Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1112

Streetlites joining Reading �leet p7

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Wednesday November 6, 2013 Issue 1112 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

International News Denver contract for new Flyer p12

Passenger Focus calls for better p6 communication p8

More Stagecoach Midland Gold

Investment p24

drives success

Quality secures rewarding contracts for Stewarts Coaches

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Alexander Dennis strengthens top team 04/11/2013 18:47

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

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

Inspirational industry people

A

s those of you who are familiar with me ‘in the flesh’ know all too well, I’m very much a people person. At the risk of going off on one with an oft overly used cliché, meeting and writing about people is one of the aspects of my job here at CBW I really enjoy.

Therefore, it’s been with much interest this past week that I’ve heard about two industry professionals I would describe as inspirational.

On p24-30 of this issue I hope you will enjoy reading this week’s ‘Operator Profile’ on Stewarts of Reading, penned by our Features Editor Andy Izatt. The firm’s Managing Director Andy Cotton shares with us how he and his team have built up a respected and impressive business. However, as is so often the case in life, Andy’s journey has not been a smooth one. He talks candidly about how he overcame battles with cancer while building up the firm – at the same time as having a young family.

My second inspirational individual

CONTENTS

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

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

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.

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

12

A look at Stewarts Coaches’ high tech and top quality operation

32

Backhouse Jones provides a brief Q&A about property law

PPP scheme boosts BusPlus+, New Flyer wins new Denver contract

19

A pair of Go North East buses in the middle of Chester-le-Street

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Guild of British Coach Operators delivers 5,000th DCPC training day

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

22

O-licences are lost following a scam involving concessionary fares

36

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

The industry’s best performing vehicle sales website one year on

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

All the latest people moves from across the industry

International News Regional News

Fully inclusive. No hidden costs

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Operator Profile

Legal Update

40

Big Picture

Legal News

Coach & Bus Market Deliveries

Driver CPC Training www.coachandbusweek.com

Gareth Evans Editor

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News

Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

this week is Margaret Everson, who has been awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours For services to Bus Users and to Transport in Wales.

She works tirelessly for our industry. Among other things, Margaret heads up Bus Users Cymru, being responsible overall for the effective operation and direction of the organisation. She is a Member of the Board of Trustees and a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Reflecting her experience in our industry, she holds a CPC in National and International PSV operations. She is also a Member of the Court of Cardiff University.

As she rightly said in her familiar down-toearth fashion: “It is a very important award because public transport can so often slip off the agenda and I am pleased to be able to do my part in raising the profile of the people who make 117 million passenger journeys a year.”

Well done – da iawn.

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People

wts.co.uk November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3 04/11/2013 18:04

NEWS B R I E F LY l GO NORTH EAST (GNE) has become the latest Go-Ahead Group operating company to improve its offering for passengers who buy their tickets on-line with the ‘key’ smartcard. Stephen King, Marketing and Sales Manager at Go North East, said: “Advances in our ‘smart’ ticket technology mean that tickets bought before 2100hrs will now be available on the customer’s ‘key’ smartcard the following morning. Previously, we’ve asked customers to allow 48 hours between purchasing a ‘key’ smartcard ticket and it being available on the card.

This improvement means Go North East’s ‘key’ products continue to lead the way.” l FIRSTGROUP has announced the appointment of Brian Wallace as Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board, effective immediately, to succeed John Sievwright. John will remain a member of the Audit Committee and a NonExecutive Director of the Group.

Brian has been a member of the Audit Committee of the Board since January 2013, and has held executive board positions within a number of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 organisations, most recently as Group Finance Director of Ladbrokes plc.

Prior to joining Ladbrokes he was Group Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive of Hilton Group. A chartered accountant, he began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and went on to perform senior finance roles at Geest, APV and Schlumberger. l ANDREW ALLSOP has retired from his role as Director of Mercedes-Benz Sales at EvoBus UK. He commented: “After seven years at EvoBus I have decided that having achieved many of my goals, I’m ready for a new challenge and a fresh perspective. I will therefore be leaving the firm on good terms.” He added: “I am taking time out to do some things I have wanted to do for years but never had the time and to focus on my next move. Patricia and I will be cycling New Zealand from top to bottom which we’re sure will be the adventure of our lives.”

ATCO welcomes updated DfT tendering guidance

Tracy Jessop: “Local authorities have an on-going and pressing need to ensure the best possible value for money from their tendered network” Minister Baroness Kramer claims the recommendations set out in the revised guidance will save money The Association of Transport Coordinating Officers (ATCO), which represents local authority transport professionals has welcomed the revised road passenger transport tendering guidance from the DfT. It updates earlier guidance published in 2005 to assist local authorities in England (outside Greater London) in procuring supported bus services as part of their wider Local Transport Plans.

The DfT said the revision has been expanded to include all forms of passenger transport and applies for the first time also to Scotland and Wales.

This revision has been produced in response to a recommendation by the Competition Commission in its report on the supply of local bus services in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland and London) published in December 2011. This is available here: http://tinyurl. com/pd8sk7v The new guidance has been prepared by Atkins Ltd and the TAS Partnership in close consultation with a panel of

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experts across the passenger transport and procurement sectors.

Baroness Kramer said: “The recommendations in this revised guidance will save money. That is the clear message throughout.

“Adopting the right structures and practices by those within local authorities that fund and secure tendered services can have a huge impact on value for money. Whether it is streamlining administrative procedures, improving relations with local operators or changing the way tender documents are prepared to encourage more bidders, all help maximise the return on the £435m UK local authorities spend each year on passenger services (excludes London but includes Scotland and Wales).

“I strongly urge every local authority to take on board the recommendations in this Guidance, as it will result in real improvements to the delivery of supported transport services, which provide a vital lifeline.”

Reacting to the announcement, ATCO’s Tracy Jessop told CBW: “With continuing pressure on all aspects of funding, local authorities have an on-going and pressing need to ensure the

best possible value for money from their tendered network.

With reduced staff resource it’s even more important to be able to learn from best practice and the new guidance, produced with local authority input, reflects the changed landscape of commissioning and procurement.

Much has changed since 2005 when the last guidance was issued and I’m sure it will be a useful tool for councils across the UK.” Bruce Thompson, ATCO Bus Executive Chairman, added: “This work has been a great example of working with those who have specialist knowledge around Road Passenger Transport. ATCO has valued this work process from start to finish and the outcome demonstrates the possibilities of collaborative working. We’d like to also extend our compliments to the TAS Partnership who’s communication to all of the stakeholders coupled with their hard work is evident in the guidance.”

The guidance is available on the Gov.uk website at: www.gov.uk/government/ publications/tendering-roadpassenger-transport-contractsbest-practice-guidance

www.coachandbusweek.com

04/11/2013 15:37

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

New bus ad format launched by CBS

New Transport Minister confirmed for UKBA

Lord Snape, Chairman of the Bus Appeals Board, will present the awards

The new Mega-T format seen in all its glory CBS Outdoor has partnered with Sky to launch a brand new bus format in London.

This new format known as ‘The Mega T-side’ offers advertisers the chance to reach London’s urban audience as the buses travel around the Capital’s streets.

The Mega T-side has been developed exclusively with Bigfoot

Inc, Sky and CBS Outdoor. It will appear on 150 red London buses and will reach nearly 3.5 million urbanites per fortnight according to new Route data.

Alastair Weddell, Media Planning Manager for Sky Broadcasting said: “As an advertiser we regularly use bus T-sides to deliver high-impact outdoor campaigns.

Alexander Dennis has made senior management changes – part of CEO Colin Robertson’s ongoing strategy to continue to grow.

As previously announced, Ken Scott is Group Engineering Director. He joined from Bentley Motors where he was Whole Vehicle Design Engineer.

George McAdam has been appointed Group Quality and Customer Services Director.

Focussing on product reliability he also has responsibility for

operational aspects of ADL’s parts business.

John Clougherty has taken over from George as Group Operations Director. John previously played a key part in delivering performance improvements in ADL’s export operations.

As Group Commercial and Business Development Director, Robert Davey is tasked with growing sales globally while Arthur Whiteside is now Managing Director, UK Sales.

“This new format provides more copy space and hence more options for delivering hardworking creative. Working with Bigfoot Inc and Rapport we’re delighted that such an established medium is still innovating and improving and we’re mega excited to be the first advertiser to use this new format.”

ADL strengthens top team

www.coachandbusweek.com

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The new senior line up is helping Colin Robertson drive ADL forward

Organisers of the UK Bus Awards have confirmed that new Transport Minister Baroness Kramer will be attending the UK Bus Awards ceremony in London on November 19, honouring the commitment made by her predecessor, Norman Baker, now at the Home Office.

UK Bus Awards Chairman, John Owen, said: “We are well aware of the many demands made on ministers, especially during their first few weeks. We are therefore especially pleased that Baroness Kramer has agreed to join us at the London Hilton. With the audience of 700 key players from the industry, this will provide an opportunity for the Minister to hear about some excellent examples of top quality bus service innovation and operation.”

The organisers have also confirmed that the awards will be presented by Lord Snape, Chairman of the Bus Appeals Board. He is an old friend of the industry, having joined the board of Travel West Midlands as a NonExecutive Director in 1992. He was chairman of the company between 1997 and 2001, before becoming an advisor to both National Express Group and FirstGroup.

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 04/11/2013 15:37

NEWS RO A D WATC H n THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY has amended the forthcoming closure dates for the resurfacing of the A19 Moor Farm Roundabout in Annitsford, Northumberland. Work will now take place from 2000hrs on Friday evenings until 0600hrs on Monday mornings between November 8 and November 18 (not between November 1 and November 11 as the agency had previously stated). During the work it is necessary to close part of the roundabout’s circulatory carriageway and the approach roads to the roundabout. The first closure is from November 8-11 and requires the closure of the A19 eastbound and A189 southbound approaches to the roundabout, closure of the A1171 entry and exit, and a closure of the northern half of the carriageway.

The second closure is from November 15-18, affecting the A19 westbound and A189 northbound approaches to the roundabout, the B1505 entry and exit, and the southern half of the roundabout carriageway. n A1M JUNCTION 60 - 61, Durham, County Durham closes north and southbound with diversion in place between 2000 and 0600hrs on November 8 for overhead power cable works. n A49 MARSHBROOK JUNCTION, Shropshire is closed overnight in both directions from November 4 to December 2 between 2000 and 0600hrs n IMPROVEMENTS to the Ham Barn roundabout near Liss, Hampshire on the A3 started on November 4. The improvements will add an additional lane on the A3 northbound approach and widen the B3006 entry and exit slips onto the roundabout.

It is expected to be complete in mid February 2014. From November 4-10, preparation work is taking place. On Saturday and Sunday night, between 2200 and 0600hrs, narrow lanes are installed on the A3 northbound approach to the roundabout. From Monday 11 November onwards, the main improvement work will be carried out in lanes and during off peak daytime hours.

New passenger focus reports call for improved communication Reports claim passengers are not made properly aware of fare structure and feel they are not consulted or listened to on service changes Passenger Focus has released two reports entitled ‘Bus passenger views on value for money’ and ‘Giving passengers a voice in bus services.’

A summary of the key findings of the value for money report is: l The ‘core’ product is all important. Focusing on performance will also improve perceptions of value for money; l Better access to information is essential. Passengers relied on word of mouth and the bus driver for information on times, routes and fares. The research found a very strong desire for more centralised sources of information.

For example websites, apps and notices on the bus. It also emphasised the importance of live updates on bus running; l Bus drivers are the face of the company and responsible for far more than driving the bus. They are the main source of information on fares, the provider of information on delays and disruption, and a reassuring presence when it comes to personal security. l Younger passengers have very distinct needs. They rely on buses, need more flexibility (to balance work, education and seeing friends) and often take journeys spontaneously. They also resent paying adult fares when they are still at school/college or on low (or no) incomes.

Passenger focus recommended that bus companies, transport authorities and the Government consider how communication with passengers already on board a bus can be dramatically improved.

Colin Foxall CBE, Chairman of Passenger Focus, said: “We wanted a better understanding of what passengers actually thought about value for money, what had the biggest influence on their perception and, importantly, what might help to improve things.

“In particular we wanted to find out more about what 16-19 year olds thought, as they had lower satisfaction with value for money on buses. This is a big market for the bus industry so there is real

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382

The number of individual drivertraining courses run by Lucketts so far this year

The ticket machines on the Cambridge Busway are anything but daunting benefit in knowing what makes them ‘tick.’

“We will now work with the bus industry, transport authorities and the Government to ensure that the issues highlighted in this research are addressed.”

James White, Campaign Manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, told CBW: “Guide Dogs wholeheartedly agrees with Passenger Focus that the Government needs to consider how communication with passengers on board can be dramatically improved.

Interestingly, a recent Transport Select Committee report called for the phased implementation of audio visual on board announcements, and Guide Dogs urges the Department for Transport to accept this recommendation. Talking buses would benefit all bus passengers.”

The ‘Giving passengers a voice in bus services’ report, released on October 31, found: Passengers currently know very little about the way that bus services are determined. It is often assumed local authorities or PTEs have some control over the provision of bus services.

User groups agree that local authorities and PTEs have passengers’ interests at heart, but that sometimes their intentions and influence can be undermined by budget constraints. Operators are less trusted to consider passengers’ needs, but user groups argue that if operators run commercially viable businesses, this is ultimately beneficial to passengers;

l There is a clear desire for passengers’ views and needs to be given more weight in the appointment of operators and other decisions. l Passengers feel it is crucial their views are considered. They generally view bus services as a public service, and, as such, feel a sense of entitlement to these services and also to some opportunity to influence how they are determined; l Passengers currently perceive no involvement for themselves in influencing the provision of bus services. The industry is seen to be lacking in communication in either direction and there is great cynicism as to whether the passenger viewpoint is listened to when it is received; There are some key opportunities for consulting with bus passengers.

Passengers feel they would benefit from both periodic consultation when a change in service provision is imminent, and from ongoing monitoring of service levels.

Passengers generally feel there is a need for a regulator, authority, or some other body to whom bus operators are held accountable on passengers’ behalf.

The Quality Partnership model of bus service provision was generally popular with passengers, as long as it included contractual obligations with penalties for failing to meet minimum standards.

Both reports can be found at http://www. passengerfocus.org.uk/ research/publications

www.coachandbusweek.com

04/11/2013 17:48

£184,000

The cost per bus of Stewarts’ highspecification Mercedes-Benz Citaros

5

The number of Wrightbus StreetLites on order for Reading Buses

Reading Buses orders StreetLite quintet

An artist’s impression of the new StreetLites, by Ray Stenning at Best Impressions Reading Buses has announced it is taking delivery of a �leet of 10.8m Door Forward StreetLites from Wrightbus of Ballymena.

The �ive vehicles will be �itted out to a high-level speci�ication including Reading’s standard audio and visual next stop announcements, free WiFi, Hanover audio destination repeaters and CCTV. Reading Buses said the 34-seater vehicles provide extra internal space to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and give enough room for wheelchairs and buggies as well as seated customers.

The front part of the bus will have three rows of seats, rather than the standard four, to give greater leg room, and the wheelchair area on the nearside will be clear of tip-up seats.

The new �leet will take the place of Reading’s existing �leet of smaller StreetLites to give greater capacity in response to customer growth of over 20% since the original �leet was introduced in April 2012.

CEO James Freeman said although the buses were small they had been ‘carefully tested’ for all the tight areas of the network.

“I am con�ident that the front

layout of the buses, which is different to existing small vehicles in service, will be warmly welcomed.”

Reading Buses Depot Engineering Manager Phil Herlingshaw and Unite Chairman Derek Blissett along with another driver were visiting the Ballymena Factory of Wrightbus this week to agree the �inal layout of the cab area.

An artist’s impression, by Ray Stenning of Best Impressions, shows a pink livery for the Lower Caversham Shuttle. Liveries for the other four will be orange (for the 19/19a routes) and silver.

Third London route converted to 100% NBfLs On Saturday, October 26, route 9 became the third route in London to be served entirely by New Bus for London (NBfL) vehicles.

The route, which is operated

by London United, runs between Hammersmith and Aldwych, via Olympia, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly, Pall Mall and Trafalgar Square.

During peak hours, 22 of the new buses are in passenger service to carry the 16,000 people who travel on the route each day. Converting route 9 follows the conversion of routes 24 and 11 earlier this year.

Buses on route 9 operate with the rear door open and a conductor on the rear platform for the majority of the day on weekdays (0600 – 1800hrs Monday to Friday). At weekends, when passenger numbers are lower (on Sundays around 9,000 people travel on the bus, compared with 16,000 on a weekday), NBfLs continue to operate with just a driver. This means the rear platform is closed when the bus is moving but all three sets of doors are opened and closed by the driver at bus stops.

Route 390, a 24-hour route www.coachandbusweek.com

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SHARE WATCH Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, November 4. Stagecoach saw the greatest proportional rise, while National Express saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

454.70p

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

115.65p

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

1684.50p

Price: Year High: 1746.40p Year Low: 1211.84.0p

257.75p

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

351.20p

Price: Year High: 354.10p Year Low: 264.80p

0.275p

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

58.00p

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

93.84p

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

6.88p

Route 9 is now used a fleet of 22 NBfLs operated by Metroline, will be the fourth bus route in the capital to convert to running entirely with NBfL vehicles from Saturday, December 7. The route runs between Notting Hill Gate and Archway, via Queensway, Lancaster

Gate, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Euston, King’s Cross and Tufnell Park.

During peak hours, 21 of the new buses will be in passenger service to carry the 18,400 people who travel on the route each day.

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

+3.15 on last week

-0.15 on last week

0.00 on last week

-3.85 on last week

+16.90 on last week

0.00 on last week

0.00 on last week

+0.45 on last week

0.00 on last week

FTSE 100

6,770

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

+52 on last week

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 04/11/2013 17:48

NEWS

Hope as CPT & TfL launch London tourist coach action plan

TfL’s Garrett Emmerson (left) and Alpine Travel’s Chris Owens launch the Tourist Coach Action Plan.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT UK) and Transport for London (TfL) have launched the Tourist Coach Action Plan, a strategy which sets out a list of achievable actions and goals designed to improve the experience for coach tour operators/drivers coming into the capital.

The five-year plan, which was formally launched at CPT’s annual Coaching Conference in London on October 29, builds on work previously carried out by the industry and focuses on a number of key areas: Providing better access and

information for tourist coaches; Fully understanding the needs and requirements of coaches, drivers and their passengers; Improving the image of tourist coaches in London; and A commitment to achieving real change.

Speaking at the Conference, Chris Owens, Chairman of CPT’s Coach Commission said: “CPT, on behalf of the UK’s coaching industry, welcomes the launch of the Tourist Coach Action Plan for London.

“This plan is a real call to action, firmly setting out the roles and responsibilities that we all have in improving the complete coach travel experience in the capital. It outlines specific targets, actions and the timescales for achieving real change.

“For this Plan to succeed, all

Stagecoach Midlands launched its latest Gold-standard buses on Friday (November 1) for its route X46/X47 which runs between Thrapston, Raunds, Higham Ferrers, Rushden, Wellingborough, Earls Barton and Northampton.

The £1.8m investment in nine ADL E400-bodied Scanias follows the introduction of Gold-spec buses to the X4 Peterborough to Milton Keynes, via Corby and Northampton route in 2011, which the firm said have been a great success and exceptionally well received by passengers.

Steve Burd, Stagecoach Midlands MD, said: “Route X46/X47 has continued to develop over the last few years with passenger numbers continuing to grow. One of the major developments was in 2011 when we introduced newer, better quality buses onto the route and now we are upgrading the service again with brand new ‘Gold’.

“It is Stagecoach’s goal to continually invest in routes which are well used and popular. We aim to give all our passengers the best level of affordable, reliable and environmentally-friendly travel.”

Aim is to provide better access and information for tourist coaches and better meet the needs and requirements of coaches, drivers and passengers

parties – including CPT, TfL, London Boroughs, stakeholders and of course coach operators – need to work in partnership to deliver these real benefits to the tourist coaching industry. We are fully committed to making this work.”

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer for TfL’s Surface Transport, added: “Coach travel is hugely important to the overall economy of London, so it is very important for us to ensure we have clear goals to support this.

“We cannot achieve this alone but the Tourist Coach Action Plan will help support collaborative working between partners like the CPT, London boroughs and the tourist industry to help deliver a more positive travelling experience when visiting the Capital.”

Epsom adopts GreenRoad Epsom Coaches Group has become the latest operator to deploy GreenRoad across its fleet of more than 120 vehicles.

Epsom Coaches Group’s MD Steve Whiteway, said: “I admit to having been an outspoken critic of telematics in the past.

I spent many years evaluating various technologies but was unconvinced of its value until now. As the technology has evolved I can now see for myself that GreenRoad delivers true value for the driver, operator and passenger.”

The benefits of GreenRoad are amplified when it is part of a wider change management programme that provides the support and encouragement to change driving habits. To that end, Epsom Coaches will be undertaking a driver training programme for its 300 drivers in partnership with Zawada Consulting.

Andy Cozens, Senior Consultant at GreenRoad, said: “Epsom Coaches is known for its high standards across the board but particularly in health and safety. However, the team realised that if they could analyse driver behavior and provide instant feedback on driver skills, they could increase that level of professionalism even further.

By deploying GreenRoad, Epsom Coaches also has the potential to make savings by cutting fuel consumption, reducing vehicle wear-andtear and mitigating the impact of rising insurance premiums.”

Stagecoach Midlands upgrades X46/X47 to Gold standard

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Pictured at the launch at Stanwick Lakes are Andrew Sawford (MP Corby & East Northamptonshire), Steve Burd (Stagecoach Midlands, Managing Director) & Peter Bone (MP Wellingboough & Rushden) www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS

Coventry’s first smartcard ticket launches on Swift A £43.50 monthly pass is now available on the multi-operator smartcard Coventry’s first ever smartcard ticket has been launched.

The launch of the electronic Coventry ‘n’ Bus pass marks the first of a raft of ticketing options to be made available by transport authority Centro on its new ‘Swift’ smartcard.

The monthly pass costs £43.50 by direct debit and can be used on any bus in the Coventry area regardless of which company runs the service. It offers a significant saving over the existing paperbased ‘n’ Bus pass which costs up to £62 a month.

Centro Chairman Cllr John McNicholas, who officially launched the new pass at the Coventry Transport Museum, said: “At a time when many families are struggling to meet the rising cost of living we hope this new Swift smartcard can offer a little financial help as well as making bus travel even easier and more convenient.

“The Coventry ‘n’ Bus product is a great example of how smartcard technology allows us to offer more flexible, customised yet cheaper ticketing for passengers. Our priority now is to launch a range of ‘pay as you go’ products on Swift as soon as possible next year.”

The new pass is the first commercial product of its type to be made available on Swift anywhere in the West Midlands.

Further ticket options for the Coventry area will come on stream with Swift next year. These will include one week and four week passes available on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, giving passengers even more choice and financial flexibility.

Centro CEO, Geoff Inskip, added: “The launch of the Coventry ‘n’ Bus option is a real milestone in our roll out of Swift.

“You only have to look at London’s Oyster card to see how successful smartcard technology can be in encouraging people on to public transport by making it quicker, easier and, of course, potentially cheaper to use.

“Once fully rolled out Swift will enable fare paying passengers to do away with the need for cash all together and instead make their journey using 21st century technology.”

Centro’s existing paper-based ‘n’ bus pass covers the whole of the West Midlands but the smart technology built into the Swift card means it can be programmed for use only in a designated area. This makes the Swift Coventry ’n’ Bus product ideal for those passengers who only want to travel by bus in the Coventry area and save themselves money in the process.

The launch follows the successful installation of smartcard readers on all of the region’s 2,400 buses.

It also follows agreement with Coventry bus operators including National Express Coventry, Travel de Courcey, Stagecoach and Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel.

Peter Power, MD of National Express Coventry said: “We are committed to delivering more tickets through the Swift smartcard in partnership with Centro.

“The introduction of Swift should make it even easier for people across Coventry to use buses to get to and from work, school and college.”

Chris Simes, Commercial Manager for Stagecoach Midlands, added, “We are delighted to be involved with the introduction of

Pictured left to right are: Peter Power, MD of National Express Coventry, Geoff Inskip, CEO of Centro, Martin Meacham, Bus Traffic Officer for Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, Chris Simes, Commercial Manager at Stagecoach Midlands and Cllr John McNicholas, Chairman of Centro this milestone. This facility will be of real benefit to bus users travelling in and around Coventry and continues to make the bus more attractive than the car.”

Adrian de Courcey, Director of Travel de Courcey, said: “The new Coventry ‘n’ bus pass on the

Swift smartcard is a revolutionary moment for bus travel in Coventry as the card can be used across all bus companies and networks within Coventry.

“It is both cost-effective and convenient and we hope it leads to greater bus use across Coventry.”

Air1 AdBlue available from 120 sites right across the UK AdBlue brand Air1 has partnered with Oil Majors and Fuel Distributors to ensure its product is available at the Retail pump.

Air1 now has 120 Air1 sites serving AdBlue across UK forecourts and Truck.

To help locate any of the 120 Air1 sites where AdBlue is available at the retail pump,

Air1 has an online locator which identifies the nearest retail station which sells AdBlue.

Operators can also add their route to check for AdBlue stations on the way. These stretch across Europe and are updated on a monthly basis.

In 2011, Air1 launched an AdBlue mobile locator app for

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iPhone and Android. The Air1 app uses GPS technology to identify the filling station closest to a driver’s location to make finding AdBlue easier for even more drivers who are out on the road.

In 2012 Air1 joined forces with Truckmate Pro. All Air1 sites are now listed on all Truckmate Satnavs, making it even easier to

fill up with AdBlue on a longhaul journey.

For full list of all Air1 sites which dispense AdBlue from the pump, download the Air1 App (available from the iTunes App Store or Android Market for free) or visit www. air1.info/uk for an online route planner tool.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

PPP scheme boosts BusPlus+ programme growth MassDOT orders 31 MCI Commuter Coaches for BusPlus+ programme USA MassDOT’s inventive BusPlus+ programme is aimed at bringing a higher level of comfort, convenience and conservation to intercity and commuter transport options in Massachusetts and throughout New England. Under BusPlus+, a unique public-private partnership, MassDOT will provide 31 new MCI Commuter Coaches to seven privately operated bus companies which will be responsible for service improvements to routes as well as for equipment maintenance and operating costs.

Bus Plus+ is funded by a Federal Transit Administration State of Good Repair grant and overseen by MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division. Under BusPlus+, Motor Coach Industries (MCI) will deliver: 12 coaches to Peter

Pan, Springfield, Massachusetts; seven coaches to Dattco, New Britain, Connecticut; five coaches to Plymouth & Brockton, Plymouth, Massachusetts; two coaches each to Bloom Bus Lines, Taunton, Massassachusetts, Coach Company, Plaistow, New Hampshire, and Greyhound Lines, Boston, Massachusetts; and one coach to Yankee Line, Boston, Massachusetts.

MCI’s Commuter Coach model is designed for highway speeds and features a touring-level interior and wheelchair accessibility.

MassDOT is adding optional WiFi and ergonomically designed Kiel seats for 51 passengers rather than the standard 57, to increase passenger comfort. Additionally, the seats feature three-point passenger seatbelts and include power outlets to charge digital devices, allowing passengers greater productivity while commuting.

“We’re the first to feature Kiel seats in an intercity coach to give our passengers even greater standard of comfort,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey, who said the goal behind BusPlus+ is to not only improve service but to increase the convenience and attractiveness of taking public transit.

A recent Wall Street Journal article, ‘The Happiest Commuters’, October 9, cited a study reporting how, in big cities, car commuters waste about 52 hours a year stuck in traffic and the switch to mass transit is often driven by a desire for a predictable commute.

“We’re seeing greater demand state-wide and across New England for more intercity and commuter-type service,” added Davey.

“It’s the right time to unveil BusPlus+.”

Featuring the latest EPA-

New flyer wins five-year Denver contract USA New Flyer Industries Inc. has won a five-year contract with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, Colorado, to build up to 192 diesel 60-foot Xcelsior articulated heavy-duty transit buses.

This is the first time New Flyer has been required to build buses for RTD. The deal contains a firm order for 52 buses using New Flyer’s Xcelsior platform, of which 12 are to utilise New Flyer’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) styling.

The contract also contains up to 140 options which may be awarded at a later date with the option to build buses with diesel-hybrid, CNG or clean diesel propulsion.

RTD has an active transit bus fleet of 572 buses with an average bus fleet age of over 10 years. The addition of these 52 Xcelsior buses will help RTD serve its 2.8m service area population encompassed in the 40 municipalities, six counties and two city/county jurisdictions.

The BRT buses will be used to implement the new “metroRide service”, RTD’s new free downtown ‘circulator’ being implemented to correspond to the opening of Denver Union Station as the new

New Flyer Xcelsior XDE60s, as above, feature in the Denver contract multimodel transportation hub in downtown Denver.

“We look forward to a highly productive working relationship with New Flyer which benefits our passengers, bus operators and maintenance teams. Adding New Flyer to our bus fleet helps us embark on another exciting chapter in RTD’s long history of providing the best possible vehicles and service to our customers,” said Bruce Abel, RTD Assistant General Manager of Bus Operations.

“We’re privileged to be awarded this contract by RTD,” said Paul

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Soubry, New Flyer’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to not only have RTD as a new customer, but thrilled that we can produce our Xcelsior model in both the 60-foot and 60-foot BRT styling.”

Production of the 12 60-foot BRTstyled buses is scheduled for early 2014 with all buses being delivered by the second quarter 2014. The 52 60-foot Xcelsior buses will begin manufacture during the first quarter of 2014 and are scheduled for construction and assembly at New Flyer of America’s St. Cloud, Minnesota manufacturing facility.

mandated clean-diesel engine technology, the new MCI Commuter Coaches also meet the goals of GreenDOT, a comprehensive environmental responsibility and sustainability initiative designed to make MassDOT a leader in ‘greening’ the state transport network.

The new coaches also feature dynamic safety systems including Electronic Stability Control, tyre pressure monitoring, and fire detection and suppression.

“We applaud MassDOT’s vision for its new BusPlus+ programme,” said Patrick Scully, MCI Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “They stand as an example of what can be accomplished when public and private concerns come together with common objectives — advancing public transport, attracting new passengers, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.”

IC bus adds Cummins ISB 6 to its options USA IC Bus, part of Navistar, Inc., unveiled its IC Bus CE Series school bus featuring a Cummins ISB 6.7-litre engine at the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Annual Summit.

IC Bus announced in early September it would offer the ISB in its CE Series school buses and began taking orders at the beginning of October.

“Adding the proven Cummins ISB to the CE Series is a key part of our strategy to provide a new opportunity for growth with customers who prefer the Cummins ISB,” said John McKinney, President, Navistar Global Bus. “Customer response has been strong in both interest and orders and we are encouraged by the longterm market potential.”

The CE Series now offers the broadest selection of mid-range diesel engines – the (EGR) MaxxForce 7, MaxxForce DT and Cummins ISB6.7. This is also the first IC Bus school bus with SCR. The CE also has improved passenger safety, driver comfort, vehicle durability and serviceability. www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › TECHNOLOGY

Thamesdown adopts ‘drive-over’ tyre pressure monitoring system Supplier WheelRight estimates the system has generated savings of £33,000 per annum for Thamesdown Swindon-based Thamesdown Transport has adopted an innovative new tyre pressure monitoring system which looks set to be widely adopted by the bus and coach industry. The groundbreaking system, developed in the UK by Oxford-based WheelRight, is set to save the operator thousands of pounds in fuel costs and improve the safety of passengers, bus drivers and depot engineers alike.

The new system uses algorithms to process the data as the tyre rolls over it to calculate pressures, thus doing away with the need for manual checking. To check tyre pressures, Thamesdown’s maintenance team simply drive the buses over a flush mounted device embedded into the road that contains highly sensitive, yet robust sensors. The WheelRight sensor is installed at the Swindon depot – between the fuel bay and the bus wash – enabling pressures to be checked quickly and without the need for any additional equipment.

Within seconds of driving over the monitoring strip, a series of calculations is carried out, with the real-time pressures being sent directly to the fleet manager, via text or email.

During a seven month, full scale trial at Thamesdown’s Swindon depot, the award-winning bus operator confirmed significant benefits from the WheelRight system. Taking into account the cost of tyre pressure checks, puncture avoidances as well as fuel and tyre savings, WheelRight

estimates savings of approximately £33,000 per year for Thamesdown.

This figure does not include the unquantifiable, yet vitally important additional benefits such as improved safety, environmental impact and enhanced service the adoption of the new tyre monitoring system has achieved.

Thamesdown is renowned for its customer-focused approach and won the UK Bus Awards title of Bus Operator of the Year in 2011.

The business, which employs approximately 220 people in the Swindon area, was keen to trial the new non-invasive solution developed by WheelRight and has adopted the leading-edge technology after extensive tests.

Running a fleet of 80 buses from its Swindon depot, Thamesdown has adopted the remote monitoring system due to its now proven ability to spot poorly inflated tyres and even identify slow punctures before they become a problem.

Head of Engineering at Thamesdown, Dave Spencer, said: “With this new technology, our passengers can be assured of even greater safety on the road.

More consistent tyre pressure monitoring will improve braking performance on our buses, reduce the time needed for tyre maintenance and improve the efficiency of our fleet. This smart piece of kit has also been proven to spot punctures before buses even leave the depot, thus enabling us to change or repair tyres before they become a problem on route.

This has reduced the number of instances where we’ve had to attend buses in the event of unexpected tyre failures, which in turn has reduced disruptions to our services.

“Adopting the WheelRight system

Thamesdown’s WheelRight tyre pressure monitor also reduces our impact on the environment, saving fuel, cutting CO2 emissions and reducing the number of tyres sent to landfill early.”

John Catling, CEO of WheelRight, said: “Having conducted a full scale trial lasting seven months, we have some really robust data on the practical implementation and performance of our technology.

Clearly, the management team at Thamesdown has seen the benefits our solution can bring to their business. It’s satisfying to see our partnership with Thamesdown come to fruition and make a real difference to the day to day

operation of this pioneering bus company. Thamesdown’s ethos of continuous improvement and willingness to embrace new ways of working has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the WheelRight system at the Swindon depot.”

The WheelRight solution can be adopted by car fleets, HGV fleets and retail businesses to offer remote, accurate and state of the art tyre pressure monitoring that improves driver safety and fuel efficiency.

Call 01865 854 848. Visit www.wheelright.co.uk

Award for Voith Secondary Water Retarder Busworld Kortrijk

Voith’s Secondary Water Retarder (SWR) won the ECW Innovation Label Award 2013 at Busworld Kortrijk. The SWR brakes by using the engine coolant and is therefore deemed eco-friendly.

After gaining the European

Transport Prize for Sustainability 2012, the ECW Award is now the second official tribute for the SWR, a hydrodynamic continuous braking system for wear-free braking of heavy commercial vehicles. The cooling agent of the engine functions as the operating

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medium of the SWR. Compared to oil retarders, the SWR is maintenance-free, saves operators up to 12 litres of oil per year and hence also the costs of waste oil disposal. Due to its extremely compact design it requires 50% less installation

space and it is also 33 kilograms lighter. In addition, the SWR reduces the brake dust emissions of coaches by up to 80%.

Call Voith Turbo UK on 0208 667 3021. Visit www. uk.voithturbo.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › TECHNOLOGY E-mobility: Gearless wheel hub drive Ziehl-Abegg gained honours at Busworld Kortrijk with its gearless in-wheel hub drive for buses, the ZAwheel. The company from Kuenzelsau, Germany was awarded the ECW Innovation Label 2013.

The electric motor is located directly in the wheel hub and boasts unrivalled efficiency.

The prize was presented by an experts panel as part of European Coach and Bus Week. The award recognises outstanding developments exhibited at Busworld.

Ralf Arnold, MD of ZiehlAbegg Automotive, claims: “The gearless in-wheel hub drive is clearly superior to the solutions offered by all other

The e-Traction universal rear axle from ZAwheel electric motor suppliers in terms of efficiency. An added bonus is the users do not incur any maintenance or service costs relating to the gearbox or the differential.

We’ve taken out 80% of the moving parts in the drive train. Of course, parts which have been removed don’t need any service or maintenance and, above all, they don’t require any energy.”

The gearless in-wheel hub drive made a number of appearances at Busworld.

VDL offered a production vehicle with ZAwheel for test runs – and Polish firm AMZ presented the Arctic Whisper, a city bus whose use in scheduled services in the northern Swedish city of Umea demonstrates on a daily basis how electromobility is also an option in cold climates. e-Traction, the Dutch development partner of ZiehlAbegg, also received an award at Busworld.

For more details, visit www.ziehl-abegg.com

Cummins Turbo Technologies reveals future fuel saving devices Cummins Turbo Technologies, a specialist in turbocharger technology, revealed a suite of near-market and future technology capable of improving the fuel efficiency of any modern diesel engine by at least 6% at Busworld Kortrijk.

The shift in focus – from emissions driven innovation towards technologies which prioritise fuel economy – highlight Cummins Turbo Technologies’ belief that the industry has now reached the tipping-point at which global engine and vehicle manufacturers are developing products designed to insulate customers from rising fuel prices.

Executive Director for Product Line Management & Marketing, Mark Firth said: “Our close working relationship with customers has informed the research and development shaping our future product range and has led to the creation of technologies we are revealing here. Holset turbochargers are the component of choice for many international automotive customers because we don’t simply provide them with off-the-shelf products. We develop advanced technological solutions which are ‘fit for market’ – in other words they are developed in partnership to meet customers’ specific requirements.”

The trend towards engine downsizing – which sees engine and vehicle manufacturers aiming to maintain or increase the power outputs from their products, while making them smaller and lighter – represents a significant engineering challenge and among the next generation technologies being revealed to meet it were: l A Waste Heat Turbine Expander prototype – which captures what would otherwise be lost energy, in the form of heat, from a number of sources on board the vehicle and turns it into useful mechanical (25kW) or electrical (5kWe) power that is capable of reducing vehicle fuel consumption 5% and delivering fuel savings of up to $5500 per annum.

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Send your technology news to Technical Editor Martin Cole martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com or call 01733 293245

Cummins’ high efficiency turbine l A Next Generation Variable Geometry Turbocharger – based on a validated platform that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual customers without reengineering, which is 2kg lighter and substantially lowers initial cost than the model it replaces while featuring a high efficiency compressor stage, delivering improved fuel economy. l An Inverse Impeller which replaces conventional designs and, through the use of flow optimization software, has the capability to improve compressor stage efficiency by 1% on its own – delivering a $160 per annum fuel saving for on-highway applications. l A Super Map Width Enhancement ‘collar’ which enhances map width by 15% and facilitates engine downsizing, improves driveability, widens the operating range, aids efficiency mapping and delivers fuel savings. l Rolling Element Bearings –

Cummins’ waste heat recovery expander helps boost fuel economy

Cummins Turbo Technologies has developed its own, high durability, low friction ball-bearing solution which improves both transient response and lowers fuel consumption – delivering a 1% improvement in overall turbocharger efficiency. l Holset Rotary Turbine Control (RTC) – patented flow channelling technology that directs exhaust gas to selected ‘ports’ for limited exhaust control capability. RTC is integrated into the turbine housing within Cummins Turbo Technologies Modulated 2 stage (M2) and Serial 2 stage (S2) products.

While Cummins Turbo Technologies anticipated future technologies would attract a great deal of interest at Busworld, it also exhibited currently available turbocharging solutions which can be tailored to meet the demands of any vehicle duty cycle or market regulation.

Mark Firth added: “We are known for providing a wide range of innovative, reliable and durable turbochargers which can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of vehicles and engines, Which is why we are also exhibiting our latest US13/14 compliant products for customers seeking more immediate solutions to forthcoming emissions targets.”

Call 01933 334200. Visit http://distribution. cummins.com/wps/ portal/uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › REGIONAL MIDLANDS FRESH PLANS have been unveiled to expand and refurbish Leicester’s Haymarket bus station at a cost of £13.5m.

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby had produced a £10.5m scheme earlier this year but they have been modified.

It is still intended to increase the number of bus stands at the 1994-built interchange from 12 to 23. While the previous project involved using outdoor shelters, an indoor concourse is now proposed.

The council intends to demolish a block of shops on the corner of Charles Street and Belgrave Gate to expand the station and is in talks about relocating five businesses.

The council submitted a planning application for the scheme today and applied for a £3.5m government grant to supplement £10m Sir Peter has already committed. A previous bid for £5m of government support to transform the site failed because of concerns about the comfort of passengers in the new station.

The council hopes the new indoor concourse will address that problem.

Sir Peter said that if the bid succeeded, and planning permission was granted, the scheme could be complete by Christmas 2015.

Passengers departing the station would enter the buses from doors on the concourse. Arriving passengers would be dropped off on the other side of Charles Street.

WALES

FURTHER CUTS are likely to be made to Pembrokeshire’s bus services.

A questionnaire has been compiled

by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Transport Unit to gather feedback to inform any future reorganisation of bus services.

“There are over 50 local bus services operating in Pembrokeshire, of which the vast majority are subsidised by the Council,” said Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning, Cllr Rob Lewis. “Last year a 25% reduction in the amount of Welsh Government funding provided to the Council for bus services meant that all subsidised Sunday and evening bus services were removed.

“Unfortunately, further savings are necessary so it is likely that further bus service cuts will be required.

“The existing contracts for subsidised bus services are due to end on March 31, 2014, so the www.coachandbusweek.com

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KEY

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

questionnaire will provide an opportunity to reconfigure the network to achieve the efficiencies required.

“In order to ensure the impact of the changes is kept to a minimum it is important that we obtain feedback from the public on the various options available.”

The deadline for questionnaire responses is December 31.

NORTH

FINAL APPROVAL for the creation of Leeds’ first major bus-based park and ride scheme will be considered by senior councillors in Leeds this week.

The council’s executive board will be asked to give the go-ahead to the £2.8m project to create a new park and ride scheme to be run from the council-owned car parks to the west of Elland Road Stadium.

The plan and designs have been drawn up by Leeds City Council and WY Metro, with the scheme involving the introduction of an express bus service running every 15 minutes to and from Boar Lane in Leeds city centre. Operating initially for a five-year period, the service would provide parking space for up to 800 vehicles at Elland Road.

Planning permission is already granted, so if the executive board approve the plans, work would be expected to start on site in February 2014, with the service scheduled to start operating three months later in May. Funding for the scheme is from the West Yorkshire Local Transport

Plan and contributions secured from other developments.

The proposal forms part of the wider ‘Elland Road masterplan’ first outlined in 2007 to develop the area around the football ground which will help the broader regeneration of Beeston and Holbeck.

Cllr Richard Lewis of Leeds City Council said: “The park and ride scheme has a major role to play not only in reducing traffic congestion in the city centre but also in promoting investment and regeneration in Beeston and Holbeck.

“We do recognise local concerns about the impact on the immediate area by the park and ride scheme, but I would like to reiterate we will do everything we can to address and minimise any problems to ensure this scheme is a success for the local area and Leeds as whole.”

PASSENGERS using Reays bus services in West Cumbria have reportedly seen fare increases of more than 100% in some cases.

It is claimed fares in some cases had risen from £4.80 for a return to £5.50 each way, with no option of a return ticket.

Workington MP Sir Tony Cunningham said several constituents had contacted him about the rises and he would write to Reays asking for an explanation.

He said: “It’s not only been a huge hike in cost, it’s the surprise. To find out when you get on the bus that it’s gone up more than 100% is a shock.

“People deserve an explanation

and there should have been a greater warning of substantial price rises.”

A spokesman for Reays told The Times & Star: “The 35, 36, 58 and 60 bus services are now being run entirely on a commercial basis for the first time since 1998. This means the revenue generated solely by passengers’ bus fares must at least cover the drivers’ wages, fuel and vehicle costs to make the routes a viable proposition.

“It is not easy to do this on predominantly rural services like these, which travel long distances through more sparsely populated areas and have fewer passengers to attract, unlike in big cities. With no subsidies any longer, it means these fares had to rise.

“The fares structure has also been simplified, with just single or weekly tickets now available.

Minimum fares have been increased because there had only been minimal rises in these for many years while the services were subsidised.

“Fares have been brought into line too with corresponding distances on other services we run in other parts of the county.

“We’re trying to give our regular passengers the best service and best value we possibly can.

“However, it comes back to the fact that if you don’t have enough people travelling on your buses throughout the week, you cannot afford to run them with individual fares from as little as 95p, not when they are being run on a commercial basis without any subsidy.”

ARRIVA NORTH EAST has enhanced its 35/35a service, increasing its frequency to every 15 minutes from every 20, between Morpeth, Pegswood, Ashington and North Seaton.

The change was made due to the increased popularity of the service and took effect from October 27.

The enhanced frequency is in effect from Monday – Saturday daytime.

Nick Knox, Area Managing Director for Arriva North East, said: “Services 35 and 35a have proved very popular, this has allowed us to make changes will see us provide customers with a faster and more reliable service. These changes have been implemented with detailed consultation with local authorities. Working in partnership allows us to make sure that the local communities we serve have a strong, sustainable network of bus services.”

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NEWS › REGIONAL SOUTH WEST REPRESENTATIVES from First met with Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal fundraisers on October 31 to officially hand over almost £3,500 in recognition of the money raised by First West of England, for the Grand Appeal, during the Gromit Unleashed fundraising campaign.

The money was raised through various staff activities, such as cheese themed lunches, book sales, cake sales and dress down days, and also came from a ticket promotion which ran during the 10-week Gromit Unleashed art trail.

In total First raised £407.62 through its regular ‘Wenleysdale Wednesday’ activities and its specially created Just Giving site, and in addition raised £3,000 through on bus ticket donations.

Of the latter, around £1,500 came from the five pence donated from each FirstDay Family Bristol ticket sold during the summer, with the

company then choosing to double the amount to generate £3,000 for the charity.

Sarah Wallbridge, Senior Marketing Manager for First in West of England, said: “In addition to sponsoring a Gromit Sculpture we wanted to get involved in other ways too. During the summer our back office staff and our drivers took part in an array of different fundraising activities. There were cheese themed lunches during which everything from feta cheese salads, cheesy baked lasagnes and cakes featuring cream cheese toppings were served. We held book sales and sponsored dress down days too.

“The biggest element of our fundraising came from our on-bus promotion though. During the summer we donated five pence from the sale of FirstDay Family Bristol tickets to the Grand Appeal.

In the end this brought in around £1,500, an amount we have doubled to further boost the Grand Appeal’s fundraising targets.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The popular UK Bus Awards takes place at the London Hilton Park Lane on November 19. This 2012 scene captures the essence of the event.

2013 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 n January 1 Friends of King Alfred Bus Running Day. Winchester.

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

First Scotland East (FSE) has painted one of its buses pink to help raise awareness for the ‘Chloe McIntyre Memorial Fund’ on behalf of Yorkhill Children’s Charity. It marks the latest initiative from employees at FSE to support the charity. In June this year drivers, engineers, apprentices, mechanics, cleaners, admin staff and management from FSE’s Bannockburn depot all took part in a sponsored trek.

FSE’s fundraising efforts have been inspired by the tragic case of Chloe McIntyre from Calendar who passed away aged six weeks in 2008 due to a heart condition, Truncas Arteriosis. A campaign including Unite the Union raised more than £2,500 for the Chloe McIntyre Memorial Fund to support the specialised Children’s Ward at Yorkhill Hospital.

Jason Hackett, Operations Manager at FSE’s Bannockburn depot, said: “We’re proud of our pink bus. It’s definitely the most eye-catching in our fleet. We were all deeply moved by the story of Chloe, and after the success of our sponsored walk we wanted to do something more to help raise awareness. Painting our bus pink seemed like a really visSible and powerful way of supporting the charity.”

Kirsten Sinclair, Head of Fundraising from Yorkhill Children’s Charity said: “We were most grateful to the staff in June who raised money for us at the Blairlogie Trek. I’m thrilled First has gone one step further and painted one of its buses pink. This is helping raise awareness of our appeal. Staff from Bannockburn depot are an inspiration and have really taken the Chloe McIntyre Memorial Fund to their hearts. I could not be more impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication.”

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n January 23 CPT Annual Dinner.

The Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London. 020 7240 3131. www.cpt-uk.org n January 25 Excursions 2014 Alexandra Palace, London www.excursions.org.uk n February 1, 2014 LTCOA Dinner Dance The Royal Garden Hotel, Knightsbridge. Call Sue Reynolds on 07932 158999 or email ltcoa@btinternet.com 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.

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 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 July 20 Alton Bus Rally.

Anstey Park, Alton, Hants. www. altonbusrally.org.uk n September 10-11 Low Carbon Vehicle Event, Millbrook, Bedfordshire. 01509 635 750. www. cenex-lcv.co.uk n September 14 UK Bus Driver of the Year Final. Blackpool. www. bdoy.co.uk n September 21 Imperial War Museum, Duxford. www.showbus.com 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

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The market leader James Day looks at the progress of coachandbusmarket. com one year on, explaining why vehicle buyers and sellers alike should all be taking a keen interest in the most visited coach, bus and minibus marketplace on the web

J

ust over a year ago, CBW launched coachandbusmarket.com.

The aim was to provide an effective, costef�icient, easy way of buying and selling vehicles through an online marketplace, where operators can see and compare what’s available in the industry, all in one place.

Today, Coach & Bus Market is the industry’s most visited vehicle sales site (source alexa. com 30/10/13). The website has over 1,200 vehicles for sale listed on the site, which is many more than any of its competitors. If you’re looking to purchase an additional vehicle, coachandbusmarket.com is the place to �ind it.

Overview

For readers who are unfamiliar with the website, here’s a brief recap.

Coach & Bus Market is an online marketplace for displaying and viewing vehicles for sale.

The key bene�it of coachandbusmarket.com for 22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013 022_023_CBW1112_CBM.indd 22

buyers is the huge choice of vehicles and the ease of comparison on one site. For sellers, there is the breakthrough low listing cost, a superb range of ad spaces, speed of upload and direct control, including access to your own dashboard on the site where you can see how many views each of your adverts is getting. You can take a Market Unlimited package which allows you to upload unlimted adverts to the website all year round, or you can pay individually. There is a one-time fee to display the vehicle for a week, fortnight or three weeks, with no cut taken from the sale price of the vehicle.

Each vehicle listing has the potential for a high level of detail. They can include multiple images, vehicle speci�ications, location details including an embedded Google map and a brief description from the seller giving any further information.

Price can be left as P.O.A. or listed. Sellers can also pay to feature their vehicle, which makes them appear on a scrolling panel on the website’s

The EVM Dealer page on Coach & Bus Market.

The page is easily accessible from the navigation bar and includes embedded YouTube videos www.coachandbusweek.com

04/11/2013 17:58

Testimonials Below are some testimonials from users of coachandbusmarket.com Laura Finnigan, Marketing Manager, Arriva Bus & Coach Coach and Bus Market is a great tool for promoting our wide range of high quality pre-owned vehicles. It is simple to use and an excellent communication platform for operators in the bus and coach industry.

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John Williams at Williams Coaches of Brecon I think the market unlimited operator package is great value for money. The e-shot which was sent out for us was fantastic and we had a great response, receiving several phone calls within a couple of hours of it being sent out.

Nigel Busbridge, Operations Director at Buzzlines Travel I have found Coach and Bus Market to be very cost effective. It also allows us to advertise vehicles instantly, and uploading onto the Coach and Bus Market website is very simple. If I can do it then anyone can. Whenever I require assistance Jade is always on hand and happy to help. I will definitely be renewing our package at the end of its 12 months.

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Ross Newman, Operations Director at Ensignbus I have been using CBM for the past 12 months and have found it simple and easy to use. Uploading vehicles to the site is a smooth process and monitoring my dashboard so I can see how much interest each vehicle has with its views is a great tool. Jade and her team at CBM & CBW are excellent and provide professional advice and assistance with any questions I have.

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Steve Swain, Managing Director of Southdown PSV Congratulations to CBW for creating an excellent, easy to use website.

homepage to help them stand out.

Pricing options for individual adverts start from as low as £9.98 with a CBW subscription and can include advertising within the magazine’s classi�ied pages.

For regular sellers, the Market Unlimited package is available which allows unlimited uploads for a year for just £129 annually. The package also includes four 5cm by single column adverts in the Coach & Bus Week magazine classi�ied pages per week, half price recruitment advertising in CBW and three annual digital subscriptions to the magazine. For £179 per annum, sellers can access the Market Premium Unlimited package, which adds a print subscription to CBW in addition to the bene�its of Market Unlimited.

For more information on the great value annual packages, visit http:// coachandbusmarket.com/membership

New features

A feature which has been introduced since the launch of coachandbusmarket.com is the dealer page. This is a dedicated page for the coach, bus and/or minibus seller which is accessible straight from the homepage via the navigation bar at the top. It includes some space for background information on the company, a section for contact details and a list of all the vehicles which the dealer has uploaded to the website.

Current dealer pages include Arriva Bus & Coach and EVM. www.coachandbusweek.com

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mailshot. Every two weeks, Coach & Bus Market sends out an email to its vast operator database which among other things, highlights a new or recently active user and contains links to their vehicles advertisments for recipients to click straight through to.

Analytics

An example of an advert on Coach & Bus Market Peter Flynn from EVM said: “When the opportunity arose to work with CBW to develop a dealer page for EVM on coachandbusmarket. com we embraced it wholeheartedly. Having a background in web design myself, I got the opportunity to work with CBW staff to create a dynamic page which included live Twitter feeds, Newsletter signup modules and embeded YouTube videos. The result is dealer page offering a host of information to the visitor including all the vehicles we have listed on the site. We look forward to this becoming an even more dominant part of our marketing activities for 2014.”

Another new development is the fortnightly

Each month, coachandbusmarket.com is visited over 4,000 times and these visitors view over 40,000 vehicle advertisements in total.

Between September 28 and October 28, 2013, the site achieved an average of 9.46 ad views per visit, with an average visit duration of �ive minutes and 12 seconds, meaning coachandbusmarket.com is extremely effective at drawing people in beyond its landing page.

These �igures mean the vast majority of visitors will browse multiple pages before leaving the website, and most of these visitors will usually browse a number of vehicles and take a keen interest before they leave. Whether you are a vehicle dealer or an operator looking to sell on a vehicle you no longer need, coachandbusmarket. com is a great place to sell it.

To get started, visit the site now at coachandbusmarket.com. For more information, contact Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247, or email jade. cassidy@coachandbusweek.com. For help using the website effectively, visit coachandbusmarket.com/online-guide

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23 04/11/2013 17:58

OPERATOR PROFILE › STEWARTS COACHES

T ‘Quality without

This Irizar i6 is Stewarts’ team coach with 35 leather seats, tables, power sockets, WiFi, TV package with eight LED monitors and a rear lounge

compromise’

Andy Cotton, Managing Director of Stewarts Coaches, has good reason to be proud. His Reading-based operation has achieved significant success over the past decade and he talks to Andy Izatt about his strategy

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013 024_030_CBW1112_Stewarts.indd 24

hese are memorable times at Stewarts Coaches of Reading.

Managing Director Andy Cotton and business partner, Chris Howell had invested £2m in buying, converting and refurbishing a one-acre former shelving distribution centre in Woodley into a bespoke facility for their 41-vehicle operation and it relocated there in July.

Stewarts’ latest acquisition, a 13.37m Irizar i6 integral, was exhibited by the manufacturer at Coach & Bus Live at the beginning of October and to Andy and his team’s considerable delight, the firm achieved national recognition at awards held during the show.

Just a few days later, Andy introduced a mouldbreaking scheme which has seen some of his drivers receive company cars. If that sounds like ‘out of the box’ thinking, it is, but then Stewarts is a different kind of business and it has a Managing Director with very clear views on who and what has helped him achieve success.

An accountant with considerable business development experience, Andy has vigorously pursued a carefully structured strategy to grow Stewarts. It has been rewarded by a growing portfolio of corporate clients which continue to use his firm’s services because it delivers the quality and reliability they demand, and are prepared to pay for.

“Corporate customers have very high standards,” he explained. “We’ve always put www.coachandbusweek.com

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Matt Taylor demonstrates the Fleetmatics telematics

The one-lane workshop has a VOSA standard 15-metre inspection pit quality into everything we have done even at the beginning when we were running much older vehicles. It was so important to plan jobs properly, communicate well with clients and engage with the people, our drivers, who do the work. I’ve always had the vision that someone in this industry could run their operation like a little corporate. There is a defined culture that’s instilled in people. What’s at the heart of this business is its people.”

Right credentials

Stewarts’ impressive client list includes HSBC, Hewlett Packard, Invesco, Telefonia O2, Microsoft, Experto Credite, Integralis, Vodafone, Caterham F1 team, Prudential, Sony and BG Group. Other ‘blue chip’ names are Hilton, ING, AWE, BMW and a host of other household names.

A courtesy shuttle bus service to and from Reading station has been operated for Thames Valley Park using eight bespoke-specification Mercedes-Benz Citaros since last year. The contract is for six years and is operated on behalf of managing agents Savills Property Manager and the site’s Transport Steering Group. One bus provides a dedicated service to and from Winnersh Triangle railway station.

Each bus cost £184,000 including £25,000 of extras. As well as a wood effect floor and high back leather seats embossed with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star, up and down www.coachandbusweek.com

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Inside one of the high specification Mercedes-Benz Citaros

lighting has been specified adding to the saloon ambiance.

A pioneering feature is an entrance door counting system linked to the Hanover destination equipment that records the number of people boarding and alighting. Not only does the data provide accurate monthly ridership statistics, it’s information that’s instantly available through the vehicle’s tracking system.

Facebook and Twitter help to advise users of service announcements, but currently under development in conjunction with the steering

Mercedes-Benz Vario-based Plaxton Cheetahs and UNVI GTs, but the operation is best known for its high-specification coaches. While there are three Plaxton-bodied Volvo B9Rs including a 41-seat Elite, the remaining nine full size vehicles are all Irizar integrals.

“The i6 is a great experience for drivers and passengers,” said Andy. “It’s a vehicle they have really got right. We can put it on any type of work.” The combination of 57 seats on two axles is one he particularly likes and the attractive interior specification he chooses uses a blue

I set my stall out to go for contracts. I worked out the only way I could take Stewarts forward and make it have any impact was to replace the fleet with something new group and Microsoft is a smart phone app that not only shows the location of the next bus, but also how many passengers are aboard. At peak times the service headway is as frequent as every six minutes.

As well as the Citaros there are seven Enviro200s operated on AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment) work. Andy sees contracts using buses as possibly where Stewarts will grow most. There are 12 midi coaches, mostly

seat moquette nicknamed ‘Cosmic Cotton’. A nine-camera CCTV system provides increasingly necessary protection for drivers and helps with insurance claims.

“There are some great suppliers in the industry,” he observed. “We’ve recently gone to Irizar, but we’ve still got some Plaxtons. I’m a huge fan of Mercedes-Benz. I’m excited about their Euro 6 technology. They seem to have found economies that others haven’t achieved

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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

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QV Associates 26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013

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Please contact Andy Jennings - Divisional Manager 01784 487616 or 07799 866467 Offices in Birmingham - London - Surrey www.proactive-tech.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

OPERATOR PROFILE › STEWARTS COACHES yet. On the face of it, their engine regeneration technology is hugely impressive.”

Making the investment

“There was a big change in our business two years ago,” said Andy. “I sold an initial stake to Chris Howell to help the business move forward.

Chris is a former traf�ic policeman who founded DriveTech and sold it to the AA in 2009. He’s a patron of Reading Football Club and I met him at an away match on one of our coaches that we provided to the Reading FC directors.

“I wanted someone in the business who I could use as a mentor so Chris’s involvement is from both a �inancial and a strategic point of view. With his investment I was able to take the bold decision to buy this site. It was a massive project for me personally, but as soon as I saw it I could visualise what we could do. I’ve always reinvested pro�its back into Stewarts. The trick is to always invest back into the business and its people.”

The garage at Woodley has been created by combining three business units. It accommodates the mini coaches and Citaros as well as some of the coaches. An extractor system ensures air quality is preserved. Andy has strong views about engine idling. Adjacent is a secure yard for the remainder of the �leet although some vehicles are out stationed at Aldermaston and Burgh�ield.

Plenty of spare parking would allow the �leet to grow signi�icantly.

Vehicle presentation is taken very seriously by Stewarts Considerable emphasis is placed on vehicle presentation and there is a fulltime valeter, Gareth Higgins who was preparing a Plaxtonbodied Volvo, one of three coaches used on an O2 contract in Slough, when CBW visited.

The spotlessly clean, heated, one-lane workshop has a VOSA standard 15-metre inspection pit. Equipment includes a pit jack,

rolling road, brake tester, shaker plates for testing kingpins and a light tester. Workshop and Fleet Manager is Tommy Thatcher who’s been with Stewarts for six and a half years. For the past four he’s been ably supported by Paul Andrews and between them they have �itted out a fully equipped service van that’s kept as clean as the workshop. They take turns to provide

A brief history: Andy Cotton “My first proper job was as a trainee accountant,” recalled Andy. “I worked for CMG (Computer Management Group) as their youngest ever company accountant. It was a wonderful culture – very open and I got involved in lots of different things. Everyone had a stake in the business. It was massive by the time I left. It was eventually bought by Logica.

“CMG was where I met my wife.

When we had our first child I went to work for a small software house as its Client Manager. An investor in the business had been one of my directors at CMG. I’d only been there a few weeks when the owner asked me if I’d like to be Managing Director. I was 30 at the time. For four years I hardly saw my wife or my daughter as we grew the business. That’s when I first thought I should be doing my own thing.

“I was headhunted to work for Securicor Information Systems doing a lot of work with the Home Office. We’d moved to Wiltshire, but my wife wanted to move back to the Thames Valley. I then made the decision to do something completely different. I should

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Andy Cotton: “It’s in my consciousness to bring people along”

buy a small business, but it was important that it was being sold for the right reasons.

“There was a little chain of florists I came close to buying. I loved the concept and I wanted a people business. Technology and delivering service was what interested me. Stewarts was advertised in Daltons Weekly.

When I looked at the market I felt there was no one in this area serving corporate customers.

“February 1, 2003 was when I took over. I’d employed an accountant to do due diligence, but did I not know what I’d bought.

There were 12 staff. We had

five LDV Convoys, a MercedesBenz (Autobus) Nouvelle and a 10m Dennis Javelin all of which had seen better days. A Toyota Caetano (Optimo) had a blown engine and was in bits. The saving grace was buying an ex Epsom Coaches Dennis Javelin.

“Buying this business used up all my savings and I remortgaged the house. Within the first year my wife fell pregnant with our third child and about six weeks before he was born I was diagnosed with cancer. I had an operation and chemotherapy. Then I was in remission for a few months, but I took part in a clinical trial for

new scanning technology. They found an anomaly in my abdomen that led to further treatment which I had to recover from. I was being checked weekly and it was discovered the cancer had spread to my lung. I lost eight or nine months and the treatment nearly killed me. The business was in freefall. There was no money for anything, but it gave me time to think about what I needed to do.

“I realised that I needed to place less reliance on home to school transport and infill private hire. I set my stall out to go for contract work. I worked out that the only way I could take Stewarts forward and make it really have any impact was to replace the old fleet with something new.

“I bought two new Plaxton R-Series, three Cheetahs and a 16-seater. I spent four months on the phone phoning everybody trying to find work for them. One day I was called in to Cable & Wireless in Bracknell and met with the facilities people there and convinced them that we could do the job. That was our first major corporate client. That was in 2006 and this business has reinvented itself since.”

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27 04/11/2013 18:42

OPERATOR PROFILE › STEWARTS COACHES

Three business units were combined into one to create the garage emergency roadside cover, one week on, one week off.

“We don’t do a lot of mileage, but everything is on six-weekly inspections,” said Andy. “The workshop does such an important job. If you get it right, you’ve got the reliability. Tommy and Paul have been instrumental in helping us grow the business.”

Ground and first floor offices, some prepared for future occupancy, have all been refurbished in grey, silver and black – Stewarts’ house colours. The colour themes extend to a kitchen, training room and well furnished driver signing on and rest rooms. The drivers’ drinks machine is the same as that used in Porsche’s UK head office in Reading, pointed out Andy. Drinks, which would normally cost 75p, are subsidised and pegged at 20p. One driver gave CBW his view of working at Stewarts. “Turn up, work hard and work smart,” he said.

All of Stewarts’ vehicles have digital tachographs and drivers are required to download their cards every evening. All have now been issued with Samsung Galaxy tablets in durable OtterBox cases by General Manager Matt Taylor as the company becomes increasingly high-tech in its approach to checking and reporting procedures.

Road Tech’s PreDrive is already used for first use walk round checks with the data immediately available to the workshop and managers. PreDrive is linked to Tachomaster Worker which retains driving records for two weeks. Latest software updates of Distinctive System’s Coach Manager will enable electronic work tickets to be introduced. Issuing and updating will be immediate and paperless. Matt estimates that this alone will reduce the number of sheets printed daily by almost 100.

Just as PreDrive and Tachomaster Worker are 28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013

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compatible, so are Distinctive Systems and the Fleetmatics telematics that provides Stewarts with tracking data. The operator was an early advocate of tracking, recognising how important it is to be able to tell customers where their vehicles are.

“All of this is a game changer for us,” said Matt.

“It simplifies processes which we didn’t realise we had. Coach Manager also has a payroll module so we’ll be able to use the scheduling trail to make payment decisions. We’ll be able to approve them each day and export to Sage although there are still issues to resolve over recoding different pay rates. Once it’s all working, it will mean less checks and more time for making decisions.”

Matt pointed out that Stewarts is a ‘bronze’ member of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), a standard based upon legal compliance, safety, efficiency and environmental protection. “It’s very well recognised by Transport for London,” he said. “There are only 20 Guild (of British Coach Operators) members who have it. The Guild aims at owners, FORS is for management. I’ve become a FORS Practitioner and we’re going for silver accreditation.”

Said Andy: “Matt had a little business of his own when I first met him. His wife was our child minder. When I got to know him better I said to him, I think you could do something in Stewarts.

My Transport Manager, Helen Abbott worked in customer service at Comet. She’s been with me for seven years. I needed someone who could share my vision and I don’t think Helen being here and our success have been coincidence.

“Lindsay Abbott is Helen’s sister. She still one of the youngest CPC holders in the country.

She’s our Client Services Manager and looks after some key relationships for me such as

Far from being dingy, the drivers’ signing on room is to the same high standard as the rest of the site

The friendly, yet professional engineering team: Tommy Thatcher (left) and Paul Andrews

Stewarts so-called ‘Cosmic Cotton’ interior specification works well for company www.coachandbusweek.com

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OPERATOR PROFILE › STEWARTS COACHES Thames Valley Park. Alina Lutso was our babysitter. After a summer job here she gave up a law degree to come back full-time. She’s Sales Administrator. There have been so many reasons why we’ve been successful, but one of them is because we invest in people.”

Managing costs

“We pay for all of this by being very careful,” said Andy. “I spend every day looking at spreadsheets and every decision I’ve made has been based on facts about what I know is coming in. I’ve an absolute passion not to fail.

I think that stems from not having a lot when I was young. I’ve always worked. I’ve been working since I was 12.

“The business is going to turnover £4.5m this year and we make reasonable profits. It’s careful planning. 80% of our work is contract. 20% is private hire, which is hugely important, but our mileage isn’t huge. We don’t just take any job. The Thames Valley is fairly unique, but like everyone we’ve noticed the recession. Everything we’ve made over the years has been reinvested. We don’t use an overdraft. Never have done.

“We do our contracts to such a high standard we know our clients find it very difficult to go elsewhere. Everything we win is price competitive to a point. It has to be, but what the corporate market is after are people doing what they say they’re going to do. We have got the systems, the people and the backup in place. When we talk about health and safety we actually mean it.”

Driving force

“Our drivers have a hugely responsible job and we want to reward them for it,” Andy continued.

“I know from being a member of the Guild our rates of pay are at the high end. We’re in the top two in the country for the Guild.

“Introducing a company car scheme for drivers means they won’t be running around in old bangers. They have cars that are going to start on a winter’s morning. Environmentally, it’s a no brainer because these do 70mpg and they’re adverts for the business as well.

“We’re putting five on the road first. We’re giving them to people who really deserve them, but to be honest, of the 50 drivers we have, 40 at

The first three drivers to benefit from company cars, Neil Brook, Phil Clark and Mo Seylani with MD least deserve cars. It’s recognising that they’re instrumental in our success.

“If people continue to pay drivers £9 or £10 an hour, we’re never going to break the mould.

We’re not going to make the job the profession it should and deserves to be. For operators to pay more, we have to charge more, but we can’t do that in isolation because we’ll end up not having any work. The minimum level of competition needs to rise.

new technology, new systems, new procedures, but we don’t seem to charge much more. Why? There have just got to be enough of us to change that mentality.

“Where I think it’s going to start to hit home is home to school work. We’ve been doing the same schools since I’ve been here, but we’re not going to bid for that type of work in the future so long as it’s awarded solely on a price basis.

“We do two local authority schools in

“The true costs of this industry are far higher than people actually think. Investment in a fleet of vehicles is just part of it. If this industry is to maintain itself and keep moving forward, it has to start planning for our people’s future rather than adopting a ‘here and now’ approach.

“So many operators are struggling because we continue to allow rogues to stay on the road.

We’re hugely supportive of VOSA. We wish there was more enforcement. We’re all investing in

Berkshire and we have a run in Reading for the Blue Coat School. We do all of Leighton Park School’s home to school transport. It’s also a private school. They’re like our corporate customers. Cost is important, but they’re not willing to sacrifice safety and service. It’s the desire to cut costs that enables rogue operators to continue trading.

“I’m of the view that what we do this week will influence where we want to be in four years time. We’re pretty well established locally. I’ve got a responsibility to all the people who work here to make sure we have a future and that means finding additional work.

“I come from a very working class background.

I’m not political, but I recognise that it’s in my consciousness to bring people along rather than just take it all for myself. I’ve been in the industry 10 years – a long 10 years of hard work and dedication. I want this industry to recognise the importance of drivers because it’s they who drive the business, dictate what happens out there and deliver service. They’re the ones responsible for passengers, the cleanliness of the vehicle and notifying the workshop of problems.

“This is a wonderful industry to be involved in. It never ceases to amaze me what fantastic characters there are. I’ve got to know quite a few people over the years and they will always teach you something new. You’re never too old to learn. This industry does have a bright future if everyone adapts.” n

If people continue to pay drivers £9 or £10 an hour, we’re never going to break the mould. We’re not going to make the job the profession it deserves to be

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THE BIG PICTURE We’ve taken you up to County Durham for this week’s ‘Big Picture’ – to the market town of Chester-le-Street in fact. With its trees and varied architecture, the bus interchange on Front Street makes an attractive backdrop for would-be bus photographers. What’s more, there’s no shortage of arriving and departing buses, which can all be caught on camera from the safety of the pavement. This scene, which was photographed

by CBW Editor Gareth Evans while in the area on a minibreak, shows Go North East’s new and not so new vehicles – both of which are well-presented. On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 15, Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini Hybridbodied Volvo B5LH, registered ‘NK62GJJ’ awaits departure for Newcastle on an Angel 21 working.

One of the firm’s flagship, the route links Newcastle with Durham, via Low Fell, Birtley and Pity Me. Meanwhile, Plaxton Prestigebodied DAF SB220 ‘S865ONL’ pulls away with a 34 service to Urpeth Grange. Branded as the ‘Lambton Worm‘ the route connects Waldridge Park, South Pelaw,Perkinsville and Ouston.

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NEWS › LEGAL

Fraud conviction leads to loss of

O-licences ario and Margaret Sassarini trading as as Orion Autobus has been the holder of a standard O-licence since March 22, 1996, with authorisation for two vehicles, with two discs in issue.

Mr Dario Sassarini is also the holder of a sole trader O-licence with trading name of WEC Omnibuses. This licence was granted on December 23, 1998 and has authority for eight vehicles, with no discs in issue.

Orion appeared at a Public Inquiry (PI) on three previous occasions, all concerned with failings in the operation of local registered services. Section 39 penalties were imposed in 2009 and 2010. In 2012 a condition

In light of this, the TC ordered that Dario and Margaret Sassarini – Orion and WEC be called to a conjoined PI. The TC decided, in light of the conviction, it was not appropriate to accept surrender for it would deprive her of the opportunity for regulatory action such as disqualification.

Dario Sassarini is Transport Manager for both Orion and WEC, thus attended the PI as Transport Manager in his own right.

On September 23, 2013, the TC’s office received a letter from Mr Sassarini, advising that Orion had cancelled all registered routes on or about late November 20111 and had not traded since. All bank accounts were cancelled and there were no funds available. He also advised WEC should have been cancelled after the last call to PI as no licences are held by it.

The letter also said Mr Kelly, his solicitor, had suggested that the licences be cancelled following

was placed on the licence to the preventing the registration of local services for a period of six months from February 15, 2012.

Dario Sassarini was convicted in Kilmarnock Sheriff Count on July 27, 2013 and sentenced on August 20, 2013 to a Community Payback Order; an 18-month supervision period; 200 hours of unpaid community work; and a compensation order of £3,597 to be paid to Transport Scotland. He was found guilty of a concessionary fares scam against the Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland concessionary fares scheme.

Prior to sentencing, Mr Sassarini wrote to the Traffic Commissioner (TC)’s office to advise that the partnership had ceased trading and he wished to cancel the O-licence. Enclosed with the letter was the disc 060235 and he explained that the remaining disc 060236 had been destroyed.

the PI. Mr Sassarini inadvertently presumed this had been done. He further added that WEC had not traded since 2003. He stated that he had sent a letter to the TC’s office intimating he was cancelling the registered company of Orion and returning one disc, the other disc having been defaced and destroyed.

Mr Sassarini reiterated that both companies had not traded for a few years and were no longer viable. He mentioned he was going through a divorce with Margaret Sassarini, thus he did not reside at the correspondence address. He advised that he had left instructions with Mrs Sassarini to pass any mail onto him. However, he claims not to have received any correspondence. He intimated to Mrs Sassarini to contact the TC’s office, which he now presumes she did not do, but he did state he was also aware of his responsibility for his role in the partnership.

David and Margaret Sassarini and firms Orion Autobus and WEC Omnibuses lose O-licences and repute indefinitely

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No person convicted of perpetrating a fraud on the Government’s concessionary fares scheme can expect to retain repute

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Mr Sassarini advised that he did not understand the need for a PI to be held as he had cancelled all operator licences for Orion on August 18, being at least 28 days prior to his conviction. He did acknowledge in his letter that he should have informed the TC’s Leeds office of his position

SUMMARY

1.

2.

3.

– namely the conviction and how this related to a Transport Manager’s responsibilities. He wrote: “I hope you will accept by (sic) my tardiness, as not a circumvention of my obligations, but of undue stress my parting from my business and marital partner has exposed me to.

T he O-licences held by Mr Dario Sassarini trading as WEC Omnibuses and by Mr Dario Sassarini and Mrs Margaret Sassarini trading as Orion Autobus are revoked with immediate effect on the ground that the operators no longer meet the requirement to be of good repute. r Dario Sassarini and Mrs Margaret Sassarini are each M disqualified from holding or obtaining an O-licence in this or any other traffic area or being the director of or having a controlling interest in any company or partnership operating PSVs. The period will be indefinite.

T he matter of the repute of Mr Dario Sassarini as a Transport Manager is continued to allow him to make such written representations as he may wish or to request an oral hearing at PI.

www.coachandbusweek.com

04/11/2013 15:13

KEY POINTS

The TC described the fraud as “fundamentally dishonest and a betrayal of the trust given to operators”

l Dario Sassarini and Margaret Sassarini held an O-licence for Orion Autobus, while David Sassarini held a separate O-licence for WEC Omnibuses. l Orion appeared at PI on three previous occasions, all concerned with failings in the operation of local registered services. Penalties were imposed and a condition was placed on the licence preventing the registration of local services for six months from February 15, 2012. l In July, 2013, Dario Sassarini was found guilty of a concessionary fares scam against the Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland concessionary fares scheme. l Prior to sentencing Dario Sassarini wrote to advise that the partnership had ceased trading and he wished to cancel the O-licence. He returned one disc and said the remaining licence disc had been destroyed. The TC decided in light of the conviction it was not appropriate to accept the surrender. l In response to the loss of repute, Dario Sassarini and Margaret Sassarini had their O-licences revoked.

Looking forward to a speedy termination and conclude my business acquaintance with my former partner Margaret Sassarini.”

He also advised that he would be unable to appear personally at the PI as he had an order from the Court to complete community payback every Wednesday. He re-intimated once again in the final paragraph of his letter saying “that both companies do not exist and no licences are held by Margaret Sassarini or me, we have no joint or single bank accounts in either of the company names. In fact the companies no longer trade or exist.”

Consideration of evidence and Traffic Commissioner’s Decision

In her written decision, Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken said: “Having regard to Mr Sassarini’s letter of September 23, I do not www.coachandbusweek.com

034_035_CBW1112_Legal News .indd 35

think he has appreciated that I have the right to decline surrender and that I do so such that I can consider exercising my powers of disqualification. I therefore wondered whether I should adjourn the PI to allow him to make representations to me regarding disqualification as an operator and Transport Manager.

“I have decided that to do so would only prolong matters, for no person convicted of perpetrating a fraud on the Scottish Government’s concessionary fares scheme can expect to retain repute whether as operator or Transport Manager. It is fundamentally dishonest and a betrayal of the trust given to operators to allow sections of the travelling public to travel at reduced rates. It is so closely related to the holding of an O-licence as to strike at the repute needed for the licence and for the management of that licence.

“A finding against repute means that the licence has to be revoked

– in this case business has ceased so I do not have to ask myself the usual question as to whether it is right that this operator be put out of business, whether the decision to revoke would be proportionate.

I revoke the two licences on grounds of loss of repute given the conviction of Dario Sassarini and the actions which led to that conviction.

“Given the conviction and my decision on revocation of the licence I do consider it appropriate that I use my powers of disqualification against Mr Sassarini and I order that he be disqualified in this and any other traffic area from holding or obtaining a PSV O-licence or being the director of or having a controlling interest in any company or partnership operating PSVs. The period will be indefinite.

“I do not know what role Mrs Margaret Sassarini played in all of this. She was not charged. In

her evidence at the 2009 PI, she told me she was full-time in the business and was involved with the finance and audit. She has not responded to the call up letter to the PI, whether by attendance or written representations. As a partner she was at the heart of Orion. I consider that I must disqualify her for an indefinite period.

“Mr Sassarini was Transport Manager on these two licences.

I have to consider his repute and whether I should disqualify him as Transport Manager.

Unfortunately the call up letter did not give him 28 days clear notice and so it is not possible for me to come to a decision on his repute and if such is lost, whether I should disqualify him as a Transport Manager.

Thus I will continue this aspect of the PI to allow him to make any representations including whether he wishes an oral hearing.” n

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35 04/11/2013 15:14

DELIVERIES SBC LEISURE SBC Leisure has added a new Scania Irizar i6 coach to its Leigh on Sea, Essex-based all-Scania fleet and has a placed an order for a second vehicle for delivery in 2014.

The delivered vehicle has a Scania K 400 EB6x2 chassis with a 13-litre Scania 400bhp Euro 5 engine and Scania eight-speed gearbox with Scania’s Opticruise fully automated gear selection system and is equipped with a 12.9m overall length Irizar i6 body. Completing its exterior appeal, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels are fitted.

The extensive specification includes climate control, wood effect flooring, 53 reclining seats with leather laterals, seat back table, three-point belts, drinks machine and centre sunken fresh water flush toilet.

The vehicle’s onboard entertainment system comprises Bosch Professional CD radio PA, DVD and twin LCD monitors.

The vehicle to be delivered in 2014 has been specified with a Scania K 400 EB 6x2*4

EPSOM COACHES Epsom Coaches continues to invest in its award-winning fleet, with the delivery of two new Setra S416GT-HDs. The new vehicles have replaced a pair of two-axle Setra 315s, which were displaced from Terravision duties and quickly found new homes.

The pair differ in that one has 49 leather-trimmed seats, being intended primarily for use on the Epsom Holidays coach tour

rear-steer chassis, Scania’s 400bhp Euro 5 engine and a Scania eight-speed gearbox with Opticruise. It too will have a 12.9m overall length Irizar i6 body and Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels.

Inside, this vehicle will feature 53 full leather seats with padded wings, aircraft-style lockers, a drinks machine, a Bosch

professional line DVD/ radio/ CD unit and a Freeview TV system with five monitors.

The Scania Irizar i6 has been chosen by SBC Leisure because of its build quality, looks and versatility to be used on different operations.

In addition, owners Kim and Ian Bridge and their daughter Carly opted for Scania because of the

company’s comprehensive repair and maintenance package, proven reliability and excellent dealer network back up.

SBC Leisure has its own excursion program, branded East London Travel, which alongside private hire and school transport makes SBC Leisure a growing force in the Essex area.

programme, while the other is fitted with 53 seats for general private hire.

Mechanically the coaches are powered by a 12-litre Mercedes-Benz engine, coupled to a MercedesBenz GO 210 servo-assisted transmission.

Reflecting the RATP Groupowned firm’s proud local community relations, in due course both vehicles will be named after Derby winners, with one space reserved for the winner of this famous race in 2014.

“The 53-seater carries the

name ‘Authorised’, winner of the 2007 Epsom Derby but the 49 seater is awaiting the name of the 2014 winner, which is not yet available,” John Fowler, Epsom’s Coach Services Manager told CBW. The coaches are also the first vehicles to carry an updated fleetname and rear vinyls.

Asked for his verdict on the pair, John replied: “We have operated Setra coaches for many years and have found a consistency in the build quality which is second to none. Having operated 315s which have covered more than 1.5 million kms each, we can vouch for their longevity.”

ABLE OF LONDON

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Setra S416GT-

HD ENGINE: Mercedes-Benz TRANSMISSION: Mercedes-

Benz GO 210 SEATS: 49 SUPPLIED: by Evobus UK 024 7662 6000 www.evobus.co.uk

36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013 036_37_CBW1112_Deliveries.indd 36

Able Coaches of London is full of praise for the new i6 integral coach.

The vehicle, which is based at the firm’s South Mimms depot, is a 12.2-m highline variant with 50 seats, selected for the additional locker space it has, and the comprehensive, high specification which suits Abel’s broad range of quality work in the capital.

“We can be tackling anything from inbound American and Spanish groups, panoramic tours of London and even battlefield tours for one of our tour operators,” said David Andrews, Proprietor and

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Scania K 400 EB6x2/ Irizar i6 ENGINE: Scania 400bhp TRANSMISSION: Scania Opticruise SEATS: 53 SUPPLIED: by Scania 01909 500 822 www.scania.co.uk/

buses-coaches/

founder of the company.

“We frequently need a lot of luggage space so the extra height was essential. The i6 integral has a really good specification as standard, to which we added 12 mains power sockets. I have to say it’s much better than our other Irizar. It’s the nicest vehicle I’ve ever driven.”

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Irizar i6 ENGINE: DAF 408bhp TRANSMISSION: ZF AS-Tronic SEATS: 50 SUPPLIED: by Irizar UK 01909

500514 www.irizarcoachsales. co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

04/11/2013 18:37

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

MCT The last of 10 of Optare’s Solo SR hybrids has been handed over to Manchester Community Transport (MCT) following its display at the recent Coach & Bus Live show in Birmingham. All have now entered service under contracts awarded to MCT by TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester).

Following delivery of the last of the Solos, MCT Managing Director, Rob Marshall, said: “MCT is delighted to be putting these new buses into service in several areas within Greater Manchester. The fact they are also carrying our new brand and livery adds to their kerb appeal and will help to raise the image of our business as a high quality bus operator right across the wider area in which we are now operating.

“Buying these Optares represents a major investment for MCT and we acknowledge the financial

support received through the Government’s Green Bus Fund secured by TfGM,” he added.

“It’s also the first time we have introduced hybrids into our fleet and the reaction of our staff to this new technology has been very positive. Our drivers in particular have responded very well and have recognised that these buses require a different driving technique to which they are proving quick to adapt.”

Among the equipment on the 9.2-metre, 31 seater

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036_37_CBW1112_Deliveries.indd 37

buses is a full telematics package from Actia. This includes an on-board diagnostics capability that can relay a wide range of information back to base using a GPRS link providing accurate information on how the bus is being driven, particularly in relation to fuel economy and passenger safety and comfort.

Operations Director Gary Young said this is a major advance in fleet management. “The tracking element of the Actia system enables us to know exactly

where these Solos are, which aids route adherence and timekeeping and helps us meet our contractual obligations to TfGM. We can also monitor our fuel consumption, driver behaviour and CCTV events much more accurately, which will help identify opportunities to improve the customer experience and make cost savings whilst reducing environmental impacts.

“We benefit from the ability to get information in realtime direct into our office on

any faults which may occur when the buses are out on the road. This will help ensure we correctly diagnose faults, ensuring that repair time is minimised and that buses are back in service as quickly as possible.

“Throughout the process of specifying and building the buses I have been impressed by the improvements in Optare’s production performance,” added Mr. Young. “They have responded quickly to any issues that have arisen during the build process and rectified them efficiently and effectively. As a result these new buses are of a high quality of fit and finish and are already impressing our drivers and our passengers.”

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY: Optare Solo

SR Hybrid SEATS: 31 SUPPLIED: by Optare 08434

873 200 www.optare.com

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 37 04/11/2013 14:57

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16/09/2013 19:04 04/11/2013 18:30

LEGAL UPDATE › PROPERTY LAW

Depot developments Q:

I have surplus land at my operating centre and do not know what to do with it. Can you offer any suggestions?

A:

There are various things which you can do. For example, you could sell the land to a third party. Before you do this, you need to look at planning aspects of your local planning authority. You should be operating from your property under a planning permission for either haulage or coach use only.

This is a commercial use and therefore if land is sold to a third party they may want to use the land for a different purpose. In order to address this you, as the operator, can contact the council to obtain a change of use prior to putting the land on the market.

Alternatively, you may choose to leave this up to the purchaser once the transaction has completed.

Approval of the proposed change of use is dependent on whether the local planning authority grants it. For example, if the land is used for residential purposes there is a strict criteria which needs to be met. So for example, if your property is within an industrial estate it is unlikely that residential use would be granted. However, commercial use could be granted for storage, distribution and light industrial purposes which are of a similar nature to that used on an industrial site.

If, however, you operate from a piece of land which is to the rear of your residential property and the property lies within a rural area it

www.coachandbusweek.com

039_CBW1111_Legal Update.indd 39

Wendy Newbury, Head of Property at Backhouse Jones compiles a question & answer session relating to depots – including lease renewal and site sale for redevelopment

may be more likely that the local authority grants permission for the land to be used for residential purposes.

Either way, by selling the land you may release some assets which could either be invested in your business or used for future retirement.

Alternatively, you could rent out surplus land and buildings to a third party. If you own these outright, this would result in you becoming landlord and granting a lease on terms to be agreed between you and your tenant.

However, if you already rent the land you would need to check the provisions of your lease to see whether or not an under letting is permitted with landlords consent.

Q:

My operating centre is air-conditioned. I have heard on the grapevine that due to certain European legislation I may need to replace the whole system because if I don’t, I will not be able to use the system in the future. Is this correct?

A:

You are correct. Under new EU legislation, and as from January 1, 2014, coolant used within air-conditioning units known as R22 can no longer be used. R22 is an ozone depleting gas and no longer ‘user friendly.’

If you are the outright owner of the property in which the airconditioning system is located, you need to contact your airconditioning service team to find out whether or not this gas is used in your system. If you do, you will need to make changes to the system either by replacing the whole system or replacing parts so that a new less ozone depleting substance can be used.

If you are a tenant, you need to look at the terms of the lease to decide who is responsible for the repair and replacement of the airconditioning system.

Q:

I have grown my business over the last 10 years but my lease is now up for renewal.

I do not want to move but would like to re-negotiate my lease terms. Can you help?

A:

The short answer is ‘yes.’

If you’ve received a letter from the landlord you may wish to pass this on to the Backhouse Jones Property Department who will act on your behalf. On receipt of the relevant documentation, a solicitor will contact the landlord and start re-negotiating the terms of the lease.

This will involve a discussion regarding the length of the term, a rent review, break clause, repairing

covenant, schedule of condition and assignability of the lease during the term.

Once the revised terms have been agreed, your solicitor will then approve any documentation from the landlord’s solicitors.

If your lease is due to expire shortly, you need to start considering new lease terms – such as how long you would like to remain in the property; whether you would like a break clause in the lease and what is the current state of repair of the property.

Backhouse Jones acts for clients in the private and public sector, both national and international operators from one to several thousand vehicles. While the firm can trace its heritage to 1819 it only represented its first Road Transport Operator in 1930.

The explanation for this is that the first Transport Act was only introduced in 1930 The Independent Chambers Guide 2009 describes Backhouse Jones Limited as a specialist with a national reputation for “first class strength, experience and understanding of the transport industry”. Call 08450 575 111. Email Wendy on wendy. newbury@backhouses.co.uk .

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39 04/11/2013 15:02

30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 24, 2013

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DRIVERS

Guild deliversfor 5,000th Retirement long-DCPC

serving NCT crew Guild awards its 5,000th certificate to a Lucketts Travel Group driver

The Guild of British Coach Operators hashave announced the Both drivers accumulated delivery the 5,000th day of its nearly 80ofyears of combined driver Certificate of Professional service on the buses Competence (DCPC) training, with the driver collecting his certificate.

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) Martin Williams began drivers Alan Edwards and work Mick with Lucketts (LTG) Asling are bothTravel set forGroup well-earned in early October. An experienced retirement. coach Martin was area required Mick,driver, from the Basford of to complete began the CPC coursefor before Nottingham, working driving on National Express routes NCT in September 1974.

Starting runasbya the renowned Farehamout conductor at Parliament basedGarage operator.

Street before training to be It wasn’t thehas first time that Martin a driver, Mick become a familiar had been to to themany Lucketts Training friendly face regular Academy. He his driving passengers onbegan the numerous routes career withduring another firm,four and he’s driven nearly attended decades ofcourses service.run by Lucketts on“Seeing behalf my of other operators. The grandchildren family-run become a more will befirm a bighas bonus to my specialist inbut driver training, with a retirement, I’m going to miss dedicated which is believed working forfacility NCT,” said Mick. to be unique in Southern England.

“Meeting and getting to know my As previously in CBW passengers wasfeatured always the best, Lucketts training, part of thehas jobheavily – there in was never a andmoment.” runs courses through the Guild dull ofAlan British Coach Operators. started working for NCT Looking for a new around a similar timechallenge to Mick in driving1973. career, Martin decided inhis October Beginning his to join Lucketts.

The 51 year old long-lived career as a conductor of four said:Alan “I was atfather Bulwell Garage, alsoaware went of Lucketts’ high standards and to through NCT’s vigorous training

develop a specialised ‘Safe London great reputation. I look forward to Training’. This aims to increase helping them maintain this in the driver and cycle awareness for future.” coach drivers in urban conditions.

Guild member companies, Ian Luckett, Director of LTG, including Lucketts, currently offer said: “As the firm has grown it’s 10 different courses, each of seven become clear training is one of the hours’ duration. The courses cover a variety of skills such as legislation most important areas to invest in. It’s fitting that the Guild has on driver’s hours, vehicle checks, awarded its 5,000th certificate to customer service and dealing with a LTG driver, undergoing his DCPC emergencies. refresher training at our facility.

During the last year Lucketts “ We agree with the Guild that has run 382 individual drivertraining isn’t just something that training courses. These range from should happen every five years, comprehensive induction schemes but must be a continual process of to lessons in safe and economic and development for each driving.

Lucketts has Edwards also worked Mick Asling and Alan with theirlearning long service certificates, which and respectively every driver.” closely with TfL thisand year recognise their 38.5 47toyears of service

The drivers displayed posters the buses advertising theirdriver AinStagecoach North East bus charity they had from thecollection company’sand Walkergate Cancer depot inResearch Newcastlecollecting has beenboxes with them for on his the exceptional day. They also recognised set up individual sponsorships on manner at work after being Facebook.with a top international presented The for Super Heroesservice. day was award customer organised by one of the drivers, 51-year-old Owen McGuire has Dave Russell, whoofdressed as beaten thousands Stagecoach Superman.

During the day he drove staff internationally to be awarded buses on three routes – the 77 to Kineton, the 68 to Cubbington and the X17 to Coventry.

Stagecoach and displays sterling taking home gold last year. qualities. He displays commendable Owen was nominated for the tact and patience and is at his best award by the depot’s Operations when dealing with people. He Manager, David Wakefield, after even dresses up at Christmas and receiving exceptional positive collects for charity while at work feedback from passengers who and is a recipient of a service to praised his attitude and friendly the community award. I had no manner. hesitation in putting Owen forward Owen commented: “I was Some of the 22 Stagecoach Midlands pictured 0600hrs for the award at and the entire depot totally blown away to win the gold drivers is thrilled he’s won.” award – I didn’t expect it at all. To 0600hrs to be photographed. Each “There has been tremendous one bought their own costume, support from the drivers. They so they were dressed as their all turned up in their costumes at

become a driver on routes through Bilborough and then Central Market.

Nearing the end of his career, Alan’s final transfer was to the Parliament Street Garage and in July 2008, he welcomed part-time work before his retirement this month.

“Nearly 40 years has gone by so quickly,” said Alan. “NCT has been a great company to work for

and I’ve enjoyed every minute of being on the buses. I remember my first week as if it were yesterday, everyone was so friendly – it’s probably why I’ve never wanted to do any other job since!”

Both drivers have received certificates, theatre tickets, a long service award, a meal and free travel to mark their impressive length of service.

Ian Luckett presents Martin Williams with the commemorative certificate

OBITUARY – Ian Newby Stephensons of Easingwold recently lost a highly-regarded member of its driving team.

Ian Newby, aged 45, died suddenly last month.

Such was his popularity that dozens of his passengers from theScotland 194 Malton to ‘Superstar’ Hovingham First East’s service joinedSherman family and drivers, Robert and friends at his funeral, having Gordon MacVicar been brought to Bilsdale church by coach.

Paying tribute, company director, David Stephenson, told The York Press: “He built up a rapport with everybody he met. He was such a nice guy. With rural bus services, people need to know there’s someone there who knows them, whofrom might notice if they Two drivers the Bannockburn weren’t or who might Depot havearound won First Scotland helpmonthly them with their shopping East’s ‘Superstar’ awards if theyafter can’tcoming manage.to the rescue recently “Iandriver was the perfect rural of lorry who had overturned service wasGordon just so and in thedriver. case ofHe driver well-liked, a great personality, MacVicar, potentially saving the life sensecustomer. of humour. It was of great an elderly such a shock.

We would have Gordon was driving route 59 hoped to have and keptCalendar him for in between Stirling a long time.made We’re very,that veryone May. He was aware to have lost Ian andtaken wish of sorry his passengers had been he was still here.” unwell.

Gordon, whoRegular has been a passenger Marian Hardy driver for First for four yearssaid: after “He knew everybody their enjoying a successful 24by year career names. built up in Christian the military, safelyHe parked theabus rapport with and attended toeveryone.” the gentleman.

Meanwhile Robert Sherman came to the assistance of an overturned lorry outside First Scotland East’s Bannockburn Depot in May. The 40 tonne truck favourite Super while Hero,”trying said Dave. had overturned to “The idea came about when negotiate a roundabout.

RobertI saw a TVincident on Stand to Cancer the andup rushed overand to the also my recently scene.

Hepartner’s managedaunt to safely remove diedlorry of cancer.” the driver from his cab, called During the day the drivers had the emergency services and while great support passengers waiting appliedfrom a bandage to a and as theyon returned to thehead. depot they wound the driver’s picked up fresh boxes to Operations Director at replace First full ones.East, The amount raisedsaid: will Scotland John Gorman, not beJohn known a while, “Both andfor Robert are because valued of collecting sponsorship members of our team and money have and the charity having to count the reputations for good customer money in boxes. service.

I’mthe very proud of their “We are of our actions andvery theyproud thoroughly drivers, to who organised deserve behave named as First the collection for this very good Scotland East Superstars.” cause entirely themselves,” said Craig Woodall, Acting Operations Manager at the Leamington depot.

Superstar status for First Scotland East drivers

win the award over thousands of the Gold winner of the Customer turn Leamington depot drivers superheroes for the day Stagecoach other drivers internationally is Service Champion accolade at Twenty-two Stagecoach Midlands astonishing. Going to Venice was a the 2013 Stagecoach Champions NE driver bus drivers, 17 men and five once in a lifetime opportunity and awards in Venice recently. women, at Leamington Spa depot the award now has pride of place This is the second year in a row recognised dressed up as Super Heroes for the a Stagecoach North East employee on my mantelpiece, I couldn’t be day on October 25 to raise money happier.” has taken the top spot, with Ken for service for ‘Stand up to Cancer’.

David said: “Owen is a credit to Smith from the Teesside depot

www.coachandbusweek.com

40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013

DriversAA.indd 30

040_CBW1112_Driver News.indd 40

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04/11/2013 18:50

THE MARKET FOR VEHICLES, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

x4 coaches Riddler’s sellsretires p8 as Proprietor

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over prestigiousdral Stanley Travel takes to Durham Cathe electric bus route p6

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edentials Impeccable cr p10

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Proterra electric bus support p12

Sir Brian invest for the future 1_Cover.indd

001_CBW111

1

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

28/10/2013

18:21

Contact your friendly coachandbusmarket Manager Jade Cassidy via phone, email or fax Tel: 01733 293247 f: 0845 280 2927 e: jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 041_CBW1112_CBM Cover.indd 41

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2001 Volvo B10M Berkhof Axial

1998 Mercedes Benz 814 Alexander

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

Last coach remaining. £23,750 + VAT

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

Snowcoach Holidays 01727 866177 / 07831 612125

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

2003 Optare Solo

2003 Neoplan Starliner

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.

37 leather seats around tables, Sky TV/DVD entertainment system, 7 screens, toilet, kitchen, sockets throughout, manual 4 over 4. £39,995 + VAT

7HO

2000 Volvo B10M Plaxton Panther

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

49 seats, PA system, DVD player, climate control, toilet, continental door, water boiler, p/plate, not subject to LEZ, recent re-trim. £24,000 + VAT

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

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.

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

£14,950 + VAT ovno

Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

BD23 5BS – 01756 753123

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

07 Ford Transit

Volvo B12B Van Hool

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.

£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

2009 MAN Plaxton Centro

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

Andy Shaw – 0131 554 5413

£25,000 + VAT

2008 Temsa Safari HD

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

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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

2007 Scania K340/ Caetano Levante

1994 Volvo B9M Berkof Excellence

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.

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

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

1997 Dennis Javelin UVG S320

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

£14,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

£80,000 + VAT each

yourbus – 01773 714013

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

2009 (09) Iveco Daily

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.

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.

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.

AFJ Travel – 07947 152763

£53,500 + VAT ono

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

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

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

2001 MAN Neoplan

VOLVO B12B

2009 (59) Iveco Daily

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.

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

£28,000 + VAT

£120,000

Contact Gary – 07930 377051

Contact William on 07733 914050

2004 Iveco Beulas

1999 Mercedes 412D

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

£39,000 ono + VAT - Possible P/X

Tel 01249 742000/07717 768315

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

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

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.

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

2011 Vauxhall Vivaro 12 seat minibus

£13,250 + VAT o.n.o.

2005 Optare Solo M950 SLF 9.5m

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

Luxury VW Crafter

2002 Bova Futura • 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.

£50,000 + VAT

£21,000

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

Slick Rides – 07823 770978

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

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43

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2003 Volvo Jonckheere B12M Mistral 50

1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma

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

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.

New Horizon Travel: 01206 255255

£39,950 + VAT ono Star Coaches Limited Martin 07831 265804 Adam 0121 350 5555

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

2011 Irizar PB

2003 Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 SLF 12m

2003 DAF SB4000 Ayats Atlantis

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

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

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

1998 Volvo B10M Berkhof Axial 50

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

£19,950

£190,000

Buzzlines Travel - 01303 261870

1996 Volvo Olympian

£15,500 + VAT ono

2009 Setra 416GTHD

£29,950 + VAT – PX welcome

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

Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

Buzzlines Travel - 01303 261870

2006 (56) Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther

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.

£150,000

£59,950 + VAT ovno

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 – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

Greenfields Travel – 01709 891444

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.

£49,995

Converted to an open top bus, Cummins engine, Voith automa c gearbox, 78 seats, MOT Jan 2014.

POA

Warrington Borough Transport 01925 634296 I.Parker@networkwarrington.co.uk

POA

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

£4,500 + VAT

Country Bus Devon Tel Nick on 01626 833668

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 44 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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2004 Mercedes Benz Optare Solera

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

Page 45

1997 Volvo Olympian open top bus

P.O.A.

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

Only 2 remaining.

Lakeside Coaches - 01691 622761

Bath Bus Company 01225 330444

2003 Mercedes Citaros

2005 Setra 315GTHD

2003 Neoplan Starliner

38 leather seats around tables, Sky TV/DVD entertainment system, 7 screens, toilet, kitchen, sockets throughout, automatic. £39,995 + VAT

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

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

Country Bus Devon Tel 01626 833664/07872 839530

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

Setra 315 GTHD

LEZ

COMPLIANT

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

yourbus – 01773 714013

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

Clarkes of London Call Andy Nixon – 020 8768 9612

2001 Salvador Caetano

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

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

£39,000

£27,500 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

Williams Coaches 01874 622223

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

2002 Iveco Beulas Stergo • Automatic

70 seats + driver and crew with 3 point belts, 3+2 config, auto, air-con, good runner, inspection welcome, ready for work. £40,000 + VAT

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

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

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 • 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

2008 MAN Auto Ayats

2005 (55) MAN 14.220 MCV Evolution

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

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...

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

£55,000 + VAT

£82,500+VAT - P/X considered

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com

2003 Bova Futura

£25,950 + VAT ovno

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

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45

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Page 1

Ensig DOUBLE DECK 2010 ENVIRO 300

Cummins ISC Euro 5 engine, 12m, DDA, 44 seats, Hanover LED’s.

LEZ

COMPLIANT

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

1999/2000/2001 V/Y REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

13.8m, MAN engines, 89 seats, toilet, air-con.

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

2005 NEOPLAN SKYLINER’S

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

2000/2001 X/Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S

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

1999 DENNIS TRIDENT

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

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

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

ZF automatic, Plaxton Prestige body, 41 seats.

1997 P REG VOLVO B10BLE

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

681335-1112-Ensign:Layout 1

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Page 2

nbus

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

2004 DENNIS DARTS

2010 VOLVO B7R

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.

12m, Euro 3, DDA, 42 seats.

2004 MERCEDES CITARO

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

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

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

2009 ENVIRO 200

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

2008 PLAXTON PRIMO

Caetano Levante bodies, DDA compliant with lifts, 49 seats, toilet, air-con, recent re-trims, LEZ compliant.

2006 VOLVO B12B’S

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

2008 VOLVO B7RLE

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

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

2007 VOLVO B9TL

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS

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

4/11/13

14:45

Page 1

FROM £9,950

£12,450

POA

VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER 1996 P REG 74 seats with belts + 12 standing test expired hence £5,450

MERDECEDS 413CDI SPRINTER 2007 REG Uvg treka body, 16 seats or upto 6 wheelchairs, low miles and PSV tested £21,950

£13,940

MERCEDES 413 D SPRINTER 2004 REG Extra long body with 16 seats and huge full height boot, COIF and long MOT £13,950.00

£8.950 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

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Page 49

2006/7 Scania K340 Caetano Levante

49 seats, rear floor mounted WC, automatic gearbox, air conditioning, DDA compliant

To arrange a viewing call 07760 771285

www.coachandbusweek.com

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49

698677-1112-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

4/11/13

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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 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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

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.

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.

57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 515 CDI

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

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.

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. 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.

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).

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.

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EASTWOODS COMMERCIAL MOTORS LTD 229-241 Tyburn Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B24 8NB • Telephone: 0121 328 5959 • Fax: 0121 327 3800

12:34

49 seats plus courier, Volvo B10M engine, manual gearbox, red moquette with matching curtains, reversing camera, sunken toilet, stainless wheel disks, air conditioning, aircraft lockers, MOT tested, excellent condition throughout, must be seen.

14/10/13

Plaxton Paragon – £28,750 + VAT

698359-1109-Eastwoods Page 1

02 Setra – £40,000 o.n.o. for quick sale

Model S-315 GT HD, 6 cylinder MAN engine, manual 6 speed gearbox, 49 seater, continental door, full air conditioning, many extras, full year MOT, part exchange considered.

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EASTWOODS COMMERCIAL MOTORS LTD 229-241 Tyburn Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B24 8NB • Telephone: 0121 328 5959 • Fax: 0121 327 3800

9

Page 2 12:34 14/10/13 698359-1109-Eastwoods

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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 Extra’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

54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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www.coachandbusweek.com

Page 55

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

698606-1112-BenWeaver

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BEN WEAVER commercials 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 & 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

PSV

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

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

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

PSV

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

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

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 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

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

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

PSV

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

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

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

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

2008 57 PLATE MERCEDES 816 VARIO 29 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS 4.3 Bluetec 4 turbo diesel engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, front entry, Nu-track Nufinn conversion, fully tracked, ex local authority owned, LEZ compliant, 111,000 kilometers/69,000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to FTA standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, photos taken prior to preparation £23,995 + VAT

2008 08 PLATE MERCEDES 816 VARIO 29 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS 4.3 Bluetec 4 turbo diesel engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, digital tachograph, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, front entry, Nu-track Nufinn conversion, fully tracked, ex local authority owned, LEZ compliant, 131,000 kilometers/81,000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to FTA standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, photos taken prior to preperation £ 24,995 + VAT

PSV

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, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

05 (05) FORD TRANSIT 13 SEAT INC DRIVER W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE U/FLOOR LIFT £7,995

08 (08) FORD TRANSIT 115PS T430 9 SEAT INC DRIVER PLS U/FLOOR LIFT TRACKING 1 W/CHAIR £10,495

2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS COIF/PSV CHOICE OF 4 40,000 MILES APPROX £14,495

2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 12 SEAT MINIBUS 115PS 49,500 MILES £11,250

2001 (Y) MERCEDES SPRINTER413CDI 17 SEAT ONYX CONVERSION COACHBACK END BUS COIF/PSV JUNE 2014 £6,000

MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

P.O.A.

• ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI

Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock

07 (07) LDV MAXUS 15 SEAT INC DRIVER 120PS COIF/PSV TO MARCH 2014 TO CLEAR £3,000 + VAT

07 (07) FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT INC DRIVER RICON INBOARD LIFT TRACKING FOR 1 W/CHAIR £10,495

14:48

08 (08) IVECO 50C15 16 SEAT W/CHAIR MINIBUS U/FLOOR LIFT TRACKING FOR UP TO 5 W/CHAIRS COIF/PSV 49,000 MILES £20,995

4/11/13

05 (05) FORD TRASIT TOURNEO 280 SWB 9 SEAT INC DRIVER MINIBUS £5,750

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AUDIO & VIDEO

2002 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VOLVO B12M ZF AUTO PLAXTON PARAGON • 12.2 long • 53 seats + loo • Side lift • Retrimmed 2012 • Good condition Bargain at £35,000

• Audio / PA systems • Video-on-demand systems • Monitor & DVD systems • Hands-free mobile phone kits • Reversing cameras and sensors • Multi or single language systems • CCTV • Alarms, tracking and cruise control • SkyTV systems • GPS commentary systems UK and Ireland Distributor

www.autosound.co.uk Tel: 0044 (0)1274 688990 Unit 4, Lister Street, Dudley Hill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 9PQ

audio & visual

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 £12,000

BUILDINGS

CHECKPOINTS

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

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

2003 (03) MERCEDES 814 PLAXTON CHEETAH AUTO • 25 reclining seats • LEZ box • Table • Air conditioning • Good condition Bargain at £25,000 + VAT

More pictures and videos at www.honestpetescoachsales.co.uk Call 020 8858 0031 Email: peter@lewistravel.co.uk 58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

7L PH L V PRQH\ 8SO RDG \ RXU

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p59_CBW_1112

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ENGINES

TRAINING

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

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

Driver CPC Periodic Training

CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316

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

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

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

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

FLEET SALES

LIVERPOOL

SEATING

RETIRING or

CHANGING YOUR FLEET?

COACHTRIMMERS We specialise in trimming of buses, double deckers, single deckers

One backrest one cushion

£20

Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions

01630 674326

auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

For quote telephone: Dave Percival – 07970 412878

REGISTRATIONS

£750 99 HXY AXZ 17 FRZ 70 JXI 52 KNZ 25 PEZ 65 RHZ 77 SBZ 37 WXI 62

£350 ACZ 686 CEZ 565 JHZ 939 MCZ 232 SBZ 343 UIB 185 VIW 282 WJI 454 XIB 636

£99 CRZ 7273 EXZ 4343 FRZ 5550 GRZ 2555 GRZ 2556 HIG 8788 JFZ 3440 KIG 6556 LIG 4564

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

£99 LIG 4565 LIG 4566 RHZ 5655 SNZ 5223 SNZ 5224 SUI 8185 TJZ 9339 UUI 2886 UUI 2887

£50 ERZ 8737 FXZ 2166 FXZ 2167 GRZ 4755 GRZ 4756 JFZ 3934 LIG 7715 LIG 7716 NFZ 9485

£50 OFZ 4142 RHZ 5653 RHZ 5654 SNZ 7175 TNZ 2272 TNZ 2273 UUI 4344 VJZ 1815 VJZ 1816

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

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VEHICLE SPARES

TYRE EQUIPMENT

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

Recovery

•

Testing

• • • • • • • •

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES:

• • • • • •

Reconditioned engines

Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

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

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

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

01885 488 448 / 07896 191 672

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

www.twigley.com

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 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

Coffee time at Go North East Among the methods used by Go North East (GNE) to promote its £2m investment in the 11 new Citaros for the ‘Connections 4’ service was the handing out of free coffee in specially-branded cups.

Fortunately for GNE, our Gareth was otherwise engaged – he would doubtless have drunk the place dry if he was in the area. All good fun.

Unfortunately however, some of the passengers, sorry customers, failed to see the positives and took to the operator’s Facebook page to vent their frustration.

Trying to �ight the corner for our industry, our Gareth commented (as CBW): “The cup is clearly half empty for many of you who’ve commented so far, which is a shame – so why not pop along and enjoy a free coffee. I certainly need my caffeine �ixes. GNE should be commended for improving its services and doing so in a manner which aims to engage with its customers – put simply, its staff are going out on the street rather than

Non-stop services?

This photo was taken back in early July in Bratislava, during our Gareth’s visit to the capital city of Slovakia on a bus industry friend’s stagdo. As of�icial photographer on the trip, several hundred scenes were duly captured – including the seemingly obligatory quirky things which can often be found in different countries. Of relevance to the coach industry, this sign for services left some of the stagdo party in doubt as to its meaning, perhaps aided by the fact it was spotted while walking between bars. Does it mean fuel, food, drink and washroom facilities are available non-stop? Hmmm....

Dilbert

Monday James here. It’s the last day of my leave and my better half Laura is back teaching at her primary school, so I spend much of the day having a bit of a gaming marathon. X-Com: Enemy Unkown is my latest obsession, a strategy game where you manage a base, air force and Special Forces unit against an alien invasion. I’m sure there is some practical use for it…

Well done to GNE for a simple but effective marketing idea tucked up in warm of�ices.

“The company could easily have just put the new buses on the road but that wouldn’t have been helpful as customers would not be aware of them – a new brand has been introduced after all.

“Also, please don’t forget the 11-strong �leet of Mercedes-Benz buses represents an impressive investment of £2m. Like the German manufacturer’s cars, they’re a premium vehicle and not to be sniffed at.”

A sign of confusion or straight to the point?

Tuesday After reminding myself how irritating my new morning commute is down the A15, I arrive back in the office updating the CBW website. Gareth calls a meeting for the editorial team so I’m immediately back in the loop.

Wednesday Put together a feature on Coach & Bus Market as it passes the one year mark, with some helpful feedback from much of the office. It’s hard to believe the site has been around for that long. Glad to see a number of very positive testimonials coming in for it and my guide still gracing the navigation bar. Also begin making arrangements for a feature in a forthcoming issue.

Thursday Decide to put together a legal news page. I see two written decisions sitting on the server.

One is about 2,000 words long, the other 15,000. Not wishing to dominate the entire magazine and cause my brain to implode from such a huge amount of legal speak, I elect to turn around the smaller piece.

Perhaps I’ll gradually thin out the larger one over the coming weeks.

Friday Some furniture is being delivered to my house which we’re in dire need of to accommodate guests over the weekend, so I work from home. Manage to get a few pages sorted from there and sent back to the office. Spend much of the weekend with Laura’s family as her parents celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.

www.coachandbusweek.com

061_CBW112_Last Stop.indd 61

November 6, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61 04/11/2013 18:36

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 – 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

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Full Colour as standard â– All vacancies posted to www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs â– Details of all vacancies posted to our Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin pages â–

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com 62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 6, 2013 062_063_CBW1112_Peopl_Recruitment.indd 62

www.coachandbusweek.com

04/11/2013 18:01

In association with

NEWS › XXXXXXX

Volvo’s new Soft Products Clare Kavanagh joins Stagecoach UK Bus Board from TfL Development Manager “There is a real opportunity for Volvo Bus to make a significant difference for operators,” explained new Volvo Bus Soft Products Development Manager, Martin McEntee, following his recent appointment.

“I want to help to grow our Aftermarket services,” explained Martin, “There really is a tremendous opportunity to provide operators with workable business solutions that make a real difference to their bottom-line.”

Reporting to Aftermarket Director, Andy Kunze, Martin joins Volvo Bus with a proven track record in Aftermarket services and is supported in his new role by the existing and well established Volvo Bus Soft Products team.

Martin’s early career was spent at Yanmar Diesel before moving to Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift in 2002. While in a role as Product Support Consultant he had key responsibilities in the UK, Scandinavia, Russia, the Middle East and in Africa. In 2004 Martin took on a role in Sales Management covering the UK & Ireland, as well as Spain. After three years away from the industry, Martin jumped at the opportunity to join the Volvo Bus Aftermarket team.

“When a company with brand equity, as strong and wide reaching as Volvo, shows an interest, you simply don’t say no. The values the company prides itself upon, such as safety, quality, customer services and environmental care are also key attributes that makes it a great company to work for. It just seemed like an ideal fit. There is so much development going on at the

www.coachandbusweek.com

062_063_CBW1112_Peopl_Recruitment.indd 63

Martin McEntee moment across the industry and obviously with the launch of the new Volvo Euro 6 product range, it’s an extremely exciting time to be joining Volvo Bus.” Martin enjoyed a whirlwind start to his Volvo Bus career with the Coach & Bus Live event taking place shortly after his arrival, something which he explains was actually an ideal introduction.

“I got to meet so many people in a short space of time. In normal circumstances it may have taken a few months to meet that many of my new colleagues and also some of the operators, but attending the NEC event gave me a great base to build from.”

“The key over the next weeks and months is for me to get out and see all of the dealerships. From there I can start to implement some of the plans we have to progress our Aftermarket services. We want to work alongside the operators to help them achieve greater return on their investment.”

Away from work, Scottish born Martin spends his time with his family including his wife, two daughters and a son in their hometown of Lichfield.

Clare Kavanagh has joined the Stagecoach UK Bus Board as Service Development Director with effect from November 1. For the past 12 years, Clare has been TfL’s Director of Performance, Surface Transport, with responsibility for the strategic development of the capital’s bus network.

In her new role at Stagecoach, she will be responsible for a range of development projects, including driving forward Stagecoach’s smart ticketing strategy and associated engagement with local councils and metropolitan transport authorities.

Clare previously undertook a six-month secondment with

Stagecoach’s UK Bus division in 2006-07 where she further developed the company’s partnerships with local authorities and also focused on improving service delivery to bus passengers.

Robert Montgomery, MD of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Clare has an excellent track-record of making improvements which benefit passengers. She has a real understanding of the importance of partnership between operators and transport authorities.

“Her experience of the key role that smart ticketing can play in attracting more people to greener, smarter bus travel will be invaluable.”

John Young has been appointed as new Acting Commercial Director at Stagecoach Yorkshire. John has worked for Stagecoach for almost 35 years and he joins from Stagecoach Manchester where he held the position of Network Manager. Birkenhead-born John will be based at Stagecoach Yorkshire’s headquarters at Eldon Arcade in Barnsley. He takes over from Rupert Cox who has now moved to the company’s Gloucester operation.

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