key strengths of providing high quality, locally-focused and innovative transport services.”

improved with the money I am making available today, improving air quality for local communities.

It will also boost jobs and growth by helping to stimulate our cutting edge green technology.

“I look forward to seeing the results of all the initiatives under the Clean Bus Technology Fund and I hope other local authorities will follow suit.”

The Clean Bus Technology Fund is in addition to the £12m funding announced in May for 213 new low carbon buses in the latest round of the Green Bus Fund and £2.4m of additional funding for 55 buses announced in October.

Wear it Pink day at Arriva Bus and Coach

In the pink at Arriva dealership A special Wear it Pink day has taken place at Cleckheaton. The day was all in aid of a breast cancer campaign which Arriva Bus and Coach had chosen as its charity for the year.

All staff paid a small donation to wear pink for the day. Some outfits were definitely more radical than others and staff turned out in pink morph suits, as male and female pink fairies and plenty of pink wigs were in evidence.

A key part of the proceedings was the Great Pink Bake Off.

Digital and analogue tachograph analysis

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

004_005_CBW1111_News.indd 5

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 28/10/2013 17:26

5%

NEWS › BUS B R I E F LY ● THE SEVENTH annual Low Carbon Vehicle Event, LCV2014, will take place at Millbrook on September 10-11 2014. LCV combines a technology exhibition with broad business to business focus, a ride and drive in a test track environment, networking activities and an extensive seminar programme. It presents an opportunity for all stakeholders in the low carbon vehicle sector to showcase and evaluate current and future technologies and to discuss the issues facing the sector. ● A TRIAL EVENING bus service started last week between Tywyn and Dolgellau along the coast. Gwynedd Council has introduced four new evening journeys between the two towns. The journeys are being piloted for an initial period of six months. Operated by Express Motors, the 28E service is being supported with funding from Taith, the north Wales transport consortium. ● THE MANX HOUSE OF KEYS has been informed by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare the Island’s bus operations and heritage railways made a loss of £9.6m last year. The Treasury Minister said the total cost of operations in the 2012-2013 period had been £14.1m and this had generated income of just £4.5m. He claimed the loss on bus operations for this year would be around £5.6m. ● LEEDS CITY COUNCIL took £1.2m in bus lane fines last year according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. Since April this year 28,119 fixed penalty notices have been issued generating over £612,000 in fines. The council plans to extend its network of 12 bus lane cameras by installing 10 more. Councilor Richard Lewis remains adamant bus lanes are the way forward. “I am quite surprised at Liverpool’s initiative,” he told the paper about the decision to suspend bus lanes there. “Bus lanes are vital to keep the city moving, especially during peak times and it’s essential that we encourage more people onto public transport, not discourage them.”

Stanley Travel goes electric Stanley Travel’s contract with Durham County Council is to operate the electric Solos for a minimum of three years

Stanley Travel has taken over the Durham County Councilcontracted ‘Cathedral Bus’ service linking the railway station and university at Mountjoy. The route uses three local authority-owned Optare Solo EVs, which were the UK’s �irst current-generation electric local service buses when they were introduced in 2010.

The contract had previously been operated by Yourbus.

Stanley Travel has rented a pair of diesel Solo SRs from Dawsonrentals for six weeks while work is completed on the three electric buses to restore them to peak performance. They have a

range of 70 miles.

Two vehicles are required to maintain the schedule, the third being available for a changeover during the day if required. A former RH Transport diesel Solo has been acquired to provide additional backup.

Director Ian Scott explained to CBW that once in service, the electric buses will be re-charged and garaged at Stanley. Their daily schedule including the distance to Durham is 62 miles. Ian added that the contract is for three years with an option for a two-year extension.

Stanley Travel’s O-licence is for 35 vehicles and it now operates 34. It sold its local bus operation to Go North East some years ago, but has subsequently grown a new network, a mix of local authority

To support the Poppy Appeal, 10 London buses are to carry a special poppy livery.

Metropolitan Line and Circle Line trains are also to be decorated and there are to be two 3D poppy bus shelters designed by Clear Channel outside the Royal Albert Hall and South Kensington Tube station. Network Rail will also be displaying a giant poppy on

the roof funnel of the western concourse at King’s Cross station.

Transport Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “We’re really proud to be supporting London Poppy Day again as our London Transport Old Comrades celebrate their 90th year. Some of them will be coming out of retirement to make announcements at some central London stations to encourage

Durham contract for zero emission ‘Cathedral Service’ passes to Stanley Travel

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 006_007_CBW1111_News.indd 6

The passenger growth on route 460 in Carmarthenshire between January and July this year

supported work and its own commercially operated Stanley town service.

Its full-size coach operation is now 11 coaches, including a 14-metre Van Hool Astron used on Glenton Palmer work and a newly delivered MAN-engined Van Hool TX16 Alicron, which was exhibited by dealer Moseley (PCV) at the recent Coach & Bus Live show. On that note, Ian said he has been impressed by Van Hool build quality and is very pleased with the 12-13mpg that the TX16 is returning.

Contact Stanley Travel on 01207 230000. Visit www. stanley-travel.com . Follow the �irm on Twitter using @stanley_ travel .

Buses to be covered by poppies in support of appeal

people to donate to the Appeal.

“People who live and work in London will start to see our specially wrapped trains and buses displaying the red poppy as the nation remembers those who made sacri�ices,” continued Sir Peter Hendy. “People will also see my own Routemaster which I’ve donated for the day, transporting fundraisers around the capital.” www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 17:51

19

The number of entries for the 2014 UK Coach Rally so far

Shef�ield Council rules on lane ban

Shef�ield Council has ruled out the idea of following an experiment by the elected Mayor of Liverpool to scrap bus lanes – according to The Star.

Shef�ield Council’s opposition Lib Dem leader, Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed, said: “I’d like to see if Shef�ield would be interested in this idea to help motorists.”

However, Cllr Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development at Shef�ield Council, said: “Shef�ield recently launched a bus partnership agreement aimed at improving bus services across the city.

“Bus lanes at speci�ic key locations play an important part in our work to improve public transport and in the �irst year to date the number of people paying to use the buses increased by almost 15%, which indicates the agreement is working.

£45m

The sum donated by Sir Brian Souter and Lady Souter to charity over the last six years

HaCon powers next generation of Arriva App for iPhones and Android phones

Arriva UK Bus, �irst to launch mobile ticketing in the UK, is basing its forthcoming Mobile Travel Companion on HaCon’s journey planner software HAFAS. The new app for iPhones and Android-powered smartphones provides customers with much greater functionality than the current application. In addition, the vehicle management system HAFAS Smart VMS will form the basis for comprehensive up to the minute passenger information.

HAFAS Smart VMS gathers GPS-based real-time data in the buses which can be fed to all output channels for passenger information systems, such as the new Arriva Bus app. This allows increased communication with customers regarding the status of services. HaCon’s software is a cost-ef�icient, web-based alternative to full-range vehicle management systems and was recently rewarded by the VDV (Association of German Transport Companies) for its innovative power.

SHARE WATCH

Mike Woodhouse, Marketing Manager for Arriva UK Bus, said: “With HaCon’s system we will be able to maintain our position as innovators, while delivering real bene�its to our customers.

HaCon has been working with Arriva’s parent company Deutsche Bahn in Germany for years and this has allowed us to see the bene�its of the system in a real world environment. With HaCon’s experience in delivering success within the industry, we know our new Mobile Travel Companion will be a hit with customers.”

Stephan Sünderkamp, Head of Division HAFAS Internet at HaCon, said: “We are excited to equip more than 4,000 vehicles of the Arriva UK Bus �leet with HAFAS Smart VMS, which will support their new journey planner app for iPhones launched today.

“The Arriva mobilisation follows HaCon installation programmes for DB Regio Bus in Germany, Denmark’s Rejseplanen and several other European transport companies.”

First to hold more ‘Cycling Swap Me’ events A ‘Cycling Swap with Me’ event held by First in Bath to promote road safety with local cyclists and the company’s bus drivers has been hailed as a big success.

Held on October 5 at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit off Chelwood Drive in Bath, the purpose of the event was to help cyclists and bus drivers to understand the safety concerns that each can have when sharing the roads.

The event was well attended by cyclists from Bath and the nearby areas as well as First bus drivers and staff.

For the exercises cyclists got to sit in the bus driver’s seat and bus drivers were able to cycle past a stationary bus. Participants were also able to talk to each other about their experiences, share ideas and discuss the things they had learned about the best practises for safer journeys.

First also plans to roll out a number of other ‘Cycling Swap Me’ events across the region in the future, which it is hoped will mean that many more bus drivers and local cyclists will be able to bene�it from the invaluable insights that a ‘swap with me’ type exercise can offer.

www.coachandbusweek.com

006_007_CBW1111_News.indd 7

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, October 28. Siemens saw the greatest proportional rise, while FirstGroup saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

451.55p

Price: Year High: 471.00p Year Low: 300.80p

115.80p

Price: Year High: 183.03p Year Low: 90.30p

261.60p

Price: Year High: 277.50p Year Low: 162.90p

334.10p 0.275p

58.00p

Price: Year High: 60.00p Year Low: 40.00p

93.39p

Price: Year High: 94.60p Year Low: 73.39p

many keen cyclists in this way. In particular we would like to thank the hard work of independent cycling trainer, Marc Taylor, and Paul Lowe from Cycling Instructor who did a fantastic job running the training events.”

-3.70 on last week

1684.50p

Price: Year High: 0.65p Year Low: 0.25p

Natacha Tagholm, First’s Regional Customer Services Manager, said: “We were really pleased to see the amount of people who came along and, as one of the region’s biggest transport providers, it was great to be able to connect with so

on last week

Price: Year High: 1746.40p +32.50 on last Year Low: 1211.84.0p week

Price: Year High: 343.90p Year Low: 264.30p

After a successful event in Bath, First says it intends to hold more in future. A cyclist is seen here riding safely ahead of a First bus at Leeds railway station

-2.80

6.88p

Price: Year High: 16.50p Year Low: 4.65p

-0.80 on last week

-3.55 on last week

0.00 on last week

-0.25 on last week

+2.71 on last week

0.00 on last week

FTSE 100

6,718

Index: Year High: 6,840 Year Low: 5,606

+80 on last week

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 28/10/2013 17:51

NEWS › COACH B R I E F LY l WORK HAS STARTED on the installation of a new concrete and steel barrier along the central reservation of the M5 between junction 21 (Weston-super-Mare) and junction 22 (Burnham-onSea). The work will be carried out during the day and overnight and will require the hard shoulder and various lanes to be closed for different periods. Narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit will also be introduced on both the north and southbound carriageways. The task is expected to be complete by mid February. l BOTH CARRIAGEWAYS of the M42 between junction 3a (Redditch) and junction 4 (Shirley) is to be closed overnight from November 3 to January 12, between 2200 and 0600hrs. l WORK TO REPLACE SAFETY BARRIERS on part of the A64 in North Yorkshire was expected to begin earlier this week.

The Highways Agency will be carrying out the work on a 3.2mile (5.2km) stretch between Musley Bank Interchange and Pickering Interchange. It will involve replacing the safety barriers at four overbridges and resurfacing four laybys.

Work will initially take place on the eastbound carriageway before moving to the westbound carriageway. In order for the work to be carried out safely, one lane in each direction will be closed and a 50mph speed limit will be in place until the work is complete. l CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS to the M3 junction 9 roundabout (A34/A272) near Winchester were due to start this week. The work will include widening the approach to the roundabout on Easton Lane to three lanes and installing traffic signals; providing three lanes on the southern bridge of the roundabout over the M3; and widening the eastern side of the roundabout adjacent to the Spitfire link. Lane closures will be in place overnight, between 2200 and 0600hrs, six nights a week with some occasional overnight closures around the roundabout. These will be publicised in advance, according to the Highways Agency. Completion is due by early December.

Charlie sells Riddler’s Coaches and retires After 44 years of operating it was time to call it a day A proud coachman from the north east of Scotland has retired from the industry he loves dearly. Charlie Riddler, proprietor of Arbroathbased Riddler’s Coaches has sold his fleet to J.P. Mini Coaches of Forfar.

Charlie’s O-licence was for eight vehicles and he had been operating for more than four decades. His son Fraser also worked in the business for a spell.

“After 44 years my body and my wife Gwen are telling me to give up my steering wheel and keys,” said Charlie. “In 1974 I bought my first new motor from Moseley’s showroom in Durham, a Ford Estoril 53-seater followed by other new coaches in 1997, 1998 and 2002. I’ve toured all over Britain and some of the continent, and ferried many

to mechanical work. The last few years have seen major changes in regulations and I decided to retire and do some travelling of my own, including visiting my daughter in Canada.”

Raised in rural Angus, Charlie followed in his father’s footsteps and worked on the land for a couple of years after leaving school. However, his heart was not in it. He started his career with a mechanical apprenticeship at Tayford Motors of Dundee before taking his PCV licence with Greyhound Coaches in Arbroath Kirk Square. He founded his own business with a 41-seater Duplebodied Bedford SB bought from Napper Thomson Coaches, Dundee in 1969. He began to work from premises in Inverkeilor, followed by a 1972 move to the Cairnie Loan yard which has been the company’s base since.

UK Coach Rally 2014 update: enter online With an eye on the coaching diaries of operators for next year, the UK Coach Rally is asking interested firms to book now – for only 50 entries can be accommodated. What’s more, the event, one of the highlights of the coach industry calendar, is gearing up for celebrating its’ Diamond Jubilee in 2014. To this end, it has launched a new logo, website and email addresses to enhance the celebration.

The 2014 rally will once again be hosted by Alton Towers Resort on May 10 and 11 – accompanied by the ever-popular Saturday night Diamond Jubilee Dinner Dance.

“The 2014 rally has 19 coach entries so far and they have booked their numbers early as we are limited to only 50 entries into the rally,” Sonia Cousins, of organisers Coach Displays told CBW. Operators who have entered so far include: Banstead Coaches, Blakes Coaches, BM Coaches, Dews Coaches, D.J. Thomas Coaches, Edwards Coaches, Everydays Travel, Falcon Coaches, Go Goodwins, Holmeswood Coaches, Jay & Kay Coach Tours, Kenzie’s Coaches, Paul S Winson Coaches, Robin Hood Travel and Stanley Travel.

Meanwhile, trade support has

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 008_009_CBW1111_News_Coach.indd 8

different organisations from the Royal Marines to all of the Angus senior football teams – and Dundee United under the reign of Jim McLean.

“Blackpool illuminations were a great experience with as many as half a dozen coaches leaving Arbroath on a Friday evening to arrive just after midnight, returning on Monday evening. The summer holiday and day tours we organised for many years were also a great success.

“At the height of the business I was changing vehicles on a regular basis. The takeover of Bean’s Coaches in Brechin extended the fleet to 14. This would not have been achieved without a great workforce of mechanics and drivers, and a very thrifty clerkess who has been with me for 32 years.

“My wife Gwen has turned her hand to a variety of jobs from office

Three Edwards drivers receive the prize for ‘best coach from Wales’ at the 2013 rally from Sarah Bell and Peter Hendy in front of their Neoplan Starliner been pledged by Irizar, MAN, BASE, Dawsonrentals, Volvo and CPT. While the 2013 rally and UK Coach Awards were held together, it was decided the two events will separate and return to previous formats for 2014. UK Coach Rally Chairman, Stephen Telling, said; “The combined Coach Rally and Awards weekend this year was a great success, but as next year

is our Diamond Jubilee and a real landmark in our history, an agreement could not be made that allowed the Rally to celebrate in a style that befits this major anniversary.”

For more details, visit http://ukcoachrally.co.uk . Call 01753 631170 or email info@ukcoachrally.co.uk.

www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 17:03

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

Fancy a visit to Van Hool factory?

West Midlands-based Parrys International is offering a three-night visit to Belgium in the New Year to include a visit and tour of the Van Hool coach building factory near Lier.

Departing on Monday, January 27 the tour will travel via Eurotunnel to stay at the centrally situated Novotel Hotel in the beautiful City of Bruges.

On Wednesday there will be a day visit to Van Hool with a tour of the facility and a chance to see the latest TX coaches being built including six TX17 14-metre coaches for Parrys’ 2014 fleet.

The cost is £199.50 per person sharing a room. Full details are available from Parrys International on 01922 414576 or online at www. parrys-international.co.uk .

Charlie Riddler of Arbroath-based Riddler’s Coaches decided it was time to sell his operation and retire

NX coaches now on price comparison site GoEuro.com Multi-mode travel website GoEuro has completed a full launch in the UK thanks to a tie-up with National Express. Users of the service can now compare coach routes and prices side-by-side with rail and air on the site.

The site launched in May and says it has seen exceptional growth. GoEuro was designed to help travellers find the most efficient way to travel from one location to another by comparing and combining air, rail and coach travel in one place – in addition to car hire.

The site allows travellers to plot routes from and to villages or towns in any location and is described as being ‘particularly useful for getting to and from destinations which are not serviced by airports.’

The Berlin-based company has secured agreements with

www.coachandbusweek.com

008_009_CBW1111_News_Coach.indd 9

numerous travel partners across Europe and developed proprietary algorithms together with local mapping techniques to provide the customer with increased choice and flexibility for the whole journey planning process.

German intercity coach operators which have signed up for the site include FlixBus, DeinBus and National Express Germany GmbH, with its ‘City2City’ brand.

The latest announcement with National Express brings the UK in line with the rest of GoEuro’s European offering by also including coach routes. Eurolines is also part of the deal.

Naren Shaam, founder and Chief Executive of GoEuro, said: “The full launch of GoEuro in the UK is a huge milestone for us. Each one of the thousands of routes National Express runs will now be completely searchable on GoEuro,

letting travellers plot the fastest or cheapest routes to destinations within the UK and across Europe.”

“National Express is the largest coach company in the Europe and services hundreds of local towns, which makes it the perfect addition to GoEuro’s product. Not only will this let us offer an even better service in the UK, but the addition of Eurolines boosts our entire European offering.”

Tom Stables, Managing Director of National Express, said: “GoEuro, an innovative online technology company, fits perfectly with National Express’ strategy of expanding our international distribution through effective online partnerships to drive incremental revenue for our business.

“GoEuro’s growing popularity and high overseas visitor traffic allows National Express to reach

new and relevant customers in a highly targeted way.”

The beata version of the website is currently only available in English and German but plans are afoot for it to be expanded across Europe.

The site uses proprietary localised mapping technology to find the closest airport, railway, or bus station from any location – big or small – not just cities with airports like other travel searches.

The site then shows users the most efficient routes to their destination, based on a combination of travel modes.

Once users have decided on a route, the site refers and links user to the company or approved online agents to complete the booking process.

Check out the site at www. goeuro.com

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 28/10/2013 17:03

NEWS

Souter Investments: “Exceptional returns”

Brian Souter: “We held our nerve throughout the recession, took some brave decisions” Stagecoach co-founder has acquired some ‘attractive assets which are well placed to continue to grow strongly in the years to come’ Souter Investments says it continues to produce exceptional returns, generating a net return of 21% per annum over the three years to March 31, 2013.

Its investment strategy has been to retain a core holding in Stagecoach Group where Sir Brian Souter is co-founder and Chairman and returns have been very strong at 11% per annum over six years.

It has also built a diversified portfolio, targeting private equity opportunities in both the transport sector, via sister company Highland Global Transport, and non-transport sectors. Souter Investments continued to invest through the cycle and maintain an opportunistic approach to investment opportunities.

Sir Brian Souter said: “We held our nerve throughout the recession, took some brave decisions, invested through the cycle and benefitted from having access to capital when many investors were avoiding the risk.

“As the financial situation improves it will be more difficult for us to find deals priced at the low multiples we paid during the depths of the recession.

“To counter this, we are seeking and finding a substantial increase in deal flow and we have a sizeable war chest to invest in the right opportunities.

“Looking forward we are confident Souter Investments will continue to invest in successful companies, however replicating the returns achieved in the last three and six years will be a significant challenge.”

Andy Macfie, Managing Director of Souter Investments, said: “Over the last six years we have generated an exceptional performance, outperforming both UK and US stock markets, and most private equity funds.

“We have acquired some attractive assets which are well placed to continue to grow strongly in the years to come.”

Over the period, Souter Investments made eight substantial private equity investments in the transport sector and nine major investments in other sectors including financial services, telecommunications and recycling.

Its unquoted companies based in the UK, Poland, Australia, Turkey, New Zealand and Latin America, have a combined turnover of £1.8bn and employ around 10,000 people worldwide.

In the last year it has successfully exited from esure Group, Sunseeker, Argent Energy and Wireless Infrastructure Group.

Recent investments include Irish book publisher CJ Fallon, road traffic accident claims management company Winn Solicitors and fund administration platform Investment Solutions (Subject to regulatory approval). It has also supported the acquisition led and organic growth of portfolio companies Alexander Dennis, Virgin Mobile Latin America and PolskiBus.com.

The Souter Charitable Trust has been a major beneficiary of Souter Investments’ exceptional performance. During the six year period reported, the Trust, which is funded solely by Sir Brian and Lady Souter, has donated more than £45m to good causes. Over the three years to March 31 2013, the Trust has awarded more than 3,000 grants with a value of £24m to projects aimed at relieving human suffering both in the UK and overseas.

Hidden extras have increased PCV fuel costs, it’s claimed PCV operators are being hit by hidden extra costs when refuelling, according to The Fuelcard People. Steve Clarke, Group Marketing Manager, said: “Thousands of bus and coach drivers fill up every day without realising that their fuel card suppliers have raised prices, imposing an additional transaction charge.

“Although only a couple of

pounds each time, it mounts up.

An operator with 20 vehicles will pay thousands more over the course of a year.”

The transaction charge issue became headline news during 2013, when customers took to the internet to claim that a fuel card company had introduced transaction charges without warning.

“We had a lot of calls from PCV

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 010_011_CBW1111_News.indd 10

operators wanting to switch to us,” said Steve Clarke, “because we have always insisted upon clarity and transparency. Many of these firms told us that they had not been properly informed about the other supplier’s new charges. We are still receiving calls from operators who have only just noticed the extra costs on their invoices.”

Steve Clarke urged coach and

bus firms to check their fuel card invoices for transaction charges and other hidden extras. “If you don’t like what you find,” he said, “ring your dedicated account manager and complain.

“If you don’t have a dedicated account manager, but are expected to queue for a random call centre operator, take that as yet another sign that it is time to switch suppliers.” www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 17:54

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

Loughborough town centre bus access debated during six-week consultation Bus access into Loughborough town centre is being debated during a six-week consultation being run by Leicestershire County Council.

A portion of the A6 in the town will be pedestrianised during the final phase of a £19m transport scheme – according to BBC News.

However, the council wants feedback on whether buses should be allowed in the pedestrian area.

Arriva Midlands supports the ‘bus-friendly’ option but some councillors want the area to be completely ‘bus-free’.

The Conservative-led local authority, which held a consultation into the issue in 2006, said another round of public feedback was necessary.

A spokesman for the county council said: “Buses would be restricted to a very low speed, so there is no danger to the public.”

However, Labour councillor Robert Sharp said he opposed

the introduction of buses into the pedestrian area when it was finally opened.

“Buses should be re-routed to leave the town (centre) free of buses – it would be a step backwards to allow buses to operate there.”

He said many retailers supported the bus ban, which he said would “connect the two main business areas and retail areas of the town and make the shopping experience much better.”

An exhibition outlining the various options will take place at Loughborough Town Hall from November 21-23. A trial will take place in late 2014 – based on the preferred option chosen by the council - once the pedestrian area is ready, a council spokesman said.

Other towns where buses operate in otherwise pedestrian only areas include Oxford, Southampton, Torquay and Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Southern Counties extends m-ticketing to Park and Ride

Matt Cotton (Service and Transport Co-ordinator, Maidstone Borough Council), Councillor Stephen Paine (Maidstone Borough Council) and Robert Patterson (Business Development Manager, Arriva Southern Counties) Arriva Southern Counties has extended its existing m-ticketing system to cover the Maidstone Park and Ride services which it operates on behalf of Maidstone Borough Council.

Users of the popular services which run from three out-of-town car parks into the town centre can now buy their day, weekly, fourweekly and twelve-weekly tickets using their mobile phones.

Nationally, Arriva says it has seen a continual increase in the number of people buying network tickets via their mobiles as they get used to the ease with which the tickets can be bought and this latest extension to include the P&R services that is also

www.coachandbusweek.com

010_011_CBW1111_News.indd 11

expected to become popular.

Arriva’s Regional Publicity Manager, Richard Lewis, said: “The range of tickets available on the P&R services has been adjusted to fit in with our online kiosk and this has included the introduction of a new four-weekly ticket.

“Sales of M-tickets for P&R have taken off immediately and we expect them to grow as the regular customers realise the benefits of buying their tickets online and via their phone.”

Arriva operates the services using a dedicated five-strong fleet of five Wrightbus Commander-bodied VDL Bus SB200s, branded in a yellow and green livery.

TRAINING UPDATE

FRM + DQM = Benefits!

David Richards of AA DriveTech explains how Fleet Risk Management (FRM) together with a Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) programme can reduce your driver risk and fleet costs as well as help towards Driver CPC too.

F

irstly, let’s look at the law around driver safety. On their website, the Health and Safety Executive states “The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their employees, or themselves, while they are at work, and to other people who may be affected by their work activities. This includes any driving activity on the road. The regulations require the risk assessment to be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains valid.

Employers should consider the risks to employees on the road in the same way as for those in a workplace.”

So how do organisations manage this?

Well, they often introduce a fleet risk management programme to ensure that their drivers are legal through a licence check or permit to drive scheme, then assessed for driving risk exposure, either in the vehicle or online, and finally trained.

Some innovative bus operators are now introducing a Driver Quality Monitoring programme. DQM provides an independent assessment of their bus driver’s ability marked against a set driving standard.

Their driver’s scores can then be benchmarked with similar operations to establish training requirements and best practice.

If you add them together, you get the best of both worlds. You can monitor your staff in the

working environment, assess their competencies and areas for improvement, identify what training they need, train them and then assess them again to ensure the training has worked. As an added benefit, any training they do can, if it’s a JAUPT–accredited course, go towards their 35 hours of Driver CPC training too! That has to save you costs.

In a way, what you’re actually doing is making DQM your risk assessment programme and also getting the benefit that you’re viewing the performance of your drivers in the real world, rather than when being observed by a driver trainer. Plus, if there are softer customer-facing issues to be addressed, these can be included in both the DQM assessment and the training programme too.

So if you’re looking at Driver Quality Monitoring, consider how it fits into your Fleet Risk Management programme; you’ll be sure to benefit.

How AA DriveTech can help AA DriveTech is the post-test arm of the AA with extensive experience in delivering top quality, value for money and useful driver training to professional drivers. The company offers comprehensive fleet risk management services including licence validation, Driver Quality Monitoring programmes and Driver CPC periodic training nationwide.

For more information please contact Dominic Pargeter on 01256 495749.

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11 28/10/2013 17:54

NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

Major investment boost for Proterra Prospects for EV future stimulates financial backing USA Proterra Inc., which claims to build the most cost effective zero emission battery electric bus, has closed more than $24 million in ‘Series C’ financing round amid rising demand for its transit solutions. Support for this round of funding was bolstered by Proterra’s projected 225% revenue growth for the close of 2013.

This round of funding included two new strategic electric industry investors, Edison Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of Edison International and Constellation. Edison and Constellation join Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, GM Ventures, Mitsui & Co. Global Investment, Inc., Vision Ridge Partners, Hennessey Capital and 88 Green Ventures to complete the round. In conjunction with the investment closing, Bert Valdman, President of Edison Energy, and Michael Smith, Vice President and Head of Technology Ventures for Constellation will serve as observers to Proterra’s Board.

“Constellation’s decision to invest in Proterra is based on the company’s clear leadership position in the rapidly expanding international electric vehicle (EV) market,” said Smith. “We are pleased with Proterra’s growth and believe further market expansion will continue based on Proterra’s ability to simultaneously address pressing

Proterra’s EcoRide is a full EV making use of wireless charging and it is promoting new thinktransportation, environmental and financial challenges for a wide range of metropolitan areas and commercial transportation users in the US and abroad.”

The addition of these new electric industry funding partners is a critical development for Proterra, which is actively working with utility companies to develop strategies to optimise EV buses to leverage grid power distribution and ensure low cost energy alternatives. Proterra’s investors already include many top sustainable technology funding companies and automotive manufacturers, giving the company a competitive edge in terms of

expertise and intellectual capital.

“One of Edison Energy’s core strategies is investing in the electrification of transportation, and Proterra is an emerging leader in the field,” said Bert Valdman, President of Edison Energy and Senior Vice President of strategic planning for Edison International.

“We are pleased to partner with Proterra, a company leading the charge in bringing safe, reliable, electric-drive transit buses to market.”

Proterra will use ‘Series C’ proceeds to fund production growth and product development efforts to keep pace with booming demand.

“The benefits of EV mass transit are compelling to a wide range of audiences,” said Garrett Mikita, Chief Executive Officer, Proterra Inc. “It offers significant cost savings to transit agencies; drastically reduces fuel consumption, air and noise pollution; and improves the quality of life of the communities it serves.

This round of funding is not only an acknowledgement of the strength of the company and the industry, but of Proterra’s commitment to leadership and working with all key stakeholders, including the power supply industry, to create the most effective and efficient transit solutions on the market.”

Johannesburg expands its Rea Vaya BRT with second route

SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg has launched the second route of its Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System. Route 1B operates with 134 buses, 57 of which were built locally to create job opportunities for area residents.

The Rea Vaya buses run on biogas or low-sulphur diesel and are operated under contract

by Sandown Motor Holdings.

The chassis are Mercedes-Benz and the bodies Marcopolo. They feature improvements such as self-operated passenger lifts for disabled passengers, flaps to close the gaps when docking at stations and increase safety, luggage racks, heaters, digital display screens and cameras to help drivers with docking and to provide additional

passenger safety.

The route was launched on October 14 on the fourth anniversary of the first Rea Vaya BRT route in 2009. It has 13 stations, each with secure cycle racks, seating and trash receptacles. They are all landscaped with indigenous trees and contain artwork produced by respected South African artists.

Johannesburg identifies the Rea Vaya routes as ‘Corridors of Freedom’ where the city can begin to redefine itself as important support to the campaign to transform entrenched apartheid settlement patterns and create a safer environment. Mayor Tau is satisfied the BRT system resolves conflict between the taxi industry

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 012_CBW1111_International News.indd 12

and public transportation. He said: “These buses are not owned by the municipality but primarily by the taxi industry. It was about ensuring people who in the past did not work together come together into a company that runs a BRT; in which taxi drivers are shareholders and part of a collective whole.”

Around 12 taxi associations are affected by the new Rea Vaya route but the city government and the public transport operators have agreed some actions, such as a sustainable business model, which will help ease the pain for them. The city has agreed to remove competing vehicles from the route and to scrapping old and unsafe taxis It will also aid taxi

drivers to become bus drivers.

Inspired by Rea Vaya’s example, Johannesburg’s Metrobus is buying between 125 and 175 new cleaner, greener buses which will run on biogas or diesel. Metrobus favours biogas following several studies showing enormous potential for biogas production from city waste sources such as landfill sites, sewer plants and grass cuttings by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. The city, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg and the South African National Energy Development Institute, is working to refine the technology for biodigesters which can use grass and other non-food agricultural products to produce fuel. www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 15:34

p13_CBW_1111

28/10/13

17:20

www.coachandbusweek.com

Page 13

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13

NEWS › REGIONAL WALES CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNCIL has described the year-on-year growth of its 460 Carmarthen – Newcastle Emlyn – Cardigan bus service as a real success story – being one of the few bus services in Wales which can boast or even report any growth at all.

Usage increased by 9.1% in 2011 and 5.9% in 2012 – and between January and July this year there were 5% more passengers. The figures represent close to an average increase of 100 passenger journeys a day in 2011 over 2012 and an rise of more than 60 passenger journeys a day from July 2012 to July 2013. The extra use of the service is supported by the increasing popularity of Bwcabus, the authority says.

To assist with the growing passenger demand, an additional early morning 460 journey has been introduced to improve travel opportunities for work and leisure.

County Executive Board Member for Transport Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “This magnificent passenger growth of the 460 service is down to the hard work of our transport team and co-operation of both transport providers Richards Brothers and Morris Travel.

“We often have to say to passengers worried about lack of use of their bus to ‘use it or lose it’ because services have economical in these stringent times or reducing subsidies and pressures on operators. I am delighted to say the 460 bus users are voting with their feet with more and more boarding the service helping to assure its future.”

NORTH

AROUND 75% of legally-required notices about the Leeds New Generation Transport (NGT) trolleybus scheme posted in Headingley have been vandalised – according to the project’s promoter, WY Metro.

The notices, which tell people how they can have their say in the Transport & Works Act Order (TWAO) submission process, are repeatedly being defaced with slogans about the scheme or removed.

“Notices which we are legally required to put up along and near the planned route explaining how people can register their support or objections to the scheme are either being removed or defaced on a stretch between Weetwood

KEY

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

Lane and The Original Oak public house,” explained NGT Project Director Dave Haskins.

Despite being printed on robust weather-proof special paper that makes it hard to rip, and fastened by zip ties, they are being removed and defaced.

“We are repeatedly having to replace notices, which means these vandals are adding to the scheme’s costs,” added Dave.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Preston bus station from demolition baked a cake to celebrate the Grade II listed building’s 44th birthday last week, the Lancashire Evening Post reported.

Members of the Save Preston Bus Station campaign presented the cake at the station’s cafe. Professor Charles Quick, from UCLan’s School of Art, Design and Performance, said the group’s plans for a parade to celebrate the bus station, which will be held on Saturday, November 2, were also going well.

Participants will meet in Lune Street at 1100hrs before walking at noon to the Flag Market along Friargate.

Professor Quick said: “I think there will be a sizeable crowd and we’re looking to see if we can get a band involved.”

The group has printed fliers and posters to advertise the event, which has been arranged with the assistance of Preston Council. The authority is yet to decide what to do about the bus station, after the Government decided to grant the building listed status. It could yet

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

014_016_CBW1111_Regional News.indd 14

proceed with its original intention to demolish the building and build a new station in its place.

EAST

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL is to review its decision not to include any public toilets at Ipswich’s new Old Cattle Market bus station – according to the East Anglian Daily Times.

The County Councillor with responsibility for transport Graham Newman said: “The decision not to rebuild public toilet facilities was taken in light of the previous toilets being burnt down.

“That said, I have received a large amount of correspondence on this issue so I have instructed officers to review the decision. Bearing in mind what happened to the previous block, clearly a different model of cleanliness and security will be required for any potential replacement facility.

“However, provided we can find a solution which is affordable, guarantees the facilities will be maintained to a high standard and are supervised, I think this is something we can seriously look at.”

A final decision is expected to be taken early in the new year.

MIDLANDS

A BUS FARE DODGER who spat at a ticket inspector was tracked down by police after his DNA was captured using an on-board ‘spit kit’ – The Birmingham Mail reported.

Joseph Sydenham, 40, spat at a National Express West Midlands revenue inspector who was checking tickets on the 11A/C service in Brookvale Road, Witton.

He fled the bus but was later tracked down and arrested after forensic analysis of saliva taken from the inspector’s jacket showed Sydenham was the offender.

He appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on October 15 where he admitted the offence and was ordered to pay a total of £255 in costs, fines and compensation.

PC Shaun Hickinbottom of the West Midlands Police Safer Travel Parternship said the so-called ‘spit kits’ are carried by around 3,500 bus drivers and inspectors across the conurbation.

He added: “Spitting is a disgusting, despicable offence and we will push for common assault charges against offenders.

Drivers and passengers should not be expected to tolerate it on our bus routes. These spit kit devices allow us to obtain irrefutable DNA evidence which helps us track offenders and secure convictions at court.

“This was a very costly spit as the offender has ended up with a bill in excess of £250 in court costs and fines – and we have also had cases of offenders being handed short jail sentences after spitting at passengers or bus staff.”

SOUTH WEST

ILFRACOMBE TOWN COUNCIL has agreed to buy the town’s former bus station site. Mayor Lynda Courtnage made the announcement following months of rumours over the future of the dilapidated Ropery Road site.

She said: “I can confirm we have agreed to buy the bus station, but at this stage I am unable to divulge any further information.”

The site, currently owned by Omnium Ilfracombe Ltd, had been on sale for £800,000 after the group were refused planning permission to construct a series of flats and commercial units on the site.

According to the North Devon Journal, ideas for the site include the creation of a new art exhibition centre, additional parking spaces for residents and the creation of a seasonal market square.

SOUTH EAST

THE BEACH BUS is set to return to the New Forest National Park next summer after a successful first www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 14:14

p15_CBW_1111

28/10/13

17:17

Page 15

Vital skills for success

Courses on Network and Timetable Planning Bus and Crew Scheduling

QV Associates

www.coachandbusweek.com

2 Bath Road Worcester WR5 3EJ Phone 01905-613527 Fax: 01905-767509 email courses@qv-associates.co.uk

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15

NEWS › REGIONAL season. The new service ran for five weeks during the school summer holidays and attracted 5,898 passenger journeys.

Operated by Wilts & Dorset in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority, the Beach Bus ran up to eight times a day, seven days a week.

The bus linked the Southampton– Hythe Ferry to the beach at Lepe Country Park. It also called at popular destinations such as Exbury Gardens, Buckler’s Hard, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and Lymington.

Ed Wills, Operations Director at Wilts & Dorset, said: “It’s been a successful first season for the Beach Bus. It can take time for a new bus service to take off, but word of the Beach Bus has spread quite quickly. Passenger figures are healthy and we’ve received good customer feedback, with many calling for the service to be expanded next year.”

David Harrison, National Park Authority Lead Member for Transport, said: “The Beach Bus has enjoyed a good summer. It has proved to be a real alternative to the car. By taking cars off the road and reducing carbon emissions, the Beach Bus has helped protect the special qualities of this unique landscape. It’s also helped connect

popular attractions with visitors and local communities, particularly in the Waterside area.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SCOTLAND

LOTHIAN BUSES is refurbishing its Waverley Bridge travelshop. The facility will close from November 3 until Spring 2014 when it will receive what the firm has called ‘a complete transformation, both internally and externally.’

Upon completion of the £500,000 project, the travelshop will become the flagship information point for Transport for Edinburgh, covering both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. The shop will also continue to be the home of Edinburgh Bus Tours, which according to Lothian, is Scotland’s third most popular paid for visitor attraction.

During the modernisation, customers and city visitors will be able to visit any of Lothian’s three other travelshops – at Hanover Street, Shandwick Place and Dalkeith.

Ian Craig, Chief Executive commented: “Our investment in Waverley Bridge will create a flagship shop for the new organisation offering a modern, comfortable and welcoming environment which will meet the needs of our customers.”

Following the success of this year’s show, the Low Carbon Vehicle Event is to repeated at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire in 2014

2013 n November 3 Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society Museum Open Day. North Hykenham, Lincoln. www.lvvs.org.uk n November 5–8 QV Associates’ Introduction to Bus & Crew Scheduling. Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-associates.com/ qvcourses.htm n November 19 UK Bus Awards.

London Hilton Hotel Park Lane. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n November 27 ATCO Winter Conference & AGM. Local Government House, Smith Square, London. www.atco.org.uk n December 7 Ensignbus Christmas Vintage Bus Running Day on routes X55 and X81.

Call 01708 86 56 56. Visit www. ensignbus.com

2014

When the clocks went back on Sunday (October 27), First Scotland East (FSE) customers were able to not only enjoy an extra hour in bed, they could also take advantage of an extra day’s travel, free.

FSE has launched a promotion where passengers will receive a free day’s travel when they purchase an adult FirstWeek ticket on bus from the driver.

This will give customers eight days travel for the price of seven. The promotion runs until November 17.

Regional Marketing Manager, Paula Middleton, ‘dreamt’ up the latest fares initiative from the local bus company. She said: “We all look forward to the extra hour in bed when the clocks go back. I hope our customers will take advantage of our promotion and enjoy an extra day’s travel on our buses.

She added: “We are working hard at First Scotland East to give our customers the opportunity to access better value fares.”

John Gorman, FSE’s Operations Director commented: “We are providing our passengers with a reliable, punctual and consistent bus service. We want to encourage more people on to our buses and we recognise that providing good value fares is just as important as providing a good service.”

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 014_016_CBW1111_Regional News.indd 16

Reading. www.youngbusmanagers. org.uk n March 25–28 QV Associates’ course Route & Timetable Planning Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-associates.com/qvcourses. htm n April 5 South East Bus Festival.

Kent Showground, Maidstone. www. facebook.com/southeastbusfestival n April 10 UK Coach Awards.

Mercure Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester. www.ukcoachawards.co.uk n April 29-May 1 The Commercial Vehicle Show NEC, Birmingham.

01634 261262 www.cvshow.com n May 10-11 UK Coach Rally.

Alton Towers. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk n May 12-14 ALBUM Conference.

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

n January 1 Friends of King Alfred Bus Running Day. Winchester.

Free bus rides & transport enthusiasts bazaar. www.fokab.org.uk

n July 12–13 Routemaster 60.

Finsbury Park, London. Organised by the Routemaster Association, the event will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of RM1. www.routemaster.org.uk

n January 1 Oxford Bus Museum New Years Day & free vintage bus rides. 01993 861 617. www. oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

n July 20 Alton Bus Rally.

Anstey Park, Alton, Hants. www. altonbusrally.org.uk

n January 23 CPT Annual Dinner.

The Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London. 020 7240 3131.

n September 10-11 Low Carbon Vehicle Event, Millbrook, Bedfordshire. 01509 635 750. www. cenex-lcv.co.uk

n January 25 Excursions 2014 Alexandra Palace, London

n September 21 Imperial War Museum, Duxford. www.showbus.com

www.cpt-uk.org

www.excursions.org.uk

n March 4–7 QV Associates’ course Introduction to Bus & Crew Scheduling. Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-associates.com/

qvcourses.htm

n March 18-19 Young Bus Managers Network Conference.

n September 25 - October 2 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show.

Hannover, Germany. www.iaa.de

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 14:14

000000-1109-Transaid

14/10/13

12:38

Page 1

OPERATOR PROFILE › GOLDEN BOY COACHES

M

odern, highspeci�ication vehicles operating from purpose-built premises combined with a reputation for delivering �irst class customer service have helped set Golden Boy Coaches of Hoddesdon apart - all achieved through hard work and careful management of resources over the past 45 years.

Joint Managing Directors are brother and sister, Terry and Geraldine McIntyre who’ve been involved in running the �irm bought by their father Terry Snr from his brother Liam in 1973, for more than 30 years. “We afford what we do by watching every penny,” explained Geraldine. “We’re as ef�icient as we can be. Golden Boy has a loyal client base. For people who want quality service we’re determined to give them what we say we can give them, and because of that, they come back.”

“It’s not just the vehicles,” said Terry. “It’s the drivers, the whole operation. St Edmund’s College (England’s oldest Catholic school) has been our customer for more than 20 years. Of our 36 vehicles, 14 are dedicated to home to school transport for St Edmund’s. Quite apart from being a school, it’s a commercial organisation charging fees for the children going there.

Transport is fundamental. We’re part of how they sell themselves.

They know there are cheaper

Golden opportunities With distinctive, instantly recognisable coaches, Hertfordshire-based Golden Boy Coaches has built a strong image and is widely recognised for its high standards of service. Andy Izatt meets the team that make it happen

alternatives, but they’re prepared to pay for that quality.”

Tight market

“Like everyone, in recent years we’ve been working harder to earn less money, but I think it’s starting to pick up,” continued Geraldine.

“For several years it seemed like there were no new contracts coming out. Local authorities have been cutting back as well, but

it now looks as if there is more work.”

“Several school contracts have gone in Hertfordshire,” said Terry.

“I think we’re doing eight. We had been doing 11 or 12. There are still a lot of operators tendering for that work. We couldn’t believe what one of the contracts we lost went for, but for another we got what we needed. Hertfordshire is a good authority to work for. The criteria

is 30% quality, 70% cost so quality is taken into account. They insist operators stick to the terms.”

“We have other contracts with schools that provide their own transport,” said Geraldine. “Since January we’ve also operated a shuttle service for Tesco using seven mini coaches a day. Tesco has of�ices in Cheshunt and Welwyn Garden City and we’re located right in the middle so it’s ideal.”

“The Tesco contract came along at just the right time,” said Terry. “For years we provided a campus bus service for Middlesex University at En�ield. It was regular income during the winter, but they closed the campus last year.”

Said Geraldine: “We have a very good relationship with a travel agent in town called Cannon Travel. They do theatre trips and run their own excursion

Golden Boy bought the UK’s first Van Hool T916 Astonef in 2010

18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 018_022_CBW1111_Golden Boy.indd 18

www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 17:55

programme, which is building up nicely. They’re doing more weekends away and weeklong holidays. Cannon do all the planning and sales and use our coaches exclusively.”

“Quality of vehicle is important to them too,” observed Terry.

“They know they could hire from elsewhere, but don’t. They’re another important customer for us.”

“We work with other tour operators,” said Geraldine. “We do a lot of U3A (University of the Third Age) groups for Golden Compass.

If there are any Australian groups coming into London for Gullivers Sports Travel of Sydney, we do the majority of those as well.

“We’re quite happy providing just coaches. All we want to be responsible for is the transport.

Private hire is probably 60%-70% of what we do in the summer.

In the winter it’s the other way around. Across the year it averages out at around 50/50.”

“At the moment we have commitments for 34 vehicles in the morning and we operate 36,” observed Terry. “We’re looking to release that a little bit so have a new midi-coach arriving shortly, but we do have a couple of regular subcontractors. We don’t want to have too many spare vehicles. Our O-licence authorisation is for 38 vehicles although we currently operate 36. If we go over 40 I think it would compromise what we do, not least our growing workshop maintenance business, GB Fleet Maintenance” (See separate panel).

Right tools

“After we sold our bus operation in 1992 (see separate panel), we started investing in good quality second-hand coaches,” continued Terry. “Seven to eight year old Volvo Van Hools ex Shearings.

Then we bought younger ones from Kenzie’s. Now we buy new.

The average age across our fleet is less than four years. Continual investment is what has driven that age down.”

Said Geraldine: “Once we bought this site and got it up and running, we knew we could concentrate on the vehicles. We buy new every year. Not always big ones, minibuses as well. If you miss a year it’s hard to catch up. We get a good price when we sell. We want to keep the fleet as young as possible.”

Small coaches have played an important part in the growth of Golden Boy, not least because of good hire rates and relatively www.coachandbusweek.com

018_022_CBW1111_Golden Boy.indd 19

A brief history: Golden Boy Coaches

Terry and Geraldine McIntyre involved in the business founded by their uncle for more than 30 years Golden Boy was founded by Liam McIntyre, Geraldine and Terry McIntyre’s uncle in 1968. The origins of the Golden Boy name aren’t entirely clear, but anecdotally Liam was driving a party to London to see the stage show, Golden Boy in a newly acquired coach and thought it would be good to adopt the name. It continues to be one of the strongest trading names in the industry.

Liam built an operation that encompassed around a dozen vehicles split between frontline coaches and double-deckers used on schools contracts. Geraldine and Terry’s father, Terry Snr, a lorry driver who drove for Liam at weekends, took over the business in 1973. Like Liam he bought new when he could, initially Duple-bodied Fords and then Plaxton-bodied Bedfords and Leyland Tigers.

Geraldine and Terry joined their father in the early 1980s within a few months of each other. Both had worked for the Civil Service. Terry says he took little interest in the coaches when he was young although he did help clean them. Older brother John was much more involved, particularly on the engineering side, but chose to become an accountant. Sisters Mary and Jackie also chose careers elsewhere.

Golden Boy’s work at the time included school contracts. Works services were still common and there was private hire and a limited excursion programme that attracted its own regular clientele.

More unusual was a once a week coach service from London, King’s Cross to County Mayo and Donegal in Ireland. The coaches picked up in Irish communities such as Toddington (Luton) and Coventry along the way, but the growing popularity of budget airlines brought the routes to an end. “It was an 18-19 hour journey,” recalled Terry. “By the time we closed it, the price of a return was £56. You can fly for less than that now.”

The site of Golden Boy’s current head office and workshop in Geddings Road, Hoddesdon was acquired in 2000. A warehouse was demolished to make way for what was originally a two-bay workshop with offices in 2001. Coach parking was at the rear although not enough for the 25-strong fleet so additional space was rented on what was then a vacant plot opposite.

“We wanted more parking, but the developers didn’t want to sell because the value was in the square footage of a building,” said Geraldine. “We

had that space opposite for several years, but we knew it was only temporary. We found a similar size site to our existing one on Bingley Road, the next road to us in 2008, so we bought that. We didn’t really want two sites, but we had exhausted everything directly linked to this one. It was as close as we could get.”

To maintain the value of the Bingley Road site, christened Depot Two, a large warehouse has been retained although the back wall has been removed to improve access. The drive and rear parking area was concreted to provide hard standing. Apart from seven mini and midi coaches and a people carrier, the remainder of the fleet is garaged there.

A new £450,000 three-bay workshop was built at Geddings Road, (Depot One), in 2011 complementing the two-bay facility at the front of the site. It included a VOSA ATF (authorised test facility) standard pit lane. With parking space freed by Depot Two, the opportunity was also taken to finish the vehicle wash, the ground work having been laid a decade before.

Terry McIntyre Snr retired around 2003-4, but still takes a keen interest in the business. “He still comes in every day,” said Geraldine. “In his time he did everyone’s job. That’s the way it used to be. He still loves the place.”

Long serving is transport manager Geoff Jaikens who has spent four decades working at Golden Boy Coaches

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19 28/10/2013 17:55

OPERATOR PROFILE › GOLDEN BOY COACHES

Additional three-bay workshop was completed in 2011 low running costs – 16mpg compared to 7.5mpg for a full size vehicle, for example. Eighteen mini coaches, half the �leet, are currently operated, and all are based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinters or Varios.

“A lot of our success has been down to the Plaxton Cheetah,” explained Terry. “We’ve added quite a few, but our �irst two in 1999 were the ones we kept the longest. We left Cheetah for a

while and started buying Euro Coach Builders and Sitcar, but we went back again. People like Andy Warrender at Plaxton’s are very good. Now we’re buying Noone Turas which we are very happy with.

“New vehicles are very expensive, but we have learnt over the years that if you can afford to buy the right ones, residuals make a lot of difference. We don’t need to specify what we buy as

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 018_022_CBW1111_Golden Boy.indd 20

highly as we do, but that’s where we want to put ourselves in the market.”

The McIntyres bought their �irst new Van Hool, a Cumminspowered T815 integral from Arlington’s in 1989 after pulling out of a deal to by an Ensign Charisma (a Mercedes-Benz O.303 built under licence in Yugoslavia) because of build quality concerns.

The T815 was £12,000 more than the Charisma, but £8,000 less than

a Van Hool Volvo.

“Volvo Van Hool was the one that everyone wanted,” said Terry.

“It was what we wanted too, but in the 1980s it was beyond our reach.” The �irst new Volvo Van Hool was acquired in 1998.

Its livery and Golden Boy logo designed by the bodybuilder has become the �leet standard. Ten Van Hool Volvos are now owned, most bought new.

In 2010 Golden Boy bought www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 17:55

GB Fleet Maintenance GB Fleet Maintenance is a standalone business with Geraldine and Terry McIntyre as directors alongside Golden Boy’s Chief Engineer Paul Murdoch. It was set up after the new three-bay workshop was completed in 2011.

“We could see that coaching was going to have a tough couple of years,” said Geraldine. “We have a very good workshop team. Paul is exceptional and there is demand in this area for what they do. We felt it was important to separate it from Golden Boy so GB Fleet Maintenance was born. We had operated for around two years just invoicing under Golden Boy.” An extensive range of services include vehicle safety inspections, pre MOT inspections, vehicle diagnostic checks, headlamp alignment checks, brake testing, exhaust emission testing, air conditioning servicing and re-gassing, roadside breakdown assistance, fleet service care and accident repairs. Coach operator customers include Shearings and White’s of St Albans.

“With the tightening of the London LEZ we became an agent for Baumot,” said Geraldine. That was a very busy year. We also work for UNVI, Minis to Midis and we’re a Van Hool agent. Through the associated group of Moseley dealerships we’ve done warranty work on Bovas, but there is a limit to how far we’ll go because Golden Boy must come first.”

“It’s the reputation of the workshop,” said Paul. “Operators are frustrated when they book a vehicle in one day and it doesn’t get looked at for another couple of days. We understand that. We’ve had to repair our own vehicles just to get them back on the road when the work should have been done under warranty. We understand what customers are up against and that why they keep coming back to us.”

the �irst Van Hool T916 Astronef integral for a UK operator along with a T916 Astron. The �irst Van Hool TXs in the �leet, another Astronef and Astron arrived in 2012.

“People do ask for the Astronef because of its sloping �loor,” said Geraldine. “If you’re doing any type of tour work it’s a bene�it. If you’re on a city tour with a guide at the front, people sitting at the back can see what’s being talked www.coachandbusweek.com

018_022_CBW1111_Golden Boy.indd 21

about.”

“For me it’s the look of the coach,” said Terry. “It’s more stylish than the Astron, but I’m very aware that if we lose a side window, we start to have issues because every piece of glass is different. We’re a Van Hool agent so we have quick access to parts, but we don’t keep glass here.

That was all balanced up when we decided to buy the �irst one.

The point about having both

the Astron and the Astronef is being able to offer customers the difference.”

Girls and boys

All Golden Boy vehicles have ‘BOY’ registrations. Founder, Liam McIntyre started the tradition of naming coaches although in his day it was all girls. Liam had seven daughters and one son. “We decided that because of our name and boy logo, we should use boy’s

names instead,” said Geraldine.

“We have a very big family so we’re not running out yet. We’ve used the names of a few people who work here as well.

“Quite often when people book a coach for a wedding they’ll ask if we have one with a particular name. It’s also useful on multiple hires when all the coaches look the same. We buy all our vehicles. The larger ones, we’ll put on �inance.

We’re fortunate in that we get

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

28/10/2013 17:55

OPERATOR PROFILE › GOLDEN BOY COACHES

Noone Tarus 500 on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the latest mini coach additions

Paul Murdoch responsible for developing GB Fleet Maintenance

Andy Wing was 15 when he first came to Golden Boy Coaches 22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 018_022_CBW1111_Golden Boy.indd 22

some fantastic rates.”

Said Terry: “We don’t really want to lease anything. One of the few exceptions has been our Masternaut vehicle tracking system because, with changing technology we don’t want to be stuck with something that’s obsolete.

Masternaut is very good. Our main use is for the immediate location of our vehicles, but its historical data is very useful to confirm information after the event if there has been a query about things. For communicating with drivers we use two-way radio. We’ve had it for 25 years and nothing has come along that’s better.

“We don’t have CCTV all over vehicles although we do have forward facing accident ‘cams’ that have been paid for in effect by our insurance company. They help not just with accidents, but are another way of backing up the tracking.

“Although we have no real problem with behaviour, St Edmund’s have been encouraging us to install CCTV. The problem is any of our fleet can be used on their work. Systems can cost

£2,000-£4,000 each. As much as they’re prepared to pay, we’re not going to say to them, do you want to pay for installations in all 36 vehicles? We’re going to suggest to them 12 internal systems at £400 each. We’re happy with that and we know they will be as well.

“We’re not a high-tech company.

What we have found is, if you provide a quality vehicle, people don’t damage it. If there is a problem, the schools deal with it.

The council is also very good.”

Setting standards

Golden Boy is a member of CPT (Confederation of Passenger Transport) and joined CoachMarque three years ago.

“Most customers aren’t aware of CoachMarque, but it’s something we can point them to if they don’t know us and want to ask about our vehicles and see what they stand for,” said Geraldine.

“BUSK’s Benchmark is very important to us,” said Terry. “It focuses on schools and is about safety rather than quality. The only criticism I have is that we put www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 17:55

Golden Boy Coaches: Local bus work

Golden Boy moved into local service work in 1986 prior to bus deregulation. The major local operator, London Country had started to retrench and several tendered Essex County Council routes were taken over.

Bristol LHs bought second-hand from Ensignbus were later replaced with ex Alder Valley Plaxton-bodied Leyland Leopards and finally new Leyland Swifts. The work was another source of regular income and helped give the business stability.

“A lot of independents went into local bus work at the time,” recalled Terry. “Then the bigger companies bought them up. We were made an offer, but Dad didn’t want to retire and we decided that we didn’t want to work for someone else. We sold the bus routes and vehicles in 1992 to Lynton Travel Group (County Bus & Coach). At the time the buses were the bigger part of the business.”

Golden Boy returned to the local bus operation in 2000 after Arriva deregistered service 324 between Broxbourne and Hertford and Hertfordshire County Council stepped in with a short term tender. The route was won when it was subsequently tendered for five years and what developed into a three bus operation encompassing Ware town services M1-5 (Monday to Saturday), Hertford local services 333 (Monday to Saturday) and 395 (Sunday) as well as the 324 was secured again on retender in 2006.

“At the time we got the price that we wanted, but when it came up again in 2011 it wasn’t right and we lost the contracts” Terry continued.

“The council wasn’t interested in new buses and we didn’t want to operate old ones. Although we initially used second-hand, we bought new when the routes came up again in 2006.There was a 10.7m Pointer Dart, a Mini-Pointer-Dart and a 29-seat Plaxton Beaver with a wheelchair lift. As a percentage of the fleet, it was never more than 10%.”

Added Geraldine: “Local authorities don’t have any money for local buses at the moment. We can’t run the level of service we want to run with the prices that are being paid. We’ll look at it again, but I think it will be a few years off.”

Simply Safe on all our leaflets and sent them out to all our schools.

The name was then changed to Benchmark. I think it might be a complication for schools.”

“When you’re asked about safety 99% of the time it’s because you’re being asked to carry children,” said Geraldine. “What about adults?

Everyone is a passenger and we look after them all. Then you have

people who phone to book a coach, but say they don’t want a school coach. We tell them children go on all our coaches.”

Golden Boy employs 46 staff of which 32 are full time drivers.

There are only a handful of part timers and even those are employed regularly.

“It amazes us that there are still so many operators that use

part timers,” said Terry. “How does that work when it comes to carrying their driving records?

I’m pleased we don’t have more, but the downside is that the four of us who work in the transport office all have PCVs as do three workshop staff. We all know if a driver doesn’t come in, a coach still has to go out.

“We have a lot of long standing

Another pair of Van Hool integrals, a TX16 Astron and Astronef were added to the fleet last year www.coachandbusweek.com

018_022_CBW1111_Golden Boy.indd 23

staff. One of our transport managers, Geoff Jaikens has been here 40 years. The other, Andy Wing came here when he was 15 years old. Now he’s 29. Our chief engineer, Paul Murdoch was 13 and served his apprenticeship here. Now he’s 36. The two longest serving drivers are Colin Morton (2011 UK Coach Awards ‘Coach Driver of the Year’) and Les Patch who have both worked for the company for over 30 years.

“We have nice vehicles, premises and facilities. The Driver CPC doesn’t concern us because we were doing training long before it came in. Drivers are very important to us. We like to think this is a good place to work.”

Added Geraldine: “You can have the slickest booking system and the best coach. All of that can be perfect, but if the driver doesn’t do the job, that’s all you’re going to hear about. If something goes wrong with the coach, if the driver handles it correctly he or she can keep the customers relatively happy. The driver is the most important element.” n

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23 28/10/2013 17:55

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

SEATING, FLOORING & INTERIORS

Refreshing refurbishment R An example of a heritage vehicle renovated by Eastgate Trimmers

Maintaining �leet presentation and passenger comfort are two important considerations for any operator. This week’s Industry Guide looks at products and services which operators can use to improve the presentation of their vehicles by upgrading seating, �looring and interiors – in addition to specifying such products when new vehicles are ordered

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 024_031_CBW_1111_Industry guide.indd 24

enovating the seating and �looring in a �leet vehicle can refresh and prolong its life, making it a worthwhile investment. Allowing the interior to age with the body is likely to result in replacement vehicles being sought sooner rather than later, dramatically increasing the cost of maintaining passenger comfort.

Whether a vehicle is becoming run down or suffers repairable damage, the most important thing is to have it back in service and earning revenue as quickly as is practically possible. Time is money, as they say.

When seats inevitably do wear out, skilled trimmers can refurbish them to make them look like new.

Many of these companies are expanding to cover more than just seating, with coverage given to �looring in particular. There are also established ways and means of refurbishing seating without having to take the entire vehicle

out of service.

Choosing the right seat and covering also forms an important consideration when specifying a new vehicle if it is being constructed to order. This goes for both passenger and driver alike. Indeed, driver seating is an area which can sometimes be overlooked. A happy driver can help protect an operator’s investment in a new vehicle from unnecessary thrashing.

Furthermore, if a driver enjoys a comfortable working environment, s/he is likely to incur lower levels of stress and hence be happier with the resultant positive customer interaction – in addition to less time off sick.

Not to be forgotten is the �looring which, rather like setting foot inside a home, can instantly help form the all-important right �irst impression. The currently in-vogue wood-effect can be recreated onboard a coach or bus in place of more traditional utilitarian-looking material. www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 19:45

KOLLER ENGINEERING

Family-owed business, Koller Engineering Ltd of Yeovil, has a speedy superstar in its top quality range of wheelchair restraints and harnesses, currently at a mindblowing 30% lower cost than its closest market competitor.

The aptly-named FAST range of wheelchair restraints more than live up to their name with an emphasis on a quick and easy system which saves time and money.

“This range is far more cost effective in terms of price and versatility than many other restraints on the market and is a

prime example of our better value guaranteed,” explained Andy Nurrish, Sales Manager for Koller Engineering.

Equally important is Koller Engineering’s refusal to compromise on quality and safety – an essential part of this company’s ethos. It believes in safety first and last in every situation.

These simple yet effective forms of wheelchair restraints are ideally suited to wheelchair accessible vehicles where space is at a premium. These innovative retractors are contained within a metal casing with strong black webbing straps that are attached to the front and rear of a wheelchair to secure it in place.

Dual tension handles on either side of these retractors enable a left or right-handed person to make any necessary adjustments.

Two types of fittings are available with these straps – buckle & tongue and Karabiner.

FAST is fully adjustable and can

be adapted to any situation but always with the aim of securing the wheelchair safely.

The FAST range includes:

l FAST wheelchair restraint; lF AST combined wheelchair and

passenger restraint; and

lF AST Apollo MK2 wheelchair

and passenger restraint.

Notable features include quick release lever, colour co-ordinated components and durable metal casing. These features reflect their focus on quality and attention to detail, which have contributed to their reputation for being a first class supplier’.

The FAST range of products have been crash tested to stringent ISO10542 standards which are internationally recognised. They are the perfect blend of strength with simplicity: safe, strong and durable. Indeed, on an ISO note, all products are manufactured strictly in accordance to ISO 9001:2008.

Recent successes for the Somerset-based company include securing an on-going contract with East Riding Council and public

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com 024_031_CBW_1111_Industry guide.indd 25

transport provider 24x7 Limited, to supply regular sets of their flagship FAST product solution.

This plus several new orders in the pipeline for the pre-launch of their new Blade product has earmarked a rosy future for Koller Engineering.

Established in 1980 by Max Koller, the company enjoys an enviable reputation for welldesigned, robust and usable wheelchair accessible vehicle products which always meet the exacting needs required by their customers.

Customer feedback is important to the company and many of its products reflect this user-centred approach, designed to handle the complex requirements of this group in a variety of situations.

Indeed, every product is designed for comfort and safety of both the operator and wheelchair user.

The progressive team at Koller Engineering is currently recruiting for a new machinist to help fulfill demand.

T: 01935 426695 W: www.koller.co.uk

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25 October 2, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25 28/10/2013 19:45

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

SEATING, FLOORING & INTERIORS CAPITAL SEATING & VISION

The bus and coach industry has become a more complex and demanding arena for operators and drivers alike. Long hours and longer drives can place a strain on both the physical and mental condition of the driver during a days work.

A pleasant, comfortable seat can go a long way toward protecting the back, neck, and spine. Sitting well improves concentration and makes riding the bus a safer experience for everybody.

Grammer Seating Systems develop and produce driver and passenger seats for agricultural and construction vehicles, forklifts, trucks, buses, coaches and trains. Following the ‘Design for use’ philosophy, Grammer products are made to be ergonomic, user-friendly, comfortable and safe.

The Grammer name is synonymous with bus and coach builders throughout the world – a well-respected brand known for it’s exceptional performance seats and widely considered to be the premium choice for OEMs and commercial vehicle developers.

Established manufacturers including Mercedes, Iveco, DAF, Dennis Eagle and Scania, to name but a few, often consider Grammer to be the only range of seats for their vehicles.

Optimum seat ergonomics decisively improve working conditions and help preserve users’ health. An example of such ergonomically mature products are the Grammer Linea and Tourea High Performance, which have been certi�ied by an independent institute, the Landesgewerbeanstalt (LGA) in Nuremberg, Germany, in cooperation with the Ergonomie Institut München (EIM). The seats were examined to determine whether their dimensions and setting possibilities can accommodate the anthropometric attributes of different users – tall, short, slender, corpulent, etc. It’s ease of use and vibration comfort were also thoroughly tested. The Linea and Tourea High Performance were certi�ied as ‘ergonomically tested’ as a recommendation for their ergonomics.

Such is the success of Grammer, thanks to its corporate philosophy of ‘design for use’ to achieve the optimum comfort and support for the driver. Technically advanced functions work hand in hand with simplistic design features to produce the ideal seat. These include: ● The most frequently used controls are within easy reach; ● Controls are located where you expect to �ind them; ● The controls are shaped to be recognised by touch only; and ● You intuitively know which direction to move them in.

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 024_031_CBW_1111_Industry guide.indd 26

Grammer’s Kingman Comfort (right) and Linea (left) seats.

The Grammer brand is supported throughout the UK through one of its key distributors, Capital Seating & Vision.

It has operated in the market since 1968 and is heavily involved in the commercial and bus and coach sectors.

A Linea or Tourea seat provides drivers the active support they need for passive safety in the workplace. With just a few adjustments, it turns into a fully customised seat which precisely meets every driver’s individual requirements. The innovative ergonomic basic shape and easy-to-use controls promote a healthy posture at all times. Another important requirement for feeling good in the driver’s seat is a pleasant temperature. However, with conventional air-conditioning, the driver perspires where his or her body contacts the seat. That is why the Linea and Tourea are equipped with active climate control. This system removes body moisture so the user will never again have to sit drenched in sweat.

Equally, on cold days, the integrated seat heating keeps the driver feeling snug.

The bus and commercial industries have evolved over time, and selecting the most appropriate seat for any given vehicle requires serious consideration at the design level.

Installing the most supportive and functional seat can maximise the performance of the driver, achieving operator ef�iciency and happy, stress-free workers. From the outside, industry safety standards have to be met to ensure your driver is safe from harmful vibrations and inadequate body support, and the Grammer

range is the OEM’s choice to achieve this.

Capital Seating & Vision

The Grammer brand is supported throughout the UK through one of its key distributors, Capital Seating & Vision. The Midlands-based seating specialist has operated in the market space since 1968, and is heavily involved in supplying seating solutions into the commercial and bus and coach sectors, at trade and OEM level, as well as directly to the end user’s and owner drivers. At its 15,000 square foot facility in Leicester, Capital boasts a large warehouse base with extensive Grammer seat and spare parts stocks. Not to be forgotten is the trim shop, which offers bespoke upholstery services and also a team of mobile technicians to repair seats on-site.

Capital Seating & Vision offers a wide range of products and services which can be speci�ically tailored to the client’s requirements, together with decades of experience and a wealth of technological knowledge, Capital can offer a comprehensive service for all your seating requirements.

T: 0116 216 9910 E: grammer@capitalseating.co.uk W: www.grammer.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 19:45

6898564-1111-Capital

23/10/13

09:22

Page 1

The OEM s choice for a reason...

Premium sea ng systems designed for outstanding vibra on absorp on, ergonomic design and supreme driver comfort.

A comprehensive range available for all buses, coaches & trucks.

VIP Grammer Partner

Capital Sea ng & Vision Unit 1, Forward Park, Sheene Road, Leicester, LE4 1BF Tel: 0116 216 9910 Fax: 0116 216 9910 grammer@capitalsea ng.co.uk www.grammer.co.uk

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

SEATING, FLOORING & INTERIORS E-LEATHER

Many operators are discovering the benefits of E-Leather when ordering new vehicles are performing midlife refurbishment.

The E-Leather range of 12 standard ‘off the shelf’ colours can totally transform a vehicle interior and provides a smart, hygienic and durable finish which is available at a surprisingly inexpensive cost.

Manufactured in the UK using waste leather from the tanning industry which would normally end up in landfill, E-Leather is proving popular with bus and coach operators looking for an upmarket appearance at a relatively low on-cost compared with standard seat coverings and is available in a wide range of colours ex-stock from the E-Leather factory in Peterborough.

The material is available with added waterproofing and is being used by Lothian Buses on its open topped ‘Majestic’ route in Edinburgh where it has proved successful in standing up to all that the Scottish winter can throw at it.

The usage and performance expectations of leather are diverse as are the production methods of each industry sector. From hand sewing by highly skilled operatives to computer controlled multi-layer cutting and highly automated manufacture, E-Leather engineer different specifications for each precise user application and their different performance requirements.

Principle Advantages of E-Leather are: l It is environmentally friendly, being made from recycled leather fibre; l It has product consistency.

There are no natural defects and minimal batch to batch variation; l A high cutting yield. E-Leather is cost efficient and reduces landfill waste; l High durability and excellent flame retardancy; l Customisable colours available on request; l Extensive design options, from leather effects to bold geometric designs; l Significant fuel savings on transport applications, due to a large reduction in weight compared to standard seats; l Ease of cleaning and care.

E-Leather wipes clean; and l Large panels and automated cutting, from roll supply.

One interesting process E-Leather can perform is to stamp or emboss the material to give the impression

E-Leather was the choice of Plymouth Citybus for its eight new Enviro400s it is put together from sewn panels.

The benefit, apart from cost, is the stitching is merely embossed too and does not penetrate the surface.

This means the seat upholstery remains impermeable to water or other fluids.

Essentially, there are huge opportunities here for providing a very upmarket appearance while dramatically reducing cleaning and maintenance operations. A simple wipe-over of seats is all that is required. Fogging interiors with antibacterial mist would have no adverse effect on the material and when the operation has been completed, it would harbour no damp and be ready to return to service as soon as the surface has dried.

CASE STUDY: Plymouth Citybus

A high-profile recent customer for E-Leather is Go-Ahead Groupowned Plymouth Citybus.

Following the successful introduction of E-Leather into its fleet with the acquisition of eight new ADL Enviro 400 double deckers this year, Plymouth Citybus is extending the use of the material by adding additional vehicles from ADL.

28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

024_031_CBW_1111_Industry guide.indd 28

Red and grey E-Leather has again been chosen to complement the company’s corporate colour scheme and emphasises Plymouth Citybus’ commitment to what it sees as a brighter, cleaner and fresher interior, providing passengers with the best environment possible during their journey.

Engineering Director Mark Horide commented: “We have set out to make the vehicle interior both spacious and attractive to our passengers. Consideration was made to the colour combinations of the seat design along with the wall panels, floors and ceilings and we worked closely with ADL, Esteban and E-Leather to achieve the desired effect.

“By removing a row of seats in the upper saloon we have achieved more legroom that we believe will achieve a more comfortable ride.’’

Because Plymouth Citybus caters for many families in the surrounding areas requiring access to the city, the lower deck has been designed to accommodate the large pushchair and buggy ridership.

Mark added: “Young families using our services will find the additional space within the redesigned wheelchair and buggy area very beneficial as two or three buggies can be accommodated comfortably without impacting on the other passengers.’’

The vehicles will operate throughout the Plymouth area as part of an expanded operation throughout the South West.

T: 01733 843939 W: www.eleathergroup.

com E: busandcoach@eleathergroup. com www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 19:45

CHAPMAN DRIVER SEATING

Birmingham-based Chapman Driver Seating has been setting standards for comfort and durability for decades. Chapman driver seats are a common sight in depots around the UK, Europe and even the Far East. Chapman seats provide bus and coach operators with a comfortable, robust and serviceable driver seat, designed for comfort, function and serviceability which just keeps on going.

Chapman Driver Seating aims to continuously improve it’s products and services to ensure the customer’s expectations of product quality and best overall cost of purchase are achieved by acknowledging and adapting to external factors and to identify customers specific needs. Chapman seats are manufactured in Birmingham, so unlike competitors who supply through distributors, the company boasts an unrivalled level of support direct from the factory.

Chapman can supply seats which have been fire tested to BS5852 Crib 7 where required and comply with the current TfL specification. Seats can also be supplied with seatbelts which have a three-point integrated belt tested to M3 at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) with all anchorage points verified by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) to 76/115/EEC. Notably, the company have been supplying seats for Stagecoach since the beginning of 2010 - Stagecoach was the first volume user of the seat which featured the SideRiser height adjuster which was tested at Millbrook on a five

www.coachandbusweek.com

024_031_CBW_1111_Industry guide.indd 29

Chapman displayed its new Siderider2 seat at the recent Coach & Bus Live show at the NEC. The seat can carry loads of up to 30 stone

year accelerated life-cycle program with the equivalent of a 30 stone (190 kg) driver weight.

“Since 2010 we have supplied over 1,200 Stagecoach seats to bus builders, refurbishers and after market,” explained Co-Director David Cattanach. “The Stagecoach seat also uses E-leather, which not only enhances the appearance of the seat but is hardwearing and more hygienic than moquette as it does not absorb the moisture and can be wiped clean.

E-leather is a recycled product using the waste from the leather tanning industry thus reducing the environmental impact. Chapman also uses a product under the E-leather called Outlast which helps reduce the extremes of heat and cold on the material going through to the driver using space age technology.”

“In the last 18 months we have continued to work with First Group and Arriva who have also now made the SideRiser and e-leather seat their standard OE specification,” he added.

At the recent Coach & Bus Live, show, products on display included the latest generation of high adjuster seats, which boasts the significant working load of 30 stone and is marketed as the Siderider2. It’s easier to use and can be adjusted before sitting down to an individual’s preferred setting. The product is due to be released in January.

T: 0845 838 2305 W: www.chapmandriverseating.com E: sales@chapmandriverseating.com

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29 28/10/2013 19:45

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

SEATING, FLOORING & INTERIORS PRIME PASSENGER SEATING

With its skilled and experienced workforce, Prime Passenger Seating is set to continue its fast moving product development from its premises in Chirk near Wrexham in North East Wales.

Since its launch, the Buckingham seat has been adapted to the everchanging demands of the coach and bus markets.

This extremely comfortable and versatile seat is suitable for installation in almost every type of bus and coach, from small minibuses up to 75-seater school transport coaches.

Prime Pasenger Seating has been particularly successful in supplying the Buckingham for installation in 70+ seater, 2+3 configured coaches, where its slim lines and contoured shape provide good support for the passengers with the maximum of legroom in this type of vehicle.

The Buckingham is manufactured in four standard widths from 400mm to 500mm per seat place and is supplied in one, two, three of five-place units.

The Buckingham seat can be fitted with both two and three-

point belts and is offered with a wide range of accessories.

It can be specified with a variety of legs to suit customer requirements with regard to tracks, fittings and height.

The Buckingham has been tested to the latest requirements with regard to strength, seatbelt anchorages and fire requirements and has been homologated on a range of coaches, including, Plaxton, Marcopolo, Irizar and Beulas. We continue our development work with other body builders.

Prime Passenger Seating continues to develop this and other passenger seating and will shortly be offering a further enhanced range of trim options. It also offers a full range of drivers sun visors and night blinds to the bus and coach markets.

The company’s location, near the A5 means it is well-placed to serve the needs of operators in both its native Wales and across the border in the English North West and Midlands.

T: 01691 898665 W: www.primeps.com

EASTGATE

Eastgate Coach Trimmers has been specializing in the refurbishment of coach and bus interiors for 31 years, from small repairs to complete interior retrims including roofs, racks, side walls and so on.

All work is carried out by highlyskilled time-served coach trimmers who began their careers at Plaxton coach builders in Scarborough, serving five- year apprenticeships in the factory and the local college.

They can now, after many years experience, retrim any make and model of bus and coach which arrives at the Pickering workshops.

When retrimming the complete interior of a coach, all existing materials are stripped off and if any of the interior can be removed, i.e. the racks, decency shields and toilet cubicle, they are taken out of the coach , dismantled and retrimmed as though they are being installed on the coach on completion, as near a factory finished job as possible.

Even though certain sets of seating can be trimmed in a day, Eastgate prefers to have the seats a little longer as some times the foams can be badly damaged or deteriorated.

Also, as well as transforming tired

coach interiors to look ‘as new’, Eastgate over recent years has been retrimming seats for some of the large bus groups. This has proven very successful as up to five sets of bus seat backs and cushions can be collected and delivered at one time, which significantly reduces the transportation costs, especially when travelling to and from the London area and Scotland.

Up-seating is also a part of Eastgate’s business – removing toilets, building up the floors with steelwork & flooring, re-spacing and fitting extra seats where legally possible.

Bespoke interiors have been built for large band coaches incorporating bunk beds with air conditioning, small flat screen TVs, sound systems, kitchen areas and large leather horseshoe-shaped lounges.

These can be built to customers legal specifications, usually on double deck coaches.

T: 01751 472229 W: www.eastgatecoachtrimmers.co.uk E: info@eastgatecoachtrimmers.co.uk

astgate BUCKINGHAM 3 & 2

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

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

www.primeps.com 30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 024_031_CBW_1111_Industry guide.indd 30

Supplying the Bus & Coach industry with quality seat retrims and interior Tel/Fax: refurbishment.

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

Collection and delivery service anywhere in Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk the UK, seven days Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk a week.

01751 472229

www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 19:45

POLITECNICA

Politecnica, based in Italy, knows how important seats are to a coach or bus operator’s image. Seating has the power to reflect the quality of the operation.

Poliecnica uses the top seat covering materials in the market, including Italian leather, microfibres and a large range of Holdsworth and Kneitz moquettes.

The company also offers a personalisation service based on the versatile Relax family of coach seats. The upholstery can be personalised in almost any way, from two-tone piping and magazine nets, to leather headrests with a company logo embossed on them, and rear tables with cupholders.

New to the Relax range is the Relax TransEuropaExpress. The seat has the luxury and strength of the Relax GTV model, but with a bigger and more comfortable headrest, and can be specified with an optional touchscreen monitor from Funtoro.

Paolo Grassetti, Politecnica Marketing and Sales Manager, said: “An interior can be vastly improved just by having high quality, good

MARTYN INDUSTRIAL

An example of the new Relax TranEuropeExpress seat, with double tone real leather with flaps and covered armrests looking and comfortable seats. Our seats are certainly successful in terms of elegance and operators always appreciate the final product. “Our service offers operators a level of personalisation to create a seat that is unique.�

E: politecnicaseats@ eircom.net W: www.politecnicaseats.eu

Martyn Industrials is pleased to present its new Tarabus range of flooring innovations and solutions which was recently exhibited at Busworld Kortrijk 2013.

Based in Carlisle, Martyn Industrials has been the sole UK agent and distributor of the Tarabus range for over 25 years, and continues to supply all the major operators and builders in the UK and Ireland.

Amongst its new innovations are self-adhesive flooring, which can be supplied in roll or kit form.

The firm can supply an entrance logotile with detailed printed artwork, suitable for route branding or advertising opportunities.

This can be supplied as a self adhesive tile for ease of renewal or replacement, as route branding or advertising requirements change over time.

Martyn Industrials says its new Gaya wood and mosaic effect product is already proving popular with new and repeat customers.

Nottingham City Transport and HCT Jersey, are just two of the customers who have taken delivery

of buses fitted with Gaya flooring in 2013.

Full technical assistance can also be provided, including floor fitting and welding training, for customers who want to undertake refurbishment or crash repairs themselves without outsourcing.

Complete welding toolkits, sealants and adhesives can be supplied too.

Tarabus ‘Gamma London’ is the flooring of choice for the New Bus for London, built by Wrightbus for TfL, with anticipated orders for 600 vehicles over the next three years. Indeed, Martyn Industrials continues to supply flooring to all the major London bus operators.

On that note, Phil Margrave, respected Group Engineering Director of the Go Ahead Group, said: “Tarabus Flooring has become an essential part of the design of vehicles within London Central / London General. “Product quality is good and long lasting – it still retains its good looks after years of use in London’s arduous conditions.�

T: 01228 544000 W: www.martynindustrials.com

32/,7(&1,&$ ,7$/<

$5&2 5$1*(

5(/$; 5$1*(

32/,7(&1,&$ 65/ 0216$12 $1 ,7$/< ,Q 8. DQG ,UHODQG SOHDVH FRQWDFW 3$2/2 *5$66(77, DW SROLWHFQLFDVHDWV#HLUFRP QHW

POLITECNICA SRL - MONSANO (AN) - ITALY - In UK and Ireland please contact PAOLO GRASSETTI at +353 (0)87 2285804, politecnicaseats@eircom.net

www.coachandbusweek.com

024_031_CBW_1111_Industry guide.indd 31

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31 28/10/2013 19:45

032_033_CBW111_Big Picture.indd 32

28/10/2013 12:51

THE BIG PICTURE David Bell photographed one of First’s 22 new ADL Enviro400s for its flagship X1 route between Peterborough and Lowestoft, via Norwich and King’s Lynn leaving Peterborough’s Queensgate bus station. The route, said to be England’s longest scheduled service at 113 miles had previoulsy been operated by 18 Wrightbusbodied Volvo B9TLs supported by three B7TLs. Benefits for passengers include free WiFi, extra legroom and upper-deck air-chill ventilation.

Esteban luxury coach seats covered in leather have been specified as have dark-tinted windows and large lower-saloon luggage racks.

Total seating capacity is just 67. Prior to 1996, what was route 794 employed just two doubledeckers working between Peterborough and Norwich roughly every three hours. The X1 now operates seven days a week on a half-hourly frequency throughout the day. PVR (Peak Vehicle Requirement) is 19, of which a dozen operate out of King’s Lynn, four from Great Yarmouth and three from Lowestoft.

032_033_CBW111_Big Picture.indd 33

28/10/2013 12:51

Subscribe Today TODAY SUBSCRIBE

Round up Coach and Bus Live: the NEC p22-46 of all the news from

T FIRST FOR RECRUITMEN

TNOW JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK RECRUI

Elfyn Thomas: Living through First to appeal against wheelchair ruling p6 the �ires of bankruptcyCoach p30

Iveco pushing the bus concept p28

and Bus Live: minibus news from Round up of all the the show p43-46

RECRUITNOW

FIRST FOR RECRU JOB ADVERTS EVERYITMENT WEEK

43% OFF

Wednesday October 23, 2013 Issue 1110 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

9, 2013 Wednesday October Issue 1108 | £2.95 eek.com www.coachandbusw

Wednesday October 16, 2013 Issue 1109 | £2.95 www.coachandbusw eek.com

TH COVER E PRICE*

… and save £65! and save £65!

s: Changing its spotard op Le R Euro 6 B8 ey

More Green Bus mon

Tiger burning brig StreetLite ht p12

p24

but not as we know it INSIDE

p6-7 ISO 9001 this week... p24 for Arriva MINI BUS

p4

p6-7 Stanford Coachworks parade bus r onon

Bus & p5 Coach

07/10/2013 18:55

001_CBW1110_Cover.indd 1

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

p4

p8

FIRST FOR

RECRUITMENT

Volvo B5TL debut

43% OFF the cover price* 001_CBW1108_Cover.indd

RECRUITNOW

JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK

Fricke

ng Lucketts Travel buildi ians p9 bridges with politic

p5

p12 Company car idea Singapore growthBUS: LEGAL:

21/10/2013 19:58

001_CBW1109_Cover.indd

COACH:

1

Finalists announced for this year's UK Coach Awards p4

1

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

IN CAMERA:

Brighton & Hove launches mobile ticketing p7

How Redwing Coaches has worked with VUE CCTV p42

14/10/2013 18:11

PLUS

for recruitm

JOB ADVERTent S EVERY WE EK

RECRUIT NO W

TfGM: A fairer deal for Manchester

FREE subscription to Group Travel World magazine and online subscription to coachandbusweek.com PLUS

OCTOB ER

group travel

world. com

Chocolat cows ande, cuckoo PLUS clocks

p46

● World Travel Market previe w ● 5 of the best travel shoes ● West End February Wicke 2013 / £3.95 d review

Inspirat ional Day – behi nd thes Out

clichésHoliday in Switzerland and s

STEAM AND GREAS Visiting E Britain’s

beautiful heritage railways p14

WINE TASTIN G TOURS IN THE SOUTH DOW NS

Cover3.indd 1

WORTH £83.95†

2013

A wintry weeke enjoying Englannd award-winning d’s vintages

WIN

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

A Family ticke

01_GTW_Oct1

3_Cover.indd

YOUNG AT HEART

Top ways to groups happykeep younger p22

LOVE LONDON

2012’s lasting legacy the best of London and p30

MATILDA MAGN

IFICENT

Review of the multi-a winning wardmusical p42

LONDON’S STILL BURNING 11/02/2013 20:21

SCHOOL’S OU T

2012 starting Olympic legac to see real y results

Wonderful places visits, plus best for school group practic destinations hoping e tips for to attract educational trips

t to the Eden

1

Proje ct

The Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben

04/10/2013

CoverFeb[1

].indd 1

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

subscription to Group Travel World magazine and online subscription to coachandbusweek.com worth £83.95 † * 43% off full annual subscription. Other subsciption

£85

15:01

NEW CH LAUN Visit our

07/02/2013

20:43

packaged available. †Group Travel World only subscription worth £39; coachandbusweek.com

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

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

0076

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

Originator identification no.

Address

Postcode

7

0

6

Account number

Date

Branch sort code

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

Telephone

To pay by Credit or Debit card

Mobile

Please debit my:

Email

Card Number Start date

CBWSubsA4.indd 1 034_CBW1111_Subs Ad.indd 1

5

Signature

Account name

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

Please also notify us.

7

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

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

Your Bank/Building Society

Address

Postcode

2

MasterCard

/

Expiry date

Visa

Delta

/

Maestro Issue Number

(Maestro only)

3 Digit Security Code

Signature To pay by cheque I enclose a cheque for £

made payable to Coach and Bus Week Ltd.

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

16/09/2013 19:04 28/10/2013 12:53

DELIVERIES KB COACHES KB Coaches has purchased a new 10-metre Volvo B7R coach with a Sunsundegui body based on the firm’s previous experiences with Volvo and its trust in the product itself.

“At KB Coaches we’ve been specifying Volvo for over 13 years,” explained Andy Francis, a Partner at the Gloucestershire-based coach operator. “We’re currently running seven Volvos and four of those are B7Rs with Sunsundegui body, so we knew exactly what we were getting with this latest coach.

“The new vehicle has been in operation for a few months now and it has delivered pretty much exactly what we expected from our experience with the other

B7Rs. It is economic, reliable and is perfect for the various types of work that we do.”

KB Coaches’ new Volvo B7R has been used on private hire contracts, tour work and local contracts. The rear-engined vehicle features the 7.1-litre Volvo D7E power unit, which combines fuel injection with common rail technology, offering a broad

torque range, as well as low fuel consumption, low emissions and a long service life.

Inside, the coach includes a courier seat and 41 passenger seats. It also boasts a rear-mounted toilet and a TV screen connected to a CD/DVD system.

Stylish Sunsundegui bodywork adds to the overall

finish of the vehicle. “The body undoubtedly helps the overall product,” continued Andy. “It has that sleek look you see on the trains these days and it just provides an extra professional finish to a reliable chassis.”

Back-up and support for the new vehicle is supplied

by Volvo dealership Wales & West and Andy Francis was quick to praise Volvo’s aftermarket support. “We deal with Stuart Rutherford at Wales & West and we know our vehicles are going to be serviced and maintained properly. It is one of the most reassuring factors when specifying Volvo Bus.” The new B7R was sold to KB Coaches by Regional Sales Manager, David Stevenson, who retires from Volvo Bus at the end of this

month.

“David has always been extremely knowledgeable and good to do business with. We certainly wish him well for the future,” concluded Andy Francis.

“The people at KB Coaches are highly enthusiastic advocates of the Volvo chassis,” explained David Stevenson. “It was pleasing to conclude another sale of a B7R to them before my retirement.”

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Volvo B7R/ Sunsundegui ENGINE: Volvo D7E TRANSMISSION: Volvo I-Shift SEATS: 41 SUPPLIED BY: Volvo Bus UK 02476 210250 www.volvobuses. com/bus/uk/en-gb/

ROBERTS TRAVEL GROUP

BARNES COACHES Swindon-based Barnes Coaches has added another new Volvo B9R coach to its 30-vehicle fleet.

“We’ve specified B9Rs in the past,” explained Luke Barnes. “In fact 40% of our current fleet is now built on the Volvo chassis. They’ve always been good quality, reliable vehicles for us.

“The back-up and support supplied by our local Volvo dealership at Wales and West is a key factor.

It’s good to have that level of reassurance that if anything did go wrong, it will get sorted quickly and efficiently.”

Luke continued: “Volvo’s Regional Sales Manager, Richard Mann, was able to provide us with the vehicle we wanted on a competitive and affordable package, so we were delighted to continue our association with Volvo.”

Volvo describes its mid-range B9R as an economic, adaptable and safe coach, which offers driving www.coachandbusweek.com

035_036_CBW1111_Deliveries.indd 35

quality, lightweight characteristics and versatility. With high reliability, low fuel consumption and good environmental properties, it is ideal for private hire and tour work, such as those operated by Barnes.

The coach is powered by a nine-litre Volvo D9B engine and incorporating the Volvo I-Shift 12-speed fully automated mechanical gearbox.

Seating 53 passengers, the new vehicle’s interior moquette design has been specifically specified by Barnes Coaches themselves. Other features include courier seat, TV, DVD, sound system, generous luggage space and onboard centre mounted toilet.

Midlands-based bus and tour operator Roberts Travel Group has added two ADL Enviro200s to its 60-strong fleet, which operates local services throughout Leicestershire and the surrounding counties.

The new buses will be based at the group’s Hugglescote depot near Coalville and used to serve destinations such as Ashby, Burton, Hinckley, Leicester and Loughborough, as well as East Midlands International Airport.

The new Enviro200s are 8.9m models, powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 160PS EEV engines with Allison S2100 transmissions. Both have seating for 31 passengers.

Jonathan Hunt, Managing Director of Roberts Travel Group said: “We have 20 years experience operating bus services for local authorities, as well as our own network of scheduled services – many with modern, low floor buses. We looked at a number of options and decided that the Enviro200 was the ideal midi bus for our fleet. The new vehicles

provide reliability, fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, and are proving very popular with both drivers and passengers.”

Founded in 1995, Roberts Travel Group has grown to become a key player in the East Midlands, operating a varied fleet of vehicles. In 2005, the firm set up its Roberts Holidays division, catering for the needs of clients throughout Leicestershire and beyond.

Further expansion came in 2011 when the Group acquired Paul James Holidays from Veolia. A long-established brand, Paul James continues to operate coach holidays and day trips which complement the main Roberts holiday program.

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: ADL Enviro200s ENGINE: Cummins ISBe

Transmission Allison auto SEATS: 31 SUPPLIED BY: ADL 01909 551166 www.alexander-dennis.com

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Volvo B9R/ Jonckheere ENGINE: Volvo D9B TRANSMISSION: Volvo I-Shift SEATS: 53 SUPPLIED BY: Volvo Bus UK 02476

210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/ en-gb/

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35 28/10/2013 13:08

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

DELIVERIES SILVERLINE Solihull-based Silverline LandFlight has taken delivery of two new ADL Enviro200s to add to its fleet.

“The buses will be used on local service routes and as staff shuttle services for Jaguar Land Rover,” explained Danny Matthews, Director of Business Development at Silverline. Danny added: “We’ve operated Enviro200s for a couple of years and

are very pleased with both their performance and the practical balance between seating options and standee capacity.”

Akhtar Ali, the firm’s MD said: “After evaluating midi buses from a number of suppliers we bought Enviro200s because they combine passenger comfort with best-in-class reliability and fuel economy. Silverline has been serving the needs of many corporate

and private clients for over 30 years so we are very focused on selecting the right vehicles for the job.”

The two new Enviro200s are both 10.8m models with 39 seats. Both are powered

by Cummins ISBe fourcylinder 160PS EEV engines, coupled to Allison S2100 transmissions.

Founded in 1974, Silverline LandFlight has a track record of providing chauffeured executive

end, its bus fleet includes examples of ADL E200, Optare Solo and Wright StreeLite.

cars and quality coaches primarily aimed at corporate clients, of which there is seemingly no shortage in the firm’s back yard.

Silverline’s distinctive silver and blue-liveried coaches are a familiar sight at the NEC, Birmingham airport and the M42/M6 corridor.

In more recent times, the firm has diversified into local bus service operation, including services under contract to Centro. To this

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: ADL

Enviro200s ENGINE: Cummins ISBe TRANSMISSION: Allison auto SEATS: 39 SUPPLIED BY: ADL 01909

551166 www.alexander-dennis. com

SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB RUNNING BARNES COACHES’ VOLVO B13R Swindon Town Football Club is now travelling in Barnes Coaches’ new Volvo B13R 14-metre coach for its ongoing official first team travel requirements.

The league one club had exacting quality and reliabity requirements for its first team coach to ensure its professional players have the best possible preparation for each and every league game it travels to.

Barnes Coaches, also based in Swindon, is a long-term supporter of Swindon Town FC. “As a local operator our connection with the Football Club is a strong one and I’m a fan of the team myself,” explained Luke Barnes. “We had the opportunity to purchase a fantastic new Volvo B13R 14 metre tri-axle coach with Jonckheere SHV bodywork for use on the club’s match day travel,” he continued. “Naturally given the requirements for quality and reliability we looked to Volvo Bus. “The vehicles supplied to us in the

past by Volvo have proved economic on fuel, which is a huge positive for us and that has undoubtedly played a part in our decision to specify Volvo once more,” he added.

“Obviously we’ve had to make some modifications to the interior of the coach to make it more specifically tailored for work in the professional sports industry, but we’re absolutely delighted with it, as are Swindon Town.”

Barnes Coaches’ new vehicle

36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 035_036_CBW1111_Deliveries.indd 36

features 41 full leather passenger seats, most in forward facing orientation, however the vehicle also has six tables with rear orientated seats. The coach also features a centre demountable toilet and servery. It has satellite television capability on six separate TV screens, docking stations, a reversing camera and onboard medical table.

Fitted with a rear-mounted 13-litre Volvo 460bhp diesel engine and incorporating the Volvo I-Shift

12-speed fully automated mechanical gearbox, the new vehicle is perfectly suited to long-distance travel, such as that undertaken by a professional sports team.

“This was quite a specific request from Barnes Coaches,” explained Richard Mann. “They needed a large, reliable, long-distance coach that could meet the exacting requirements of their client Swindon Town Football Club. Their new coach is now in full operation ensuring the team travels in comfort and style. We look forward to working with Barnes Coaches again in the future.”

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Volvo B13R/ Jonckheere ENGINE: Volvo TRANSMISSION: I-Shift SEATS: 41 SUPPLIED BY: Volvo Bus UK 02476

210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/ en-gb/

www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 13:08

THE MARKET FOR VEHICLES, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

x4 g the Iveco pushin bus concept p28

against h First to appeal p6 s: Living throug wheelchair ruling Elfyn Thoma ptcy p30 the �ires of bankru

23, 2013 Wednesday October £2.95 Issue 1110 | week.com www.coachandbus

UNLIMITED ONLINE vehicle for sale advertisments on coachandbusmarket.com

✔

✔

Up to 4 5X1 PRINT VEHICLE SALES ADVERTISEMENTS per week in Coach&BusWeek magazine

✔

✔

HALF PRICE RECRUITMENT ADS in Coach&BusWeek magazine

✔

✔

3 ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS to coachandbusweek.com

✔

✔

1 ANNUAL PRINT SUBSCRIPTION to Coach&BusWeek magazine

StreetLite p12

know but not as we ISO 9001 for Arriva Bus & p5 Stanford Coach Coachworks de para on p24

0_Cover.indd

001_CBW111

1

it

NOW RECRUIT

✔ * Excluding VAT. MARKET PREMIUM UNLIMITED price is UK only

FIRST FOR ENT RECRUITM

JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK

Deadline for vehicle and classified advertisements in the magazine is 1200hrs Monday.

21/10/2013

19:58

Contact your friendly coachandbusmarket Manager Jade Cassidy via phone, email or fax Tel: 01733 293247 f: 0845 280 2927 e: jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 037_CBW1111_CBM Cover.indd 37

28/10/2013 12:54

p38_CBW_1111

28/10/13

12:56

Page 38

2000 Iveco Eurorider Beulas Stergo E

2006 MAN 14.220 SLF MCV Evolution 11.2m

51 seat executive, centre toilet, air con/ climate control, power lockers, 8 speed manual gearbox, MOT till March, excellent condition, drives superb.

Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

40 seats + 21 standees, DDA compliant, Hanover LED. Direct off lease from a major operator. £32,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2003 Optare Solo

2006 Van Hool

Mercedes engine, one owner, good condition and tyres, low mileage 392,955, 29 seated 20 standing, full diptact space for one wheelchair, tested June 2014, taxed end of October 2013. £17,500 o.n.o.

49 seat luxury coach, excellent condition throughout, leather headrests, toilet, DVD, reversing camera, retractable belts.

BD23 5BS – 01756 753123

Kane Coach Hire 353 87 2339750

2009 MAN NL273F Wrightbus Meridian 12m

2001 Volvo B10M Berkhof Axial

7HO

£14,950 + VAT ovno

2008 Temsa Safari HD

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

102,000 miles, 53 seats with belts plus crew seat, automatic gearbox, double glazing, air con, carpet, curtains, Staybrite aluminium wheels, radio, 2 monitors, PA, LEZ compliant Euro 4.

£87,500

Castleways – 01242 603715

1998 Mercedes Benz 814 Alexander

2009 MAN Plaxton Centro

Automatic, 27 seats, 3 point belts, power door, perfect for school/private hire, good offers considered.

£8,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

38 blue moquette seats, Mobitec LED destination equipment, one year’s MOT. Offers over £45,000

Andy Shaw – 0131 554 5413

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

07 Ford Transit

88,000 miles, one charity owner, 16 highback passenger seats in moquette, power door front entry, Hanover digital destination, 12 months PSV test, totally immaculate inside and out.

£85,000 – NO VAT

50 reclining seats, TV/DVD, PA, fridge, hot drinks servery, air con, Webasto, alloy wheels.

Last coach remaining. £23,750 + VAT

Snowcoach Holidays 01727 866177 / 07831 612125

Volvo B12B Van Hool

£13,995

ZF auto, 14 berth sleeper, Euro 4 LEZ, static AC/heating, 240v, normal band bus stuff! MOT March 2014, good condition.

Heatons Motor Company 01942 864222

Telephone: 01487 843333

£25,000 + VAT

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

p39_CBW_1111

28/10/13

12:57

Page 39

ALFA TRAVEL HAVE FOR SALE DUE TO FLEET REPLACEMENT Dennis Plaxton R Series

2009 (59) Iveco Daily

1999 Mercedes 412D

16 passenger seats with 3 point belts, front entrance with lowered entry step, extra large boot, panoramic windows, parcel racks with reading lights and blown air, interior lighting with dim facility, CD sound system, tested until 30 September 2014.

16 removable seats, or 6 wheelchairs, 5 speed manual, external wheelchair lift, tachograph fitted, very clean condition, MOT June 14. £3,495 + VAT

£21,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

Chalkwell Coach Hire 01795 423982 andy.bates@chalkwell.co.uk

Luxury VW Crafter

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

• Air con • Toilet • DVD • Monitor x 2 • Eminox euro 4 • 49 seats • Green cloth • Long MOT

2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 135,000 miles, 7 months MOT, excellent condition.

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.

£50,000 + VAT

£21,000

£53,500 + VAT ono

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

Slick Rides – 07823 770978

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

VOLVO B12B

2001 MAN Neoplan

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

12 months MOT & tax, full tank of fuel, one owner driver for the last 5 years, 49 seater, toilet, aircon, drivers bunk, alloy wheels, just refurbished, 2 new 22in Samsung LED monitors, black-out windows, TV tuner, DVD system all fitted 8 months ago, good mpg, 3 new air bags, new belts, hoses and interior LED lights just fitted, 600,000km, based in Glasgow.

Cummins 420, AStronic gearbox 2004: 3 x 53 seats £40,000 plus VAT

Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon Easyshift gearbox, LEZ compliant 2006: 2 x 53 seats £79,000 plus VAT All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approximately 62,000km per annum) with reclining seats, 3 point seat belts and air conditioning. Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream. Price includes new MoT. Sorry no part exchange facilities!

To view contact Tom Smith, Operations Manager, on 08451 305777

2009 (09) Iveco Daily

16 passenger seats with 3 point seat belts, front entrance with lowered entry step, extra large boot, panoramic windows, parcel racks with reading lights and blown air, interior lighting with dim facility, CD sound system, tested to June 2014.

£21,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

2011 Vauxhall Vivaro 12 seat minibus

Full COIF with 8 months PSV/MOT, taxed until December, digital tachograph, 6 speed gearbox, 3 rear seats can be removed (ensuring space for luggage),1 owner vehicle.

2002 Bova Futura

1997 Dennis Javelin UVG S320

53 seat coach with crew seat, manual gearbox, fully belted, MOT August 14. £8,750 + VAT

£13,250 + VAT o.n.o.

£120,000

£28,000 + VAT

AFJ Travel – 07947 152763

Contact William on 07733 914050

Contact Gary – 07930 377051

2005 Optare Solo M950 SLF 9.5m

1994 Volvo B9M Berkof Excellence

2004 Iveco Beulas

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

Auto, 49 seat executive coach, WC, DVD, A/C, drinks boiler, fridge, etc, in exceptional condition for age, MOT July 2014.

£14,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

£39,000 ono + VAT - Possible P/X

£80,000 + VAT each

Tel 01249 742000/07717 768315

yourbus – 01773 714013

33 seats + 17 standees, Mercedes engine, Hanover LED. £32,000 + VAT – CHOICE OF 3 Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

Chalkwell Coach Hire 01795 423982 andy.bates@chalkwell.co.uk

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.

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

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39

p40_CBW_1111

28/10/13

12:57

Page 40

2003 Volvo Plaxton Panther

1984 Leyland Tiger Van Hool Alizee

53 seats, blue multi-colour interior, air con, LCD screen, rear toilet, LEZ compliant.

COI MOT until May 2014 and taxed until end of March 2014, finished in white with very nice red interior, 53 belted seats, window blinds, a very clean and tidy coach.

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Country Bus Devon Tel Nick on 01626 833668

44 seats + 27 standees, DDA compliant, 12 months MOT. ÂŁ27,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2006 (56) Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther

2003 DAF SB4000 Ayats Atlantis

2007 Mercedes 819 Plaxton Cheetah

49 seat executive, DDA 1 front entrance, PLS wheelchair lift, air con, full leather recliners, rear N/S floor mounted toilet, Euro 4 LEZ compliant, sold with new MOT.

53 seat executive, ZF Auto, 380 hp, air con, underfloor toilet, DVD (2 screens), power lockers, MOT till March, real eye catcher.

POA

2009 Setra 416GTHD

June 2009, 49 seats, toilet/servery, 2 DVD screens, Euro 5.

2003 Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 SLF 12m

ÂŁ150,000

Buzzlines Travel - 01303 261870

ÂŁ4,500 + VAT

ÂŁ59,950 + VAT ovno

ÂŁ29,950 + VAT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PX welcome

29 seats, 310,000 miles, air con, reclining seats, extremely large luggage capacity, used on feeder and tour work only, 2 owner drivers from new, 22 miles to the gallon, 160 HP chipped to 190, internally very good condition.

Llew Jones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

Llew Jones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

Greenfields Travel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01709 891444

1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma

2003 Volvo Jonckheere B12M Mistral 50

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.

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

ÂŁ15,500 + VAT ono

ÂŁ39,950 + VAT ono Star Coaches Limited Martin 07831 265804 Adam 0121 350 5555

ÂŁ49,995

<RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

1998 Volvo B10M Berkhof Axial 50

2011 Irizar PB

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

49 seats, WC, aircon, six speed ZF manual gearbox, first reg 14/04/98, MOT 07/03/14, only one previous owner

December 2011, 59 seats, toilet/servery, 3 DVD screens, Euro 5.

ÂŁ19,950

ÂŁ190,000

New Horizon Travel: 01206 255255

Buzzlines Travel - 01303 261870

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

p41_CBW_1111

28/10/13

14:34

1998 Volvo Olympian Alexander

87 seats with belts, power door, Voith auto gearbox, straight panelwork, new MOT.

£12,950

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

2003 Mercedes Citaros

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

Page 41

2008 MAN Auto Ayats

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...

£82,500+VAT - P/X considered

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

1999 Mercedes Benz 814 Plaxton

27 coach seats with 3 point belts, perfect for school bus and private hire, MOT till April 2014, manual with power door and private plate.

£8,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

2005 (55) MAN 14.220 MCV Evolution

40 seat SLF service bus, newly repanelled and repainted, 12 months MOT to October 2013, Hannover LED destination, excellent condition, drives superb.

£25,950 + VAT ovno

yourbus – 01773 714013

Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

1997 Volvo Olympian open top bus

1999 Dennis Dart SLF

COID and MOT until May 2014, painted blue and white with blue seats which were retrimmed approx 2 years ago, a reliable and well maintained vehicle, choice of two sister vehicles available.

£5,000 + VAT o.n.o

Country Bus Devon Tel 01626 833664/07872 839530

2003 Bova Futura 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

• Air con • Toilet • DVD • Monitor x 2 • Full exec spec • Eminox euro 4 • 49 seats • Green cloth • Manual • Long MOT

£55,000 + VAT

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

2005 Setra 315GTHD

2004 Mercedes Benz Optare Solera

LEZ

COMPLIANT

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

£27,500 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

Alexander Dennis body, P reg, 75 seats, fitted with a PA system, new MOT on purchase.

Only 2 remaining.

Bath Bus Company 01225 330444

2002 Iveco Beulas Stergo

49 seat exec, toilet, boiler, cooler, DVD, 2 x monitors, Mercedes engine, A/S Tronic gearbox, intarder, air conditioning, Webasto, alloy wheels, owned & maintained by us from new, repaint by arrangement. Choice of 2.

£62,500

39 reclining seats, air conditioning, owned from new, MOT until September 2014.

Clarkes of London Call Andy Nixon – 020 8768 9612

Lakeside Coaches - 01691 622761

P.O.A.

Setra 315 GTHD

1999 Volvo Olympian Alexander

6 speed manual, 49 seater executive, MOT April 2014 (LEZ, Eminox system).

78/81 seats with seat belts, Volvo engine, ZF automatic gearbox, power door, UK COIF, new MOT, straight panelwork, can be painted in base colour.

£39,000

WAS £12,500 NOW FROM £10,500 + VAT

Williams Coaches 01874 622223

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

• Automatic • Air con • Toilet • Monitor x 2 • Non LEZ • Long MOT PSV 12/5/13, taxed 30/4/13, full service history.

£58,000

£30,000 + VAT

Contact William on 07733 914050

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

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

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41

681335-1111-Ensign:Layout 1

28/10/13

12:01

Page 1

Ensig DOUBLE DECK 2010 ENVIRO 300 Cummins ISC Euro 5 engine, 12m, DDA, 44 seats, Hanover LED’s.

LEZ

COMPLIANT

1999/2000/2001 V/Y REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

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

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

2002 OPTARE SOLO M850

DDA, Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 bodies, 8.8m, 27 seats.

Mercedes engine, 30 seats, long MOT.

2000/2001 X/Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S

1999 DENNIS TRIDENT

Cummins / Voith, Alexander ALX 400 lowheight body, 84 seats, LEZ compliant.

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

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

1997 P REG VOLVO B10BLE

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

ZF automatic, Plaxton Prestige body, 41 seats.

2000 VOLVO B7TL’s

ZF gearboxes, single door, 82 seats fully seated or 80 seats as DDA compliant, supplied with new MOT and COIF, new batch just arriving.

2010 VOLVO B7RLE’S Volvo Euro 5 engine, 12m, DDA, 45 seats, Hanover LED’s.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

681335-1111-Ensign:Layout 1

28/10/13

12:01

Page 2

nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 2004 DENNIS DARTS

2010 VOLVO B7R

Cummins ISB Euro 3 engine, Allison gearbox, Caetano bodies, 24 seats, 8.8 m, DDA.

ZF automatic, Euro 5, Plaxton Profile body, air-con, 53 seats, very low mileage, new MOT.

2008 SCANIA OMNICITY N230UD

64 seats, 2 door, Euro 4, can be converted to single door 75 seats.

2003 SCANIA OMNICITY CN94UB

2 door, Euro 3, ZF automatic, 37 seats, 12m, DDA.

2004 MERCEDES CITARO 12m, Euro 3, DDA, 42 seats.

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

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

2009 ENVIRO 200

2005 VOLVO B7R’S

ZF automatic, 53 or 57 seats, Plaxton Profile body, air-con.

2008 VOLVO B7RLE

Volvo Euro 5 engine, Optare Esteem body, 12m long, 43 seats, Hanover LED’s, low mileage.

2000 X REG DENNIS SUPER POINTER DARTS Cummins B series 160 engines, Voith gearboxes, 41 seats, long MOT’s.

2007 VOLVO B9TL

Cummins engine, Allison gearbox, 8.8m, 29 seats, Hanover LED’s.

Euro 4 Volvo engine, Wrights Eclipse Gemini body, 68 seats or 74 converted to single door.

2008 PLAXTON PRIMO

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS

Euro 4 Cummins engines, 8.5m long, 28 seats, DDA.

Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, East Lancs bodies, 72 seats.

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

698697-1111-Stafford

28/10/13

16:17

Page 1

FROM £9,950

DENNIS DART PLAXTON MPD 1999/2000 WITH 29 SEATS AND UP TO 24 STANDING, DDA COMPLIANT, LARGE CHOICE INCLUDING MANY “SPD’S” DUE SOON FROM MAJOR BUS COMPANY, CAN BE PAINTED, BELTED ETC ORDER YOURS NOW FROM ONLY £4950 INC TYRES

681973-1111-Pembridge

28/10/13

13:44

Page 1

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 135ps air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £19,995 (10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed gearbox, tacho, 55,000 km £13,495 (58) 2008 Ford Transit 12 seat minibus 2.2 diesel, twin side loading doors, tacho, 35,000 miles £10,995 (07) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed, one owner, 64,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,950 + VAT (56) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV £8,995 (02) 2002 Ford Transit 2.4 diesel 3.5 ton, automatic gearbox, 8 seats, inboard Ricon wheelchair lift, rear heating, tracking to take 3 wheelchairs, overhead lockers £5,995

OTHER MAKES

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

(60) 2010 Renault Master 3.5 ton GVW 17 seat minibus, 2.3 diesel, six speed manual, high back seats, tacho, 38,000kms, sat-nav £15,995

(56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat LWB minibus, 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point seat belts, 19,000 miles only £9,450 (56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5t on 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000 miles £8,995

OTHER MAKES

(54) 2004 LDV Convoy 17 seat school minibus, internal racks, roof rack, tachograph, 51,500miles, FSH £4,995 Renault Master 17 seat 2.8 diesel mini coach, full under floor luggage large boot, tachograph, COIF/PSV £5,995 + VAT

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(62) 2013 Citroen Berlingo Automatic, 8,000 miles only, low floor, lightweight ramp, electric reals, high spec £12,850

(11) 2011 Renault Master 17 seat 2.3 diesel six speed, tachograph, fully tracked floor inboard lightweight ramp, 37,000 kms £16,995 (06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995 (57) 2007 Renault Master MWB 2.5TD 6 speed, tracking for two wheelchairs, in board lift, aircon, rear heating, 35,000 miles, one owner £12,495 (07) 2007 Fiat Doblo 1.4 petrol, 11,500 miles only, five speed manual, three seats plus wheelchair space, low floor, lightweight ramp, electric reals, air-con £6,995

(05) 2005 Fiat Ducato 20ltr diesel SWB 6 Seat wheelchair accessible minibus, Unwin fully tracked floor to take two wheelchairs, lightweight fold out ramp, electric winch £3,995

(54) 2004 Renault Master 3.5 ton 2.5 Diesel, five speed manual gearbox,12 seats, tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, rear heating, low entry side step £6,995

(53) 2003 Renault Master SWB 2.3 diesel, inboard Ricon lift,tracking for two wheelchairs, electric side step £5,995

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

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

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

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

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

698619-1111-BenWeaver

28/10/13

14:31

Page 1

BEN WEAVER PSV

2007 07 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS 2400CC 115PS TURBO DIESEL 6 speed manual gearbox, finished in light metallic blue, Euro 4 engine, LEZ compliant 121000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8795 + VAT

2002 52 PLATE IVECO IRIS DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE BUS WITH COIF TACHO AND PSV White, 2.8 turbo diesel, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, electric front entry door, Frank Guy conversion, 72000 kilometers/45000 miles, ex con, 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 5995 + VAT

PSV

2003 53 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WELFARE MINIBUS 2200 CDi turbo diesel 130ps, 6 speed automatic gearbox, white, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, LEZ compliant, CD player, 201000 kilometers/ 125000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9995 + VAT

2004 54 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WELFARE MINIBUS 2200 CDi turbo diesel 130ps, 6 speed automatic gearbox, UV Modular conversion, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, LEZ compliant, CD player, 150000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 10995 + VAT

PSV

2003 53 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WELFARE MINIBUS 2200 CDi turbo diesel 130ps, 6 speed sautomatic gearbox, UV Modular conversion, Ratcliffe underfloor wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, LEZ compliant, CD player, 223000 kilometers/ 139000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9995 + VAT

PSV

2007 07 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 350 LWB 15 SEAT MINIBUS White, 2400cc turbo diesel, air conditioning, digital tachograph, electric windows, CD player, electric door mirrors, LEZ compliant, ex Princes Trust vehicle, fitted with towbar and butterfly step, 76000 kilometers/47000 miles with service records, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8495 + VAT

PSV

2005 55 REG VOLKSWAGEN LT35 14 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Indian blue, 2461cc turbo diesel 109ps, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracked throughout, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, electric plug side access door, LEZ compliant 36000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 10495 NO VAT

PSV

2005 54 REG IVECO DAILY 65C15 WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRPAH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, metallic silver, will take upto 22 passenger seats, currently fitted with 14 passenger seats, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, 166000 kilometers/104000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8995 + VAT

2008 08 PLATE IVECO DAILY 50C15 12 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, euro 4 engine, auto gearbox, air con, Ratcliffe underfloor wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, currently fitted with 11 passenger seats but 4 more can be added, certificate of initial fitness, digital tachograph, PSV, full size electrically operated front entry plug door, CD player, LEZ compliant, 65000 kilometers/ 40000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT , fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 17995 + VAT

2006 55 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel, white, analogue tachograph, electric front windows, remote central locking, electric door mirrors, towbar with butterfly step, 101000 kilometers/63,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,495 + VAT

PSV

PSV

2003 53 REG IVECO DAILY 65C15 WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRPAH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, metallic light blue, currently fitted with 16 passenger seats, will take upto 22 passenger seats, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, overhead luggage storage, 152000 kilometers/92000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8295 + VAT

2003 53 REG IVECO DAILY 65C15 19 SEAT WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRAPH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, currently fitted with 14 passenger seats, will take upto 18 passenger seats, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, electrically operated front entry door with fold out Access step, 166000 kilometers/ 104000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7995 + VAT

PSV

PSV

2002 52 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT HIGH ROOF MINIBUS Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, tracked throughout, extra long wheelbase, high roof, twin rear wheel, green, LEZ compliant, previously owned by a local charity, only covered 42000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7995 NO VAT

2006 06 REG VOLKSWAGEN LT46 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2461cc turbo diesel 109ps, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracked throughout, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, tachograph, LEZ compliant 147000 kilometers/92000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9995 + VAT

2003 IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed manaul gearbox, white, Whitacres conversion, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, panoramic glass, elecric front entry plug door with automatic fold in and out access step, ex local authority owned, 167000 miles, excellent good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6495 + VAT

2005 05 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, Stanford conversion, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, panoramic glass, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, electric front entry plug door with automatic fold out step, LEZ compliant, 174000 kilometers/109000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9495 + VAT

PSV

2006 55 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS WITH ANALOGUE TACHOGRAPH 2400cc turbo diesel, white, remote central locking, electric windows, electric door mirrors, ex Princes Trust vehicle, 63000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6495 + VAT

BEN WEAVER commercIals

2005 05 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel, white, analogue tachograph, ex Princes Trust vehicle, 78000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months part and labour warranty £ 5795 + VAT

2008 58 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, finished in true dark blue, Euro 4 engine, LEZ compliant, 46000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 12495 + VAT

2005 54 REG IVECO DAILY 65C15 WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRPAH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, metallic silver, will take upto 24 passenger seats, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, 200000 kilometers/124000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8795 + VAT

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

698619-1111-BenWeaver

28/10/13

14:31

Page 2

commercials PSV

2003 IVECO IRIS DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed manaul gearbox, white, Whitacres conversion, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, panoramic glass, electric front entry plug door with automatic fold in and out access step, ex local authority owned, 167000 miles, excellent good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6495 + VAT

2005 55 REG IVECO DAILY 65C15 25 SEAT WELFARE BUS 2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, white, Mellor coachcraft conversion, tachograph, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, overhead storage rack, 125000 kilometers/78000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £9995 + VAT NOW £ 9495 + VAT

2006 06 REG IVECO DAILY 40C14 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, 4200 kgs gross vehicle weight, can be driven without D1 licence if driver is over 21 and has held their licence for over 2 years, fold out side entry door step, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, additional seats can be added, overhead cab storage compartment, rear storage lockers, remote central locking, ex NHS vehicle, 142000 kilometers/89000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £9995 + VAT NOW £9495 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 20 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 232000 klms/145000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £6995 + VAT NOW £6695 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 21 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, certificate of initial fitness and PSV can be provided at no extra cost, access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 256000 klms/160000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £6995 + VAT NOW £ 6695 + VAT

2008 58 REG PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE COMFORT 6 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE 2000cc HDI, silver, air conditioning, CD player electric windows, electric door mirrors, fold out rear wheelchair access ramp, 60000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay WAS £ 7995 NO VAT NOW £ 7495 NO VAT

2008 08 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS 115ps 2400cc turbo diesel, 6 speed gearbox, silver, certificate of initial fitness, tachograph, PSV, electric front windows, electric mirrors, CD player, central locking, 137000 kilometers with a fully stamped service history book, 85000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £10495 + VAT NOW £ 9995 + VAT

2007 07 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 CDI LWB HIGH ROOF FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Automatic sprint shift gearbox, 2200cc cdi turbo diesel, AMF Bruns Hubmatik linear internal wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 3 wheelchairs plus 4 seated, panoramic glass, electric windows, electric door mirrors, CD player, remote central locking, up lift skylight, taxed until 31st May 2014, 66000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £ 18995 + VAT NOW £ 17995 + VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LONG WHEEL BASE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel white, white, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, LEZ compliant, 200000 kilometers/124000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £ 6995 + VAT NOW £ 6195 + VAT

2009 58 REG VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 9 SEAT SHUTTLE SE 130ps 2500cc TDi, silver, air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking, CD player, 143000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay WAS £ 11995 NO VAT NOW £ 11795

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 35S11 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, panoramic glass, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, side access step, 4 more seats can be added to make up to 13 seats including driver, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 97000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 month MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards including timing belt kit to be replaced, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay WAS £ 5995 NO VAT NOW £ 5495 NO VAT

2007 57 REG FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT MEDIUM WHEELBASE MEDIUM ROOF SHUTTLE BUS This bus currently has 9 seats including driver plus a ply lined luggage area at the rear, can purchase a triple seat to make this bus back into a 12 seat minibus, 2200cc 110ps turbo diesel, red, twin side loading doors, rear luggage area, LEZ compliant, CD player, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, 90000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £ 8495 + VAT NOW £7695 + VAT

2005 05 CITROEN RELAY 1100 ENTERPRISE SWB 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000cc HDI turbo diesel engine, electric windows, Ricon internal lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, panoramic tinted glass, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, CD player, LEZ compliant, 63000 miles with all previous service invoices 11k - 21k - 30k - 38k - 46k - 52k and 58k, finished in silver, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £ 6495 + VAT NOW £ 6195 + VAT

2008 08 REG FIAT SCUDO COMBI 120 MULTIJET 7 SEAT 2000cc HDI, silver, air conditioning, electric folding mirrors, CD player, remote central locking, twin side loading doors, 56000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay WAS £ 7495 NO VAT NOW £ 7195 NO VAT

2003 IVECO DAILY 35S11 MWB HIGH ROOF FRONT ENTRY 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2300cc turbo diesel, light blue, Ratcliffe internal wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 75000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay WAS £6495 NO VAT NOW £ 5995 NO VAT

2003 IVECO DAILY 35S11 MWB HIGH ROOF FRONT ENTRY 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2300cc turbo diesel, light blue, ratcliffe internal wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 75000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay WAS £6495 NO VAT NOW £ 5995 NO VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 40C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, electric plug entry door, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, LEZ compliant, 147000 kilometers/91000 miles, this bus can be driven without D1 licence due to the gross vehicle weight being 4200kgs and with it being wheelchair accessible, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £ 7495 + VAT NOW £ 6995 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 21 SEAT WELFARE BUS FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, certificate of initial fitness and PSV can be provided at no extra cost, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 256000 klms/160000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £6995 + VAT NOW £ 6695 + VAT

2004 04 IVECO DAILY 45C11 16 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 147000 kilometers/92000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £ 7995 + VAT NOW £ 7495 + VAT

PSV

2006 06 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel, white, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, certificate of conformity, PSV, remote central locking, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, front overhead cab tray, LEZ compliant, 77000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty WAS £ 9995 + VAT NOW £ 9695 + VAT

PSV

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

698686-1111-Blythswood

28/10/13

15:44

Page 1

682251-1111-Ventura

28/10/13

13:47

Page 1

p50_CBW_1111

28/10/13

13:11

Page 50

VUgYWcUW\gU`Yg#Wc#i_

Back to School Special

Sprinter 513 Cdi LWB 131 bhp. r 6OLGLQJ VLGH GRRU ZLWK (OHFWULF HQWU\ VWHS r 6HDWV 'ULYHU r ,Q 'DVK $LUFRQ r 6DORRQ $LUFRQ Optional Extraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: r %RG\ &RORXUHG %XPSHUV r /XJJDJH UDFNV r %RG\ 6W\OH 3DFN r :KHHOFKDLU OLIW 2SWLRQ Contact.

Danny: T.(01293)852040 M.(0774)9103203 Peter: T.(01293)852025 M.(0771)5473354

50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

697749-1109-Connaught

14/10/13

14:08

Page 1

Mini Coach Sales

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

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ FERQUI SOROCO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights and boot.

MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:

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

www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

2008 57 REG MERCEDES 613D VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2007 07 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO MELLOR 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2007 07 REG MERCEDES 515 CDI SOROCO 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, reading lights, power door, boot, silver metallic.

2006 06 REG MERCEDES 416CDI SPRINTER 16 high back leather trimmed seats, 3 point belts, 2 tables, AC, forced air, reading lights, coach back-end and boot.

2005 55 REG MERCEDES 416 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, coach-back end and large boot.

2004 53 REG MERCEDES 413CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, reading lights, power door, new repaint into white.

2002 02 REG MERCEDES 416 CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, power door, large boot.

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

Steve Peach NEW Tel: 01405 814064 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: info@connaughtpsv.co.uk www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

p52_CBW_1111

28/10/13

13:12

Page 52

Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2009 MAN NL273F WRIGHTBUS MERIDIAN • 12 metre • 44 seats +34 standees • 270 bhp euro 4 engine • ZF 5 speed gearbox • MOT May 2014 • Mobitec destination • Fully DDA compliant £62,500 + VAT

2005 OPTARE SOLO M950 SLF

Very clean ex lease vehicles direct from Major Operator • 9.5 metre • 33 seats + 17 standees • Mercedes 154 bhp euro 3 engine • Allison auto • MOT July 2014 • Hanover destination • Fully DDA compliant £32,000 + VAT Finance available – subject to status

2003 ADL ENVIRO 300 SLF

• 12 metre • 44 seats + 27 standees • Cummins 220 bhp euro 3 engine • ZF auto • MOT October 2014 • Hanover destination • Fully DDA compliant £27,500 +VAT

Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN 52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

698473-1110-DrewWilson

21/10/13

16:35

Page 1

DREW WILSON coach sales

1998 DAF VAN HOOL

1998 DAF IKARUS

53 recliners with belts and crew seat, continental door, luggage racks with forced air and reading lights, manual gearbox, new MOT, new paint in white.

WAS £22,000 NOW £17,500 + VAT

WAS £19,000 NOW £17,500 + VAT

70 Cogent seats with belts ,power door, manual gearbox, luggage racks with blown air and reading lights, all box sections replaced with new paint in white, new MOT test.

1997 DAF BOVA FUTURA

1998 VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER BODY DOUBLE DECKER

WAS £27,500 NOW £23,000 + VAT

WAS £14,000 NOW £12,950 + VAT

1999 VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER BODY DOUBLE DECKER

1993 BOVA FUTURA FHD

70 Cogent seats with three point belts, power door, crew seat, freshly re- painted into white, 4 over 4 gearbox, long MOT.

78/81 seats with seat belts, Volvo engine, ZF automatic gearbox, power door, UK COIF, new MOT, straight panelwork, can be painted in base colour.

WAS £12,500 NOW FROM £10,500 + VAT

87 seats with belts, power door, Voith auto gearbox, straight panelwork, new MOT.

48 recliners with belts and crew seat, power door, ZF ASV gearbox auto/manual, toilet with rear servery, very tidy condition inside and out, MOT till April 2014.

WAS £8,500 NOW £7,500 + VAT

CHOICE OF OVER 350 VEHICLES ‘Open 7 days 08.00-18.00’ For our full range,

visit www.drewwilson.co.uk Tel/Fax 0141 248 5524 | Mob 07764 200 444 Email drew@drewwilson.co.uk

p54_CBW_1111

28/10/13

13:14

Page 54

2002 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VOLVO B12M ZF AUTO PLAXTON PARAGON

2006/7 Scania K340 Caetano Levante

• 12.2 long • 53 seats + loo • Side lift • Retrimmed 2012 • Good condition Bargain at £37,500

1998 (R) PLAXTON PREMIER WHEELCHAIR LIFT COACH • 46 seats with rear toilet & servery • Most seats on quick release • Takes up to approx 10-12 fixed chairs • Drives really well and tested to January Only £14,000

2003 (03) MERCEDES 814 PLAXTON CHEETAH AUTO • 25 reclining seats • LEZ box • Table • Air conditioning • Good condition Bargain at £27,000 + VAT

More pictures and videos at www.honestpetescoachsales.co.uk Call 020 8858 0031 Email: peter@lewistravel.co.uk 54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

49 seats, rear floor mounted WC, automatic gearbox, air conditioning, DDA compliant

To arrange a viewing call 07760 771285

www.coachandbusweek.com

698677-1111-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

28/10/13

11:00

Page 1

MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

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

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

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell

54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA AUTO GEARBOX, LWB, PAS, CLIMATE CONTROL N/S/F ELECTRIC POWER DOOR, 16 HIGH BACK REMOVABLE SEATS ON NMI QUICK RELEASE, EBERSPACHER, PLS UNDERFLOOR T/ LIFT, EX LOCAL AUTHORITY, COIF'D , 104,180 KMS.

05 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 IRIS BUS 2.8 MANUAL GEARBOX, HIGH ROOF, PAS, LWB, TACHO, LOW ENTRY FRONT SLAM DOOR, 16 REAR HIGH BACK SEATS (17 seats in total), UNWIN TRACKING, UNDERFLOOR RATCLIFF T/ LIFT, EX LOCAL CHARITY, ONLY 70,118 KMS (43,571 miles).

10 REG PEUGEOT PARTNER TEPEE URBAN 1.6 PETROL MANUAL GEARBOX, CD, ELECTRIC WINDOWS & MIRRORS, TWIN SIDE LOADING DOORS, HIGH BACK SEAT IN REAR, SINGLE PASSENGER SEAT, CUT OUT FLOOR, FOLD DOWN RAMP, GOWERINGS CONVERSION, 23,009 MILES.

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA AUTO GEARBOX, LWB, PAS, CLIMATE CONTROL N/S/F ELECTRIC POWER DOOR, 16 HIGH BACK REMOVABLE SEATS ON NMI QUICK RELEASE, EBERSPACHER, PLS UNDERFLOOR T/ LIFT, EX LOCAL AUTHORITY,COIF'D, 60,000 KMS ONLY.

2006 55 REG MERCEDES VARIO 814 AUTO GEARBOX, LWB, PAS, MELLOR COACHCRAFT BODY, N/S/F ELECTRIC POWER DOOR, 28 HIGH BACK REMOVABLE SEATS, UNWIN TRACKING, EBERSPACHER HEATER & AIR CON, PLS UNDERFLOOR T/ LIFT, EX LOCAL AUTHORITY, COIF’D, 129,521 KMS ONLY.

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD MANUAL, PAS, LWB, O & H CONVERSION PTS AMBULANCE, SLD, FOLD OUT SIDE STEP, FITTED WITH FRONT STORAGE CAGE, 6-8 REAR HIGH BACK SEATS, WIPE CLEAN INTERIOR, LOWERING SUSPENSION, CHEESEWEDGE RAMP, UNWIN TRACKING, EBERSPACHER HEATER, EX NHS.

59 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD MANUAL, HIGH ROOF, PAS, LWB, GLENEAGLES CONVERSION, SIDE LOADING DOOR, SIDE STEP, 8 HIGH BACK SEATS, FULLY TRACKED UNWIN FLOOR, AIR SUSPENSION & RICON TAIL LIFT, WEBASTO HEATER, 11,199 MILES.

NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50C17 IRIS BUS 3.0 AGILE GEARBOX, HIGH ROOF, PAS, LWB, TACHO, POWER FRONT ENTRY DOOR, 16 REAR HIGH BACK SEATS (17 seats in total), UNWIN INNOTRAX FLAT FLOOR, UNDERFLOOR RATCLIFF T/ LIFT, COIF/IVA TO TAKE UP TO 5 WHEELCHAIRS.

07 REG IVECO DAILY 50C15 IRIS BUS 3.0 MANUAL GEARBOX, HIGH ROOF, PAS, LWB, TACHO, POWER FRONT ENTRY DOOR, 16 REAR HIGH BACK SEATS (17 seats in total), UNWIN TRACKING, CLIMATE CONTROL, UNDERFLOOR RATCLIFF T/ LIFT, EX LOCAL CHARITY, ONLY 72,073KMS

09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD MANUAL GEAR BOX, HIGH ROOF, MELLOR CONVERSION, PAS, SIDE LOADING DOORS, AVS SIDE STEP, 13 HIGH BACK SEATS PLUS DRIVER, AMF FULLY TRACKED TESTED FLOOR, AMF TAIL LIFT, TACHO FITTED, 24,848 KMS ONLY.

2008 58 REG VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T32 LWB, 6X2, BLUEBIRD AURIGA, LIBARY CONVERSION, N/S ELECTRIC POWER DOOR WITH FOLD OUT LOW ENTRY RAMP, EBERSPACHER AIR CON & HEATING, FRONT & REAR LOWERING AIR SUSPENSION & RAMP, EX LOCAL

57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 515 CDI AUTO G/ BOX, HIGH ROOF, PAS, LWB, TACHO, O&H CONVERSION, SLD, 17 REAR HIGH BACK SEATS, UNWIN TRACKED FLOOR, EBERSPACHER HEATER, RATCLIFF TAIL LIFT, COIF, 32,187 MILES ONLY, DOWN RATED TO 4250 KGS,

61 REG RENAULT MASTER F3500 DCI 125 BHP, AUTOMATIC GEARBOX, FACTORY CONVERSION, PAS, SIDE LOADING DOOR, ELECTRIC STEP, MIRRORS & WINDOWS, 16 HIGH BACK SEATS PLUS DRIVER, TESTED FLOOR, HIGH SPEC, FITTED WITH OVERHEAD STORAGE, AIR CON, SAT NAV, ONLY 8975 MILES.

58 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD MANUAL GEAR BOX, 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, PLS UNDERFLOOR RICON TAIL LIFT, EX LOCAL AUTHORITY, 33,286 MILES.

09 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.5TD MANUAL GEARBOX, HIGH ROOF, WARNER BUS CONVERSION, PAS, SIDE LOADING DOORS, FOLD OUT SIDE STEP, 7 HIGH BACK SEATS PLUS DRIVER, FULLY TRACKED TESTED FLOOR, RICON TAIL LIFT, WEBASTO HEATER, 53,929 MILES.

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM35 2.5TD MANUAL GEARBOX, HIGH ROOF, G & M CONVERSION, PAS, SIDE LOADING DOORS, FOLD OUT SIDE STEP, 8 HIGH BACK SEATS PLUS DRIVER, FULLY TRACKED TESTED FLOOR, RICON TAIL LIFT, 13,753 MILES ONLY.

2010 60 REG RENAULT TRAFIC 2.9T 2.0 LH29DCI 115 MANUAL GEARBOX, HIGH ROOF, LWB, SCW CONVERSION, SLD, AVS SIDE STEP, 9 SEATS INC DRIVER, 6 REMOVABLE SEATS IN REAR, UNWIN TRACKED FLOOR, RICON TAIL LIFT, AIR CON & EBERSPACHER HEATER, ONLY 10,875 MILES, EX CHARITY.

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD MANUAL GEAR BOX, HIGH ROOF, MELLOR CONVERSION, PAS, SIDE LOADING DOORS, AVS SIDE STEP, 13 HIGH BACK SEATS PLUS DRIVER, FULLY TRACKED TESTED FLOOR, AMF TAIL LIFT, TACHO FITTED, 6,848 KMS ONLY

08 REG VW TRANSPORTER T32 AUTOMATIC, LWB, 6X2, BLUEBIRD AURIGA BUS CONVERSION, ELECTRIC POWER DOOR, EBERSPACHER AIR CON & HEATING, 16 PASSENGER SEATS, UNWIN TRACKING, REAR LOWERING AIR SUSPENSION & RAMP, VERY HIGH SPEC, EX LOCAL AUTHORITY, ONLY 57,128KMS.

10 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.2TD 6 SPEED GEARBOX, TACHO, FACTORY CONVERSION, PAS, SIDE LOADING DOOR, 16 HIGH BACK SEATS PLUS DRIVER, REAR DOORS, REAR STEP, CD PLAYER, ELECTRIC MIRRORS & WINDOWS, ONLY 26,156KMS.

p56_CBW_1111

28/10/13

13:13

Page 56

BUS & COACH

IN THE SOUTH LTD.

NEW MERCEDES 0816D SITCAR BELUGA 3 Summerfield Avenue, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JF 56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

www.moseleysouth.co.uk Follow us @MoseleySouth on

Telephone (01823) 653000 Fax: (01823) 663502 Email: sales@moseleysouth.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

p57_CBW_1111

28/10/13

17:22

Page 57

Advisory services

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

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width, any length

• Building to BS5590

• Doors high enough for Double Deckers

• Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

BUS & COACH RENTALS

PHOTOS AND FULL COLOUR AS STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLE FOR SALE ADVERTISEMENTS CHECKPOINTS

The ABC of Rental Solutions

Under your control.

For the time you need it.

Bus and Coach

01274 681144

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

fleet sales

RETIRING or

CHANGING YOUR FLEET?

Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions

01630 674326

auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

www.coachandbusweek.com

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

p58_CBW_1111

28/10/13

13:18

Page 58

LIFTS & RAMPS

HEATING

PARTS

The ABC of Parts Support Over 17,000 parts lines directly from stock.

Next day delivery as standard.

Bus and Coach

• Full UK coverage

01274 681144

• Same day local delivery

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

• Next day national delivery

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

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

www.thhs.co.uk

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

INSURANCE

• Official Irizar part distributor • All manufacturer parts supplier • Fast, efficient & 24/7

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

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 . . .

58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

p59_CBW_1111

28/10/13

14:33

Page 59

vehicle spares

repairs

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

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

signwriting

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

• School Signs – Hard Back with Suckers, Magnetic or Stick-on • Legal Lettering, Stickers, Notices & Signs • Full Colour Latex Vinyl Printing & Design Service • Vinyl Livery Cut & Posted ready to apply

www.twigley.com

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

seating

training

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES:

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

www.primeps.com

•

Recovery

•

Testing

• • • • • • • •

DISMANTLING/SPARES: •

Refurbishment

•

Repairs

•

Engine/gearbox rebuilds

• •

Fault finding

•

Buying & selling vehicles

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

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

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

p60_CBW_1111

28/10/13

13:21

Page 60

WINDSCREEN WIPERS

Manufacturers, Designers and Suppliers of windscreen wiper equipment and bus/coach products

FOR ALL YOUR WIPER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR NEW ON-LINE CATALOGUE

Unit 3, Seaview Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 4DU

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 60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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

Bristol couple can continue ‘sheltered’ romance Monday Martin here. Press day. A busy day as usual getting all the pages together for this week’s issue.

Gareth’s back but James is now on holiday. Everything seems to well until late afternoon when things begin to bottleneck due the internet starts playing up. Ah, the joys of technology. However, it doesn’t take too long to sort out but means a slightly later than normal finish.

Tuesday I dedicate much of the morning to catching up on administration and bringing my expenses up to date.

Gather some news stories for next week and then we work on appointments for some features in the weeks ahead.

Aly and Michala Hussien An ordinary bus stop on Bristol’s Gloucester Road has a very special meaning for Aly and Michala Hussien.

When their friend, Tat Mersy, realised the stop on the Promenade was due to be replaced she wrote to Bristol City Council explaining how Aly and Micheala met through the stop and they would really appreciate a part of the stop as a momento of their romantic beginnings.

The bus stop for services heading north along the A38 and located outside Aly’s business, the Blue Lagoon, is due to be replaced as part of an improvement scheme currently being implemented on ‘The Promenade,’ Gloucester Road. The seat and bus stop �lag will now be handed over to Aly and Michala thanks to the special request to Bristol City Council following a letter drop in the area about the work.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Geoffery

Dilbert

www.coachandbusweek.com

061_CBW111_Last Stop.indd 61

Gollop said: “Amazing and wonderful things can happen at bus stops. As well as being a place of shelter and to �ind information, they can spark all kinds of new social interactions. I’m delighted Bristol City Council with Clear Channel can help Aly and Michala mark the start of their romance in this way.”

Aly spotted Michala eight years ago as she regularly waited for her bus at the stop after leaving her job in a nearby �lower shop. He said: “Every day I used to see her at the same time in the same place and really wanted to get to know her, so one day I took the opportunity to say hello. Our daily chats led to me asking her out properly. We’ve now been married for three years, but I’ll never forget how we met and it’s wonderful we can keep a little bit of our history forever.”

Tat Mersy wrote to Bristol City Council’s Passenger Transport team asking for the old stop to be

handed over to the couple. She wrote: “Whilst I don’t object to its being relocated I would ask you to spare a thought for Mr Aly and Mrs Michala Hussien. Aly has run the successful Blue Lagoon Bar for years and met and wooed his future wife, Michala, at that bus stop outside the bar.

“Michala says seeing the bus stop go is very emotional for them both.

“Could you possibly �ind it in your hearts to gift them a small piece of the bus stop?

“I know they would be very touched at such a generous gesture from the council.”

Mark Webb, Operations Director at Clear Channel UK who supply city council bus shelters said: “Both Bristol City Council and Clear Channel thought that Aly and Michala’s story was fantastic.

We’re delighted to provide them with a little piece of the bus shelter as a memento of the start of their relationship.”

Wednesday Scratch around for any interesting stories but it seems to be one of those weeks when not a great deal is happening. I put together some of the more interesting releases from Busworld-related to the supply side of the industry.

It should make a page or two for when we next have some space.

Things improve somewhat when GTW Editor Caroline Gregory arrives – it’s her birthday and she brings in a nice cake which kindly shares with everybody. And very tasty it was too.

Thursday Finalise arrangements for visit to a well-known supplier next Tuesday. It should provide an interesting update on its activities while giving a close-up on some new technology revealed in Kortrijk.

Friday We still seem a bit short on news stories with significant substance.

There are a handful of good ones among a plethora of minor interest items. Hopefully some substantial and meaty topics will arise over the weekend – but as the weather forecast predicts hurricane force winds, potential flooding and disruption from fallen trees on Sunday night. I suspect Monday will be full of storm damage stories, diversions and emergency rail replacement services.

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61 28/10/2013 20:14

RECRUITMENT & PEOPLE DEADLINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm CONTACT Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

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

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

We keep your wheels turning while your drivers are resting.

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

Book one week, get a second week

HALF PRICE and a third week

Get your vacancy seen by quality candidates

FREE!

Full Colour as standard â&#x2013; All vacancies posted to www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs â&#x2013; Details of all vacancies posted to our Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin pages â&#x2013;

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com 62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 30, 2013 062_063_CBW1111_Peopl_Recruitment.indd 62

www.coachandbusweek.com

28/10/2013 18:24

In association with

NEWS › XXXXXXX

Go South Coast’s Apprentice of the Year

Andrew Wickham, Mike Thornton MP, Sam Rawlings, Rodney Luxton and far right Dave Clack with engineering team Sam Rawlings, who is in his �inal year of a coach building apprenticeship with Eastleighbased Hants & Dorset Trim, has been presented the annual Warren Luxton Memorial Award for the top engineering apprentice within the Go-Ahead Group’s bus and coach companies in the south.

The silver platter is awarded to the apprentice chosen by supervisors and managers from the eight apprentices employed across the Group’s companies – which include Southern Vectis, Damory Coaches, Bluestar, More and Salisbury Red – who has achieved excellent results at college and at work over the last 12 months.

While on a visit to Hants & Dorset Trim, Mike Thornton, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh,

www.coachandbusweek.com

062_063_CBW1111_Peopl_Recruitment.indd 63

joined Managing Director Andrew Wickham, Engineering Director Steve Hamilton and Hants & Dorset General Manager Dave Clack, to watch as Sam was presented with the silver platter by Rodney Luxton, a former Director of Wilts & Dorset whose son Warren was an apprentice with the company but died in a road traf�ic accident in 1999.

Over the last 12 months Sam, who went to Wyvern Technology College, had set an exemplary standard in his work both at the busy workshop at Eastleigh and with the S & B Automotive Academy, Bristol.

Mike Thornton said: “It was a pleasure to witness Sam receiving this award. I’m delighted to hear that apprenticeships are alive and well in the bus industry and high

standards are encouraged through awards within this group of bus operators.

“Apprenticeships allow us to build a stronger economy, with a highly-skilled and �lexible workforce. Locally, we have outstanding examples of this, with colleges and employers providing gold standard training and support to help get young people into work.”

Mike added: “It’s fantastic to see Hampshire companies like Hants & Dorset Trim making such a commitment to train young people in our area.”

In April 2014 Sam will complete his apprenticeship and join the 65-strong workforce that modi�ies, repairs and refurbishes over 500 single and double deck buses each year.

Young Bus Managers Manchester 2013

Around 70 member of the Young Bus Managers Network headed to Manchester last week in their second conference of 2013, writes Committee Member Pat Stringer.

The event started on the evening of Wednesday, October 23, with the group split into smaller teams and each given the challenge of travelling to a restaurant on Manchester’s Curry Mile by at least three different bus operators.

Various �irms were sampled along the way – First, Arriva, Stagecoach (including Magic Bus), Bullocks, Finglands and Metrolink.

After a memorable evening, the conference convened on Thursday morning, compered as ever by Roger French. The �irst speaker was Dominic Lund-Colon who discussed the current issue of wheelchair users being able to easily access the dedicated space on buses. Arriva’s Nigel Featham talked about the Sapphire brand going the extra mile on key interurban corridors which have signi�icant potential for growth.

Ian Jones and James Backhouse from Backhouse Jones gave an engaging, presentation on law and the role of the Transport Manager.

Les Burton, the recently retired Operations Director of Stagecoach Merseyside, gave a humorous and frank presentation on his long and distinguished career in the industry, with lots of anecdotes for delegates to learn from.

Alex Warner of Flash Forward Consulting gave an eye-opening presentation about how to change the perception of customer service in the industry, and Richard Soper from First facilitated the interactive workshop to close the conference.

October 30, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63 28/10/2013 18:24

681412-1066-JustCoachDrivers

3/6/13

18:09

Page 1